The day of the caravan's arrival has dawned.  It is overcast, with a possibility of rain.  The water would be welcome as the nearby creek has been growing narrower.  The zones around the toxic fungi have been roped off to avoid accidental exposures.  It's not too near the muddy track that leads from Yenth, but better safe than sorry.  The fungi themselves should be ready for harvesting in a few more days, if anyone is so inclined.

The tracks for the turret are firm and functional.  The defensive structure has a fair deal of mobility within the walls.  The lumber for trade has been brought to the southern gate of the clave and stacked neatly, sorted by size.

The wagons(?) are not expected for a few hours, so there is time to make last-minute preparations, if necessary.

Mhari, will reluctantly but with certainty suggest the Toxic Fungi be harvested by those with skill in toxicology to determine the BEST ways for the toxins to be employed for the defense of the Clave either in a gas delivery or treated ranged weapons like arrows, bolts and darts ~ potentially blowgun needles.

For himself, Mhari disdains the use of what he considers 'underhanded' use of poison, BUT he IS a pragmatist in that the lives of the innocent settlers he is charged with defending are more important than his personal sense of honorable propriety.

Mhari spend his time if possible recruiting a small 10-man group of settler to teach the basics of self-defense..starting with unarmed combat first and how to roll with a fall.  Its small and minor but he request 4 hours out of a week in training and exercise to toughen up with the goal of forming a small militia of peace-keepers.

Any free time he spends either Tinkering with the "Mass-Blaster Slugspitter", mostly trying to determine its limits and fashioning the perfect grip for its use, OR Riding Z'Dakk in the skies high above the Clave, soaring on the daily breezes...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Sat 11 Dec 2021.

Buojrez retrieves the flute from Nalla and brings it to Alberic and Zalbane for their inspection and opinion.

Level 1. glinting metallic pipe with valves on it out of the ground.  It's a flute of some sort, it seems, although there are buttons and dials on it that are unlike anything Buojrez has ever seen in any tavern band's instruments.

"I found it nearby, I can show you after the traders come through. There might be more numenera there, but also some danger."

Zalbane examines the device and smiles with understanding.  "I've seen one of these before.  They call it a Woodwind of the Broken.  Most of the time, you can just play it like a regular flute, with some different tone settings here."  She plays a few notes of an off-key melody.  "But when it's on this last setting, it won't make any noise that you can hear.  However, something else can hear it and will coming running.  Broken Hounds.  It might come in handy, but be careful with it."  She hands it back to Buojrez.

Woodwind of the Broken, level 4: This musical instrument can be played normally, but it has one setting that produces no obviously audible noise.  If a tune is played on this setting in any area open to dry wastes, temperate lowlands, or mountains, a pack of 2d6+6 broken hounds arrives within a few hours or less at the location where the instrument was played.  Once summoned, the broken hounds revert to their normally vicious demeanor.  Depletion 1d20.  Can still be used as a normal flute after depletion.

Janik had arrived a few days early, he'd been in the wilds for about a month but found little of interest and only a few days ago realised his supplies were running low.
He decided to head to the nearest settlement for a resupply and had found himself walking through the gates 48 hours earlier.

Now with a full belly he was moving around the stalls looking for what he needed and deciding whether to cut his losses and move on to pastures new to continue his search.

He had spent a few hours that morning at the wall and gate studying its construction and taking notes working out the foam like structures strength and density.

He'd also decided to hang about for a few more days before heading out again as he'd heard a rumour that there was a caravan heading his way omits way north that might allow him to head out with them when they leave
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Sun 12 Dec 2021.

In reply to Immortal Eye (msg # 4):

Mhari will ask Zalbane if he might observe while she examines the device asking her about the detailed process of examination and categorizing the abilities of unknown cyphers or artifacts.  More concerned about the analysis process to gain a familiarity with the examination of such devices... the way AEON Priests are expected to learn and do.

Buojrez saunters over to the newcomer inspecting the wall. "Looking for anything in particular?" she asks while nonchalantly looming over him.

The first of the caravan carts can be heard along the path through the distant trees.  A driver can be heard shouting about the trail markers leading the fledgling clave.  Soon, the population of the space will double or even triple.

OOC: Mhari, I'll let Zalbane figure out the explanation stuff when she's on again.

Anyone have any thoughts on where the caravan might circle up for the night?  What if there are other visitors?

All the newcomers can jump into the scene at any point here.

Mhari will move to engage the newcomers and will begin organizing them into two orderly tent camps just outside the two gates into the clave... letting them know that lodging is still under construction and as soon as permanent residence are completed people will be determined by the Clave Council the apportionment of housing for the New Settlers.  The Tent Camps near the Gates are so that if any threat is posed to the Clave the settlers can be moved into the fortified walls of the Clave for protection rapidly for safety.

He admonishes them ALL to be patient; soon their housing needs will be seen to.

Positive and Pleasant Social Interaction - Trained {Trying to keep people calm and organized into neat temporary living arrangements}  Extra Effort/2: Intellect cost: 3
22:10, Today: Mhari 'Stormbolt' rolled 17 using 1d20.  Positive and Pleasant Social Interaction - Trained / Extra Effort/2 {3INT}. – 17
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

In reply to Mhari 'Stormbolt' (msg # 9):

As Starr stepped out of the caravan, she took a moment to review  her life.  With the recent death of her creator, the Lord of Stars, the destruction of his Staff of Power and her escape from the clutches of the Convergence, much had changed.  She had  taken  on a new name, had the tattoos that marked her as her master's slave removed, even divested herself of all her gear, including several powerful weapons.  Now, far away from what she hoped was the influence of the Convergence, she looked to find a home to begin her new life.  The only thing she had kept from her past was the verred she had first gained after her quest to find her Master had begun.  It was her only reminder of the trials that had brought her here.

Spotting someone who appeared to be in charge she moved forward to speak.  "Good day, I am in search of a new home and hope this can become such.  What must I do to earn a place here?"

Mhari turned to the woman and bowed politely, "Then we will all do our best to help you find that home here if that be your wish.  We have only a Council of Experts who discuss the obvious needs of the New Clave, and decide on a consensus of what is most urgent to do first, then find out who present can be asked to help to those efforts.  You want to belong.. make yourself available to help and all your needs will be seen to."

"I'm Mhari sometimes called 'Stormbolt'.  I'm working with the Order of Truth, to help establish this New Clave and perhaps begin my own apprenticeship to be a Aeon Priest.  But for now I'm a skilled glaive working to build a militia for the protection of the Clave. Nice to meet you... Miss??", he extends his left hand in greeting the shifting pattern of runes in the overall shape of a lightning bolt a slave-tattoo upon his forearm cannot be missed!  Which is odd for he does not have the diction of a slave and he is clean, richly dressed in appealing varying shades of blue, white & grey, his gear is expensive and well-maintained certainly not a young man unaccustomed to wealth and education!  His hair is a pale shade of blue with strands of white and grey here and there and his eyes a eerie frosty blue.

The tattoo does indicate the sigil of whom he was thrall to if Starr is familiar with such things...

Equally hard to miss is Mhari's companion a large 'Z-Drake', for once, grounded nearby instead of soaring the hot summer breezes above.  Named Z'Dakk, though its actual name is unpronounceable as its is a series of varying electromotive potentials and growls, the beast is of human intelligence, but speaks only through telepathy ~ physically it is very similar to the Xi-Drakes of some renown except for it being slightly smaller, possessed of four wings, a striking sky-blue skin tone, and being a half & half electro/omnivore ~ currently feasting on some citric fruits for their electrolytes.

"Z'DAKK" {Zap}Z-Drake

_{{Z-Drakes look like this but are slightly smaller, a uniform Azure blue, and with four wings 'two primary and two smaller secondary near their posterior sides'}}
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Sun 19 Dec 2021.

"I am called Starr.  A pleasure to meet you.  Do you prefer Mhari or Stormbolt?  I am willing to do what is necessary to help the community as a whole, but can not say I have a special talent to offer.  Is there anything you wish me to do at present?"

Alberic has duly appeared from his workshop at the first hint that the caravan is on its way. Greeting newcomers is important, he feels, though he has never been terribly good at it.

He hobbles out in the direction of the new arrivals. He has an uneven gait, using  a lage metal clock-hand as a crutch which he grasps with a thick leather mitt - and yet he moves surprisingly quickly, though the effect is more of scuttling than walking. His right hand is uncovered - though it has clearly acquired various scars and burns. He wears a long and travel-stained duster coat, covering most of his body, and his broad-brimmed hat is pulled down over his left eye, as if to disguise this. Tools clank at his utility belt, and a long pipe pokes out from under his hat, releasing a cloud of orange-coloured smoke that smells of tangerines.

He appears to be completely oblivious to his disconcerting appearance, waving cheerfully with his free hand, and calling out: "Welcome, welcome! Do come on in! My name's Alberic! "

Seeing Janik, and realising he has had little chance to speak with him in the two day's he's been here, he leans over conversationally, and declares: "Some call me 'Alberic the Half Consumed', after a little run-in I had with the Iron Wind. Quite an experience. But, er, I don't think we've spoken yet, lad. What's your name?"

The caravan leader accepts Mhari's instructions.  Along the path out of the south gate, the trade wagons are lined up, especially with those intended to carry the lumber on the west side of the trail for ease of loading.  Crates of tools, cooking implements, building supplies, food, and Buojrez's requested textiles are readied for the bartering, to be negotiated the next day when good light would allow for adequate appraisal of the wood.

The east gate is soon encircled by the residential and performance wagons.  Tents spring up around a few, groups of caravan guards, minor traders, and associated migrants content with the slow pace of traverse that traders require in exchange for the safety of numbers.  A group of musicians is among the travelers, as well as wagon of story tellers, actors who portray various tales and legends of far away lands.

Of those along with the caravan but intending to settle at the clave (apart from the new PCs), there is another carpenter and her family, a pair of brothers who explain they have some practice with stone work and know their way around a verred, and a sole Varjellan who introduces themself as a forester and foraging expert.  They had studied briefly in Qi, but felt compelled to return to their beloved trees (quite odd for such a visitant).  They have agreed to work on cultivating a number of fruit and nut trees in the area to support the clave.

Watching her huntri dive to catch something to eat, Raelle waits until the interaction between Starr and Mhari is finished before she moves lithely to Mhari after Starr had left.  She looks far younger than she is and is wearing simple, yet sturdy, loose-fitting clothes that hide the various scars and marks she’s acquired in her explorations.  They also hide the small armored sloth that is strapped to her chest in a harness.  She has a well-worn pack slung over one shoulder and a walking stick in one hand.

She clears her throat, having not spoken much in the last few days, and introduces herself.  Her tone is professional but is slightly clipped, “Hello Mr. Mhari, I am Raelle Pellegrino.  I am a member of the Amber Gleaners and have been contracted by the Order of Truth to help continue the establishment of your clave.  I understand you might be in need of some exploratory and foraging services? I am an expert in exploration and salvaging Numenera as well as the flora and fauna of the area.”

She pauses and looks around, thinking to herself, This could be a good place to settle down.  “Where would you like me to bring my equipment?”

In reply to Starr (msg # 12):

Mhari smiles, "Well met Miss Starr.  Mhari will do thank you.  Worry not everyone can contribute something to the communal effort, I'm sure you have skills you may not even realize as yet but for the immediate ~ You could help me Assist the Caravan Stevedores to organize their Wagon arrangements to keep the entrances to the Clave clear for public traffic and safety.  We have not had any recent attacks on the Clave but the area around is still wild and we are still investigation some hostile creatures in the area of late.  We just want to make sure Everyone has the ability to seek refuge behind the Clave's defensive walls if necessary."

Mhari regards the new settlers noting their tales of recent study in Qi, and ponders asking as to any news they might have heard of the goings on in Ghan? Having been absent from Qi for almost 3 years now, he'd not returned when his enslavement to Ymir Yvain ~ Captain Blacksteel was ended. Qi had been the gathering point and HQ for Yvain's Airship expeditions that ultimately were doomed by her own obsession. He pondered if he even really wanted to know... it had been his own father that sold him to Captain Blacksteel.  Perhaps it was a past left in the past, The Seventh Son of the Seventh Son... had 6 brothers all wanting him dead.

In reply to Raelle Pellegrino (msg # 15):

Turning Mhari regarded the teen-like woman, but clearly teen or no she had the look of a road traveler ~ experienced in dealing with hardship.

At her mention of the Order of Truth his expression brightened, "Ah Well Miss Pellegrino, Welcome! We are grateful for any assistance the Order of Truth has arranged with your Amber Gleaners.  We have indeed been exploring the locale area and have learned or at least conjectured some disturbing mysteries of the local residents in the area.  We can discuss our recent exploration of nearby ruins later but to get you  settled in the big admin building over there can see you settled in... we got nothing fancy as yet still building here but a space for a cot can be arranged.  Also seek out Alberic he's been here longer than I ~ He'll know the best place for you to settle in."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:10, Mon 20 Dec 2021.

Starr nods to Mhari.  "Very well Mhari I will attend to it at once.
She moved off towards the caravan to speak to the caravan master to see how she might help.

The Varjellan, seeing Mhari quite occupied, wanders around almost aimlessly, trying to find someone else to provide direction.  "Excuse me, I'm Liessen.  I'm here to work with the trees.  Where should I set up my household, and more importantly, where should I start planing the groves?"  Nearly everyone they speak to either says, "I don't know," directs them to ask someone else, or merely shrugs.