Time: Era of Gray (no precise timekeeping system developed). Upcoming: Era of Black and White

Information


Snapping

In the western exploration, the mediators of agreement (white) and disagreement (black) were moving with the other Platta there up until now. Now, something had made them halt. The dust began to stir as the Platta in front were physically fighting each other. This was a very rare event at all. Anger was driving what the Platta present said to each other. The disagreement over the means of discussion had reached a breaking point. No one was using weapons yet, as the sentry in the fight had been forced to remove it. The mediators, who were around, but more calm, stared in shock and fear over this event. They were fearing a divide in Platta life, and they were right.

In the eastern exploration, the same Platta engineer (yellow) who had come up with the mathematical writing system had just witnessed a fruit snap and fall from a nearby tree. This observation made them question how such a thing could be joined as one object to separate into two, while at the same time, the fruit on other parts of the tree remain stable. They picked up the red fruit, and upon doing so, the brittle connections made it split in several pieces. The idea of division showed itself very strongly, and they began to draw what all the sudden inspiration compelled them to do.

The mediator of all (gray) was also on this journey and seemed troubled. A different Platta asked what was causing this, as the exploration was going well so far. The Platta explained, "It is the discussions regarding the order of tasks. There has never been as great a divide amongst Platta ways. I fear this may be our last exploration where all Platta work together."

@Valkyr
In the northern exploration, the Platta observed the reaction closely. The apparent panic of the creatures and grabbing of weapons confirmed the Platta speculation they were protective of themselves. The Platta had also known from the past, though, that to attack or run was often more provoking than standing still during these times, and so remained observing. At one point, one of them had slowly repeated the word of "food". The attempt to imitate was understood as cautious greeting. The one which went for the fish that was pushed back also confirmed the Platta idea of their cautiousness.

Soon, more words were spoken, but none Platta recognized. However, the gesture was more understandable. It appeared to be a reference to everyone of the creatures. It wasn't clear if it was meant as an introduction or a warning, but the Platta caretaker figured if it was meant as a warning, there would have been more aggression by now. The words were noted by a Platta in the back, as the caretaker in front gestured to all Platta present saying, "Platta."

@Elitestpotato@Nerevarine
In the southern area, where Faw had decided to travel with the Platta, the Platta observed the Arsurons. The symbolism most Platta had read into the creatures was that they were creatures that valued the pursuit of learning (light blue) in the effort to aid their lives (green).

The Platta observed the deconstruction of the canoe and conversations. The Platta had never considered much in the way of building something to be on the river nor making something of wood to the complexity of a canoe. Although they had no idea what the creatures talked about, they did notice the bowing and repeating of words. The sole engineer (yellow) of the group had noticed the pattern but didn't know what to make of it. They noticed the repetition, but wasn't sure what that meant. The book was also noticed and although the writing wasn't readable, they did notice the similarity to the Platta concept of dyeing cloth and wondered if the creatures were drawing symbolism similarly.

As the Platta and Faw were approached by the unknown creatures, the Platta prepared food to give as a gesture of friendship thinking that was more able to be understood than any words. They also told Faw quietly that they did not know these creatures, and were going to try greeting it as they had done with her in the past.

The Cindorayi Republic, Population: 186, Year 26 IL, Age of the Quarter Moon

@Elitestpotato

"I was chosen." said Ekatyrina in response. To illustrate what she meant, the other Cindorayi gathered around her in a circle and pointed, as if picking, at her. "The Cindorayi pick amongst all the members of their race who they want to be the leader. Whoever is chosen by more than half wins." This time Sonya stepped into the circle, and roughly 80% pointed at Ekatyrina and 20% at Sonya, showing how it worked.

When it was finished, Sonya said, "The chief is selected by us so that they work for us, not themselves."

---

Nadya quietly gestured at the teskur in the distance, blissfully grazing. Her party of hunters had traveled farther east than ever before, in pursuit of new and more exciting game. She and the others with her, riding on their hawkynders, drew arrows and fitted them to their bows, drawing back and then firing in quick succession. The four arrows flew gracefully and struck the teskur in the side. It bellowed, and prepared to charge at them, but it had only taken a few steps forward when another volley struck it in its face and it fell to the ground, dead. Nadya cheered, and the others tugged at their improvised stirrups and rode forward to collect their prize.

A peculiar sensation came over her as she began to follow, and she hesitated. Something wasn't right.

In that brief moment of hesitation, an enormous net fell from the trees around the three other hunters, and entangled them and their hawkynder mounts. Out of the surrounding trees from all sides came other Cindorayi which Nadya had never seen before, who charged forth with knives and spears of a shiny, brownish material. Realizing that she could not fight so many, she turned around and urged her hawkynder as fast as possible back to the village. Two of the attacking warriors stood prepared with their spears, but she let fly an arrow which killed one. The other warrior, seeing her pull another arrow from her quiver, jumped out of the way of her path.

And so Nadya escaped the ambush set for her hunting party, and rode swiftly back to inform Ekatryina and the council of the news: the final group of Cindorayi had been found, and their intentions were clearly not benign.

---

Stone tools: 8/8
Animal Husbandry: 3/5
Wheel: 1/4
Copper Working: 1/8

The Kingdom of the Cindorayi, Population: 142 (one casualty from combat), Year: 76

"Wake up." a Cindorayi male voice said gruffly, slapping Kseniya in the face.

Kseniya regained consciousness dazedly, trying to make sense of her surroundings. Her hands and feet were tied behind her, and she and the other two members of Nadya's hunting party were tied similarly. In front of her, atop a throne fashioned from stone, sat a man with a crown of the same brownish, shiny material which was embedded with moon crystals. Two guards, also male, stood to either side of him, one evidently having been the one who slapped her in the face.

"Who... who are you?" she managed to pronounce.

The man on the throne smiled. "Who am I?"

"I am your ruler. I always have been, and I will always be. You may call me... Rajah."

Arsuron

Population: 280

Arsur Coast: 76 (4 in Uaru territory; 1 in Monastic Territory; 2 Illis)
River Camp: 77 (4 Illis)
Lotus Colony: 76 (6 in Soruli Territory; 2 Illis)
Kanesh Colony: 19 (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 [+]

• Agriculture: 3/5
• Bätänjűr (Arsuron Ninjutsu): 7/8
• Mathematics: Complete
• Bronze: 4/5
• Organized Religion: 4/7
• Canal Building & Irrigation: 1/6
• Lunar Calendar: 1/5

Food for the Colonists
Anlam's observations were truly paying off. Collecting date seeds and learning to transplant wild grass was truly becoming something that would be continued in the desert colonies. It was even found that placing watermelon seeds into the sand deep enough would keep them from coming out when watered. But this was no exact science yet, and often a plant would simply fail to grow when the seen was sewn or the young shoots were put back in the ground. Getting their water was difficult enough as well, for the nearest oasis was a far trek uphill in the hot desert sun, only for the water to be poured onto the soil for a plant that may not even grow. There had to be a way to get the water to them. But how.

Anlam had been pondering on this for months after he convinced the people of Kanesh to even try his idea. Now, he had another idea. Make a path for the water. It would take some planning but he felt that with the right ingenuity, he could pave the way for his people.

The Platta
@aweirdgamer@Elitestpotato
Antersh and Ansor had made their way over to the strange assortment of motley creatures and and a oddly out of place larger white creature. The two Arsuron exchanged looks at each other as the female missionary, Antersh, said something.

"Look," She said, to Ansor, pointing towards their drawings of the Arsuron. "Obviously an intelligent species...but what of the more brutish creature?"

"Maybe a slave" Ansor replied to his superior

"Perhaps, we'll have to keep an eye on that one" Antersh replied before facing the Platta and taking note of their offering of food.

"A peace offering?" Ansor asked

"Almost certainly," Antersh said, smiling at the Platta as she accepted their offering, taking out her copper dining knife and a long, thin skewer used to stab and pick up food. "Ansor, prepare a watermelon, and lay out a cloth for us to sit upon."

Antersh waited for her companion to arrive and offer up the watermelon as a sign of peace. The two Arsuron attempted to introduce themselves simply as possible.

"na Antersh" she said, pointing to herself
"na Ansor" the other said, pointing to himself
"nahi Arsurón" they said pointing to each other.

Antersh had one more thing to say, "Nahi isi turer du'de fïnökshűr yi'am'i" (We have come here (to bring) to you The Mathematics of Yi'am)

The Soruli
@Diehard243

The various stations seemed to be of great enjoyment to the Arsuron. Many things, new things they had never seen or experienced before. The sensations and flavors, along with odd things like dancing, an activity not very prevalent in the Arsur or even in Lotus Colony. Anjar was watching them intently, seeing how his fellow scouts behaved.

Something in particular came to the attention of Anjar. The powders, and the effect they had on the Arsuron. Excusing himself from Naho for a second, Anjar walked over to the station where one scout lay in euphoria. Anjar took out of his satchel a long sharp tool, the same used for skewering food, and jabbed it into the scout's side.

Barely any reaction, as if the pain was not present. The limp Arsuron had made a half hearted groan but he did not show any signs of pain. Anjar was quite impressed. Such a pain killer could be vital in helping scouts and soldiers recover from the pain of wounds. Jabbing the scout a few more times, the leader stood back in confidence. Making his way back to Naho, he quickly drew a picture that conveyed the question he wanted her to know.

"What do you want for some of this powder?"

In the meanwhile, the Arsuron were thoroughly enjoying themselves. This place was so unlike the coastlines, even Lotus Colony, which was in the rainforest, had a much different feel to it. It must be the Soruli, their childlike and playful ways were every endearing to the Arsuron.

The Night-Walkers, Population 36 (22 in Khlin, 14 in Imlona)

Age of the Awoken Darkness, Midnight (roughly) of Hilal (Crescent Moon)

Techs: Map-making (1/3)

Heart-Tree of The Homelands

"We will meet the world. We will stop hiding, for if we do not face the world, it will face us. We face the world, and we gain our place. If the world must face us, our society burns to ash, forever lost to us."
-Bolach

Profound darkness surrounded the grounds near the center of the forest. Pure blackness seemed to stem from the Heart-Tree of the Homelands, the citadel that glows with power and respect inside the innermost sanctums of the land. The beating heart of the forest that must stand witness to any true claim of leadership or similar ritual. On this night, two groups of Night-Walkers were gathered around two opposing sides of the tree, the villagers of Imlona and the villagers of Khlin. Supporters of Trixarch and Bolach. The holy night of Hilal was near its zenith, the crescent reaching the center of the sky. It was declared time to finally begin the ritual. The challenge of Takanakuy, the trial of the gods' will. A true struggle, though a simple one. After the initial speeches and rituals to the gods, it is a battle with no quarter, no survivors, and but one is allowed to leave alive. It is the most serious of rituals, one invoked only in matters of ultimate and profound importance to the future of the Walkers.

Bolach spoke a few words to Haixun and rose to his feet. He could feel it in the air, the spirits watching and waiting in anticipation. He could feel a sense of peace, a sense that if he lost, his son has been prepared. Haixun is ready. Trixarch rose as well, feeling much of the same as his opponent, except that he felt a sense of superiority, that the spirits he gave tribute would surely give him victory this day. With the two enemies risen to their feet, they walked closer until they were within ten paces of each other. Then, the other Walkers rose and gathered in a circle surrounding them. There was great tension in the air, they could feel the mutual animosity these two shared for one another. Even if they were friends, there was no backing out now.

Trixarch was first to give his vows before the battle, "You challenged me, Bolach, and here I am. You challenged me, though you have no respect for our traditions. You would have us trade them for your foolish belief that these outsiders are to be trusted, that they are to be understood to survive. This will end in the demise of our people. You have no idea what kind of creatures you may find, ones that may track us back here and kill us all. No, this will not come to be. The spirits must agree, you will find nothing here but death. I vow to fight you, and save our people from the flames you would bring upon our people."

With his speech finished, Bolach responded with his, "Yes, I challenged you, Trixarch. I challenged you because you are a fool, a fool that would have us squat in our trees as the rest of the world moves forward without us. This moving world would eventually find us, we simply have the choice of living on, one with this world stuck in motion, or be crushed in an attempt to resist. This is our choice, and I believe that our people should continue to exist. The spirits will guide me either to my demise or my victory. In this, I feel peace. I vow to fight you, Trixarch. I vow to fight you and save our people not from the flames, but from the cruel lord that is time."

Thus spoken, Bolach and Trixarch began circling one another, waiting for a moment to strike. This was life or death, not just for the two leaders, but both believed that their civilization was at risk as well. Crimson blood stained the forest soil, Trixarch had lashed out with a great fury, smashing Bolach onto the ground. Trixarch jumped at the grounded Bolach, dumbfounded when he seemingly disappeared. Trixarch was grabbed from behind and eventually wrestled to the tree. A great struggle ensued, neither able to gain an inch of ground against the other. Trixarch's strength was pitted against Bolach's endurance and agility. Fighting blow for blow, the stalemate finally ended. There was a mushroom in the ground a few paces from where they fought, Trixarch's back to it. Bolach, sensing the advantage, had a sudden burst of strength, taking Trixarch by surprise. Trixarch fell back and tripped on this unfortunate toadstool. Bolach jumped on top of Trixarch, wrapping his hands around the chief of Imlona's neck. When Trixarch realized where he was, he tried to grab for Bolach, but his arms were blocked by roots. It didn't take him long to get his arms out from under the web of roots, but it was long enough. In this grand darkness, the near-invisible eyes on Trixarch's face bulged and he tried to resist, but it was too late. His spirit was now to be one with the darkness, one with the Heart-Tree, one with the moon. Trixarch's spirit departed from his body after a short period of resistance, and with that, a new age dawned upon the Night-Walkers.

@Shoggothought
While the Walkers began looked at one another, in great interest of their new future and a limited sense of mourning (he had an honorable death, he will live on in the glories of the afterlife). They were no longer separate people, according to Bolach. They were one people, one great tribe united. It was during this that a scream was heard. A Walker had turned and saw a group Wooden Men that had watched the whole ritual, had gone into the back of the crowd when they gathered together. The Wooden Men saw the ritual, they know of the Heart-Tree. Bolach responded to this sudden chaos by climbing to a nearby branch. He told the people, "The spirits chose me for victory this night. They guided my hand in the death of Trixarch, just as they must have guided the Wooden Men here. I challenged Trixarch to give us a chance to connect with the world around us, and this is the first step. My son has a theory to communicate with them, and I believe that we can do so. Let us open our doors to the future and find out what these creatures know."

After his speech, many of the Walkers had calmed down. Then, a villager from Imlona, recognized as one of Trixarch's supporters, rose up to an opposing branch. She spoke, "Have you no shame! These creatures, they have seen the Heart-Tree, the holy sanctum of the Homelands. You have no respect for our traditions, you can't rule Imlona. You have no right!" The angry Walker took out her bow and in the matter of a moment, loosed an arrow at Bolach. Chaos erupted as Bolach was hit and flew off the branch into the ground. Near civil-war came when some villagers of Imlona tried to grab the Wooden Men and some of Khlin tried to attack Bolach's killer. Some tried to stop the chaos, but it seemed that there would be a slaughter.

Haixun was told by Bolach that Imlona might be a problem, that they might even try to go against the spirits' ruling. He was told how to invoke traditions to uphold his claim and end the whining of Imlona villagers (or, as it turned out, open aggression). Haixun went to a branch overlooking the chaos and shouted "Silence! You killed Bolach, yet he was given victory by the spirits. You would kill the Wooden Men, though they have done you no harm, yet they seem capable to. You would kill this assassin, though she should be handled by the chief. I was designated the heir of Bolach and by the moon and tree you will heed my words! Stop this if you respected my father and our tradition! I am chief of Khlin and Imlona!"

Surprised, the Walkers did actually stop. The strength in his voice was incredible, stronger than that they had heard from their former leaders. The Wooden Men were cautious and did not understand what had happened, but they recognized that this Walker on the branches was now their undivided leader. They did not flee, they were intrigued by what they were seeing. "My father spoke of a method for communication and I will use it. We will speak with these creatures and find out where they come from, and we will seek out the City at the End of the World and beyond. We will see what lies beyond the wastes of the east and beyond the woods of the north. We will become a strong, united people. Any who would dare disagree speak now." Haixun spoke. None tried to disagree.

Haixun climbed down to the ground and walked with a stick to the Wooden Men. He whispered a quick prayer to the moon, hoping that this would actually work, as his legitimacy depended on this. Haixun walked to the Wooden Men, and silently thanked the gods as they looked at him curiously. He drew a message in the ground amounting to, "What are you doing here?" The Wooden Men, understanding, took the stick and drew a picture of them delivering corpses to the Forest. The next question was "Who are you?" The Wooden Men drew a picture of a large settlement with three distinct creatures shown. A Wooden Man, a creature with a spherical head that is seen dead around the forest every now and then, and a humanoid shape with limbs seemingly coming off of their face. The next question, "Where is this?" The Wooden Men looked at each other and, after some deliberation, drew an arrow pointing east.

Haixun's final message before ordering the people back to their villages and leaving was "Tell your chief we will soon visit your land." The Ferream looked at one another and nodded before leaving. Looking back at the villagers, Haixun spoke, "Ah, almost forgot. Grab the killer. The spirits must have their due."

@Raindeer

The Trio & The Alpha & The Clan Mates

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

Cor lets out a happy tweet, the danger of these sharp claws that could so easily pierce his flesh treated with subtle caution. His taloned hands move to guide the Alpha's body to lay down as the grooming continued, fingers working at double speed to do what they could.

Ima and Mica meanwhile started dividing attention between two of these beasts at a time, slowly making their way through almost a quarter of those present before an almost unconscious decision occurs.

The trio begins leading the hounds toward The Home Tree and its ever beating heart of drums.

@Nerevarine

Arsuron Traders in The Soruli Territory

Naho tilted her head in confusion as she watched Anjar approach the individuals, moving a step or so behind him for a moment before she pauses.

As he pulls out the tool, her eyes squint, but as he jabs his fellow trader, her eyes widen. The Soruli overlooking the drugs-making makes a small gasping sound, taloned fingers raising to their mouth. Immediately after Anjar's prodding comes to an end, this Soruli starts using some other combinations items upon the mat to create a small amount of light pastes, spreading them on the areas prodded.

Shifting her gaze from this to Anjar as he draws, she looks to the picture, mind processing this request.

'A sharing of the powders...' She taps her chin, head tilting side to side before she gazes at his face. She squints a little, leaning herself to gaze at his mask in wonder before reaching up to gently tap at it with a fingertip before pausing her hand.

She takes up a stick and draws in the dirt a return message meaning: <"Masks for some dust.">

Her eyes glance toward the Arsuron now all lazing in their reaction to the natural concoction before adding something that seems to suggest that at least one Soruli and one Arsuron remain with either group.

Amid their stay, as long as it may become, the Arsuron seemed to be treated like dear family lost and found again. Their more rigid manners were curious, their masked faces mysterious, but their presence welcomed warmly.

The Cindorayi Republic, Population: 199, Year 28 IL, Age of the Quarter Moon

"What if picked leader weak or dumb or not glorious!?", Hof exclaims, pointing at the Cindorayi that are being used to show the voting process and then acts out the opposite of the traits used to describe Dud.

@Elitestpotato

"Then Cindorayi are not smart for picking them." Ekatyrina smiled. "If most of Cindorayi pick leader, she must be strong, smart and glorious, or otherwise they would not pick her." "Fighting over leadership," she said, gesturing to the others, "weakens tribes. If we pick and do not fight, we remain strong."

Sonya whispered in her ear, and her eyes widened. She nodded, and said. "Sonya suggests that you follow us for the Luna Celebration. It is to start tonight, in the main city. There will be much food, singing, dance, and music. You can then return to your people and then tell them what you have learned."

---

The Kingdom of the Cindorayi, Population: 156, Year: 77

Rajah sat thoughtfully for a moment before continuing. He was seated upon his stone chair, placed inside a tent made from some kind of woven fabric, as his guards stood to either side of the prisoner restrained with rope on the floor.

"Since the dawn of time, the Cindorayi have been ruled by the Perumal imperial line, of which I am the seventeenth. Your ancestors broke with us, and scattered from the fallen star to create your own societies. I have every intention of rectifying that mistake. Before long, the so-called 'republic' you claim to belong to will be crushed under the tracks of this kingdom, and we will finally aspire to our true goal: that of empire."

Kseniya shifted in her rope bindings. She was cut and bruised from the king's guards, who punished her every outburst and insult. She was of a strong will, however, and continued to resist.

"I have never heard of such a thing," she spat. "And now I see why my ancestors left to the west, with such a cruel man claiming to be their overlord. Luna will bring another crystal star to destroy you and return justice."

"Crystal, you say?" Rajah laughed. "My dear, you have provided me with all the information I need to know." He gestured to his guards, and they tightened the noose around her neck. He watched stoically as she choked and struggled, and when she finally expired he rose.

"Bring the warriors. It is time to reclaim the crystal."

As the guards rushed out, Rajah strode to a nearby stone pedestal, the only other thing of note in the tent, upon which rested a strange shaped metallic object, which bore in it a diamond-shaped hole, as if something was meant to go there. He passed his fingers over it and smiled.

---

Animal Husbandry: 3/5
Wheel: 2/4
Copper Working: 2/8

The Herenthor, Population:125

The boy name Hmph was a man now. It had been 32 moons since the tribe had banished him, not even allowing him a chance to voice his opinion. For 16 moons he lived in bitterness and anger, but then something happened. He found clarity. One night in a dream, he was visited by a sunset red ferf. It spoke in Hmph’s language and told him that it was his job to train Ferf (the pet), and that all Herenthor will someday live amongst the ferfs and worship them as the representatives for the God of life, Threetna. Now, for 16 moons, Hmph had worked to teach Ferf the how to live with a Herenthor. Working in the woods had taught the Hmph some of the skills the other Herenthor couldn’t teach him. Soon, Hmph would be ready to reveal himself to the other Herenthor!

Domestication: 2/4
Religion: ⅓

---

@Nerevarine

Rffh could not believe it his searches had become fruitful! For 34 moons he had been searching for a trace of another civilization besides the Herenthor. At first it had been hard for Rffh, as he did not consider himself a leader and was overwhelmed by the responsibility. The same was true about his survival skills. Rffh reflected at how that led to a very miserable first five moons of searching, but then he grew into the role and became confident. He realized that Phamp (the leader of the Herenthor) had a reason for putting him in charge of the search. By the sixth moon, Rffh had become a leader. He left behind the blind follower he was before, and he was beginning to work on his temper issues.

Rffh blinked, he would have time for reflection later, he was on the brink of making the biggest discovery in Herenthor history. Rffh patted himself on the back, without his judgement they never would have found this strange village. They had been trekking on difficult and treacherous terrain, and after five days, and were ready to turn back. As it was the hot season of the year, they felt they were boiling in the humid air. But as the party made the fifth stop that hower, Rffh smelled smoke. Finally they had found the village, and had been observing the people for three days.

The party reviewed the procedure for what how they were to make contact. Rffh, Hef, and Yurph were to peacefully approach the intelligent beings slowly with their arms in the air.. After they had gained significant attention, Hef would use his claws to draw pictures in the dirt. There would be three pictures, one of the Herenthor village, a landmark that they had passed, and a local plant, this would be their way of showing they were intelligent too. As Rffh, Hef, and Yurph would present themselves, the rest of the party would remain hidden, ready to attack with their claws if they heard trouble.

It was time, a larger amount of the creatures were in the village than normal. The three walked towards the village, sweating abnormal amounts for desert dwellers. This was partially due to the fact that they weren’t used to humidity, even in small amounts, but mostly due to how exposed they felt. Only time would tell what would happen.

(OOC: When I wrote that there was an abnormally large amount of people in the village, I wasn’t referring to any specific event, and you don’t have to explain it if you don’t need to.
You can write Hef drawing the pictures into the ground if you need to, also.)

Interspecies Interaction of Inter-ness: 1/?

---

Tref had made an amazing discovery! He found that if one digged a hole deep enough, and near the ocean, that it fill with water after a couple of hours! This water was fresh and drinkable. After finishing his tests on the matter and coming to this conclusion, he took the day long trek from the edge of the Herenthor territory to the main Herenthor village.

“I am searching for Phamp!’ he exclaimed as soon as he entered the village, startling some at the late hour.

“What is it!,” shouted a grumpy voice, “ If someone hasn’t died, you’re about to.”

The threat didn’t faze Tref, in fact he barely registered it, “ Thankfully, no one has died. The reason for my alarm is an amazing discovery.” Unfortunately for Tref, he was forced to try and sleep the night and wait until the morning to share his discovery. After a sleepless night, he and Phamp conversed and came to the conclusion that this could be used to supply the villages with water, eliminating the need to make dangerous treks into the jungle and bringing back water that may contain disease. Soon a party of workers would be journy Tref and Phamp to choose a place that could be used to use the discovery..

Wells: 1/2

@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.

The two males looked at the drawings with tilted heads, seeming completely lost in what was going on until two creatures that looked vaguely like the Ashen. (Be it bad drawing or evolution changing the Ashen over time.)

The two males barked between one another in excitement as they understood.

"The Ancestors! They speak of the Ancestors! Show them the carvings! Show them!"

The hounds that had circled around quickly ran off towards a large group of trees near the den cluster, the two males pawing at the creature that had carved in the ground and pointed in the direction the other's had ran off too before following them, barking while they ran.

The carving was older than any of the Ashen present, or even alive and was a highly detailed depiction of two massive hounds entwined in one another's fur. The tree next to it had a carving of the same two hounds, but with the addition of several small Ashen circling around the ball that was the two massive ones. The third carving depicted the massive ones disappearing to the skies, leaving the smaller ones on the ground.

@Raindeer

The Trio & The Alpha & The Clan Mates

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

Cor lets out a happy tweet, the danger of these sharp claws that could so easily pierce his flesh treated with subtle caution. His taloned hands move to guide the Alpha's body to lay down as the grooming continued, fingers working at double speed to do what they could.

Ima and Mica meanwhile started dividing attention between two of these beasts at a time, slowly making their way through almost a quarter of those present before an almost unconscious decision occurs.

The trio begins leading the hounds toward The Home Tree and its ever beating heart of drums.

The Alpha followed the gentle guidance and laid down, allowing further grooming with continued purring.

The surrounding hounds that received grooming joined in the purring, slowly forming a choir loud enough to overpower the surrounding sounds of the rainforest.

They followed the lead of their newfound friends, the Alpha sticking close behind the bird with black fur, gently brushing his nose against her feathers, taking in her scent.

"We have done it. We have emerged from our holes...and into civilization"
A young Council Member sat upon hill looking out at the Jungle.
He looks back to see a small gathering of poorly made buildings and food stands.
He gets up and walks back to town, but he wouldn't stay there long for he has the task of trying to find other Civilizations and try to make any kind of trade he can.
An older Council Member approaches him...
"It is time"
The Young Member nodded, and responds nervously.
"I-I will not fail you s-s-sir"
"That has yet to be seen my friend, but you have my utmost respect(He pauses) stay safe"
"I'll try"
The Older Member laughs.
"Ah I will miss m'boy"
"And I you sir"
They hug.
////////////////////////////
After saying his goodbyes the young council member takes what supplies he can, and sets off into a dangerous world full of surprises and intrigue...
//////////////////////////
To be continued....

Time: Era of Gray (no precise timekeeping system developed). Upcoming: Era of Black and White

Information


But Black As Well

In the western exploration, after some time, the fight had ended. More emotions were tense than blood had been spilled, but it was still an awkward time. The Platta here split into three main groups for tonight. They were of the Platta seeking the different organization ideas, as well as some who were more interested in Platta cooperation than a particular side. The mediator of disagreement (black) was in this last group, and they were thinking about how to resolve this. It was their job to come up with ways to resolve conflict with mutual benefit, but they couldn't find a clear way that both groups could be made happy at this time. What seemed best was separate cities which each tried their own style, but this also meant a clear division of Platta way which seemed unheard of yet reasonable.

Meanwhile, in the group favoring hierarchical organization, they did realize a problem they had ignored. If there was conflict over what to do, how could that be resolved without discussion? Up until now, they saw white as a task delegator but what to do in the event of disagreement? A mediator of disagreement role was seen as more needed but they didn't want to admit that discussions were a simpler solution here.

In the eastern exploration, the Platta engineer (yellow) continued to explore mathematics and writing about it. The broken fruit had made them wonder how it can snap from a tree yet the tree remain, as well as snap of itself, yet bring multiple smaller pieces? This seemed off because the fruit wasn't a part of the tree conceptually but was physically until what made it fall. "What made this work?", they asked themselves.

The mediator of all (gray) was also on this journey and seemed troubled. A different Platta asked what was causing this, as the exploration was going well so far. The Platta explained, "It is the discussions regarding the order of tasks. There has never been as great a divide amongst Platta ways. I fear this may be our last exploration where all Platta work together."

@Elitestpotato@Nerevarine
The Platta observe the creatures talk. They don't know what they are saying to each other, but it hints to the Platta they are social creatures given their willingness to discuss with each other in the front of unknown life. The return with the watermelon is seen as a return of the peaceful greeting, and Platta follow with more food sharing. The cloth that is brought to sit upon is looked all over for drawing and color symbolism.
OOC: What color and design is the cloth?
IC:

When the introductions are made, the Platta writer (dark blue) of the group notes this on some cloth with many colors, including some black dye which is in smaller amounts than any other color. The last words about the bringing of mathematics to them aren't understood but it is figured that the unknown life isn't aware other creatures that can communicate might have different languages. "Perhaps they, too, associate intelligence as a trait not of being form but of ability to communicate. The Platta might also be a first meet for them.", the caretaker (dark green) thinks.

The caretaker (dark green) attempts to imitate the intent, gesturing to themselves and saying, "Wriz" while pointing to themselves. The other Platta follow with their own names. The writer of the group's name is "Kifam". Time is made for Faw to introduce herself if she chooses. The caretaker also then gestures to everyone, including Faw, and says "Platta". If Faw doesn't introduce herself, the caretaker then specifically points towards Faw, and says "Faw. Snow Brute". The caretaker, not knowing the ending message, stops there to see what is said next. A Platta child of the group, named "Tini" tries the watermelon as more food is brought out by the Platta as friendly intentions are perceived.

Arsuron

Population: 300

Arsur Coast: 82 (4 in Uaru territory; 1 in Monastic Territory; 6 Illis)
River Camp: 82 (6 Illis)
Lotus Colony: 81 (6 in Soruli Territory; 2 Illis)
Kanesh Colony: 21 (4 Illis)

Trading Posts [+]

Yijen Fork Trading Post: 16 (10 Arsuron; 6 Illis)
Karom Mission: 8 (2 in Alvith Territory; 2 in Platta Territory)

Technological Progress [+]

• Agriculture: 4/5
• Bätänjűr (Arsuron Ninjutsu): Complete
• Currency: 1/6
• Bronze: Complete
• Organized Religion: 5/7
• Canal Building & Irrigation: 2/6
• Lunar Calendar: 2/5

Dogma
Since his return to the Arsur Coast, It was clear that AntekH was not the same as when he had departed 2 úsrog ago. He held the title of anfir, a mysterious cult from the west. His talks of an overgod, and of a holy trinity had apparently won over AnreH, who had her returned companion increase missionary action to the Arsur Coast and Lotus colony. It would be declared that all people learn the correct ways. Though it was not official, mathematicism had become the official interpretation of the Arusuron. With mathematicism came mathematics, and an increased knowledge of how numbers worked, and how equivalent values could exist, increased trade efficiency. In the spirit of equations, traders began to ponder what was equal to what in trade.

A Sense of Place
It was becoming very obvious to anyone who observed that the social structure of the Arsuron had become more rigid. The once semi-egalitarian Arsuron were developing a sense of Caste. As their mythology and religion was beginning to shift, they developed a story of justification.

When Fiyam created the world with the aid of Kiyam and Kikisk, it was only natural that the great one would divide us according to the holy number. He, the great one, split us into 5 castes. The Rulers, the Priests, The Merchants, The Warriors, and the Farmers.

In each caste he declared 4 Tribes, and each tribe would hold 3 clans. The 12 Clans of the Arsur Coast would hold us all, our families relegated to a clan by our god and our place in this world decided thereby

Perhaps most interesting was that this change was not declared by the Chief or by the Church, but simply was becoming an unwritten law. The people had begun to sense their place in the world and in society. The division was very strong, but each Arsuron Caste saw themselves not as a separate entity, but an archetype of their society as a whole.

AntekH's Magnum Opus

"It is finished...after all these moons, it is finally finished"

AntekH had begun work on this substance from the moment that he was elected into the speakers by the first anfir. And now here he stood, as the new anfir, and on this day he had perfected the equation he was working on, and created something beautiful and powerful in the resulting mixture. It was all as he had predicted, that the more tin he added to the copper, the stronger it became. Over time the metal was far beyond what he had expected, and beyond anything that copper could do.

AntekH found that different levels of tin created different strengths, making the resulting creation a more versatile metal. It was perfection, and he had mathematics to thank for it.

"Distribute the recipe to all the cities, and make sure that the suppy of tin is oppened to all. Bronze will become the new standard of our people. When all traders and missionaries return from foreign lands, have their copper weapons melted down and converted to bronze."

Shadow Warriors

Anlug was an old woman now, long past her time of scouting and stealth missions. But not old enough to be unable to pass down what she learned. Indeed today she would be training a small group of 10 students in the art of Bätänjűr (Vetenshűr in Bronze Age Arsuronic). This martial art had been developed in the age before copper and bronze, but indeed these new innovations would only improve on the weapons she used as a young scout.

Training was brutal and hard, but in the end, the students would be trained in arts that would make them masters of espionage assassination and other black ops; elites among the scouts. But for now the art was in its infancy, and only more practice would make it better.

Southern People

@Joegreenbeen
Today was a special day, the festival of Kireth. Today, Arsuron from all across the coastal territories had come to the central village to see the statue of Kireth being taken out, cleaned, and blessed by the priests before being placed upon a column in the sacrificial fire pit.

A procession of 60 carriers hauled the statue, cast of pure silver, though tarnished at the moment. It was to be washed in a scrub of grit and then smoothed out and any lost features recarved. A crowd had gathered as the priests began vigorously washing the monument, as its dark black surface gave way to glimmering silver. The people were in awe, offering prayers to Kireth and counting intensely. For a while it seemed like none would even notice the Herenthor approaching. That was until a female member of the warrior caste took notice.

The crowd had turned in near unison to meet them, though they would not be able to see their apparent look of anger at the ceremony being disrupted under their various masks. The priests than made a declaration.
"Arrest the outsiders and hold them until the statuary is cleaned. We will question them inside the temple."

And so 5 of the warrior Arsuron approached the three, and with the use of bronze tipped spears, began moving them away from the crowd and towards the nearby temple. Once inside, the three Herenthor were given a piece of paper and a copper drawing utensil, along with a small bottle of dye, with one of the Arsuron showing them how to use the copper pen.

The 5 warriors stood inside the room, watching them to see if they were able to draw them anything. One of them begins to take hold of the pen, and after some trial and error, begins to draw what appears to be a village

"Is that...a village, with other creatures like them?" one of the male warriors said
"Look at that, its the Black Stone of Kiyam" Another female pointed out, in great excitement
"A papyrus reed?" Another spoke in disbelief

The 5 warriors looked at each other in shock and then at the creatures. It was obvious they were intelligent, but how much so?

"We should wait for the priests to return, they will know better how to communicate with them?"

Until the ritual was over, the warriors would watch over the Herenthor.

The Platta

@aweirdgamer@Elitestpotato
As the Platta began to introduce themselves, the Arsuron began taking notes of their names in their book. It was all very exciting, but it was quite obvious that the Platta were not able to understand the Arsuronic Language.

Antersh took notice of the Platta's interest in the colors and symbolism of their cloth. The Geometric patterns were ones learned at a young age in the monastery, and Ansor thought it might be of interest for them to learn how to make them.

The other took out his blank book and moved closer to the Platta, getting their attention and then showing them the way he drew the shapes using a dark blue ink. The shape was mostly made of lines and curves, but each one had a specific place and added a unique detail to the pattern. Some said this was a proof for the caste system, but others doubted that it was necessarily that.

The Soruli

@Diehard243
"If you want masks, we will give you masks" Anjar wrote back as he took out a piece of dolphin bone. The long scapula that was to be carved into a mask. With a series of heavy gashes and slow carvings, the mask would be tailored to Naho's face, taking into account her features not found in an Arsuron.

After a long 4 hours of carving, the other traders had begun to recover from their high; with the one who had been jabbed a bit angered at his use as an experiment, and Anjar having completed the mask. All the while, he had taught Naho as much as he could about the carving process, and even gave her a free knife made of copper to help her carve more. He would provide her with as many scapulas as she and her people wanted, but the carving would be left to them.

When Naho mentioned the exchange of an Arsuron for a Soruli, his mind immediately jumped towards slave trading, but began to ponder it over. A species like the Soruli would have no use for slaves, they must want something else from this exchange. Knowledge? It appeared that both had much to learn from each other.

"You can keep that one," Anjar wrote, pointing at the previously prodded and stabbed scout. "But who will you send with us?"

@aweirdgamer
Sithel glanced back at the others with excitement. It seemed to have worked. The creature in front repeated a similar gesture to its own people and spoke another word. He felt certain that the two species had successfully introduced each other. Some of the others saurians whispered the word back and forth.

"Sithel, perhaps it is not a good idea to attempt conversation with these things..." One of the saurians mumbled.

Sithel looked at him confused. "Why not?"

"They could be dangerous. They aren't animals, but they aren't saurians. Who knows what alien thoughts go through their mind..."

Sithel frowned. "Don't you think they would have attacked us by now if they had ill-intent? They revealed themselves without a surprise attack and even left us fish."

The saurian didn't reply. He merely turned back to the creatures and continued watching them suspiciously.

Sithel sighed and turned his attention back to them. He needed to think of another thing he might be able to communicate that they would understand.

After taking some time to think about it, Sithel finally gestured towards his hunters again and said "Saurians." He then turned and pointed his hand towards the direction they had come from. "Village," He then said. He had no idea how they would interpret this, but it was a mostly simple gesture. It was still possible they would understand it as they did earlier.

At this, however, there were protests from the other saurians.

"Now you tell them where our village is?!" The saurian spoke up again.

Sithel hissed at him. "If you're so terrified of them, go back to the village by yourself!"

"I will!" yelled the Saurian. He hefted his spear and turned to storm off into the trees. Another saurian gave Sithel a worried expression then left as well.

Sithel looked at the remaining four hunters. There was a moment of silence before one stepped forward and bowed his head, both of his fists on his heart. "I will remain loyal, Sithel. I shall stay." The three others looked at the saurian then seemingly reluctantly saluted to Sithel.

Sithel bowed his head in return. "Thank you."

-

"-And that is all. What you should be doing right now, however, is planning to build your soon-to-come-family a cabin," Said Sithalin.

Senith scratched his fin, confused. "What of Syera's hut?"

Sithalin sighed in frustration. A couple of hours earlier, he had sat down with Senith to give him a long talk to explain things he needed to know. Up to this point, every youngster figured it out by themselves. Senith had mostly done so already, but Sithalin had his reasons to explain certain things to him.

"You can't move into her hut! And, do not forget, it has not been reconstructed yet. It's small and weak."

"I see..." Senith mumbled.

Sithalin patted his shoulder kindly. "Do not worry, it will not be that difficult, what you did was natural at a time like this. You will be able to handle the situation, but you must learn to grow up, son."

Senith nodded. "Thank you, father. I'll try."

Sithalin smiled. "Go now, start making plans for your future."

Senith nodded again. He stood up and exited from the cabin without another word.

Sithalin shook his head sadly. He was worried for his son. It was too soon for Senith. Saurians as young as him starting families was not unheard of, in fact it was somewhat common, but Sithalin did not believe Senith was truly ready. He was willing to help him through this time, but he wasn't sure how much he could do. He could only hope Senith would learn in time.

The Society, Population 312, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 3/8
Architecture 1/5
Organized Religion 3/8

Eastern Woodlands:

"The Wolf! By all the gods!" The Ferream screamed as the creatures brought them the carving.
"Hmm...It is as we thought. Descendants of an Ashen King." The Philosopher observed.
"Marsh! Marsh! We must bring him! He must see this!" The Choirman screamed with excitement.
"And sacrifices! We shan't forget the sacrifices! Two Illis!"
The polyposide stared down and spoke "Of course, sacrifices, there always are."
The happy Ferream continued his joyous bantering and responded to his comrade's with a cynical glare.
"Quickly, my brother, we must go forth and return to our homelands! Our most blessed and holy Marsh must know of this!"
"Well, let us go than. Such news should seldom be kept internal for long."
The Ferream quickly drew a arrow pointing west and a picture of a Polyposide sitting on tall pedestal near five other slightly shorter pedestals and quickly ran off with his companion.

The Settlement:
The day was loud with laughter and chaos that rang about across the rolling dunes and the ministers sat in their tents idly preparing their speeches for the daily feast. Suddenly, two frantic Ferream ran quickly into the tents and demanded to speak with Mr. Marsh.
After a short while of guards hassling them, the panicked Ferream managed to get into the tent. The tent was large and dark, so much so that they could barely find their way around the tent. Their wandering was than interrupted by the voice of Marsh calling out from his podium in the dark.
"What is your business here, my inferiors?"
They bowed and spoke.
"Glory to thee, O frontiersman of the Void, Ode to the Nightwalkers."
"What of them?" He responded, surprised of the subject matter.
"We were dropping off the souls of the Illis, and there I had witnessed with my brother a power struggle between them."
"A power struggle?" Marsh asked with intrigue.
"Indeed so. They sat around in a circle as two fiercely argued. After a while, they began fighting physically. O what a dramatic scene! One eventually slew the other after a rather long fight and it seemed if though he was now regarded as the leader!"
"After this..." Marsh uttered with excitement.
They continued. "After this he stood up and announced his victory. But this was short-lived. The crowd quickly noticed us and this sparked a riot. We were stuck in the middle of a crowd of these strange beings, half of whom seemed like they were trying to attack us, the other trying to protect us."
"To the point, my child." Marsh said eagerly.
"Well, in short, one of them, seemingly an heir of some sort, had regained control of the disorderly mob and asserted his authority. He than used the method of pictography to communicate with us. We told them of our glorious city and they responded. The creatures are sending men to see our city."
"Glorious!" Marsh screamed.
"We must give our warmest welcome, for they are men of the gods! The gods are with us, my friend! Tzeentch, to Oxameter, to Khorne! But remember, we must keep them from the merchants. If former reports are correct, they are the souls of the Illis, and thus may hold bitterness to their former masters."
The two Ferream bowed and spoke quietly. "Great My lord, I-
He was interrupted by a Polyposide running into the tent with a Choirman.
The Polyposide fell down panting and uttered out
"East forest.....Carvings....Ashen Wolves."
"What is the meaning of this? You interrupted a meeting!" Marsh spoke angrily.
The Choirman helped his friend to his knees and responded
"My lord, we have come across a settlement of Wolves! Ones of the Ashen King!"
"By the gods!" Marsh spoke to himself.
"Quick, you must bring me to theses wolves. I shall gather the sacrifices. Take me to them. I must see them with my own eyes...and make it quick. We are expecting visitors..."

@Father Dagon
@Raindeer

The Ashen & The Soruli

The Alpha followed the gentle guidance and laid down, allowing further grooming with continued purring.

The surrounding hounds that received grooming joined in the purring, slowly forming a choir loud enough to overpower the surrounding sounds of the rainforest.

They followed the lead of their newfound friends, the Alpha sticking close behind the bird with black fur, gently brushing his nose against her feathers, taking in her scent.

Mica made a soft sound of discontent in the back of her throat as the leader of the purring creatures began sniffing at her, her light blue eyes giving looks toward Cor's tall white frame next to her as she steps over a log that is fallen along the path.

"Why does he sniff me so much?" She ponders aloud, letting out some low cawing sounds.

Cor makes a cheery laughing sound, his eyes curved upward, "Perhaps he enjoys the smell of darker hair." He gestures to his own white furred body and Ima's cream one as they follow him.

Another sniff from the large creature behind her, taking in the subtle scent of berries clinging to her fur from her earlier gathering. Thankfully none of the following pack see the look of annoyance that crosses her face for a moment before Cor reaches over to touch her arm, softening the expression.

"He does not bite." Cor noted, his hand pulling away from her arm after a moment of cooing to her, "I know you do though."

Mica makes a tiny squawk of surprise as he says that causes Ima's clucking chuckles ahead of them, her taloned finger moving to poke at Cor's pale side. "You are the one that cuddles and constricts like vine upon wood when we sleep."

Ima keeps his dark eyes of blue focused on the path ahead and the potential dangers that may arise, commenting with calm clucks. "You both use my body to rest your own upon regardless. Aside from weight, I do not complain."

The conversation lulls into a casual kind, almost treating the hounds following them like little-kin they are leading along. Stopping to occasionally pick fruit to feed them or pet one or another as they walk.

The thrumming of drums is soon heard, a heartbeat running on its own time through the rainforest.

A clearing could possibly be seen coming into view beyond the trees, filled with the colors of the different Soruli and their activities at the base of some massive tree.

Ima turns, raising his hands to halt the following clan-members and gives a few soft chirps toward Mica and Cor.

"I will go and inform the rest of their arrival and how they should be handled. All who are not occupied may be extra help in caring of these new friends."

Cor and Mica nod their heads in unison, turning to begin the distraction of petting and grooming again until he returned.

~~~

The Soruli & The Arsuron Traders: The Exchange.

@Nerevarine

As she watches this bone shape and become a mask, she tilts her head here and there, sitting beside Anjar and retrieving fruits and water for him in case he desired any.

Other Soruli assemble to watch the task as time passes, engrossed despite the efforts being so long in time.

There are moments where Naho makes drawings to convey questions, "What is your name? What do you call eyes? What do you call mouths? What do you call fur and feather?"

As the hours reach completion, Naho raises her hands to rest her taloned fingertips against her cheeks, her eyes curving upward in surprise as her face is mirrored in the white bone.

She lets out a happy chirping noise, immediately holding up the mask to her "ever-smiling" face in excitement. Gently resting the copper knife aside (after marveling at its odd beauty) she shuffles herself closer to hug, yes hug, Anjar with her free arm as she practically glows with happiness.

The Soruli watching cheer and applaud as they look at the mask, in awe.

The traders that awaken find themselves laying with at least one or two Soruli, their warm soft furred regions providing a type of comfortable rest though surprisingly intimate positions. Everything smelled pleasantly of fruits or flowers and their hair seemed to be cleaned to the point of luscious shine. The skin potentially hardened by travel somehow softer from pastes rubbed and rubbed into their skin and their muscles fluid after the relaxation.

The angered trader ended up having three to four Soruli around him, cooing and continuing to massage and ensure the jabbing and prodding marks left were not to be infected. Even getting him something if he merely gestured to it.

Enough of the bone was taken to make five masks aside from the one made for Naho and each trader given a small nut that held a another coated nut inside, a smaller dosage that would be just as intense as the one tried prior, though lessened- for the sake of their safety- so that it lasted for two hours rather than four.

"You can keep that one," Anjar wrote, pointing at the previously prodded and stabbed scout. "But who will you send with us?"

Naho holds her mask to her chest, pondering his question in turn before looking to all the Soruli walking around. Someone who could be comfortable leaving. Someone without little kin to care for.

She tilts her head, drawing a picture to explain her added thoughts.

"The one that stays may go back home, carrying knowledge and friendship. More may stay and go as time goes on."

"If he is to stay and carry knowledge back..." She considers something, looking down to her crafted mask before nodding her head, finally adding. "I will go with you to stay and carry knowledge back."

The Society, Population 312, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 4/8
Architecture 2/5
Organized Religion 4/8
@Raindeer
Eastern Woodlands:
"Around here somewhere, my lord, if my sight proved reliable." The Ferream said whilst wandering the eastern forest.
Mr. Marsh nodded in his extravagant robes and sat back down on a wooden throne carried by four Illis.
"I thank thee for thy direction, and thy philosopher comrade."
They continued searching the region until the Philosopher came across the carving of the wolf he had seen previously.
"The carving! We are in the right place, my holiest and most blessed lord! Here lies the home of an Ashen wolf."
Marsh stepped down from his throne and observed the carving.
"And you have witnessed these creatures?" He spoke.
"Yes, my lord."
"Than we shall wait for them."

"The Wolf! By all the gods!" The Ferream screamed as the creatures brought them the carving.
"Hmm...It is as we thought. Descendants of an Ashen King." The Philosopher observed.
"Marsh! Marsh! We must bring him! He must see this!" The Choirman screamed with excitement.
"And sacrifices! We shan't forget the sacrifices! Two Illis!"
The polyposide stared down and spoke "Of course, sacrifices, there always are."
The happy Ferream continued his joyous bantering and responded to his comrade's with a cynical glare.
"Quickly, my brother, we must go forth and return to our homelands! Our most blessed and holy Marsh must know of this!"
"Well, let us go than. Such news should seldom be kept internal for long."
The Ferream quickly drew a arrow pointing west and a picture of a Polyposide sitting on tall pedestal near five other slightly shorter pedestals and quickly ran off with his companion.

The Settlement:
The day was loud with laughter and chaos that rang about across the rolling dunes and the ministers sat in their tents idly preparing their speeches for the daily feast. Suddenly, two frantic Ferream ran quickly into the tents and demanded to speak with Mr. Marsh.
After a short while of guards hassling them, the panicked Ferream managed to get into the tent. The tent was large and dark, so much so that they could barely find their way around the tent. Their wandering was than interrupted by the voice of Marsh calling out from his podium in the dark.
"What is your business here, my inferiors?"
They bowed and spoke.
"Glory to thee, O frontiersman of the Void, Ode to the Nightwalkers."
"What of them?" He responded, surprised of the subject matter.
"We were dropping off the souls of the Illis, and there I had witnessed with my brother a power struggle between them."
"A power struggle?" Marsh asked with intrigue.
"Indeed so. They sat around in a circle as two fiercely argued. After a while, they began fighting physically. O what a dramatic scene! One eventually slew the other after a rather long fight and it seemed if though he was now regarded as the leader!"
"After this..." Marsh uttered with excitement.
They continued. "After this he stood up and announced his victory. But this was short-lived. The crowd quickly noticed us and this sparked a riot. We were stuck in the middle of a crowd of these strange beings, half of whom seemed like they were trying to attack us, the other trying to protect us."
"To the point, my child." Marsh said eagerly.
"Well, in short, one of them, seemingly an heir of some sort, had regained control of the disorderly mob and asserted his authority. He than used the method of pictography to communicate with us. We told them of our glorious city and they responded. The creatures are sending men to see our city."
"Glorious!" Marsh screamed.
"We must give our warmest welcome, for they are men of the gods! The gods are with us, my friend! Tzeentch, to Oxameter, to Khorne! But remember, we must keep them from the merchants. If former reports are correct, they are the souls of the Illis, and thus may hold bitterness to their former masters."
The two Ferream bowed and spoke quietly. "Great My lord, I-
He was interrupted by a Polyposide running into the tent with a Choirman.
The Polyposide fell down panting and uttered out
"East forest.....Carvings....Ashen Wolves."
"What is the meaning of this? You interrupted a meeting!" Marsh spoke angrily.
The Choirman helped his friend to his knees and responded
"My lord, we have come across a settlement of Wolves! Ones of the Ashen King!"
"By the gods!" Marsh spoke to himself.
"Quick, you must bring me to theses wolves. I shall gather the sacrifices. Take me to them. I must see them with my own eyes...and make it quick. We are expecting visitors..."
@Raindeer

Technological advancement.
Basic tools: Done.
Rock shaping: 0/2

The hounds stared at each other in confusion as the strange creatures started making loud sounds among one another, doing their best at trying to understand what was going on, with no luck. They quickly gave up and just watched the thing play out. Some of the Ashen that had watched the creatures kill one of their own ventured over to the corpse and investigated it nervously.

The young males looked down upon the carving into the ground of an arrow that seemed to depict one of the creatures upon a strange form of tree with shorter ones near it. Very strange.

The two young males pondered between one another.

"Could it be the way to their Alpha?"

"Or their dens? Do they want us to follow them?"

"The Alpha would kill us if we left the younglings unwatched. We must wait until he returns with the rest."

"True. Let us get back to what we were doing."

They wandered back to their experiment and after a brief moment realized that the one handed to the Alpha had been thrown into a tree. And remained in the tree. What could the one made out of stone do if their scales could dig into trees?

"We must make more of these. They could be useful for hunting. Or defending ourselves."

"We can not use scales if we wish to make more. Stone will have to do."

"We have to shape them somehow. Finding rocks that fit is hard."

"We will find a way."

The two nodded and sat down with the rocks they had left that seemed to fit and returned to their duty.

The Ashen & The Soruli

<Snipped quote by Raindeer>

Mica made a soft sound of discontent in the back of her throat as the leader of the purring creatures began sniffing at her, her light blue eyes giving looks toward Cor's tall white frame next to her as she steps over a log that is fallen along the path.

"Why does he sniff me so much?" She ponders aloud, letting out some low cawing sounds.

Cor makes a cheery laughing sound, his eyes curved upward, "Perhaps he enjoys the smell of darker hair." He gestures to his own white furred body and Ima's cream one as they follow him.

Another sniff from the large creature behind her, taking in the subtle scent of berries clinging to her fur from her earlier gathering. Thankfully none of the following pack see the look of annoyance that crosses her face for a moment before Cor reaches over to touch her arm, softening the expression.

"He does not bite." Cor noted, his hand pulling away from her arm after a moment of cooing to her, "I know you do though."

Mica makes a tiny squawk of surprise as he says that causes Ima's clucking chuckles ahead of them, her taloned finger moving to poke at Cor's pale side. "You are the one that cuddles and constricts like vine upon wood when we sleep."

Ima keeps his dark eyes of blue focused on the path ahead and the potential dangers that may arise, commenting with calm clucks. "You both use my body to rest your own upon regardless. Aside from weight, I do not complain."

The conversation lulls into a casual kind, almost treating the hounds following them like little-kin they are leading along. Stopping to occasionally pick fruit to feed them or pet one or another as they walk.

The thrumming of drums is soon heard, a heartbeat running on its own time through the rainforest.

A clearing could possibly be seen coming into view beyond the trees, filled with the colors of the different Soruli and their activities at the base of some massive tree.

Ima turns, raising his hands to halt the following clan-members and gives a few soft chirps toward Mica and Cor.

"I will go and inform the rest of their arrival and how they should be handled. All who are not occupied may be extra help in caring of these new friends."

Cor and Mica nod their heads in unison, turning to begin the distraction of petting and grooming again until he returned.

The Alpha grew more "gentle" with his sniffing of the female when her sounds of discontent were released, but not before fully taking in her scent and memorizing it.

The hounds happily followed their friends and continued their purring the entire way, growing even more intense upon being given food or affection in form of petting, which was returned with gentle headbutting and licking of hands.

As sounds of unknown origin came closer they grew somewhat cautious and their purring stopped as they tried to figure out what creature it came from, but kept following the birds out of curiosity.

A clearing opened up before them, which was filled with more birds and massive tree. They looked at the tree in awe looked at what the birds were doing, intrigued by their actions. The Alpha sat down and held his eyes locked at the dark female, only having looked at the tree and the surrounding birds for a short time.

When grooming and petting was once more started, he gently nudged the female in an attempt to keep her focused on him. The purring was once more growing louder among the hounds.

Eastern Woodlands:
"Around here somewhere, my lord, if my sight proved reliable." The Ferream said whilst wandering the eastern forest.
Mr. Marsh nodded in his extravagant robes and sat back down on a wooden throne carried by four Illis.
"I thank thee for thy direction, and thy philosopher comrade."
They continued searching the region until the Philosopher came across the carving of the wolf he had seen previously.
"The carving! We are in the right place, my holiest and most blessed lord! Here lies the home of an Ashen wolf."
Marsh stepped down from his throne and observed the carving.
"And you have witnessed these creatures?" He spoke.
"Yes, my lord."
"Than we shall wait for them."

The hounds were resting in their dens while the younglings were playing near the dens, chasing each other around while growling.

The adults quickly came out of the dens when they could feel the scent of the past visitors once more. The younglings ran inside the dens while the two young males that had the most knowledge of the creatures (Even if that was very little in itself) stepped forth towards the scent.

The males moved towards the location they had met the creatures last time, and just there they were, but this time there were more of them, including four creatures they had never seen anything like before. Most noticeable was the leader that had thorns upon it's head.

The other adults had picked up the newly made stone-sticks and formed up behind the two males.

The younger one stepped forth and drew an arrow towards the odd, new creatures and tilted their heads in questioning.

The Night-Walkers, Population 38 (23 in Khlin, 15 in Imlona)

Age of the Awoken Darkness, Night of the Great Balance (Half Moon)

Techs: Map-making (2/3)

The Heart-Tree, First Council of Haixun

Many were gathered near the Heart-Tree, the same place that the grand combat took place, the same place that Haixun took the first leap towards a new future. It had been only several moons since then, but it felt like a thousand to him, as he had spent the time since then struggling to put down doubt that surfaced about his rule and the unity of the two villages. This would be his first chance to finally stand in front of both villages and go on the offensive, establishing his rule in front of the Heart-Tree. Haixun would also begin his attempts at training a scouting team to explore the world outside the Homelands. He had been pondering how they should keep track of where everything is. Haixun figured that the method of communication he had developed could be used to "communicate" the land they found to the others at home, but how was one to make a picture that wouldn't just wash away in but a single night?

That thought would have to wait, Haixun knew. The Council was to begin soon. More and more came to the tree, creating a crowd that rivaled that of the combat. "Let's hope this goes better than that did," he muttered under his breath and stole a glance at the murderer of Bolach. Later, Haixun found out that her name was Snisir. She was Trixarch's mate, adviser, and friend. It was no wonder that she rebelled against Bolach, but punishment had to be dealt out, Haixun thought. We need order to progress. As much as Haixun found it distasteful that one Night-Walker should end another, it has been done, and may happen again.

All of these thoughts came to an end when Haixun glanced up and saw the crowd. It is time, he thought. Haixun stood up on the branch he had been sitting on, and looked around, making sure that there were no predators around. The dangerous ones rarely go out at night and cannot fit through the dense web near this side of the tree, but it can't hurt to be safe. A few minutes later, he was satisfied that there were no predators (and no intruders), so he began. "We are here to discuss the future, as Bolach did before me. But to create a bright future, we must dispel the dark past that shadows over us from the past week." Haixun signaled for the prisoner, Snisir, to be brought forward.

"As I am sure you all remember, at this same place several moons ago, Trixarch and Bolach fought for what vision of the future should hold true. Bolach triumphed, guided by the spirits to strike down Trixarch. But, some could not accept this, and did the unthinkable. No matter your opinion of what happened, the spirits chose Bolach to be victorious, and their judgement cannot be questioned. The unthinkable, to kill another Night-Walker. The unthinkable, to go against the wishes of the moon and tree. Snisir, mate and friend to Trixarch, shot Bolach with an arrow and began a fight that could have fractured our people. You must agree, something like this cannot go unpunished. After thinking for a time on how to deal with this, it has become evident that the only fair way to go about it is to have criminals give back to the tribe what they took. This is fair for all crimes, meat for meat, an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth." The guard took out an arrowhead.

Haixun continued, "And even, in the most dire of circumstances such as this, a life for a life. It is the only fair option, she killed Bolach with no provocation. Let none say that I am a coward though, I will stain my hands with her blood. She has left us no other choice." With that, the guard handed Haixun the arrowhead, as they had practiced many times before in preparation. He took the arrowhead and drove it straight down, killing her almost instantly. It was harder than he thought it would be, but it was done. "May the spirits guide her, let Snisir rest with Trixarch in the stars for all eternity," Haixun spoke. The crowd, disturbed by her death, was surprised by Haixun's sympathy and prayers for the person that killed his father. Seeing this, Haixun felt proud of himself. I is finally starting to win these people over. Imlona will take more work, but they will come around. We have more work to do for the moment though, Haixun thought to himself.

Changing the subject from the execution of Snisir, Haixun had two from the crowd brought forward, a curious female named Kiebal and a nervous male named Zamaxar. He spoke, "Now that those unfortunate events are behind us, let us look forward. I have some announcements to make. Trixarch is dead, we need a new chief to rule over Imlona. I have traveled to Imlona and tried to find the general opinion. That is how I discovered one of Trixarch's other advisers, the fidgeting one here by the name of Zamaxar. I have found him to be very cooperative, he will take an oath of loyalty and be your future chief." Haixun looked at this Walker, he seemed loyal.

"Kneel down and repeat after me," Bolach told Zamaxar. He nodded, took a breath, and went down on one knee. Haixun began, "I swear to the spirits, to the waters of darkness and the burning flame. To the life-giving tree and the moon. I swear to the living and the dead to serve the people of Imlona, to guide them into the future. I swear to give my loyalty to Haixun, to never betray the trust placed in me." Zamaxar repeated the oath as Haixun spoke. "You may now stand before the Heart-Tree as Chief of Imlona. You may rejoin the crowd." Zamaxar stood up and climbed back down into the crowd, receiving encouragement from the villagers of Imlona, though some had a tone of bitterness.

"Onto the next piece of business, Khlin does not rule Imlona, and it should not seem that way. We will build a new village. One fit to be the capital of our new union. Built on the Heart-Tree, the creator of life. It will be known as Kaaba. The one here, Kiebal, will lead the project. She has the most experience building of both villages. She will approach some of you in the near future to offer a position to help in the project, and possibly have a place to live in this new capital. That will be all, Kiebal. You may join the others."

"Onto our last subject, we will soon be conducting an expedition to the 'City at the End of the World' (@Shoggothought) and then we will explore the northern forests and beyond. To do this, we need a team of trained scouts. I will approach five or six of you that show a good level of ability with the opportunity to join the expedition. I will lead this expedition. We have discussed everything that is necessary for the moment. You may return to your homes for the day. The flame will soon be in the sky. May darkness guide you."

And with that, the crowd dispersed. The villagers, stunned by the vast changes announced that night, traveled to their homes in Imlona or Khlin. They were pleasantly surprised to find that the great chief seems to know what he is doing, though Snisir's death troubled many of them. Sapped of his energy by the Council, Haixun spoke softly to himself, "Huh, that actually went well. Maybe this will work after all." He began climbing towards his home in Khlin, ready to finally get some rest.

The Society, Population 317, Era of Oxameter the Walker.
Technological Developments:
Writing 5/8
Architecture 3/5
Organized Religion 5/8
@Raindeer
Eastern Woodlands:
"The wolves! They hath arrived!" The Ferream joyfully screamed grabbing Marsh's immediate attention.
They all looked down at the creatures watching them from a short distance.
"Indeed, O children of Khorne and Tzeentch! Never have I seen such a sight! Quick! Bring the sacrifices."
The Ferream choirmen brought out two Illis and laid them on their knees.
Mr. Marsh than signaled for his companions to bow down and they did so.
"From Tzeentch came Oxameter" They prayed while Marsh led. "And with him came time. From Tzeentch came Khorne, and with him came death to Oxameter."
After this, three Ferream marched by behind the Illis after removing their masks and held a sharp stone to their throats.
"Strike at a whim my friends, and reveal their blood!" Marsh spoke with joy.
The Ferream pressed the stones against the Illis's throats and swiftly pulled to the left quickly spilling blood across the grass.
"Glory! Glory to us and the gods! A gift bestowed to an Ashen Wolf!"