The Night-Walkers, Population 33 (19 in Khlin, 14 in Imlona)

Age of Rising Shadow, Night of Returning Light (Between New Moon and Crescent)

Techs: Inter-Species Communication Method (3/4)

Khlin
The scout Haixun was bored. His father, Bolach, forced him into a new training schedule because of "incompetence" when tracking the wood-men and mole people. His head still was full of questions from the expedition. They seem to have capacity for thought, but then why do they live in daylight? Why would they live on the ground, where dangers are all around? These thoughts were cut short by the sound of a gathering in the meeting place at the center of the village. Bolach has returned from his trip to Imlona. There was a sounding for a meeting. Haixun wondered what this might mean, did he finally get that pompous Trixarch to unite our tribes? Or maybe he at least got him to see reason about understanding more outside The Homelands. He went to the center to investigate.

Upon entering the meeting place, he found many others were there as well, just as confused as to why there is a meeting. Finally, Bolach arrived and called for silence.
"I have, as you all know, gone to speak with Trixarch. He was... uncooperative, but that is no need for concern. He will understand the necessity of this in time, or we will make him. While I was there, the second Council of Hidden Light was interrupted by an event that one can only describe as a miracle. A female gave birth to two children. A male and female, twins. Regardless of current situations, this needs to be celebrated. The gods support us and this new change from tradition."
As he spoke, the crowd started to grow excited, knowing how they have been blessed. They saw how this must mean that the gods are not angry for moving away from our forefathers.

This celebration consisted of a day without work and a large amount of meat and berries brought to the meeting place for a feast. They would be socializing, sharing stories, and eating until they could eat no more. As Haixun began to partake in these festivities, he was summoned to Bolach's hut. Curious as to his father's intentions, he went to the large hut that is home to the village chief. Upon entering, he saw that Bolach was deep in thought. It was a moment before Bolach realized that his son had entered.

He spoke "Son, I went to Imlona in the hope that I could get Trixarch to see reason. He is a fool and we cannot allow him to poison the minds of the people, along with soiling our plans to understand the outside world. He would have us squat on trees and live in fear of these creatures until we die out. This can not be. I will challenge him to Takanakuy on the night of Hilal. I will be delivering this message as soon the flame is extinguished on the morrow."
Haixun was stunned, his father had been annoyed by Trixarch many times before, but Takanakuy is something that is saved for the most serious of situations. A fight to the death. No bows, no quarter, a simple fight for the future of their people.
Through Haixun's surprised stammering, Bolach continued, "And as such, I need a successor in case the gods, in some convoluted reasoning we couldn't hope to understand, decide that he is more worthy of victory than me. You will be my successor and finish what I started."

Completely dumbstruck by the weight of what that conversation meant for not only his future, but the future of the walkers, Haixun walked back to the celebration area. This may be the start of something new, something not seen by the tribes in the history of the people, Haixun thought. Unity of the tribes, what a concept. Now that, is a cause for celebration.

The Cindorayi Republic, Population: 174, Year 24 IL, Age of the Quarter Moon

The Southern group looks on in wonder at the food growing out of the ground and thinks about how this can be possible. Food had always come from something that was alive, something that needed to be hunted - and killed. But, this food was almost as good as meat and just as filling, yet it comes out of the ground! A few Snow Brutes wonder if killing is actually all that necessary, but quickly dismiss the idea as silly. Hof steps forward and says the Cindorayi word for "food" then says the word for "farm" then shrugs his shoulders, basically asking 'how do you grow the food and how does it work?'

Sonya nodded, and brought the Snow Brutes closer to one of the farms, so they could see the Cindorayi farmer taking extra mifan and scattering it over the land, with narrow channels of water flowing through it fed by the nearby stream. "Mifan needs sun," pointing at the sky, "water," pointing at the irrigation channels, "and good land." pointing at the soil. "If you have this, it will grow more." She points at the tall stalks growing from the adjacent fields. "Takes much time."

---

A bird chirped, and leaves rustled slightly as Nadya wove her way through the forest. She was to the east of Lunysvet, more eastern than any Cindorayi had traveled. The sun filtered through the branches of the tall trees above, and a cool breeze wafted between their trunks, thankfully towards her. She kept her spear close, looking for the telltale signs of an animal; the rustling of leaves, the clomp of hooves. As she searched the area ahead, she was startled by a patch of bright color.

A feather-covered head, which bore a short yet noble beak, emerged from the nearby bushes, This bird-of-the-land was incredibly graceful, particularly its tail which was wide and patterned. While Nadya's hunter instincts guided her to kill it, she stopped herself and decided on a different approach. She picked up a worm-like creature from the forest floor that they usually ignored, similar to a bombyx, and emerged into plain sight, proffering it to the hawkynder. The bird was initially slightly startled, and hesitated, but its greed got the best of it and it drew closer and snapped it up.

Nadya, acting on a strange feeling, stroked the hawkynder's neck. It cooed slightly with happiness, and rubbed itself against her. She found a few more worms, and fed it to the bird, wondering amusedly if she had made a friend.

---

A simple method for the tallying of votes from the other villages has been discovered: to mash with a mortar and pestle the purple flowers of a nearby plant, and to use the dye that results to inscribe messages on the silk fabric which the Cindorayi have started to produce in abundance for use in garments to wear about themselves in the cold or simply for aesthetic reasons. In addition to writing, they use this dye to make patterns on their garments.

Mostly, the Cindorayi have come to prefer one unified garment, a robe, to wear about themselves, thinking it simple and effective. In summer, these are mostly made of silk, in winter of thicker fibers.

Stone tools: 7/8
Writing: 6/6
Animal Husbandry: 2/5

Arsuron Explorers in Soruli Territory
The Six were mystified and enthralled by the colorful and vibrant life of this tree. They turned to Naho and all smiled, as much was visible under their masks anyways. They were tempted to walk around, explore and get lost in this place, but they were stopped by the leader of the troop, who was more concerned with how they were going to communicate with these people. The leader of the troop took out a piece of paper and began drawing crude pictures on in. When he showed it to Naho, it would show what appeared to be two figures trading, and below it were pictures drawn of what the Arsuron had to offer. He hoped that it would be enough for the birds to understand and for some kind of communication method to develop.

Naho's eyes curved upward as she noted some warmth coming from The Six, the tiny visible portions of their expressions or their body language reminding her of her people's. She took a step toward them to attempt pulling them along into the wild order of the Soruli world, but ended up meeting the leader half-way in his motion to stop his group and begin... drawing?

Like some did with sticks in soft dirt, this being of pointed ears and odd expression began drawing upon...

Her blazing red head tilted and stared at what he was drawing on from multiple angles, what he was drawing with. The closest thing she could think of was a leaf with their pastes upon it. Perhaps this is a special leaf from their kind's lands. Perhaps what this pointy eared draws with is a special stick just for this. A game of sharing?

She let out a happy humming-trill as she recognized some things, others not at all. Her head tilted upward to take in the leader's "face" and she nodded happily.

Yet certainly, getting all the things for this game of sharing would take time. The Six Pointy Eared had already traveled this far, been so patient in their following. She looked them each up and down in turn and then turned to take up a small stick from the ground to draw in the dirt before them all.

She drew little figures that resembled her ever smiling face and wild manes of hair. Then little figures that resembled their pointed ears and masked faces, looking back at them for reference.

The pictures showed five of the six sitting with five Soruli, each doing a different activity as example for what they could do.

Eating, dancing, staff-play, were notable, but then there were two that were... odd. One seemed to have a Soruli much closer to the pointy eared in what looked like a hug, another looked like both the Soruli and pointy eared were with waves around them creating crudely pretty patterns.

Naho looked up to the leader of The Six Pointy Eared, pointing the stick to him as she drew one last doodle in the dirt of him. She drew another Soruli and pointed at herself. Holding hands, the two figures seemed to watch the activities of the other five as they had items piled behind them.

After reviewing her work, Naho rested the stick upon the ground, turning to them all again before offering her hand to the leader and pointing to a mat of leaves where, as if by magic, five adult Soruli of varying size and colors were sitting with each other.

Arsuron

Population: 273

Arsur Coast: 75 (4 in Uaru territory; 1 in Monastic Territory; 2 Illis)
River Camp: 75 (2 in Rokthan Territory; 2 Illis)
Lotus Colony: 76 (6 in Soruli Territory; 2 Illis)
Kanesh Colony: 16 (4 Illis)

= Trading Posts [+]

Yijen Fork Trading Post: 14 (9 Arsuron; 5 Illis)
Karom Mission: 8 (2 in Alvith Territory; 2 in Platta Territory)

Technological Progress [+]

• Dolphin Domestication: 9/10
• Agriculture: 1/5
• Bätänjűr (Arsuron Ninjutsu): 5/8
• Mathematics: 4/6
• Bronze: 2/5
• Organized Religion: 2/7

The Fruit of the Desert

With better architecture arising on land, the Arsuron had developed the chance to expand beyond the shoreline. With that, expansion had begun, settlers moving out into the sandy dunes and inhospitable landscapes. Kanesh (Kanej in the Law Dialect) was the first of these cities, a tiny community, unlike the sprawling cities of the coast, this settlement was like a callback to the days of hunting and gathering; scrounging up rough plants and wild animals. The new settlers made a living hunting artus (Meesk) and arku'ar (thith). Neither was a particularly good source of meat, but it was mostly enough to satisfy the hunger of the 16 residents of Kanesh. Anlam was a young settler, having moved to the arid frontier when not even a fifth of a firog. Life was hard here, but there was something that made it worth the struggle. Anlam would often stop by the small oasises, where trees bearing sweet fruits called dates would grow. The fruits had always been there, since he had first arived. Now at the age of 4 usrog, Anlam had been analysing the tree, learning how they grew and what conditions helped them survive. He wondered, if what he observed of them now is able to be applied to other plants. Another day of resting under the date palms might yet pay off.

Missionaries
The Mathematicists had long been an esoteric order; under a new Anfir's orders, with the suggestions of AntekH, the order would begin to spread out. First towards the coast, then outwards towards Yijen Fork. Missionaries became trained, designed to spread the word of mathematics, abet not the same secrets disclosed in the monastaries, but a lightened version that they would understand. Not all appreciated the move to universalism, in an order that was previously initiatory. AntekH, now a longtime resident and a speaker of the Mathematic Order, would defend and destroy any resistance aginst the new Anfir. He would be a defender of thr faith, and a defender of the cheif.

Those who had made their way to Yijen Fork were greated with meals and supplies, and would be sent north to form a new colony, a mission to spread the Word of Mathematics into unknown territory. A troup of 8 missionaries, dressed in the finest cloth and carrying books of the basics of mathematics and the tenants of the science; each armed with a sword of cast copper.

Up the river they would travel, to far lands and to spread their knowledge and their new religion. And into new lands they would go. 2 would stay in nearer territory (@Neruu; While another 2 would travel beyond and even further north (@aweirdgamer).


Explorers in Soruli Territory
@Diehard243
The 6 explorers were caught off guard by the sudden arrival of the Soruli. Taking a look at the options before them, 5 of the explorers decided to take turns at the different stations; induldging in what the Soruli had to offer. While the others were taking part in the activities; the leader, a man named Anjar, watched from the sides, observing his subordinates. In particular he was interested in the effects the powder had on one of them.

The Night-Walkers, Population 34 (20 in Khlin, 14 in Imlona)

Age of Rising Shadow, Night of Hilal (Crescent Moon)

Techs: Inter-Species Communication Method (4/4)
Map-making (0/3)

Khlin

Tonight is the night. Haixun sat in his hut and thought to himself of Bolach's combat against Trixarch. He knew that this could change the course of their people, for if we could finally achieve unity, Bolach could lead us into a new golden age. An age where none would need fear the flame. How clever, too, was his decision to ask on this night. The night of Hilal, the night where the spirits walk with us. They would bring victory to him, surely, for who is more loved by the spirits than Bolach?

These thoughts were interrupted by the realization that he had been given a mission. Drifting off when his father asked him to finish his research on how to communicate with these creatures, he laughed. "We cannot afford to lose momentum" he said. Haixun knew that he needed to get this done before Bolach returns. He focused on what he had learned. Both of these creatures shared many differences with each other and with us, Haixun thought. What might we all share? There must be something. The mole-men seemed to come for water from the lake, while the wood-men seemed to just look around at vegetation. That's useless, he thought.

Then, the revelation came to Haixun. To communicate, its not "what" they may say, but how they say it. How did these creatures get where they wanted to be? They followed landmarks of the forest. They went to specific areas so that they could find their way in and out. "That's it!" he thought. If they could use that same logic by drawing "landmarks", items that they both understand such as trees, a village, or even an action, into the ground with a stick. It wouldn't even have to be the ground, Haixun thought, it could be nearly anything that a stick could change. If we used one of our arrows, we could even use a tree! The surge of possibilities flew into Haixun's mind. "Flame," he spoke to himself "This might even work!"

It was a few moments before he realized that someone entered the hut. One of the villagers from Imlona was gathering the people of Khlin. "It is time," she said, "Bolach has invoked the ritual of Takanakuy."

Imlona

"On this night of nights, the spirits walk with me." thought Bolach. "They must, for this night will decide the future of our people." He arrived at the village of Imlona. He knew that he couldn't intrude during the ritual of giving the night's responsibilities, so he waited, deep in thought, until Trixarch was finally finished. With this finished, he marched into the meeting place, like he had the night before.

"I am done and finished with you, Trixarch. You are a fool and refuse to give up your idiotic idea that we must stay isolated to survive. You would sacrifice the future of our children, and our children's children, and their children for your prejudice and fear."

Trixarch, furious from these insults, attempted to interrupt Bolach. Then, Bolach spoke in a loud, stern voice, "I know how you love your traditions, Trixarch. I challenge you to the ritual of Takanakuy." The others in the village went silent. "We will either survive as a proud people, willing to finally throw off these chains, or we will die in fear. Tonight will decide that.

Dumbstruck, Trixarch stood in place for a few moments before rising up and roared "You want blood, Bolach. I will give you blood. We will see who the spirits choose this night. Remember, when you lay upon the ground, life flowing from your body, that you asked for this."

The Night-Walkers from both villages gathered on the ground near the Heart-Tree of the forest. Both villages were preparing their representative for combat. Two walkers will enter, only one will leave.

<Snipped quote by Raindeer>

Cor could barely contain himself from cheering in happiness as the lead displayed enjoyment. Ima and Mica looked on in approval, moving to together to join the gathering on the ground.

And as Cor took in this "smile" his excitement grew, causing him to almost bounce in place. He listened to the back and forth of the creatures, head turning slightly to take in whoever made noise and watched as a paw was extended his way.

Without thinking, Cor made a slow step forward and reached up with both taloned hands to gently hold the paw and rub his cheek against it, reproducing the purring sound the male made.

Mica and Ima got closer as he did so, picking up red fruit and extending them to the females.

The male tilted his head in confusion as the cream colored one took his paw in his and rubbed his cheek against it, then looked back at the females, whom both looked just as confused.

"They do not understand us. But they can make the same sounds we can. Talking will not work."

The females nodded lightly.

"They are kind creatures. Seem to be smart as well. We should make friends with them."

The male looked at the cream colored one cuddling his paw, then back at the female that had spoken.

"I would say that we got that far already."

The females wagged their tails slowly and accepted the fruit from the two other birds and took a bite out of it as a sign of acceptance.

The male slowly reached out with his free paw and gently patted the bird's head.

____________________________________________________________________________________
Group lead by the Alpha, Soruli territory
20 adults

The group had left their own territory and most of the group was very tense, never having left the safety of their protected territory before. The Alpha barked loudly, calling the group tighter together to listen.

"We are close now. There is no threat to the ones we are finding, but that does not mean nothing will threaten us. Stay alert."

The Alpha pushed past those in front of him and after having continued to follow the tracks quite a bit outside of their territory came across the border patrol and a group of three bird-like beings. The Alpha stood up on his hind legs and gave up a soft growl to mark his presence. The following group spread out around the Alpha at best abilities, but the space was limited, so most remained behind him.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Border Patrol
3 adults
The two females had their ears fold down towards their skull instantly when they heard the familiar growl of their leader, lowering their heads, while the male turned away from the cream colored one while still having his paw held, lowering his head at best abilities.

"They are friendly, gave us fruit. Do not understand us, but they mimic us. Gave me some orange thing that made the scar hurt less."

The male looked at his scar covered Alpha.

"Maybe they would be willing to offer it to you."

The Alpha nodded lightly at the information given.

"Then we will befriend them. Are there only three of them?"

The male nodded.

"So far we have only seen three. They are hard to speak to. I tried to ask what they were called and... Well... You see what happened."

The Alpha nodded and watched the cream colored one with his head tilted, taking away a tiny bit of the dominance in his presence.

"Are there more of you? Can you lead us to them?"

He pointed at the three birds and then gestured towards his many clan mates in an attempt to sign what he wished for.

Alvith Population: 187 - Age of Two Villages

@Shoggothought
Chief Rielo Kriivith stood watching the visitors speak, he could not understand words they spoke but assumed it was speech. Watching the drawing in dirt, Chief Rielo motioned to one of other Alvith to come give him a spear. Once handed the spear Chief Rielo would draw in dirt to try and respond.

"Show danger no... friend maybe, not hostile." Spoke Chief Rielo as he tried to convey response in drawing in the dirt.

The two guards that had come out with the Chief stood back while Chief tried to communicate. One now held a spear as the other had given spear to Chief to draw in dirt with. Were a handful of Alvith that looked out from within village to see gathering outside it that could be seen peaking from behind huts.

---

@Nerevarine
The Alvith Kralo was with several other Alvith having lead the Ogurk herd of Rielo village towards the river to get the beasts some much needed water. Oarlo was among the other herders of the Ogurk under Kralo. While not full grown Oarlo was about six foot in height, he would notice something odd between herd and destination of the river going to speak with his father Kralo.

"Odd, path river, never seen." Spoke Oarlo to his father Kralo
"I lead, danger if will signal." Spoke Kralo to his son Oarlo.

Kralo would go to take lead as Alvith in front of the Ogurk herd to see what it was Oarlo had spotted. Oarlo would go to position that was Kralo was to make sure were Alvith spread evenly among the herd encase the Ogurk were spooked.

The Cindorayi Republic, Population: 174, Year 24 IL, Age of the Quarter Moon

The southern Brutes slowly nod, taking in the information. It is a foreign practice that does not make much sense to them but they find it intriguing. Hof gets the attention of Sonya and then says in the Brute language: "Chief?", then puffs his chest out and pretends to call out orders. He is asking if there is a chief and if the Brutes can see him.

"Ekatyrina," she says, nodding in response. She noted behind them the party from the main village that has recently arrived, and called her name, louder this time.

Ekatyrina padded quickly forward away from the few guards she brought with her, and spoke quickly with Sonya for a few moments to find out the situation. She then turned to the Snow Brutes and smiled, and bowed slightly as a gesture of respect. She called the others over, and they joined the small crowd which had formed behind Ekatyrina and Sonya.

"You?" she asked the Snow Brutes. "Your 'chief'?"

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

Information


Multitudes Before the Divides

@Valkyr
The Platta observe the Saurians some of that morning. The language is not understood, but the Platta see them discuss similarly to a Platta camp, but the coloration is drastically different. The color of green as well as earlier fishing witness make the Platta think about their symbolism. The impression given was that they would likely beings that valued life and were protective of it.

That day, they approached. The plan was done. With a cautious approach, fish was left in front to show peaceful intentions. The Platta would observe how it was responded to. The caretaker (green cloth around the neck) of the group, Yisso, would be near and then attempt to communicate, starting with the word 'food' and work from there. The children of the Platta group would stay in the back to observe, and in the event of danger, they would be able to escape the soonest.

@Elitestpotato
OOC: If this moves too fast, let me know.
IC: The Platta acknowledge the ability to move, and explain about what is coming so Faw won't be confused. Using the words taught earlier, and new ones if needed, the way of the occasional discussion is explained, and the general patterns. This includes how all known Platta meet up to discuss discoveries, plans, and ideas. The cloths represent the roles the Platta speak for and from. There are also mediators to help make sure the discussion goes smoothly. Some Platta have been more in favor of longer discussions, and some have not been. But overall, that is how their system works.

The next day, Faw is brought to the discussion but it is explained if she would prefer not to join in, they would understand. The Platta talk about various things including Faw, what she has said, and explain the consideration of her joining. The Platta would hear what Faw has to say about the Platta doings if she is willing.

Other items discussed are the mathematical writing system and how it works, the symbolism of the times, various food sources, ideas of art, and the growing trend towards the hierarchical system. Those in favor of it leave soon after that for it is concluded the Platta with white cloth will explain their future tasks. Faw's presence makes some wonder if she should be a task delegator. Others think she should be considered as an equal. Faw is told of this happening.

Later, the plans for future explorations and discussion are made. The Platta are planning to go in four directions as before, but not with the same members. Faw is asked where she would like to join in.

The mathematical writing system developed earlier was being used to dye the findings everywhere from now on.

@Nerevarine
In the southern most camp, the Platta began to explore more. The result of the previous discussion had led to a divide amongst the group of how to progress. As the Platta with the white cloth had not joined this expedition, those present who saw that means of organization preferable now had to discuss again. The Platta who preferred the discussion saw this as disturbing. For now, a compromise had been reached. Those who would prefer to be directed rather than cooperate would be a sort of assistant to the others. This made the ones who preferred discussion more so uncomfortable. Upon the journey, though, they did find it did make more time to observe the world and consider what it was symbolizing.

It was also noticed that the river had begun to go sharply east and remain that way. As the Platta followed the river, some new life had been seen. In one far-range expedition, the first Arsuron were observed traveling together, and the presence of tools made them halt sharply. Was more life out here? It seemed so. A new cloth was quickly retrieved by a sentry to give to the map maker, and quickly the Arsuron was sketched with the symbols for 2 as well. They watched to see what they would do, as the copper swords were seen as mysterious large knives of brown and yellow, the colors of horror, humility, and things not of nature. The Platta observed closely, and drew about what they did.

Arsuron

Population: 273

Arsur Coast: 75 (4 in Uaru territory; 1 in Monastic Territory; 2 Illis)
River Camp: 75 (2 in Rokthan Territory; 2 Illis)
Lotus Colony: 76 (6 in Soruli Territory; 2 Illis)
Kanesh Colony: 16 (4 Illis)

= Trading Posts [+]

Yijen Fork Trading Post: 14 (9 Arsuron; 5 Illis)
Karom Mission: 8 (2 in Alvith Territory; 2 in Platta Territory)

Technological Progress [+]

• Dolphin Domestication: Complete
• Agriculture: 2/5
• Bätänjűr (Arsuron Ninjutsu): 6/8
• Mathematics: 5/6
• Bronze: 3/5
• Organized Religion: 3/7

Arsur Coast
The Dolphin had begun to thrive under the care and farming ability of the Arsuron. With new walls made of twisted copper allowing more fish to enter into the Dolphin's pens. Mariculture was becoming the primary source of food for the people of the Arsur Coast and Lotus Colony. Indeed, the need for hunting dolphins and fishing was almost totally gone, with fishing becoming almost something of a recreational activity for coastal dwellers. The dolphin had become an animal that provided much meat and other useful items with little need for anything other than occasional release to hunt, with the Arsuron breeding them and developing techniques to herd the dolphins. The new abundance of food might very well lead to a population boom in the future.

End of Rokthani Communications

"So they no longer want to trade with us?"

Anlug nodded her head slowly. "They are understandably shaken up following the attack by Angar. They wish to isolate themselves at the moment, and while they let me approach their territory simply to carry the message, they have made it clear that anyone that approaches the Rokthan state at the moment will be killed."

AnreH was quite disappointed with this development. "I suppose, it is our punishment for allowing ourselves to be deceived by Angar's foolish behavior. I only hope that this cut to our relations will mend itself over time."

The Alvith
@Neruu

Missionaries are usually not warriors, and this was the case for the younger of the two, Anshosh. While he bared the copper sword, he was not really one to know how to use it. As his mentors always pointed out, there was more to swordplay than simply stabbing and swinging. But Anshosh saw no need to fight anyways; his partner, Angir, was more skilled in combat, and able to kill most anything that got in their way.

But violence was not their mission, the two Arsuron were on their way to spread the word of Yi'am's divine system, Mathematics.
They were a far ways from the monastery, in unknown lands that not even the Arsuron had explored. In many ways Anshosh was curious if life even existed this far out. If there was anyone who the message could even be spread to.

It would be a while before something was noticed by Angir. "Stop, there is something ahead" he spoke, holding his arm out to cease Anshosh's movements. Angir looked across the land to notice two figures a fair distance away from them. They appeared to be bipedal like many other intelligent lifeforms they had met before. "Follow me, Anshosh. I will do the talking right now"

As the two made their way to the Alvith, the missionaries became aware of just how large the creatures were in comparison to themselves. It would need to be made very clear that they were not a threat.

When the Aruson and Alvith were close to each other, the Arsuron simply stopped. They had their hands clasped together, books under their arms and swords hidden under their clothing.

The Platta
@aweirdgamer

The two missionaries began the deconstruction of their canoes. When wood had been introduced it was seen at first as a hindrance to the traditional benefit of the canoe being portable and collapsible. It only took a short while before Arsuron minds had developed a collapsible wooden canoe. As they got onto the land, they yelled at each other in their native language before one of the two, a female Arsuron told a younger male missionary to do something. The younger one took out his book from the reed bag he had over his shoulder and began writing something down. The tools he had were a copper cup holding black dye, and a long piece of copper that tapered into a pointed end to be used like a pen. When he was finished he closed his book and began talking to the other Aruson, calling out the name, Antersh, to get her attention, to which she spoke a bit, addressing the other as Ansor. The two walked for a bit, their canoes on their backs before stopping and observing the sun. They then dropped their canoes from their backs and Ansor pulled a thick red cloth from his bag, laying it on the ground as he and Antersh stood on the edge of it, faced towards the Sun. Antersh opened one of her books with writing already in it, the papyrus looked old and worn, indicating she was not the writer of this book. She read a passage of it, before the two Arsuron knelt down onto the cloth and began chanting a string of words.

"mem, puH, är, rig, firik, firik - mem, firik - puH..."

Then continued on like this for a while, until they reached one final word

"fiyam"

upon saying this, the two Arsuron bowed down, and began the process over again. They did this five times, before chanting something from the book one last time. Upon completion of this, they continued on their way; that was, until they saw something, as pointed out by Antersh. Upon this, they began walking straight towards the Platta.

@Aweirdgamer

Panic spread through the camp as the saurians spotted the strange creatures approaching. Many hissed in alarm and darted around the camp to grab their spears. Sithel courageously stepped in front of the rest and lifted his spear.

Sithel eyed the new creatures wearily. They were unlike anything they had ever seen before. They barely even resembled any of the other creatures they had encountered in the forests and swamps. Of course, what shocked him the most was their obvious intelligence. For how long had they been so close by? Could there be even more intelligent beings like the saurians?

Sithel lowered his spear slightly when he noticed the fish offering, but he didn't remove his yellow eyes from the creatures. He approached slowly and carefully until they were a few feet outside of spear range. The rest of the saurians watched quietly from the other side of the camp.

The creature towwlards the front then spoke a strange word. Sithel tilted his head in confusion. He sloy repeated the word back to them, unsure of its meaning.

Mutterings and whispers were exchanged between the rest of the saurians. As the scene seemed to be calming down, some of them cautiously stepping forward to get a closer look. A few of them eyed the fish offering but made no attempt to touch it. Most of them were simply waiting anxiously to see what else the creatures would do.

One of the saurians made a move towards the fish, but another hissed and dragged him back by the arm.

Not sure of what else to try, Sithel raised an arm and gestured at the rest of the saurians. "We," He said slowly, "are saurians. We are hunters."
He knew they wouldn't understand, but he didn't know how one would go about teaching someone a language. All he could do was hope that both sides would eventually figure it out.

-

As Sithalin made his way back to the village, a hunter came up beside him and stopped him.

"Chief, I just wanted to say sorry," The saurian explained.

"For what, hunter?" Sithalin asked.

"Because we failed to do as you asked. We didn't find the cause for the disappearance of the fish."

Sithalin sighed. "Hunter, I was there helping you and the others. I didn't find anything either. Its not your fault. This may simply be something we saurians won't be able to find. Anyway, there might be hope. That was the first fish in this area in a very long time."

The saurian nodded. "If you say so, chief." With a salute, the saurian turned and left.

Sithalin gave another sigh and continued making his way through the village until he arrived at the cabin. He stepped inside and tossed his spear aside. Feeling tired, he sat on top of his fur blanket, his back against the wall, and closed his eyes.

Some time later, he heard rustling and opened his eyes to see Senith coming in the cabin.

"Welcome back," Said Sithalin, "What have you been up to?"

Senith froze momentarily at the question, not replying. The more Sithalin looked at him, the more he realized how strange he was acting.

"I, uh..." Senith mumbled.

Sithalin sat up straighter and looked at him suspiciously. "Speak."

"I… S-Syera-" He tried to speaking but Sithalin quickly cut him off.

"Say no more," Sithalin grumbled. He sighed and rubbed his fin in frustration. "I thought you'd be smarter than this."

Senith simply stared at the ground in shame. "I swear I won't disappoint you further."

"Good," Sithalin replied. He sighed and leaned his head back against the wall, rubbing his eyes tiredly. "We'll talk about this more later. I'm feeling too tired right now."

Arsuron Explorers in Soruli Territory

The 6 explorers were caught off guard by the sudden arrival of the Soruli. Taking a look at the options before them, 5 of the explorers decided to take turns at the different stations; induldging in what the Soruli had to offer. While the others were taking part in the activities; the leader, a man named Anjar, watched from the sides, observing his subordinates. In particular he was interested in the effects the powder had on one of them.

Naho, staying by the side of Anjar, as she seemed to quell the caution of the five Soruli by explaining the circumstances. Her light tweeting sounds and gentle sing-song accompanied by active body movements to act things out. At the end of her display the five Soruli made varying sounds of awe understanding, looking to the five explorers that would be their partners for the evening.

Each stepped forward, guiding their new Asuron friend to a place on the mat of leaves. Three sitting, two standing.

Food Sampling

The first had a small pile of fruits, berries and nuts separated by colors and sizes.

This Soruli presented select pieces from any collection after a quick inspection, gesturing for the Asuron to nibble, chew or bite it down. Were they to eat the fruits and berries flavors would explode within their mouth, some pleasant and sweet, other wild and tangy. Each selection given seemed to compliment the last. The nuts acted as palette cleansers and added bits of tame snacking between.

Dance-Testing

The second Soruli stood close to their partner, making a motion with different body parts to the beat of the drums that pervaded the area. After a few moments of letting the Arsuron attempt to replicate or create their own movements, the Soruli flowed into a dancing semi-mirroring them, hoping to ease them into greater comfort with the activity before introducing anything else.

Staff-Play

The third Soruli stood across from their partner as well, staff in hand. They begin movements in slow motion, first extending the staff as if it were an extension of and arm, then demonstrating movements possible around the body with it. Like a dance, but much more focused than feeling, the Soruli gave encouraging cheers and minor adjustments to the position the Arsuron took.

Massage

The forth Soruli handled the massages, using the soft pads of their taloned fingers to work out the tensed muscles and rub colorful pastes into the skin to both relax and give a favorable scent of fruits and flowers over the Arsuron's natural scent.

Hands worked from the top of the head downward, moving aside hair that could be in the way before fingers worked the neck, shoulders, arms, torso and legs into sweet relaxation. After this full body massage was completed, the hair on the body is groomed, picking out any plant matter or dirt with gentle brushing of the talons.

The Dust

The last and final Soruli partner seemed to be taking varying selections of nuts and berries, vividly colored and crushing them with a rounded rock into the empty shell of a nut. A dust the color of a pale violet stood out starkly against the grey skin of the Soruli's palm as they tested its fineness and then proceeded to wet a small nut in a bowl before rolling it in the dust so that a thick layer could be upon it.

Two of these pale-dusted nuts were made, one given to the Arsuron partner and the other held in the Soruli's palm.

Lifting their fingers the dust-maker gave a countdown: Three. Two. One. They popped the nut into their mouth, chewing on it for a few moments.

The mouth was coated in something that tasted like nothing and everything. The eyes became half-lidded with enjoyment or widened with new flowing energy. The world around grew more vibrant and color and it was as if the world changed to another in the next few moments in calm reflection.

Colors shifting from one to many. The feeling of warmth and of textures increased. Any pains that existed ease away from the mind.

~~~

Naho observed as the rotation occurred as she stood aside Anjar, attempting to read his body-language to see what his opinions were.

(A PM may be sent to help confirm Arsuron/Soruli reactions. I do apologize if I did too much in one post.)
~~~

@Raindeer

The Trio, The Alpha & The Clan Mates.

Cor gave happy trills of enjoyment as the male patted his head, Ima and Mica moving to give more fruits to the females and gently begin attempts at brushing their exposed fur with taloned fingers.

All motions freeze as they hear the growl, Cor moves to hide in the fur of the male, whilst Ima and Maho tried to lower their heads along with the females, hoping to not disrespect the new dominant male that appears.

Cor watched, face half hidden in the fur of his male-friend before gently releasing them as the new dominant leader showed a shift in body language. Cor extended himself to the full height of 6'6 then slowly bowed himself in greeting to the Alpha and his clan mates.

As he rose, he turned his head to tweet over his shoulder to Ima and Mica, who moved to bring forth red fruits to each of the clan-mates as Cor himself brought the largest to the Alpha, his eyes watching the various scars across the Alpha's frame.

They seemed to misinterpret the gesture as a "Give food to us all".

Cor, after giving the fruit, moves to reveal the orange paste again, taking some upon his finger pads as he reaches forward to rub them into the Alpha's many scars each with gentle messaging motions.

@Nerevarine
The Society, Population 312, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 2/8
Organized Religion 2/8
Alvith Territory:
The travelers bowed their heads at the creatures response which appeared to be a sign of neutrality. They set on their way home to tell the news of a society of lizard men that rule the northern plains.
The Society:
"Ode to you, my fellow minister." Mr. Marsh spoke to his comrade in a gloomy voice inside the Minister's tent.
"What of me, my friend?" Mr. Death responded.
"O lord of industry, who on earth shall walks without thought?" Marsh asked.
"Why, Oxameter of course."
"And who shall inherit?"
"That would be Tzeentch."
"Indeed, and who shan't?"
Mr. Death stared at the zealot in confusion.
"Why, what do you mean?"
"Who shall not inherit this world?"
"Well...uh."
Mr. Marsh smiled quietly and spoke.
"A slaver. A slaver shall not inherit."
Mr. Death bolted back in shock.
"The ministers shall never fight on an open field, Lord of death, however it seems that there always could be ... a shadow war, if you will. One not of war or violence but of politics and intrigue."
The industrious minister smiled and spoke.
"I suppose such a circumstance is possible and perhaps, inevitable."
The ministers bowed to each other and joined their fellow leaders upon the podiums to give their speeches with smiling faces concealing their hidden ideas of statecraft.
The Western Forests:
A group of three Ferream Choirmen and one Polyposide philosopher were ordered into the western forests to study the type of plants that are their as requested by Mr. Apple. They trekked across the vile terrain for three days and arrived in the forests.
"What a grotesque landscape! Can you imagine what type of creature would live here?" one of the Ferream joked as the travelers marched through the bushes and dark shadows cast by the tall trees.
"Eh, beats being lost in the grasslands." His comrade responded.
"Well, not really, I me-"
The conversation was cut short by the Polyposide who noticed a odd sight.
"Hey! Look! Over there!" He pointed at a large group of dens circled in a small clearance in the forest.
"What in all Chaos? Dear god I think its a settlement!"
The Ferream Choirmen stared down at the village with the philosopher silently.
"Look at that! By the gods!" The philosopher screamed after noticing a carving on a nearby tree.
They stood and stared in shock at the drawing and with a shaky voice one of the Ferream spoke.
"Behold! An Ashen Wolf."

@Raindeer

@Raindeer

The Trio, The Alpha & The Clan Mates.

Cor gave happy trills of enjoyment as the male patted his head, Ima and Maho moving to give more fruits to the females and gently begin attempts at brushing their exposed fur with taloned fingers.

All motions freeze as they hear the growl, Cor moves to hide in the fur of the male, whilst Ima and Maho tried to lower their heads along with the females, hoping to not disrespect the new dominant male that appears.

Cor watched, face half hidden in the fur of his male-friend before gently releasing them as the new dominant leader showed a shift in body language. Cor extended himself to the full height of 6'6 then slowly bowed himself in greeting to the Alpha and his clan mates.

As he rose, he turned his head to tweet over his shoulder to Ima and Maho, who moved to bring forth red fruits to each of the clan-mates as Cor himself brought the largest to the Alpha, his eyes watching the various scars across the Alpha's frame.

They seemed to misinterpret the gesture as a "Give food to us all".

Cor, after giving the fruit, moves to reveal the orange paste again, taking some upon his finger pads as he reaches forward to rub them into the Alpha's many scars each with gentle messaging motions.

The Ashen had taken the fruits with caution, and not until seeing the two females from the border patrol chomp down on them did they dare do the same. The Alpha gave up a pleased growl as he received the larger fruit, devouring it in two enormous bites. He glanced down upon the bird and gave it a nod of appreciation.

"That is not what I wished for, but thank you."

He gave up a loud purring sound in response to the orange paste releasing the tensions somewhat around his many scars, meaning a huge relief for the male whom had most of his body covered in scars. He gently prodded his nose against the top of the bird's head, his tail swaying quickly from side to side, a calm and ease coming over the Alpha that he could not remember when he last felt.

The rest of the hounds that watched this were careful not to disturb, but grew curious about what was happening and why.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

@Nerevarine
The Society, Population 312, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 2/8
Organized Religion 2/8
Alvith Territory:
The travelers bowed their heads at the creatures response which appeared to be a sign of neutrality. They set on their way home to tell the news of a society of lizard men that rule the northern plains.
The Society:
"Ode to you, my fellow minister." Mr. Marsh spoke to his comrade in a gloomy voice inside the Minister's tent.
"What of me, my friend?" Mr. Death responded.
"O lord of industry, who on earth shall walks without thought?" Marsh asked.
"Why, Oxameter of course."
"And who shall inherit?"
"That would be Tzeentch."
"Indeed, and who shan't?"
Mr. Death stared at the zealot in confusion.
"Why, what do you mean?"
"Who shall not inherit this world?"
"Well...uh."
Mr. Marsh smiled quietly and spoke.
"A slaver. A slaver shall not inherit."
Mr. Death bolted back in shock.
"The ministers shall never fight on an open field, Lord of death, however it seems that there always could be ... a shadow war, if you will. One not of war or violence but of politics and intrigue."
The industrious minister smiled and spoke.
"I suppose such a circumstance is possible and perhaps, inevitable."
The ministers bowed to each other and joined their fellow leaders upon the podiums to give their speeches with smiling faces concealing their hidden ideas of statecraft.
The Western Forests:
A group of three Ferream Choirmen and one Polyposide philosopher were ordered into the western forests to study the type of plants that are their as requested by Mr. Apple. They trekked across the vile terrain for three days and arrived in the forests.
"What a grotesque landscape! Can you imagine what type of creature would live here?" one of the Ferream joked as the travelers marched through the bushes and dark shadows cast by the tall trees.
"Eh, beats being lost in the grasslands." His comrade responded.
"Well, not really, I me-"
The conversation was cut short by the Polyposide who noticed a odd sight.
"Hey! Look! Over there!" He pointed at a large group of dens circled in a small clearance in the forest.
"What in all Chaos? Dear god I think its a settlement!"
The Ferream Choirmen stared down at the village with the philosopher silently.
"Look at that! By the gods!" The philosopher screamed after noticing a carving on a nearby tree.
They stood and stared in shock at the drawing and with a shaky voice one of the Ferream spoke.
"Behold! An Ashen Wolf."

@Raindeer

Howling Hound clan den cluster.
16 adults, 12 younglings.

The two young males had at this point continued making several of the odd things, to the point where they had ran out of fallen scales and had attempted using rocks instead, sometimes with success, sometimes not so much. They both looked up when they felt the scent of something foreign. Something fresh smelling. And a bit of wood. Judging from the other adults that emerged from their dens they were not alone in reacting. With noses high in the air they tried to locate the scent and came to agree that it came from the west.
They stood up on their hind legs to see better and flicked their ears back and forth, collectively flinching as they heard a scream and turned their heads in the direction of it, noticing a group of four creatures staring at one of their carvings.

"What are they? Why are they here?"

A youngling spoke with a shaky voice, hiding behind a slightly older one.

An adult spoke calmly.

"Get back in the dens. If you hear fighting, run for the Rootpaw Clan. You know the way."

The younglings ran off and hid while the two young males slowly moved towards the group of strange creatures while the rest of the hounds watched carefully, prepared to rush to the aid of the two males if anything happened.

@Raindeer

The Trio, The Alpha & The Clan Mates.

Cor bobs his head in return to the dominant male's, his expression slowly brightening as he heard the purring continuing.

A giggle-like chirp exits the pale Soruli as he begins using his talons to groom the fur of the Ashen Hound leader amid the massaging, picking out any sticks or matted dirt.

He nuzzles the muzzle of the leader as his head is prodded, giving a little "thumbs up" to Ima and Maho before his talons lower to try rubbing the Alpha's belly in an act seen to be pleasing to some of the smaller animals the Soruli encountered.

Ima and Mica look at each other, both definitely concerned but moving to start giving similar grooming to the two females they initially fed fruits to in an example to all the rest that watched on.

"We have to call others with this many to care for." Mica notes in a half-chirp.

Ima lets out a little coo as he begins using both hands to actively scratch and groom the female he gave a fruit to, "We shall. Let them come to us first though, we do not wish to seem threatening."

At that, Mica looks to her fellow mate with question, letting out a trill of long tweets that's almost a groan as she gives a little scratch behind the ear of her female. "Really. We seem most threatening to these beings, Ima."

"No fighting!" Cor chirps from his position, attempting to both cuddle and scratch the Alpha's fur.

The Society, Population 315, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 2/8
Organized Religion 2/8

The troubled philosopher stared at the drawing in disbelief.
"It's... the Ashen Wolf!" He spoke with astonishment.
"Indeed, it must be, for what else could bear such features?" His comrade responded.
"What in all th-"
The philosophers words were interrupted by the sudden appearance of two wolves who approached them cautiously.
"The Wolves! Ode to Tzeentch!" The Polyposide screamed.
"Quiet!" His comrade responded!
"They are creatures of the gods and must be treated with respect."
They bowed in a triangle around the confused wolves and recited the Choir's hymn of The Wolves.
"From across the black seas of infinity, we shall invoke the fool who hath built ill the foundation of what should not have ever been built. Thy soul is stone and thy flesh is same. And stone and wood penetrate naught. Tzeentch sings of tunes abhorrent. Bring thee thy sorrows; thy ambition. And may it bend and twist to a tune unimaginable. Sing the song of Tzeentch and never shall thy perish unsung. Past, Present, Future, all are the same in Tzeentch."
One of the Choirmen looked up from prayer and spoke to his fellow.
"Now, you know what you must do."
The other Ferream nodded and he fell flat onto the ground. His comrade than stood up and pulled out a stone and drove it into his fellow's skull and the Polyposide continued the prayers, as is the tradition. He continued by drawing out the sacred tale of the Ashen Wolf in the blood of his sacrificed comrade.
"Ode to the time before Oxameter, before time, before reality. Existence was at its holiest, as everything was infinite, as everything was Tzeentch. (According to Society myth, the beginning of time and reality happened as a result of Oxameter's birth, and this is the time before that when everything was meaningless and constantly contrary due to it being completely being in the domain of the Chaos god Tzeentch.) From the bowls of Chaos emerged something new, a color not black nor white, yet somewhere in between. And it bore the name grey. With the grey came an ambitious daemon lord who bore the title, The Ashen King. He invented the concept of order. A world of stone without flesh or fire. A section of the Chaos became his, and upon it he built a city of order. With his ambition he decided that an infinity of order was only possible with the death of Tzeentch,lord of chaos. With his most valiant of warriors, the King charged into the chambers of Chaos and slew its guardians. With that the king took to the room which contained infinity itself, Tzeentch. He entered the room and stared into the infinite void. The blackness that the king observed invoked images of the future, the past, and what time cannot express. Screams cast over by the sounds of vile instruments rang out violently. Stars trembled, the skies burned and mountains rose and collapsed, observed in but a moment. Dumbstruck, the king was consumed by the Chaos and no longer did he utter the name of order. The King was distorted and mutated, changed beyond recognition. With a great roar, he became the Ashen wolf.
Western Woodlands:
"Well, damned. I think we're lost." Spoke the polyposide as they dragged Illis corpses through the forests.
They wandered across the eastern side of the forests.
(Will add to this tomorrow)

@Raindeer

The Trio, The Alpha & The Clan Mates.

Cor bobs his head in return to the dominant male's, his expression slowly brightening as he heard the purring continuing.

A giggle-like chirp exits the pale Soruli as he begins using his talons to groom the fur of the Ashen Hound leader amid the massaging, picking out any sticks or matted dirt.

He nuzzles the muzzle of the leader as his head is prodded, giving a little "thumbs up" to Ima and Maho before his talons lower to try rubbing the Alpha's belly in an act seen to be pleasing to some of the smaller animals the Soruli encountered.

Ima and Mica look at each other, both definitely concerned but moving to start giving similar grooming to the two females they initially fed fruits to in an example to all the rest that watched on.

"We have to call others with this many to care for." Mica notes in a half-chirp.

Ima lets out a little coo as he begins using both hands to actively scratch and groom the female he gave a fruit to, "We shall. Let them come to us first though, we do not wish to seem threatening."

At that, Mica looks to her fellow mate with question, letting out a trill of long tweets that's almost a groan as she gives a little scratch behind the ear of her female. "Really. We seem most threatening to these beings, Ima."

"No fighting!" Cor chirps from his position, attempting to both cuddle and scratch the Alpha's fur.

The Alpha leaned into the massage and grooming from the bird, gently scratching the bird's back in an attempt to return the favor.

The two females gave up a surprised, yet pleased purr as they received similar grooming as the Alpha, gently placing their paws on the bird's hands.

The spectating Ashen looked at each other, then at the Alpha and the females with a lot of curiosity, some moving closer and standing on their hind legs with tilted heads.
_______________________________________________________________________

The Society, Population 315, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 2/8
Organized Religion 2/8

The troubled philosopher stared at the drawing in disbelief.
"It's... the Ashen Wolf!" He spoke with astonishment.
"Indeed, it must be, for what else could bear such features?" His comrade responded.
"What in all th-"
The philosophers words were interrupted by the sudden appearance of two wolves who approached them cautiously.
"The Wolves! Ode to Tzeentch!" The Polyposide screamed.
"Quiet!" His comrade responded!
"They are creatures of the gods and must be treated with respect."
They bowed in a triangle around the confused wolves and recited the Choir's hymn of The Wolves.
"From across the black seas of infinity, we shall invoke the fool who hath built ill the foundation of what should not have ever been built. Thy soul is stone and thy flesh is same. And stone and wood penetrate naught. Tzeentch sings of tunes abhorrent. Bring thee thy sorrows; thy ambition. And may it bend and twist to a tune unimaginable. Sing the song of Tzeentch and never shall thy perish unsung. Past, Present, Future, all are the same in Tzeentch."
One of the Choirmen looked up from prayer and spoke to his fellow.
"Now, you know what you must do."
The other Ferream nodded and he fell flat onto the ground. His comrade than stood up and pulled out a stone and drove it into his fellow's skull and the Polyposide continued the prayers, as is the tradition. He continued by drawing out the sacred tale of the Ashen Wolf in the blood of his sacrificed comrade.
"Ode to the time before Oxameter, before time, before reality. Existence was at its holiest, as everything was infinite, as everything was Tzeentch. (According to Society myth, the beginning of time and reality happened as a result of Oxameter's birth, and this is the time before that when everything was meaningless and constantly contrary due to it being completely being in the domain of the Chaos god Tzeentch.) From the bowls of Chaos emerged something new, a color not black nor white, yet somewhere in between. And it bore the name grey. With the grey came an ambitious daemon lord who bore the title, The Ashen King. He invented the concept of order. A world of stone without flesh or fire. A section of the Chaos became his, and upon it he built a city of order. With his ambition he decided that an infinity of order was only possible with the death of Tzeentch,lord of chaos. With his most valiant of warriors, the King charged into the chambers of Chaos and slew its guardians. With that the king took to the room which contained infinity itself, Tzeentch. He entered the room and stared into the infinite void. The blackness that the king observed invoked images of the future, the past, and what time cannot express. Screams cast over by the sounds of vile instruments rang out violently. Stars trembled, the skies burned and mountains rose and collapsed, observed in but a moment. Dumbstruck, the king was consumed by the Chaos and no longer did he utter the name of order. The King was distorted and mutated, changed beyond recognition. With a great roar, he became the Ashen wolf.

Howling Hound clan territory
16 adults, 12 younglings.

The young males were startled by the initial scream upon being spotted and lowered their bodies to the ground and displaying their fangs, preparing to defend themselves.

Their defensive stance remained unchanged as they were surrounded, the other hounds forming a circle around the creatures, ready to pounce at the first move of aggression towards the triangulated hounds.

When one of the creatures was beaten to unquestionable death, even if seeming to have been a willing death, the older of the two males slowly moved forward and sniffed the dead one. The scent of wood was clearly coming from those of higher numbers. But why was he killed? Was it a sacrifice for them to feed upon?

The beings kept making sounds that made no sense at all to the hounds. The hounds that circled around the creatures crept ever closer, growling as to mark that this was their territory and that they had the upper hand.

The younger one in the circle gave up a howl to calm those encircling the creatures. They had been threatening, but yet to actually harm them.

The older one bit onto the "beak" on the dead creature and dragged it into the triangle, leaving a trail of blood behind.

"If they wish to sacrifice to us, we may as well eat."

The younger one gave in to the hunger and dug into the dead creature only to spit it out with a grunt.

"It tastes like a tree... And it is hard like as a tree... We can not eat this!"

@Raindeer
The Society, Population 315, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 2/8
Organized Religion 2/8
"Tis odd." Spoke the philosopher after the philosopher observed the wolf attempting to eat his fellow comrade.
"What a strange reaction! Does it thinks us daft?"
The Choirman stared down in silent prayer and spoke
"No, tis not. For it appears that a wolf hath forgotten the hymns. They understand us naught. And thus we must remind them!"
He went forth and drew pictures using the blood and attempted to draw out the story of The Ashen King.
Western Woodlands:
The patrol, after wandering for a while, got caught in the foreboding night of the forests. They marched for miles until they heard some strange noises emerging from the trees.
@Father Dagon