Tylluan manages to fling himself backwards from the kick, escaping to land and settle above him.  The lynx-man lands on his feet, deceptively lightly despite a fairly big fall.

Nearby, priests are looking up in alarm, their own squaks and stammers of surprise a mere background noise to the cat's snarl.  "A-annoying priest?  I'm not some mere 'priest'!  I'm Head Deacon Allister, foul interloper."  He was puffing up himself, his own lanky body not much to show...

But nonetheless, his long limbs looked dangerous, and his claws deadly.

"Turn over the bag your ragamuffin thief stole!  Turn over the relics and the guidebook!"  He extended his claws, waving his arms in the air threateningly...

-------------

The duo look at each other a moment, Gen's younger face hidden, but his father's face darkens with worry.  "Yeh.  They asked me about them too, you know.  They wanted to know what I ken about them.  ...I told them little, but they seemed to know some already.  They brought out a thing, said it was for getting air down there."

The young man gasped.  "Ned was there when the... thing went off in the market.  He said they bought it from his findings, but they paid well from it.  Then."  His face darkens.  "You think they came for him?  He was with the others in the market when they came, maybe they... grabbed everyone to get him too."

Rosa nods slowly at what the young man says. "I think they might have realised that your father knew a lot about the underwater ruins, so they decided to nab him." She turns to the father and asks, "What's so special about the ruins? What do you know about them? Maybe we could go diving tomorrow and you can show me around? I'm a very good swimmer."

In reply to Atlas Blue GM (msg # 27):

Tylluan lets out a hoot of derision at the angry catman. "No one gives me orders, you self-important... cat person," he says, entirely without irony. "And I'm not the one who is an interloper, considering I was invited onto this island, while I am quite certain YOU... were not." He clicks his beak in amusement. "Besides, she's not MY lackey. I have no say in what she does or doesn't do."

He flaps his way up into the night sky, away from the enemies below. "Now, I have better things to do than listen to you. Do try not to burn the forest down with your metal toy, yes?" And with that, he heads back toward the village.

The cat-man snarls at the hoot!  But he just hunkers down a little... glowering at Tylluan.  His ears flick at what the flier says, looking most irked... but its only when Tylluan launches into the air that he tries to move!

Much too slowly compared to Tylluan, who has height and distance and is quite quick himself!  He's off well before the walking lynx can reach the branch, and he can hear the distant yowl of rage as he wheels around...

and heads back.

-------

Gen nods earnestly.  "I agree, we oughta check that out."  But it was Ned's turn to shake his head.  "Tomorrow??  After the condition that ship was left in, and with those priests... no, it's too unsafe.  If they are leaving, we ought to find out.  But until they do, how're you gonna get past them?"  He scowls at Gen, who kind of rolls his shoulders awkwardly.

Gen tries again... "Well, they ain't -in- the water..."  Ned glowers at his son, then looks at Rosa.  Surely she would shoot the idea down...

Rosa looks out over the darken waters, momentarily lost in thought as she contemplates making a light that would work underwater. She then grins at the two men and says, "Perhaps going tomorrow is a little … ambitious. We have to find out what the priests are up to first … oh, and to make sure the town and everyone is safe from them. I have my scouts looking into them now. I'll keep you informed about what they find out. But in the meantime, what do you know about the ruins? Why do you think the priests are interested?"

In reply to Atlas Blue GM (msg # 30):

Tylluan flaps his way back toward the town. By the Gods of sky and forest, I am vexed. Vexed, I tell you! If it's not one thing, it's another with these annoying priests. And why are they being led by a cat-person? Most of these religious orders tend to exclude those who are different, don't they? He sighs and clicks his beak thoughtfully. I suppose I had better tell the captain we've not yet rid ourselves of these fools.

When Tylluan reaches the town, he glides in a circle until he sees the captain's distinctive red clothing. Ah, she is with some of the others. The better to not explain more than once. He glides down and lands with a clap of wings that kicks up a small dust cloud. After he shakes his feathers to settle them, he struts over to where Rosa stands with the others. "Ah, Captain. I have determined what is causing the fire. It is that mechanical monstrosity from the ship. A number of priests have landed there and their creation is not fully in their control. They were trying to put out the fires while I was watching them." He looks over at Murleena. "That cat-man was also there. In fact, he claims to be some... deacon... named Allister, in charge of those fools."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:49, Thu 20 Oct 2022.

"Damn it," Rosa says. "I knew I should have blown up their ship. Damn that infernal machine! It's one tough bugger, isn't it? How are we going to kill it, or at least get it off the island?" Rosa then has an idea. "Maybe we should go talk to them and find out what they actually want?" She shakes her head. "Hrm... we can't really do anything until morning. Let's head back to town and make sure people are prepared. Set watches and whatnot. I guess we can still have the feast of homecoming, but it's not going to be much of a party."

Tylluan half-spreads one of his wings and rearranges some of the feathers. "What they want is easy," he says, before following behind the captain and Murleena. "They're after the bag that was taken. Relics and guidebook, I think he said."

He struts along with the others as they make their way back toward the town proper. "I doubt this feast is going to be as cheerful as it should be, considering there are still miscreants afoot, yes? Still, proper food and drink is an appropriate reward for what we've accomplished thus far. And I am most hungry."

"Ahh, of course they want them back," Rosa says with a laugh. "I've been reading through the book and I've made many notes, but an epitome is never as good as a full copy. I really could do with another day or two before returning their 'lost' property."

"So what do you two think? Should we return them their belongings to them straight away and hope that will get rid of them? Can we delay them for a day or two so I can copy out more of the book?"

Tylluan pauses in thought for a moment as he ponders what Rosa said. Does the captain think she might glean some clue as to the intent of these annoying priests? Or divine their intent from its contents? I suppose the information could prove useful. Perhaps I should offer my services. Aloud he lets out a soft hoot to clear his throat before speaking. "You have been... copying... the book? Writing it out?" He lets out an amused chirp. "You realize I come from a family lineage of great scholars and historians, yes? All that is needed is for ME to read the book. Once I have done, it would be simple for me to scribe it out at a later date with absolutely no problem." Tylluan puffs out his chest a bit at this declaration. "After that it doesn't matter if you give them the book."

"Murleena feels giving them any of the stuff back could lead to worse folly for all then keeping it would. Whatever they are looking for, Murleena feels could leads to no good." She said with a nod. "We should, if we plan to be rid of it, destroy it. Give them the bits back."

"Really?" Rosa looks at Tylluan with some scepticism. She looks down at his feet and asks, "Just how good is your writing? And just how good is your memory? I can easily believe that you could remember the gist of a book, but can you remember the exact wording? Can you remember the exact spelling of words that you don't know? These things are important when you are making a copy of a book."

Rosa is a little surprised at Murleena's suggestion. She chuckles and says, "I think giving them back the burnt remains of their precious book will really annoy them, though it would be funny to see the expressions on their faces."

Rosa ponders what to do. "Well, there's not much we can do until morning. Let's have this feast and then see what the dawn brings."

She plans to leave the feast as early as possible and copy out some more of the book by candle light, but she figures she'll need a good day or more, and a strong wrist, to copy it all out.

In reply to Rosanhi the Red (msg # 38):

Light had been trying to help out with things, but he wasn't that handy for specific tasks like carpentry and building. He instead had settled for helping villagers lug materials from A to B, or lift and place things in new positions. He wasn't sure if he had the time to commit to setting up an improvised cooking station in case the Captain ordered for the crew to quickly pack up and leave, so he went looking for her and Moft to see what their plans were.

He arrived in time to hear more talk about the book. The same book that belonged to the High Light, before it 'came into the possession of' the crew.

He wears a disappointed Dad face, like the one you get when you know you've done something wrong, expect to be yelled at, but he looks like he's failed you and feels its all his fault, and can't even get mad.

'I'm more interested in the expressions on your faces if by destroying this book they want back so much means the good people of Faqu end up hurt, maimed or dead just because you want to annoy a bunch of fanatics who have no qualms about abducting old people.'

He had already made his opinion known the first time he learned of the Catfolk's actions involving the book and other things taken off them during their rescue.

Tylluan fluffs out his feathes in indignation. "My recall is perfect... Captain. How else could things be recounted with needed accuracy? My people's lore has not devolved into the sort of heresay that permeates other peoples' histories. None of that 'Long ago, in the time of legends that even the gods have forgotten' nonsense. Gods may forget, but my people do not." He tilts his head in thought for a moment. "My scribing is nearly as perfect as my memory, which should more than suffice for your needs."

Tylluan turns toward the chef. "While I personally see nothing wrong with annoying a pack of miscreants who have annoyed me first, I will concede they may be less than pleased with the loss of their items. From what I gathered, they have traveled a very long way to reach their destination, yes? I was cautioned not to meddle in the affairs of the gods in other lands, since their representatives can be quite... unreasonable... where their faith is concerned. It would be best if we could send them on their way in a manner that insures they won't return to trouble the people here. The villagers have been quite welcoming to one of my sort, and that deserves some sort of reward. A return to their... somewhat bucolic existence... seems fitting."

"Oh, piffle," Rosa says to Light Vessel with a laugh. "Of course we're not going to give them back the burnt remains of the book. And we're not going to annoy the priests – rather we're going to teach them a lesson precisely because they have no qualms about abducting old people."

Rosa holds up her finger as she thinks about what she just said, then she starts chuckling as a mad glint shines in her eyes. "No, we're not going to give them back the burnt remains of the book, but that's how it will end up!" She lets out a loud laugh but quickly curtails it as she sees the look on Light's face. "Don't worry, Light. We'll protect the villagers. We'll make sure that the priests will never bother them again."

She turns to Tylluan and says, "I'm sorry that I doubted your abilities. I knew you were clever, but you are much cleverer than I imagined. Thank you for volunteering to memorising and transcribing the book. I'll get you lots of candles and whatever else you need. I trust you have no problems working through the night?"

Rosa asks Murleena, "Do you feel up to some scouting? It would be good to know how many priests there are and what their condition is. I fear that once they get control of their boiler they will turn it in this direction."

She ponders that for a moment and then says to Light, "We need to trap and destroy the boiler. Do you think fishing nets might help? We could tangle it up in those. Is there somewhere good where we could lead it and then trap it? Maybe Moft knows somewhere suitable? Some place just outside of town would be best."

"In the meantime, I'll be at my crucible mixing up some dragon-powder..."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Mon 31 Oct 2022.

Eyes go up as Tylluan lands.  Tylluan finds himself landing among Moft, Rosa, Light, and Murleena... and a couple of weather-beaten humans at an old large house on the edge of the wharf.  A fisherman's home from the look of things.

Gen was silent, looking at Rosa with wide eyes.  Ned just grunted, but before he had a chance to say anything Moft spoke up.  "I can't say what to do about that book.  I don't wanta get them out for blood.  But!  I'm sure the townsfolk'll be fine against a buncha louts.  It's that boiler... and that cat-priest that worry me.  People here can't fight something like that."  His furry brow was raised as he looked up at Rosa...

But his eyes moved over to Tylluan, then Light.  "Thanks.  Thanks for the warning, and everything.  For tonight... we got food.  I'll make sure people're ready for when that boiler gets closer... and we'll have to see."

Tylluan blinks his eyes at Rosa. "I was able to get a fairly accurate count of them when I was investigating before. There are nearly only four of them. Five if you count the cat man. They were disorganized because of the unanticipated fire their clanking creation started, but that can't last long." He clicks his beak as he thinks. "They had some sort of improvised vessel. TWo hulls. Possibly towed by that... thing... of theirs, although I don't see how."

Tylluan bobs his head at the diminuitive Moft. "You are quite welcome. I'd much rather not deal with such rude and uninvited guests to your island, but like all annoying pests steps must be taken to be rid of them, one way or another."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Sun 06 Nov 2022.

After listening to Tylluan she considered for a moment. "Murleena will deal with Cat-man. She made him mad taking satchel from him. He couldn't chase her down before, he'll want payback."

She then displayed two full sets of claws. "Murleena has more up her fur then just walking in the shadows, but if you lot can find a way to me and him in the shadows while I deal with him."

In reply to Rosanhi the Red (msg # 41):

'If Tylluan is right, then nets might slow the Boiler down at best. I mean, if it IS what's towing two hulls through the water, then I think we'd need more than nets to keep it from moving.'

'The real problem I feel here is that things will escalate. Maybe they have already. If these High Light guys are capable of eviller, nastier acts, and they're ready to conquer FAQU to get it back... Imagine what they'll do when it is destroyed, even if it does so after they get it back?'

"You're right," Rosa says to Light. "The Boiler is a big fish and we'll need something more than  simple fishing nets. Cargo nets might be better, but we'll nee a few. We could throw them over the Boiler and then tie them down." She frowns. It's not a great idea. "Rope," she mutters. "We're going to need a lot of rope."

She rolls her eyes as Light starts worrying about how things might get worse. "Oh stop being such an old maid. Stop thinking about how things could go bad and instead think about how we can make things go good."

In reply to Rosanhi the Red (msg # 46):

'I'm looking ahead. We need to fix this right, is what I'm trying to say. I'd offer a plan if I could think of one right now, but at the moment I have nothing.'

'At least not in the long term make-everything-right line of thinking.'

He turns to look for Moft.
'Moft... are there any abandoned wells or similar deep holes here or close by to FAQU?'

Would it be wide enough for The Boiler to fall through? If they could lure it to someplace high enough or deep enough, they might at least be able to employ Mother Gravity to lend a hand. And if they then dumped enough rocks on top of it afterwards... They wouldn't have to fight it again.

It'd save them a lot of preparation. Assuming it *fell* for it.

The scenario Light proposes gets Moft to scowl and ponder.  At the question, he rubs his chin.  "We have fishing nets ready, yes.  But you are right, that thing is likely to pull anyone holding it down.  They're meant for fish, not... that thing."

"We have a couple of wells, but if you want one really deep there's one out at the old village ruin.  But that's where the priests are.  ...Or were."  Then his eyes light up.  "There is an old pit not far from where I met you, Light.  It's around back of Welk's."

His expression got serious again.  "...If these guys got more than one ship, maybe we could ask help from Doghelm.  I think you mentioned wanting to head that way... and they've helped with bandits and pirates in the past."

In reply to Atlas Blue GM (msg # 48):

'How far away is Doghelm? Time is kind of crucial. Though the more help the merrier.' Would it be close enough for the owl man to reach and get back again? Would he be the best person to persuade them to lend a hand?

'I'll go look at that hole you mentioned. Probably have to estimate whether or not its wide enough for that Boiler to fall down, and whether we can actually make it chase us to it.'

Moft nods to Light Vessel.  "Depends on the vessel.  A fast ship with good wind... several days?"  He glances over... but to Rosa.  And that was reasonable - while somone like Tylluan can fly, he also does need to sleep.

Generally speaking.

"It won't help us immediately, but once these intruders are dealt with, the extra security will help us contain them, protect us from their friends.  They might even get -moved- to Doghelm."

Rosa nods, "Aye. This time of year it'll take a day or three to get to Doghelm, but more to get back again. We're on our own for now."

"I still think the nets are a good idea; we just have to use enough to entangle it. I'm worried about that blast furnace though. It's a real scorcher!" She chuckles at her bad joke, but then has an idea. "I noticed that the top of the boiler had numerous valves and vents on it. If I could get up there I could open up a hatch or something and drop a bomb into it. That would really shake it up!" She rubs her hands together. She likes this idea. She's going to have to put on her best burn-resistant clothes though.