Forge and Spices
Log Info
- Title: Forge and Spices
- Place: Am'shere - Wuja Docar
- Summary: Rune and Harkashan share information on the current Charneth situation with Mikilos and Telamon while facing down spicy Makari elder cooking. Schara shares knowledge of artifice with Jesk.
Wuja Docar, deep within the western sides of the Am'shere forests, is the name of both the community of Sith-makar as well as the sizable (dormant) Volcano their village lays against.
There's some interesting architecture at work here. Making use of actual walls to keep out beasts, rather than a more open community. The community lies at the foot of the volcano, right up against its side, between two 'forks' of hills leading off of the volcano.
The area is incredibly verdant. Clearly blessed by nutritious lava-spill from many years ago. Getting here takes multiple days by Swiftclaw, and a few stay-overs in other Sith-makar communities. Most of which are kind to outsiders, but some containing more... suspicious looks. Especially for those not traveling with other Sith-makar.
The further away one gets from the portal, the less fluent the Sith-makar get in Tradespeak.
Harkashan had sent out a few Sending messages a few days ago, after discovering issues within Am'shere relating to the Charnites that he needs an ear on. But since he was also here to deal with other matters, he requested to meet at Wuja Docar and gave directions. In as much as one can give directions within Am'shere, once outside of the Great Paths.
At the moment, on the outside of Wuja Docar, a 7'3" red scaled Sith-makar is guarding the heavy wooden gates. Wielding a heavy two handed blade of sorts with serated edges, she's staring out at the forest, keeping an eye out for any Thunderlizards or other troublesome elements that might approach. She is aware to be on the lookout for more guests though.
Within, Harkashan has only just gotten up, wandering the village. He and his egg-mother had recently talked, but answers had not yet come. His egg-mother and father playing their cards a bit close to their chest after what had happened a little while ago in regards to Skielstregar.
Jesk, the 'smallest' of Harkashan's egg-sisters at 6'11", is on the prowl to try and get an 'audience' with Schara after the feast a few days ago. Hoping to learn more about her metalic body and what makes 'Schara tick'. She's brought a bag of trinkets that keep jingling and jostling.
There are many ways to travel, from the ubiquitous 'leather boat' (i.e., on foot) to arcane translocation. But still, there's something to be said about traveling in -style-. And so can be seen a humanoid form riding what looks like a horse made from smoke. He's dressed in light cream-colored cotton garments, tunic and trousers tucked into his boots, and a broad-brimmed hat with an outrageous purple feather tucked into the band sits on his head.
Telamon doesn't ride with a -lot- of skill, but a magically-conjured mount -- particularly a phantom steed crafted of shadow-essence -- isn't hard to control. It also makes it safer, since most animals don't like the conjuration too much. Catching sight of the gates of Wuja Docar, Telamon slows his steed's pace, letting the guards get a good look at him as he approaches. It never pays to be rude and come piling in, after all.
Mikilos thought he knew where he was going. Simple teleportation, right? Well, the mage isn't quite so familiar with Am'shere as he likes to think, and so was a ways off from his target location. Thankfully 'by the volcano' are simple enough directions to navigate by, and flying overcomes an assortment of navigation problems.
The elf also follows the logic of 'let the guards get a good look' and lands a distance down the path, approaching the last hundred feet or so on foot.
"Telamon, good to see you hale and hearty. I take it the journey wasn't too adventure filled?"
After the initial encounter with Harkashan's family, Rune had left Wuja Docar in order to arrange transportation of a certain creature that never should have been brought into Alexandros.
There is a heavy stomping of feet, likely announcing the approach of something quite large. The guards would almost certainly recognize it as a Thunderlizard who seems to be approaching at a steady pace.
Out of the jungle walks a pair of individuals, Rune as well as a Sith-Makar that some may recognize as Tetli, the Beastmaster who had assisted Adventurers in taking down Vabon Redfallow and shutting down his smuggling operation. Behind them stomps a Thunderlizard who seems to have been collared and muzzled in order to make the creature as 'safe' as possible during the journey.
The creature gives a small growl, swaying head from side to side as Tetli brings them to a stop and Rune steps forward, "Is your sire about?" She asks of the guard, "I have that Thunderlizard we were going to transition to his care. And a friend looking for a new family." Rune motions her head at the Beastmaster. <Draconic>
Schara, on this occasion, was not an early riser. Recent events and celebrations, and not being entirely used to the jungle meant that the artificer was not sleeping the absolute best. The communal nature of sith-makar did not help.
A brown haired elf leaves one of the tents, left arm entirely absent as the sleeve is pinned up right to the torso, while a wooden right arm hoists up a rather large sack on their back that clanks with every step. The artificer looking for a place they could deal with their equipment in private.
Electing to move to the wall to get a better view of the area, Schara is able to see a the newcomers and offer them a wave. "Good morning or afternoon miss Cayosin, and peace on your nests, miss Tetli, Rune, and Telamon and Mikilos? What brings all of you here?" They ask, not stopping to change dialects, or not realizing the might need to. <Draconic>
As Telamon approaches upon his shadow-steed, the red scaled Sith-makar begins to shift their blade in preparation for trouble, only to recognize the description she was given of one of their possible guest.
"Ah, must be pale pinkskin with skin paler than hair." <Draconic> It is said with an amused tone, as the blade is moved back down towards the ground. Notably, it doesn't seem that this red Sith-makar knows Tradespeak. Or if she does, she's opting not to use it.
"Please, approach and speak your name." <Draconic>
Only for Mikilos to land, and make things a bit harder on the red scale. There are now /two/ Elves standing right before her. Both pale and pale haired.
And then, the stomping approach of a Thunderlizard. Somehow, this draws less alertness from the redscale than the two blondes approaching her. With Rune and Tetli appearing besides the large Thunderlizard, the Redscale nods her head.
"I will find the warrior-leader. Are these the guests you and Little Lava were expecting?" <Draconic> She checks with Rune.
There's not a lot of gaps in the wall, but Schara can get up a ladder in order to look over it to greet her allies. And at hearing Schara call them by name, this seems to be enough for Cayosin - the redscale - who turns.
It's quite something, seeing the amount of brute strength she is capable of bearing as she begins to push open the heavy wooden walls, scraping them across the ground, welcoming those outside to come... well... inside.
The various white-stone homes nice and visible. There's no watchtowers or the like. But it's a well defended place. As usual around this time of day, there's not that many Sith-makar around, as most of them are out hunting.
Telamon catches sight of Mikilos alighting, and grins. "Nothing serious. Honestly, it's very different here, but the night skies always feel the same." The shadow-steed trots soundlessly up, staying back from the thunder-lizard, and Tel's eyebrows rise as he sees Rune helping wrangle the massive beast.
When he's addressed, though, his posture changes, and he straightens up. His voice shifts into the harsh syllables of Draconic, the throaty tones of the reptile races. "Hail and well met, door-guardian. I am called Shaman Telamon, founder of the Lupecyll-Atlon clan. I seek one of your shamans, who is known to me as Harkashan. I am here at his request." <Draconic>
Telamon pauses to clear his throat, and take a drink of water.
Rune misses the bit of Cayosin's confusion regarding the two arriving elves. Thunderlizard footfalls drown out quite a lot, it seems. Tetli and the Thunderlizard remain back a bit, the Beastmaster seeming a bit nervous. As an exile, there's always concern about how those accepted by Makari society will react.
Rune looks over at Telamon and Mikilos, then lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug. "I'm not entirely sure who Harkashan invited, but these two are friends." She is able to confirm, but allows each of them to offer their own introductions.
However, the sound of a familiar voice has one of Rune's ears twitching. She looks up towards a figure who is... largely unfamiliar to her. However, the voice is not. "Schara?" Her head tilts. "Everything alright?" She asks. Then, in answer to the question, Rune thumbs over her shoulder. "Delivering a Thunderlizard for rehabilitation and trying to offer introductions to get Tetli a new home." <Draconic>
Mikilos is, thankfully, fluent. He accent is a bit odd, having learned from books of magic rather than say, around a communal fire, but the elf is able to understand what's being said. Moving up behind Telamon, he offers his own greeting. "Peace unto your nest. This One is called Mikilos Mithralla, the wizard. I believe I am expected."
The ThunderLizard gets a curious look from the elf, but he has seen them before... far closer than he was happy about at the time. <Draconic>
Oh, yes, I don't know if Harkashan was expecting them, he might have sent them a message, but recognize both of them." The elf nods from atop the ladder, giving another wave before realizing it was probably not a good idea, with the bag on their back making them dangerously unbalanced. "Yes, it's me, Schara, I'm doing okay, why would you ask that?" The elf asks back as she decends the ladder back to the ground. <Draconic>
Cayosin likes to keep it simple, so when Telamon introduces himself with such fine tones of her species, she bows her head respectfully. "I am Warrior Cayosin. Welcome, Shaman Telamon -- Shaman Mikilos. Little Lava awaits within." <Draconic> She expresses to him as she continues to open the doors further and lets them get inside.
At the appearance of the large 'peace-bound' Thunderlizard, Harkashan lifts his hand for a moment in the midst of the village, before retreating to the back of the village itself. There's a large cave-mouth, decorated with beautiful colorful lavarock and various colors of string and rope. He disappears beyond it.
Jesk in the meantime, at Rune's calling of Schara's name, seems to have - well - found Schara. Approaching her, the green slim one croaks in broken Tradespeak; "Come. What do you seek?" Looking to be helpful and gain more understanding. Holding the ladder so it's stable for Schara to come back down from.
It isn't long before Harkashan returns. Comparitively dwarfed by the man moving alongside him. A mountain of a Sith-makar, dark scales with red elements. Almost an inverse of the amount of black and red on Harkashan. At 8'2", it feels like he must be under some kind of magics to get that large.
Each step he takes, Harkashan has to take two, as they approach the group. Once met, the large man looks down at Tetli, the Sith-makar Rune is traveling with. "I am Warrior Inhelk. This is the Hunter and the Thunderlizard in need of rehabilitation?" He inquires of Tetli.
In the meantime, Harkashan moves out from besides his egg-father and greets the guests. "Telamon, Mikilos. I'm glad you could make it. I hope travels were not to arduous." He bids to the two of them.
When Cayosin turns to lead them onward, Telamon mouths to Mikilos silently, 'Little Lava'? But he doesn't comment on the nickname. There are worse things to be called, after all.
The half-elf dismounts from his 'horse', dismissing it with a thought -- causing it to vanish into smoke that dissipates without a trace. Walking on foot, he feels vaguely amused at how, well, -short- he is in comparison to the makari. Especially the one approaching with Harkashan. Good grief.
But when Harkashan greets him, Tel's eyes glint merrily, and he smiles, approaching his friend. "You did say it was urgent, my friend. How can I help?"
"I've just... never seen you outside of your armor. That's all." There's some measure of surprise from Rune, but she seems willing enough to accept things as she sees them. "We'll be inside in just a moment." She raises a hand. <Draconic>
"Harkashan is the smallest member of his fmaily." Rune explains to Mikilos and Telamon in the common tongue, her lip quirking with obvious amusement.
As the mountainous form of Harkashan's father looms over both herself and Tetli, Rune offers introductions, "Yes. This is Beastmaster Tetli and her charge. I'm sure she can explain a little about the challanges of rehabilitating this creature. She was pivitol in our quest to stop the smuggling of such creatures into Alexandros." Putting in a good word for the female. <Draconic>
Then, she steps towards Harkashan, reaching out to lightly touch against his arm. Rune rarely traveled without him and has been gone a fair number of days. However, she still keeps her affection somewhat under wraps. It's not something that they've broached with his family as of yet.
"Oh, you haven't? I guess I've only really seen you on jobs, so that would make sense." The elf considers, nodding once before continuing her descent. It's slow going compared to the ascent, as the wooden arm does little more than brace against the ladder. "Oh, thank, miss Jesk. I was just looking for a place to get changed, that is all. And I must apologize, I wanted to speak to you the other day, but I was busy helping prepare for the dinner and it did not give me a chance to do so." Schara offers to the 'smaller' makari once she is back on firm ground. "Hello again, and peace on your nest, mister Inhelk. Rune is correct, Tetli is a very competent and capable animal handler, and she was very helpful." Schara adds as well.
Harkashan puts his hand firmly on Telamon's shoulder when he approaches, before leaning in and touching his forehead to Telamon's. A Sith-makari greeting of friendship - being in Am'shere has him behaving a bit more like a Makari. Including some of those hisses and harsher tones entering into his accent. He then steps back a bit, and nods to Mikilos.
"I fear this place is not on the traderoutes or on the Great Path. So maps end up quite undependable. Especially since some of the tribes between the portal and here are more nomadic." He rumbles.
At being asked what's going on, he explains: "Hrrrm. Rune can likely give you more detail on this. But it seems the Charn are up to something again in the area. It sounds like they may have developed a new method of creating Forgotten - or are on the cusp of a discovery." There's a dire tone to his voice. Like... there is more to this.
Harkashan's father in the meantime, bows his head, thanks Rune and Schara for their words, and welcomes Tetli. Motioning his hand and putting it on their shoulder and motioning for them to come along with the Thunderlizard. Drawing them away for the time being. Talking about what will come next.
'Little Lava' touches his hand to Rune as she touches his arm. Harkashan doesn't exactly hide any of his affection for her. His egg-father will pick up on things eventually. "The nights have been cold without you." He rumbles to her. Of course, it's in the midst of summer. The nights here are in fact humid and extremely warm!
Jesk bows her head. "You could use my forge if you would like." She offers to Schara. "It doesn't have a softskin privacy screen, but nobody else will go in there."
Telamon doesn't seem to expect the head-bump, but he doesn't shy away either. His posture is one of friendship, welcome, even if he's been called in for serious business. "It could be, if you wanted. But not everyone wants that. It... can complicate things, joining the larger world." He makes a brushing-away gesture. "A problem for another time."
"The presence of the Charneth... doesn't surprise me. Angers me, yes, but it does not surprise me. They are pursuing multiple angles to achieve mastery, and I suppose it's no surprise they would seek to bring forth new monsters to fill their ranks." His tone is one of disgust. "Werewolves and Forgotten. Horrifying."
Tel takes a deep breath. "But. They are not victorious. And if people stand to oppose them they will have no victory. What would you ask of me, Hark?"
A nod follows Schara's explination, "Makes sense." The fact that Rune had seen Schara empty the contents of her stomach had told the half-sil long ago that she wasn't a construct. However, as one with her fair share of unusual circumstances surrounding her, Rune understands why one might have some secrets.
Her attention is drawn back to Telamon and Mikilos, "So you summoned them here to go over what we found?" She asks, raising brows. "We should probably find someplace to sit and talk. It's been a long journey and I'm sure we could all use some food and drink." A worried expression passes her features, "I'm afraid this may be a bit more complicated than the usual Charneth interferance in Am'shere."
Then, as Harkashan speaks of cold nights, she laughs outright. "Only if you've been sharing sleeping space with Skielstregar while I was gone. It's hot enough to boil soup even at night." She huffs, using an arm to wipe sweat from her brow. However, she does nudge the Makari cleric, "Missed you, too, big-guy."
Mikilos nods seriously. "Agreed, the infection of Charn is everywhere, but so long as it's kept under control, it can be countered. "
Schara tilts her head to one side, and the elf sighs. "Yes, it was, no it is unpleasant business. I have a record of what was shared with some of them through correspondence, or I guess I remember what it said, but someone could probably tell you. Rune is correct, the nights are quite warm here, I'm not used to it, but it is not completely unpleasant."
The artificer turns back to Jesk, and smiles. "Oh, that's alright, it would probably work, but it's a forge, isn't it? Wouldn't people be coming by for various needs? I wouldn't want to get in the way of things and I usually take quite a bit of time to prepare myself depending on circumstances."
"Analysis, for the most part. You understand and have knowledge of the Charneth more than we do." Harkashan answers Telamon - and the same goes to Mikilos. "As well as... well, as Rune and Schara say, it's more complicated. Come."
He moves to lead them indoors as per Rune's suggestion. The stone keeps hold of the warmth, but at least they will be out of the heavy sunlight coming from above. While moving, he nudges his elbow playfully to Rune's side. "Hrrm, maybe." He playfully remarks.
They soon step into a stone house where an old looking Sith-makar greets them. One eye staring at the entrance, while another stares at the food she's cooking. A near 270 degree vision as the old shaking green-scale welcomes them; "Peace upon your nest." She remarks shakily, cooking what looks to be some kind of spiced meat and wraps. "Sit, sit. Talk. Ocuir will make food and feed you. You will eat. Yes yes." She demands, motioning her staff at them if any of them were to remotely look like they might object.
Harkashan leads them to a set of stones covered in finely woven tapestries that display beautiful and colorful imagery of dragons and volcanoes.
Jesk shakes her head. "There's the public forge, and there's... /my/ forge. People don't come to /my/ forge. They do not understand the things I make." She answers to Schara, and offers a quick trip to one of the more far-off little homes if she wishes to change out now.
Once again, Telamon seems to just neatly slide into the situation as if he'd expected it. Nodding to Harkashan, he replies, "Having another set of eyes on the problem can yield up some new insights. I'll do what I can." Following in the larger makari's wake, the warmth doesn't seem to bother him. He does offer the old makari cooking a broad smile, placing his hands together. "Of course, grandmother."
Sitting crosslegged with the others, Tel steeples his fingers, before turning his gaze to Rune. "It's good to see you again as well, Leirune," he offers with a smile. "Lana sends her affection, of course."
Mikilos follows the group, pausing a moment to peer over the tapestries. Art is always of interest, but tapestries require a fair bit of infrastructure to produce, dyes, thread, holding looms, just area to work in. A great deal can be learned by looking at a people's tapestries, and that's before you even touch on the contents of the work.
Jesk's mention of a personal forge and un-understood work draw attention, but given the context, let it be for now.
Just getting out of the sun is enough to help act as a measure of cooling, though once they enter the home of Ocuir, Rune does take a moment to wash her hands and face with some cold water from her skin in order to be some measure of clean before they eat. "Peace on your nest, Ocuir. We're always greatful for your hospitality." Rune seems to have gotten used to the weird, almost off-putting eyes of the elder.
She offers a smile to Telamon, "I wish it was under better circumstances."
"So, let's start at the beginning." Rune sits down and lets out a huff of breath, glad to be off of her feet after the long journey. "We intercepted a Charneth druid who was attempting to kidnap a hatchling from Akochilistli Kuauhtla. Managed to save the little one and find a box which was triggered to spread disease throughout the settlement." She explains, then reaches into her bag and pulls out the box in question. It's been emptied and disarmed.
"We believe they targeted the hatchling because they were weak. That they planned to turn them into a Forgotten. That the disease was to weaken the village and possibly use it as a test site for some new method of creating Forgotten." Her brows furrow, not sure if she has gotten everything exactly right.
"We questioned the dead Charneth, but they were less than helpful. Only things we got from them was that they're trying to develop stronger Forgotten. That they were supposed to return to Prion Prison, Mior Platohol." She repeats the name of the place in Draconic. "So that's our next step. Trying to find the place to see what we can discover about what they are doing..."
"They don't understand your forge? Why is that? You seemed curious about what I do, is it something to do with mechanical components?" The artificer wonders aloud. "Ah, that is not important. Thank you." They add, following the makari to the smaller building.
GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/local: (3)+17: 20 GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/history: (18)+17: 35 GAME: Telamon rolls knowledge/local: (5)+9: 14 GAME: Telamon rolls knowledge/history+4: (12)+10+4: 26 <OOC> Telamon says, "(Shining Chalice bonus for Know/History)"
Mikilos nods with Rune's telling, listening closely. "The disease itself could be part of the process. Is there a sample left for study? A high fever could induce the maddened mental state typically prefered." He frowns thoughtfully. "Prion Prison, from Charn's first war here in Am'shere. More holding facility and test site than prison, but for Charn there's typically overlap. I have some maps in my library detailing it's location, further west, but I'm not confident in how accurate they are. General, yes, but will need reconosance for an exact location."
There's a lot of reds, yellows and blues within the dyes of the Sith-makar. The blues they use are rather unique and difficult to find elsewhere. Thanks to their large fauna, some of which are beetles, they have more ready access to some of the colors Mikilos is spotting within the tapestries. The tapestries are old, and worn, but still retain enough of their colors to understand what's being depicted. Likely not made by those who live here now - based on his analysis.
Harkashan has taken a seat on one of the comfortable tapestries - they're clearly a place for sitting, rather than just for looking at. That's why they are laid over the stones. Many Sith-makar butts have touched these cloths.
Ocuir lets out a churring sound at Rune, focusing both of her eyes on her for a moment. "I like you." She declares. "Yes yes." Before her one eye goes back to the food, and the other watches Telamon move. "You're a good boy. It's wonderful to see Elves again." She mentions.
The lava-colored Sith-makar lets out a rumble of a sound when Rune begins to explain matters, looking at the box. Letting her explain the situation. Watching Telamon and Mikilos' reactions.
Outside, Schara is led to a small place near the wall. Jesk, the 'small' Makari, easily steps her way in. But the entrance was clearly made for her size, rather than her taller sisters. Once within, it quickly becomes evident what she means.
The Sith-makar have a history of working metal. Their spears and blades and arrow-heads are well worked. And there are great smiths within Am'shere. But this is different. There's complicated traps with with complex mechanics. There's even what looks like a very rudimentary leg-brace with mana-channels running through it, meant to help with ambulation for someone who might break a leg.
Once inside, Jesk turns to look at Schara expectingly.
It's clearly not up to the kind of level that Schara is at already. But...
Telamon narrows his eyes, the stars within whirling. "Mior Platohol. I've heard that name..." His fist clenches. "It's a horrid tale. That was where Charn experimented on sith-makari during the first war. The Blood Prison. The makari destroyed it -- very comprehensively, if I recall the story right."
Tel's expression is thunderous. "If the Charneth have... rebuilt Mior Platohol, they are making some -serious- moves against the makari and against Am'shere. This isn't just a raid, or even some Charn official going rogue."
"I disposed of the vial far from the village, as I didn't want anyone stumbling upon it or accidentally setting it off." Rune explains to Mikilos, "But what I understand is that it was meant to cause leopracy in a wide-spread area." She catches her lower lip between her teeth, a look of mild discomfort, "If you absolutely need to examine it, I can show you where I disposed of it, but I'm very hesitant on allowing it anywhere near civilization."
Both seem to have some knowledge of Prion Prison, which is not surprising to Rune. They are quite knowledgable on many subjects. "I think it may be the place that Skielstregar may have been experimented on, or if not the same place, then one that is very similar." Their silver-scaled friend certanily suffered greatly at the hands of the Charneth.
Rune seems about to say something more, but then Ocuir makes that comment about liking her and she offers a small smile, a hint of color on her features. "I like you, too." Maybe because Rune has issues with her own family, so even being accepted among the lizardfolk is something special for her.
Then, to the topic at hand, she clears her throat. "We're planning on sending people to investigate, and we've got some general ideas of where it might be." Her expression turns more dire, "And... we suspect that this all may have to do with that village that was wiped out in the west. No bodies, no bones... The Charneth may very well be summoning up a new, Forgotten army."
"Mior Platohol... that is a name I have not heard in a long time." Ocuir approaches with a lidded stone bowl containing wraps, and a few open bowls with spiced and flavored meats - as well as some steamed vegetables unique to Am'shere. Notably, she needs to make multiple round-trips, using her staff to keep upright with one hand. Her hand always shaking as she puts it down in the center of the room on the large stone that serves as a table.
"What a dreadful name. But I doubt they will have built that back up so easily. Not if old Tepantli has anything to say about it. That old man is likely still standing guard to keep out the Charneth." She remarks on her second trip.
On the third and last trip from the kitchen she notes; "Lost all of his hatch to them. Never was the same since." She mumbles, before looking to Harkashan. "You remember..."
Harkashan lowers his head and tilts it away. Touching a spot on his armor. One of the larger Lavastones. "I only saw their lifeless bodies after they were removed and taken back to his village. I only heard the rumors." He admits, going quiet for a moment - mumbling something. Almost like he were whispering a prayer to the Deathsinging Dragon.
Ocuir looks at Harkashan for a moment, then huffs. "It is long in the past. But if you need a guide, I am sure I could help." She is remarkably fluent in Tradespeak for such an old Sith-makar who clearly looks like they've not gone anywhere in a long time.
"Eat, eat. Do not allow the Charneth spill your hunger." She bids, before looking to Rune and pointing at a bowl; "I made that one extra spicy for you dear. Yes yes."
Schara blinks when she enters the room, and the elf tilts her head to one side, back again, and then to the side yet again as she sets down the sack she was carrying with a loud clatter of metal. "Ah! I see what you mean now, miss Jesk. This is more than just metalwork, but fine mechanical apparatus and, Not just mechanical work but incorporating magical effects as well. How did you prepare the mana conduction channels in that brace, and how does it work? It doesn't look like it would replace movement but augment it, what are you trying to do with it?" The elf rambles a touch excitedly while pulling various parts awkwardly out of the sack with a wooden arm. Arms, leg armor, all filled with various inscribed runes and wires. <Draconic>
Mikilos nods seriously to Rune. "Depends on what you mean by disposed. Incinerated, no. wouldn't be enough left. Hidden under a rock, just a matter of time before is found by someone. May take a hundred years, but will happen. I plan to keep it in a pocket dimension, worse case shunt it all into the Null. I might not learn anything, but might be a helpful clue."
At Ocuir's bidding, the wizard puts together a wrap for himself, taking a little of most everything to sample, not shying from the spicer options. He's not hungry, but still enjoys a good meal now and again.
GAME: Schara rolls perception: (12)+11: 23
Jesk's eyes light up when she gets acknowledgement of her work. "Hmm! Yes. It's not very good yet but..." She moves to another part of her forge, and opens a small drawer. From them, she pulls these thin blue-silvery wires. "I lay this into the metal I forge to move the mana around." And then grabs a few 'interesting looking' lavastones. "And use these to power them." Before moving to one last spot. "And if I wind the blue thingies to these round watchamacallits, then they help with movement." It's a very basic magical mechanism. It's crude in some places.
Schara spots in a corner of the room, multiple buckets of failed works. Badly forged steel that got trashed. Failed attempts at damascus-style metals. Torn mana-channeling wires that were forged too thinly.
And a never-give-up attitude in Jesk.
"Our tribe had trouble protecting itself for so long, until like... just before I was born." Jesk explains to Schara. "Me and my sisters were born really strong. So we helped. But the newer generation isn't as strong. They get hurt more easily. I want to help them be as strong as me and Cayosin and my dad."
Telamon stares at Rune. "Leopracy? Hannazin's syndrome? Are they -insane-?" He grinds his teeth for a moment, before taking a deep breath. "You are right, grandmother," he addresses Ocuir, as she approaches with food. "I... beg your pardon." Focusing, he begins putting together a wrap as well, but going light on the spicy options.
"But yes, Archmage Mikilos is correct. Once we've determined whatever can be gleaned from such filth, dispose of it." He smiles tightly. "What concerns me is that rebuilding their little research outposts... that's not cheap. So I wonder what they expect to get out of it, especially when the reaction of the makari will be to level the place again."
"Not incinerated, but certainly better hidden than beneath a rock." Rune replies, but she seems unwilling to explain further for the time being. "None of us who found it had any such access to more permanent means of disposal, but if you're offering, I'm more than happy to let you take care of it." The rogue gives a nervous twitch of her fingers, flicking a bit of metalwork on her otherwise leather and cloth travleing gear.
Then, to Ocuir, Rune laughs, "I don't know if that's a sign of respect, or a sign that you're trying to kill me, Ocuir." Rune may be able to handle her spice more than most from Alexandros, but she is still a far cry from a Makari in their tolerance. Even so, she doesn't object to taking the bowl.
"My theory is that the leopracy was meant to weaken the population enough that something else could be used to change them into Forgotten." Rune explains, then takes a bite which has her making a slight squeaking sound as soon as the heat hits her tongue. Yep, definitely Ocuir is trying to murder her. Still, she swallows and coughs a bit into her arm.
"The hatchling that was stolen was briefly sick, but seemed to fully recover. They've been looked at by multiple healers who have found nothing wrong. So... maybe it only works on those already weakend." She lifts her shoulders, expression slightly helpless. "Then again, I could be completely on the wrong track there. I'm no healer."
<OOC> Schara says, "I would like to roll either craft weaponsmithing or craft armorsmithing to determine what the issues with the metal being made was, if that's alright" GAME: Schara rolls craft/armorsmithing: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Schara says, "You know what, I'm rerolling that" GAME: Schara rolls craft/armorsmithing: (4)+10: 14
GAME: Telamon rolls knowledge/nature+4: (7)+18+4: 29 GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/nature: (14)+17: 31
"Whether or not it is any good is irrelevant, especially given the existing knowledge you had to work with." The elf answers as she hefts the metal left arm out of the sack and sets it down on a nearby table, as well as what appears to be a small sealed packet of thin metal needles. Then, her attention was back on the explanation, save for a split second to glance at one of the corners. "Ah, I haven't made use of lavastone before, but I could imagine that it would be quite useful for your work. You may want to try something to focus the energy from your stones, as the structure is not uniform, so it may need something to help with that." The artificer begins to explain quickly, before she glances back to her arm. "I understand that, miss Jesk, or I can give comparable experiences, at least. Ever since I no longer had use of my arms, I was constantly working to make sure I could be helpful."
The elf glances back to the many buckets, and tilts her head again. "Do you have a drawing plate for your wires? That might help keep them more uniform. And I would recommend swapping out your quenching oils, and using one that burns at a higher temperature. It will help the metal to not crack or warp from the cooling process."
"A little bit of spice has never killed anyone." Ocuir answers Rune bemusedly. "But Shaman Harkashan says you like spicy. So, I make spicy." She declares firmly, waggling her staff at her. "Tell me if it's not spicy enough. I can make it more spicy." She watches of course, as Rune swallows and coughs into her arm.
"Ah. Good spice." She decides, then motions to Telamon; "Try spice. It'll make you more powerful." and steps back into the kitchen for the time being to clean up.
Harkashan in the meantime remarks; "If they are still running tests, there may be more to it than that." He remarks idly.
At Jesk's forge, the green Sith-makar watches as Schara lifts her arm from the sack and quickly gets close to inspect it. She tilts her head at the metal needles. "What are those?" She asks, more focused on learning what Schara does. Looking to 'jump' in skill by taking mental notes.
She then nods her head as Schara mentions no longer having use of her arms. "Yes. We had a Hatchling die a few years back because they lost one of their arms in a tree-felling accident. If I'd had something like that available... they may have been able to protect themselves better when they ended up attacked by some of our wildlife. They could have at least held a weapon..." She mumbles.
She of course takes notes - mentally - of what Schara is saying. Unlike softskin species, the Sith-makar rarely write anything down.
"What's a drawing plate?" She then inquires. She then looks at the bucket of oil, then back at Schara. "What kind of oils should I be using?"
Telamon chews on the piquant wrap, his eyes thoughtful. Swallowing, he frowns. "It might not -just- be leopracy. They could be looking for something to introduce with that, something worse. Or soften up the makari for a follow-up. Much the same way hitting a foe with spells can be used to weaken them for your warrior comrades."
Tel scowls. "Well, we all knew there wasn't much Charn would turn their nose up at for an advantage. Hell of a thing to find out." His eyes brighten at the news about the hatchling recovering. "Well, the young often can be far more resilient. I would recommend keeping him under observation -- Hannazin's syndrome takes a -long- time to emerge. And while I don't think the Charneth are that patient, they may have laid something in wait to come forth at a bad time."
Mikilos nods in agreement with Telamon. "All speculation at this point, but they may be looking for something that's slow to act. A sort of long term rot that leaves a wide window for whenever -they- are ready to act on it. I'm not sure the process used, and likely happier not knowing details, but I would guess it takes time and effort to get set up."
Oh, the look that Rune shoots Harkashan in that moment. It's a look that most anyone with a long-term partner knows. Rune will remember this. As soon as it seems like Ocuir isn't looking, though, she mixes it a bit with the 'regular' spiced version of the meal, because Rune is not a masochist. "It's more than spicy enough. Trust me." Rune murmurs, "And if spice hasn't killed someone yet, I'm sure you're on track to figuring out how to make it happen."
Looking across to Telamon, Rune nods, "We've been monitoring the hatchling. Geir is largely heading that up." She looks a little uncomfortable, tapping a spoon to the side of the bowl. "The little one was silver-scaled and one of the weaker hatchlings, which is likely why they became a target. Still, Geir and some of the other healers have checked them over for both diseases and magical maladies, at least as far as their skills can manage."
GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (18)+14: 32 GAME: Telamon rolls detectBS: aliased to sense motive: (20)+25: 45
Harkashan clearly sees the prompt that Rune will remember this before his very eyes. Or at least, he notices that look she is giving him right now. He gives the equivalent of a draconic smile back at her. Clearly, it was a well-meant statement. He can't help it that Ocuir decided to help test Rune's senses.
There's a nod of agreement from the Sith-makar that follows, as Telamon and Mikilos both speak of alternative reasons they might be using those kinds of diseases. "Most disturbing." He rumbles. "Then, there's the other thing." He looks to Rune, then back to the others.
"They spoke to the dead. And one particular matter was repeated a lot. The idea of hunger. That the Sith-makar would be their own undoing, and 'eat' and 'eat' and 'eat'." He bids, as he grabs a wrap of the super spicy stuff himself, and easily makes short work of it. "I do not know how familiar you two are to the origin of the Forgotten..."
Schara looks back at the packet of needles, and the elf drops her gaze a bit. "Oh, these? I wouldn't recommend following my advice with these. It's something I'm still working on." She begins to explain. "They are designed to conduct and read the energy present in nerve tissue in the body, which is converted into a signal which can be interpreted by the limb."
The left arm in question ended in several long hooks, with a rectangular length of steel on the underside. "I understand that." The artificer sighs. "I'm sorry for your loss, miss Jesk. I understand that life here is difficult. If you do not have ways of replacing limbs, then I would be happy to share what I know to prevent something like that happening again. It's not perfect however, which is why I am unsure if I can recommend all of it. If there is enough of a limb left for muscles to be present, I would recommend using something which reacted to them. The needles are painful, prone to infection and exhausting."
The elf shakes her head and smiles, instead. "Ah, but I should fix that in time, and when I do, I can always update you on the findings. A drawing plate is simple, it is a metal plate with several holes in it, which when attached to an anvil can be used for drawing out your wires to a smaller, consistent size. As for the oil, I wish I could give a specific answer, but I do not know what your options are here, and it can vary based on temperature. You may be able to get some from traders from outside Am'shere, or you could experiment with oils you have here, if you know they would be safe to do so."
Telamon casually covers his mouth to hide a smile, watching the unspoken byplay between Rune and Hark. To cover his amusement, he takes another bite, before continuing. "I've only seen a few references in books. I... don't think the makari like to discuss it."
He sighs. "Which is not entirely unreasonable. There's... always unpleasant parts of one's past, things you don't like to talk about, or even think about. I don't have a problem with keeping things quiet, but if Charn is trying to cook up some scheme to turn large numbers of makari into Forgotten..."
Mikilos nods to Harkashan. "Familiar enough. More than most, very likely. The same texts on Prion Prison go into some detail of the process. And I've heard first hand acconts from the Charn transport ships, prisoners chained close together, then just, left, until hunger takes over. They arrive in Charn with maybe half the number they started, but the survivors are ready for processing."
Rune settles to eat her now less spicy meal, which seems to be more to her tolerance level. She seems to have provided what intel she knows, but that doesn't mean that there aren't things that she's missed. "You're both more than welcome to come with me to Akochilistli Kuauhtla. I can leave the vial in your care and you can have whomever you wish examine the hatchling."
As Harkashan shares that other comment from the dead Charnite, Rune presses her lips together. The fact that both Telamona nd Mikilos both have some idea of the process means she doesn't have to go into it further. One of her closest friends, Skielstregar, went through that torture, and she can't help but feel anger on his behalf. Rune just gives a very draconic sort of chuff in response, shaking her head.
As Mikilos and Telamon speak of understanding the process, Harkashan nods his head. "I don't know how introducing a disease will get what they desire. But I am worried of what this will do to my people. I know you two are very busy right now. Especially with some of the matters in Alexandria. But I hope that we can find some samples or writings -- which hopefully one of you two could make sense of." He bids.
"Wow, signals from the body. I... never even thought of that." Jesk remarks in awe. She's largely worked on prosthetics that work as an extension of still existing tissue and muscles. The exact kind that Schara is suggesting she stick to for right now.
"I'd love to learn more, Crafter Schara." She tries out that Caste, figuring it is the closest to what they do. "And I will start working on getting more oil. Ehm... could you help me create a metal plate?" See Schara work.
Then, suddenly...
"Okay. Take bowls and meal and out. Talking about such dreadful things for so long." Ocuir approaches the group with her staff. "Come on. Out. Can finish meal outside of my house." She swings he staff a bit further.