[center][h3]Turn 2[/h3] [hider=The Map] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/283641501940973572/493476323394715649/Map_02.png[/img] [/hider][/center] [h3][color=crimson]The Levogh[/color][/h3] [hider] Even as a new elven folk began to settle in, the ruins remained serene and in a timeless silence as they had been for hundreds of years. There were no ghosts among the overgrown buildings. With hunger pains to contend with, the elves didn't examine the ruins too closely. Most simply claimed a dry place to set down their belongings and prepare some bedding, then ventured out into the woods around in search of food. Even before the elves had settled in for long and left their scent upon the ruined site, it seemed as though most of the local wildlife kept a wide berth. Aside from a few noticeably big owls that nestled in the branches high above and looked down with some interest, there were no animals to be seen in the direct vicinity. It was odd to see the owls awake during the day, but these parts were so quiet that it was not hard to imagine the faintest sounds capable of rousing the birds' slumber. It was if the deer still remembered that spot by the lake as being a city and no place for the wild creatures of the land. Naturally none of the hunters had any luck near the ruins, but those that ventured away and went into other parts of the wood all seemed to come back with considerable bounties. As in for the other foragers, there were numerous patches filled with what looked like wild blackberries. Disappointingly, the fruits turned out to be black raspberries. Nonetheless, the blow was softened by the discovery of blueberry bushes by the lake's shore. The herbalists soon cleared paths to the berries, and then some of the children were put to work picking the berries and filling entire baskets. There were plenty of white-capped little fungi growing from fallen logs or even patches of earth, but your people were naturally wary of unknown fungi and so avoided them on that first day. When everyone gathered at the ruins once again to retire for the night, they saw a wondrous sight. Above the trees, a waxing moon shone brightly. The odd fungi reflected in the sparse patches of moonlight that fell down between the branches, and the whitecaps seemed to almost glow in the night like little moons of their own, or stars cast down from the sky come to rest upon the ground. Perhaps those mushrooms have magical properties? So distracted by the mushrooms were the Levogh, that it was several minutes before one finally looked up. When he did, he yelped in surprise; nestled up in the highest branches above were owls. Countless owls, surely numbering in the hundreds; it was hard to tell in the dark. But from the moonlight reflected from the birds' eyes, it was easy to tell that they all were staring down at the Levogh. What was to be done? [b]A) Improve food B) Improve military technology C) Improve infrastructure D) Improve culture E) Explore F) Improve resources/technology G) Prospect the land H) Expand military I) Take diplomatic action X) Other[/b] [b]Population:[/b] 142 men, 138 women, 71 children. [b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to about 30% of adult population. [b]Food level:[/b] Below Average; improving [b]Resources:[/b] (Potentially magical) moon fungi [b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Growth:[/b] [i]Very low; impacted by racial traits and from low food level.[/i] [b]Morale:[/b] Average [b]Foreign relations:[/b] None [/hider] [h3][color=DarkGray]The Lycan Covenant[/color][/h3] [hider] Touching the strange stone and invoking the void gods didn't seem to have any effect, at least not outwardly. Some stood around gawking at it as if expecting it to set the sky aflame or conjure mountains of gold, but nothing of the sort happened. The air about the place did seem to take on a familiar cold, but perhaps that was just their imaginations or a gust of northern wind coming in from the sea. As Vlath was left to wonder about it, the lycans went about trying to carry out his orders of finding some sort of suitable livestock. The construction of a large pen was easy; they found a flat, open patch of grass and encircled it with fences built from stacked stones in some parts and interwoven logs in the others. The pastures inside the pens were not especially large, but that was a concern that could be dealt with after they found something to put in the pens. A week went by and attempts at rounding up deer failed miserably. The animals would sooner run or thrash until they collapsed utterly spent and literally died of their fatigue, than to submit to being bound. Most would-be wranglers just ended up mangling the deer that they caught; but then at least there was some meat for their troubles. The idea was posed to perhaps try a gentler approach; what nearby deer hadn't already been hunted could perhaps be regularly given food until they no longer feared lycans. Then, they could perhaps be handled more easily. But there was the ever-present concern of just how they would feed a great herd of deer, and of whether mere fences would be enough to keep the animals enclosed. Perhaps the most promising idea was to actually abandon the idea of keeping deer as livestock, and to instead turn towards the rabbits and hares that were even more abundant in the area. Although only morsels, the rabbits could be bred quickly and would be much easier to handle. Some were already getting to work on designing traps that would hopefully allow them to capture live rabbits. In time, they would hopefully find success. When Vlath left them to their devices and went to check back upon the stone, he noticed something: along the bottom of the obelisk, tiny cracks were visible. They branched out in maddening shapes and fractals. Had those cracks been there before? In any case, there was still a chilling bite to the air around the obelisk. There was definitely a northerly wind; Vlath could see it carrying black stormclouds in from the sea. But somehow, the wind didn't seem quite as cold when he paced a short distance away from the stone. [b]A) Improve food B) Improve military technology C) Improve infrastructure D) Improve culture E) Explore F) Improve resources/technology G) Prospect the land H) Expand military I) Take diplomatic action X) Other[/b] [b]Population:[/b] 123 men, 122 women, 51 pups. [b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to about 30% of adult population. [b]Food level:[/b] Below Average; being improved [b]Resources:[/b] None [b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Growth:[/b] [i]Low; impacted from low food level.[/i] [b]Morale:[/b] Average [b]Foreign relations:[/b] None [/hider] [h3][color=lightblue]Attolia[/color][/h3] [hider] The plan of Lord Attolis seemed a rational and well-thought one, so the elves were quick to set about finding a suitable herd to stalk. The plains aurochs was not a small or quiet animal when moving in herds, so that part did not take long. Following the beasts was what became time consuming. The wild cows of course stopped at most of the muddy pits on their way, but sure enough, after some time they did eventually wander a few days' travel northeast and stop at a shallow but large pool that they had seemingly found from memory. Upon close inspection, the oasis seemed to be fed by springs. It would make a fine place to claim and use throughout the year, for even its water seemed clearer and of better quality than almost any of the other watering holes strewn across the steppe. Of course, that was [i]before[/i] the entire herds of aurochs began stomping through it and muddying the waters. Nonetheless, the Attolians relocated their campsites to the respite of that oasis. The aurochs didn't seem to greatly mind the presence of elves in the distance, but upon approaching, the animals quickly became irritated and the herd prone to stampeding. While settling in, the Attolians did their best to give the animals a wide berth. Perhaps from that mutual respect for the wildlife as well as their prayers, some of the elves claimed to have seen the spirit of a wild boar as it slowly sauntered towards the west. [hider=The spirit] [img]https://lotro-wiki.com/images/thumb/a/af/Ancient_Spirit_%28Boar%29.jpg/200px-Ancient_Spirit_%28Boar%29.jpg[/img][/hider] [b]A) Improve food B) Improve military technology C) Improve infrastructure D) Improve culture E) Explore F) Improve resources/technology G) Prospect the land H) Expand military I) Take diplomatic action X) Other[/b] [b]Population:[/b] 121 men, 123 women, 62 children. [b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 30% of adult population. [b]Food level:[/b] Below Average [b]Resources:[/b] Horses (A small number) [b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Growth:[/b] [i]Very low; impacted by racial traits and from low food level.[/i] [b]Morale:[/b] Average [b]Foreign relations:[/b] None [/hider] [h3][color=darkgreen]The ap-Cantar[/color][/h3] [hider] The mercy of Hiwcantor came as a relief met with tears and near disbelief from many of the locals, and the expected sighs of admonishment from a few wary voices among the ap-Cantar themselves. But Hiwcantor was crowned with wisdom and knew the will of the Mighty, so none among his flock questioned his decision after the fact. The expertise of the riverfolk was a great asset, and many among the ap-Cantar made eager students in the crafts of fishing and tilling and sowing seeds. The riverfolk did things as was their tradition, and soon enough the land blossomed and was fruitful. The riverfolk in turn proved to be strong just as Julandara had said, and when given spears and set to spar, it became apparent that many among them had great potential. The fires of Cantor were already settling into their blood! The great storehouse soon began to rise from the ground as the morning sun rose from over the Sea of Souls. They made a skeleton of wooden rafters, then gave flesh and form to the wooden ribcage using adobe and bricks made from drying and casting mud from along the Tala's banks, and to keep out scavengers and pests they began to dry reeds and plant fronds to create a roof. But the night before it was set to be complete, there was a comet in the sky. A sigil and a blessing from Cantor! All went outside to the Tala's banks to witness it, from the smallest of children grasping onto their mothers' breasts to the oldest of wizened men with glazed eyes. But then, the waters reflected another glow. Wifts of smoke found their way to the riverside just as the tribe recognized the orange light of a roaring inferno as the object reflected in the dark river. They spun around and witnessed the storehouse aflame. In a panic, all grabbed pails and jars and began to carry water to the storehouse to appease the ravenous flames, but it was too little too late. The walls were cracked and blackened, the timber supports reduced to ash and nothingness, and what baskets of fish had already been moved there were lost. The tribe was up throughout that entire night in a fury; none had seen the perpetrators of the arson, so naturally some suspected the work of a demon. Perhaps they had settled too close to the Yellow Scourge. But then came morning, and all noticed the absence of one Mewar and his closest of kin. Mewar had been one of the riverfolk, and after so many days he had tested the tribe's patience by claiming to have still not found an ap-Cantor woman suitable to be his wife. Instead, he had devoted all of his energy towards learning the arts of warcraft, and he had shown promise indeed. So it was worrying that he had spat upon the mercy of Hiwcantor, and in an act of heinous treachery allegedly fled upriver to take shelter in the arms of those yet-unconquered peoples dwelling there. [b]A) Improve food B) Improve military technology C) Improve infrastructure D) Improve culture E) Explore F) Improve resources/technology G) Prospect the land H) Expand military I) Take diplomatic action X) Other[/b] [b]Population:[/b] 220 men, 244 women, 103 children. [b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 40% of adult population. [b]Food level:[/b] Average [b]Resources:[/b] None [b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Growth:[/b] [i]Average[/i] [b]Morale:[/b] Low, from the burning of the storehouse and sudden loss of much food [b]Foreign relations:[/b] None [/hider] [h3][color=purple]The Mustaqilun Tribe[/color][/h3] [hider] Riverforge begins as a cluster of hovels built into and around a few of the more prominent caves down the western fork. Most of these caverns are more like mere cavities in the canyon walls, while another one leads some ways back before there's a pile of rubble. At some point in the past, it seems that there was a cave-in which blocked off whatever part of the cavern system might have been one farther back. It serves as a good warning, and the builders make sure to create artificial supports within the caves that are being used. There is one small cave of particular interest that acts as just the entrance to a respectably large chamber farther back. The place is dark and damp, so for fear of rot and rats nobody wants to live down there or even use it to store food, but it makes a decent place to stockpile tools, building materials, and other miscellaneous things. Outside is where most of the fortification takes place. In a nearby, particularly narrow bend of the river, a stone wall was built to extend from the edge of the canyon right into the river. There isn't a gate for the wall yet, but it still effectively narrows the path so much that it's hard for two orcs to walk abreast through the wall. Any would-be attackers coming up the river would meet that wall, and be faced with the choice of either trying to march through the river with its rapids and jagged rocks, or allow the wall to funnel them into that tiny gap where they could easily be repelled. Riverforge's defensiveness is further improved as walls are built to turn the gaping entrances to some of the caves into more like fortified stone houses. That also serves to keep the caves from flooding when rain drains into them, as well as making them feel more comfortable. Even though they certainly aren't living in luxury, the Mustaqilun tribe is in good spirits and is in a safer position than they've ever been in. Or so Rukdug thought, until one of the hunters went missing. His name was Morog, and he had been a robust and capable enough orc. It seemed unlikely that he would have simply slipped and died due to the treacherous terrain, and that his body was never found makes the possibility seem even more unlikely. He had ventured out with two others but after having little luck finding game, eventually Morog made the fateful decision to split off from the other two and hunt alone; the others report that they aren't quite sure where Morog could have gone, but one of them thought he heard a distant roar at some point during the night after the other had already fallen asleep. With that in mind, many think that perhaps Morog was found and killed by some sort of predator. The deer do seem surprisingly scarce in these rugged parts, after all. Others suspect foul play from the other two hunters. In any case, until they determine the fate of Morog, some hunters and foragers are reluctant to venture far from the safety of their newly fortified settlement. Those that do leave have been doing so in larger groups. Still, life goes on, and there is more to be done. [b]A) Improve food B) Improve military technology C) Improve infrastructure D) Improve culture E) Explore F) Improve resources/technology G) Prospect the land H) Expand military I) Take diplomatic action X) Other[/b] [b]Population:[/b] 180 men, 182 women, 81 children. [b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 60% of adult population. [b]Food level:[/b] Below Average [b]Resources:[/b] River stones (moderate amount; being gradually depleted) [b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Growth:[/b] [i]Low; impacted from low food level and morale.[/i] [b]Morale:[/b] Slightly shaken; mostly due to Morog's disappearance, also due to lack of food [b]Foreign relations:[/b] None [/hider] [h3][color=orange]Orr'gavol: The Hammersworn[/color][/h3] [hider] With Osman's timely intervention, the peace is restored and most rest easy once more. Worry over the looming winter once again brings a sharp clarity and unity to the dwarves' every movement, and it becomes easier to focus upon the labors before them. Though many among them are private folk that would have rather had spaces and houses of their own, issues of practicality take precedence; it is easier to heat and build a few large buildings rather than dozens of small houses, so while everyone makes their own makeshift lean-to or huts for the first few weeks, work in earnest begins upon a few large communal homes. The soil of the forest here drains well, so building underground doesn't pose much risk of flooding. To ease in insulation as well as hasten construction, the dwarves decide to have their homes half-buried. While some began to to gather fallen branches and sticks or even fell fresh trees for new lumber, others dug square foundations down into the ground. Large logs were set upright along the dirt walls of the pits, and then the upturned earth and sod was used to fill in the gaps and make thick walls. The houses were then roofed and the insides threshed with various plant fibers; taking the time to build true floors was a luxury that could not be afforded. Within a fortnight, a half dozen of these structures had been built, with each one having its own firepit prepared inside. The Hammersworn were certainly all cramped when they shared the single-roomed houses with dozens of their fellow, but with these hastily assembled shelters and a way to keep warm, living conditions would be bearable during the winter. Perhaps they would eventually be able to have their own homes built in the years to come, and then these squat houses could be relegated to use as storehouses or something of the like. That seemed too far into the future to plan for, though; there were more immediate concerns for the Hammersworn. The first true snows had not yet come, gods be blessed, but when they did it would become much harder to forage for food, explore the surroundings, or see any additional construction projects done. Time was of the essence. [b]A) Improve food B) Improve military technology C) Improve infrastructure D) Improve culture E) Explore F) Improve resources/technology G) Prospect the land H) Expand military I) Take diplomatic action X) Other[/b] [b]Population:[/b] 203 men, 202 women, 92 children. [b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 30% of adult population. [b]Food level:[/b] Below Average [b]Resources:[/b] None [b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Growth:[/b] [i]Low; impacted from low food level.[/i] [b]Morale:[/b] Slightly above average (order restored) [b]Foreign relations:[/b] None [/hider] [h3][color=aba000]The Aedelfaari[/color][/h3] [hider] When Eric and his best warriors and hunters delved into the musical forest, they immediately set about following their only lead by tracking the bear that had been spotted earlier. The animal had left in something of a hurry, journeying quite literally directly into the forest and towards the heart of the woodland, so following it wasn't hard. They soon knew that they were within the bear's territory, for along the way they passed numerous trees with clawmarks up and down the trunks. Still, the bear went through those parts that were its favorite place and kept going. There had been only the birdsongs of a normal forest all this time, with none of the music that they had heard during Eric's coronation. But then, there was one sharp note that seemed to echo from everywhere around them. After only a brief time, traversing the forest suddenly became nigh impossible. It had gotten gradually denser and more difficult to travel through as they ventured deeper and deeper, but not long after leaving the bear's territory did the greenery engulf its tracks altogether. The party might have kept going and made the wager that the animal wouldn't have changed directions after going so long and so intently one way, but even if they wanted to go farther into the forest it would have been impossible. It was as if the trees themselves had been roused from slumber and told to bar their path; branches and roots seemed unnaturally woven together like fences to block their path. Forced to turn back and either abandon the hunt or perhaps loop around this part of the woods, the Aedels then found the path behind them similarly made virtually unpassable. There was a moment of sharp fear among many of the thanes when they thought themselves trapped and about to be consumed by the wood, but then Eric noticed a small game trail. They began to follow it, and surely enough, the going was very easy. Now it felt as if the forest itself was funneling them somewhere. It seemed as if it had brought them back to the bear's territory in a circuitous fashion, but right there before them was something that they had overlooked in their eagerness the first time: upon a tree was carved a sort of picture, rather than just a series of scratches. [hider=How the Aedels would reconstruct the picture when speaking of it to the others] [img]https://i.imgur.com/d47kwHi.jpg[/img][/hider] It was of a bipedal creature with hooves for feet and yet fingers upon its hands, a furry hide and the head of a deer complete with horns. It was hard to tell just how big the figure was supposed to be, but the imagery of its likeness upon that trunk was nonetheless still enough to inspire a mix of awe and fear. It now seemed almost doubtless that [i]that[/i] creature (or those creatures?) were responsible for the music that they had heard from the forest. Its power was surely formidable, but perhaps it wasn't hostile. Back in Waebury, fishing began in earnest and the sea of these areas quickly proved bountiful. Racks were set up in short order; however, the seagulls took interest and pilfered many a fish as it was hanging to dry. There was talk of perhaps building a smokehouse and then a storehouse to store the preserved fish as well as whatever other foods made themselves available throughout the year. [b]A) Improve food B) Improve military technology C) Improve infrastructure D) Improve culture E) Explore F) Improve resources/technology G) Prospect the land H) Expand military I) Take diplomatic action X) Other[/b] [b]Population:[/b] 181 men, 181 women, 76 children. [b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 30% of adult population. [b]Food level:[/b] Lower side of average [b]Resources:[/b] None [b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistent [b]Growth:[/b] [i] Average[/i] [b]Morale:[/b] Mixed; some in high morale from heavenly music and the coronation, others frightened by the music and the forest [b]Foreign relations:[/b] [color=Green][i]Creatures of the Forest[/i]: ???[/color] [/hider]