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File 169669541223.gif - (4.11MB , 1000x800 , falling-city-title-animation.gif )
1074204 No. 1074204 ID: 0b594e

Rumors abound of the city.
They say it just appeared one day.
They say no one has ever seen its top.
They say it is a place of mystic secrets and wild pleasures.

But before we can get to that...
Expand all images
>>
No. 1074205 ID: 0b594e
File 169669546033.jpg - (275.20KB , 1000x800 , desolate camp.jpg )
1074205

In a desolate valley, a desperate tribe huddles around dim campfires. Their enemy surrounds them, waiting silently in the darkness. Once the tribe were famed for their artistry and craft across the world. Now they have been driven out, their freedom a threat to those who seek power.

The only thing that keeps them safe is the mile wide circle of runes that encircles them. If they weren't already marked for death, they would be for crossing them. But this sanctuary will soon become their grave, for there is no succor here, no life upon this dusty ground.

What species be this tribe? What craft do they practice that brought such misery upon them?
>>
No. 1074206 ID: 462d8c

Kobolds
And they practiced the now forbidden craft of bone weaving
>>
No. 1074207 ID: 1db616

It's a tribe of rat people. They practiced scavenging, but scavenging is only helpful when there's a preexisting tribe to scavenge from.
>>
No. 1074208 ID: eb7ce4

i agree, kobolds sounds like a good idea
>>
No. 1074209 ID: e51896

Neumonos

but if animals, Prairie dogs! Yahoo!
>>
No. 1074210 ID: 59fbfe

Kobolds. They used ritual necromancy to automate their lives, but other tribes claimed this began to suck the life from their own lands.
>>
No. 1074211 ID: 7c0da2

They are kobolds.
They practice haruspicy, divination using the entrails of dead animals.
>>
No. 1074217 ID: 64faaa

Kobolds. But instead of yappy ADHD lizard people, they are more like scaley dwarves with scales like polished stone.

The craft that brought them to ruin is stone carving. Any stone can be carved to bring out a glimmer of power, but precious stones & crystals hold more power.

So the stories say, many kings, heroes, & villains have been made by one of the wonders this tribe produced. Some of those stories might even be true, but in reality, most of the treasures they made were far less powerful than that.

Even so, other tribes have long traded with them, or coveted their treasures, or feared the power they might hold.

Recently, a great nation in the latter category has come to the fore. Already prejudiced, this nation is incensed by the disappearance of an astonishingly large holy gemstone. Not only do they blame the tribe for its theft, they fear the tribe will deface it & turn it into a weapon against them.
>>
No. 1074218 ID: 8f9bc4

rat pplllll
>>
No. 1074219 ID: 435f13

Kobolds. They practice necromancy.
>>
No. 1074222 ID: a7a180

Viking rats. They are famous for their warcraft. Every body a sculpture, every tool a weapon. But if their enemies don't get them, the cholera will.
>>
No. 1074226 ID: f2320a

>>1074205
Pig

Cooking
>>
No. 1074245 ID: 6fec12

>>1074217
seconding this
>>
No. 1074262 ID: e5709d

Neumono-cutebold hybrids.

Theirs is the art of Flow - their (ground) paintings are made by spreading colored sand across scattered glue while dancing. Their songs are sung while practicing martial arts. Harmless. Healthy.

But people have a tendency to worship that which is broken.

As the ages passed, it dawned on the corrupt and the ambitious that the tribe had this... tendency to sooth the minds of the masses. To get them to harbor doubts about their beliefs they would otherwise go their whole lives obediently ignoring. They did not know of the tribes' background psionics... and they did not care.
>>
No. 1074284 ID: f3171e

Kobold Necromancers
>>
No. 1074432 ID: 4bff6f

>Species
Laprines, here are some females for reference:
https://questden.org/kusaba/tg/#11919

>Crafts that brought them mysery
Mysticism, tribalistic arts and crafts, crystal feng shui, forgetting to buy firearms with their profits.
>>
No. 1074456 ID: 0b594e
File 169697858421.jpg - (151.08KB , 1000x800 , example robolds.jpg )
1074456

Robolds: The offspring of a certain dragon who got up to some shenanigans with various rodentia while shape shifting. They have always been viewed with some suspicion, but respected for their necromantic arts. Able to knit flesh and weave bone, they blur the lines between life and death. Shaping their bodies to any task, they excel at the arts and are quite capable in combat.

So what if they borrow people's guts for haruspicy? They always return them afterwards.
>>
No. 1074457 ID: 0b594e
File 169697863242.jpg - (399.56KB , 1000x800 , around the obelisk.jpg )
1074457

The tribe's last rune scrivener has spent many a night feverishly studying the ancient obelisk that occupies the center of the circle. Runes, so old their meaning is almost forgotten, coat the weathered structure. If there is any hope for salvation, it must be hidden within these glyphs.

His apprentices hasten over at the scrivener's cry. An activation rune! But it is worn, hard to make out.
>>
No. 1074458 ID: 0b594e
File 169697866522.jpg - (577.89KB , 1000x800 , 3 runes.jpg )
1074458

What does the Rune depict?

A: Wyrm
B: Wurm
C: Worm
>>
No. 1074459 ID: a7a180

Wurm!
>>
No. 1074460 ID: c65741

It's gotta be a Wurm
>>
No. 1074462 ID: 47713f

Option B.
>>
No. 1074465 ID: 0fbdcd

They walk without rhythm, and disturb the Worm.
>>
No. 1074466 ID: f3171e

>>1074458
Wurm
>>
No. 1074468 ID: 5a7a53

>>1074458
Clearly the Wurm
>>
No. 1074472 ID: 462d8c

B.) For the WURM
>>
No. 1074495 ID: 273c18

>>1074458
B
>>
No. 1074513 ID: afbb81

Glory to the WURM
>>
No. 1074515 ID: e5709d

Warm
>>
No. 1074521 ID: f2320a

>>1074458
Worm
>>
No. 1074529 ID: 0bf2fd

Option D. Wehrm. Some sort of ancient serpentine stalwart defender. You have a feeling they pronounce w like v and j like y.
>>
No. 1074585 ID: 0b594e
File 169715422568.jpg - (197.60KB , 1000x800 , tall obelisk.jpg )
1074585

Rune identified, now it only need be touched to activate the structure. But, um... this obelisk wasn't built with a bold's stature in mind, the rune is out of reach.
>>
No. 1074586 ID: 0fbdcd

Go Go Gadget Kobold Pyramid!
>>
No. 1074587 ID: 7e6fd4

Time for the corpse scaffolding! Or the Behemoth amalgamation.
>>
No. 1074588 ID: 462d8c

Time to be three kobolds in a trenchcoat, minus the trenchcoat
>>
No. 1074589 ID: 273c18

>>1074585
We could just use a ladder...
>>
No. 1074591 ID: dc4bad

throw rock?
>>
No. 1074593 ID: f3171e

Go Go Gadget Kobold Pyramid!
>>
No. 1074596 ID: 0bf2fd

>>1074589
Wtf is a ladder!?

Stand on each other's heads!
>>
No. 1074597 ID: a7a180

Find the scrawniest bold and the strongest bold and have one throw the other at the rune.
>>
No. 1074598 ID: e5709d

You're necromancers.
Lift yourselves off the ground by conjuring a tower of bones.
>>
No. 1074606 ID: 47713f

Animate an amalgam of bodies as a flesh golem and use that to elevate the relevant robolds.
>>
No. 1074607 ID: 8f9bc4

Welp you're doomed. Nice knowing you!
>>
No. 1074638 ID: afbb81

Stacking kobolds on top of each other is a plan that cannot go awry!
>>
No. 1074667 ID: 4370c0

btw, what is with the glowing penis?
>>
No. 1075004 ID: 0b594e
File 169769515593.jpg - (343.26KB , 1000x800 , bold stack.jpg )
1075004

> Necromancy
This dead land is so long dead that not even bones remain. Also necromancy is a little involved, why go to all that trouble when we can...
> Robold stack
The master impatiently instructs his apprentices to lift him up. Perched atop them, he slaps his hand to the ancient rune.
>>
No. 1075005 ID: 0b594e
File 169769519567.gif - (3.12MB , 1000x800 , portal-activation-animation.gif )
1075005

>>
No. 1075006 ID: 0b594e
File 169769524859.jpg - (269.43KB , 1000x800 , wurm appears.jpg )
1075006

This seems like a good time to pick a protagonist.
>>
No. 1075007 ID: 0b594e
File 169769532443.jpg - (188.39KB , 1000x800 , character select.jpg )
1075007

Which of these fine bolds tickles your fancy?

The Rune Scrivener: Donvan, a male rattebold apprenticed to the master rune scrivener. Scriveners approach to magic involves a laborious meditative process of carving runes. Though slow, it allows for long lasting effects, up to millennia at high skill levels. This apprentice has middling skill with matters of flesh and earth, and exemplary skill with matters of the stars and magic theory.

The Flesh Shaper: Martah, a male mouzbold apprenticed to a master flesh shaper. Flesh shapers take a more direct approach than scriveners, exerting their will directly upon organic matter both living and dead. Limited only by their willpower, scientific understanding, and imagination. This shaper has middling skill with inanimate organic matter, and masterful skill with living tissue.

The Hunter: Murdoc, a female rattebold of the hunter profession. Hunters are the protectors of the Robold tribe, scouting for supplies in times of peace, stalking their enemies in times of war. This hunter has middling skill in melee combat and plantcraft, and exemplary skill in archery and wilderness survival.

The Enigma: Nobody know what this thing is or where she came from. She has tried to be helpful around camp, but hasn't shown any particular skills so far.
>>
No. 1075008 ID: 462d8c

Be the Enigma
>>
No. 1075009 ID: aac1f3

Be Martah!
Let's craft some abominations!!
>>
No. 1075010 ID: 273c18

>>1075007
Martah
make us whole
>>
No. 1075011 ID: e5709d

Enigma
>>
No. 1075018 ID: 2c5c63

The enigma.
>>
No. 1075020 ID: 0fbdcd

Martha!
>>
No. 1075021 ID: 708905

>>1075007
Enigma

I have found memories of cutebolds from old tg
>>
No. 1075022 ID: f7f1b0

Martah
...to make it a tie again. :P
>>
No. 1075023 ID: afbb81

I want Martah
>>
No. 1075024 ID: cf16ed

My heart is telling me Enigma, but I'm gonna have to go with Martah.
>>
No. 1075025 ID: 59fbfe

...Martha, with their bumbling sidekick, Enigma?
>>
No. 1075041 ID: f3171e

>>1075020
Why did you say that name?

Also seconded, Martah
>>
No. 1075081 ID: 0bf2fd

Enigma
>>
No. 1075087 ID: 0b594e
File 169776461606.jpg - (288.00KB , 1000x800 , everyone loves martah.jpg )
1075087

You have chosen the lovely Martah. We find him in the medical tent, tidying up after helping reattach Murdoc's arm.

Robolds are well accustomed to speaking with the spirits of the dead. Although they never reveal any details about the afterlife it has been scientifically confirmed that they are the actual souls of the ancestors. Do you have any questions for Martah before the action kicks off?
>>
No. 1075088 ID: 3ea497

How do you scientifically prove where a spirit comes from?

Also, how do reatach body parts? Full details, please. We need some of that here.
>>
No. 1075089 ID: aac1f3

Seeing as you are proficient at shaping flesh, would you consider yourself a FLESH BENDER?
>>
No. 1075102 ID: 53b46b

>>1075087
A biomancer then. Hmm you need more arms, can never have too many arms and/or tentacles
>>
No. 1075106 ID: f3171e

>>1075087
If the remains of two individuals are combined, do their spirits share control?
>>
No. 1075111 ID: 273c18

>>1075087
How good are you at attaching parts to bodies they didn't originally belong to? Or merging two whole creatures together?
>>
No. 1075122 ID: e5709d

Are you a Solo or will you bring Enigma as your sidekick?
>>
No. 1075125 ID: 47713f

Is decomposition a significant issue with regards to employing your talents for medical purposes? Do limbs have to be stored in a special manner in order to still be useful for mending an amputation after a delay, for instance?
>>
No. 1075134 ID: 0bf2fd

>>1075122
We need Enigma
>>
No. 1075241 ID: 0b594e
File 169794183888.jpg - (389.78KB , 1000x800 , medical tent 1.jpg )
1075241

Martah: (Dammit, who organized these?)
>>
No. 1075242 ID: 0b594e
File 169794194260.jpg - (395.46KB , 1000x800 , medical tent 2.jpg )
1075242

> Everyone talking at once.

Martah: (Ahhh!)
>>
No. 1075244 ID: 0b594e
File 169794226763.gif - (464.40KB , 1000x800 , martah-gabbing.gif )
1075244

Martah: (Whoa there's a lot of you guys today, huh? Usually you don't get a concentration of spirits like this unless... well I'm sure its nothing. It doesn't sound like you're from this world even? That's really rare!)

> How does flesh shaping work?
Martah: (Right so, magic at its most basic is like a conversation between you and the universe. You have to convince reality itself that what your trying to do will be better in some way than the current state. So most magic techniques are in service to a successful argument. The better you understand how the world works the better you are at convincing the universe, so scientific research is a must. Um, what else? Oh, willpower, you need a strong will to effect change! I... I don't do so well at that.)

Martah: (So flesh shaping! We Rabolds inherited an instinctual understanding of how bodies work from our progenitor dragon. It's hard to put into words, we just sort of feel how an organic body is supposed to move and function. So we find it easy to convince the verse to change our forms. Oh, I say convince, but it's still hotly debated on whether the universe has an actual consciousness. Magic takes place on a higher plane than words, so its hard to describe in detail.)

Martah: (Huh, was there a little earthquake just now? Eh, seems to have passed.)

> What's with the spirits?
Martah: (Spirits, um, the soul resides in the brain. Think of it as sort of being shaped by the brain, but still separate, like water in a very squiggly tube. When the body dies, the spirit lingers for a while, typically a few days. A flesh shaper can revive the body in that time, and the spirit will carry on as if nothing happened. Otherwise the spirit will go... somewhere. No spirit ever speaks of it. We can call out to the spirit realm though, and if any are interested we can get them to hang out or occupy an empty body. But it was recently proven that they are the actual souls of real people! I don't really get all the details, but there was an experiment with runes of truth, and well, Donvan was very excited about it. He could tell you all about that magic theory stuff, I only really know flesh things. Yeah, everyone was talking about that discovery right before...)

> Get extra limbs
Martah: (So! Extra limbs! Yeah I've tried that, but I can't quite wrap my brain around moving more than four limbs at a time. Having a shaped body can get really tiring, once you get used to the change its okay, but the bigger the alteration the more your body and brain need to work to keep up. It's why we try to keep shaping as a slow process, take on the change in increments for easier adaptation. But as long as a shaper understands how the changed body will work, there is almost no limit to what can be done. You just need the will to convince the verse that wings or night vision would be way cooler than a boring old normal body. At least that's how I do it. Oh, and I wouldn't call it "bending", more like flowing, like clay? I don't know what I would compare it to, pushing with your mind maybe? Like earlier, I was helping to reattach my friend Murdoc's arm. Master did most of the work, but we just kind of visualize the flesh growing into each other, the veins and nerves linking up, then just hold that image in your mind until realty catches up. Sorry, I've never had to explain all this to someone starting at such a low level of knowledge. I'm not sure how to describe it right.)

> Enigma
Martah: (Enigma? Oh, are you talking about that odd little bold? At least, I think she's a bold, I've never heard of any species like her. She showed up here just after we did and just kind of, hangs around camp. She's tried to help us shapers here a few times, but she doesn't seem to know much about, anything really, so she wasn't able to do much. Enigma, you know I don't think she ever said what her name is. Huh. Do you think she's important? I haven't seen her today, but I'll keep an eye out.)

Martah: (Its nice being able to talk to someone like this, I don't usually get...)
>>
No. 1075245 ID: 0b594e
File 169794231938.jpg - (406.38KB , 1000x800 , medical tent 4.jpg )
1075245

Murdoc: "MARTAH!!"
Martah: "Glk-Ahhhh!"
Murdoc: "Martah we need you out here NOW!"
>>
No. 1075263 ID: 273c18

>>1075244
>limbs take time to acclimatize
Hmm, that does make it difficult to create a horrible melded monstrosity with any usefulness in battle, and implies that multiple heads on a thing wouldn't work at all because at least one of them would have no idea how to use the new body. Unless they were multiple full bodies fused to eachother? And unless you had some way of reliably controlling a wild animal you couldn't make such a thing out of animal subjects without a high risk of rampaging out of control... oh well.

>>1075245
Let's go see what they want. Probably has something to do with the Wyrm they just summoned.
>>
No. 1075264 ID: 273c18

wurm, rather.
>>
No. 1075273 ID: 407ea6

>Usually you don't get a concentration of spirits like this unless... well I'm sure its nothing.
Hahaha! It probably isn't. What's the usual conditions?

>>1075245
Did you just bleed out your face mask? Uh, good luck with that.
>>
No. 1075278 ID: 462d8c

Check what the hunter wants
>>
No. 1075295 ID: f3171e

>>1075273
Maybe he bit his tongue. I'm sure it's nothing he can't patch up.

Heads up, your friends may have summoned an ancient dragon. Its friendliness is yet to be determined.
>>
No. 1075402 ID: b5e793

Hope that liquid wasn’t anything important or especially reactive.
>>
No. 1075633 ID: 0b594e
File 169829159865.jpg - (378.73KB , 1000x800 , murdoc pushes martah.jpg )
1075633

> Are you bleeding?
Martah: (Its... nothing, don't worry about it.)

> Gatherings of spirits
Martah: (Spirits often show up when something big is going to happen... oh fuck.)

> She's probably talking about the giant wurm
Martah: "The WHAT!?"

The white mouzbold stumbles out of the tent and gapes at the sight of the quarter-mile wide wurm bearing down on them. Screams ring out around the sleepy camp as others notice the looming leviathan. Murdoc runs up and grabs the stunned shaper's shoulders and pushes him towards the center of camp.

Murdoc: "Martah, listen. The scriveners activated something and now the master is knocked out. I don't know where the other shapers are, we need you to revive him, or I don't know what we'll do about that thing." She carefully keeps her gaze locked downwards, avoiding the toothy visage above.
>>
No. 1075634 ID: 0b594e
File 169829173264.jpg - (482.57KB , 1000x800 , bold in a box.jpg )
1075634

As she shoves Martah through the crowded tents and crates, a pulse washes through them from above. The two stagger, feeling a presence in their minds, seeming like speech but impossible to make out.

A crate nearby rattles and bursts open, revealing the strange gray bold.
Odd Bold: "What what what?! 'emergency exodus'? What does that mean?" The little bold leans out of the crate, looking around wildly. She spots the pair and waves to get their attention. "Mister Martah, can you hear that? There's some kind of..."

She glances up and blanches at the sight of the wurm-filled sky. The diminutive bold lets out a little scream as she slides back into the box.
Odd Bold: "aaaaaaaaaa"

Murdoc: "Come on! There's no time!" The hunter pulls at the shapers hand, looking towards the glowing spire in the center of camp.
>>
No. 1075635 ID: 273c18

>>1075634
Enigma can understand the wurm! Grab that bold, she is important. "Emergency exodus" might mean we're supposed to move somewhere else? We need more information, more translation. Ask her what the voice is saying.
>>
No. 1075636 ID: 0fbdcd

Can we use flesh magic to wake the Master up? Slap his brain a little?
>>
No. 1075640 ID: f3171e

>>1075636
Maybe induce an adrenal response?
>>
No. 1075699 ID: 8f9bc4

In fact, emergency exodus is a cabbalistic reference from the ancient order of Ygnots that is colloquial for RUUUUUUUUUUUNNNN!!
>>
No. 1075902 ID: 0b594e
File 169863359632.gif - (401.08KB , 1000x800 , from-camp-to-obelisk.gif )
1075902

Martah rushes over to the crate, and looks down at the little bold who has curled up into a ball. He motions over the hunter, who gently but quickly scoops her up. The two resume their rush to the stricken master.

Martah: *gra-hack* "You can hear the wurm? This is important, what exactly did it say?"
She shudders and manages to answer.
Odd Bold: "I, uh, it didn't make any sense! Something about 'error, vessel compromised' and 'prepare for emergency exodus, stay within portal boundaries'.
Murdoc: "That sounds like the nonsense Donvan's always going on about."

The three arrive at the obelisk, which is now leaning over and sparking. Donvan is pacing and muttering to himself, the other apprentice is slumped on the ground clutching her head. The master scrivener is lying on the ground, his skinny chest gently rising with shallow breaths. Martah approaches him and examines his brain with a shaper's sight.
Martah: (Okay, he's getting enough oxygen. It looks like he's suffered a shock of some kind. I haven't much experience on brains, so any advice would be appreciated, spirits.)
>>
No. 1075903 ID: fb8a42

Make loud noises and bang on metallic objects, that'll sort 'em!
>>
No. 1075905 ID: 273c18

>>1075902
"Stay within portal boundaries" means everyone needs to get close to the wurm!

>what to do about passed-out bold
Slap him awake. Not too hard.
>>
No. 1075906 ID: 708905

>>1075902
Brain's intact? Little jolt to the ol adrenal glands should get em movin again so long as the tickers also good
>>
No. 1075929 ID: 8f9bc4

Nothing will awaken him but true love's kiss
>>
No. 1076735 ID: de5cb4
File 169940234230.gif - (202.83KB , 1000x800 , reviving-the-master.gif )
1076735

> True love's kiss> True love's kiss
Martah: (I... can't.)

> Adrenal jolt
Martah: (Easy enough.)
He concentrates on the scrivener's adrenal glands, willing them to flood the bloodstream. The master begins to stir.

> Slap him
> Loud noise

Martah: (You know what? Yeah I'm gonna do that.)
The shaper gently helps the master sit up, then he slaps his hands to either side of the old bold's head and starts shaking him. "*Gra-ack* Fix your problems old man!" he screams in the master's face.

Meanwhile Murdoc and Donvan are bickering in the background.
Donvan: "It is not my fault this time, I was relegated to... a support role."
Murdoc's response is interrupted as another pulse comes from above.
Donvan: "Ach, if I could only make out that damn voice! I'm sure it's talking about that portal."
Odd Bold: "It said 'Preparing link to nearest designated safe world. Error, no safe worlds found, preparing link to closest match. One minute to portal activation.' She looks up at the two, "That's a good thing, right?"
>>
No. 1076736 ID: 273c18

>>1076735
It means we have one minute to gather folks towards the pillar, whoever wants to be transported to an unknown world along with their giant wurm friend.
>>
No. 1076737 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1076735

Is your world unsafe? If so, everyone grab what you can and gather around the obelisk! If not, book it away from the obelisk, before you get portalled somewhere even less safe! Why is a giant wyrm activating portals?! What 'vessel' is that thing talking about?? Vessel like pottery, or vessel like a ship? You're not anywhere near the ocean! Oh, if only you hadn't broken that pot last week!
>>
No. 1076740 ID: f3171e

>>1076735
Gather the bolds, and boldly go where no bold has gone before.
>>
No. 1076741 ID: c21ceb

Alright, time for some major improvements to this living situation! Rather, lack thereof.
>>
No. 1077395 ID: de5cb4
File 170011288554.jpg - (359.87KB , 1000x800 , one minute reactions.jpg )
1077395

Donvan starts pacing again and muttering about ancient secrets. He stops and throws up his hands in frustration.
Donvan: "A minute?! And where will the portal be? This? This is what the ancient's magic is like?!"

Murdoc takes a few steps toward the camp then stops, slamming a fist into her thigh in frustration.
Murdoc: "We need to get everyone here, but there's no time. You!" she points at the little bold, who jumps, startled. "Tell that thing to wait!"

Enigma: "Yes ma'am, right away! But, um, how?"

Martah drops the dazed scrivener onto the dusty ground and staggers to his feet. He stares up at the descending wurm, feeling the first flicker of hope in a long time.
Martah: (We're... getting out?)

Another pulse fizzles through them, and even before Enigma translates they know what it means...
>>
No. 1077396 ID: de5cb4
File 170011291238.jpg - (404.06KB , 1000x800 , explosion.jpg )
1077396

"Portal Activating"
>>
No. 1077397 ID: de5cb4
File 170011297636.gif - (759.73KB , 1000x800 , beneath-their-feet.gif )
1077397

>>
No. 1077398 ID: de5cb4
File 170011301598.jpg - (595.01KB , 1000x800 , a new world.jpg )
1077398

So now Martah and everyone he knows find themselves high above a mountain valley. The panorama is magnificent, but the angle and speed it's viewed from keep them from really appreciating it.

What should Martah be doing in a situation like this?
>>
No. 1077399 ID: a7a180

Stop falling, duh.
>>
No. 1077403 ID: 8f9bc4

Fall in a cool way
>>
No. 1077411 ID: 273c18

Flap your wings.
>>
No. 1077412 ID: 3c2dff

Yeah, stop falling. That's a good idea.
>>
No. 1077418 ID: eb0a9c

Order the Wyrm to slow your descent.
>>
No. 1077428 ID: 462d8c

Flap arms really hard

Maybe grab onto the pillar?
>>
No. 1077442 ID: f3171e

>>1077398
Emergency fleshwarp yourself some bat wings to glide?
>>
No. 1077459 ID: 708905

>>1077442
Forget anything as complex as wings just try and spread skin out in a crude parachute, we're under a serious time limit here
>>
No. 1077466 ID: 8f9bc4

SKELECOPTERS

THIBBBBBBBBB
>>
No. 1077476 ID: 0fbdcd

Cloak parachute?
>>
No. 1077743 ID: c8ca0c

>>1077459
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KHDUBzlZLXE

But also, uh, try to talk to the wyrm? Tell Enigma to talk to the wyrm? Aim for a giant pile of hay?
>>
No. 1077771 ID: de5cb4
File 170059773462.jpg - (311.29KB , 1000x800 , rat to bat.jpg )
1077771

> Wings
> Hey! Hey, stop falling.
Martah: (AAAAA, right, yes, wings, right, OK, I can do this.)

> Skelecopter
Martah: (Oh, like with a WAIT THERES NO TIME!)

Martah lets the wind whip off his tabard as he concentrates. Skin stretches between his arms and torso, forming a pair of crude wings. Balancing on the rushing air currents he manages to hold roughly in place.

Looking around, Martah takes stock of the situation. A mile wide portal has dumped the entire camp into the sky, maybe five miles up? The wurm is close behind, about a 100 yards up. Martah's group, as well as the shattered remains of the obelisk, are some hundred yards or so apart from the rest of the camp, directly in the path of the wurm.

> Order the Wurm to slow your descent
Martah: (Right.) He glances up at the immense face. (How are we doing this?)
>>
No. 1077778 ID: 0fbdcd

You need to flap towards Martah and collect Enigma for translation, then flap towards the Wurm, then get Enigma to yell for help in Wurm, all before you hit the ground in roughly a minute.

If you think that'd take too long just flap towards the Wurm and flail in distress.
>>
No. 1077785 ID: 273c18

Would "Oh god please help they're all going to die" suffice?
>>
No. 1077790 ID: f3171e

>>1077778
Yes, we'll need Enigma to translate a request.
>>
No. 1077881 ID: f2320a

>>1077778
support
>>
No. 1078093 ID: de5cb4
File 170105521149.jpg - (207.52KB , 1000x800 , catching enigma.jpg )
1078093

Martah swoops over to Enigma, who is falling backwards staring up in a daze. He tries to grab her arm but accidentally crashes into her, sending them into a tumble. Martah manages to get back into a steady position with Enigma clinging awkwardly to his furry chest.

Martah: *Hack* "Are you alright?" He has to shout to be heard over the air rushing past them. "We need to communicate with that thing!"

Enigma: "I-I, Mister Martah I don't know how!" She shivers against him. "I really want to help but I just can't!"

Martah: "That's Okay! Just hold on and I'll take a look at your brain real quick!"

Enigma: "Wha- ?"
>>
No. 1078094 ID: de5cb4
File 170105526394.jpg - (955.68KB , 1000x800 , brain scan.jpg )
1078094

Martah: (Alright lets take a look.)

Enigma: (What the heck? This feels really weird!)

Martah: (Yeah, sorry, we just don't have much time. I'm just going to try and observe what happens when you next hear the wurm. Luckily it looks like your brain is very similar to ours so I should be able to... Wait there's, did you know you have some metal spikes in your head?)

Enigma: (Oh, um, yes. I was in an... accident.)

Martah: (Uuuuh, well okay, moving on. Sorry if I start rambling, I'm trying not to think about, you know, what might happen in a few minutes. Oh and there are a bunch of spirits hanging around so don't worry if you hear some other voices. Now, do you think-)

Wurm: {FOUR MILES TO IMPACT}

Martah: (Ah! There, around those metal bits! I don't know what they are, but your brain lit up when the wurm spoke just now. Okay concentrate and I'll try to direct your thoughts back through the device.)

What should Enigma say?
>>
No. 1078097 ID: 8f9bc4

UNSAFE VELOCITY DETECTED REQUEST CORRECTION

SUMMON COMFY PILLOWS

EQUIP PARACHUTES ON ALL PERSONNEL

PLEASE
>>
No. 1078099 ID: 273c18

>>1078097
Seems fine.
>>
No. 1078100 ID: eb0a9c

Units cannot take fall damage! Directive 1 currently violated!
Emergency Override: "F***ING PARACHUTES, NOW!"
>>
No. 1078103 ID: 3c2dff

All of the above, plus “ow, there are spikes in my brain.”
>>
No. 1078167 ID: f3171e

>>1078097
Seems appropriate.
>>
No. 1078256 ID: de5cb4
File 170123587181.jpg - (155.55KB , 1000x800 , a visual representation of telepathic communicatio.jpg )
1078256

Enigma: (Whoa, voices! So you're spirits, huh? Well don't worry, I've got this! This guy talks like one of those robots from back home, lets try this:)

Enigma: (Unsafe velocity detected, request correction!)

Wurm: {PASSENGER; REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGED. GRAVITATIONAL DAMPENERS COMING ONLINE.}

A wave of visual distortion washes out from the wurm. The titan and the cloud of debris begin to slow their fall.

Enigma: (That's great! Now can you get us down to the ground?)

Wurm: {DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OFFLINE; EMERGENCY PROTOCOL IN EFFECT. HOLDING PATTERN ESTABLISHED; PORTAL STABILIZATION IN 4 MINUTES.}

Enigma: (Well that sounds promising. You're doing a great job, uh, what's your name big guy?)

Wurm: {THIS VESSEL IS DESIGNATED... ERROR
THIS VESSEL IS DESIGNATED... ERROR
THIS VESSEL IS DESIGNATED...
THIS VESSEL... THIS VESSEL... I... I am...
Who am I?)
>>
No. 1078257 ID: 3c2dff

Error!
>>
No. 1078258 ID: a7a180

Null`); DROP TABLE Entities;--
>>
No. 1078259 ID: 273c18

Jormun.

What happens when the portal stabilizes? Does it close? Well, we can get down to the ground by turning the dampeners off and on repeatedly. Or... lowering their power output?
>>
No. 1078260 ID: 8f9bc4

He probably is a robot! In fact he probably is a flying ship! That's what a vessel is, right? He's so cool!
>>
No. 1078289 ID: f3171e

Jormun seems to be a suitable name.
>>
No. 1078745 ID: de5cb4
File 170182819675.jpg - (274.92KB , 1000x800 , sad backstory.jpg )
1078745

Enigma: (You're an... Error?)

Wurm: (I do not know. I remember... stars. Traveling between stars and carrying people within myself.)

Enigma: (So are you some kind of machine?)

Wurm: (yes, but... I did not used to think like this. I was asleep for a very long time, somewhere cold and dark. Longer than a vessel is supposed to be in storage. I think many of my systems have degraded. I think... I'm not supposed to be thinking at all. A lot of data is missing, even my name.)

Enigma: (Where I came from there were machine workers, and they would get in a lot of trouble for thinking. But I think you're safe here, these rat guys don't have any machines that I've seen.)

(And its okay if you don't have a name, I don't have one either.)

Wurm: (Hmm, I think I would like a name though.)

Enigma: (Well how about... Jormun? It's the name of a shipping crate company. Maybe it's silly, but finding one of their boxes in an alley, it always made me feel safe knowing I would have somewhere sturdy to sleep for the night.)

Wurm: (Jormun... yes, it sounds right. I am Jormun!) The wurm lets out a joyful keen that rattles Enigma's bones.

Enigma: (G-glad you like it, big guy! Um, about that 'portal stabilization'?)

Jormun: (Ah, yes it should be powered up. Brace yourselves!)
{PORTAL STABILIZATION IN 3}
>>
No. 1078746 ID: de5cb4
File 170182825241.jpg - (308.50KB , 1000x800 , split jaw.jpg )
1078746

{2}
>>
No. 1078747 ID: de5cb4
File 170182832002.jpg - (337.95KB , 1000x800 , portal stabilized.jpg )
1078747

{1}

A beam of brilliant emerald energy shoots from Jormun's maw, roiling the air in front of them and sending bolds tumbling away. Martah holds Enigma close as they dizzyingly spin. On the ground below the energy wave resolves into a second portal. Martah has a brief, disorienting view through it of the wurm from behind, before he blacks out.

He comes around to find himself in a small tent, oddly feeling as though he is still falling.

Jormun: (Oh good, you're finally awake.)
>>
No. 1078751 ID: 0fbdcd

We were trying to cross the border, eh.

Step outside. Did the whole village get placed in an infinite loop between two portals so nothing ever hits the ground?
>>
No. 1078753 ID: f3171e

>>1078747
Well, that was a ride. Might be time to get something to eat.
>>
No. 1078775 ID: 273c18

What's going on?
>>
No. 1078777 ID: 8f9bc4

Check your own brain for any unexpected spikes of metal.
>>
No. 1079223 ID: 76615e
File 170243023352.jpg - (598.45KB , 1000x800 , waking to a new paradigm.jpg )
1079223

> Check your brain for metal spikes
Martah: (I think I would know if... okay no, there is no metal in my brain. I'm going to have to talk to her about that later.)
(Also my body has reverted back to no wings mode. A shaper tends to lose minor changes they don't think of as 'normal' while they sleep.)

> What's going on?
Jormun: (Sorry you guys got all knocked around, but you're safe now! Your friends set up a little tent village on my tail. It's very cute. Oh, I'm Jormun by the way. I've been able to think for one day!)

Martah: (Oh, uh... I'm Martah. You can talk to us now then?)

Jormun: (Yes! After you helped the little one talk to me I was able to adjust my wavelengths. Now I can talk to anyone! Don't worry, I won't be listening all the time, too many voices gets confusing.)

Martah: (Well, it's nice to meet you, but it feels like we're still falling?)

Jormun: (That's right! I've stabilized the portal so now we're stuck in a holding pattern. My thrusters seem to have been lost at some point while I was asleep, and my section joints are calcified. I can't move at all! So I have no way to actually land or reorient. But we aren't falling too fast, I've got a fair amount of gravity control left. We're now coasting at ten miles per hour, nice and slow.)

> Get something to eat
Martah: (Wait did you say it's been a day? No wonder I'm so hungry.)

Jormun: (I let the little one know that you are awake. She's going to bring you some thing to eat.)

> Step outside
Martah gets out of the bed roll and realizes he's still naked! Luckily it seems this tent is being used to store clothing.
>>
No. 1079224 ID: 76615e
File 170243025526.jpg - (138.24KB , 1000x800 , martah paper doll.jpg )
1079224

Suggest an outfit for Martah
>>
No. 1079225 ID: 462d8c
File 170243172654.png - (148.74KB , 1000x800 , matcloth.png )
1079225

How about something asymmetrical?
(colours can be changed)
>>
No. 1079229 ID: eb0a9c

So if I understand correctly, this is where we build a city by using a portal pair as an abnormal 'foundation' so that the city can literally fall forever or until the portal destabilizes and the whole thing crumbles into the ground as a medium-sized molehill.
Neat.

Dress: Coat made of tied, ripped-off sleeves.
>>
No. 1079234 ID: f3171e

>>1079225
Classical, yet subtle.
Pink with gray accents in his usual preferred colors should do nicely.
>>
No. 1079516 ID: 76615e
File 170303927887.jpg - (678.64KB , 1000x800 , sweet relief.jpg )
1079516

Jormun: (I'm going now, just call if you need me.)

Picking through a basket of clothes, Martah finds a toga under a pile of coat sleeves, and it's even in the traditional shaper colors. Pulling it on, it's a great fit. Wow, what a good find. Everything's coming up aces today.

Tears stream down Martah's face as the emotional roller coaster of the previous day catches up with him. After months of desperate flight, sweet relief courses through him.

Martah: (We did it... we're finally free.)

Enigma knocks, or rather paffs, at the tent flap.
Enigma: "Everything alright in there? I've got breakfast."
>>
No. 1079517 ID: 273c18

>>1079516
Everything is fine. Finally. Food.
>>
No. 1079533 ID: f3171e

>>1079516
Revel in this moment of peace. Soon we will descend onto a new world, and who knows what awaits there.

See what Enigma brought to eat and invite her in to sit, humble though the furnishings be.
>>
No. 1079557 ID: 8f9bc4

Free from what exactly? Explore.
>>
No. 1080191 ID: 76615e
File 170416182754.gif - (7.77MB , 800x640 , moving-horizon-animation.gif )
1080191

Martah pushes aside the tent flap and is greeted with a brilliant sunrise. He can't help but stare as the mountainous horizon gently rises up, to be replaced in a flash with clear blue sky.

Enigma: "It takes some getting used to, huh?" she proffers a basket of oat squares and ushers Martah back into the tent. "Hurry and eat, there's a big leaders meeting starting soon and we're both supposed to be there." The little bold plops down on a basket and kicks her feet. "You know, I don't think I've ever seen you without your mask. Is it hiding some dark secret?" she teases.

Martah: "Hrak kaf-kaf-kaf. Ah, no it's just a curse." The shaper flicks the clasp and slips off his mask to reveal bloody teeth framed by ragged lips. "A simple mouth sealing, but the caster was very powerful, so I haven't been able to get rid of it." Martah shoves oats into his mouth as the flesh at the corners already tries to knit back together.

Enigma: "Does... does it hurt?"

Martah: "I'm a shaper, I only feel what I intend to!" Martah states boastfully, thumping his chest and spraying oats everywhere. "It is annoying, but I get by. You seem to be dealing with your's alright."

Enigma: "My what!?"

Martah: "In your head. Isn't that a curse?"

Enigma: "Dude, we don't have curses where I come from. I was in an industrial accident."

Martah: "An accident that left perfectly spaced spikes in your head?"

Enigma: "Well..."

Martah: "Ah, don't worry about it. Maybe you can tell me about it later, we could exchange secrets? Anyway, lets get to that meeting."

Martah follows Enigma through the ramshackle camp to the largest tent. As they walk a thought occurs to him. "So uh, if your not from our world, do you even know what we've been going through?"

Enigma: "Some cult decided that your flesh magic was dangerous and needed to be destroyed, right?"

Martah: "Yeah, that's pretty much it." The two enter the tent to find a dozen bolds seated around a large table festooned with hastily scribbled maps and lists.
>>
No. 1080192 ID: 76615e
File 170416192929.jpg - (251.03KB , 1000x800 , council 1.jpg )
1080192

Note: Spirits get special dispensation to attend leadership sessions, since its not like anyone could keep them out anyway.

Martah: (Since you spirits are new around here I'll introduce everyone.)

(The tall bunnbold is Pitreh, our de facto Chief. When everything went down she was the one that lead us to escape. I used to think she was just a crazy radical, but she's really proven herself getting us here. )
(The Chief is usually the eldest in a family line, but given the disarray we are currently in, I guess it falls to whoever is willing.)

(Mishkah and Grishkah are our Hunter Bosses. People often call them the twins, even though they aren't even related. These two have a real happy-go-lucky attitude and love to play tricks, but they are more than capable hunters. My childhood friend Murdoc is here too, she is our most capable scout after all.)
(The hunters provide us with meat and foraged vegetables, though lately they've had to do a lot of fighting as well.)

(The absolutely ancient mouzbold over there is Pokkul, the Master Runescrivener. He's eccentric, but I guess he knows his way around runes. To be honest I've never seen him do much of anything. Donvan is here too. He certainly knows a lot about magic, but his focus on the Ancients has never been very useful, until now.)
(Runescrivening is an ancient tradition, but as a nomadic people we always put more stock in Fleshshaping. Runes are a more permanent thing, and robolds tend to live in the moment. The few who take up Scrivening are viewed as equal part weird and wise.)

(Hossul here is one of the enigmatic hoggbolds. He's a Master Fleshshaper, and I've been training under him for a while. I've learned a lot, though he does tend to be a bit... mystical about things.)
(Fleshshaping is.. was our tribe's specialty. So many family and friends turned their back on us, now we're all that's left.)
>>
No. 1080194 ID: 76615e
File 170416199025.jpg - (215.64KB , 1000x800 , council 2.jpg )
1080194

(Next is Mirrak, this cute bunnbold is our current Master Trader. She's young and to be frank, not the image of a ruthless bargainer you would expect. Given that the traders were the first to abandon us, that's probably a good thing.)
(The traders have long been the go-betweens for the tribe, negotiating with the towns and cities to get us work and sell our crafts.)

(This nondescript mouzbold is Crafter Representative Lohmul, here to speak on behalf of the various artisans of the tribe. They have long been in the background, greasing the wheels of productivity. Looks like the dearth of leadership has brought them to the forefront, which they don't look too happy about.)
(The Shapers support the Crafters, the Crafters support the tribe. That's how it's always been. The crafters that didn't come with us... without shapers to perfect their bodies how will they maintain their craft?)

(Master Courtesan Sillah is a squirbold. They're amazing, just one speech and they convinced almost the entire Courtesan's Guild to come with us! Such a caring and warm personality, they've personally helped me with quite a few issues.)
(Shapers can deal with bodily problems, but its the Courtesans that heal our minds and spirits. And yes, that includes more carnal issues sometimes, but its really not as lewd as the rumors would have you believe.)

(Also this guy, Marten I think his name is? As far as I know he's just a regular bunnbold, not sure what they need him here for.)
>>
No. 1080195 ID: 76615e
File 170416208311.jpg - (387.89KB , 1000x800 , pitreh looming.jpg )
1080195

As Martah and Enigma take their seats, Pitreh slaps the table and springs up. "Right, lets get started!" She leans forward, fixing each bold in turn with a fierce stare as she speaks. "Every bold in this room knows why they're here. When our enemies surrounded us and our leaders betrayed us, you stepped forward. By your efforts we have escaped a dark fate, and a bright future is in our grasp!"

Pitreh begins to pace around the group. "You know what I see, out there in the camp? I see youth, vibrant and ready to build a better life. Our parents and leaders chose to give in, to give up the soul of our people for false safety. Save for our wisest elders, of course." Saying this she claps a hand to Pokkul's shoulder, who cackles in response, and Hossul's, who merely nods.

"And so!" She returns to the front of the table, slapping both hands down and looming over those assembled. "It's time we reject the rotten ways of our predecessors. I am declaring Damnatio Memoriae on the tribe's old name!" This bold declaration elicits murmurs, but no objections.

"Its time for the people to control their own fate. A vote will be held once we establish a foothold here, to choose what form our society will take, but until then we're still in charge. We'll get to your reports on our situation in a moment, but first!" She jabs a finger towards Enigma, who starts and glances about nervously as the room's attention shifts to her. "While we were getting dropped out of our bunks this one swooped in and saved us all! I'd say that deserves more than our thanks. I say we make her a full member of the tribe!" The room is hushed for a moment at this unprecedented announcement, then Enigma is showered with congratulations and pats on the back. The little bold's expression of shock slowly shifts into one of joy while tears prick her eyes. The assembly return to their seats as Pitreh kneels down beside her and grasps her hand. "Time for you to choose a name, in the traditional robold way. Just close your eyes... quick say the first two syllables you think of!"
>>
No. 1080196 ID: fb32ab

Pip Pip!
>>
No. 1080198 ID: 17abec

hoohaa
>>
No. 1080199 ID: eb0a9c

Sol Far
>>
No. 1080207 ID: 273c18

>>1080195
Kulnaym
>>
No. 1080210 ID: 462d8c

Bungus
>>
No. 1080219 ID: c75e0b

Kiwi!
>>
No. 1080222 ID: 0fbdcd

Nyg ma.
>>
No. 1080224 ID: fa753c

>>1080199
Seconded
>>
No. 1080234 ID: 35b049

>>1080195
Klatu
>>
No. 1080452 ID: 8f9bc4

ligma
>>
No. 1080453 ID: 462d8c

>>1080452
... Steve Jobs is just two syllables
>>
No. 1080516 ID: 76615e
File 170460330434.jpg - (0.98MB , 1000x800 , map jormun.jpg )
1080516

And a roll of the dice gives us...

Enigma: "...Sol...Far?"

Pitreh: "And is that a name you can live with?" Solfar thinks for a second, then gives a confident nod. "Then welcome to the tribe!" Pitreh gives her a hearty slap on the back that nearly bowls her over. "But no time to celebrate, our position here is not yet secure."

Pitreh: "So to begin, by our last count we are 300 bolds strong. We haven't run a full census since arriving here, but I am pleased to announce no reports of casualties. Sillah, how is moral?"

Sillah: "mmm, better than it was. I think it will take some time to sink in for most, that we are truly free and clear. Having things to build again should help, aye Lohmul?"

Lohmul: "Yes, the crafters are eager to create once more, if we have sufficient supplies."

Mirrak: "Ah, um, we've some good luck there! When the wurm opened that second portal, it undercut an entire mile of forest. We haven't recovered everything yet, but, um, at a preliminary count we've gained at least 200 timber, 75 beasts, 12 tons of stone and dirt. Also, many bushels of mushrooms and small plants but, eh, those might not be useful. I'm sorry, there's just so much to go through, and I don't know any of these plants and-"

Pitreh: "Hey hey, its okay Mirrak. We all know you're doing your best. Sounds like we've got plenty to work with for now. And that dirt will help Marten get our farming going."

Marten: "Ay Chief, I told you I only worked on a farm as a laborer for a season."

Pitreh: "Then you've got more experience than any of us! Hey twins! What's the situation on the ground?"
>>
No. 1080517 ID: 76615e
File 170460343331.jpg - (0.96MB , 1000x800 , map valley.jpg )
1080517

Mishkah: "Oh man, this place is great! The hunter teams that set out barely made it back. None of em got more than a few yards before getting attacked by crazy beasts!"

Grishkah: "The beasts that got portal dropped are quite interesting. Most of them seem similar to salamanders, but so big and fierce! I can't wait to get down there and encounter some myself."

Murdoc: "Ahem, as for the actual scouting, we've had to rely on what we can make out from up here." She points to a rough map on the table. "We seem to be in a valley surrounded on two sides by mountains. The main feature is a dense forest, with our portal right in the middle. The forest is surrounded by grassland and flanked by two small rivers from the mountains. Past that is hard to make out. It appears to be desert on the other side of the mountains, and to the south dense greenery, perhaps a jungle. There are no signs of civilization visible from the air, save for what looks like a structure on the highest peak."

Pitreh: "Alright then, looks like we're on our own for now. Lets get this camp running again, and we'll reconvene in a week."

As the meeting breaks up, Mastershaper Hossul takes Martah aside. "Feeling recovered are you lad? Good, good. Lets discuss what you'll be working on."

What should Martah do today?

A) Study Jormun
B) Study the captured beasts
C) Study the gathered plants
D) Assist the crafters
E) Assist with farming
F) something else?
>>
No. 1080519 ID: eb0a9c

Start by studying the local plants and animals. We need to get a rough understanding of the ecosystem so we can start industrial-level farming for 300 people.
>>
No. 1080520 ID: eeafe4

>>1080519
This. Anatomy is your specialty, so studying any they've managed to obtain will help us determine what parts are safely edible. Don't want any polar bear incidents, where people eat an organ containing lethal doses of a vitamin or mineral.
>>
No. 1080529 ID: 273c18

>>1080517
E. Let's get that sorted pronto.
>>
No. 1080534 ID: 56db77

>>1080517
C. Local plants should survive better than imported so if we can identify edible ones it should boost farming efforts
>>
No. 1080582 ID: c8ca0c

So we are...currently falling through the air? And exploring Jormun's back? Or what?
>>
No. 1080934 ID: 5ebd37
File 170518993748.jpg - (693.65KB , 1000x800 , pile of green.jpg )
1080934

Note: Just to clarify, Jormun is currently falling face first between two portals. The robolds have set up camp on his tail end, the currently top-most part of him.

>Study the plants

Martah: *hrk* "I would investigate the plants we've brought in, if that's alright master."

Hossul: "hmm, yes, an astute choice. The bulk of it has been stored in one of the warehouse tents. Look for Mirrak, she is in charge of sorting and storing our supplies."

Martah steps out of the meeting hall into a camp bustling with activity. Bolds are everywhere, carting about boxes and sacks. Even in the air overhead figures can be seen, pursuing the last falling resources in what appear to be basic wingsuits. High above it all is the looming visage of Jormun, watching the industrious bolds with his ever present grin.

Past the enormous piles of timber, which crafters are already busy sawing into boards and beams, Martah finds the large storage tents. He walks past a giant pile of dirt, where Marten is poking about and scratching his head. Entering the closest tent, Martah is confronted with an immense tangle of vegetation. Even as he stares, a couple of bolds brush past him to toss armfuls of vines on the mess.

Circling around the greenery, Martah sees many familiar forms among the gathered plants. Leaves, stems, flowers, mushrooms, it seems this world's foliage is not too far off from what he is familiar with. On the far side of the pile teams of bolds are attempting to sort the many plants, but they haven't put much of dent in the mound. Mirrak stands off to the side, furiously scribbling on a clipboard. She spots Martah and rushes over. "Shaper, you're here to help right?" she bites her lip in frustration. "The chief's counting on us, but, oh gods there's just so much!"
>>
No. 1080935 ID: 273c18

>>1080934
Shape them some extra limbs to make faster work sorting.
>>
No. 1080941 ID: 462d8c

>>1080935
Not a bad plan
>>
No. 1080943 ID: 71f26b

>>1080935
Great idea!
>>
No. 1080947 ID: f2320a

>>1080935
green is one of the colors humans can see the most shades of so how good are we at doing eyes?
>>
No. 1080951 ID: 636b17

>>1080934
Shape some extra sensitive noses and tastebuds, should help with finding plants that are edible and/or medicinal
>>
No. 1081392 ID: 5ebd37
File 170570989215.jpg - (557.21KB , 1000x800 , beastie parts.jpg )
1081392

>Shape them some extra limbs
>Shape some extra sensitive noses and tastebuds, also eyes

Martah: *hk-hraak* "Looks like your team could use some enhancements. What are we looking at for numbers of spare parts?"

Mirrak: "I told you at- I forgot to mention it at the meeting, didn't I?" she groans and rubs her face. "Check in the next storage over, old Lindsaw has her take-apart team set up with the beasts that couldn't be recovered intact. Only 30 at last count, but there should be something you can use."

Martah: "Got it, I'll be right back."

Entering the next tent, Martah finds it to be just as bustling as the last. Bolds are busy slicing apart corpses into neat piles of limbs and organs. The shaper walks over to a familiar spindly rattebold overseeing the work.

Lindsaw: "Ah, Shaper Martah. I do hope you have come to take some of these lovely parts off my hands. We haven't the proper supplies to preserve them, and I would hate to see them go to waste."

Martah: "What have you got in the way of strong arms and sense organs, Dismantler?"

The elderly rattebold waves a hand at a selection of limbs and heads arrayed on tarps on the floor. "Take your pick, its all salamanders down there, apparently." She pats Martah on the shoulder and leaves him to it, heading over to assist some bolds wrestling open the ribs of a particularly large beast.

Martah: (Well well, look at this spread. What can I do with these, I wonder?)

Heads:
A) 4 in stock: a nocturnal looking face, with big eyes
B) 5 in stock: a long snout, with a tongue to match
C) 3 in stock: a broad head, some odd sense organs have replaced the eyes
Limbs:
D) 10 in stock: three-clawed grasping hand on a short, scaly arm
E) 12 in stock: wide foot with sticky pads
F) 10 in stock: a runner's leg, with wicked claws
G) 4 in stock: a thick tail, good for balance

Martah: (I only have time to mess around with three of these, I'm supposed to be looking at plants after all.)
>>
No. 1081395 ID: 462d8c

Check out A, D, and E
>>
No. 1081397 ID: a04d9f

>>1081392
We can use the tongues from B to allow sorters to taste test samples without exposing themselves to ingested toxins using their true tongues.

D seems to be a suitable additional limb for dextrous sorting.

The rest are interesting, but probably not useful to our immediate task. If we want to investigate any of them, C is a complete unknown so its strange senses could hypothetically turn out to be helpful?
>>
No. 1081420 ID: 27aa41

Agreed that C has the potential to be valuable (or trash)
>>
No. 1082184 ID: 5ebd37
File 170668694428.jpg - (468.24KB , 1000x800 , working smarter.jpg )
1082184

>A,B,D,E

Martah: (Yes these seem the most useful. I'm not sure about A though, let me check.) He plucks out one of the large eyes and peers into it. (Mmm, yeah these are just good for night vision. I would have thought they would have broader spectrum, but these receptors are surprisingly simple. Oh well.)

Martah tugs out the long tongues from the B heads and bundles them up in a large basket, alongside the D and E limbs. Taking a moment to ask Lindsaw to set the C heads aside for him, he lugs the basket back into the plant warehouse.

Martah: *Hrak-Koff-Koff-Koff. Ahem* "Hey! Who wants a body change? Chief says we're not bowing to tradition anymore so we can change whatever we want! But you'd better want extra arms cause that's all we got." A curious crowd gathers around, and soon a number of bolds are kited out with grasping claws and sticky feet hands. A group of bolds is brought from the kitchens and given the long tongues. They set to work taste testing various plants, amassing a pile of potential crops.

Martah: (Phew, time to get to work.) Martah gathers up a collection of samples. (I'll show you guys an old shaper trick. If you squint really hard, you can see the tiny bits that make up an object. Like take this, for example.) he holds up a small brown lump and squints at it. (Looks like we've got carbohydrates, starches, some vitamins... wait this is just a potato!? Like just a regular potato like you get out of the ground? On an alien planet? Huh.)
>>
No. 1082186 ID: 5ebd37
File 170668707142.gif - (247.59KB , 1000x800 , new-vision.gif )
1082186

After a long day of peering at vegetation, Martah has found a handful of promising candidates that could be modified into useful food crops. Alongside the pseudo-potato there are also what appear to be onions and portobello mushrooms, so the farming team will have plenty to work with. Feeling famished, he heads to the cafeteria, bringing along one of the C heads to study.

Plonking the flat head down on the table beside his bowl of stew, Martah pulls out a small scalpel and begins dismantling. (Oh wow, I've never seen something like this before.) Eagerly drawing out one of the unknown sense organs and setting it aside, Martah reaches a hand with gently glowing fingers up to his own eye. Carefully, he removes the orb and connects the nerve cord from the sense organ into the socket. Instantly the bolds in his view are lit up with scintillating auras. (Whoooooooaah)

Solfar: "eeeeehhhh, Martah? Wh- whaaat are you doing?"
>>
No. 1082187 ID: 273c18

Wow. Is this... some kind of ridiculously fine-tuned electrosensing? You can see their nerves. Hmm, then again, that's a bit far fetched. If it's emitting that blue glow it might be some form of flesh-piercing radiation that the eye is tuned to pick up reflections off of. It only reflects off of nerves for some reason?

You can cure cancer with fleshcrafting, right?
>>
No. 1082190 ID: eb0a9c

>>1082186
Remind me why your people weren't preserved. It's clear that with enough funding you could have ensured shapeshifting and immortality for the rich and powerful.

...Also, how hard is it to gender-shift?
>>
No. 1082191 ID: 56db77

>>1082186
Looks like some sort of electric sensory system picking up on nerve signals. Damn useful for spotting hidden animals.
>>
No. 1082193 ID: 00c4e9

>>1082186
Squat under the table and see if you can sense her through the wood.
>>
No. 1082194 ID: 9e6aa6

Is she just surprised at you doing self-surgery in the cafeteria, or is the sensing affecting her somehow?
>>
No. 1082235 ID: 8f9bc4

>>1082187

You can cure cancer with a sharp knife. The problem is when little pieces of it escape into the bloodstream and make more tumors in worse places.

>>1082190

Just swapping physical organs? Because swapping hormones and biochemistry and chromosomes would require an awfully tiny scalpel, and a whole lot of patience.
>>
No. 1082241 ID: 8c1a7d

>>1082235
So long as you've swapped in a complete set of reproductive organs the chromosomes won't really matter and the new organs should regulate the hormones
>>
No. 1083502 ID: 5ebd37
File 170815113697.jpg - (378.11KB , 1000x800 , dinner conversation.jpg )
1083502

>some sort of electric sensory system?
Martah: (I'd heard of sharks being able to sense electrical waves, but this seems to be far more advanced. And through the air no less! I really can't begin to guess what mechanism it's using and I'm a little scared. Range seems a bit limited, it fades out halfway across this room, but this could be a huge help for the hunters! And we've got a whole six of them to work with.)

>You can cure cancer?
Martah: (Hmm? Oh sure, just direct the blood cells to where the bad cells are. The body is actually quite capable of dealing with rogue cells on its own, it just needs to be shown the way sometimes.)

>how hard is it to gender-shift?
Martah: (That's easy! Well as long as you have a donor organ to swap out. If you're rebuilding the existing organ or making one from scratch it will take a while. Its not uncommon, though its too much of a pain to do everyday. Murdoc has switched a few times, whereas I've only experimented with more surface level changes. Now that we aren't beholden to the old traditions I expect people will get a lot more wild with it.)

>why your people weren't preserved?
Martah: (Oh there's no doubt the rich will be secretly making use of the tribes we left behind. Our former merchant are probably making horrible deals as we speak. But frankly it was our own hidebound elders that always held us back. I doubt any outsiders knew the full extent we are capable of. So many traditions of maintaining the proper bodily forms, of keeping changes temporary. We'll definitely be better off now, I just wish it hadn't taken an existential threat.)

>Is she just surprised at you doing self-surgery in the cafeteria, or is the sensing affecting her somehow?
Martah: (Ah, right, I forgot she hasn't been with us for very long. She probably isn't used to regular dismemberment and such.)

>Look through the wood
Martah: *hak* "Hey Solfar, I was just examining this beast's organ. I can put it away if it's bothering you. Ooh, hang on a moment..." Martah ducks under the thick trestle table, noting how the auras the organ shows are much dimmer through the wood. "Fascinating..."

Solfar stares for a bit, then shakes herself and sits down. "You guys are strange, but at least its always lively."

As Martah is just finishing up getting his eye back in, the pair are joined by Mirrak. The bunnbold sits down heavily and sighs "Ah, thanks for your help today, we should have those plants squared away in a few days."

Time for polite dinner conversation, what's a good topic? The day's work, evening plans, the harrowing situation they've only just escaped from, or something else?
>>
No. 1083503 ID: 462d8c

For mental health, probably not task related. Ask what are some hobbies or possible group activities they might be interested in
>>
No. 1083504 ID: 273c18

>>1083502
Ask what they're looking forward to building in the new city. What facilities do they want?
>>
No. 1083508 ID: c1638e

>>1083504
This is a good one. Perhaps with some luck we can find a hot spring to draw from and make a nice bathhouse? What would they like to see develop?
>>
No. 1085176 ID: 5ebd37
File 170944127727.jpg - (355.07KB , 1000x614 , devouring stew.jpg )
1085176

Mirrak: "It's going to be strange, robolds staying in one place. I mean, we're moving down but that doesn't count. Ooh but just think of the stuff we can build now! Shops and stores, maybe even a market, we'll get so many new customers!"

Solfar: "Eh, what customers? We don't even know if there's anyone on this world besides us."

Mirrak: The bunnbold waves off the question. "Oh they'll come. I didn't spend years under the nastiest old traders just to end up in the middle of nowhere."

Martah: "Well that's good for the tribe, but what do you want for yourself? myself, I hope we get a good theatre."

Solfar: "And I'd like an arcade."

Martah: "A what?"

Solfar: "Oh, its a place with lots of games and activities. I've never been able to go in one, but they looked amazing." she sighs "I guess I'll never get the chance now."

Martah: "Hey don't say that. We'll build you the best arcade you've ever seen."

Mirrak: "Definitely, the crafters will be all over that as soon as they hear about it." she glances over to the next table, where several of said crafters are scribbling notes and pretending not to eavesdrop. "Ah, they're incorrigible. Well if we're shooting for the moon, I'd really like a bath house, with one of those outdoor steam pools. I've always wanted to spend an evening just soaking, watching the sun go down, holding her close while the world fades away."

Martah: "Ooh, that sounds romantic. I'm sure the Chief would love that."

Mirrak: "Wh- who said anything about the Chief?" she sputters, blushing.

Solfar: "Ee hee hee, so that's why you were so nervous at morning meeting, huh?"

Mirrak: "Agggh, is it that obvious? She was always the bad girl with the radical ideas that we apprentices couldn't be seen with, and now I see her everyday! And she says my name and tells me I'm doing a good job!?" She lets out a shuddering sigh, slumping onto the table. "How can I ever measure up to the bright, shining dream she has for us?" she mutters "I wanna kiss her so bad."
>>
No. 1085180 ID: eb0a9c

We heard that, silly.

For real, though, you need to start with your critical infrastructure - because you've got so many reality hacks that designing this otherwise-boring task is going to be awesome. Everything's literally falling, so you've got some powerful self-generating energy sources by simply hooking a dynamo to the ground and letting the mass of the city itself power it through gear contact. Same goes for water flow, which can literally be a stationary water tank/purifier that gets dumped wastewater at the top, flows through the filters using its own gravity, and then pours out freely at the bottom.
And that's just using dumb low-level tricks! There's so much you can do to turn this place into "The City That Cannot Lay Down And Finish Falling".

This city has the potential to be literally perpetual, because it involves a reality-defying hack that would likely cost multiple times its production in ongoing energy costs. But you have it, so put it to good use!
>>
No. 1085182 ID: 8f9bc4

Start by getting a bath house built.
>>
No. 1085186 ID: 273c18

Be good at your job, and she'll take notice.
>>
No. 1085194 ID: 236926

>>1085176
What about you, Martah? Have an eye for anyone?
>>
No. 1085202 ID: 56db77

>>1085180
Sideways windmills could also work as a constant energy source
>>
No. 1086465 ID: 5ebd37
File 171048457209.jpg - (1.13MB , 1000x800 , good ideas.jpg )
1086465

>Be good at your job, and she'll take notice.
>Start by getting a bath house built.
Martah: "Yeah, you're fine Mirrak. You just need a romantic moment to ask her out. So that's our priority then, building a bath house."

Mirrak: "Stop iiiit." she complains, but she's clearly smiling.

Solfar: "hee hee hee"

>What about you, Martah? Have an eye for anyone?
Martah: (Well, as you can probably tell, I'm not much of a kisser. I've spent a few hot nights with some lovely folks, but I just don't have that much drive, you know? I've got my friends, and that's enough for me.)

>hooking a dynamo to the ground and letting the mass of the city itself power it through gear contact
>Sideways windmills could also work as a constant energy source
Martah: "Wow, that sounds like something a people that weren't nomads would have the relevant skills to accomplish! Unless the windmills were made out of bones and tendons, which, hmmm. Maybe?"

Mirrak: "No, Martah. That would just start rotting, and we have more than enough vines and wood. As for this 'dynamo' even if we could make one, the edge of the ground is like a half a mile away. Might be a bit tricky."

Solfar: "I've only repaired machines, not built them, so I don't know how much I could help here. I don't think you have the right metals here."

Mirrak: "Its definitely something to discuss at the next meeting." she stretches and gets to her feet. "But its getting late, so I'll see you two tomorrow."

Solfar: "Good night! ... is that supposed to be a scribble of me?"

Martah: "uhhhh"
>>
No. 1086466 ID: 5ebd37
File 171048471878.gif - (3.97MB , 1000x800 , morning-two.gif )
1086466

An uneventful night passes into the dawn of the second day on this strange new world.
Martah: (You know, you guys don't have to just hang around me all the time. I'm going to be studying those sense organs some more, might be boring for you.)

Who do you want to follow today?
Martah messing around with flesh shaping
Murdoc and the hunters planning an excursion to the ground
Donvan and Jormun trying to figure out this wurm's whole deal
Solfar doing... something
>>1080192 Or one of these weirdos
>>
No. 1086476 ID: df60a9

>>1086465
>not much of a kisser
My brother in Christ, you are a fleshbender. Even if your normal mouth is cursed, life finds a way.
I suppose if you feel using a grafted mouth doesn't count, that's fair.

>>1086466
We may be of use to the ground expedition. Our third-person perspective can often help with picking up details in the area that might otherwise be missed, like threats hiding from the host's line of sight but not ours'.
>>
No. 1086490 ID: 462d8c

Let's follow murdoc for a bit
>>
No. 1086813 ID: 2f41db

>>1086476
I agree.

We can spread the knowledge gained but also there may be things more visible to spirits than the scouts.

...i wonder if there are local spirit forms too?
>>
No. 1087438 ID: 5ebd37
File 171177585212.jpg - (48.38KB , 1000x800 , edge of the wurm.jpg )
1087438

>Even if your normal mouth is cursed, life finds a way.
Martah: (Yeah well... no, you're right. I've had this curse for a long time, and I've let it kind of control my life. Sillah has been helping me build up my self esteem, but I keep falling into old habits, assuming folks will reject me and so isolating myself. I am getting better though, really.

So uhhh, I'm gonna go now. See you later!)

Martah scurries off to do weird things with organs. We now join the hunters' planning session already in progress.

Mishkah: "-didn't save his legs now did it? And how would we set one of those up when we're falling out of the sky? C'mon now people, we need good ideas, good ideas."

Off to the side of this rabble stand Grishkah and Murdoc, peering over the edge.
Murdoc: "I don't think these wing suits are going to be enough. Even if we clear the forest how will we land at that speed?"

Grishkah: "Couldn't you just" He mimes a shallow arc. "Like down and then up? How did you do it in the mountains?"

Murdoc: "About like that, yes, but never over such distances." She glances up. "Oh, its you lot. I don't suppose any of you have experience with flying? PItreh wants us exploring further out, but the forest is giving us trouble."
>>
No. 1087439 ID: 5ebd37
File 171177596179.jpg - (1.04MB , 1000x800 , map valley improved.jpg )
1087439

Grishkah: "The portal is about a mile across, and Jormun is a quarterish mile wide, so gliding to the ground is no problem. It's just that the forest is jam-packed with wicked cool beasts, which have thus far proven impassable. This entire valley is dense forest, coniferous trees and many mosses and ferns. It seems as though the mountains all shed their water on this side, so the plantlife is flourishing. It's practically a jungle! But that makes progress slow and gives predators cover."

Murdoc: "Exploration aside, if we can't hunt that's going to put a lot of pressure on the farm team. Robolds have never been farmers, so I don't expect we can rely on them so soon. We still have a fair store of food from the old world, so its not a crisis yet. I just don't like feeling trapped here."
>>
No. 1087441 ID: 273c18

>>1087439
The top portal is pretty high up... How far could a kobold glide if they exited the portal at the top and went as far out as possible?

Has anyone gone up above the top portal to see what's on the other side? Most likely case is that it leads to the ground under the bottom portal, which wouldn't be super helpful but at least gives us an option for how to land-- it's easier to use a bit of velocity to fly up above the top portal than it is to slow down and land normally from high up.
>>
No. 1087442 ID: eb0a9c

>Robolds are not farmers
Okay. How about ranchers? You can trade in optimized farm animals for crops from the local towns.
Ranching means you just need to set up defenses and boundaries for the grazing livestock. They'll do the 'farming' for you.
>>
No. 1087443 ID: 462d8c

Probably not the best idea, but what about fire? It'd help clear out areas for excursions and keep predators away. Plus, the updrafts from the heat would help increase the distance one could glide. Wouldn't have to worry about the fire getting out of control if the area is so green as well. Would maybe take devising some firebombs and some designated spots to target
>>
No. 1087444 ID: 8f9bc4

Why. yes. I have experience flying. First, you pay for your ticket... oh wait.
>>
No. 1087458 ID: 2f41db

>>1087439
You need a staging post.

Pick a convenient natural clearing, expand on that. Wooden fence and minor earthworks like a ditch with spikes sunk and facing outwards.
A couple of rudimentary tents for rest and storage.
Torches around the perimeter at night.

This will give you a clear, safe landing point, allow for extended expeditions and provide a secure rest and storage point for gathered supplies.

Anything found, foraged or hunted could be stored there and left to a seperate team to ferry back to the city.
Hunter focus on hunting, loggers and foragers on their work.
A team of your strongest can respond to a raised flag from the camp and travel down to make pick ups or drop offs.
Specialisation for efficiency.
>>
No. 1087483 ID: dca656

Yeah, expand a clearing and start fortifying it.

Is there any quick modifications on the workers you can do to help with tree chopping? Or maybe just beef up the hunters to help fend off beasts.
>>
No. 1087494 ID: a031a4

>>1087439
Getting back up to the portals might be a concern as well, no? Do you have any plans or equipment in place for that already?

If not, we'll need to establish some infrastructure below. Securing a landing site, building something like a lift and pulley system to get back up or transport supplies. A lift system that tall will take a long time and space to build safely.
>>
No. 1088886 ID: 5ebd37
File 171324047168.jpg - (69.71KB , 1000x800 , considering bodily harm.jpg )
1088886

>How far could a kobold glide if they exited the portal at the top and went as far out as possible?
Murdoc: "From the top portal we are five miles up. Or four? I can't really tell, but its quite high either way. So plenty of range, it's the landing I'm worried about.
Now I'm not one to shy away from dashing myself upon the rocks. Done it a few times, it's not so bad. But I'd just as soon not rely on a shaper being on hand to resurrect at the very outset of our expedition."

>what about fire?
Grishkah: "Not a bad idea, this forest is very wet so it wouldn't spread too far. But by that same token It will take some doing to get a good blaze going. Maybe just a torch fence to start."

>How about ranchers?
Grishkah: "Quite a few beasts got caught when the portal opened. We've got a team sorting out the ones we captured alive. They should have a report by the next meeting."

Murdoc: "I popped in for a minute this morning and its a madhouse. They'll have their hands full finding anything domesticable in that lot."

>You need a staging post.
>Yeah, expand a clearing and start fortifying it.
Grishkah: "Sigh, so straightforward, but its the best plan for the moment. Needs more action though, more beast fighting."

Murdoc: "No, shut it, it's a great plan. Establish a foot hold and work from there, and it will keep the hunters busy before they go tearing off into the woods for sport. Come on, we'll do a flyover now and pick out a likely spot."

>Getting back up to the portals might be a concern as well, no? Do you have any plans or equipment in place for that already?
Murdoc: "I mean, we'll be right next to the lower portal so, we can just hop back in. Jormun is falling much slower than terminal velocity, so it's easy to catch up."

>Has anyone gone up above the top portal to see what's on the other side?
Grishkah: "The top? Of course, why didn't we think to check before?"

Murdoc: "Well here comes the portal, lets go find out."
>>
No. 1088887 ID: 5ebd37
File 171324050592.gif - (299.15KB , 1000x800 , portal-top.gif )
1088887

>>
No. 1088888 ID: 5ebd37
File 171324057509.gif - (534.15KB , 1000x800 , little-clearings.gif )
1088888

Grishkah: "Aghl-aghl-aghl-aghhh!"

Murdoc: "Well that's a no go. Guess it has a shield to keep people from messing with it.

Anyway, lets pick a landing point. There's a long, narrow clearing with a stream, a small clearing with dark spots, and a large clearing with a sandy area. Also there's a big square rock that might make a nice high ground."
>>
No. 1088889 ID: 462d8c

Aim for the clearing with sand
>>
No. 1088890 ID: 2f41db

>>1088888
Dont trust those spots in the open field.
Rock looks very defensible but very visible.
That said, jormy is probably getting all the attention so that's lesser of an issue.
Fresh stream might be a good start point for game trails.

I say go with the sandy patch clearing.
More room to work with.
There could be something lurking in the sand like some kind of horrific giant antlion, but thats a positive to some of the more hunthungry folk.
>>
No. 1088899 ID: 273c18

I couldn't quite tell what the shield does. Is it like a trampoline or something?
The sand seems like it might work for a landing zone. It's softer then landing on rocks that's for sure. How are we going to handle water supplies in the staging post? Regular deliveries?

You know, I just realized I don't know how close to the ground the portal down there is. Does it actually cut into the ground to make a "hole"? Where did all the stuff that was there go, in that case...?
>>
No. 1088904 ID: f3171e

>>1088899
Good point, sand would cushion the landing.
>>
No. 1088908 ID: 80c73b

Hmm. I'm inclined to go with either the rock or the sand, though I'm wondering about things hiding in the sand. How's your water supply, though? Would the river be notably useful?
>>
No. 1089014 ID: 56db77

>>1088888
I say go with the rock, who knows what those dark spots are, the sand could conceal all manner of horrible burrowing monstrosities, and while fresh water is nice the stream isn't really shaped in a way to make for a good defensive barrier.
>>
No. 1090346 ID: 5ebd37
File 171489539651.jpg - (186.54KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_53 a foolish tableau.jpg )
1090346

>the shield, is it like a trampoline or something?

Murdoc: "Yeah he just bounced right off. Reassuring actually, I don't want to think about what would happen if one of the portals were to fail."

>how close to the ground is the portal down there?

Murdoc: "It's flush with the ground, recessed about a foot down even. Everything that was above it was dropped in when it opened, and we piled it up on Jormun. So far no animals have been stupid enough to fall in, though they don't seem to fear getting near it either."

>How are we going to handle water supplies?

Murdoc: "Uh, supplies isn't my strong suit, I know hunting and scouting more. Thinking about how to get water from that stream to Jormun makes my head hurt. But this forest seems like it gets a lot of rainfall, and there's gray clouds drawing near. I'd say some simple collectors will suffice for now."

> Sand, sand, sand, sand, rock/sand, rock

Murdoc: "Hmm, I'm having second thoughts about the rock, hard to build on. The sand obviously will have ambushers, but overall seems better. And plenty of space too."

Murdoc angles herself through the air to join her boss. The hunter bats at the stricken Grishkah until he stops spinning. His eyes are still spinning in opposite directions though. With aerial grace Murdoc manages to get them both safely back atop Jormun.

Landing among the hunters, Murdoc unceremoniously dumps the dizzy boss on the ground. "Alright alright, enough hanging about. Who's ready to get down there and show this new world what we're made of?"

Mishkah: "Finally!" the other hunter boss kicks over the drawing board and sprints to the Wurm's edge. "You sort out the details, I'll see you down there!" With a jaunty salute he disappears over the side.

Murdoc: "Wait, you don't know where we're landing!" Too late, he's gone.
>>
No. 1090347 ID: 273c18

>>1090346
Quickly inform those present, then chase after The Fool so you can point him towards the landing site.
>>
No. 1090360 ID: 2f41db

>>1090346
You have to admire their enthusiasm.

Well, best get down there.
>>
No. 1090368 ID: 210aa5

Aim towards the edge of the sand. Soft landing, but you have a better chance to scurry away from anything buried beneath.
>>
No. 1090370 ID: 8f9bc4

dammit Leeroy...
>>
No. 1091494 ID: 5ebd37
File 171632262008.jpg - (269.71KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_54 touchdown.jpg )
1091494

Murdoc: (Damn, if they're both out of commission then I have to be in charge. Well not on my watch!) She turns to the hunters "Right! Burgo, you're with me." The big cappybolda nods and grabs his equipment. "The rest of you, get Gris to a shaper and grab some supplies. Pointy sticks or something, I don't know. We're landing in the sandy spot, lets go!"

Murdoc and Burgo quickly catch up to Mishkah, who is splayed out and idly drifting down.
Mishkah: "What took you so long? Show me where we're heading." Murdoc rolls her eyes and leads the way.

The group swoops in and lands safely on the sand. Hurriedly getting to solid ground, they look around the empty clearing. "Well this is far too suspiciously quiet." says Murdoc, as a gentle breeze stirs the grass.

At the treeline a long red snout emerges from the foliage. Yellow eyes peer at the party.
>>
No. 1091499 ID: 273c18

>>1091494
Prepare for battle, but don't make the first move. I think we would prefer not to enrage the predator if it won't attack on its own. Observe its behavior.
>>
No. 1091503 ID: 8f9bc4

Best defense against a predator is to make yourself seem big. Stand on top of each other, stack those kobolds!
>>
No. 1091508 ID: 462d8c

>>1091503
This should be our response to everything

I do agree that we need to observe before engaging first. For all we know this is a thinking creature
>>
No. 1091512 ID: 2f41db

>>1091503
Stack them 'bolds.

Itnmight initially be a funny suggestion but predators are often very wary creatures.
One bad call can lead to starvation.
Especially among non pack hunters.

Sometimes doing something unexpected can throw tyem while they try to figure out if youre a good prey target or not.

Standard thing. Dont show it your back.
>>
No. 1091515 ID: 28f26c

>>1091494
Eyes up, something's watching you. Only one right now, but it could be a pack predator.
>>
No. 1091624 ID: 80c73b

Nice sand effects, looks cool.

>>1091512
>One bad call can lead to starvation.
Specifically compared to herbivores, whose food can't run away; is the logic I've heard. A herbivore tears a muscle, they just take a little longer to get to new grass; a predator tears a muscle, and they can't catch anything.
>>
No. 1092375 ID: 5ebd37
File 171753014016.jpg - (200.77KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_55 impressing children.jpg )
1092375

>Stack them 'bolds

Murdoc: "Ah, here we go" The hunter spots the watching predator. "Standard formation, height advantage!"

Mishkah: "Hey I wanted to say it."

Murdoc: "Have to be quicker on the draw then."

Brugo effortlessly hoists his companions onto his broad shoulders and the three form a small tower. As they wobble in place a pair of bipedal lizards come rushing out of the trees. The bolds tense up, ready for a fight, but the red things stop a few paces away. They look up at the bolds curiously, hoping around and chirping to each other.

Mishkah: "We captured some of these earlier didn't we? I thought they were bigger. Oh, wait"
Another, much larger lizard steps out of the forest. It doesn't approach, but keeps a watchful eye fixed on the party. The smaller ones come closer and start chasing each other around Burgo's feet.

Burgo: "Oooh, boss, can I pet em? Pleaaase?"
>>
No. 1092376 ID: 462d8c

Petting things with large teeth is how you lose a finger. Petting cubs while the parent is near is how you lose the whole arm! If we must befriend then try offering a bit of food
>>
No. 1092378 ID: 273c18

Eh, losing fingers or even arms is not really a big deal, we can replace them. That said, be careful.
>>
No. 1092383 ID: 9bbb0e

They seem to be a social species, but one should never assume cross-species body language will translate, so avoid touching for now. The young probably don't know how to assess danger yet.

>>1092376
On the one hand, if we give them food they will come back and become a nuisance species. On the other, that can be how domestication starts.

I'll agree with the food plan, though. The mother lizard hasn't attacked you on instinct yet, so the species must be fairly intelligent.
>>
No. 1092389 ID: 2f41db

>>1092375
No pet.
The loss of fingers mentioned is a very real risk.
Moreover, tge mother may interpret it as an attack.

Get started on domestication, or af least fruendly terms.
Got to presume meat is on the menu for something with teeth like that
>>
No. 1092465 ID: 56db77
File 171759385420.gif - (3.58MB , 960x540 , 9k41mwqpb03c1.gif )
1092465

>>
No. 1092847 ID: 5ebd37
File 171815825319.jpg - (186.06KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_56 oh no buddy.jpg )
1092847

>Pet, No, Pet, No, Give em food

Mishkah: "Well okay, big guy, but be careful. I'm not fishing your fingers out of a stomach. Again."

Murdoc: "Hang on, I've got some jerky." She passes some tasty dried meat down to Burgo, who offers it to the curious lizards.

After a few sniffs, the little ones nab the treats. They break out into a happy dance that would melt the hearts of lesser bolds. Luckily the party are all veteran hunters and able to withstand the assault. Burgo manages to keep it together long enough to break off another piece. When a lizard snaps it up he is able to get a few quick pets in.

Burgo: "eeeeeee"

Murdoc: "Whoa, hey keep it steady Burgo." Trying to keep her balance atop the distracted hunter, she glances at the mother in the trees. The predator narrows her eyes, but otherwise hasn't moved.

The other juvenile, still gamboling about, trips on a loop of grass. The poor thing tumbles over into a heap by the edge of the sand, which shifts slightly.
>>
No. 1092848 ID: 273c18

Ambush predator in the sand! Intervene to protect the child!
>>
No. 1092851 ID: 8f9bc4

Unload into the sand heap!
>>
No. 1092855 ID: 2f41db

>>1092847
Rushing the youngling may agitate the parent but it seems smart enough to realise whats really going on.

Get between the youngling and the sand dweller.
Braced small spearwall.
Something is coming out of that sand with momentum in a moment.
Whether its an appendage or the whole beast, let its momentum do the damage to itself.

Like taking a charging boar.
>>
No. 1092876 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1092847
Looks like danger coming. You're precariously stacked, so it might be hard to rush in on short notice, but one of the upper stackers could shoot the sand beast.
>>
No. 1093582 ID: 5ebd37
File 171968166128.jpg - (89.42KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_57 the fastball special.jpg )
1093582

>Danger coming, intervene, get between the youngling and the sand dweller.
>Unload into the sand heap!

Murdoc: (I see it!) "Something in the sand!" In one smooth motion the hunter draws and looses an arrow at the heaving sand.

The others snap to attention at Murdoc's cry. Without missing a beat Burgo snatches Mishkah and spins to launch the ratte. The watching mother gives a warbling call and bursts from the tree line, rapidly closing distance with the bolds.

The fallen lizard looks up with a chirp of fear as an eyeless head looms up out of the sand. The ambusher's attack abruptly halts as an arrow strikes it square in the face. Chromatophores flash crazed patterns over its body as it rears back with a piercing hiss, only for a flying Mishkah to impact its neck, sword first. The beast falls back, quite dead.
>>
No. 1093583 ID: 5ebd37
File 171968169216.jpg - (127.10KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_58 new friends.jpg )
1093583

The adult red lizard skids to a stop as its babes scamper over. Murdoc slowly readies another arrow as the sleek hunter approaches where Mishkah is dizzily getting to his feet. She stops in front of the hunter boss, head held high to look him right in the eye. Then she makes a thrumming deep in her throat and gently bumps her big head into the hunter boss. Not quite sure what to make of this behavior, Mishkah settles on stroking her between the eyes, which elicits an even more intense thrum.

By the time the other hunters arrive with supplies the trio is entertaining a whole pack of lizards. The rattes carve pieces off of the ambusher's corpse to toss to the excited preds, who easily snatch them in their needly teeth. Meanwhile Burgo is stuck in a cuddly pile of juveniles, experiencing adorableness beyond the ken of normal bolds.

Progress on the camp is considerably hampered, but all involved agree it's worth it.
>>
No. 1093584 ID: 5ebd37
File 171968175091.jpg - (70.34KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_59 wurm call.jpg )
1093584

The next morning while floating aimlessly around Jormun calls out to you.

Jormun: (Hey guys! I'm an intercom now! Solfar helped me figure out how I was communicating with her so easily and now I can talk to anyone around me, so I can pass messages along and stuff. Donvan and I have been going over what I can access of my systems so I can be more helpful. Oh right, that's what I needed to tell you. There's a another leadership session about to start because we found out something about my body that's maybe not good. See you there! I mean, I see you now, but I'll see you then too. So, um... bye!)

The meeting is just starting as you all drift in. Most of the leader bolds are in a disheveled state as if they were just dragged out of bed. While everyone is grumbling about the time and the lack of stimulants, the chief bursts into the tent.

Pitreh: "Alright bolds, we've got a problem! And I don't just mean how we're generally fumbling around. Jormun, explain."

Jormun: (So, wait everyone can hear me right? Good. So, Donvan and I have been trying to figure out how I work, and its kind of a mess. There are a lot of systems that have calcified and either don't work or can't be controlled.)

The robolds are looking confused at this tech talk so Solfar pipes up. "It's like, magic that tells his body what to do, like gears and pulleys, sort of?" This explanation seems to satisfy, so Jormun continues.

Jormun: (I was wondering how I'm getting energy, and it turns out my back plates absorb sunlight! And so energy is building up! And the only system that's still operating is fabrication! And the battery system is damaged, so if I don't use up this energy I'll explode!)

Jormun: (So the fabrication system isn't listening to me, and is going to build a new section to make me even longer. But, well, that means you'll need to move all your stuff to my sides. The fabricator bots might... build over you if you stay here.)

Pitreh: "We've got timber, we've got tenting. This should be no problem. Jormun says we can make holes in his hide..."

Jormun: (I don't feel pain!)

Pitreh: "But it's as hard as stone so we're limited to small holes. And of course wind is also a factor, but we're not falling too fast so it's not so bad."

Pitreh: "So, esteemed bolds, what are we doing?"

Time to really get this city going. Suggest a structure to start with.
>>
No. 1093585 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1093583
Good work, team. We've already made friends on first contact with an intelligent species.

>>1093584
That's less good news. If Solfar is able to communicate with Jormun, maybe she (and us) can help fix whatever is causing a communications error with the fabricators? If the fabricators don't listen, whatever was implanted in her head is clearly a comms transmitter and receiver of some kind, so if there's a way to replicate it we can replace the broken comms relay in the fab subsystem.

Until then... maybe there's a way we can stop the power supply from overloading. We can cover the solar panels on Jormun's side with our thickest, brightest fabric, which will reflect the photons and prevent them from being absorbed as power, without absorbing them and overheating like dark fabrics would. We do this until we find a safe equilibrium between power generation and expenditure and hold the batteries in a stable state.
>>
No. 1093587 ID: 462d8c

If we're going to be doing many expeditions, maybe let's get started on a launching/landing pad? For now when our hunters return they have the back of Jormun but that might change soon
>>
No. 1093589 ID: 273c18

>>1093584
Everything starts with living quarters. Then workshops and storage.
>>
No. 1093600 ID: eb0a9c

>Energy buildup
We need to find the power rerouting substations and whatever the hell is responsible for the portal. It's just a matter of siphoning our vast energy reserves into maintaining something that eats power.
>Growth systems not responding
I wonder if we can make Jormun reproduce if we slice him in half and let the two sides' nanofabs work on it. We should look for some kind of reproductive module, as an emergency backup.
>>
No. 1093601 ID: 273c18

Can't we just cover up the solar panels?
>>
No. 1093606 ID: 8f9bc4

I assume the new section will contain batteries so as not to explode?
>>
No. 1093644 ID: 2f41db

>>1093583
Good work guys.
Friends acquired.
Hunting partners eventually, mounts maybe but best of all theyre all
good boys and girls.

>>1093584

Oh damn.
Ok.
New section.
Hmm.
Lets go for something with the scales lifted and facing outwards. Not inverted. This would offer bowl like surface that could house more stable structures AND act as a rain trap for water storage.

>>1093585

This is a good secondary plan.
If enough bright cloth isnt available then maybe rope, planks of locally sourced timber laid in thin rows could make us some giant blinds to raise and lower as needed.
>>
No. 1093887 ID: 5ebd37
File 172032447006.jpg - (1.01MB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_60 first planning.jpg )
1093887

>communicate with the fabricator
Jormun: (That's the problem, I should be able to talk to it, but there's no connection. Or at least, it's not responding to me. I'm still getting some signals from it so I know it's online and what its doing, but that's all. If someone can get inside me we might be able to fix that, but none of the exterior doors are listening to me either. So until you can break through reinforced plating the fabricator is just going to be on its own.)

>I assume the new section will contain batteries so as not to explode?
Jormun: (Each section has its own battery, so yes. I checked in my data banks, though they're in a sorry state, and I was able to find some info on the battery system. They're rated to not degrade like this for at least 30 millennia, so we won't have to worry about the new one.)

>slice him in half and let the two sides' nanofabs work on it.
Jormun: (Ah, that would be cool! But there's only one fabricator so, I think it would only half work. I'm hard to saw in half anyway, so maybe later.)

>cover the solar panels
Crafter rep Lohmul: "That is my first thought as well. How much area would we need to cover?"

Pitreh: "H-He's four miles long!"

Lohmul: "Hmm, we may only have enough material to cover two panels then, if we were to give up all the tents. Trader Mirrak, have you any suppliers for more cloth?"

Mirrak: "Wha- I, we haven't met anyone yet?"

Lohmul: "I'd get on that. The crafters are getting antsy with no commissions."

Mirrak: "Hnnn..."

Farmer Marten: "Ey, what if you rubbed mud on em?"

Pitreh: "Do you have four miles worth of mud?"

Marten: "Well, no..."

Jormun: (A partial covering will only delay the build-up.)

Pitreh: "Then we'll put coverings down as a maybe for current projects. After we get some decent housing."

>landing pad, living quarters, storage
Lohmul: "Now this we can do. Plenty of good, strong timber for a platform and some bunkrooms. Any suggestions as to the arrangement?"
>>
No. 1093888 ID: 273c18

Huh, it sounds like the implication is that we need to cover ALL the solar panels, but... the inertial dampeners are using power too, so is there an internal generator or something?

>any particular arrangement?
Well, we have to keep the top of the landing pad clear, so don't build anything above it. We should put storage near the current buildings so that it takes less time to move things.
>>
No. 1093889 ID: 462d8c

Storage could probably be put under the landing pad, since that's probably where most people will go immediately afterwards.

The roofs of people's housing could work as walkways to get around. Probably should have netting at the edges to catch any errant slippers. Otherwise, bunkrooms connected to a common area would probably be the most efficient use of our timber for now. Not the most privacy but certainly a step up from tents.
>>
No. 1093907 ID: 2f41db

>>1093889
Yes.
Bunkrooms at first with a thought to repurpose them as we have the luxury to make more personal domiciles.
>>
No. 1093940 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1093889
>>1093907
Sounds like a plan.
>>
No. 1094319 ID: 5ebd37
File 172117130612.jpg - (0.97MB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_61 trade platform.jpg )
1094319

>more details on the power situation

Jormun: (Sorry if I made it sound too dire. Everything is stable, mostly, but I don't seem to have the control I should. I can't turn the panels off, and I can't turn more systems on that aren't already on. There is a small back up generator, but I'm not sure if it's even working. I'm kind of a mess inside.)

Courtesan Sillah: "It's okay dear, everyone is."

Jormun: (Really? That makes me feel a little better. thanks.)

> A platform, with storage beneath and bunkrooms beside

Lohmul: "Yes, a simple warehouse to start. With a flat roof for landing on, and hmm, ramps for cargo. Housing enough for everyone, even if its cramped for now, tucked on either side."

Sillah: "Like a hug."

Lohmul: "Ye- hrm. If you like." the mouzbold taps his jaw in thought "We should be able to manage it in a week. Will we have enough time, mister Jormun?"

Jormun: (That will be enough time before the fabricators get started, for sure. I'm excited to see what you guys make!)

Pitreh: "Good, let's get to work then. Are there any other immediate concerns before this meeting is adjourned?"
>>
No. 1094322 ID: 2f41db

>>1094319
Update on the progress of the hunters and the base camp?
I mean us sharing it with the council so theyre aware of the discoveries regarding the ambush predator and the lizarc domestication candidates to serve as hunting budfies.
>>
No. 1094323 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1094319
The first landing is going well. We've identified another intelligent species, how intelligent isn't clear but there's signs of social bonds and the capacity for recognizing other species as friends or allies. Could be either a candidate for domestication or uplifting. I assume uplifting is a thing that can be done with fleshcrafting, if something is near-capable of interaction and civilization but not quite.
Is that possibly how all the convergent species of kobold came about, actually? Maybe we'll have some lizardbolds floating around soon.
>>
No. 1094686 ID: 44c167
File 172187572490.jpg - (105.68KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_62 discussing anatomy.jpg )
1094686

>Update on the progress of the base camp
>candidate for domestication or uplifting

Murdoc: The hunter spreads a few rough charcoal sketches on the table. "We've set up a little palisade around our camp. But more importantly, we made some friends. Fast and smart, and we feel with just a little nudge they could become full on thinking people."

Martah: "What a coincidence, I've found a candidate for personhood too." The shaper thumps a wrapped bundle on the table, opening it to reveal a head with snaggle teeth and an exposed cranium. "While looking through some of the spare parts I saw that these red ones have quite developed brains."

Murdoc: "Ah! That's the one, the raptor things!"

Martah: "You've met them? And they're friendly? This will be easy then. Just a poke around the head, switch to an upright posture..."

Murdoc: "Whoa hey no no no! They look so cool the way they are. They'll need opposable thumbs sure, but don't just shove them into a koboid body shape."

Martah: "Koboid body plan is the standard for a reason. It's more efficient! You just want to ride one, don't you?"

Murdoc: "Yes, I do! They aren't so big, they would function just as well they way they are!"

An argument ensues with much heated words and shaken fists exchanged between the esteemed council members.

A) uplift and give the raptors standard humanoid bodies
B) uplift and keep their bodies the same but with better manipulative hands
C) or something crazier?
Also what should we call these things?
>>
No. 1094687 ID: 9f8647

A
>>
No. 1094689 ID: 273c18

>>1094686
B. But also, can't we just ask what they want?
>>
No. 1094690 ID: eb0a9c

Why the hell are you performing direct-contact biomancy on their immunocompromised brains with your dirt-covered bare hands?! You're going to give them literal brain-rot!
Ugh. (C) Taur-form if you're both so obsessed with contrasting postures.
Add udders.
>>
No. 1094691 ID: 1dfcfe

I mean, if we're uplifting them, we could ask them what they want
>>
No. 1094692 ID: 1dfcfe

I mean, if we're uplifting them, we could ask them what they want
>>
No. 1094698 ID: 2f41db

>>1094686
Open with b and when they achieve sufficient understanding, give them choice.

You guys really know how to make friends.
Structurally too.
>>
No. 1094699 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1094690
This is a dead one we had in our spare parts since back here >>1081392
I think germs are the least of its concerns.

>>1094686
B. and then ask what they want after you teach them your language.
Don't forget vocal chords capable of speaking your language!
>Name
Lizbolds will do, for now.
>>
No. 1095378 ID: 44c167
File 172292517917.jpg - (100.17KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_63 cheer up martah.jpg )
1095378

> Get your dirty hands outta that brain!

Martah: (Oh, don't worry, this is one that, eh, didn't survive our arrival. It's very dead. If you thought people's spirits didn't hang around their bodies long, they got nothing on animals. It's like they've got somewhere to be.)

> teach them your language.

Martah: (Hah, that's no problem. That was the secret to our trading success back in the old world. All robolds get a little extra bit on the brain that senses intent, so learning languages is a snap. I'll just copy that.)

> Open with basics and when they achieve sufficient understanding, give them choice.

Martah: "But that's so... easy. Where's the fun in that?"

Murdoc: "Would it make you feel better if I let you work on me too?"

Martah: "Sigh, yeah it would."
>>
No. 1095379 ID: 44c167
File 172292525164.jpg - (159.69KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_64 spa day.jpg )
1095379

Work progresses well. The crafters are happy to have something to work on. And there is only a minimum of broken bones from tossing logs down to the worksite a mile down.

The flesh shapers set up a makeshift workshop down at the camp. It's a simple set up. Curious lizards approach are lured in by the scent of the hunters' fresh kills. They are met by courtesans who usher them into the tents where a little spa has been set up. While the future lizzbolds are bathed and pampered shapers massage their scalps, gently driving magic in to run the animals' thoughts down new pathways. They also give each a pair of new thumbs, while they are reeling with the jump to sapience.

Once the lizzbolds have recovered they get to attend a sort of crash-course on being a person. Between their innate intelligence and the courtesan guild's skill at therapy, they are operating at the cognitive level of a child in only a few days.

Some of the newly lifted lizz go out with the hunter teams and spread the word (as it were) to other packs. By the time the weekend comes the camp is bustling with around sixty of the things.
>>
No. 1095380 ID: 44c167
File 172292528494.jpg - (53.39KB , 719x800 , fallingcity_65 new eyes for murdoc.jpg )
1095380

Meanwhile, Murdoc is getting an experimental new electro-sense organ from Martah. It can detect electrical impulses up to fifty feet away, and can operate just fine through flesh, though not very well through bone. The question is, where to put it.

Feel free to draw or just describe how it should be situated.
>>
No. 1095432 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1095380
Tail tip. Easy to snake it around corners or close to something without risking a more immediately valuable limb.
>>
No. 1095462 ID: eb0a9c

>>1095378
Ah. Poor bastard.

>>1095380
Nipples
>>
No. 1095467 ID: 462d8c
File 172300867372.png - (369.75KB , 719x800 , ratboldwhisk.png )
1095467

What about as the classic, and stylish, sensory organ of whiskers? Nice wiggly things to show off your new skill.
>>
No. 1095525 ID: 2f41db

>>1095467
Three words.
Star nosed mole.

Lots of tendrils but shorter, very prehensile. All on and sprouting from nose.
Can clench up like a weird fist if something starts agitating it.
>>
No. 1095562 ID: e25c20
File 172314637111.jpg - (127.45KB , 462x470 , poklon 13.jpg )
1095562

Well, the best organ for detecting electricity would be 4 antennas and they would work like the ones that the snail has. They can retract back inside the head, and pop out when needed to be used.
>>
No. 1095980 ID: 355e44
File 172393155239.jpg - (63.89KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_66 tentacles.jpg )
1095980

>Nipples!

Murdoc: "No way! I need those."

>Tail

Martah: "That's a good idea but..."

>Tentacles Tentacles Tentacles!

Martah: "Tentacles Tentacles Tentacles!"

Murdoc: nods "Hm, yes. Sensible."

Martah: "Just kidding, we'll do both!"

One flesh shaping later...

Martah: "So now the tip of your tail can split open to reveal the sensor, that way you can mute it when you don't need as much information. And the ones around your nose can retract as well. Effective range of around 30 feet. Oh, and you'll need some extra vitamins to keep them running smoothly."

Murdoc: "Wonderful! You're the best Martah." she traps Martah in a big hug and pets the shapers head, to which he blushes and squirms. "Nooo, don't praise me. Murdoc stoooop!"
>>
No. 1095981 ID: 355e44
File 172393157513.jpg - (52.15KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_67 seed of a city.jpg )
1095981

As the week nears the end so too does completion of the new structure. Tall columns of public housing rise up on the left of the landing platform, with enough room for all 300 bolds, even if it is rather cramped. To the right is a large workshop, which is doubling as crafter housing for the moment.

The warehouse under the platform is already starting to fill with craftpieces. But not, unfortunatly, with much food. The farming effort has been unsucessful, and the hunting can only bring in so much a day. The top hunters are called up to discuss a plan.

Pitreh: "Despite my best encouragement, Marten continues to have no experience as an actual farmer. So we're going to need local help to get more than just meat. To that end, we are going to send an expedition to try and find said locals. I've already asked some of the older lizzbolds, combined with what we've observed from up here it seems we have three options."

Option 1: The structure in the mountains. Lizzbolds said there had been people on that side of the forest, but this was years ago. There are lights up there at night, so a good chance it's occupied.

Option 2: The desert across the mountains. One of the lizz said they wandered through a pass in the mountain once, so at least we have a guide. We don't have a great angle, even from this high, but there do appear to be lights out there on some nights.

Option 3: The jungle to the south. As far as we can see to the south, the river leaves the valley and flows into a dense jungle. Some ways away along it's length we've spotted a persistent hazy area, could be sign of a city's hearthfires. The lizz consider this valley their territory, so none have ever journed as far as that.
>>
No. 1095982 ID: 273c18

>>1095981
Option 1. Confirmed people, which means at the very least they can direct us to where the farmers are.
>>
No. 1095986 ID: 2f41db

>>1095980
Out
Standing!

You now have the bestbparty trick ever.
You can pick your nose with your nose

>>1095981
Option 1 and 2 have confirmed people, or as close as were going to get.
The down side is both are environments where farmland and yeild is sparse.
Good lessons to be learned but scant resources for trade are likely.
That said, our capacity to gather meat for trade may tempt them.

Mountains.
Most dangers there are mitigated by our semi airborne hunters.
>>
No. 1095988 ID: 5c0432

>>1095981
Not great places for large scale farms, but there is likely horticulture with hardy root vegetables in a mountain settlement. Those sorts of things can be adapted into easy farm produce for the inexperienced.

Option 1.
>>
No. 1096003 ID: 56db77

>>1095981
Option one seems likely to work and even if their aren't locals there anymore we can probably learn something from any ruins
>>
No. 1096650 ID: 355e44
File 172491067657.jpg - (95.99KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_68 lets go on a hike.jpg )
1096650

Pitreh: "Mountain expedition is a go then. Murdoc, you're leading. Pick whoever you need, but we only can only spare enough food to feed six for a week's journey, plus some for the lizzbolds that will carry you there. Oh, and take some craftworks with you, maybe we'll get trading partners out of this."

What sort of bolds should Murdoc fill the five available slots with?
Hunters: bolds skilled at hunting and wilderness survival, as well as combat.
Shapers: magic users able to shape living flesh to their design.
Crafters: those with the drive to create shape and form out of whatever material is at hand.
Scriveners: bolds who craft runes and make a deeper study of fundamental magic forces than shapers do.
Traders: the negotiators and planners of the tribe.
Courtesans: there to soothe tensions and keep everyone going.
"Farmers": bolds with nothing better to do so they might as well study the local fauna or something.

Also will you spirits be coming with, or stay here and keep planning the town?
>>
No. 1096651 ID: 273c18

>>1096650
Murdoc is a hunter...
One hunter, one shaper. Two fighters and a combat medic will handle any threats. Take a Scrivener so if there's any magical weirdness up there they can handle it. Additionally, let's take a trader for obvious reasons, and... I dunno, maybe another hunter, or a courtesan, or a crafter. Would both traders and crafters have an eye for valuable materials?
>>
No. 1096660 ID: f40f33

>>1096650
1 Hunter
1 Shaper
1 Scrivener
1 Trader
Keep the last lizbold free of a rider, in case we need to haul something back, or bring back a foreign diplomat. The extra food will give us a little more wiggle room as well, at least another day of thin rationing before we run out.
>>
No. 1096680 ID: 2f41db

>>1096650
Agreed on the hunter, shaper and trader.
Perhaps a farmer too.
If our goal is to find sustainable food sources or learn farming techniques, someone who knows flora would be important.
A deficated mount for carrying goods to and returning with samples
>>
No. 1096721 ID: eb0a9c

Shaper + Courtesan: Can mold the social expert into the neighbors' deepest desires for long-lasting first impressions
2 Hunters: One to scout and one to guard.
Trader: They'll discuss basic trade routes. Make sure they don't scam the locals, we have a Titan and won't need to worry about being screwed over for a long time.
>>
No. 1097330 ID: 355e44
File 172618984396.jpg - (169.87KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_69 the expedition prepares.jpg )
1097330

The team assembles down on the field.

Murdoc is, of course, leading and will also be bringing her considerable scoutcraft skills to the table. She will be riding Gnapper.

The other hunter will be Burgo. As the only cappybolda he brings a good intimidation factor. He also has been getting on well with the lizzbolds. He will be riding Croosh.

Martah is our shaper, due to his skill but also because he and Murdoc are childhood friends. It's nepotism! He will be riding Tippitoe.

Donvan is NOT coming, because despite also being Murdoc and Martah's childhood friend he would be unbearable to spend a week in close quarters with. Instead we will be bringing Lantil as rune scrivener. She will be riding Jitter.

Mirrak is our most senior trader, and we should put our best foot forward. She will ride Leerin.

And to round things out is courtesan Hilgar. They used to be a hunter and still maintain some of those skills, so they'll be able to fill dual roles. They will be riding Hazard.

Also extra lizzbold Grina in case we need to carry something back and because they really really want to come.
>>
No. 1097331 ID: 355e44
File 172618988780.jpg - (174.75KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_70 forest routes.jpg )
1097331

The expedition sets out at a good pace. Lizzbolds are sprinters, but they can manage long distance as long as it's not too hurried.

The lizzbolds offer a choice of routes:

A) follow the stream; faster but more likely to encounter large predators.
B) through the forest; moderate pace but safer and easier hunting.
C) deep forest; slow but nothing larger than a lizzbold will show up due to undergrowth
>>
No. 1097334 ID: 273c18

Oh we have a choice of risk. Well, I'm not totally sure about our party strength, to be honest. Do you feel confident about fighting predators? We could do A. If it's iffy then B is fine.
>>
No. 1097345 ID: c87b4d

Leaning towards B as the middle ground, but I guess it depends on just how much there is to worry about running into, for A.
>>
No. 1097346 ID: 393cc5

>>1097331
B. With good hunting we can save more of our food supplies for the climb.
>>
No. 1097544 ID: 355e44
File 172672189007.jpg - (146.62KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_71 footprint puzzle.jpg )
1097544

The robolds are persuaded to temper their exuberance and take it safe. The lizzbolds race through ferns and thickets with sure feet and high spirits.

With the lizzbold's knowledge of the forest the party is able to avoid the more dangerous creatures, and fend off the more annoying ones. They even manage to bag a few small gliding salamanders, when a flock drops out of the canopy and divebombs them. By midday they rest in a clearing around halfway through the forest.

Murdoc takes a pair of lizzbolds to try and get in a bit of hunting. In a patch of dirt by the clearing are some fresh tracks.

Gnapper says:
A: A flock of little snappers. Taste okay but they're so tricky.
B: Ooh, spinies! Very tasty, but they sting.
C: Those things! They like to hide, but they taste good.
D: A big stomper, too big for lizzbolds to hunt alone. I wonder how they taste?
>>
No. 1097545 ID: 273c18

>>1097544
D! How do they taste?
>>
No. 1097550 ID: cb3eae

>>1097544
C. Once we catch one, maybe Martah can use their vocal cords to make some calls and draw more out of hiding.
>>
No. 1097557 ID: 2f41db

>>1097544
Spineys.
They may be easier to deal with for our more adept hunters.
The spines may be harvestable and have utility.
Plus, itd be a nice reward for our new lizbold buddies.
>>
No. 1097943 ID: 355e44
File 172750191553.jpg - (114.21KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_72 spinies.jpg )
1097943

Murdoc: "They all sound fun, so lets go for the tastiest!"

Following the scent from the trail of paw prints leads to a glade where several spiny things are rooting around. When they see the bolds they hiss and waggle their tendrils. Gnapper and Grina peek around Murdoc. "Ah, they always taunt us!" Gnapper whines.
>>
No. 1097946 ID: 273c18

>>1097943
Can't sting a spear!
>>
No. 1097983 ID: 0276a0

>>1097943
Witness the almighty power of kobold engineering! (Sharp sticks)
>>
No. 1098307 ID: 355e44
File 172825253862.jpg - (93.39KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_73 victorious spoils.jpg )
1098307

Murdoc: (Well I don't have a spear, but how about mini spears?) She draws her shortbow and expertly pins a spiny to the tree. *Thunk*

Gnapper: "Woah!"

Murdoc: *Thunk Thunk*

Grina: "Wa wa wa wa wa!"

Murdoc: *ThunkThunkThunk*

Gnapper and Grina: "Ahhh so coool!"
>>
No. 1098308 ID: 355e44
File 172825262492.jpg - (60.08KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_74 camping time.jpg )
1098308

Taking some hooks and twine from her hunting pack, Murdoc strings up the several brace of spinies. Holding them at arms length so there's no stinging, the hunting party returns. Everyone is dutifully impressed with Murdoc's hunting prowess, and the lizzbolds are ecstatic about having spinies for supper.

With the prospect of tasty treats ahead the party makes good time and almost reaches the edge of the woods when night falls. Settling down around the campfire, everyone gets a delicious spiny fillet and handful of greens. Hilgar brings out their harmonica for some pleasant tunes.

There's just one thing to decide before turning in for the night...
>>
No. 1098309 ID: 355e44
File 172825265461.jpg - (73.36KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_75 a buncha nematocysts.jpg )
1098309

What're we gonna do with all these nematocysts?
>>
No. 1098311 ID: 273c18

>>1098309
Tempting to stick them onto someone... might have to make something to cover them most of the time to prevent accidental stingings. Or the augmented person stinging themselves, unless you can configure the nematocysts to be self-safe on the new body?

Would such a short-ranged stinging defense even be useful though? Maybe it could be a deterrent against predators at least.
>>
No. 1098316 ID: 931854

Maybe you could attach them to arrows? Not sure stinging would be worse than being arrowed. Does the venom have any side effects, like paralysis or confusion? If you can reverse engineer immunity, perhaps you could attach them to stationary things e.g. bags or chests to prevent thievery? Not sure how long they last without a host.
>>
No. 1098320 ID: d602b3

>>1098309
Wild animals often go for vital places like the throat or ankles. These could make a good deterrant for our lizzbolds who have a rather large neck target zone.
If they become a problem during downtime, maybe they can be retractable like a frilled lizard.
>>
No. 1098629 ID: 355e44
File 172902896141.jpg - (123.06KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_76 fabulous.jpg )
1098629

Murdoc: "Eh, I dunno." she rubs the tip of a tentacle, wincing as neurotoxic fire shoots down her arm "Hnnnn! Nnnnot so u-useful. I've felt waa-ha-ha-wooorse."

Hilgar: "Quit showing off." they give Murdoc a playful slap on the arm, causing her to double over with a pained keening. "What's important is that they're pretty and they would look good on Gnapper."

Gnapper: "Me?"

Martah: "Oh yeah, you're the eldest right? Let's help you look the part."

And so courtesan and shaper conspire to give Gnapper a fabulous mane of stingity tendrils. Murdoc lounges around on the floor, clutching her arm and being of no help at all. But she does agree Gnapper's new hair is stunning, and is glad that Martah made the stinging a consciously controlled action, so riding the lizzbold won't be a constant dance with pain.
>>
No. 1098630 ID: 355e44
File 172902901762.jpg - (199.50KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_77 goat!.jpg )
1098630

The night passes without many animal attacks, most keeping a wary distance from the campfire. As sunlight dapples through the thick foliage the party sets out for their second day of travel. The gentle slope they have been following since they left the portal gets steeper, and the trees thin out as they emerge at the foot of the mountain.

Working their way through the scrub of the first rise, the party halts at the sound of jingling. Munching away at a scraggly bush is a small goat.
>>
No. 1098634 ID: 273c18

>>1098630
It's got a bell, that means it belongs to someone! Call out, maybe its owner is nearby.
>>
No. 1098636 ID: a5d70e

>>1098630
A mark of ownership means it belongs to a sapient, and something like a bell suggests at least a level of development where they can shape metal.

That means two things:
One, our mission objective is looking up!
Two, they might have arrows or throwing spears and will recognize the lizbolds as predators, so be wary.

It may be better if a small party of 'bolds goes on from here to avoid spooking them. Murdoc can track the goat's prints back to whomever it shepherding it, and bring Mirrak and Hilgar for negotiations. Bring just a single lizbold with our trade goods saddlebags, to give the appearance of a tamed pack animal at first glance.

Everyone else can remain behind. If a rescue is needed, we spirits can notify them to come in as the cavalry.
>>
No. 1098637 ID: 2f41db

>>1098636
Good eye.

It is owned, possibly lost,
Try not to look like cattle rustlers if you do approach.
Maybe loudly ask if anyone has lost a goat?
>>
No. 1098643 ID: 273c18

Oh and do inform the lizbolds that if they see any other goats around not to approach them. Any natives of this planet would not know about the uplifting.
>>
No. 1098649 ID: eb0a9c

Make sure your companions recognize this goat as "not-food-yet". You need to catch it! You can return it to the owner for a reward or PR.
>>
No. 1099083 ID: 355e44
File 172999861190.jpg - (132.88KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_78 more goats.jpg )
1099083

The party circles around the goat. The small caprine rotates his eyes at them, makes a short bleat, and goes back to munching.

Murdoc: "Well this is clearly domesticated, right? And it didn't come from the forest so we're on the right track."

Gnapper: She sniffs the goat, which bonks his head on her snout. "This little fluff wouldn't last long in the trees no. Looks too tasty for that."

Murdoc: "Well don't eat it yet. If we bring it back to whoever lost it then that's a good start to making new friends." She looks around, but the mountainside is empty as far as the eye can see. She hoists the goat up onto Gnapper's back with her, where he immediately begins snoozing. "Mirrak, Hilgar; we're going to try and find the goatherd. The rest of you follow along a little ways behind."

Heading steadily upwards through heather and brush, the party doesn't see anything for most of the morning. Then from the other side of a rise comes the sounds of jingling bells. The little goat in Murdoc's lap wakes up and lets out a loud bleat, which is answered by several others.

Coming over the ridge, they find a whole herd of goats. Each goat has a little bell tied to their horn, but there doesn't seem to be anyone else around. A stone hut stands nearby with its door shut.
>>
No. 1099084 ID: 273c18

>>1099083
Looks like a wooden crook over there by that bush. Go say hello.
>>
No. 1099088 ID: 2f41db

>>1099084
Thats either a pair of ears or hornsnpoking out if it too.

Announce your approach.
Dont want to startle them.
Compliment the qualities of the goat youre returning.
The bell and ribbon mark it as special. Plus it imparts that you are aware of the thing you are willingly returning which in turn implies honesty.
A good introduction, even if you end up startlingbtge bush dwelling goatherd.
>>
No. 1099090 ID: 008c6e

>>1099083
Someone in the bush. Calmly return the goat to the herd. There will probably be an initial language barrier, so try to show a body language of peaceful intent.
>>
No. 1099305 ID: 355e44
File 173060243624.jpg - (71.07KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_79 maybe not a goat.jpg )
1099305

Even without using her new electro-sense, Murdoc's keen hunter's eye notices the obvious horns sticking out of the conspicuous bush. She dismounts and trots over to investigate.

Murdoc: "Hey hey, no need to hide. I think we found one of your's and brought them back." She parts the leaves to reveal... not a goat?
>>
No. 1099306 ID: 355e44
File 173060245337.jpg - (72.72KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_80 yeah thats not a goat.jpg )
1099306

???: Ahhhhh!
>>
No. 1099307 ID: 28c488

>>1099306
Is it... wearing goat horns? Maybe a headdress identifying profession.

Give them some space.
>>
No. 1099308 ID: 273c18

>>1099306
Eh. Take a step back and see if they calm down a bit.
>>
No. 1099311 ID: 8f9bc4

Don't worry, horrifying screams are just normal noises goats make. He is goatkin, living among the goates to become one with them.
>>
No. 1099319 ID: 2f41db

>>1099306
Give the poor odd thing some space.
You have to admit with all the fleshcrafting a gang of hunters on velociraptors would be a perturbing wakeup call.

See if the screams are communicative or just panic.
>>
No. 1099616 ID: 355e44
File 173130423086.jpg - (128.81KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_81 took a little tumble.jpg )
1099616

Murdoc: "Whoa, sorry. I'll give you some space." The hunter backs off from the rustling bush, which unravels into a lanky salamander.

salamander: "Ahhhh! Demon goats!" He tries to scamper away, but quickly trips over a rock and tumbles down the slope, shedding leaves and his horns as he goes.
>>
No. 1099617 ID: 355e44
File 173130427417.jpg - (111.38KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_82 splat.jpg )
1099617

His flight ends as he bounces off Gnapper's leg and sprawls on the ground. The little goat bahs a greeting and hops down onto his belly, eliciting a small "oof" from the panting salamander. The bunnbolds come over to check on him.

Mirrak: "Are you alright?"

salamander: *Sniff* "No I'm not alright! I fell down and lost my horns and now the goats won't respect me and Palla was right and now I'm going to be dragged down to the dusty pit of hell!"
>>
No. 1099621 ID: 1beac0

>>1099617
Aww. Fetch the poor guy his horns.
>>
No. 1099622 ID: eb0a9c

>>1099617
"Uh... okay, that's... progressive? The jerk neighbors I used to live with said everyone with horns deserved to go to hell, and... screw those guys?"
>>
No. 1099624 ID: 273c18

They're just goats...
>>
No. 1099627 ID: 7a0e2f

>>1099617
Curious, there's no difficulty understanding him.

Help him up and return his horns. Explain that you are foreigners who have come to this land to settle.
>>
No. 1099643 ID: 578f3f

I will smuggle you into Heaven! I will have you know that not having horns is a very silly requirement to go to Hell. My people don't have horns and they've been doing just fine. Let me help you up, and give some food, see if you are down in the dumps after that.
>>
No. 1100438 ID: 6c233e
File 173268189087.jpg - (201.13KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_83 taking a moment.jpg )
1100438

Hilgar helps the guy sit up, which is a little difficult as he is kind of floppy.
Hilgar: "There there, we're not demons. or goats. We're robolds!"
Mirrak: "We're here to trade, and not in souls!"

The salamander sniffles and wipes his eye. "So that isn't one of the pillars of hell come to herald the endless day?" He looks to the distant Jormun, drifting ever downward.

Murdoc: "Nah, mate" the hunter says, plopping the horns back on his head. "Just a big wurm."

The three surround the goatherd, eagerly awaiting him to make the next move. The lizzbolds have adjourned to some nearby rocks to nap in the sun. The salamander pets the goat in his lap while staring at Jormun for a while, glancing nervously at the bolds around him.

salamander: "So, uh, if you're not from around here, how do you know our language?"

Mirrak: "Just a little brain trick we robolds have!" she taps the side of her head. "Don't worry about it."

salamander: "Oh that's, huh." he seems a little lost, but shrugs it off. "Sorry, we don't get many visitors up here. It's just me and the goats. I'm Sinni, by the way." Climbing to his feet and brushing the last loose leaves off, Sinni backs up a step and gives the bolds a sinuous bow. "Please be welcome on our lonely peak. So eh, what is it you seek on this lonesome peak?"
>>
No. 1100440 ID: 273c18

>>1100438
Information, first and foremost. We seek knowledge of these lands, like what settlements are nearby and what resources there are to trade for. We can provide numerous services that are likely in short supply in these parts, and maybe some interesting materials not found here, though in that case we have a limited supply...
>>
No. 1100442 ID: 8f9bc4

One important thing to seek would be making it clear that Jormun is just a longboi and not a pillar of Hell. He did accidentally (?) fall into their world, and then fell into it again recursively, to avoid crashing into the ground. I imagine if there are sapiant beings nearby, they might be a little concerned about it.
>>
No. 1100453 ID: 441914

>>1100440
On the note of services in particular - healing (and potentially alterations) are some of your specialties. Do they require maintenance, or are they set-it-and-forget-it kind of things? I don't remember. Anyway, ask if there's anyone who is sick or injured, you can help. Alterations have the potential to be even more valuable, but also could cause consternation and should be approached tactfully in case e.g. they take it as an affront to the Creators or st.
>>
No. 1100471 ID: 9bbb0e

>>1100438
We would like to make contact with a local settlement.
>>
No. 1101257 ID: 6c233e
File 173423563773.jpg - (194.56KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_84 gaze upon our wurm and see your fut.jpg )
1101257

Mirrak: "We're new to the area, so we were looking to meet our new neighbors. Since we dropped in so unexpectedly we're having a bit of trouble getting established. It looks like there is a settlement on this peak, so that seemed like the place to start. Are you with them?"

Sinni: "Oh, the temple?" He looks up the mountain, though the structures near the top aren't visible from this angle. "It's supposed to be hidden you know. Ah, but your wurm can see from above huh?"

The salamander shrugs "We're not hiding anything important, just keeping away from troubles, you know. Shaping and communing with the stones. Well they do, I just keep the goats." He shrugs again, a liquid gesture that seems to use his whole body. "Sorry, I'm not the best for conversation. I only go up to the temple once a week or so, usually I'm on my own."

"If you want to talk to the stonecarvers I hope your business is stone related. They don't really care about anything else up there. They live at a stone's pace too. Not like the fast paced goat life down here." He gestures his charges, who are languidly browsing the hardy mountain grasses.

The rest of the party comes over the ridge to join up. Sinni looks a little alarmed. "Whoa, that's a lot of predators. They're under control right?" His head perks up as he catches Jitter and Grina chattering away. "Wait, they can talk? Could they always talk?"

Mirrak: "They can now!" The trader puts a companionable arm around his leafy shoulders. "Just one of the many improvements Robolds can bring to your life." She leads him along while the others regroup. "Come, lets break bread and discuss what we can do for you. Er, if you have bread that is, we didn't bring any."

Sinni: "I have some, and cheese too."

Mirrak: "Score!"
>>
No. 1101258 ID: 6c233e
File 173423568306.jpg - (166.92KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_85 shut up and eat your cheese martah.jpg )
1101258

The robolds bring out a few tarps and set up a picnic. Sinni disappears into the smaller hut and returns rolling a stone cylinder. Setting it up on its side the salamander runs a lightly glowing finger round one end, following a neatly carved groove. The stone flows under his touch until with a pop the end drops off to reveal the alabaster cheese stored within.

Mirrak: "Oh ho, that's a neat trick!"

Sinni: Blushing at the praise, "Oh it's nothing really. Any Grakashon could do as much." He scoops out some of the soft, aromatic cheese to distribute to eager bolds. "You're not shon, but I suppose your people have a magic affinity too. Wood perhaps, or maybe clay?"

Martah: "Living flesh" the shaper says offhandedly while trying to figure out how to get some cheese into him without revealing his raggedy curse-knit mouth to their new friend.

Mirrak's smile freezes on her face as she sees Sinni grow pale. The goatherd starts shivvering, eyeing the sharp teeth on display on both ro and lizz type bolds. "F-f-flesh you say?" he queries, shaking several more leaves loose.

Mirrak: "thank you Martah." she hisses under her breath as she tries to think of how to salvage this situation. She's getting that twitch in her eye again.
>>
No. 1101259 ID: 273c18

>>1101258
Explain a bit more. Tell him you can reattach limbs, save people from what would be otherwise deadly injuries, and modify the body to improve and change. Don't mention any of the more harmful applications.
>>
No. 1101260 ID: eb0a9c

Go through with this information. First and foremost, ask if the goats need any kind of improvements to ensure they live better lives and yield better products? Want their metabolism to speed up or slow down? Sharper claws to attack predators or sturdier skin to defend against their bites? Does he need them to produce a higher quality or higher... quantity of milk?

...Would his tribe be okay with the male cattle producing milk?
>>
No. 1101288 ID: 7c2d06

>>1101258
Don't worry, we're medical practitioners. We use it to treat things like sicknesses and disabilities.
>>
No. 1101289 ID: 273c18

Oh, and you can use it to attach new parts onto people. If he wants real goat horns then that is something you can help with. Well, with the right materials anyway.
>>
No. 1101290 ID: 80c73b

I would emphasize healing first and foremost, as (it seems to me) medicine and healing are common to almost every culture and thus least likely to be taboo or somehow evil. Secondarily focus on subtle improvements to animals; like Kome mentions:
>>1101260
Appeal to their wallets as it were, while still permitting the comfortable mental distance of "it's just animals". It might not be practical to completely avoid the topic of people-shaping, but I'd be very delicate about it and deemphasize it. The weirder (more removed from what they've experienced) something is the more likely it is for it to be interpreted as bad, I think. Don't forget what drove you all here in thr first place; don't let it happen again. I think if you approach it from the right angle with enough caution you should be able to get these people to accept what you do, but it may be tricky.
>>
No. 1101398 ID: 6c233e
File 173466076978.png - (135.81KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_86 piqued interest guest art derklord.png )
1101398

Mirrak: "Ha ha, Martah can explain it better than that." The bunn drapes a friendly arm around the shaper, digging her nails into his shoulder. "Can't you Martah?"

Martah: "Oh sh- healing, I meant healing! We can mend and strengthen flesh and bones, even reattach parts if they haven't rotted. Like this!" Snatching a leaf out of the air, the mouzbold skitters over to Sinni. A quick pass of his hand and the leaf reconnects to a vacant stem, fresh and vibrant. "Ta dah"

Sinni stares hard at the little leaf blowing in the breeze. As the awkward silence drags on Martah and Mirrak exchange a nervous glance.

Mirrak: "Eh, ah, was that too-"

Sinni: "How many?"

Mirrak: "What?"

Sinni: Grabbing Martah by the shoulders "How many times can you do that?"

Martah: "I... maybe hundreds in a day? It wasn't much of a much really."

The salamander runs his tongue over stubby teeth. "So uh, if I take you up to the temple, and you help me with a uh, a little personal issue, what- what would you want in exchange?"
>>
No. 1101400 ID: 273c18

>>1101398
Oh boy here we go. Time for the more economically-minded to haggle on prices. Obviously we can get some good information but there might not be enough *valuable* information to be worth the services, so perhaps we can get some materials or currency out of this too.
>>
No. 1101404 ID: eb0a9c

"We will demand much, I warn you. And it will not be a price many of your strongest will wish to pay.
... We demand a world where fathers do not sell their children to demons. Where strangers do not look upon love and curiosity with hate and disgust. Where what is needed to live well is what is always freely given. And most importantly, we demand a place in such a world.

Can you meet that offer?"
>>
No. 1101410 ID: f58fa5

Your first born son.

..No wait, we'd are looking for a place to settle down, with plenty resources to eat and trade with, so if you know of a good place to start a settlement and ways to get on the locals' good side, we'd be very happy.

Also, how what kind of horns do you want?
>>
No. 1101412 ID: ce2960

>>1101400
Indeed, we should allow the traders to haggle our services.
>>
No. 1101501 ID: 71fafc

Oh, crud. I almost forgot: We should also look into someone who can remove Martah's curse.

I mean I don't think he really tolds us who caused and why, and he's a fleshcrafting wizard who got exiled for fleshcrafting too much, so he probably deserves it, but let's break it anyway, because he is the protagonist and that's what must be done.


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