[Numenera] Heir to the Hill Country IC

[Eulalios]

Spoiler: Background

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Inland from the Dreaming Sea, the grassy hills of Salahay rise eastward from forested ravines to bare brown mountain slopes with eternally snowy peaks. Farmsteads and pastures thickly cover the hills, while the mountains and the ravines mostly are wilderness. At the mouths of the ravines, where the river rapids calm to steady flow, there are towns where farmers and herders have braved the forest trails to gather and trade with merchants. Further down the rivers, at the barren shore of the Dreaming Sea, there are larger towns or small cities where the merchants gather to trade with foreigners from the south.

===
- the river plain at the foot of a ravine
- a ravine
- some mountains and plateau at top of hills
- small town bazaar
===

The cities are governed by the foreigners from the seagoing Saltyrrean Empire, who levy taxes on the merchants who trade there. The towns are gatherings of walled compounds, without formal laws, each town having a larger and more elaborate compound where a local strongman dwells. High in the hills stands the Castle Perilous, the ancient seat of the hill-kings of the Salahay, whose warriors claim tribute from the towns and the cities alike (though the cities have not paid tribute since the Empire came).

A year ago, in a dark winter night, the old king of Salahay died. Many rumors swirl around that event. What is known is that one of the king's grandsons gathered warriors and seized the crown, slaying or exiling all other putative heirs. One of the exiled heirs is a greatly embittered warrior named Yutt.

===

===

On a cool afternoon in the dry season, Yutt crouched for warmth above the goat dung that smoked on a small stone hearth in a small mud hut in a small village. Elbows on knees, he held his hairy open hands palms-down above the smoldering fire. He gazed narrow-eyed at Yendra and Ondraieti.

"We have been a full day in this vacant hut," the exiled prince said harshly to his two most loyal followers, "and aside from flatbread and raisins and cabbage, no tribute has been offered! This is intolerable!" His thick brown beard waggled as he spoke. Despite their familiarity with Yutt's temperament, both the varjellen jack and the human glaive were reminded how his crouched position belittled his immense stature - the man stood at least 2 meters tall, all muscle.

Spoiler: ooc

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Roll to see whether you're intimidated (level 6, target 18 to not be)

"Go through the village, find the eldest leader, and invite them back here to share the remnants of their pitiable hospitality!" Yutt commanded.

[Anyr]

Personal image was a strange thing. Intellectually, Yendra knew she was a better fighter than Yutt. Were the two of them to duel, she'd almost certainly win. Nonetheless, Yutt had a talent for seeming strong. If strangers were asked to bet on the outcome of that duel, they'd be tricked out of their money. Yendra felt strangely compelled to obey this hulking idiot. Besides, she didn't have anything better to do right now. The Glaive bowed her head in a fair imitation of respect.

"...As you wish."

Rising from her seat, she left the hut. She'd do her duty as one of Yutt's two most loyal followers: His only followers. Once safely out of the esteemed lord's earshot, she gave a wry grin to the man beside her.

"His Supreme Highness grows ever surlier. It's only a matter of time before he attracts some entertaining enemies."

Spoiler: OOC

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Resist Intimidation: (1d20)[16]

By the way, is there an OOC thread?

[chadpants]

The varjellen nods to Yutt, maintaining a neutral expression on a face already challenging enough for humans to read. Softly it replies to Yendra. "Indeed. He might do well to stay in this hut out of sight of the self-proclaimed king. I have no doubt there will be plenty of eyes upon him."

Spoiler: Roll

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Checking if Ondraeti is intimidated by Yutt: (1d20)[9]

[Eulalios]

The warrior woman and the crafty varjellen wandered among the dozen huts of the village to the largest one that had a fine woolen tapestry as the door hanging. Although they had only paused for a single day in the nameless village, that was long enough to figure out which of the few dwellings housed the village elder.

The door hanging was tied to the side, indicating that the elder was receiving guests on this fine dry afternoon. A low murmur of conversation could be heard from inside the hut, and smoke drifted out through the doorway and the roof hole. Yendra recognized the smoke as igra, the intoxicating root of a mountain herb. Conversation might be meandering and indirect under its effects, but by custom she should take some for courtesy before addressing the elder.

Spoiler: ooc is up

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link in my sig

[Anyr]

Yendra perked up when she saw the familiar smoke. She had little regard for stuffy old customs. This particular custom, however, involved getting high. Yendra had wiled away many an hour under the influence of various drugs. The greatest thrill came from the first sample of a new, exotic substance. But she could also appreciate the familiar classics. A bit of igra would be most welcome. Eyes already shining with anticipation, she went over the battle plan with Ondraieti.

"Do you want to take the lead here? This is more your battlefield than mine. I don't exactly have a good history of diplomacy with village elders."

[chadpants]

Ondraieti, a Varjellen Jack who Wields Words Like Weapons

Might: 10/10/0

Speed: 11/11/0

Intellect: 12/12/1

Effort: 1

XP: 0

Ondraieti narrowed its bulbous eyes at the idea of partaking in the igra. It liked to have its senses sharp so it could carefully craft words if need be. It decided to try taking a different tack in this particular situation.

"I'll be glad to take the lead," it says to its glaive companion, "but it could potentially start out a bit rougher than anticipated, so be prepared." With that, it steps through the opening of the hutt. Through the haze of smoke it makes out three occupants, the elder sitting near the back of the hut upon a seat of ornately carved wood that appears to have a strange glow to it. An individual stands to his left, either a partner or a second-in-command, and a younger lad sits off to the side of the hut's entrance playing with an oddity, a small fish that "swims" in a glass jar that is only filled with air.

"If you please," Ondraieti begins, "I do not wish to disrespect the elder by addressing them before taking igra, but it will not sit well with my varjellen constitution, as you may already be aware. If you would be so kind as to ask the elder if an exception can be made for me, although my partner would be more than happy to partake."

[Eulalios]

Indeed, the pungent smoke within the hut already was causing Ondraeiti's head crest to tingle and swell. Direct ingestion would have been problematic.

The elder and her companion appeared to ignore the varjellen. The young boy sitting cross-legged by the door looked up wide-eyed at it. The elder picked up the translucent igra pot by its looping handles and inhaled deeply from the smoking spout, then passed the pot to her companion, who bowed at the waist before turning and stepping over the fire to deliver the pot to Yendra. "Greetings. Breathe deeply and ponder clearly," he said as Yendra took her first slow drag from the hot spout. "Elder Ulayi welcomes you and she will hear you speak." Yendra felt the pale euphoria begin to seize her mind.

Spoiler: ooc

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I will count the ingestion of igra as a social courtesy that grants Yendra an asset for interactions in the hut (as long as you try to be meandering and indirect in posted conversation). Ondraieti is at no penalty.

[chadpants]

Ondraieti, a Varjellen Jack who Wields Words Like Weapons

Might: 10/10/0

Speed: 11/11/0

Intellect: 12/12/1

Effort: 1

XP: 0

The varjellen grimaces at the situation. "I think we need to rework our approach," Ondraieti says softly to Yendra. "Having not partaken in the igra I have no standing here. It is as if I'm not even in this hut with you. I would recommend you speak with the elder in this particular case."

[Anyr]

Yendra gratefully accepted the pot. She breathed its fumes deeply. A pleasant haze settled over her. Ondraieti was saying something. What was he saying? Oh, he wanted her to speak. That's fine. She was in a talkative mood.

"Greetings. I'm here because I want...well, 'want' is a strong word. I've been asked to come here, by a man you probably know. Large, belligerent, never satisfied? He's waiting in his hut. Thanks for the hut, by the way. I appreciate it; Even if others don't. Anyway, the esteemed Yutt wishes to invite you to his hut. Personally, I wouldn't blame you for refusing. He's probably just going to complain. But if you're in the mood to be harangued, an opportunity has arrived."

No sugar coating here. Just the facts.

[Eulalios]

Spoiler: Ondraieti ooc

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Make a level 4 intellect defense roll to avoid babbling whatever's on his mind.

The elder creased her deeply tanned face so that all of the laughing wrinkles were accentuated, and giggled girlishly.

"Names," she said thoughtfully, "say so much. This is the village Ulayi, I am the elder of the village, I am named for the village, and the village she is named for me. My predecessor, he was Ulayi as well. The village has been here a long time. But names say so much. Yutt is a harsh name. And you say he is a harsh man as well, so appropriately named. I have heard the name Yutt before. A man came - three men came - on aneens, with swords and one with a blaster. They spoke with us about Yutt. Wanted all the information we had which was nothing at all. Now you say he is here in our guest hut, and now we have fed him as a guest. Now we cannot speak of him to anyone who would harm him. That is good for him and for you. But I will not go to the guest hut. I am too old to be annoyed by an ungrateful guest. He may stay or go and we will feed him while he stays. Oh - but it may be difficult not speak of him. Igra destroys discretion. Perhaps it would be better if I could say that I do not know where he has gone. In case anyone should ask about him later." She paused and drew a deep breath, smoke swirling around her in the dim light from the doorway; the smoldering goat dung fire gavve no light at all.

"So - what are your names?" she asked. "You and Yutt came into our village at night, we only knew you were here from the smoke that rose from the fire you made in the guest hut. It was a bit of a hassle to make extra food to serve you. And we don't even know your names."

[chadpants]

Ondraieti, a Varjellen Jack who Wields Words Like Weapons

Might: 10/10/0

Speed: 11/11/0

Intellect: 11/12/1

Effort: 1

XP: 0

Ondraieti's bulbous eyes narrow a bit from not having considered the effects of the second-hand smoke.

"Please pardon us for not disclosing our names," it begins. "I am called Ondraieti, which as you can tell, is a very lyrical name, one that glides easily on the tongue of human and varjellen alike. I would say perhaps even the tongues of lattimor, but I have only spoken to a lattimor once and did not make note of its tongue. The actual organ as opposed to the language, as I did pick up a few words of its language. Strange creatures, those.

"In any event, the name Ondraieti is the name given meaning 'of the fifth', as every fifth generation born to the house of Trarris receives this name. I think you'll find that you will delight in saying it, if I do say so myself.

"Now I greatly appreciate your acceptance of Yutt's invitation to share in his meal. I knew a person of your stature and wisdom would be filled with grace and aplomb. I anticipate a pleasant meeting will be had by all. Shall we proceed?" Ondraieti gestures toward the opening of the hut.

Spoiler: Applying focus ability

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Applying Misdirect Blame ability to convince her that she had actually agreed to go, hoping the effect of the igra assists in confusing her.

[Eulalios]

Ulayi stood slowly, wrapping around her shoulders the sheepskin blanket that had been across her lap. "Let's not be all day about it, it's a beautiful day for a walk and a smoke and a nap," she says cheerfully. "Come, Second. Little one, play more with the fish. It's a pretty fish, far from the water and the sea. Every few years it dies and burns itself to ash and grows and swims again. Sometimes if you turn it upside down it makes the jar get hot."

Second (assuming that was his name) put down the igra pot on a small three legged table next to Ulayi's stool. In the dim light that came through the doorway of the hut, he looked confused. But he said nothing, just shrugged slightly and held out an elbow for Ulayi to hold as she shuffled toward the doorway and out into the afternoon sun and air. A cool cleansing breeze swept the smoke away from the doorway and the roof hole and brought clarity to Yendra and Ondraieti. There was no sign of Yutt. Hopefully he had stayed in the hut. A few villagers could be seen pulling weeds from the vegetable garden down hill from the village. Two others could be seen with a herd of yol on the green slope above the village.

Ulayi rolled her neck from side to side. Her old spine crackled as she did so. She walked with the careful, low steps of an old woman who did not see very well. It was slow going down to the guest hut, at the bottom of the village.

Inside the guest hut, Yutt was lying on his side, propped up on his right elbow. With his left hand he was slowly stroking the smooth translucent synth of his blaster.

Spoiler: Blaster

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Heavy weapon, short range. Depletes for 1d6 hours on a roll of 1 in d6.

"What took so long?" he asked, sitting up swiftly. "Elder," he added without the tone of respect that should accompany the word, "I am Yutt, the terrible. Thank you for the food and the hut. We are hungry and cold. Give us more fuel for the fire, and more to eat and drink. Then you will be glad to see us go on our way." Although the words were fairly polite, the tone and posture were menacing. "Second" noticed, and cringed.

Ulayi frowned. "Men came asking of you," she replied slowly. "Like you, they were dangerous men. There were three of them, on aneens. They moved on before you came, a few days before. Maybe they are ahead of you, maybe you will go in a different direction. It is not my business. I do not want to know where you will go. My people will bring you food and fuel for the evening. Tomorrow it would be good if you were not here. I will return to my hut now. If you want to speak more, come yourself or with your friends as well." She slowly backed out of the hut, leaving Yendra and Ondraieti with Yutt.

"That's no good," said Yutt. "Do either of you know this part of the hills? Should we go to the towns or to the city? I need more followers, and there are none to be had here. What do you counsel?"

[Anyr]

Yendra watched in honest admiration, as Ondraieti worked his verbal jujitsu. He somehow managed to invert the Elder's intentions, without her even realising it. This truly was his battlefield. He and Yendra were stronger together than alone. Each compensated for the other's weaknesses.

The Glaive took a last, long drag of Igra before rising. She helped slowly (far too slowly) escort Ulayi across the village. The poor elder clearly suffered from a bad back. Yendra held little love for authority figures. But she had no desire to see an old woman suffer for a thankless task. Ulayi wouldn't exactly receive a warm welcome for her trouble.

The meeting actually went better than expected. Yutt was, of course, rude and brusk. But his demands were only somewhat unreasonable. And he managed to refrain from shooting anyone, too! Maybe there was hope for him yet. Soon enough, the elder and her second departed. Yendra and Ondraieti were left alone with their...liege? No, that didn't sound right. Well, whatever he was, he wanted the duo's advice.

"I favour the city. It'd be easier to evade hunters there than in a tiny village. Plus, there's a lot more potential recruits."

It'd also be much more fun for Yendra. She kept that last reason to herself.

[chadpants]

Ondraieti, a Varjellen Jack who Wields Words Like Weapons

Might: 10/10/0

Speed: 11/11/0

Intellect: 12/12/1

Effort: 1

XP: 0

Ondraieti was amused that Yutt simply thought acquiring followers was like picking out guatfruit or netting fish. One man with a blaster was useless against 10 people with any matter of weapons. If he wanted to foster this illusion who was Ondraieti to deter him? It would ride the man's delusion a bit longer.

"I concur with Yendra. There are more people and opportunities in the city. That will offer you a better selection of potential followers." Besides, the varjellen was comfortable with larger populations, more potential for it to utilize its true gifts.

[Eulalios]

Yutt grimaced at the advice. It might have been meant as a smile but that was not how it appeared. "I have not ever been to the city," he said. "But you have, Ondraieti. We will need you to lead us down the river Haznunnem, through the tangled jungle of the ravine, across the barren dusty plain that my uncle talked about, and into the city of ... what's it called? There maybe we will find fierce people, hungry for the tribute of the hills, who can help me regain my crown and castle. We leave in the morning." He stared gloomily or angrily or dismissively at the glowing remains of the fire. "Where is the fuel we were promised?"

The boy who had been playing with the fish in the jar ducked under the low lintel of the doorway, wordlessly and rudely pushing aside the rough woolen door hanging. He carried a woven grass basket half-filled with dried lumps of goat dung. This he put down by the wall of the hut, between the yol-skin sleeping mats. He ducked his head toward Yutt, and quickly and silently left.

Yutt began to speak again. It was the same dreamy and ferocious litany of power and revenge that Yendra and Ondraieti had already heard a dozen dozen times. If this man ever acquired a sufficient band of followers, he intended to be a potent force in the brutal politics of Salahay.

After a while, Yutt withdrew into a morose silence. His companions were familiar with his moods and knew he was not to be disturbed while he pondered the injustice of his current situation.

Near sunset, the same silent boy delivered a wooden platter of flat bread, cabbage, and spicy boiled beans. He took away the dirty platter from the corner of the hut, which the three people had been vaguely picking over for the scraps of breakfast.

===

In the coolest part of the night, just before dawn, Yendra awakened. She thought she heard the sound of footsteps just outside the hut. Two or three sets of footsteps, maybe.

[Anyr]

Yendra Might 14/14/1 Speed 10/10/1 Intellect 10/10/0 XPs 1

Yendra half listened to Yutt's ranting. When first they'd met, she'd quite enjoyed his speeches. Their passion resonated with her own inner fire. But by now, the routine had gotten old. Yutt really needed some new material; Or a new audience. Once the great orator finally fell silent, Yendra was left to her own devices. She spent some time wandering the village, and its surroundings. Then she returned to eat dinner. The simple meal got quickly and messily devoured. It tasted just like the meals back in her home village. Then, she settled down for the night.

Before dawn, a sound roused Yendra from her slumber. Good timing, actually. She'd been having that nightmare with the endless sea again. A break from that was welcome. Her ears pricked up. Footsteps? She reached for the enormous sword beside her. Then she nudged Ondraieti awake. Not Yutt, though. The people outside might not be enemies. She didn't want that idiot to accidentally shoot some wandering children. When her companion woke, Yendra put a finger to her lips, and pointed towards the entrance. Her ears continued to listen for more tell tale noises.

[chadpants]

Ondraieti, a Varjellen Jack who Wields Words Like Weapons

Might: 10/10/0

Speed: 11/11/0

Intellect: 12/12/1

Effort: 1

XP: 0

The varjellen opens its eyes and looks at Yendra quizzically. It acknowledges her gesture of silence, returning a nod. Ondraieti was a talker, not a fighter, and decided to stand back behind the strong woman as protection, but placed a hand on its rapier in the event that it would need it. It could hold its own if need be in the event there was trouble that found them.

[Eulalios]

Yendra in her wanderings found fourteen huts, all ten to twenty feet wide with the same general square shape and with square thatched roofs. Six of the huts had yol sheds near them. She counted about forty adults or near adults working in the vegetable garden and the grain fields, and about twenty smaller people running around and playing. All of the people looked at her with some curiosity, but didn't engage her in conversation. This was the sort of interaction that she expected from villagers encountering a stranger. It would have been her responsibility to introduce herself and start a conversation, as she had with the elder Ulayi.

Meanwhile, Ondraieti rested in the hut with Yutt, nibbling at the scraps of breakfast.

===

In the near dawn, Yendra and Ondraieti heard smaller noises in addition to the footsteps: whispering, and giggles. Suddenly, the bottom of the door hanging was pulled up and a creature about two feet in length was tossed into the hut. It was a dark, furry cavot, which immediately began squeaking and running around the hut, jumping repeatedly over the small fire pit. The fire had burnt out during the night and the hut was cool. Outside, there were shrills of childish laughter and patters of feet retreating at a run.

Yutt awoke, ...

_{Yutt level 4 warrior, level 6 for intimidation and nastiness, health 18/18}

Spoiler: ooc

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I'd be interested in seeing one of you narrate Yutt's response, as I am planning to make him a party NPC as soon as we get somewhere that would be appropriate (like a town or other place with more non-party NPCs for you and him to interact - or even in the jungle of a ravine).

[Anyr]

It really was just kids! All the tension drained from Yendra. There'd be no assassins this morn. At least, not yet. Her eyes followed the careening furry blur. How wonderfully nostalgic. This is just how kids should behave! They were supposed to dance and sing and climb and run, and throw weird creatures into the huts of adults. Yendra rejoiced in being part of the great generational cycle.

Others were decidedly less amused. A confused, angry roar erupted from behind Yendra. She turned to see the room's third occupant bolting upright. He swatted at the cavot as it sped past him.

"WHO DARES?! Come out and face me! I'll defeat every one of you and your vermin minions, no matter how numerous!"

[Eulalios]

Yutt's heavy and accurate hand struck the cavot, flinging it through the air to strike the hard mud and stone wall of the hut with a crunching thump. The small animal slid down the wall to lie in a still soft heap on the dirt floor.

Yutt grunted satisfaction, and stood, stooping slightly under the roof of the hut. He held his blaster in his left hand and his long sword hung from the wide belt of his caftan. "The omens are good," he said with a sneer, scooping up the cavot. He stepped to the doorway, swept aside the hanging with the back of the hand that held the blaster, and hurled the animal's corpse underhand away from the hut. Turning slightly toward Yendra and Ondraieti, he added, "We go now. Ondraieti, you lead."

Spoiler: ooc

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The general path is downhill toward the ravine that is a few hours away. Narrate the generalities and I'll offer an intrusion as you go. Or choose some other path than what I'm signposting, I'll be happy either way.

Also, I'm wondering whether the cavot was a pet. I'll leave that to your discretion to narrate.

[chadpants]

Ondraieti nods and beckons for them to head for the path down the hill toward the ravine.

The varjellen glances at Yendra and ever so slightly twitches its crest forward, looking toward the path then back to Yendra, hoping she picks up on its hint for her to lead. It made more sense to have the glaive take point than the jack.

The frequency of the huts decrease then all but disappear as the land gives way to the forested slope of the hill upon which the village sits. It buttons its jerkin all the way up as the morning air still has a bit of a chill. The breeze carries tiny star-shaped yellow floating pods with their minute kelta trees that will settle and root to one day grow their slender trunks but broad canopy tops dozens of meters wide. A raptor can be seen snatching a cavot from a limb of a tree a few meters away. Ondraieti wonders if Yutt's superstitions will take this as an omen as well.

[Anyr]

Yendra Might 14/14/1 Speed 10/10/1 Intellect 10/10/0 XPs 1

Yendra set out from the village in high spirits. Places like this could be nice to visit. She just didn't want to live there. Her wanderlust kept spurring her onward. She hummed a merry tune as she descended the hill. The brisk morning air was so invigorating! Per Ondraieti's subtle request, she lead the way, while trying to seem as if she wasn't. Her companion would still be responsible for navigating. But if some hostile hoodlum decided to attack, Yendra would be ready for them. And if none did, well, she'd have to find some other way to amuse herself.

[Eulalios]

Ondraieti, Yendra, and Yutt continued down the hillside amid patches of tall leafy grass, short wiry grass, bare dirt, and gravel. After a few hours the sun had nearly reached zenith and they had arrived at a place where a stream about twenty feet across splashed down natural stone steps at the head of a steep-sided ravine filled with jungle-y trees and vines. The most direct way down into the ravine would be to follow the course of the stream down the steps, which looked a bit slippery. Another option was to clamber sideways and slightly downward along the sloping side of the ravine, cutting through the undergrowth as they went.

Yutt looked uncertain. He pulled his longsword from its scabbard and took a few thoughtful swings at the nearest bush, shearing off a few branches from which translucent green sap spurted out. The bush thrashed its remaining branches in a ripple receding from the severed branches and then returning to lash out at Yutt, who stepped hastily away. The spurting sap dwindled to dripping droplets. "We should follow the stream," said Yutt forcefully. "Ondraieti, do you disagree?"

[chadpants]

Ondraieti, a Varjellen Jack who Wields Words Like Weapons

Might: 10/10/0

Speed: 11/11/0

Intellect: 12/12/1

Effort: 1

XP: 0

Ondraieti peered at the remaining sap and the aggressive vines. It looks down the slippery steps then back at the bush.

"I do not disagree," it replies, quickly preventing itself from addressing Yutt by first name. The brute was in a permanently testy state and responded hastily to anything he considered an affront to the respect he felt he was due. Had it worsened since his right to the throne was usurped, or was he always this nasty? The varjellen would have certainly parted ways with the man awhile ago if it weren't for the unjust way he was denied what was rightfully his. It needed to see this wrong righted.

"I don't know how harmful the vines can be, and I feel we may fare better with our own balance than against this harsh vegetation. Let's follow the stream. You are wise to suggest this," Ondraieti says without coming across obsequious.

[Anyr]

Yendra Might 14/14/1 Speed 10/10/1 Intellect 10/10/0 XPs 2

"Fine by me."

Fighting through those bushes wasn't a fun prospect. Yendra would take her chances with the stream. She began stepping, hopping and jumping down the pathway, somewhat recklessly. Yendra had confidence in her dexterity. Besides, falling was part of life. Success and failure could both be valuable lessons.

[Eulalios]

The climb down the side of the waterfall was challenging in places: slick rocks, steep drops, and so on.

Spoiler: GM INTRUSION

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If you accept, please make a Speed based roll level 3, and narrate success or failure including damage equal to the amount by which you missed the roll, if any

About a quarter mile and a few hundred feet down, the waterfall ended at a deep calm pool with banks of sand and gravel. There were five mounds of sand and gravel near the waterline around the pool. The mounds were about ten feet across and about four feet high. A shallow stream rippled down a gentle slope at the foot of the pool, a hundred feet from the cliff.

[Anyr]

Yendra Might 14/14/1 Speed 8/10/1 Intellect 10/10/0 XPs 2

Yendra danced nimbly past the various obstacles. Her boots kept their balance on each new surface. Sometimes, she'd deliberately plummet past several levels, to land on a ledge below. Yendra loved finding shortcuts, and other ways to beat her previous records.

Spoiler: OOC

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I'll save the rest of my narration until after Ondraieti's roll (if it makes one).

[chadpants]

Ondraieti takes a deep breath and reflects back on the times it practiced balancing on logs that would flow through the canals of Seshar. It deftly navigates the slippery rocks and the force of the falling water to meet up with Yendra below.

[Eulalios]

Yutt scrambled rapidly down the wet stone surfaces, trying to keep up with Yendra and not quite succeeding.

About ten minutes after beginning their descent, the three people stood at the shoreline of the pool between two of the big sand piles. From where they stood, they could see at the top of each little hill a hole about fifteen inches across. Ripples from the part of the pool that churned right at the foot of the steps did not quite reach the calm waters at the bases of the sand heaps.

"What are these?" Yutt wondered.

[chadpants]

Ondraieti, a Varjellen Jack who Wields Words Like Weapons

Might: 10/10/0

Speed: 11/11/0

Intellect: 12/12/1

Effort: 1

XP: 1

Ondraieti narrows its bulbous eyes at the sand heaps. "I don't trust they're not homes for some strange creature that would just as soon drag us beneath the water to consume us. Let's see if we can navigate our way around them and not disturb them. We may have to wade through the pool, but we should move smoothly so as not to create waves or ripples or splashes. Can't be too cautious."

Spoiler: XP

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Of course, I'll give my other XP to Yendra for heading down the waterfall first.