Re: THE FACE OF A NEW ENEMY
The creatures squawk amongst themselves briefly and then lead you forward. After about 100 meters, you approach a settlement village that was complete obscured until you nearly walked right up to it.
The village shows that these are intelligent creatures, if somewhat primitive. The settlement is surrounded by a 3 meter wall of creepers interwoven with natural vegetation. The wall blends perfectly with its surroundings and is nearly invisible from a distance. A the base of the wall are dense thorn bushes. A narrow path through the thorns leads you to a pair of large vertical logs that swing to either side on a system of pulleys to let you in, pressing the natural wall aside to permit entry into the settlement.
Inside, the walls enclose an oval area about 50 meters in diameter. The heavy logs and thick wall of vines are sufficient to deter any native predators, providing a secure environment inside for the tribe. You see a second entrance at the far side.
Shelters constructed from wooden frames and woven vines stand clustered in the center of the enclosure. Dense plant growth is cultivated on the wood-and-vine frameworks, providing insulation and windbreak. The exteriors of the shelters, the interior of the encircling wall, and the surfaces of various other constructions are covered with brightly colored and decorative designs of incomprehensible pattern.
Most of the shelters are rough lean-tos, open on one side, but there are two large round structures just off of the central area on either side of a firepit that is directly in the center. One thing you notice about the shelters is that they use great heaps of fluffy plant fiber as cushions, making a shelter look like a bird nest, though it is more mobile and can be moved around like "furniture" inside.
The other thing you notice are many insect hives in the settlement. Insects seem to be kept by the creatures like livestock. Luckily, though the insects are annoying, they do not appear to be harmful to you. It appears this insectivorous race has insects as its staple. There is also one of the dinosaur creatures tied up off to your right.
You are waiting in the entrance area as the leader of your small group exchanges a discussion with another one. The other one is different, in that it has wings and a bright ornamental neck dress.
There are only a few with wings in the encampment that you see. They wear bright colors and appear to be the leaders. The majority of the bird-like creatures are wingless and wear more muted colors. It appears that color and appearance of clothes has a great deal to do with one's station in this little society.
You are motioned to stay where you are and the winged leader goes to the large round structure on your left of center, obviously to discuss your situation with the leaders.
Meanwhile, as you stand there, the wingless birds--some adults and some children--gawk at you. Most keep their distance, but one friendly looking one spreads his arms, points to himself and the others, and says something that translates into your Polyvox as "Notui."
Many are chattering around you, and you hope this means your Polyvoxes will soon pick up the language.