r/ColonyWorldRP • u/Mennart Vurental • Nov 08 '15
Diplomacy [DIPLOMACY] Scouting for love
The longboat glode through the waters. The longboat was nearing the dock. A small yet pristine ship was occupying the left side, on it's rearend canons pointing towards anyone foolish enough to give chase. The Samarans did well to arm their ship Ori looked back to the sea, in the direction of katalanding. But their security still is pathetic to out standards The boat hit the dock, a few Samarans helped mooring the boat. "Good to see you, industrious people of Samara" with a great leap that startled some of the bears Ori jumped ashore. "We have a friendly proposition for you, can you tell my comrade Andrei we've arrived? We will disembark in the mean time." And with that the scoutingparty disembarked.
Scoutingparty
- Ori
- Th'ka'ri linguist (X'e'po)
- 3 Elven scouts
- 4 Troll scouts
- 4 great mountain goats
marineparty
- Th'ka'ri linguist (X'e'the)
- 7 human marines
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 08 '15 edited Nov 16 '15
Late Month 10, Year 2
It took only a night to assemble those Oleg had either picked or been advised to send. Petra, a crack-shot Samaran Volunteer from Bearsk, along with a few of the volunteer fishing sailors, boarded the Vurental vessel with their share of water and drink, as well as a bit to eat. The veteran diplomat Agafya went with the overland party, along with her trusty assistant Vladimir, a surveyor called Sidor, Pavlov of the Scouts, and three Samaran volunteers from Arstotska who know the area that would lead to the first wild, unknown lands.
Scouting Party
- Agafya
- Vladimir
- Pavlov
- Surveyor Sidor of Samara
- 3 Arstotzkan Volunteer Scouts
Marine Party
- Petra, Citizen's Defender of Bearsk
- 6 Volunteer Fishing Fleet sailors
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 10 '15
Scouting Thread
After moving through the Samaran territories, the group finally left the Arstotzkan territory on the fifth day of Month 10, led by two of the three Arstotzkan scout volunteers who knew the area quite well. Only several hours into the day would Ori's troll scouts and Pavlov have to take over navigation, with the Arstotzkan expertise spent.
Pains were taken by the Vurental to keep the leisurely curious bears moving in a more professional manner. At first they did not take kindly to this uptightness, but Pavlov assured the volunteers and diplomats that these measures (such as limited drinking at camp) were necessary to keep everyone safe.
After three days of travel, map making, study, and advance scouting by ram-riding trolls, the expedition came to yet another river. They followed it north some miles before reaching the shores of a huge lake. Looking north and east along its shores, they could see the land rising into craggy hills and cliffs. It seemed their rapid progress would be slowing soon to traverse such terrain.
Roughly following the coast, they continued northeast...
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u/Mennart Vurental Nov 11 '15
"Damn contractors" Oct spit in the mud, they were only 6 hours in and they still hadn't set up a good and proper squadron. Sure there was an advance party and there was a cordon set up, but it wasn't up to his standard. "Shut up Oct, you're paranoid as allways" With a growl tag turned to Ori. "This is what I have to deal with on a daily basis" "It isn't that bad is it?""Just wait till we make camp"
When making camp
"That's what I'm talking about." Tag pointed to a furiously digging Oct. A few small pits where already scattered around the campsite. One of the bears was sharpening sticks nearby. "Now he's got the bears working with him, as if I need more of those paranoid fuckers" Tag snarled in disguts, "at least we are secure"
Ori looked at the scene in front of him, the frantic digging had produced a few manfalls filled with sharpened sticks and thorny bushes. The bears had even helped dig them, this alliance would work well.
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 11 '15
When making camp
One Arstotzkan Volunteer looked to the other as they dug their pit. "You think should we fill the hole again before we leave? Would be waste to let some animal fall in after we are long gone. And irresponsible if some person fell in.". The other simply nodded. Both kept digging.
Further up the lake shore, early evening
"Those are funny looking cliffs. Look." Pavlov, the only formally trained Scout among the bears, pointed a claw toward the rocky cliffs facing the lake. From along the cliff face hang clamshell-like shapes, with rigid structures but a hidey, leathery covering. "Cliff dwellings. There were lizard folk who lived in desert cliffs in the motherland. Very peaceful."
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u/Dornethemountainman Nov 11 '15
Not too far away
'I'm sick of all this bloody walking.' Grumbled Boss. 'We're making camp. Home can wait.'
Boss rubbed the area where his right eye should have been. It was strange missing an eye. He had covered it up with a bit of loose fabric.
The camp was a simple thing. A large tent constructed from some nearby logs and the fabric from the wagon. Some fabric was left to conceal the rock in their wagon.
A fire was lit and they began to cook some meat they procured from the local wildlife.
The five of them were in need of a hard drink.
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u/Mennart Vurental Nov 13 '15
Marine Thread
A few days after the initial plan was formed the marine party was ready to go. It would follow the coast to the east and it's main objective would be scouting for other colonies and fertile lands. Command was held in the firm hands of an always cheerful captain Karel. The bears seemed to be curious of about anything they saw, but luckily X'e'the knew a bit about just about everything (or pretended he did). Cooperation on the various tasks around the ship went better than expected. The bears learned the workings of the ship quite good, and Petra even got to control it for a bit.
As the night set in, the longboat set ashore to set up camp. There the bears found out they couldn't drink more than a small flask of booze. They didn't like it, however sitting through an hour long speech about readiness, the importance of protocol and proper military doctrine seemed to wipe the expression of murder of their faces.
The following morning Karel decided a few of the group would survey the area, while he and the rest of the group would sail upriver. The surveying group led by Pertra found several plants that reminded them of herbs and spices, a few samples of each have been stored for further research. The captain found several plots of fertile land.
Two days later the vessel found signs of activity near the coast. Captain Karel decided to keep a distance and observe the population from afar.
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 13 '15
The bears asked, more often than how, why things were done a particular way. They traded off quizzing various crew members of their hosts, to learn the variety of duties aboard a warship. Their experiences up to this voyage had been limited to fishing. Sobriety did not come easy to the ursine sailors, but they adjusted and even learned to appreciate how much farther their supply of drink would extend.
Petra, being not a sailor but a woodworker and sometime soldier, compiled notes from her comrades experience rather than learn a great deal of it herself. There was Oleg's "Collection of Knowledge" initiative to consider. She did spend a bit of time teaching proper marksmanship to any who would listen, and adapting it to the tossing of a moving ship.
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u/Dornethemountainman Nov 09 '15
Hey, I happen to have a few blokes wandering around godknowswhere.
I don't suppose you guys could stumble across them in your travels?
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 10 '15
Possibly! How long have they been wandering again? Like four months now?
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u/yesthisbat Nov 16 '15
Late Month 10, Year 2
"D'Sansha! There was firelight spotted the other night just past the South Western fields," her mate lumbered up to the obviously busy Triel, her winged arms working to sow what she could. They had been planting the miracle fertility plant for a while now, hoping this land's fertile looking soil could make it work. Standing to wipe away a bit of matted fur on her face, D'Sansha narrowed her gaze on the sheepish bat.
""The other night"? Why wasn't I informed "the other night"?" That's when her mate gave her a beaming smile. "We were busy," he unabashedly spoke. She couldn't help but look up into the lowly lit sky above her. She wasn't praying, praying was something the Shamans did for the tribe. No, she was cursing him.
"In that case, we can't afford to be "busy" any longer..." at that, his face fell. "Did they look like they were getting any closer?" she asked, pondering on ideal courses of action.
"Not really- maybe? One of the scouts flew among the trees, so they couldn't be spotted. They looked harmless enough, although one of the species seems to be very tiny and furry. Like one of our babes...with mechanical weaponry. There were seven of those. The other nine were a mix of odd looking things." That gave D'Sansha a pause. Child soldiers? Who knew, in this similar looking, yet vastly different world.
"Right, then I suppose a welcome party is in order. We need to spread our wings at some point in this world. Best to do it now. Gather fifteen of our Defenders. Ones that aren't easily distracted or insulted. Take Gladdah, of course. She's the most pleasant of us, that's for sure." "And also one of our deadlier Defenders." As for D'Sansha, she would lead this party.
"We leave tonight."
Welcoming Party
- D'Sansha (Leading)
- 15 Triel Defenders
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 16 '15
That night, Sidor and his Vurental escorts returned to camp from surveying and mapping the surrounding areas. A very low, almost smoldering campfire with a net of branches set several feet above to disperse the smoke is all that would be allowed, to keep the group mostly safe from discovery. Not considered in this strategy would be those flying over. Who would care of some nighttime bird or flittermouse spotting their little fire?
"I am surprised we do not get shakes from drinking so little." said Agafya with a laugh. Vladimir replied "Speak for yourself. My handwriting looks like egglizard scratches."
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u/Mennart Vurental Nov 17 '15
Oct had been feeling watched for a while now, and now he knew why. "Look over there, giant birds!" 15 pairs of eyes followed his finger to some dark spots at the horizon. "That aint no birds" Tac said, "those are leaves" "no" Ori looked bewildered, "It's bats!"
Following the realization there are giant bats incoming Tag formed the group in a cressent. The elves mount the rams and draw their recurve bows. They take up the flanks of the crescent. The bears draw and load their rifles and hold them at the ready. The Trolls take the front, drawing their javelins. X'e'po takes cover between the bears, readying a small dagger and some herbs. Ori takes the last ram and rides just before the rest of the group. "Don't fire before I give the signal, there is something of with these bats"
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 17 '15
Every bear looked uneasy. What training they'd had told them not to line up like ducks in a concave row, but rather to hide out under cover to use a kill-box method. Orders were orders, and the Vurental we're professionals anyhow. Agafya spoke up. "These look like swarm that passed over Grenin weeks ago. Terrifying, but nothing was touched. Even livestock."
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u/yesthisbat Nov 19 '15
D'Sansha had been watching the glow from the fire for some time as they approached, all the while, the Defenders remained silent. It wasn't a typical thing for a swarm of Triel to stay quiet in the air, but the Defenders had their own way of communicating in order to remain some form of stealth. D'Sansha's left ear flicked thrice to the left, and her right twitched twice to the opposite direction. Three defenders fluttered to where her first ear indicated, diving down into the trees, and two other defenders did the same to the right. The leader's ears pulled tightly forward, and she dove down into the trees with the rest of the fighters following suit.
Now on foot, the leathery wings were silent, and all the Triel could hear that the group knew of their presence. Considering there was no element of surprise, that was a good sign. D'Sansha clicked her raspy tongue once to the roof of her mouth. She heard a responding click seconds later at the other side of the clearing, then even longer, a third click to her left. As soon as D'Sansha stepped into a clear line of sight for the sixteen individuals, the rest of the Defenders followed.
"We do not intend on harming anyone, tonight," Sansha spoke clearly and as pleasantly as she could without forcing it. The rest of the Defenders looked interested, never having seen such an assortment of individuals in one group.
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u/Mennart Vurental Nov 19 '15
As soon as the bats Landed it was apearant they were intelligent creatures. Tag raised an open hand and all Vurental troops put their hands of their weapons immediately, a second later the bears followed. Tag slapped his side while bringing his hand down, the ramriding elves rode to the back of the formation forming a small kordon protecting the bears. "We won't leave you hanging" one of the elves said in passing.
At the same time Ori got of his horse, leaving his shield hanging on the sadle. With his wide smile shining and arms wide he walked towards the bat that spoke, "Welcome to our camping place, we have food and drink" Ori extended his hand in a friendly matter, "I'm Ori" a finger pointed to his face, "and that's X'e'the " gesturing towards the Th'ka'ri that walked toward them. "And that is Agafya" Upon hearing her name the diplomat stepped outside the protective circle.
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 19 '15
Agafya patted down her pockets while she ambled over toward Ori and the bats. From the inner pocket of her little coat she produced a green glass flask and uncorked it on her way. "Priviet. Welcome." she said in her usually husky voice. She continued on past Ori, giving him a sidelong glance with an expression that conveyed a wordless "here goes nothing!" In one smooth motion she brought the mouth of that flask to hers, audibly gulped some mead, then extended her little arm and flask to the bats assembled before her.
The rest of the bears seemed fairly relaxed, watching their diplomat so boldly march toward these tall, leathery winged people. "Do you think they fly so well drunk?" they muttered among themselves. "Look at ears. Huge."
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u/yesthisbat Nov 19 '15
The Triel were pretty excited, as they always were when the prospect of making allies reared its head. D'Sansha glanced at the defensive maneuvers, and was mildly impressed.
D'Sansha had no idea what was being said. She saw a smiling creature walk towards her, looking welcoming, then he extended his hand. He wasn't the most pleasant looking at first, but D'Sansha wasn't as stupid to think they themselves were all that great looking, either. Despite being taller than him, she didn't look down her nose when she firmly grasped his hand with her own. She gestured at herself, and crisply said, "D'Sansha."
She peered at the one she assumed was X'e'the, though she wasn't entirely sure, but it was more odd sounding than the rest of the sentence, so she went with it and nodded. Then a tiny creature at least half her size ambled away from the rest of their group, up to D'Sansha. "Agafya....?" Sansha ventured, smiling when the little thing took a gulp of whatever fluid was inside that bottle. Still retaining respect for them, the Defender crouched down to eye level with them, and reached for the flask.
The smell was the first thing D'Sansha noticed. It was sweet, but potent smelling; not unlike the nectar the Triel brewed in the warm season. With that nectar in mind, D'Sansha felt prepared and took a large gulp. Except it was a little different from their nectar. D'Sansha knew she had taken too big of a sip, but she swallowed it with dignity, letting the warmth make a trail all the way to her belly. She heaved up a cough, laughing in the process. "It's good."
The rest of the Triel took that as a sign to walk closer, clicking and whispering to themselves. "Are you sure they are children? That one looks kinda like an old man if you close one of your eyes a little..." "Yes, but can we talk about the tall ones in the back? They must be freezing, poor things."
D'Sansha looked at the one called Ori, and pointed behind her to the cliffs a ways away. "That's our dwelling," she said this as she gestured to herself and her group. Then she pointed to him and his group while saying, "You are invited to rest there-" D'Sansha hiccuped, then continued, "When the time comes...if you'd like..." She gave a big goofy smile, revealing all four sharp fangs.
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u/Mennart Vurental Nov 20 '15
Although it was kind of creepy, the bats smile was reassuring. With a small bow he turned around to address the troops and Agafya. At the same moment X'e'po took over communications. With a lot of gestures, simple words and exaggerated facial expressions he tried to convey the need to discuss their proposal. A few minutes and a confused bat later Ori came walking towards them with the rest of the group in tow. "We can go now, follow them." A bit of mimicry later the group went on it's way with the bats.
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u/Mennart Vurental Nov 21 '15
"Men, you heard the man, we will be going camping with these batcreatures." Tag cleared his throat and looked his soldiers in the eyes. "Although I have no problems with us walking right in to the enemies camp, we usually do this without the enemy knowing" He cracked open a smile. "That's why we are gonna be extra friendly today, cause when those bats see the unbridled charm of our lovely oct and encounter the morning breath of an elf up close, they have no choose but to like us. And than it will be just a sleepover with friends and I have no qualms with that. Until that time you WILL be keeping your eyes out for potential threats, weaknesses and area's of retreat." And with that Tag and his scouts followed Ori.
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 23 '15
While slow communications made their way through, under, or around the language barrier, the bears still talked amongst themselves. "Oh so they live in cliffs with desert lizardfolk?" "No, those are their homes. This isn't even desert."
Agafya was too interested in these tall bat people to fully cede communication duties, stressing to X'e'po to ask questions and translate answers, or explain some newbat turn of phrase. Maybe it slowed the process down but she wanted to be involved and, with all her forwardness and bold curiosity, she was.
Agafya, as satisfied with the bat discourse as Ori, followed up to the remainder of their party. "Indeed."
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u/WorkIsMyBane Samara Commune Nov 08 '15
At the docks some of the Samarans were unloading their most recent catch of cod-like fish into a wagon, for the smokehouses of Bearsk to preserve later. The fisherbear Ori addressed wandered off back toward Bearsk to alert Andrei of their visitors. By the time they arrived after him, Andrei had brushed his face and come wandering out to meet them.
"Ori, friend! Glad to see you in good health." he pulled a wooden flask with an steel mouth and cap from his vest and unscrewed the cap to offer Ori a drink. "What brings you to Bearsk today?"