Cromlin perhaps?

[DM Bob]

There was conflict in the group, but like all good bands... there was a beauty in the discord. The tension. Yes, tension often led to inspiration & innovation.

The silt thief den of Cromlin was a good destination to focus upon, as 'Muiko had been there before. Coden had been too, but with obscuring headcover while he'd been shanghaied north before his escape to Kurn and then eventually New Kurn.

Niachi can have been there at some point in his life, it was no far stretch.

But Chat'cho herself? Unlikely. (You can roll for a 5% chance.) Perhaps if there was a way to describe or mentally show her a vantage point? Maybe some illusion cast with detail involved? That might make such travels much more possible.

[AthasianLaborer]

Psionic Mimicry rolled a 10 needing a 17 or less
Somatic Concealment 16 needing a 15 or less

‘Muiko casts Spectral Force, projecting a view of Cromlin from his memories. The scene will be of the road into Cromlin from Nibenay, a short walk west from Cromlin proper. The sun is high and hot on the skin with silt swirling on the breeze. The perfumed sweat scent of the fresh run fills the noses of those gathered. Phwig (though markedly more effeminate) walks into the field of view and says “I believe this area would be best, it is close enough and wouldn’t be out of place for travelers to appear at” in a voice that Niachi would recognize as Dakhina’s. Illusory Phwig waves at ‘Muiko and blows him a kiss as he ceases his concentration. ‘Muiko doesn’t break eye contact with the illusion until it winks out.

He wipes his face quickly and does his best to conceal his appearance using part of his robes as a headwrap.

“Apologies for forgetting my place, I am ready when the rest of you are.”

[Attilius]

Attilius nods with a grunt as he lifts his massive pack on.

[Coden Rokos (Jesse H.)]

Coden says, "As I recall, the entire town is run by a trading house. If we keep a low profile, don't appear too rich or powerful or too destitite, we should be able to slide through with a minimum of fuss... as long as nobody recognizes us and decides to make something of it."

[Skrye [AC3; 48/48HP]]

- Skrye nods, covering her features a bit more, and getting some nuts for the way. Her mind drifts thinking in getting a companion on their way back from that fire plane, as she doesn't want it to be a burden in terms of been a target of spells more needed for party members. She then gets closer to Quila.

- "You shouldn't stress as much dear" - offering her some nuts as the friendly chat goes along - "I totally agree with the potential danger of the staff but if you think it coldly, it can be used for good as well.. Imagine the horrifying visage of a defiler been aware that they have no limbs to cast as they realise their inevitable end.. Well, horrifying for them, pleasurable for me at least.." - instinctively Skrye starts to gnaw one of the nuts avidly, clearing her mouth and whiskers before continuing after she finishes it -" "In relation to what everyone is entitled to, I guess each one thought what best suits their skills set or need, either in or out of combat, and not for any other reason, at least is how I'm thinking of it" - making a pause and looking calmy at Quila

[AthasianLaborer]

No, no mounts, not for 'Muiko.

'Muiko will not object to the extra kreen, but does say to Chat'cho "Their actions will tell me if I have misplaced my trust in you".  He will not elaborate further.

Regarding equipment preparation:

'Muiko would make sure to resupply his mundane portfolio contents from his personal stores prior to leaving.

If he is carrying anything that was acquired in Myron's Tomb, he makes sure to be witnessed relinquishing possession of those items to the table in the room.  He will refuse any of the items if offered.

[Niachi]

Niachi gestures to the items still unclaimed while calling to Quila as she huffs back to Kurn:

"There was no plan to divide things up, so I took initiative. I already carry the burden of this damned branding iron for the work we need to do next. Together. We do not have the luxury of infighting like an amateur slave tribe! Have I been wasting my breath with 'I'm open to other ideas?'  


The sights and smells of Cromlin spark his memory:

"Coden has it right. Shom runs Cromlin. Oily Nibenese fucks who work with Belgoi, Gith, and Worse. Expect palms to grease and a bunch of silt pirate swagger...Silt Stalker territory.  We look too strong and someone will press us to fight for whatever side."

I'd play it like we're just another group of fools eager to plunder the nearby ruins. Dumb down, speak little, move fast..."

Turning to face 'Muiko:

"If you want to keep your identity fluid, My tribe might be a better choice. We cultivate secrecy, and nobody expects us to reveal much more than rumor."

[AthasianLaborer]

Jan 14, 2024 7:49:16 GMT -12 Niachi said:

"Coden has it right. Shom runs Cromlin. Oily Nibenese fucks who work with Belgoi, Gith, and Worse. Expect palms to grease and a bunch of silt pirate swagger...Silt Stalker territory.  We look too strong and someone will press us to fight for whatever side."

'Muiko bows deeply as Niachi says 'and worse', himself saying [Elven: "Thank you, thank you"]. Once Niachi finishes, 'Muiko adds [Elven: "I wonder, whatever could it be that would cause me to flee working with Shom after finding my daeg lifeless, not the day after first suggesting that we might not renew our contracts. You'd hide too if you had been 'owned' **this word is spat** by real monsters and didn't want to be found by them!"]

Jan 14, 2024 7:49:16 GMT -12 Niachi said:

Turning to face 'Muiko:

"If you want to keep your identity fluid, My tribe might be a better choice. We cultivate secrecy, and nobody expects us to reveal much more than rumor."

[Elven: "The Wind Dancers are only shadows of their former selves. It is fitting that I should pay my loyalty to the tribe of my lost daeg."]

[Attilius]

Jan 14, 2024 7:49:16 GMT -12 Niachi said:

"... I already carry the burden of this damned branding iron for the work we need to do next..."

"I's can carry it, it's not too heavy for me!" the giant offers. The context of Niachi's statement clearly missed by the brute.

Jan 14, 2024 7:49:16 GMT -12 Niachi said:

I'd play it like we're just another group of fools eager to plunder the nearby ruins. Dumb down, speak little, move fast..."

Attilius looks a bit confused like he's doing geometry in his giant melon of a head.

[Niachi]

Seeing the gladiator get caught up in his words, Niachi adds:

“Just be yourself, speak with your blades. The strong silent type. I can handle the branding iron since nobody else wanted to. Speak up if you want to be the brander. Anyone else got news on Cromin? It’s been a couple years.. I ask for some prep time before we move. “

Forever learning the path of neutrality, he plants the branding tool in the dirt, waits for Quila’s response as the oils of fire protection. Stave of Withering and the potion of Fire Resistance remain unclaimed on the ground for all to see.

[Attilius]

Jan 14, 2024 11:59:15 GMT -12 Niachi said:

“Just be yourself, speak with your blades. The strong silent type. I can handle the branding iron since nobody else wanted to. Speak up if you want to be the brander... “

Forever learning the path of neutrality, he plants the branding tool in the dirt...

A look of relief washes over the brutes face as he nods his understanding
"All the gladiators were branded in my Ludus, I's can handle it. You guys got enuf to worry about with your magiks keeping us safe. Besides, I like working with iron at the forge."
Attilius picks up the branding iron and stows it in his pack.

He then picks up the items and silently hands an oil vial to each team member. He holds the potion of fire resistance and staff in his open palms for anyone who looks like they want them.

[AthasianLaborer]

Jan 14, 2024 16:00:41 GMT -12 Attilius said:

He then picks up the items and silently hands an oil vial to each team member. He holds the potion of fire resistance and staff in his open palms for anyone who looks like they want them.

'Muiko refuses to accept the oil vial from Attilius.  "Thank you but no."

[Deleted]

Chat'cho sighs slowly--or maybe she just breathes deeply?--and shifts her posture from one side to the other.

"You wish xhor a *ortal oxh mmine to this -lace you show mme? I can do this thing xhor you."

[Quila Oris (John M.)]

Quila is visibly deflated after blowing off steam (again). She comes walking back, "I apologize for my tone. It was uncalled for and I should have instead talked in a more constructive way about the matter. I feel out of sorts ever since we encountered the Messenger and that fungus alien thing, then Liandrin and Graytch, and now only recently Aman. I guess you could say I'm a bit tense indeed as you noted Skrye."
She pats her tari friend on the shoulder (or head I think, given the height difference).

"For this mission and only to eradicate evil," and Quila picks up the stave, nodding and making eye contact with Attilius and Niachi when she does, "I think it best if someone would take the Potion of Fire Resistance who cannot themselves cast Fire Resistance or have other protective measures. If no one does, I will bring it along for our ride as safekeeper."

She then walks to 'Muiko and lays a hand on his shoulder. "I apologize to you too. I feel for and with you in the experienced need for subterfuge and protection. But there must be better ways. Let us talk about them more when we return. I am willing to tell you about my past first to show you my good intention and trust."

Before going off to Cromlin and then the fire plane, Quila will drop off the two original books by Myron back at the Library for safekeeping. She will not bring those books.

Right before we go into a fold from Chat'cho, Quila will call upon the powers of Oronis and bless her fellow travelers by an increase in their stamina for the next 8 days by casting Unfailing Endurance (lvl 4).

(OOC: Unfailing Endurance provides . I can affect 8 targets which include Chat'cho, 'Muiko, Niachi, Attilius, Skrye, Coden, and myself, and I will bestow the eight effect upon Spots, my tagster and wish him good hunting. For where I'm going it's wiser not to bring him.)

[DM Bob]

Enemy's Slumber, 6th of Fortuary, Mid Afternoon

Current Location: Just outside Cromlin - a den of silt traders & pirates, west of the fabled ruins of Guistenal and directly upon the coast of the Sea of Silt

There is a stark change in scenery from New Kurn to the dusty, rocky coast that harbors Cromlin. For one, grey silt covers the granite ground and flits upon the air like a billion billion dust mites, intent on drying the land even where water has not touched in recent memory. The wind howls and whips like a master's lash, devils of dust and sand dancing in whorls and touching one where you don't want to be touched.

The heat is much worse too, at least a full 15 degrees hotter than the fertile land you left. The Sun is a mute golden red-orange blur behind the grey clouds of silt-bourne air rising high noon. Everyone coughs at least once, even those that covered their faces before transit. Eyes water. The Son of Kri-kcht is giddy, chattering excitement at the dimensional travel. You make out something about following in his father's claw steps. He is ecstatic and releases pheromones of joy and wonder.

To your left (north), the hard land's edge drops to the deadly dust sea. Small silt craft can be seen, but the flags are hard to make out.

To your right (south), brown peaks of rock, sans snow and ice like that of Kurn's wintery peaks, jut jaggedly from the earth, clawing above the silt threateningly like the clawed fingers of the Dragon. When the wind kicks, even that is devoid of detail, the grey Death wiping color and vision from the very field.

Ahead, due west, a grey (matching the silt's color) stone wall can be seen. Gates are seen blurry from here, with little in the way of detail from this vantage point. You think you see crodlu, some cloaked figures and closer to you, some large maguey cactus, dem bushes and smaller crimson paddle cacti, rife with tasty red cacti grubs. Outside of the splashes of color, the grey silt makes the general viewing much like an old timey, black & white western flick.