Iron Stars - fallen-sapling

The fallen sapling takes the wisdom of the mother tree, and grows where nothing else can. Sometimes this growth comes with the death of another - a large tree that blocks the sun, or a fire that strips away the choking weeds. This story begins like that too. Aliah , having given its stellar life for another world, now falls in the beginning of the cycle that will see it reduced to a bog world of rancid swamps and howling creatures too hardy to let something like the death of the biosphere stop them from claiming a living from the blighted world. Most of the Jademane, aside from the most ardent and most maudlin have elected to enter the stars rather than remain on their corpse of a planet. Sumati 2 is not exclusively their new home, but there is land enough and it is a chance to start over. Most of the jademane are silent on the trip, swimming in their own seas of private thought

21:42

A light begins flashing in the passenger bay, signaling the ship is existing spike space.

4

Fallen Sapling sits up in his bunk, Sunny giving him a displeased mraow as she flumps to the bed, displaced from her spot napping on his chest. He gives a rare slight smile, which effectively just moved his face from a resting scowl to neutral, and reaches over to give her some scritches behind her ear like she always likes. He stretches, well, as much as he can given his 7'4" frame is not well suited to tiny rooms made for humans—even though he is rather lean for his kind, his wingspan still easily reaches eight feet. Despite the cramped spaces Fallen Sapling kept to his room for nearly the entirety of the week long trip, the discomfort of the room slightly more tolerable than the presence of the crew and his mourning kin. The bone charms and wooden totems his hair clink softly as he reaches for his pack and unstrung bow. Sunny mraows again, sending a question through their psychic link. Fallen replies back with an image of their old home, a small cabin, but the land around it is unfamiliar. A tinge of fear and grief crosses to her through their bond, but also curiosity and wonder at the idea of new lands to roam together. He stands and pats his shoulder for Sunny to join him. She obliges, sharp claws digging into his worn leather jerkin as she climbs to her perch. She gives him a rough nuzzle, the scales and spines atop her head scratching against his green skin, then points with her nose to the door. An image of a Jademane flicking the reigns of his mount comes through their bond, as if to say "Onward steed!" Fallen Sapling gives a light snort, sending her a mixture of amusement and fear.

04:32

He takes a deep breath, unsuccessful trying to settle his nerves. Logically, he knows he should be more afraid of leaving his dying home to come to a totally new and potentially dangerous frontier, but the thought of leaving his room to be overwhelmed by the frantically busy crew of strangers and even the moping sad crowds of kinsmen was infinitely more terrifying. He blinks hard then shakes his head. He sends resolute confidence to Sunny, though it's still tainted with anxiety, then reaches out and opens his door.

For a change, the corridor is quiet, but you can see many Jademane at the viewports. The silence is almost painful, but you can see light from the local star coming in now- the shielded viewports must have been raised. Just barely, over the heads of everyone else, you can see a tiny piece of the planet you'll be calling home- a world of developing blue ocean,d ense forest, and wide grassy plains

15:37

A countdown from six hours is now reached 05:35:06 and is slowly counting down to 0, when orbit will be achieved.

Fallen Sapling reaches out instinctively to greet the other Jademane mentally before remembering their innate connection was severed as the planet died. Instead he nods solemnly to the few who look up and searches for an empty viewport, hopefully one with some space around it, to watch their descent.

Ad-Astra personnel begin arriving in the large passenger space, and one of them stands on the top of a few storage crates. A bullhorn crackles in her hand, and everyone turns as one. "Welcome passengers, to Sumati 2! As you can see, we have begun our orbit of the planet! In a few moments we will begin moving you into transports to make your way to the surface. Before we do however, we need to let you know about this new world, and those of you who make the decisions for your people will need to select a site for your new home"

Fallen Sapling flinches at the harsh sound, moving back a ways, though still close enough to be able to hear easily. He continues looking outside at the planet as he listens. He knew his input would be welcome, but it didn't make much of a difference to him where they ended up. Likely he wouldn't stay with the others often, though he would keep close enough at first to ensure his and the others' safety and the settlement was formed. He would meet one on one with one of the leaders to discuss his role later, they knew of his social preferences.

06:21

(Maybe set up on the big island closest to the Zadak? So they can trade easily and stuff but have plenty of space for themselves)

(we can do that! i forgot i already made a map haha)

(I heard the GM here has a really cool wiki so I checked it out

)

There is some deliberation among the group, but they seem to think the island is a defensible position, and that being close to the Zadak will allow trade, and mutual aid to be a factor in a healthy relationship. Knowing your preferences, a role as a scout, or wanderer keeping an eye on the wilderness would greatly benefit the settlement. No one is sure how life here will progress or evolve, and as the wilds change, so will the challenges facing the yet unnamed Jademane city

Intrigued by the quickly evolving biosphere, Fallen settled in to wait for transport down to the surface. Sunny bats at some of the bones woven into his hair to keep herself entertained as he watches the planet slowly turn beneath them.

There are several slides presented, showing the history of the Zadak, their flight from the Etxaurren, and rescue, and other matters of their history. There is a brief mention of them also being harmed by the scream. Some members of their race when psychotic, but it seems the survivors have all managed to work out the worst of the effects.

17:54

Lighted paths on the floor begin showing where to proceed to get aboard the host of launch craft that will take Jademane survivors to the ground

Fallen keeps his distance from the others as he makes his way to the launch crafts, bypassing the first few that fill quickly to take one less crowded. He's reluctantly greatful for the others' quiet grief as their silence makes the group more tolerable for him, his hands merely clasped anxiously rather than a full blown panic attack. Sunny nuzzles him playfully in support as they board the vessel to take them down.

There is a gentle shake as the craft is released. About 20 others are here with you which is about half the normal capacities of one of these ships. The planet gets closer and closer , and you pass through the atmosphere to the technicolor landscape below. The large trees have been seeded ahead of time and the Zadak are adept at growing. They’ve dispatched a delegation to meet on the ground

01:45

The lander sets down on the chosen island and the crisp air of your new home fills your nostrils. It is like home in a sense. But different too.

Fallen eyes the Zadak with interest. From the little he learned of them they seemed much more similar to the Jademane than the humans were despite their look. The eerily nostalgic feel of the new planet was both off-putting and comforting as he exits the craft. He heads toward the Zadak but keeps his distance, staying just close enough to listen in on what they say. Perhaps he could single one out to speak with later.

There are twenty of them in the delegation, and none of them have brought weapons though some were no doubt once warriors by the way they carry themselves. Of this group, most are delegates, who immediately make their way off to the side to greet the chieftains of the Jademane. Several of the warriors remain on the outskirts of it, naturally observant of the rest of the Jademane, and the surrounding wilderness

Fallen Sapling makes his way over toward the warriors, both to keep his own watch on the wilderness and to inspect the Zadak a bit closer. Fallen once again mourns the loss of their innate telepathy, physical speech was awkward and clumsy and difficult to understand the underlying meaning and emotions. He can sense that as a psychic, telepathy is still possible if he practiced enough, but it would never be with the ease it used to be. He steps up to one of the Zadak, looking out into the trees rather than at the warrior. Sunny senses his hesitance and jumps down from his shoulder, padding softly up to the Zadak and inspecting them with a few polite sniffs. Fallen nods to the warrior though he keeps his eyes averted. His low voice is raspy with disuse, and barely above a whisper, "... Hello."

"Hello, Jademane" it says, its best halting impression to ape the language you use. They have not had much time to practice. "Welcome..home" it says, its voice jagged and unpleasant when translated into the Jademane tongue. "How, yOu?"

Fallen clears his throat before answering, he gestures at the land around him, at a loss for how to communicate all the emotions he feels, "Home. We... mourn." Sunny sends Fallen a sense of amusement at their loquacious banter before bounding off, rubbing against some nearby plants and rocks as if to claim the territory as hers.

"We mourn, too. Home gone. Fire, thunder. Gone"

He nods, sharing a moment of silence with the warrior. Sunny pads back, satisfied with her brief exploration of their surroundings. She sits up on her hing legs and looks up at the two silent figures sharing their grief with a tilt of her head. She sends Fallen a feeling of loneliness that turns to warm companionship with a questioning mroaw at the end. He shrugs and leans down to pat her head, sending an unsure feeling to her before turning back to the Zadak. "Your home is near?"

"Our home is near, west, across sea. Sky-Astra bring us here, to meet. Make friends. Have peace"

14:57

"Many tall trees. Much Mist. "

Fallen looks back to the landing craft at the mention of Ad Astra. "Mmm. Friends. Danger nearby?"

“Wilderness is dangerous place. Planet is waking , but still dreaming of life. Will make dangers. Does not understand us yet. We will help her”

He nods again and turns back to the Zadak, though still not meeting his eyes. He places a hand on his chest, "Fallen Sapling. I will explore here. Help make it safe for Jademane and Zadak. Friends?"

“Friends. Both know world death. Do not want again. No fights. too sad.

"Mmm..." Fallen stands awkwardly for a minute, unused to conversation and company in general, "Ok, bye friend." He and Sunny abruptly head off into the surrounding woods to scout without looking back.

(D10 for me)

(1)

The area surrounding the landing zone is a dense wood with large Canopy trees growing rapidly. They’re all young, but thick and sturdy. Some will no doubt need to be felled to make shelters, but not many. Birds and insects barely out of the primordial soup dance amid the branches , eating and being eaten in the slowly forming cobweb of life

Fallen steps quietly through the relatively new forest, Sunny alongside him occasionally trying to pounce on a nearby bug. Fallen sends her a gentle rebuke at her disregard for stealth in a new environment and she reluctantly joins him, padding along silently next to him. Not seeing any immediate dangers, Fallen finds an open space to sit, closing his eyes and attuning to his surroundings, a faint echo of his old connection to Aliah. (Using The Whisper Wind to sense anything interesting/dangerous nearby and let's him know what plants are edible etc.)

There are some edible wild berries and weeds that can sustain the community if nothing else is available. There are no ruins on a world this young but the ground sings of a waterfall nearby where life is flourishing

He gathers a small sample of each of the edible plants he finds to show the chieftains. He sends an image of a waterfall to Sunny then places an image of their old home next to it with a questioning tone. Knowing water is life, Fallen heads off toward the waterfall to see if there is a suitable place for camp nearby.

23:36

The area is pristine , and serene. Lush grass carpets the hillsides along with a few large boulders. Pines reach for the heavens against a backdrop of hills and stony inclines.

Fallen gives a rare smile at the beautiful scenery, sending Sunny feelings of warmth and welcome. She rubs her head against his leg in response, purring softly. He reaches down to scratch her head, "Home?" She sends him her affirmation, enjoying the scritches before bounding off to roll in the grass. Fallen takes note of where the area is relative to where they landed, before whistling to Sunny and heading back toward the other Jademane.

The landers have departed, back to space for another run down to the surface with more refugees. The Zadak are departing,and it seems the elders are in conference with one another about what to do, as the afternoon sun stands tall in the sky overhead. Other Jademane mill about the clearing, looking at the plants, and taking their first steps into the trees just as you did many hours ago

Fallen Sapling nods to the warrior he spoke to before and heads towards the elders, staying a short distance away so as not to interrupt. Once he's able to catch the eye of one of them, he gestures for them to come over. "I found a home." He unconsciously tries to send the elder an image of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape before running remembering their severed connection. He gestures with his hands, indicating his difficulty describing what he found. "Water. Good plants to eat. Open space. Easy to defend... Home."

“Home? Home big enough for everyone or for you?” He asks, looking around at the clearing.

Fallen Sapling shrugs, not being the best with numbers. "Big enough for more than me. Clear trees and probably enough room for all. If you stay here then it will be home for just me."

"The Jademane will use place Fallen Sapling has found. Water is not in clearing, and we need it to live, and grow food. What else has fallen sapling found?"

He pulls out the edible plants and berries he found, "Food, safe to eat. No predators seen yet, but things change fast. Plenty of wood for building."

"Fallen, will you lead the tribe into the woods, to place you found? Show us home"

Fallen shrugs uncomfortably, "I take you. You show others?"

He nods, remembering your dislike of large groups or the spotlight. “Fallen Sapling, we will walk and we will talk. Once the Jademane move you will leave again , like Aliah. Yes?”

"Leave, but stay near at first. Explore. Scout. Maybe visit the Zadak."

"The Zadak have been here longer than us. THere is a lot they know, and we do not"

He nods, his voice beginning to tire from his conversations today, much more than he's spoken aloud in a while, "Mmm. Friends help each other. The world changes fast here, help is good."

'help is good" he agrees, noticing you are feeling weary from the conversation, and the questions stop for now, on your walk through the woods. branches snap, 100m ahead on left of the path

He stops and holds a hand up, Sunny dashing back to him from where she was sniffing some bushes. He unslings his bow then motions that they move forward slowly and quietly. With a thought, he sends Sunny slightly ahead of them to try and get a better look.

2

15:02

The large beast stomps into the path, grazing, and groaning, its breath steaming in the cool afternoon air. Moss hangs from its snout, as mushrooms grow up its legs

Fallen Sapling stops, freezing for a moment before slowly backing up to move out of its field of view, hoping to avoid confrontation. He tells Sunny to back off, sending her wariness but knowing it's unlikely the creature will see them as food.

The creature is not looking at you as food, but it begins sniffing the air, trying to sense who has intruded in its territory

Sunny sends him the sensation of a stomach growling followed by the smell of roasting meat with a questioning tone. Hunting for sport is not even a concept Fallen is aware of, but hunting for meat he is long experienced with. He knocks an arrow, nodding to the elder to prepare to take down this creature, sending Sunny forward stealthily to be ready to distract it as they attack.

22:36

(He wants to get about 50m from it and Sunny 20m before attacking if we need stealth checks to get that close)

(You wouldn't need to roll checks for that given your backgrounds, you're hunters)

Fallen Sapling takes aim and releases at the same time Sunny leaps from the shadows. Whether from lack of practice over the last couple weeks or a failure to account for this planet's slightly different gravity and atmospheric makeup, his arrow sails over the large beast and disappears into the brush behind it. Fortunately Sunny had practiced her pouncing plentifully terrorizing the nearby insect population as they explored and leaps gracefully atop the large beast, her hind talons tearing into its hide (5/3 for the bow, 16/6 for Sunny).

The elder nocks his own bow, and sends an arrow down range, but has a similar lack of success.

17:53

(8, miss)

17:56

The creature nods its massive head, horn low, and digs its front paw into the ground, preparing to charge

Fallen adjusts his aim slightly for his next shot, but when Sunny goes in for a bite her sharp teeth fail to cause anything more than superficial damage against its tough skin. (13/6 bow, 5/4 Sunny) Sunny hops off the creature, landing near its hind legs, ready to try to halt its charge. (Preparing for an attack of opportunity if it charges)

(Lets resolve that, its going to, and ill fire the elder's bow after)

(19/3)

The elder fires and mossed again as Sunny rends their claws down the back of the creature. It roars in pain as it closes to 50m

(Is it moving 20m a round? Sunny has the speed boost from gaia-1 so should be able to both catch up and attack unless it's moving faster than that)

04:52

Fallen fires again, standing his ground despite the large creature charging towards him, Sunny tries to slash at its flank as she follows behind it. (13/3 bow, 18/5 Sunny if she's able to attack) (edited)

(it was 100m away, it charged 50m and now has to use its normal move, which is 20)

(Gotcha, so she'll double move 40m then)

racing to close the distance to 10m, Sunny tries to slash at its flank. The elder scores a hit this time, sending an arrow deep into the neck of the beast as it surges onward. (physical effect save)

(Fail 3/14)

Fallen begins to feel sleepy as the blast of topor spores are emitted from the creature. The charge is not to impact you but to leave the cloud in its wake so it can escape it seems

He lets off another arrow as the spores hit, though the sudden tiredness sends his arrow into the ground in front of him (3/7 lol). He stumbles out of the creature's path, allowing it to flee as it doesn't seem overly aggressive. Sunny moves over to Fallen, prepared to defend him if the beast decides to attack. (Moving instead of reloading, double move for Sunny)

The creature moves off, away from the conflict as the spores continue working. You feel drowsy and weak but not in the sense that you will fall asleep. It heads deeper into the forest

Fallen Sapling shakes his head, trying to clear the weariness. Once he feels slightly better he turns to the elder and shrugs, "We have enough food. We'll get meat later." He kneels, searching the ground for tracks and prints of the beast so he'll know how to recognize it later, sending a message to Sunny for her to get its scent.

They are thick, a circle with three elongated tines for the tones coming off the front

Fallen stands, brushing off his knees, "Good. Dangerous, but didn't want to fight. Might be good food later." He looks off to where the beast ran for a moment longer before turning back toward the clearing with the waterfalls and gesturing to the elder, "Come."

The elder replaces his bow, and stands tall again, content to follow in silence as you move down the path, to the waterfall and its surrounds where Fallen Sapling has envisioned their new home

He continues on quietly, moving slowly and carefully so as not to startle any other creatures that might make their home nearby.

The vista is impressive and as you make it to the site, the elder takes it all in. “You can almost feel the planet here. Not like home but you can almost see it if you stop and close your eyes”

Fallen closes his eyes and expands his senses, "Mmm. Home. Different. New. New is not bad. Not always. Like Zadak. Humans may look more like us, but Zadak are kin at heart. Good neighbors, I think."

(3xp, 5000 credits ) “They know how it feels to lose home. Will not want to risk another , or make us lose ours again.

Lvl 2: HP 7->13
Focus: Psychic Training->Gaia
Gaia: 1->2 (2sp from focus); Metaflora, Natural Armaments (1sp from focus)
Telepathy: -1->1 (2sp); Transmit Thought, Facile Mind (1sp)

(edited)

1

(hot. I know you've had hella stuff going on, if you need help with more to do, let me know)

(I have some loose ideas for stuff to do, but if you've got a cool idea I'm game)

(Could visit the Zadak , or do your thing)

(Yeah let's visit them)

The Jademane begin migrating out this way and where there are others , you decide it is fine to be elsewhere. You had a good conversation with the Zadak and their ways are mysterious. It may be time to go west and see their settlement , doing the duties of a scout

02:15

You pass where you had fought the rhino like creature and blooms of crimson mushrooms are everywhere now where the spores from it had fallen

Fallen looks at the mushrooms with curiosity, sniffing and eyeing them cautiously without touching, trying to identify whether they're edible or have any medicinal or poisonous properties. (His senses all got boosted with gaia-2 if that helps)

They would be edible after being boiled in clean water. Raw as they are they would trigger hallucinations

2

1

He picks a few and stows them in his pack before continuing on, sending Sunny his excitement at trying all the new berries, herbs, and now mushrooms he had found, overshadowing his disappointment at having no meat as of yet. He knew he would fix that soon. Continuing on, Fallen looks up, trying to judge how much longer he can trek before needing to set up camp for the night.

You estimate it’s going to take about another day to get there but you’ll have to cross the river either tonight or in the morning

Fallen sends Sunny an image of them swimming in the darkening evening with a questioning tone and she quickly sends back some giant aquatic beast eating them in one bite, followed by an image of her resting next to a cozy fire next to the river. Fallen agrees, and they make their way toward the river, with the intent to camp there and cross in the morning.

(Anything you want to do at camp? Or should we move along )

(Just trying out some of the food he's picked up along the way, nothing we need to fully RP out unless he dies from poison lol)

(Yeah you won’t). The food ranged from sweet to bitter. None of it will kill you and cooking it will probably make things go down a bit easier next time

Fallen and Sunny enjoy a peaceful evening together and an uneventful if not quite comfortable night next to the river. The following morning they rise just before the sun, eat a handful of berries for breakfast, then prepare for the next day of journey. Their meager camp packed away, Fallen looks to the river, trying to judge the width, depth, and speed of the current as best he can.

04:12

(Oh, kind of made an assumption there, he and Sunny would have taken shifts on watch over night. I can edit if anything happened overnight)

(No that’s good I didn’t roll any)

04:31

The river is 50m wide. You’re able to get most of a very long tree branch into the water before it finally Hits the mud at the bottom. Although wide and deep the current is slow here and there are not many large rocks that could cause trouble in a faster current

Sunny sends her distaste of getting wet to Fallen, wanting to build a boat or search for a shallow place to ford the river. Fallen replies with the sun setting and them camping on the same side of the river again with an impatient tone. Sunny gives a mental sigh and pads over to Fallen, headbutting his leg and sending him begrudging assent, with an image of her sitting on his head out of the water as he swims across. He gives a grin and reaches down to scratch behind her ear for a moment before scooping her up and placing her on his shoulder. He makes certain his pack is secure and sealed as best it can before wading out into the water and beginning to swim breaststroke so as to give Sunny a chance of staying somewhat dry.

(exert/str, or con)

(9)

You feel the river pulling at you, but your muscles are strong, and you find yourself on the other sandy bank after a short swim. Small fish brush up against your skin as you cross, but you're not able to get a good look at any of them. They do not think you're a source of food, evidently. At least not for today

Sunny sends Fallen Sapling an image of her eating fish but he sends back an impatient feeling as they have no way to catch the fish right away. Sunny grumpily pads ahead of Fallen as they continue their trek and he quickly follows, eager to reach their destination by sundown if possible.

You find more of the prints 200m into the treeline. Another of the rhino like creatures is close

Still a little bitter about losing his previous prey, Fallen and Sunny quickly agree to stalk this creature and try to bring it down. He strings his bow and knocks an arrow before they begin to track the creature, their earlier encounter fresh on their minds.

Yuo can see one of the rhino like creatures 100m away in the clearing near you. This one is a juvenile and lacks the flowering trunk form of the adult you had seen earlier. Small birds flit around its back, eating bugs and keeping its coat clean

17:08

(also, if you wanna name it, ill slap up a WA article)

(Well I want to call it a rhimosseros but Fallen wouldn't really care about the name at all haha) Fallen Sapling creaps slowly toward the beast, using what cover he can to approach without alerting it. At 50m he stops and waits for Sunny to get into a flanking position 20m from the beast.

Sunny is ready, prepared to spring once you make your move

Fallen lets his arrow fly just as Sunny leaps at the beast with her talons. (10/9 bow, 19/3 Sunny)

Sunny launches herself and latches on to the creature's flanks. It bellows, trying to move away, but its backside is being dragged down. The arrow misses, the thrashing of the interlocked beasts causes them to veer in an unpredictable way- sending the shaft deep into a nearby tree. The Rhimosserous bucks, trying to throw sunny off, but is unsuccessful in doing so, and the juvenile is trying to crawl away on its two front legs

Sunny's next strike hits a particularly armored section of skin and glances off without effect just an Fallen's arrow flies past again, disappearing into the distance behind it. (Rolled a 3 and a 2 for their attacks. I think I need to change my background to someone who's never used a bow before with all these rolls

)

The arrow, and sunny both are unable to get through its thick hide. It begins emitting the spores known to be part of its defense (physical effect for sunny)

(Fail)

Sunny begins to feel the topporific effects of the spores, though Fallen Sapling is unbothered. Sunny's movements are slow, and the creature begins to fall asleep

(Fallen up)

Fallen lets another arrow fly as Sunny stumbles sleepily. (11/9) Fallen glances around as he reloads, seeing if there's sufficient plant life nearby to manipulate with his gaiapsi abilities.

the ground is rich with small creepers and vines, as well as the early growths of what will one day become the scrub plant that occupies the forest floor in most young forests before the top canopy can truly spread

Fallen reaches out to the flora around the beast, grimacing at the strain of what used to be so easy on his home planet before his connection to it was severed. It twitches in response, ready to do his bidding. (Preparing to use Metaflora once the rhimo gets its turn)

The rhino begins to move into the brush, now that he is free of the sleeping leaping creature that is sunny. It moves 20m away, trying to vanish into the thick jungle

(Oh I'm a dummy and misread the technique lol, it's close ranged so I can't use it) Fallen lets loose another arrow before heading over to check on Sunny (15/8, using Move instead of reloading).

The arrow flies smoothly, and there is no need to knock another. The creature falls, shot through the lung and heart. Something this big does not thrash in the brush, or screech to the sky. It understands this blow is a mortal one, and falls on its side, waiting for its damaged organs to stop working.

After seeing Sunny is uninjured, if still a bit drowsy, he makes his way to the beast's side and efficiently puts an end to the beast's suffering with his belt knife. He mentally beckons for Sunny to join him as soon as she's able, then begins to skin and clean his kill, looking for useful parts both for food and potentially crafting or trading.

(survive/wis. You'll get something since you are skilled in this, but there's a couple really hard to get pieces)

(11)

Aside from some of the rear hides and meat you’re able to get the delicate branches and flowers that form it’s horn.

Fallen stows his findings, leaving the rest to feed and fertilize the rapidly growing life of the fledgling planet. Hoping his detour didn't take up too much time, he heads out once more toward the Zadak settlement.

You have crossed the major obstacles, and by afternoon you can see the smoke from the cook fires rising skyward. The mists native to their home have also begun reappearing. THey cling the ground and are easy to see through now, but one day they will thicken. You can see a hunting party ready to set off into the wilds

Fallen looks for a place to observe the settlement before approaching—not trying to hide his presence but also not purposely attracting attention. (edited)

They dont seem to be much in advance of how the Jademane village will probably look when you return. They have made some log longhouses, and look to be making arrangments to replace them with stone soon. Their technology even on their original home planet never went much beyond this- as their beliefs do not permit them to make advanced technology, only use it if found.

Fallen slings his bow across his back, still easy to access but not appearing as aggressive. Sunny leaps onto his shoulder, giving him a boney nuzzle. All settled, Fallen Sapling heads over towards the village.

THe hunting party is the first to see you, coming to a halt in a semi circle. They don't cross weapons, or appear hostile, but they are blocking your path forward once you come to wothin a couple of meters of them. "Jade..mane....You....walk here?" one asks, trying its best to pronounce the sounds of your language.

Fallen nods, "Our new home is not far..." He hesitates, then points at his head and then the one who spoke, "We speak through heads? I am telepath."

“We…we cannot. Any longer. Lost with connection to home. Does not work”

(He has the telepathy technique that lets you talk to people that way) He hangs his head in momentary mourning for his own home, taking a moment to collect his thoughts, "Our new home... is not bad. We can shape how it grows, I think. Like a garden. But too big for hands to work alone."

(Talk to them what way?)

(Telepathically. Not for any mechanical reasons, just for RP because he's more comfortable talking that way cause that's pretty much all they used to do)

"Too big for the Zadak alone. The villagers and elders worry we are going to have war in the future. Two cultures, one planet. Zadak never have had to share before"

Fallen shakes his head, "Others we have met have only taken, not shared. But some few help. My people are tired. Sad. Hurt. We will focus on growing, not destroying. If your people don't fight, ours will not. We can work together, we can stay apart. But fighting is not what Jademane want."

"Fighting is not what we want either. Elders should meet again. Discuss how we want planet to grow. Problems will not come now, problems will come in the future"

Fallen frowns slightly, "Elders will talk and talk. I like to do. I wanted to meet your people, so I did. If I want to help your people I will. You have hunters? Beasts to take care of? These were my jobs before."

“We have hunters. We have centi-hounds but not many. Not anymore. We do not have any others here yet. This world is new and we do not know it. Is it the same for the Jademane?”

"Mmm. Yes. Many stayed behind or went somewhere else. We were already not many after the falling rocks. Battles with humans took more. The others died with our planet. Not as many to feed, but also not as many hunters and the land is unknown like you say." He reaches back for his pack and pulls out some of the meat harvested from the rhimo. "I hunted a beast not far from here. Hard to kill but aggressive. First big creature I've seen."

"You've killed one? Many hunters have tried. Their spores make the Zadak sleep. When we awaken they are gone"

"A youngling. The big one was tougher. Shoot from range." He nods his head toward Sunny, "She distracted it so it didn't charge." He reaches back into his pack and pulls out the branches and flowers he got from its horn, "Got this from it too."

"You are quite a hunter. The tribe would want to hear how you have done this. Do you mind telling the tale?"

He hesitates, then nods, "I will tell your elders in private. I... can't talk to a crowd."

"Okay. Come with me? We will speak to them together?"

He nods again, stowing the harvested meat and flowers back in his back before shouldering it, "I am ready."

You’re brought into the village where most of the Zadak are still forced to sleep outside. They haven’t rebuilt many of their huts and long houses yet and are a far cry from the beautiful city of Nosh Zadak on lost Brizeno’s moon now. A longhouse ahead is the largest of the few buildings that are here. The cloth curtains are pulled back and you are brought before 3 elders, and a medicine woman who looks to be on the verge of feral (edited)

His anxiety bubbles up slightly, but he tamps it down as he enters the longhouse, nodding to the elders though he doesn't meet there eyes, looking slightly downward instead. His voice is soft, but steady, "Hello. I'm Fallen Sapling."

"Hello Fallen Sapling. Welcome to our village. We have not had any Jademane right inside yet. You are the first and are an honored guest" A pillow is brought over for you to sit on, along with a smaller one for sunny.

Sunny curls up on her pillow with an appreciative mraow and Fallen follows suit. "We only got here a little bit ago. I... would rather explore and hunt than set up the new settlement."

"Indeed. The Zadak have a word for you. I could not pronounce it in a way that would give it the majesty it has in Jademane, but , it means "Kin of the Path", or "Friend of the Wind" . Always on the move, always seeing and hearing new things, keeping these private sights and memories for yourself, as the only witness.

23:54

"I can see that same willowy spirit in you, bending with the breeze and the external forces of your life, but not letting it break you or snap your branches"

"Mmm... Our language was never meant to be only spoken. Many of our names describe things like that, just not out loud. Kin of the Path. I like it. The others brought me to share some of what I have seen with you. I have a sample of plants, safe to eat. And took down one of the moss covered beasts—a small one." He reaches into his pack to display the various berries and herbs he found as well as the meat, flowers, and branches from the rhimosserous.

There is an air of appreciation around the trophies taken from an honorable kill such as the Rhimosserous. "Our hunters have tried to bbring them down several times now. It has been a difficult hunt for them,t he spores send the hunting hounds to sleep right away"

He shrugs, "I wouldn't have killed a grown one alone easily. A group of hunters circling it in ambush would have a better chance. We're lucky it doesn't usually attack after the spores hit."

"A deadly combination. Some may, or they may learn to in time. A creature that big as a docile one is trange to see"

"It probably hasn't had to fight anything before since everything here is so new. Things will have to adapt quickly as the planet grows and changes, us included."

"As will we. Your time and attention showing us this is appreciated. The Zadak are going to be finishing a place to live. The mists will gather like they did on Nosh Zadak , but the Jademane are friend and will always find their way here through it. We will learn more of what is around us, and the dangers of this new planet. Nature is growing, but the grow is uncontrolled.

"I won't stay around long, but is there anything you need help with?"

"We are looking for a place of power to make a shrine to the ancestors and those we lost when Nosh-Zadak was taken from us. You go with scouts? Help thme find?"

"I will go. I can temporarily connect to the planet, a fragment of our old connection, but enough to find these places of power. Dangerous beasts might be attracted to the power too."

"We thnk the same. You will accompany our hunters? help find this place so we can speak to ancestors again?"

(It's like evening time I think, yeah?) Fallen nods, "Yes. I will camp just outside your village. Have your hunters find me when they are ready."

(I'd say so between getting here, the hunt, and then talking, too late in the day for them to be mounting an expedition now)

Fallen Sapling bows politely then makes his exit, heading for the outskirts of their settlement, looking for a decent place to make camp nearby.

(I don’t think any beasts would get close to the settlement with it being such a busy place )

Camped away from the village for the night you and sunny have no trouble falling asleep. You’re woken up pre Dawn the following day by the sound of Zadak pioneers approaching your camping place. They have survival supplies for many days and each of them has a spear as well as a long knife

He nods to them, glad to see familiar weaponry rather than the horrifically destructive weapons used by humans. Fallen has little to pack up as he quickly gathers and stows his few belongings before joining the Zadak. "I am ready. I am Fallen Sapling, this is Sunny." Sunny stretches with a grumpy meow, loathe to wake before her namesake appears, before sitting next to Fallen.

The four Zadak introduce themselves with a series of chirps and clicks. "We find place of power. We make shrine, and speak with the ancestors. Lost Nosh Zadak. Lost Connection with them. We fix now"

"Give me a moment. I will find us a direction at least." He walks a short ways away from the Zadak and sits down in a meditative position, closing his eyes. After a minute of just breathing and sensing the growing world around him, he reaches out to form a brief psychic connection, searching for a place of power. (Using The Whispering Wind- 1 effort committed)

You can feel something like a pathway through the trees. It reminds you of a route the wind would have taken as it moved through the trees. The path east is the one of least resistance

"Mmm. Place of power. Gotta be." He stands and makes his way back over to the Zadak. "We go east." Sunny scampers along ahead to scout the way as Fallen begins leading the Zadak eastward.

2

16:52

The woods are winding and lit with fireflies even in the daytime. Sunlight has everything appearing golden and beautiful like the world is a brand new creation and in many ways it is. The first of this worlds insect species are already beginning to evolve and fill the air with their mating songs. The Zadak seem to be in tune to it and sway gently as you wind through the trees like the wind. It almost feels as though there is some kind of lit path beneath your feet and the grasses swing back from your passage gently.

Fallen Sapling walks with a slight smile on his face, taking in the beauty of his new home, though not allowing the sights to distract from his watchful eyes, scanning the woods for potential dangers. He is silent as they trek, though he occasionally converses with Sunny as she tries to catch some of the fireflies.

The woods have gone quiet as sunny catches a firefly and you’ve walked a bit

18:16

Toward the place of power. You feel the connection growing stronger

He looks back at the Zadak following him, "We're close. Be ready." He double checks his bow and quiver, knocking an arrow before proceeding further.

A circle of mushrooms stands in the middle of a clearing ahead. Fireflies dance around one another within the ring like some sort of cyclone , in gentle waves without bumping into one another. The ground shakes gently and sunny begins growling, instantly on edge. Something is burrowing and is closing in.

He only has a moment to look in awe at the beautiful sight before he tenses and turns to the Zadak. "Something comes." Noting whatever is coming seems to be underground, he looks quickly for something to stand on, a large rock or even an easily climbable tree.

There is a large moss covered rock nearby, as well as dozens of trees in the area. You can feel the ground rumbling harder right now and dust begins to roll in on the horizon

Fallen hops atop the rock while Sunny perches in a nearby tree, ready to defend against whatever is coming.

A massive serpent, one of the first mega forms of life to evolve on this world bursts from the ground, narrowly missing your Zadak partners. Seeing you react to the situation before the danger was upon you, they had done the same and very possibly had saved their own lives for the immediate few seconds by doing so. The creature coils into a defensive position, rattling its massive tail and hissing. (initiative)

(7)

(3 for snakey snake)

4

Fallen releases an arrow as the huge snake appears but the shot goes wide. Likewise Sunny attacks, leaping from her tree, but her claws find little purchase on the beast's scaly hide. (Both attacks were under 10

)

The Zadak begin fanning out, attacking with slings and throwing spears. One of the throws is a deadly one and manages to lodge deep into the rattle on the creature's tail. It roars as great pain is caused by the barbed iron head. With lightning quick reflexes the snake lashes out and grabs one of the Zadak with its fangs, depositing it inside the wrapping coils of muscle and skin to begin crushing it to death. The captured Zadak struggles and cries for help. (end turn for snake)

Sunny attacks with her claws again as Fallen leaps down to help the captured Zadak. He reaches out to the surrounding plants and grabs control, sending them to bind the serpent and hopefully release the trapped warrior. (14/2 for Sunny, Metaflora: [1 effort committed] Evasion save for snakey boi)

(Fails hard with a 2)

(Ok, so it's restrained until it takes an action to free itself)

The Zadak pile in with spears and bows. Several of the projectiles stick into the thick hide but are only superficial in damage. One of the spears cuts a bloody rent near the snout of the beast. The snake wriggles and thrashes violently to free itself of the vines and creepers that have surged to keep it bound

21:50

(main action to free itself, cant' do anything else)

(Finally got some decent rolls around here

) Fallen steps back from the writhing serpent, toward the rock he lept from earlier before firing off another shot at the beast. Sunny leaps in to swipe at the creature's underbelly as it shakes off the vines. (Bow 19/6, Sunny 17/4)

The snake begins to try to retreat, getting far more of a fight than it has been intending to get here. The Zadak throw more spears and loose more arrows and the creature. One of the arrows plants itself handily in a heat sensing pit near the snout of the creature, and rather than lash out it tries to make its way back into its burrow to retreat and lick its wounds elsewhere.

Sunny and Fallen both attack as it leaves, but neither is effective. Fallen nocks another arrow as it retreats, waiting to see if it turns back but content to let it escape rather than risk lives.

18:11

(Both attacks were a 4 to hit lol)

The creature chooses flight rather than trying to fight off alerted prey. You can feel as though you've passed some sort of trial, or test, and nature responds by a pathway of the drifting fireflies lazily leading you to a nearby glade.

Once certain the snake has fled, and once the adrenaline of battle has left him, Fallen Sapling follows the trail of fireflies, almost in a trance as he enters the glade, Sunny padding softly at his side.

03:31

A mighty vista stretches out before you. The running water and the pond it runs into are crystal clear. Some loose vegetation floats on its surface and it almost seems like the background noise of the world has been turned down. There is an exceptional feeling of peace and tranquility here, specially as you look toward the water

He approaches the water, sending Sunny a feeling of wonder at their beautiful new home, only slightly tinged with nostalgia for their old planet. He bends down toward the pond, running his fingers through the water before cupping his hands and taking a drink to refresh himself after their brief encounter with the serpent.

As the water enters your body you feel as though you are transported home for just a moment. Aliah as it was, not as the dying world of decaying trees and fetid bogs it is now. The winds of home blow on your skin. The air smells sweet of native pollen, and the drone of Aliahan Howler Wasps fills your ears. Even the warmth of the individual sunbeams feels the same. Sunny can feel it too, caught up in this momentary connection with what is on a new world, and what was in a place that had once been the only home you knew. The Zadak are experiencing something too as they drink, in their own private and alien way,

As the experience fades, Fallen nods with a bittersweet smile, "This is your place of power." He picks up Sunny and gives her a gentle hug, a single tear trailing down his cheek.

"Yours too" the first of the Zadak to come out of the trace says. "We do together. Zadak had thought. Do not know if Jademane want to hear it, but bothering Zadak"

15:33

"Jademane home not occupied. Jademane trying to make new home here. Jademane go bring piece of old home to new home?"

"Our planet is dead. Its energy helped give life to this one. Not sure anything else is left to bring." Fallen shrugs, "Might be worth trying, but the human ships may be gone by now."

"Did Jademane have cities? Homes? things forced to leave that could not take?"

"Not cities like the humans are supposed to have, but a city of sorts, yes. I didn't have much, but others might have left things behind."

"Collection of these things. Help your people? Make them feel home here is now home home?"

Fallen looks around at the serene water and the surrounding trees and plants, "People belonging to some sort of school helped transfer the life energy of our old home here. As it grows, it should feel more like home over time. But... until then. Maybe some things should be brought here. Maybe it will help their grief. My grief." And maybe we should visit this school, he sends to Sunny, though the prospects of visiting a human city is quite daunting to him.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

03:06

"We return to Zadak city, we tell them what we found. Jademane come with us, then go back and tell his people. We decide where to find humans and how to go back to your home after. We will come to you"

Fallen nods, taking one more look at the beautiful vista before turning and heading back with the Zadak.

With a group you’re not attacked by anymore wildlife. A rough map of the area is sketched out and you think you could find this place from your village if you needed to

Fallen bids farewell to the Zadak as they reach their fledgling city, knowing it's a longer trek back to the other Jademane. He sends Sunny an image of their previous resting place near the river as a goal to camp tonight as he waves to the Zadak and heads out to report to his people.

Lvl 3: HP 13->15
Nullification 0->1; Fade
Teleportation -1->1; Proficient Apportation

Lvl 4: HP 15->20
AB 1->2
Metapsionics 0->1 [effort 2->3]; Mindtracing
Electrokinesis -1->1; Energy Sensitivity

2

The villagers have gathered and are working on a totem when you arrive. Everyone is happy to see you back but you're not approached as they know you enjoy your space

Fallen waits at a distance, sending Sunny in to fetch one of the elders to report to as he observes the growing village.

One of the elders attends you after about half an hour, sunny in tow padding low and slow behind him. "Fallen Sapling. Your mission with our Zadak neighbors was well? Sunny was quite insistent that I come and speak with you"

Fallen nods, "They will be good allies, I think. I will mark my path on the map for you, with some notes so others may travel safely. We'll need a bridge built eventually. The Zadak had a suggestion. That I return to our old home to collect things left behind to make life here more comfortable."

"The elders and I have realized a terrible mistake we have made, and going to Aliah means you can correct it. In the ruins of our old temple, we were pressured to leave quickly. Religious supplies left behind, vestments, herbs, incense burners. Plants or seeds might exist, and grow here so we can continue with the smells and sounds of home"

"I will get these things. Do you know if any humans remain to take me there? The Zadak might have a way to contact them if we don't."

"The humans will be coming back tomorrow to see how we are getting on. We can speak to them then. Do you think you are able to go?"

Fallen nods, "Yes, I can go. Maybe see if any who remained behind would like to come too, now that we know more of our new home. After that... I may try to see more of what's out there." Fallen nods up toward the sky.

"You have always wandered Fallen. Now you are free. You have helped us settle here and you have made things friendly with our neighbors. If the black ocean calls you, you should explore it. Maybe you will find a home there too for you, and Sunny"

He shrugs, "Maybe. I'll bring anything helpful I find back here. For now I'll make camp nearby. Until the humans come."

"They will be here in the morning and it will be loud. Sleep well Fallen"

He bids the elder farewell, turning to the outskirts of their new village to find a suitable place to bed for the night, Sunny scampering on to chase some bugs as Fallen prepares their camp.

By morning you can hear the shuttlecraft clearly. It howls like a descending hunting bird as it makes its approach to the outskirts of the settlement, unconsciously mirroring the approach ships would have taken when they landed on Aliah. The crew set down and are respectful, waiting to be approached.

Seeing no one else approaching so far, Fallen Sapling steps forward from the edge of the settlement, "Hello humans... The elders will be here soon to talk I'm sure, but I would like to leave with you when you go. If that is ok. I don't have many of your credits, but I can work or trade for a trip to Aliah."

"Aliah? We thought there was nothing left on Aliah? What is left there that you are after? We would be happy to take you ,but knowing what we are getting into would help"

"Not much is left, true. But some things were left behind in our haste. I would retrieve them and return. What happened to any creatures that still live we don't know, but if you stay in your ship you should be fine."

“Alright. Climb aboard once you’ve your things together. We will be leaving shortly once we had a talk with the elders about how things are going here”

Fallen nods and returns to his small camp to gather his few possessions. Returning, he waits for the elders to be done before approaching, giving them a small wave as he boards the ship.

(want to do an adventure with Reza over on Aliah!?)

(Yeah mate!)

2

Level 5: HP 20->24
Focus: Psychic Training 2 - 5sp for gaia; Tongue of the Beasts learned, 4sp banked
Teleportation 1->2 (2sp); Burdened Apportation
1sp banked