Faqu is teeming with activity.  People are talking... and banging on wood.  It looks like the activity hadn't stopped - not since the night of the kidnapping.  An old man chewing on a reed was sitting on the docks, an old straw hat clinging to his head.  He nods to them, leaning back to stay under a piece of small thatch roofing.  At least, it looks like a piece of small thatch roofing.

"People'll're busy fer a bit.  But you welcome in town, 'fcourse.  Gods'n'storms know what else'll happen."

In the town, it looks like people have been banging on wood... adding additional reinforcements, assembling impromptu barriers.  The town is sizable enough, but most of the defenses were natural - the stony hill-mounds were built into and around, and the walls that dug into them looked tough.

Quite intimidating for bandits.

...

Light and Murleena saw more than just bandits, from those priests.  Only a few of them seemed truly problematic though - few had significant armaments, and even less armor.  Maybe things would be just fine?

...maybe.

[OOC]Leaving visibility open on this for if/when others come in. :)  But continuing things for Light/Murleena here for now, since they headed in.  Keeps from flooding the same thread with cross-conversations.[/OOC]
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:32, Fri 03 Feb 2023.

In reply to Atlas Blue GM (msg # 1):

Light said nothing to Murleena joining him in going to FAQU. Had she been hired on to participate in the rescue? Light may have missed that or even forgotten mention of it with all that had transpired. He smiled upon seeing that FAQU were at least taking things seriously with regard to possible repeat abduction attempts.

'Not sure if we've been introduced, I am Light Vessel, Ships's Chef, and Lookout for the Darkmaiden's Dance.' he asked the man who seemed to be overseeing defenses.

'Anyone actually know the why as to what the High Light wanted with your people?'

Murleena had indeed been hired on my Moft, and more importantly, the town to free their people. It was time for her to get paid, but it was also time for her to do more.

"They was looking for slaves. Simple." Murleena said as she walked past Light to find Mofty.

Murleena has to train her eyes and ears to track down Moft.  The village was more bustling than she had seen in some time - lots of banging of hammers and nails, people moving around and talking, bubbling and cooking.  A celebration in the making... and the preparation for war, all at once.

Moft, Murleena and Light find, is scurrying along on his small legs.  Much of the weightiness of the armor was relieved, leaving him in a thick tunic and some sort of chain waist as he looked about.  His dark eyes were on some of the walls people were putting up, and he barks out a few words to someone reinforcing a wall crossing the vertical hills.

"We'll have to leave it to the land if they use any cannon!  But these mounds'll be a ramp for them, too!  Get the wall sturdy, but we'll need-"  His shaggy head turns as he spots Light... and Murleena.  "Ah!  You, thank you both!"

Tylluan wanders off on his own, now that he has learned they will be leaving for Doghelm soon. He struts along through town, poking among the stalls of the marketplace trying to find something, ANYTHING, of interest. It's so boring here. How can these people live like this? Naturally, he conveniently overlooks the fact that his own village was not exactly a hotbed of excitement. Which is one reason he abandoned it for more exotic locations (which Faqu-U barely qualifies as in his mind).

Perhaps I should brighten their lives with a performance. I'm sure they've never seen or heard a Tytonian sing and dance. The idea of performing for an unfamiliar crowd excites him. Surely they will be impressed by my performance. I should rehearse though. So many days on a ship with little activity may have dulled my movements.

Tylluan finds a spot near the edge of town where he can rehearse. He perches on the ridge pole of a large hut and hums to himself. Slowly, he begins moving his clawed feet. He hops from one foot to the other, while trilling and chirping to himself. Suddenly he snaps out his wings as he hops into the air, spinning a full 360 degrees before touching lightly down and bobbing his head. His wings fan out, black plummage glistening in the afternoon sun, and the dance continues. This goes on for some time, before he decides he's had enough.

In reply to Tylluan (msg # 5):

Light looks for something to do to help, chiefly with anything heavy that needs moving, or asking if he can pitch in if there's anyone arranging food for the workers.

'I don't know if I can stay very long, but maybe I can make myself useful.' he says with a warm grin.

"Mofty! Murleena has a proposal for you regarding her pay." She said, offering him a small smile. "Instead of giving Murleena the tidey some Mofty and the other promised..." She said as she put a gentle arm on his shoulder. "...only give her a quarter of it, and give the rest to those that were taken. They were wronged by the cult people, so they should be compensated."

Quietly, Tylluan alights himself atop a far-away hut, beyond the festival grounds, market square, and residences of town.  Here, he can see what probably qualifies as a sawmill and the edge of woods.  For the size of the town, there is precious little people... and over here, the town looks to be deeper in disrepair.  The hut he's on feels secure, but it is also threadbare and simple.  The other nearby buildings were huts of a similar nature - plain buildings, stripped down... and old.  Gaps in the roofing, the walls, and looking weather-worn without maintenance.

Here, though, there was no one to see him practice.  Trills and chirps float in the air, his plummage sparkling with light...

He looked damn good.  He just needed a mirror.

--

Light gets a gruff growl, more appreciative in tone.  Moft scurries over to see him at the request.  "Yes!  Well... hopefully they won't show up.  It'd take them days at any rate, their ship being the mess that it is!"  He barks out a laugh!

He glances over at Murleena, but apparently hasn't figured out yet why she's there.  Instead, his attention moves back to Light.  "Edge of town deals with a lot of wind... there are defenders of the town, but they don't know much about fighting.  Then again, those... priests... didn't know much either."

Moft scratches his face-fur a little.  "If'n you want to help lift and set, I won't stop you!"

Murleena's chime-in brings a blink from the halfling.  "Oh!  Yes.  ...Yes, that's very generous.  Thank you so much, Murlenna."  He stumbles over the name a bit, but his paw pats her hand.  "I will get the pay... your quarter.  Give me a minute!"

With that, Moft was scurrying away on his new task, leaving the hammering and working to the people there.

It seems there would be plenty to do for Light, at least until the sky began to get red with the eve...

"Thank you Mofty. I hope the coin helps those that we brought back well." She said softly and with a gentle smile.

Waiting there for Moft to return she would look towards those working a moment. "Can I help anywhere?" She asked one of them.

She was an odd thief. Giving up most of her payment to those that were taken, offering to take up a hammer to help build up their defenses.

Rosa saunters through the town, having a nibble of the foods on offer and quaffing an ale or three, all the while making small talk with the locals.

She spots Moft and Murleena and heads on over to them. After a brief bit of small talk, Rosa points off into the distance and asks, "What's a few miles east of here? Are there any houses out that way? I don't want to alarm you, but I saw some black smoke rising off in that direction. I'm wondering if the priests are back and they're setting up camp out that way?"

Moft was fine with getting help from Light and Murleena - for a few hours, the work isn't hard but plentiful.  As the sun was beginning to set, Rosa makes her appearance...

Moft furrows his brow.  "They'd have to be moving very fast to get that close... but no, there shouldn't be anything out there.  Well... there are a few who live out on the outskirts... but it was not near the shore?"  It wasn't.  And with that answer, Moft growls and paws at his chin, scowling in puzzlement.

--

It wasn't just on their plate.  As Tylluan finds himself looking for things to do in the town, he spots the faint, distant plume of smoke too.  Of course, it was a bit unusual - but was it relevant?

As he ponders this, he helpfully spots the bright reds of Rosa - the captain was almost as easy to spot as he was!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:59, Sun 11 Sept 2022.

Tylluan stretches himself up to his full height and flaps his wings, both to keep limber and to express his happiness. I feel like giving full voice to my joy, but I'd better not. If I were to captivate the villagers and keep them from their tasks, their preparations wouldn't be complete. And I am looking forward to the feast tonight. Indeed I am.

He lifts into the air, dislodging a few loose feathers that float to the ground. As he heads back toward town he sees the plume of smoke rising above the trees. Now I wonder what that could be. I was under the impression this village was the only one on the island. Was I given inaccurate information, or is there some other reason for that smoke? Below him, he sees the captain walking through the town, her flamboyant red clothing easy to see amidst the more drab clothing of the villagers.

Tylluan glides down and lands, cupping his wings and causing a small cloud of dust to rise as his claws touch down. "Greetings, Captain. How are you this fine afternoon? Rested again, yes?" He indicates the plume of smoke with a motion of his beak. "I only now noticed that. Is there some other settlement from which it could be coming?"

Rosa nods. "You saw it too? Yes, we were just talking about the smoke and wondering what's causing it. I'm not keen on heading out in the dark to see what it is, but you...?" She smiles nicely at the big bird, but then realises that human expressions probably don't mean much to him. "Perhaps you would like to go take a look? It's only a couple of miles away. You could be there and back again within the hour."

Tylluan tilts his head as he stares at Rosa, the swivels it about to stare at the rising smoke. "I would hate to be late to the festivities, since I am the guest of honor, but it would be very irritating if there were unexpected guests that ruined everything, yes?" He clicks his beak and lets out a sigh. "I suppose I should fly over to look at things, at the very least. My eyesight and hearing are superior to everyone else's on this island, after all."

Tylluan turns back to Rosa and bobs his head. "Please let everyone know I will return as soon as prudent, yes?" And with that, he launches himself into the darkening sky and flaps his way toward the pillar of smoke.

"Yes, you really are the best person to go scouting," Rosa says as she flatters Tylluan. "And don't worry – you won't be late to the festivities. Besides, the guest of honour should never arrive early."

Taking off into the sky, Tylluan gets a glmpse at the town at dusk - red sunlight playing out over the mounds of Faqu.  The little town rises in the back because of a hill... and at the foot of the hill, beyond the market, is that festival grounds.  Light flickers from torches set out around the grounds, and his sharp eyes pick up the sight of colorful streamers.

He'll have to be sure to try the food and drink.  Later.  Soon.

Beyond the town, due East, was a few more short foothills and then the forest.  It starts sparse, but stretches out for a few good miles.  A normal person would take hours and hours to walk through it (really, a whole day), but him?

Soaring overhead, Tylluan spots the plume of smoke across the darkening skies.  Gliding overhead, his eyes can't make out much easily - it looks like the far edge of the woods is billowing smoke.  Leading up to the smoke is some sort of trail of turned-up land and dirt, scraped stone and other things he doesn't recognize.

What he does notice is a few cloaked figures.  Ah, those priests again.  Kind of impressive they made it up here, actually, along Faqu's island.  There's no boat nearby that Tylluan can see.

But they seem to be scurrying about, throwing dirt and scooping up sand.  Ah, putting out the fire.

Odd.  And annoying.  Like everything else to do with these priests...

Tylluan clicks his beak and sighs when he catches sight of the priests. How annoying. These priests are proving to be more difficult to be rid of than a case of feather mites. Why can't they just go somewhere else and be a nuisance to someone else?

He tilts his wings to circle the burned area and find the leading edge. What in the realms did they bring that set the forest on fire? Could it be that great, clanking, hissing... crab thing? I thought being doused in the ocean would have rendered it inert, since fire seemed to be what gave it life.

The fires are within the tree line it looks like, and... indeed, Tylluan sees a silvery metal leg flailing a bit, the bulk of the thing buried in the bowl of a trio of trees.

That 'crab thing' tore its way across the land, with the priests in tow it looks like.  It lurches about there, getting unstuck, while priests scramble about.  Some are tossing dirt on the fires, others are bringing some sort of straps up.  From what Tylluan can see, there's some sort of... not a sled, but kind of a... sailing-vessel?  With two pontoons, long straps, and a few figures scrambling on it.

That's how they got here so fast.  And as he watches, he catches sight of another one, the tall lanky priest, leaving the group and dashing into the trees...

Persistent...!

Tylluan clicks his beak in annoyance as he catches a glimpse of the metal creature. What an impractical thing. It causes fire and destruction just by walking around. What in the world possessed these pitiful humans to create such a thing?

His superior eyesight catches movement and he swivels his head to watch the lone priest dashing for the shelter of the trees. He banks his wings and follows, trusting in his dark plummage and silent flight to keep him from being noticed. I wonder if I should capture this one. Perhaps the captain would like to question him to see why they are being so persistent.

Suiting the thought to the deed, Tylluan swoops down once he's away from the clearing. His silent wings beat just enough to keep him in position until he's ready to pounce on his prey and bring him down. He attacks, talons outstretched, and attempts to grab the priest.

OOC:
Grab: -1 OCV
OCV: 4
Attack Roll: 19:43, Today: Tylluan rolled 4 using 3d6.  Grab Attack.

While Tylluan is gone, Rosa has a talk with Moft, asking him if there are any historians in Faqu who might know about the ruins on the island where they fought the priests.

Rosa enters the town for the first time since dropping off the captives.  She's greeted with eager waves, the captain easily recognizable amongst the townsfolk.

It looked like they were setting up stormwalls.  They probably had these ready for the turning of the seasons... but would it really stop an attack?

Then again, she also remembered those priests.  Almost none of them were competent fighters... hell, none of them seemed trained for any conflict.  From what she saw... not much for deckhands either.  Light had gone below, maybe he saw something more.

Moft!  As it turned out, he was scurrying down the street, talking to a scrappy looking young man with a tossle of hair held up by a bandanna.  His head turns to Rosa, and he's clearly surprised by the question.  While the youth watches, Moft mutters and looks about.

"Well... in town?  Historian... oh, well, the ruins on the far side of the island.  There used to be a settlement there, before Faqu... what, two hundred years ago they say?  People've picked over the ruins of course, but under the water it's more tricky.  Guys like Gen will dive in the shallows there and sell things.  He was grabbed by those priests, he's probably the best to ask if you want to know more."

Moft motions and begins to move along, the youth following after a moment.  "Better yet, I'll show you to his place... interested in what those priests were doing, I am betting?"  He lifts a bushy brow up at her.

"Yes, I'm very interested in what they were up to," Rosa says to Moft. "It would be good if you could introduce me to diver Gen. Who does he sell things too? I'd be interested in looking over the things he sold too."

Tylluan had the advantage of attacking from the air... of flying silently... of attacking with speed... of ambushing against a distracted enemy.

And he struck with such perfection, a sniper would be green with envy.  The lynx-man was tall, strong, and yowling with surprise as his feet left the ground!  "WHAT?!  YOU!  Let go!  Let go or I'll bring you down!"

Tylluan was shooting up as much as he could, and the fall was already two stories up.  But the lynx seemed undaunted, twisting his body and lashing upwards at him with one of his long feet!

Tylluan had a split second to decide whether to drop him, or possibly take the hit...

-----------

Meanwhile, Moft grumbles as he paws at his face.  "Same here, truthfully.  But I've been busy with the town.  Just in case-"  A furry brow is raised to Rosa.  "...and I'm not much for books.  Yes, Gen's found lots of odds and ends in the shallows here.  Used to be a real community in depth delving, but after the rush... well, people's moved on.  I'm from south, I hear it's a lot more common to find ruins in Aifla."

They were walking through the streets now, heading to the East end of the wharf.  A few small buildings were on the edge of the hilltower-things of Faqu, and its a one-floor shack by the water that they arrive at.

This is very much a fisherman's home.  It's weathered, old, full of pockmarks and dirt.  It creaks in the wind... but it holds up enough.  The door was opening, and a lean man peers out at them.  He was haggard but visibly quite fit, a shirt half-worn on a muscular and toned frame.  With him was someone older, leathery and weathered, white-and-gray hair in messy strips.  Rosa's seen enough men to hazard a guess - he looked in his fifties, but was probably no more than forty?

...and didn't Rosa see him in the marketplace?  During -that- incident.  "Yeh?"  The old man glances to Moft, but peers mainly at Rosa.  The younger one... his son, almost assuredly, looked more relaxed as he smiled.  "Hey, thanks for saving my pa."

Murleena scratches her head a bit confused as she listened to Rosa and Mofty talk. "Murleena can't remember where she was born as a small kit, she's moved around so much. Doesn't really remember her parent's much either. Been a street cat all her life." She said with a small shrug as Moft said where's he's from.

"Anyway, what's this about a fire?" She looked between them.

"I spotted some black smoke on the horizon over on that side of the island," Rosa says to Murleena. "Since it got dark I asked Tylluan to go have a look and see what's up. I've got a feeling that the priests are somehow back. Damn it; I really should have blown up their ship."

"In the meantime, Moft and me are off to talk to and old diver about sunken treasure … and fish. Care to join us?"

---

At the fishermen's home, Rosa doffs her feathered hat and greets the two men. "You're most welcome," she says after they thank her for the rescue. "But I'm afraid it might not be over just yet. Nothing to worry about tonight, but best be on your guard, just in case." She tries to sound reassuring, but her words got away her a little. "It seems they're interested in the ruins around here. I hear that you've been diving here for many years and have discovered many things. I wonder if you can tell me more about what you have found? Do you know anything about the ruins here, and on the island where the priests took you?" She wonders if the priests knew about him and specifically targetted him for kidnapping?

In reply to Atlas Blue GM (msg # 23):

Tylluan lets out a most undignified squawk as the catman reveals his identity beneath the priestly robes. He releases his hold on the creature before flapping upward to settle on a thick tree limb. I'm not about to let this unsavory wretch get a claw into me. Aloud he hisses at his adversary. "If you weren't dressed like one of those annoying priests I wouldn't have bothered to soil my claws with you. Count yourself lucky I am a peaceful being."

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.