"They could obviously howl, what says they can not growl?"

They chattered on until the male snarled.

"Silence. We must at least try."

He stepped forth and looked up at the trio, his head tilted lightly to the left in confusion.

"You called for us? You howled? How does a bird howl?"

@Raindeer

As the three beings approached, Cor gave a ‘thumbs up’ to Ima and Mica a happy tweet exiting his mouth. Mica let out a soft little huff whilst Ima hummed in thought.

As what seemed to be the leader of the three waddled toward them, Cor let out a pleasant cooing sound as his eyes curved upward otherwise making no sounds as he listened, watching the body language and the reactions to the communication of barks, growls and whines of this foreign communication.

Cor felt Ima and Mica both tense when a snarl burst forth from the leader to silence its partners and proceeded to reach his hands back to rub their arms in comfort as this same leader stepped forward.

He had no idea what was said up to them, but guessed that the best way was to show them that they were replication the noises of unison.

Cor nodded to the leader and then leaned his head back, his white mane falling back as he began letting out the replication of the howl, echoed in the next moment by Ima and Mica. They were still garbled in pitch but the likeness was still startlingly close.

After a moment or two, Cor lowered the volume of his howl bit by bit, as he lowered his head to look down at the three beings below them, until the howl was nothing but a soft whisper.

Then silence as he and his mates stopped their replication and he burst into a pleasant tweeting noise, bobbing his head with happiness.

Mica took point on the next step, pointing downward at the food lain out on large leaves, neat piles of fruit of varying colors and sizes all sorted with like options, red fruit with red fruit, yellow with yellow, green with green, hoping that they enjoyed a certain kind so that more could be brought.

The Society, Population 302, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Copper 3/8
Logic 3/6
Writing 3/6
Agriculture 3/5


Twas a new morning, and the crowd sat around Mr. Marsh in silence. The citizens, confused by the strange visitors and shocked about what happened, were eager to hear the words of their brilliant prophet. He sat on his podium with the dark robes shading head.

"Ode to you, my gentlemen, my friends, my comrades. Ode to you. Tis my greatest regret to see you on this day. We have forgotten."

The crowd bolted backwards in confusion. Never before has Mr. Marsh been so harsh against them.

"We have forgotten of Oxameter the Walker, lord of the Illis, who marches on his eternal path. I am deeply saddened to speak this, however my job is to speak the truth of the gods and this is the truth. It is no secret of the meeting with the strange masked creatures, and our trade with them. This trade.... was an abomination in the eyes of Oxameter, in the eyes of Cthugha, and in the eyes of Tzeentch. O, my brethren, we mustn't trade the Illis, for they are the gifts of the gods. We have a multitude if materials that are ours, yet the Illis, they are not our's to trade. They are the children of Oxameter, and he wishes that they should belong to us. And to us they shall remain. The masked things have their slaves, and if they ever return, we shall trade once again. But never again will we rid ourselves of the Illis, or any other creature of the gods that lives in our Society. In order to push this, I declare that this is now the era of Oxameter, and with this may the gods forgive us."

The Crowd applauded and cheered as Mr. Marshes's fellow ministers looked at each other concerned about their planned business opportunities.

(OOC: Slave trade is being disputed by ministers)

He had no idea what was said up to them, but guessed that the best way was to show them that they were replication the noises of unison.

Cor nodded to the leader and then leaned his head back, his white mane falling back as he began letting out the replication of the howl, echoed in the next moment by Ima and Mica. They were still garbled in pitch but the likeness was still startlingly close.

After a moment or two, Cor lowered the volume of his howl bit by bit, as he lowered his head to look down at the three beings below them, until the howl was nothing but a soft whisper.

Then silence as he and his mates stopped their replication and he burst into a pleasant tweeting noise, bobbing his head with happiness.

Mica took point on the next step, pointing downward at the food lain out on large leaves, neat piles of fruit of varying colors and sizes all sorted with like options, red fruit with red fruit, yellow with yellow, green with green, hoping that they enjoyed a certain kind so that more could be brought.

The two females had moved up to stand next to the leader as the birds howled, sounding creepily much like their own howls. They looked at the male with their heads tilted, waiting for his order. The male watched them with a confused expression on his face. These were some odd birds. Something about them made the male feel warm inside. Very strange.

When the middle one bobbed his head, the male returned the gesture at best abilities while doing a very bad replication of their tweeting noises.

They followed the motions of the black bird with beautiful light blue eyes to the left as she pointed towards a massive amount of fruits. The three looked at the birds, then back at the fruits, exchanging looks at one another. The younger female picked up one of the smaller green fruits and took a bite out of it, wrinkling her muzzle up at the extremely sour taste, her body shivering.

The male watched her and sceptically picked up a bright red fruit, taking a very small bite out of it. Shortly thereafter the three were devouring the red fruits that had been laid out.

"These fruits are not that bad."

The older female spoke.

"No, but they grow far out of our reach until they are rotten and fall."

They followed the motions of the black bird with beautiful light blue eyes to the left as she pointed towards a massive amount of fruits. The three looked at the birds, then back at the fruits, exchanging looks at one another. The younger female picked up one of the smaller green fruits and took a bite out of it, wrinkling her muzzle up at the extremely sour taste, her body shivering.

The male watched her and skeptically picked up a bright red fruit, taking a very small bite out of it. Shortly thereafter the three were devouring the red fruits that had been laid out.

"These fruits are not that bad."

The older female spoke.

"No, but they grow far out of our reach until they are rotten and fall."

Cor made a happy caw with a sound similar to "Kyu-kyu-kyu~" as he watched the creatures start eating, getting pats on the back from Ima and Mica as the next portion of the plan came into work.

He shifted on his feet to stand on the branch, as Mica jumped up the branches toward more of the varying fruits still above.

She tapped the fruits and felt them a bit with the pads of her taloned fingers before plucking them and throwing them down to Cor and Ima with a cautious trill.

Both gave chirps of thanks and Ima accepted a small peck on the cheek from Cor as Cor took three of theses even more freshly picked fruits from his hands.

There was a moment of silence as Cor and Ima looked at each other with a pleasant expression before the white furred Soruli turned and made a caw for attention to the three creatures below.

Holding up the red fruit for a moment, he waved pleasantly making a graceful leap down to the ground with his brown eyes curved upward.

Keeping a small distance between himself and the three creatures, he waits for a moment, observing them. He pauses, his eyes focusing on the muzzle of the leader as the fruits in his hold drop to the ground.

Cor makes a worried cooing sound, lifting a hand to touch a mirror of the location on his own face, quickly reaching down to grab at a folded leaf held around his waist by a piece of vine, pulling it from the make-shift belt to unfold it.

A thick light orange paste rests within and Cor alternates his gaze from it to the leader before dabbing at it with his fingertip and rubbing the paste into the spot on his own face where the scar would be to demonstrate its usage.

He extends to folded leaf toward the leader, eyes conveying worry and his coos of concern continuing to come forth as he shifts from foot to foot.

"I couldn't think of any real solution. Father, did you think of something?" Asked Senith as everyone gathered at the construction site.

Sithalin shook his head. "I couldn't think last night. We'll just have to cut down more trees."

So the group of workers made their way to the edge of town and started working on chopping down some of the taller trees. The trees were difficult to work with. Their taller stature made it harder to manage which way they fell, and it also made dragging the trunks around more difficult. These trees seemed to also have more branches and bigger crowns, which only wasted more of their time.

By midday, they had amassed a reasonable pile of logs. Now, they had to figure out how to get the logs to the top of the walls. The walls were simply too tall for most of the methods they could come up with. Some of the workers climbed to the top of the walls, but it did little good as they didn't have the strength to drag the logs onto the walls.

After a few hours, they had barely managed to drag the first log to the top. With the help of some vines, a few workers on the ground, and a couple on the wall, they managed to slowly drag the log onto the top of the wall. They quickly tied it down with the vines, fearing that it might simply roll off.

The second log proved to be almost as difficult to drag up as the first. From then on, however, the task grew easier as more walking space was created with the logs. It still took them many hours of effort, but they did it. The cabin was complete. Everyone cheered happily and yelled their victory, some running and dancing in circles. A crowd of villagers had gathered to admire the finished results.

"We did it, son," Sithalin said happily, proudly patting Senith's shoulder.

-

"Took us many days," Senith said tiredly to his father. They had celebrated with the rest of the village until the last rays of sunshine disappeared from the sky. They had retired to the new log cabin already. It would be their first night sleeping inside.

"It did," Replied Sithalin, "I think the next ones will be faster. We know how to do it now."

"Maybe," Yawned Senith.

Just as they getting ready to sleep, the door's leaf curtain was brushed aside as one of the hunters stepped inside.

"Sir," The hunter greeted Sithalin, his fists against his heart. "I plan to go out with a hunting party tonight. I want your permission before we depart. We will be taking supplies."

Sithalin looked at him strangely. "You have a lot of explaining to do. Why tonight and not the morning? Where are you headed that you need to bring supplies?"

"We simply want to move quickly, chief. We're headed towards the swamps south of here. Where the kryan was found. We won't stop there, however. We want to explore, see what's beyond the swamps. We want to see what its like, and what kind of animals may live in those lands. We're not sure for how long we'll be gone."

Sithalin sat there quietly, pondering it over. "Interesting. Very well, go. I can understand why you would want to do this. Our people hardly go through unexplored lands anymore. Bring back news, tell us what you saw."

The hunter smiled with relief. He bowed his head. "Yes, chief, I will. Thank you."

Time: Era of Gray (no precise timekeeping system developed)

Information


Joining the Platta

The caretaker watches and listens to Faw. Although they do know from raising children the color system is complicated, they underestimate its complexity for beings not used to it like Platta are, whose brains are more built to learn color symbolism quickly. Due to this, they interpret the message to be something similar to the idea they aren't sure what to do, but would like more food and learn more of the Platta ways.

This comes from the colors pointed at: brown meaning no job or work known, and the different greens representing both food gathering and language learning. The pointing of the hair and environment with the understood name of the species (Brute) is shown as a point of origin. The joining of the cloth on Faw shows that the Platta cloth is seen as the message that they would like to have the Platta idea (that's what cloth does) connect to them. In a sense, it shows the recognition that they don't know where to go, and the process of gathering food and learning language of the Platta. The word "blend" in the Snow Brute language isn't known but it isn't as clear what that means. It is seen as a word for drawing on a being. The Platta's closest interpretation of that is the tradition of knowing the symbolism of one's own skin. In this case, although they don't know if Faw knows of it, they think it might relate to it.

The caretaker is wondering if this means they would like to join the Platta, and explains, "Snow Brute" (by gesturing towards Faw) "Platta" (by gesturing towards Platta but also Faw now to show the join as a kind of welcome realizing that even if it wasn't intended, they sense no hostility. More dyes and food is gathered by different Platta including the caretaker. Some are also given to Faw so she may learn more with them with the caretaker. The caretaker, Cyrie, helps Faw learn more of Platta ways, clarifying the color meanings. As the Platta see it, at least to the southern camp, Faw is considered a member of the Platta Civilization now.

In the eastern camp, before the discussion mentioned earlier, the engineer is preparing their notes about the precise record keeping system, and find another concept overlooked before. Adding many times makes multiplication. What is subtracting many times? They are looking into this idea but are interrupted as it is time for them to head to the central camp for the find sharing discussion. The engineer joins the other Platta on the journey there.

Alvith Population: 188 - Age of Two Villages


The first Alvith born in time of separate villages was upon the Alvith. All Alvith that had been born until this point during time of a single Village. It would be known as the time of two villages and Alvith born in separate villages would most likely never meet. A great time of celebration still for greater strength of the Alvith and word was passed by runners that both villages were flourishing.
Kaalo was stumped on where to go with trying to use dirt to build with. Trying to just cut into the soil to cut out chunks of dirt just resulted in the dirt crumbling. The dirt had to dry in way that Kaalo could easily pick it up for use. The idea came to Kaalo that if got dirt wet to make it mud then had some sort of container to place it in could use it. In thinking Kaalo thought of trying for a shape that could stack well and went to gather some wood for a mold.
Raclo had been experimenting with rocks he had gathered for many days. No way to really count how much time had passed as Raclo tried to figure out method of using rocks to make tools. He had figured out that by bashing rocks together that some rocks would break others. Through trial of seeing what rocks broke which Raclo had at very least discovered which rocks to try and use for tools and which to use for rocks to break rocks. A great deal of work was needed though to actually figure out method to break rocks into shape of tools.

In front of the Southern group, Hof examines the spear. He notes the weight difference between the Cindorayi spear and his own, along with the pure beauty of the thing. It doesn't look as fearsome as the Brute's own spears, however. Hof calls a tool maker to his side and commands him to quickly study the new weapon.
"Light. Good for throwing maybe. Pretty. Better hunting than war, probably." were his observations.
"You part of tribe...?", Hof says, curiously.
Then, realizing they probably don't understand him, he points at the Cindorayi, then himself. Then he waves in the direction of the group behind them and shrugs his shoulders.

Sonya nods, grasping that the Snow Brutes were asking them if there were others of their species. She then mimes walking in that direction and then shrugs, asking if they want to come with her?

The Society, Population 306, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Copper 4/8
Logic 4/6
Writing 4/6
Agriculture 4/5
"Forward, my travelers, to the north!" Mr. Death screamed as a group of Ferream gathered supplies.
The travelers had created an interest in the outside world across the Settlement. And this was followed up by the Minister's sight of possible economic benefits and the Choir's belief that this was the will of the Gods. The Ferream were ordered to march towards the north, and follow the river. The four travelers stood up through the crowd and saluted to Mr. Death and repeated the chant of the Choir.
"To Oxameter, who marches to the beat of time. To Cthugha, who marches with clinking coin. To Tzeench, who shall never move across the plains of The Society."
Across the morning Dunes, the travelers marched north.
@Neruu

Alvith Population: 188 - Age of Two Villages

A group of three Alvith were out somewhat south of Rielo village, each of hunters were carrying a wooden spear. Two of the hunters were carrying under arm what looked like some sort of tortoise/turtle creature hiding in its shell. Third hunter the one without one of the tortoise/turtle creatures shook his head finding the other two stupid to think they can get at creatures in the shells. The group of hunters were actually on their way back north. One of hunters spotted something to south and motioned for others to stop.

"Hold! Strange... comes, alert! I not recognize " Spoke the lead hunter to the others.

The trio of Alvith hunters would stand ground going still and waiting to see what would happen. The only other race Alvith had ever interacted with were Yelb that one time. Hunters themselves had little interaction beyond story of small creatures that were no threat.
@Shoggothought

Uaru Mountain Family-Clans

Population: 32, with 4-7 in each family. There are 2 major families and 4 minor families.

The Bird that Weaved.

As a young Uaruling observed nature in their bid for survival; she witnessed many creatures weaved threads of different sorts for different purposes. Some weaved to catch prey, some weaved to create a home, but what intrigued the young Uaru the most was that, the weaves were beautiful and strong. In her bid to explore the rather curious deed - she gathered different materials around her and became obsessed with weaving. It was not long that she began weaving with the dried grass that were brought home by her parents to feed the flames. Much to the chagrin of her parents, this young Uaruling spent her time so much trying to weave, she even started playing with her food, as she attempted to weave with the strands of meat. There was nothing that she didn't attempt to weave at this point, as her long silken hair became the very source of canvas where she played with - allowing her more variations to attempt.

Years passed, as the little girl who was addicted to weaving has now grown to a fine woman. Among all the materials she tinkered and toyed with, she eventually discovered a particular plant that seemed the best to weave. A plant seemingly unsuited for weaving as it would be dry and hard, she would habitually peel it into smaller strands to work with. The fibres of the plant surprisingly maintained a good strength, it was naturally smooth and straight, and became flexible enough to be woven. Eventually, she weaved with nothing but this particular plant she called Peshk (Flax). And from that day, she would weave many things! She would weave to appease her husband's love for beauty, she would weave for her husband to catch prey, she would weave to put a roof over her head, but most important of all, she would weave to keep her child warm. It was from that day onward, weaving became an intricate part of an Uaru woman, for the best of brides must be able to weave.

- Linen-weaving and the usage of peshk (flax) acquired.



The Travelling Songbirds

There was once a pair of companions, eager to fulfill their wanderlust. Piripé and Haragul were their names, as they packed, eager and ready to traverse the terrain. They had a common rule, they would sing and start merrymaking whenever they saw new things followed by the howl of the wind. The sights, the sounds, the trees to the critters, all things new, were a cause to sing.

They would visit the tents of the many families, sing songs and tell tales of their rather intriguing journey. Only to be laughed at, knowing their discovery were rather long-known. They left the tents with utter embarrassment, only to find their spirits renewed - wanderlust more riled than before. It was not long at all, they took off again.

Far, far - beyond the cold harsh lands, they traversed following the howls of the winds. Earth Mother, Earth Mother, blow us gently, glide our wings and guide our songs. Sky Father, oh Sky Father, guide us with your charming lights - for your presence never absent, day or night.

The duo continued to sing, for when many a sight were embraced with song and the howl of a wind. A collection of songs soon piled, as they recorded everything leaving not a line. But their eventual journey ran into a stop. Their supplies diminished, their strength drought. As the songbirds both lay on the soft silken ground, colored in bright gold, grainy and abound - they both nodded that the golden sand needed a song.

With their last breath, they rasped at each other - words abundant but not the strength. They eventually huffed and puffed, as they breathed their last. To which they lay, face up - looking towards their loving Father with a longing glance.

@mangojuice
- Two Uaru travelers are seen on the verge of death near the northern Rokthan border. You can leave them to die, or save them. It is purely your choice!

@Neruu
The Society, Population 306, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Copper 4/8
Logic 4/6
Writing 4/6
Agriculture 4/5
"Gods! What is it?" one of the travelers screamed at the sight of the creature.
"Quiet, my brother." The other responded.
The Ferream approached the hunters and grabbed a stick off the ground. They proceeded to draw pictures on the ground in a attempt to communicate while the other two sat back prepared to defend in the case that the creatures are violent.
"Where do you come from?"

Alvith Population: 188 - Age of Two Villages

The lead hunter held a hand up to tell the other two to stay back before stepping closer to examine what was drawn on the ground. Lead hunter of the three would look to drawing in the dirt. It was a good couple of minutes of staring at the picture by lead hunter. He stood tall and pointed in a general direction of north.

"Village way." Spoke lead hunter.

Alvith language for one who didn't understand sounded like a mix of hisses and clicking of tongue but with some method to it. It wasn't like a wild animal just making noises. The lead hunter then went to draw in dirt with his spear, drawing a bunch of clustered crude circles then gestured vaguely north again.

"Village of Rielo, home way. I hunter." Spoke the lead hunter once more.
@Shoggothought

Arsuron

Population: 210
Arsur Coast: 60
River Camp: 62 (10 in Rokthan Territory)
Lotus Colony: 65 (6 in Soruli Territory)

= Trading Posts [+]

Yijen Fork Trading Post: 21 (6 Arsuron; 15 Illis)

Technological Progress [+]

• Copper Working: 5/8
• Fire though Quicklime and Water: 4/5
• Dolphin Domestication: 4/10
• Papyrus: Complete
• The Slave Trade: Complete
• Improved Land Architecture: 1/5

The Weaver's Gift

That weaver who so long ago decided to try and weave the flesh of the papyrus reed had come to see the fruits of her experiment; the thin yet strong material she had produced had become popular among the many Arsuron as a medium of writing. It also created a value for black dye, which was later created to replace the more expensive red dye that was used as ink for writing when papyrus first came into the public eye. Papyrus had steadily become the norm of writing and documentation, much more portable than clay tablets, and allowing the Anrethi abugida to be written much much more quickly and clearly than when carved into a wet tablet of clay or into the sand. Caligraphy was starting to become a minor artform among the Arsuron, with traders signing their agreements or marking their wares with elaborate signatures.

Explorers in Soruli Territory
@Diehard243

The explorers were taken aback by the sudden use of voices similar to their own, but only repeating what they had said. They watched her display concerning the cracked nuts with liquid inside. It was obvious that she wanted them to take a drink from them, and so the 6 each took the three containers and sipped from them. The leader wanted to give something in turn to cement the show of friendship, and so he did the traditional thing, cut open a watermelon and handed the two pieces to the bird in the tree slowly, hoping it would be enough to convince her to come down, and maybe take her to somewhere where others could be found. The other explorers were still as much worried, but the friendliness of Naho was hopeful, and maybe her species would be interested in trade.

Arsur Coastline

It was obvious that the structures traditional to the Arsuron's land constructions were unsuited for anything other than temporary ceremonial usage. For years it was pointed out that they were dangerous, prone to collapse and ill suited repurposments of houseboats. Indeed it was obvious that the conquest of land was not yet achieved by the Arsuron. Intensive study would need to be put into the construction of land based buildings, and a good place to start was in the bone plate documents written by none other than Anrett herself, detailing her time with the Rokthan, and her studies of their ways of building. From the study of her writings, the Arsuron had developed the idea of building with foundations and structure rather than just with pure mud, sand and reed grass. The would would need to come from the Lotus colony, and so it would. But much would need to happen for the buildings of the Arsuron to be more than temporary.

Explorers in Soruli Territory

The explorers were taken aback by the sudden use of voices similar to their own, but only repeating what they had said. They watched her display concerning the cracked nuts with liquid inside. It was obvious that she wanted them to take a drink from them, and so the 6 each took the three containers and sipped from them. The leader wanted to give something in turn to cement the show of friendship, and so he did the traditional thing, cut open a watermelon and handed the two pieces to the bird in the tree slowly, hoping it would be enough to convince her to come down, and maybe take her to somewhere where others could be found. The other explorers were still as much worried, but the friendliness of Naho was hopeful, and maybe her species would be interested in trade.

As they drank, Naho burst into an energetic little applause her eyes sparkling as they curved upward. As the leader cut the fruit she froze and watched with interest. This thing, green then pink within... a fruit. She was transfixed and the happiness of her success in getting them to drink drove her bend her legs around the branch and hang downward to accept the gift, holding them and staring at them in alternation.

Eyes curved in enjoyment, she nibbled onto one quickly working from one end of the slice to another. She paused as she considered the taste and cooed in appreciation before as she did the same process to the other slice.

It was then that she stared at the six beings, two finished slices of watermelon in either hand. Watching their body language and movements, forgetting her prior caution entirely as she wondered about their reason for being in such a large pack. Perhaps they needed help.

She swung her body upward, using the momentum to let the same motion have her drop from her perch. Pausing after she landed, she stood up slowly and tilted her head.

Her eyes curved upward as she made a trill of happiness and then lowered in a bow to the six of them, arms splayed outward at her sides.

She rose slowly and extended both of her hands to the lead creature, intending to lead them all to a safe place.

"You must love your comrades no matter how they behave. Anger and emotions are a cruel and unforgiving force, and can reduce anyone to savagery." -Prophet Ki'Kisk




@Nerevarine
As soon as the Arsuron showed obvious signs of hostilities, the villagers burrowed into the ground out of panic. The lights from their bodies were snuffed out by the sand, and they were gone. Most of them escaped into burrows that were deep enough underground that most dangers couldn't get to them, or at least they would have a hard time. (Rokthan burrows can be anywhere between two to fifty feet under the surface, sometimes even more in the mountain range.)

The Easthome organizer jumped at the sight of Anlug. "YOU!!" I remember you people! We've come to rid your filthy hides from this land! MEN, DESTROY THIS MONSTROSITY!!"
With that, the Rokthan soldiers slowly advanced toward Anlug brandishing top of the line spears in the clutches of their jaws.

She led them away from the village successfully, for now. At least until one of them decides to gather up the courage to stab her.
@Nerevarine


After negotiating the labyrinth of underground tunnels and corridors of Middlehome, the map maker and the small one arrive at the King's residence. "M'lord Shel! It's a pleasure to talk to you again." calls out Vitri, the map maker, with his small companion and assistant following behind. They both entered the den but were surprised to find nobody inside. Vitri searched the den thoroughly but couldn't find a trace of him, aside from some things that were carelessly strewn about. Worried that something might have happened to him, he turns to head outside and ask someone. Just then, Vinal was seen rushing past the entrance down the tunnel. Vitri called out to him. "Excuse me! Vinal!"
Vinal jerked his head toward Vitri. "What are you doing here?!" he snapped back.
"...Pardon?" responded Vitri, confused as to why he was so terse. "I merely came to speak with Shel about-"
"This is not a good time!" interrupted Vinal, eyes wide. If Rokthani could sweat, he would be soaked.
"Please, Vinal, tell me what is wrong." says Vitri slowly moving forward expectantly.
"Nothing is wrong! At least... I don't think so! Everything should be fine, unless something is wrong... which it might be, but probably not! NOTHING IS WRONG!" Vinal is becoming more stressed by the second, but finally gains enough composure to explain the situation. "The Queen is giving birth to her brood. It's a complicated pregnancy and we have no idea what will come out of her highness, but..." He takes a deep breath and exhales. "We're doing the best we can. We've closed off the nursery to the public and only let a few of our associates in." Vinal stares at the room behind them, shifting his eyes around the place before turning back to the direction of the nursery. Before moving on, he turns his head back to the two others. "Is what you have to tell the king important?"
The small one begins to speak. "Well, it's ab-" Vitri interrupts him. "Yes, sire. It is of the utmost importance."
Vinal thinks for a moment. "Alright, follow me." he says, leading them to the nursery, where the king and queen are located.


In the chilly peaks of the mountain range, a small troop of Rokthani march their way to the North in search of something. According to the rest of the village, they were on a simple scouting mission. A trek up range in an attempt to find suitable grounds to settle. But in reality, what they were looking for was their god.
"Dear, we really must turn back. My frills are practically freezing off! And we've been traveling for so long." says Gnila, shivering and slithering behind Shel. Shel slowed down to comfort Gnila by pressing up against her.
"My beautiful, strong Gnila, we're almost there. I assure you." Shel says while rubbing his whisker up against her cheek.
"You've already said that several times. I've lost count."
All of a sudden, the group comes to a halt just before a cliff drop. "Ugh! Don't tell me we have to find a way around!" Says Gnila exasperatingly slithering to the front of the pack.
Shel responds with awe in his voice. "I don't believe that's necessary..."

They've found what they were looking for. The source of the Ki'Kisk river. The place that was described as the birthplace of the prophet Ki'Kisk himself. Shel hurriedly, yet carefully, slides down the steep cliff side to the lake below. Gnila nearly has a fit at the action.
"Sh-Shel!! What are you doing?!"
Shel, clearly not able to hear her (or just not listening), continues to tumble down the cliff as the other members of the group follow suit. "Honestly!" she scoffs, carefully working her way down. Her being careful doesn't seem to be enough however, as the gravel already loosened by the descents of the others gives way, and she starts uncontrollably rolling down the cliff side. Beating the others to the bottom by a literal landslide, she ends her journey with an "Ugh!" and a *splash*.
"Dearest! Are you okay?! Speak to me!" says a very concerned Shel shaking Gnila back and forth as she lays flat on her back in the lake shore.
"I'm fine! I'm just fine..." she says and she shakes off a load of dust and mud. "OH!" she says, noticing where she was. I shouldn't be in these waters! They're sacred, aren't they? Ohh, how careless of me..."
"No, not at all! It was clearly my fault. I shouldn't have gotten so excited." says Shel licking the mud off her face. The rest of the troop reach the lake.
"You there! I want all of you to take a good look at this place and keep a record of it!" says Shel, barking out orders in his regular fashion. "I want that island explored, any strange... sightings... ...Gnila?"
Gnila was feint. She seemed incredibly tired and her eyes were barely open. From the looks of things, she was becoming paler as well.
"M'lord, is there something we can do?!" says one of the group members.
"Yes..." says Shel, gazing down at his love. "Get her out of here! We're to head back to the village immediately!"
"But your lordship, we've come all this way... there's still so much to be learned, I-"
"Don't you dare question my authority!" shouts Shel. "I want her back... to where it's... safe... and... I... feel..."
And that point, both Shel and Gnila fell unconscious.

The last thing Shel remembers is waking up with a fever in his den next to Gnila, where they were both being treated.

@Neruu
The Society, Population 306, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Logic 4/6
Agriculture 4/5
Alvith Territory: The Ferream stared at the creature for a while as it tried to translate the message. It observed the image in the dirt for about a minute and eventually stood up and pointed north. They followed the direction, and determined that the creature was indeed, sentient. After a short while of walking across the flat grasslands and rolling hills they arrived at the village. They approached the town cautiously and quietly, wondering what they would find.
Society:
"It is true! My brothers, it is true!" A Polypodises by the name of Serophoga boomed in the early Settlement morning.
He ran from his mud-brick house into the streets carrying a small pot to show it to the ministers. Eventually, he arrived at the minister's podiums and bowed before them.
They looked down with stark expressions.
"What is it, my inferior?"
Serophoga glanced up and spoke.
"O my patricians, I bring you a prize of the gods."
"Than speak, my child."
Serophoga opened up the pot and showed the curious ministers.
"I bring thee fruit, for the gods have given us the ability to not only reap the seeds of the earth, yet plant them ourselves."
"Continue."
He proceeded to give a detailed description of the basics of agriculture, and how one cultivates plants which left the ministers in shock.
Mr. Thought stood up and spoke "Ode to you, Serophoga. In our gratitude, you shall be minister of food, and you shall manage and build the farms on the fertile lands near the river."
And on that day the Illis were sent to build and farm under the administration of a new minister.
With this, a group of Ferream were sent west to study the growth of plants in the nearby forests....
@Father Dagon
(Just noting that our knowledge on agriculture is very basic and can be essentially summed up by "Hey guys, we can put this thing in fertile soil and if it gets water, it may grow!")

The Night-Walkers, Population 30 (18 in Khlin, 12 in Imlona)

Age of Rising Shadow, Morning After Night of Hidden Light (New Moon)

Techs: Inter-Species Communication Method (1/4)

@Shoggothought
The holy waters of darkness fades, the sky is once again illuminated by the unholy fire. Haixun mutters to himself about how he hates having to find these creatures in this revealing light, but he knows that it is the only way. These mole-men are normally consistent in their path to the river, and could be tracked easily. With the morning sun rising over the sky, Haixun gathered his necessary supplies and set out.

These creatures were easily located, their lack of experience leaving an obvious path. Haxiun followed from treetops, being careful about where he is climbing as to not be seen. As he was traveling above these creatures, Haxiun was trying to make sense of what these strange creatures were talking about. What is a "minister"? Agrikultr? They keep mentioning something called "Illis". They seem to be debating something. What's this about another kind of person? Someone from beyond the eastern wastes, the end of the world? How is this possible? These creatures stopped in front of a low-lying branch with fruits growing off of it. Trying to understand what these creatures were doing, Haxiun began to climb down for a better view.

It took one wrong move, one foolish step and Haxiun began tumbling down the branches. Trying to grab onto nearby branches, he only succeeded in making more noise. Thankfully, the branches broke his fall enough that he could see that nothing was broken. Then, he realized what has happened. The sky-flame is bright, he is on the ground. They can see him. After the initial elation of realizing that he is alive and can move, he saw the wood-men. They bolted up in shock at this sudden appearance. The wood-men kept their distance, showing a look not of terror, but of profound curiosity and interest. Although they seemed not to be afraid, Haxiun felt a moment of pure terror. In shock of these strange creatures, Haxiun stood in place for several seconds. After noticing that he has legs, Haxiun sprinted away into the forest faster than he knew that he could. He needed to get back home.

(Shoggothought and I live in the same house so it was unnecessary to make multiple posts for his response to Haxiun's fall.)

Arsuron

Population: 202

Arsur Coast: 60
River Camp: 52 (2 in Rokthan Territory)
Lotus Colony: 75 (6 in Soruli Territory; 10 Illis)

= Trading Posts [+]

Yijen Fork Trading Post: 9 (6 Arsuron; 5 Illis)

Technological Progress [+]

• Copper Working: 6/8
• Fire though Quicklime and Water: Complete
• Dolphin Domestication: 5/10
• Improved Land Architecture: 2/5
• Bätänjűr (Arsuron Ninjutsu): 1/8

Anrett and Anlug
@MangoJuice

With the Rokthan safely burrowed within the sand, Anrett used the last of her strength the hurl the knife at the bonfire, its flaming wood tumbling down as it cascaded onto the ground, sweeping up the corrupt Arsuron soldiers who followed Angar, burning most of them up instantly, but leaving many to suffer a slow death as they burned. The Body of Angar would not be found by the scouting teams or cleaners when they would look, being too disfigured to be recognized. As for Anlug, as she watched those who had betrayed her, her people, and her new freinds die, she sat in the sand bleeding and dying in her own right, at least happy to have been able to correct her mistake of leading them here. She left her tablets of what she had recorded on the Rokthan for others to read. Those Rokthan who would come back up would no doubt see her as she slowly bled out, and see her knife embedded deep into the wood as proof that she had ended the invasion.

Anlug was thankful but not sure how long she could keep the Rokthan soldiers away; and the last thing she wanted was to be stabbed by one of those spears. Anlug took a dive and covered herself in mud to hide in the dark, and pressed her body up against a tree trunk, trying to be as still as possible. Her knife out in case, itself coated in mud to keep it concealed. Anlug was always known for her strange tries at stealth and sneakiness; today would be the day she tried it out. She waited for the Rokthan to rush to her location, and then try and sneak away and leave them confused.

The Fire Bringer

Angos had toiled for years, trying his best to find the perfect combination of strange sand, which he began to call Quicklime, and water to ignite the dry reed grass and create a fire. Time after time the combination failed. He needed something to help the fire to start, something to burn and begin the combustion of grass and wood. That discovery came on accident when Angos spilled a bottle of old separated dye into his would be fire. He found that the oil, extracted from fruit nuts from the Lotus Colony was able to combust when exposed to the quicklime, and create a fire that can be grown. The discovery is enormous, and Angos' mixture becomes widely known in the Arsur, and many uses follow like cooking food, and meat smoking. It is found that heat produced by fire is able to crack large stones and make bone more pliable. The tool makers, still toiling over the stange stone Copper have taken interest in the use of fire and its heat in shaping copper.

Explorers in Soruli Territory
@Diehard243

The explorers followed after Naho, unsure of where exactly she was leading them. Many questioned whether or not they should be trusting these creatures. But some argue that this specimen at least seems overly trusting and borderline naive in her judgements. The others point out that they don't even know whether or not she is exhibiting friendly behavior or simply normal reactions to outsiders for her species. They only had time before them as they tried to imagine what might be ahead.