[center][h1][color=brown][b][u]Arryn[/u][/b][/color][/h1][/center] [hr] [i]Thunk![/i] An arrow embedded itself in a tree trunk. Four more followed in quick succession. The five Selka looked at each other, to make sure every arrow had been loosed, and then stepped forward to retrieve their ammunition. From a distance, Anhaf observed the practice in silence, his arms crossed. He turned to the bird who was perched on a low hanging tree branch. "It's been five days," he said. [color=brown]"And?"[/color] came the bird's response. "Five days," Anhaf repeated. "All we have done is shoot at trees. We still hunger." [color=brown]"Do you expect to learn a skill overnight? Most of your people have figured out the correct stance and the proper draw. All that is left to improve is their accuracy. If you expect an immediate solution, I will not provide it. You need to learn how to survive on your own, without depending entirely on gods. Or else there will come a day when you need aid, and it will not be provided. On that day, you will die."[/color] Anhaf did not respond. He continued to observe the training practice. Many of the Selka had made a game out of it. With sharp stones they carved targets into the bark of the trees, and each round became a contest to see who could hit closer to the mark. They wagered small, useless treasures - pearls, shells, strangely coloured rocks. Arryn had seen no value in such trinkets, yet for many of the Selka they served as an incentive other than hunger. Several minutes passed, and finally Anhaf spoke again. "You said there were other gods?" he asked. [color=brown]"I did,"[/color] Arryn confirmed. "Who are they?" [color=brown]"Phystene is the Goddess of Plants. Ashalla is the Goddess of Oceans. Parvus is the God of Insects. Asceal is the Goddess of Light-"[/color] "A seal is the Goddess of Light?" Anhaf's expression brightened. He glanced up at the sun, shielding his eyes. [color=brown]"Yes... have you encountered her?"[/color] Arryn asked. "No, but I would like to!" Anhaf said, not averting his gaze from the sky. [color=brown]"You should know that not all the gods have your interests at heart. The ones I spoke of are my master's allies. But others... Orvus, the God of Desolation. He tried to kill Phystene, and only when my master confronted him did he begin to change his course. Narzhak, the God of Conflict... he made some of my master's creations eat and kill each other, just to fulfill his own amusement. Then there is Shengshi, the God of Rivers - a vile, wretched, and spiteful creature."[/color] The bird's usual monotone voice was suddenly filled with a venom that took Anhaf off guard. "Are they dangerous?" Anhaf asked. [color=brown]"Probably,"[/color] Arryn said. [color=brown]"If you encounter them, be on your guard, but do not try to provoke them. There is little you can do against them, except pray to another god for protection."[/color] "You just said we shouldn't rely on the gods to survive," Anhaf pointed out. [color=brown]"I did. You shouldn't rely on them to solve mortal problems, like famine or disease. But if another god is threatening you? Only a god can match another god. At that point you will need to swallow your pride and call for aid. If a god can create you, another god can destroy you just as easily."[/color] Anhaf nodded, and once more the two fell into a long silence. This time, it was Arryn who broke it. [color=brown]"In two days, I will take five of the best into the forest and teach them how to track. They will pass that knowledge on to the rest of you."[/color] [hr] Time passed. The Ubbo tribe continued to improve. Only one or two could consistently hit the center, but most were at least able to land their shot [i]within[/i] the target. When two more days had gone by, it was a simple enough matter for Arryn to pick out the five best, and lead them into the wild. There, he taught them how to notice the signs that an animal was present in the area. Which direction it had gone, and how recently it had passed through. He emphasized the importance of remaining silent, and always keeping an ear out for new sounds. At first, it did not go well. The Selka were noisy, somehow managing to snap every single twig and unable to resist laughing and joking with each other as the day dragged on. However, after Arryn snapped at them a few times, they began to take it more seriously. They did not catch anything that day, but the Selka were now capable of moving silently, their skill somewhat bolstered by a subtle blessing. The next day, they went out once more. After an hour, one of them quietly pointed out a flock of birds roosting in some trees. Arrows were loosed, and two of the creatures fell. Arryn pursued them and pinned one to the ground. Three birds in all. The Selka collected them, and the hunt continued. No luck for the next three hours, but then they happened across a rather large boar. Once more, five arrows flew, and four found their mark in the leg, shoulder, neck, and rear. The boar squealed and ran, limping heavily, and then collapsed after ten paces. The Selka cheered, and Arryn flew forward to cut the boar's throat with its talons. [color=brown]"Now we carry it back,"[/color] he told them. [hr] It took four to do so, but carry it back they did. On the journey home they also came across some berry bushes. Between that, the boar, and the birds, they had plenty of food. Upon their return the village greeted them with cheers, and the food was quickly divided up. Anhaf grinned at the sight. Added to the meager fish catch of the day, there was easily enough to feed the entire village. The first piece of meat was offered to Anhaf, but he turned it away. "Only when everyone else has had a piece," he declared. Then he turned to Arryn. "Thank you, Avatar of Kalmar." [color=brown]"It does not end here. Your people still have room for improvement. You will also need to know how to craft your own bows and arrows, for when the ones you have now fall into disrepair. I still need to teach you that."[/color] "So you're staying for a little longer?" Anhaf asked with a smile. "Good!" [hr] [hider=Post Summary] The Ubbo Tribe practices with their bows. Arryn tells Anhaf about some of the other gods - Phystene, Parvus, Ashalla, Asceal, Shengshi, Narzhak, and Orvus. After a week of practice, Arryn then takes the five best archers out on a hunting trip, in order to properly teach them how to track and sneak. The first day goes poorly, because the Selka are still learning the basics. Arryn gives them a subtle blessing to help them learn faster. On the second day their luck is much better - they manage to bring down three birds and a boar. They bring the meat back to the village, much to the villagers' delight. Arryn then explains that he will need to continue overseeing the Ubbo's training, and also teach them how to craft more bows and arrows. [/hider] [hider=Might Summary] -1MP (discounted to 0 via Hunting portfolio) to bless five of the Selka, allowing them to pick up hunting skills more quickly. [/hider]