Pius Fidelus: The Oque

[El_Frenchie]

Ades, 12.1, 'Enlight'

Their four children are walking around though, and have found mates already. One trio of them is looking thicker, as if they are eating for future children.

At this sight, Ades will move up to this group, he will look upon them and smile. "I have seen a number of Oques now. And many of them had children. While I helped them gather the food they needed, I realised that it was a long and hard process. For this reason, let me bestow you a small gift."

He then closes his eyes and breathes deeply, power seems to surge forth from his very being, surrounding him. His hands come together and create a seal and green particles enter two of the Oque of the group. And with that, suddenly, they feel no more need for food.

"Provide!"

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+ Provided Pregnancy/Maturation (Sentient):

The pregnancy of a sentient creature is given all the food required for its maturation. The sentient affected eats normally, needing only to sustain its own nutrition needs without having to account for any extra nutrition. This reflects into how much hunger the being feels. For eggs or other ways of reproduction, it substitutes any nutritional energy that is needed to produce them.

((All level 3 miracle used))

"I have given you a gift for your children. Does it feel like you don't need any food? I am not tricking you. Now you need only help the other one find food, and with that, you will be able to have children earlier. Consider this a gift of Childbeing to your group, all of you, for you have believed in him."

Finally, before leaving, he picks up a few berries from one of the bushes.

Ades 12.2-12.3, Group 2

When Ades finally reaches group 2, he greets the Oque in their native language as usual. "Beep to the Oque! I am Ades... and these, are your fellow Oque that teach."

Dropping off both the trios and if there are no problems or questions, he will stay only for a while to protect and guide the Oque. He leaves a few general objectives however:

Npikt, Jtrat and Mrest

"To you three, let me emphasize that you are here to support your fellow 'Enlight'. As long as you are strong, the Oque in this group will want to follow you, as well as believe in Sunoque and Childbeing. So help the others if they seem to be tired.

Otherwise, you should focus on teaching concepts to the Oque: Responsibility, Friends. Maybe Sunoque and Childbeing. You could teach them the Boop! game first, it will probably help them understand the basics without having you to explain everything."

Ytsk, Brulpt and Vltimt

"To you, I repeat the same thing. You are an important group, show yourselves as strong and the Oque here will want to be the same and will make more of an effort.

Concerning teaching, you should probably focus on warping wood and teach them jolts so they can defend themselves against beasts. Don't push jolt too far unless you believe they will be responsible with their powers, much like how Njert used to be, I'm especially counting on you for this Ytsk, you are responsible for their training."

He turns to the entire group.

"Also, remember to tell them life is easier where you live and tell them how you live your lives back at your group, then maybe we can bring them with us later on so we don't have to travel as much.

I will stay with you only for a while, but my main work will be protecting, guiding, and telling stories of the Storm, Sunoque and Childbeing. After that, I will rely on you to complete their understanding."

Ades 12.4, Group 1

Ades eventually visits Group 1, making sure the trio that is already there and in charge of their learning doesn't have any problems. He will help out the group with food and protect them from beasts while using his dexterity to help the trio of Oque demonstrate wood warping.

He will use the berries to plant bushes where this group settles down, inciting them to choose three separate locations as camps and telling them the story of Sunoque and Childbeing against the Storm.

In general, he will bring comfort and moral support to the trio in charge of them. And remind the trio to ask the next trio to come here to teach them of the process of "Gathering of Thoughts".

[Zweanslord]

Turn 11.6-11.8, Group 7, Tumine Barok

The situation indeed did not get much worse. The Oque who feared Tumine brought her food, and the others were mostly wary. They did listen to her explenation, but did not know what to actually do with it. They had been told Tumine had conjured up Storm. Storm, who had rained down water from the skies for days upon days. Food had been scarce during and after, and the Flood had been all under the camp they had built up. This meant that they had to travel through trees constantly, while their huts were collapsing due to the terrible weather. Furthermore, Oque were swiped away be the streams while they were on their rafts and never seen of again. All in all, a disastrous period and the Oque of this group think Tumine was the cause and did not come to elevate their suffering.

Thus, when she told she had no power to do that and that she had been gone, the question naturally arose: "Who did it?" While some still thought it was Tumine, several others began to believe there were other beings, Storm and Flood, who had done it. Still, several Oque kept offering food to Tumine, although others returned to offering food to the stream. Meanwhile, there were still plenty Oque who did neither.

When Tumine offered to teach, some Oque from those offering food to her were selected to "volounteer" be the taught, plus a number who thought Tumine had not send the flood and belieed her. When Tumine offered to teach swimming, this was not really cheered on. The Oque halfway feared the water still and the possibility of drowning. When she teaches about ice, they pick up again, but she finds out that while the practise has not been practised a lot and thus many do not really know of it, that there are several Oque that can make rafts of ice still. By her stimulus, they have begun to train the group again, so that the practise becomes more common and thus applied by the average Oque in the group again.

While Tumine finds that she has little in the way of knowledge to weatherproof huts, she finds she can stimulate the Oque to think about it. They do and find the suggestion to be very useful. This stimulates them to use their intellect again. Tumine is better able to help with the rafts, but similarly to the practise of making ice, she finds that many of the Oque are not that proficient at building it in the first place. They rely on a number who have learned it from their parents. With her help, the group is able to bring back the applied knowledge to the way it was before. Thus, eventually, the Oque learn not to swim, make ice or make rafts better, but the knowledge becomes widespread amongst the group once again.

In this way, Oque slowly regains the trust of the Oque again. They are especially thankful when Tumine saves two Oque with her miracle. When she leaves again, they offer her food not because they fear her, but because they thank her. The Oque have once again begun to appreciate the water and its wonders, though fear is still present. This is visible from the number of Oque who are still giving food to the stream, as offer to Storm and Flood.

Turn 12.1, Enlight, Ades

The two Oque which are effected by Ades' miracle are surprised that their hunger faded. However, they do not fully realise the extents of the miracle Ades casted on them. They seem happy, for now, but do not realise how much less food they will have to eat in the coming time. After Ades leaves, they do start to realise that, and Ark clearly hears in prayers that the two Oque are happy with the gift.

Turn 12.2-3, Group 2, Ades

Npikt, Jtrat and Mrest, as well as Ytsk, Brulpt and Vltimt listen to Ades when they have reached group 2. Npikt, Jtrat and Mrest listen as Ades tells they have to support the other three Enlighted. They agree to this and Jtrat tells: "Jtrat, Npikt and Mrest will do as Ades tells. We will teach them of Sunoque, Childbeing, responsibility and friends. We will see what to do with the Boop! game." A similar response is gianed from the other trio of Ytsk, Brulpt and Vltimt, who have listened to the instructions of wood and jolt. Vltimt is the one who speaks up here. "Vltimt, Ytsk and Brulpt will take care. Brulpt will most likely call for Mrest's help when teaching about huts, because Mrest is good at explaining warping wood. We will make sure they are responsible before explaining jolt in greater detail, right Ytsk?" "Yes. Ytsk will take care in teaching." When Ades talks to both trios, they tell they understand and will do so. And so, the teaching of Ades and the six Oque from Enlight begins again.

Turn 12.4, Group 1, Ades

Ades sees that there are a few Oque from Enlight now too, some who have been noted as responsible, others who are just normal Oque. They are teaching now because the group is closer and they wish to help their fellow Oque. With Ades to help too, with food and protection all the Oque present seem thankful. When he provides moral support to the several Oque who have been here, amongst which the original trio and their children, they seem to be very happy with it as well.

The story about Storm and Sunoque seems known already, but everybody loves to hear it again from Ades. When Ades suggests about the different locations and berries, the Oque of Enlight quickly pick this up and extend this to help the Oque of this group with setting everything up. Some more Oque knowing about making huts will come out of Enlight to help and the several camps will be set up over the remainder of the turn.

[Dr Bwaa]

Tumine Barok, turn 12.1
Group ???

Tumine manifests near a new group of Oque whom she has never visited before. Walking into their (presumed) clearing about one meter tall as usual, she spreads her arms and speaks softly to them.

Greetings, Oque! I am Tumine. I am a friend. I come to help the Oque, teach the Oque. Will you learn?

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She picks the group completely at random, regardless of size, possible (even current) presence of other Immortals, red dots, or anything, so hopefully she doesn't get one of the ones that will all kill her instantly :)

[Altairius]

Ikeklos, Turn 12.8
This one was a bit more... uncomfortable. Bad memories lied here... memories of failure. But.. Perhaps, by learning of them, by being among them, some degree of healing could happen.


Up till turn 12.95(Or, rather, the point he would have to leave to get back to the inner plane at 12.95), Kelkik moves around the settlements of the Oque, just... spending time with them. He does some light teaching, more name-dropping than otherwise, but really he's here to learn about how they're all getting along, what with the gods and all. He never stays more than two days in one place, more eager to keep moving than otherwise.


However, as it hikes, it keeps itself engaged by making... symbols. Using rocks and its claws, it carves It's snowflake symbol, either on the item, or by carving it into a snowflake. It gives these items to any Oque who will shelter him for a night, a reminder to them, and him, that there's a god who owes them a favor...

[Zweanslord]

Turn 12.1, Group 2, Tumine

There is no presumed clearning when Tumine finds this group. They are just walking about, gathering food. While they know a little wood warping and hut making, they have not truly applied it as of yet. After all, their teachers are coming only later. When they first see Tumine, she sees a familiar response. They run away from her, though the nearby ones flee in the tree. When they realise she can speak and wants something from them, they look down and respond. It seems that they are somewhat familiar with a strange being. It is one of the elders who responds. "Beep. What Tumine? Tumine beast? Friend? Tumine like Ades? How help? What teach? Teach like Ades? Help like Ades?"

[If you stay until 12.3, you meet Ades (Ark).]

Turn 12.8-9, Group 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Ikeklos

Group 26, 27, 28

When the Oque of any of these groups see Ikeklos, they start to scream, louder than whatever Ikeklos is saying. They flee accordingly, while saying "Danger!" "Beast!" "Flee!" "Run!". Kelkik is somewhat faster than the Oque, so he could follow them and catch up with them, but they seem scared of him for now.

Group 29, 30

When Kelkik meets these groups, he is heartily welcomed. The Oque here know of Immortals, and the Oque of group 29 have seen Ardannis and Sedha the most recent. There are stories about Tek visiting as well in Group 29, and Krixal and Tek visiting in Group 30. They are welcoming of Immortals and let Ikeklos stay however long he wishes. The Oque seem very interested in him and when he shows his snowflake symbol, they try to warp the symbol in a piece of dead wood to copy it.

Ikeklos in turn learns that the Oque of these two groups, and two others, know each other and have a common leader, as well as a group leader. Recently there has been a Capture the Stick game for all of the groups. The Oque are welcoming to Immortals and wish to learn, but it seems that with Krixal and Tek not having visited for long and Sedha only visiting with a new group, that Ardannis has the most impact here. He has provided them with games and stimulated their intelligence, for they are able to speak in a proper manner with full sentences.

[El_Frenchie]

Ark, 12.8, Group 2

When Ades returns to group 2, he generally asks about the knowledge that the Oque have gained and suggests to the group to travel back with them to the land where their teachers can teach them more promptly and more often. He also tells of not having to move as much and learning how to make food of their own.

He then speaks of Akam to all of them and asks the trios to relay the story once they are back. Ades sits down and gathers the Oque.

"This is another story. A story about my sibling, Akam. It is a story about the Plant Beast. It had vines growing out of it, it had as many legs as two Oque's, it was as tall as a tree, much much taller than even Akam. It had eyes, like the Oque, but four of them, and as it walked the ground shakes and the trees fell out of its way."

Ades pauses, letting them take in the description.

"It was old, Plant Beast, and often it had fought with Firstoque. Unfortunately, Firstoque went to the skies to fight the Storm and became Sunoque. So what became of Plant Beast? It roamed. It roamed the forest in search for creatures to eat, and if it found Oque, it would be angry because it would remember Firstoque. Thankfully however, it was wandering away from you all."

He pauses, his eyes becoming more focused.

"It was." And he emphasizes the past tense. "For not long ago, it came dangerously close to you, and dangerously close to all the other Oque. Walking towards you, nothing was standing to stop it, and Sunoque was busy fighting both Waterbeing and Storm. It was then that Childbeing saw it, and he sent Akam to deal with Plant Beast."

He pauses, once more, trying to give as much momentum as possible to the tale, trying to emphasize suspense.

"The battle was terrible. Akam was as tall as a tree himself, and he was given much power by Childbeing to defend the Oque camps and forests. Using all his power, he pulled off several legs of the Plant Beast. With its mouth, it tried to bite Akam. With its legs, it tried to stomp Akam. With its vines, it tried to bind him. But Akam was strong, he ripped the vines, he escaped the mouth and broke the legs. After a full day of fighting, when Sunoque was finally dropping down from the sky, Akam had won. Plant Beast was destroyed. But you can't destroy such a powerful Beast without consequence. One of its legs sprang to Akam and attached itself on his left arm, becoming more orange and pink like his skin. It even talked to him, saying it wanted food, but Akam was master of the leg of the Plant Beast now."

Ades looks at the Oque audience and particularly the trios.

"Akam will come back later to teach more farming, and more about wood. He will of course be hiding the leg of the Plant Beast, so please do not ask him about it, he is afraid that you might take flight at first sight of it.

I told you this story because I want you to know he sacrificed his left arm for the Oque, but he wouldn't be glad to know I told you. Ever since he had failed telling a story long ago to the Oque, he has felt like he needed to do something for them, please do not think bad of him, he works hard for Childbeing and especially to protect you."

He then pauses, turning to lighter things, preparing the groups for departure.

[Dr Bwaa]

Tumine Barok, turn 12.1-12.4
Group 2

No, not beast. Tumine not know Ades, is Ades like Tumine? Different, but can speak to Oque? Tumine come to teach Oque about water. You remember big Storm? Tumine touches the Pebble of Precipitation in her pocket, and rain spontaneously begins to fall on her. It lasts only a couple moments, though, just long enough to illustrate her point.

At this, she expects to see the equivalent of fervent nods and probably not a little fear, but who knows. She stands where she is, looking up at the one who responded to her. Tumine teach about Storm, about Water. Tumine teach Oque to protect from Storm, be safe if Storm returns.

She looks about for a moment. Water near? Small water, a stream or river? Tumine teach to use water for food, travel. Tumine teach planting, growing food. Many things to teach Oque.

What Oque name? she asks the one who spoke to her.

////12.2-3////

When Ades arrives with the two trios, Tumine will approach straightforwardly, while she does not recognize him, I don't believe, I assume the Oque who see him approaching will recognize him and inform Tumine of such.

Ades, she calls out as they approach each other. These Oque seem to have been expecting your arrival. What have you come to teach them? Perhaps we could work together, if our goals are similar.

12.5
Group 7

Tumine returns again to Group 7 and spends a few days here. When she arrives, she is carrying a small, blue, glass globe, which she gives to the Oque here, and explains how to use it.

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Orb of Eddies: It allows the user (must be touching the globe) to create and control water effects in a small radius (I think 20 feet or so was decided upon?). One user at a time :)

She will stay here for several days, teaching them its various uses and helping them better learn to control it. She teaches them, once they get the hang of it, how to use it in conjunction with the rafts to make the ride safer and easier by creating a current in the direction they want to travel, right under the raft. As always when dealing with water, she stresses safety and insists that they all understand her safety rules and that as many of them as are willing learn to use the Orb well.

When she leaves, she says, I will return again soon, my Oque. I have also found other Oque who have things I wish them to teach you, and have use for the skills that you all know now. Later, if you like, I will take you on a trip to visit them, so that you may teach them the skills that you know, and you may learn from them, as well. I will return soon, my friends, and I promise to come if you need me.

She then disappears, melting away in the stream as usual.

Turn 12.6-12.99
Group 8

Tumine searches out Group 8, and (presumably) ends up in a similar interaction with them as she originally did with Group 7. Her strategy here will be the same: persistence and determination to teach them and regain their trust. Rather than try to teach swimming right away, however, she will put forth the idea of farming, explaining how the Oque could make very good, permanent huts that would be stronger against Storm and Flood, and never have to move away because they would not run out of food.

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I'm sorry for the abbreviated post here at the end, but I got called in to work two hours early and I wanted to post before I leave and get back probably after Zweans is asleep

[Zweanslord]

Turn 12.1, Group 2, Tumine

"Ades like Tumine. Different. Speak too. Remember Stor-" The latter is interrupted as the Oque look scared when Tumine shows she can make it rain. Many of the Oque hop a tree away from Tumine. "Tumine Stormchild? Tumine Waterbeing?" The Oque asks. "Tsip. What teach? Grow? Farm?" The Oque, still looking rather startled by Tumine's earlier show off with raining, continues to muster up the courage to continue talking. The last two questions it asked, however, were not said because it truly understood those concepts, but because it heared the words before and connected them.

Turn 12.5, Group 7, Tumine

When Tumine visits the Oque of Group 7 again, their welcome is mixed. Some seem happy, others seem fearful. When she offers the Orb of Eddies, there is one common question: "What thing?" Asking, in principle, for the name of it. When she explains how to use it, the Oque are amazed and many want to try and use it, though others feel it is a bad thing. Tumine, again, gets offered some food by a number of Oque.

During her stay, she will get more food and some willing students. Especially those who are trying to get the Orb of Eddies to work seek her out. Those Oque seem very happy with the gift and learn quickly on how to combine the use of the item with their rafting. They understand when she talks about safety and tell her that they will instruct others of it. When Tumine leaves once more, the Oque listen intently and opinions seem mixed on her return, though the negative views are not voiced out loud to her.

Turn 12.6-9, Group 8, Tumine

Indeed, the interaction between the Oque of group 8 and Tumine is similar to that of Group 7. Due to her persistance and determination, she eventually finds herself a place in the group again, with mixed reactions. Reactions from fear to hope, and some Oque offering her food likewise. When she suggests about farming, the Oque look at her weird, not understanding the concept that much. The enhancement of huts they do understand, though staying at one place due to not running out of food sounds very foreign to them.

As with Group 7, Tumine notices that the knowledge about rafts and ice has decayed. Only some individuals know it like most of the Oque did before. Nowadays, many of the Oque in this group do not know how to use those skills properly and will need something to inspire them to pick it up again. Tumine's presence does seem to help, but due to her focus on huts, this seems to develop less to its original level as compared to Group 7. Still, it seems that slowly her popularity is increasing again, despite several Oque fearing her or thinking bad of her. After all, her actions are helpful and she does stay determined that she was not the cause of it and was away so she could not come.

Turn 12.8, Group 2, Ades

Ades comes to Group 2 again, and the Oque gather around to listen to his story as he calls them forth. Sitting around the Story Teller, whose reputation has been more spread as such by the Oque trios, they look forward to the story he has to tell. They seem amazed at Plant Beast's description and were aroused when they heard of the fights between Plant Beast and Firstoque. They looked shocked when he emphasised the past tense of the wandering away and listened more closely. They were dragged in by the suspense Ades created and when Akam finally won, they seemed happy. When Ades then told of the legs that grabbed on to Akam they were surprised.

When Ades tells of Akam's future visit, they talk amongst each other, creating a buzzling noise. But it does seem that the Oque will not flee from Akam, though it also was clear that the trio's needed to tell of Akam's description again, especially to children. This buzzling kept on for a while and in general it seemed that the Oque found the story to be a good one and told in a very good fashion.

Eventually, Ades prepares the trio's to depart again. Ades also found out that the group indeed learned a lot from the trio's, of which they are very happy of.
[Further details will be added when Tumine's interaction wraps up.]

[Altairius]

Ikeklos, The Wandering

Kelkik does not further bother the Oque who flee: In fact, as soon as he notices that he makes them frightened, he apologizes and runs off. He's not about to force himself on anyone.

For those that accept him, he just spends the time learning what you mentioned. He's not here to proselytize... He'll leave that up to Ikeklos. Instead, he takes some time to join them in their games, before leaving in a couple days.

[El_Frenchie]

Ades, 12.2-3, Tumine

"Oh! Well out of all people, I certainly didn't expect you here. I am Ark. Or as the Oque call me here, I am Ades and I work for the Childbeing. If you see what I mean."

He pauses. Asking her to come along and to the Oque to stay, moving to another part to explain a few things to Tumine.

"All right, now that you're here, there's no helping it. These Oque are among a group of others which I have taught stories too. It's a basic... mythology or pantheon of sorts. Remember these well: Sunoque is the sun, and is what they believe saved them from the Storm, do not offend the name, I suggest. Childbeing is me."

He then tells Tumine of the story to explain the Storm. ((Prepare for lots of text))

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Sunoque! (The Oque version)

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"Long ago, the sun was a being. It rose up every dawn and walked across the skies. At dusk, it would reach the other end of the skies, where the skies meet the tree tops again. There, it gave birth to a sunchild and then died. The sunchild then walked through the forest, to the other end, all during the night. It would eventually come to the other edge of the forest and having grown adult, where it then would walk over the skies as Sun, just like the previous Sun had. This would go on each day. But there was a beast that did not like the suns. Storm send its own stormchilds regurly, to cover the skies and block the path of the sun. But through the clouds, always some light would appear and the sun would find the other edge of the forest again. This angered Storm so much, that it one day lay in ambush at the edge of the forest, where Sun would give birth and die.

Sun, however, saw Storm laying in ambush, because it could see where its light shone. Therefore, it gave birth early to a sunchild. Then, it faced the edge of the forest and Storm. Storm killed Sun in a great battle! It thought it had won and that the skies were now his! The sky was now completely covered by Storm, who had taken Sun's powers before it had died. He used the power of Sun to shoot rays of light down on the forest. Storm rained down upon the forest, angry to all who liked Sun! Then, it spotted something. A spot of light! Angry as it was to see something so light, it used its rays of light to shoot down on the forest, but missed it each time. Eventually, it thought it had struck down upon the light, because it could see it no more.

It was the sunchild! However, a tree had fallen on the sunchild and its light had been weakened. It would surely die, had it not been for an Oque who's name is now lost. It was strong and mighty and lifted up the tree from the being it saw in danger. When the Oque realised it was the sunchild, it quickly lifted the sunchild on it and started its long walk to the edge of the forest. Being an Oque instead of a sunchild, it was much slower, but it did not give up! In its journey, it evaded the rays of light Storm used and continued to walk on. With a strength no other Oque possessed, it called for its last powers and kept moving. The sunchild smiled on the Oque, but told it would be too late. The Oque refused and hurried on and on!

For many days Storm ruled over the skies, sending down water and rays of light upon the forest. When it saw near the edge of the forest, where skies and treetops meet, a hint of light, it turned towards it. It saw the Oque holding up the sunchild. But the sunchild was weakened and said to the Oque that it could not move across the skies anymore or battle the Storm. With that said, the sunchild shrinked to a small orb of light. The Oque, tired, thought this was it. But then, the orb started to move and the Oque heard 'Sunchild will give Oque Sun's powers.' before the orb sank into the Oque's eye.

A strange thing then happened. The Oque began to glow from inside its eye. It began to glow more and more, until it was completely glowing and the colour of Sun! Strong and not tired any more, it looked upon Storm and said: 'Sunoque will defeat Storm!'. It then grabbed a ray of light the Storm had dropped in amazement and went to battle with the Storm. The fight lasted days, but eventually, Sunoque won and defeated Storm! Using its ray of light, it carved up the Storm, so that only its childs, the clouds, would live in the skies.

From that day on, Sunoque walks the skies each day, giving us the light we see in the sky. Sometimes, the stormchilds, the clouds, try to take over the skies, some even with rays of light taken from Sunoque, but Sunoque will always win!"

Childbeing! (The Immortal-appended version)

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“First I am going to explain that Akam is wrong in saying ‘Plantbeing’. He refers to it because he knows only of farming while I know of birth. The one that gives us power is called ‘Childbeing’. He has power over the children of animals, beasts, Oque and plants. He would never harm a child, however, or affect your children unless you wish it. Akam gives birth to plants and helps them, while I help Oque, animals and other races with children.”

“This means that ‘Childbeing’ makes things grow, plant or being. Power over birth.”

“Now me and Akam haven’t been very fair to you in explaining who we are. Akam probably has told you that we are both born of ‘Ark’. What he likely hasn’t told you yet is that ‘Ark’ is given to us by ‘Childbeing’. He is the one that gifted us with power and asks us to feed you, protect you and guide you. Do you know why? Let me tell you.”

“Once upon a time, when the Sunchild gave away his powers, he gave them away to an Oque. He didn’t have a name, but although his name disappeared, I still remember who he was. He was Firstoque. He was the first of the Oque to be able to walk in this forest. He did not age, and he was incredibly tough and strong.”

“As you all know, Sunchild trusted Firstoque with his powers and Firstoque’s eye started glowing. He finally became Sunoque as you know him, defeating the Storm and letting the Stormchildren to live in the sky. But he wasn’t alone, he soon found out.”

“There were other beings at the time before Sunoque came. The most important beings were the Sun, the Storm, the Waterbeing and the Childbeing. When the Sun died, and Sunoque replaced it by killing the Storm, Sunoque met with the other two: Waterbeing and Childbeing. He first met with Waterbeing before seeing Childbeing.”

“The Waterbeing was just like water. It was liquid, it did not have eyes or a face, a smile or a mouth. It spoke weirdly at Sunoque and he didn’t like Waterbeing because he flooded the Oque down below. And not only did he flood the Oque, he also continues helping Stormchildren to cause trouble and steal his ray of lights to attack below.

For Childbeing, however, it was quite different. Childbeing looked a bit like me. He was quite small, but very powerful. He told Sunoque that he had watched over the Oque for a while, and that the plants were grown for the Oque to eat, as well as for them to have children, because you need a lot of food for that. He also said that the plants were used to protect the Oque and their children, but that with the Stormchildren and the Waterbeing, it was very difficult.

Sunoque became friends with Childbeing, for Childbeing had started planting trees of this forest a long time ago before the Oque were here, and he had prepared food for them and shelter. So when Childbeing asked for Sunoque’s help giving light, because plants couldn’t grow without it, Sunoque accepted for all the good things Childbeing provided the Oque. And in return, Childbeing helped Sunoque with Waterbeing, drinking as much as possible.”

“As time passed, they both worked together for the good of all Oque. Sunoque decided he would give all of you a bit of his power: ‘Quax.’ And finally, Childbeing decided he’d give just a few of us lots of his power so we can help and protect the Oque: ‘Ark.’

"As you can see, the Oque aren't particularly encouraged by water at the moment, they have an attitude that could perhaps be surmised by: 'Water! Let's drink it!'"

He pauses, thoughtful.

"I hope you don't think I've done any wrong to you, for I didn't, you need only present you not as Waterbeing, who was essentially helping the Storm, but perhaps as something else, like Streambeing, or Gentle-Rain being, or Wet being in relation to farming, anything that really strikes your fancy.

As a matter of fact, you could even go as far as tell them that you are another being, and later have me tell them a story of how you beat Waterbeing and replaced him. I could even try to tell that story right now.

If you wish, you can tell them a story yourself, or you can let me do it, as I know the Oque in these parts well, and by the time you'd return, they'd be already very open to you. As a matter of fact, I was planning to move this group towards the others that I have reared in this fashion, so if this group knew of the story, you could benefit in all three groups I have instructed using these stories next time you come. Maybe you could direct me to other Oque that would be in need of such a story as well?"

[Dr Bwaa]

Tumine Barok, 12.2-3, Ades

It is good to see a friendly face, Ark. I am Tumine. Your offer of a story of how I defeated this Waterbeing and replaced him would indeed do me a world of good; as you must know, the Oque are not particularly inclined to be friendly towards one who identifies with water after such a storm. If you would like to spin a tale of how I defeated Waterbeing to end the flooding I would be most appreciative. Use my own name, unless it would hurt the tale. I'm afraid I have not the talent for grand yarns.

I see that you are making an intelligent effort to develop these creatures, which gladdens me. I would be honored to show you, or perhaps some of these Oque you travel with, to visit the other groups that I am well-known in. They could benefit greatly from a tale to explain the Storm, and they have developed some skills that I would love them to pass on to the other Oque, as well. They have developed a respect for me, and the water, if not an outright fear of it.

Tumine looks uncertain for just a moment before continuing. Yes, I think your stories would answer many of their questions. I shall visit them soon, and the next time I, or we, return here, I would like to bring a group, with or without you, as you wish, to speak with them. I would also like to bring some of them to meet these other groups; as I say, they have much that is worth teaching.

As a side note, have you had any success with teaching the Oque any agriculture? I believe it would benefit them greatly, but I am meeting with limited success when it comes to interesting them in the concept. The Oque here seem like they could be interested, though.

Group 2, 12.1-12.4

Tumine not Stormchild or Waterbeing. Tumine Tumine. Tumine have much to teach Oque. Teach grow and farm. Tsip understand? Watch closely: "Grow:"

Tumine pulls a small seed from her pouch and closes her eyes momently, as the seed sprouts a tiny shoot and the beginnings of roots. She digs a small hole in the earth and there deposits the seed with the tip just above the soil.

Tiny seed grow into big plant. But, need water! Tumine then cups her hands in front of her, and a small amount of water coalesces within them. Lowering her hands near the ground, she sprinkles the water gently over the new plant.

Water every day, it will grow! Plant needs light, too. "Farming" is growing many plants, so you will always have food!

Spoiler

Show

Two level-1 miracles used =)

{Ark-Tumine interaction still ongoing; more to be had, presumably, once that's done. Tumine observes the interactions of the Oque that Ark brought with him with the other Oque of this group very closely.}

Group 7, 12.5

Thinking for a moment or two on what she should call the Orb, in connection with what she'd learned from Ark's storytelling Oque, she eventually says, Waterball. Tumine make it for Oque!

Before she leaves, Tumine tells the Oque of another group of Oque that she has met. She says that the next time she visits, she may bring some of these Oque to visit, too, to learn from the Oque here. So, they must learn as much as they can, and practice with the paddles and the Waterball and the rafts, so that they will be able to teach these other Oque very well. She may also bring another Other, she says, like her but different. He says that he works for someone called "Childbeing."
She doesn't explain him too much, saying that the Oque will come to their own conclusions about him. But, she says, he has some very important stories to tell them.

Group 8, 12.6-12.9

Before she leaves, Tumine says to the Oque of this group, Good Oque; you learn much, make much better huts and rafts! Next time Tumine comes, Tumine may bring other Oque to learn from you! Practice lots, so you can teach other Oque well!

Next time, explain where Storm and Flood went, and why Tumine gone so long. Remember, practice your huts and rafts! With that, Tumine vanishes, as usual, into the stream.

[Zweanslord]

Turn 12.1-2, Group 2, Tumine

"Tsip get." The Oque said when Tumine first asked it, after which Tsip and the other Oque watched with Tumine did. They looked amazed as she changed the seed to a small plant. Watching as she puts it in the earth, the Oque look at each other and Tumine, wondering what to do with it. Because even if Tumine made the seed grow, they figured that to make it even bigger was something they could not do or would take very long. This, Tumine could hear. Hence, they did not really believe in the 'always food' phrase, because it would probably be too hard or long to do.

After all, the group was travelling about. They were moving from food source to food source still, hence why the plan seemed so infeasible to them. With Tumine explaining that she was not Stormchild or Waterbeing, about which the Oque have heard bad things, they let her stay. She does not seem harmful, just weird. Her weird idea's do not seem fitting, but if she wants to help with other things or just tag along, they will let her.

Turn 12.3-4, Group 2, Tumine

When Ades comes, he brings two trios of Oque with him, from another group. They teach the Oque and repeat the stories which Ades tells to Tumine. They are Npikt, Jtrat and Mrest, as well as Ytsk, Brulpt and Vltimt. The first trio seems to teach about friends, responsibility and tell stories about Sunoque and Childbeing. Ytsk, Brulpt and Vltimt keep more busy with teaching them skills. Ytsk tries to teach them about jolt, where as Brulpt teaches about huts and usually calls Mrest to talk about warping wood.

Both trios do seem interested in Tumine and try to speak to her when they have some free time. They seem interested in where she belongs. Having told of Sunoque, Childbeing and the others, they wonder if Tumine belongs to them as well. If Tumine tells that Ades will tell about it, they will patiently wait. They will, however, ask why Tumine has appeared later than Ades and Akam.

Turn 12.5, Group 7, Tumine

Tumine tells of another group to the Oque here, and tells that there will be teaching and learning, as well as somebody who works for Childbeing. They do ask about it, but since Tumine has to leave, they wait. Intruiged, the Oque wonder what it is all about and talk about it. However, if he does not show up soon, the figure will just be something in the background. A rare topic that the Oque will talk about occassionaly while the importance of rafting is re-established.

Turn 12.6-9, Group 8, Tumine

Upon the deapture of Tumine, she speaks up and leaves several questions behind. Who are the other Oque, what is up with the teaching and what happened with Storm and Flood? While these questions would not recieve an answer, the Oque just continue their daily live and practise with huts and rafts, spreading the skills amongst the several Oque of the group again.

[El_Frenchie]

Ades, 12.2-3, Tumine Barok

"It is good to see a friendly face, Ark. I am Tumine. Your offer of a story of how I defeated this Waterbeing and replaced him would indeed do me a world of good; as you must know, the Oque are not particularly inclined to be friendly towards one who identifies with water after such a storm. If you would like to spin a tale of how I defeated Waterbeing to end the flooding I would be most appreciative. Use my own name, unless it would hurt the tale. I'm afraid I have not the talent for grand yarns."

"I will then do so. Spinning a tale to include you shouldn't be any problems. Obviously, even if nicer, the role of the Waterbeing isn't going to change much, I will say that you are less wrathful, more gentle and able to help them. About your name, the Oque are using Quax, as I'm sure you are aware, and in order to explain our various existences, I used our Immortal names as the very essence. Quax is the essence of Sunoque, Ark of Childbeing, and now Tumine, or maybe Tumi, will be the essence of Waterbeing. Fear not, for their prayers will still be directed to you, it is simply easier for them to understand us. I want them to absorb the tales I just told them however, so I will wait until I return with them to my other groups before telling them about you (12.9). Fear not, for they will remember my words, they always have."

I see that you are making an intelligent effort to develop these creatures, which gladdens me. I would be honored to show you, or perhaps some of these Oque you travel with, to visit the other groups that I am well-known in. They could benefit greatly from a tale to explain the Storm, and they have developed some skills that I would love them to pass on to the other Oque, as well. They have developed a respect for me, and the water, if not an outright fear of it.

"Yes, I think your stories would answer many of their questions. I shall visit them soon, and the next time I, or we, return here, I would like to bring a group, with or without you, as you wish, to speak with them. I would also like to bring some of them to meet these other groups; as I say, they have much that is worth teaching."

"We should speak of this in the Outer Plane to be more at ease, but I'm letting you know that I have no objections. This group however will be moving, and in order to be able to know their destination, we should also meet in the Outer Plane so I could pinpoint you the location. Alternatively, you don't have to move your Oque, my Oque have become missionaries of sorts and are quite adept at traveling now."

"As a side note, have you had any success with teaching the Oque any agriculture? I believe it would benefit them greatly, but I am meeting with limited success when it comes to interesting them in the concept. The Oque here seem like they could be interested, though."

"I have, actually. However, it was a difficult teaching as they didn't understand the process of growing with the fact that they were moving so much. The fact that I got one group in three steady settlements was difficult and earned through a lot of time. They finally saw the growth, I then used them as missionaries and it has made the task a lot easier. Basically, the Oque need to see the other Oque do it to see it as a viable option. Again, you may move your Oque towards my group or let my Oque come teach yours, in either case, they will learn in time. Forest floors are also a bit difficult to farm on, and they still need tools -though I'm working on that at the moment-, so don't expect them to change very quickly even with their own kind's mentoring."


Ades, 12.9, Enlight

"I have returned among the Oque now, your friends are safe and sound and the other Oque are learning of Sunoque and Childbeing. However, with Gathering of the Thoughts occurring and lots of knowledge, there is a need for everyone to know who is responsible, and for what, for Childbeing and Sunoque do not believe all Oque should be responsible for -everything-, it would make them tired and sick too easily."

He pauses, looking at the Oque. Hopefully all of them would be able to identify to one particular group and realize the importance of the knowledge. It will make them more focused and a lot more effective than when trying to handle everything at the same time.

"Oque of Enlight, there is four different areas of knowledge, and four different responsibilities. The first area of Gathering Thoughts concerns Jolt and means of defending yourselves. The Oque responsible for defending yourselves from harm, from Storm, from beasts are called Paladins. (Shortened version: Pal)

The second area of Gathering Thoughts concerns Food, farming and how to care for other Oque. The Oque responsible for feeding the group, nursing the sick and hurt and developing better ways of farming are called Farmers. (Shortened version: Far)

The third area of Gathering Thoughts concerns building, making and warping materials. The Oque responsible for building huts, for making tools, for making symbols, for repairing huts are all called Builders. (Shortened version: Bui)

Finally, the last area of Gathering Thoughts is the one with the lesser number of Oque. It concerns anything that isn't taken care of by other Oque. Exploring, teaching, meeting races, moving places, making sure there is enough huts and calling the Builders, making sure there is enough food and calling the Farmers, making sure the Oque are safe and calling the Paladins. The Oque responsible for the rest and knowing the most about Paladins, Farmers and Builders are called Caretakers. (Shortened version: Car)

'Pal, Far, Bui and Car.' These are all very important to Gathering Thoughts. Think of what you are good at, and what you'd like to do, then call yourself a Pal, a Far, a Bui or a Car."

He then pauses, looking to the Oque of Enlight, he was pushing them to think outside the box of their minds, and now he was about to give them yet another story to add to their 'religious' tales.

"I would like now to tell you another story, and your fellow Oque that have visited the other Oque will be able to confirm my tale for they have seen it with their own eyes."

Ades pauses.

"There was a being that made the sky rain at the other group. She called herself Tumine. Her essence was Barok like Ark is to me and Quax is to Sunoque and Oque. She seemed to have power over water, which means she fought Waterbeing and won."

If there is any rustle among the Oque and talking, he will wait until it dies out.

"The being Tumine works for is nicer to the Oque than the old Waterbeing. The new Waterbeing is more calm and approachable, she is less angry and Sunoque knows her. Your companions will be able to tell you that she wanted to help the other Oque to learn of farming. She was doing this even though helping them would mean sacrificing part of her being and allowing the plants to drink. She will keep the earth wet enough to grow and the rivers running for the Oque to drink. Tumine also seems to want to help the Oque, she will likely come to you. If she does, do not be afraid, treat her with respect, for she can command the rain, she will help you in her own way."

For now, he pauses and waits for them to register the information before moving on to the true part of the tale.

"New Waterbeing was originally Streambeing. She had seen the devastating Storm and the rainy clouds. She had already fed the Oque and the plants, and even though she did all this hard work and self-sacrifice, letting them drink her, she was still not recognized as an important being, and the Oque feared her even though she never caused or helped the Storm. Indeed, because of the bad actions of Waterbeing, Streambeing was mistreated and the Oque angry at her. Some of them even grew fearful from the water of the stream."

Ark pauses, he had thought the story up beforehand and knew how it would go perfectly, as usual, he builds his suspense progressively.

"Old Waterbeing was as bad as a beast: When the Storm came, he even put water into Streambeing and forced her to grow larger and spill out. The Oque then blamed Streambeing even more, believing that the water around them was all from the same being. Streambeing was terribly hurt by this, she had offered so much to the Plants and the Oque, yet wasn't acknowledged by them, and even hated. All because of Waterbeing!"

Ades stops for a second, as usual letting the Oque discuss all that he has said and waiting for them to settle down to continue his tale.

"Of course, Streambeing decided it was enough, she challenged Waterbeing in a great battle. At night when the Oque were sleeping to prevent them from being scared, the stream suddenly shot upwards towards the sky, facing the Waterbeing that was hidden in the clouds. The big stream had actually an easier time winning than it thought, because it was big and the rain was small. Yet the battle wasn't finished, for there was a lot of rain in lots of clouds, and the battle continued until Sunoque finally rose up, and he and Childbeing saw the fight with the light coming up, and all helping Streambeing they fought off old Waterbeing hiding in the Stormchildren."

He pauses once more, eyeing the Oque and their reactions.

"And as Streambeing won, the stream crashed down to the Earth slowly: She had taken the place of Waterbeing. Sunoque and Childbeing were pleased, because it meant that it was a nicer Waterbeing, and while it would still rain slightly from the Stormchildren, New Waterbeing knew how to give water to the Oque and plants. To thank Sunoque and Childbeing for their help, Waterbeing gave lots of her Barok to create a new creature and promised them that she would also help the Oque and the plants below. It was then that she created Tumine, the being your friends saw at the other Oque place. Respect her, but do not fear her, she is a friend."

[Dr Bwaa]

Tumine, 12.2-3, Ades

Thank you, Ark. If you will be around, I suggest that we meet in the Outer Plane [at 13.0] to discuss things further.

12.3-4, Group 2

When asked whether she is one of those others as well, Tumine responds, Yes, I am. Ades will tell you all about it later, for he is more gifted with storytelling than I am. As for why it took me so long to appear to you, I believe his story will explain that as well, but, put simply, I was busy helping some other Oque, who live closer to the water. I may take you to visit them one day, if you would like.

[pseudovere]

Sedha 11.2 (REALLY LATE!)

Sedha turns to the rest of group 3. "Some Oque no want come? That fine. Sedha will go ahead of group to meet other Oque. Do not overwork selves: Oque take as long as Oque like. Sedha no want Oque get hurt. Sedha leave Sound with you, but be sure to bring Sound. Other Oque no have seen sound before. When you come, other Oque will teach you, but you must teach of Sound."

After talking with the main part of the group, Sedha leads the two trios to group 29, leading them at a brisker pace, although making sure they are adequately rested and have enough time to gather food. Upon reaching group 29, Sedha obeys the 2 trios wishes, and asks them to wait a fair ways our of sight of the group 29.

"Greetings, Oque. I have returned. I have brought several Oque from the group I have told you about, and they wish to meet you. The rest of them are following behind at a slower pace, but they should be here in [whenever it would be reasonable for them to arrive.] Please teach them and treat them as you would treat one of your own."

With that, Sedha moves back to the two trios she left, and introduces them to the group.

[Zweanslord]

11.2, Group 3, 29, Sedha

With that, Sedha leads the trios forward and goes first to meet up with the group. This time around, Strakft and Fzangt are there to welcome Sedha, as well as the two trios that Sedha then brings forward. "Oque will treat the other Oque good. Sedha does not need to worry about that." Says Strakft before Sedha brings the two trios. When she does, Strakft and Fzangt find that the Oque of those two trios are not very good at language. For this, another Oque is called forward to speak, well, less intelligently. With this, the Oque of Group 29 explain that they do wish to help the other Oque. "Oque help? Oque good?" Asks one Oque of the two trios to Sedha, trying to get some support from Sedha.

Eventually though, the interaction goes properly and the Oque are convinced that the Oque wish to help. The two trios return to the larger group to tell them of the welcome, who seem happy with the news. Still, there were Oque wary of those in the more advanced group. They knew more and as more Oques were send out to meet the advanced Oque, the rift between them was large. They had Quax, huts, light, jolt and games. It was marvellous to some Oque and frighteneing to others.

Turn 12.3

By now, the Oque of Group 3 were still walking about the forest around Group 29 and hte others. They had seen deserted camps, useable by the Oque when they moved on again when food became scarcer. They had contact with the Oque from Group 29, and some had visited them to teach about language and other concepts. This had only been two or three Oque, to not frighten them and slowly ease them in it. The elders of Group 3 were wary though. They liked the old a lot and had thus stalled off the offer Fzangt had made previously. While Fzangt is now dead and Qwert has taken over of Group 29-32, the offer still stands.

The Oque of group 3 could take residence in two of the towns already build, and Group 29 would split up in two to take care of Group 3 as well. They would protect the Oque and teach them things, and in return, the Oque of Group 3 would gather food for the guards and the leaders. That was the offer made, but as said before, the elders were wary of this. Yet, they had even recieved an invitation to join a new game, and the Oque send to the group were kind and treated them well. So, they called forth Sedha, and asked: "Sedha savior. Sedha come. Oque have question. Oque take offer? Other Oque offer?"

Turn 12.3-4, Group 2, Tumine

When Tumine explains that Ades will come to tell the story, some of the Oque seem enthousiastic about this. Explaining that she was also busy helping other Oque, followed up by the offer to take them to visit them, Tsip asked a question. "Other Oque come to Oque? Like Enlight Oque?" Meanwhile, another Oque asks: "How Tumine grow seed?"

Turn 12.9, Enlight, Ades

When Ades shows up once again, the Oque gather around. While the visits of Ades were several, time still passed between it and thus the Oque gathered around not to miss it. They listened as Ades spoke to them, explaining them further about Gathering of Thoughts. He explained about Paladins, Farmers, Builders and Caretakers. Palfarbuicar. He explained how it is better to relate yourself to one thing, and spread the knowledge amongst those. The Oque found this a very logical and proper approach, and found themselves already related to one of the groups. Some found two groups more attractive, but in the end, it did seem like it would be popular. They talked about it for a while before Ades could carry on with his next story.

Then, Ades goes on to tell his story of the new and old Waterbeing. The Oque listen intently and amazed as Ades gives another story to add on their collection of greater being stories. He explains to them carefully about Tumine, about Barok and the new Waterbeing. The Oque are very glad to hear this and some cheer at the end of the story. After, it did mean that such a Storm would be even less likely to happen! Happy with the story, the Oque talked about it after Ades was done, and, indeed, when he explained that they should respect, but not fear her, they would remember that.

[pseudovere]

Sedha 11.3

Sedha was uncertain of what to do. She knew she couldn't let this group of Oque be completely washed away by the more advanced Oque societies, but it was heartbreaking to see the group so divided... Wait. It was obvious. Just tell them the truth.

She turned to group 3. "Oque need know many things to survive and be happy. True, Oque survive and be happy before. But new teachings maybe help Oque survive better and be happier. Even if not help, and old way of life better, then Oque don't need use them. Just make sure that if Oque do need them, Oque can use them."

Hopefully that would keep some of the Oque in, if only to be able to spitefully say at the end of it that their old way of life was better and they had all wasted their time.

As for the question regarding the game, Sedha turned to Oque. "If Oque want to play, Oque can. However, game look fun, and no can hurt. And make many friends with new Oque. But Oque don't need to play, if Oque no want to. Sedha not want make Oque do something Oque not want to.

After she has reassured group 3, she takes her leave to go and uphold her promise to group 29. She walks into the center of the village. "I am grateful for your help to these Oque, and while many of them are uncomfortable at seeing your different way of life, I thank you for showing it to them. In any case, I believe I promised you that I would teach you in return. I will begin with healing first. Do you have any sick or wounded?"

[Zweanslord]

[That is a reply to the 12.3 interaction, right pseudovere? Assuming it to be so..]

Turn 12.3, Group 3, Sedha

The Oque listen to Sedha closely. Telling them that it might help, and if not, they can refuse then still. This advice does seem good and the Elders take it into consideration. When Sedha speaks of the game, some of the Oque grow more enthousiastic of it and one even asks: "Sedha play?"

After talking about it more, the Elders come to the conclusion that they will accept the offer made. A trio of Oque is sent out to report the news towards the other Oque. The organisation of what is about to happen will take some time, though, and thus Sedha already leaves towards Group 29. There, she walks to teach them things before the arrangements with the groups is properly underway. She tells she will teach about healing and asks if there are any sick or wounded.

There are indeed sick and wounded. Two Oque seem sick. One is feeling its energy drained and not able to properly stand up again. Its eyesight is hazy and it feels pain in the lower parts of its body. The other seems to be sleep a lot, feeling not energetic enough to stand up. It has thrown up its food before and does not want more food. Another Oque seems to have been hurt in its leg and Sedha can see some brambles still sticking in the leg. The last Oque seems to have what amounts to a sprained trio of legs after making a bad jump.

[Dr Bwaa]

Tumine Barok, turn 12.3-4
Group 2

To Tsip, Tumine replies quickly, Yes, those Oque may come here to visit and teach Oque what other Oque have learned. Good if there is water. Stream nearby?

If there is, Tumine will ask to see it, and when she leaves here to go back to visit group 7 again, she will go by way of this stream (swimming), trying to find a passage to the other group by water alone, preferably one that would be passable with rafts.

To the other Oque, who asked about the seed, Tumine responds, Tumine grow seed by putting some of Tumine's life into seed. That how seed grow fast.

Oque not need do that to grow seed. Seed only need sun and water. Plant many seeds, and Oque will have lots of food! She demonstrates this last claim by pulling several more seeds out of her pouch and planting them, and then allowing it to rain upon them some more with the Pebble.

Turn 12.5, 12.9
Groups 7&8 (amendment to Exit Strategy)

After hearing Ark and the other Oque talk about the "Enlight," which Tumine feels safe to assume is a name Ark gave his group, Tumine realizes that she has no clear way to identify her Oque, no way to tell the other Oque about them better than "the Oque that live kinda up there by that stream."

Before she leaves each group, she tell them the following:

Oque, you have listened well and learned much. I will now call you "Tumine's Chosen," or just "Chosen" for short. You are special Oque, who believe in Tumine and respect the waters as you should. For that, you who follow and believe in me are my Chosen, who I will always protect. I will visit again soon, my Chosen.

[pseudovere]

Sedha 11.3

WARNING: MONSTER POST

Sedha is caught off guard by the question of whether she would play. She hadn't really thought about it. If she played with them, perhaps she could convince them to play, and interact with the other Oque. "If Oque want, Sedha will play. Sedha has work to do. No can play when teaching. But when not teaching, Sedha play if Oque want." If the Oque do want her to play then she will play whenever she is not teaching, although she will limit herself to just slightly above the level of any Oque who she plays with or against, to make sure that she doesn't make whatever team she belongs to unbeatable, and to keep the fun in the game. She tries not to make it obvious that she is limiting herself though.

Sedha takes care of the injured ones first, as they would be much quicker to fix. She starts with the one with the brambles sticking in its leg, as it seemed fairly obvious, although if they couldn't manipulate fine objects, then it could be a problem teaching them.

Sedha carefully removes the brambles from the wound. "First, you have to remove these sort of things from the wound. It may hurt to do so, but if you don't remove them soon, it will hurt more later." With that, she leads them to a nearby stream. "It is important to make sure that your cuts stay clean, otherwise they may end up making you sick." She then shows the Oque how to wash their wounds.

"First of all, it is important to keep stress off of feet that are hurt like this. Don't do anything that makes your legs hurt. And it is best to keep the leg from moving... actually, perhaps one of you could help me with this." Sedha finds a nearby stick. "You seem to be able to make wood change shape. Could you make this piece of wood as straight as you can?" While the Oque make the stick into a shape for a splint, Sedha leaves quickly to find a plant with durable but flexible stems, picks several of them, and brings them back to the hurt Oque. (Something that can work as improvised string.) "You can attach the straightened piece of wood to the leg like this..." Sedha ties the stems around the wood and the Oque's leg. "You might not be able to twist the stems into place like I did, but perhaps you can make the ends of the stems stick together with your wood changing ability. After you do all of this, there is nothing left to do except let your wounds heal. Putting it in cold water from the river might help too."

Sedha then looks at the two sick Oque, and examines them closely. (Here's where my medical knowledge runs out. What does 3 points in the heal skill tell me?)

((For reference, about how many Oque are we dealing with in each group? Sedha isn't really taking time to do a headcount, but she should have a general idea of how many there are.))

[Zweanslord]

Turn 12.3-4, Group 2, Tumine

Tsip states he does not know, but after some asking around, they point to a nearby stream. However, next time the group will not be near the stream any more. The stream does not lead directly to group 7, but through some long searches a connection can be found but some sections are not passable by rafts.
When Tumine explains that she put some life in it, the Oque ask: "How?" about putting life into it. When she tells that they do not need it, but just sun and water, the Oque look weird at Tumine. In fact, they do not seem to believe her. How can you get lots of food out of those seeds?

Turn 12.3, Group 3, 29, Sedha

Sedha agrees to play the Capture the Stick game with the Oque from Group 3. You have a stick and a base around it, and you can tag Oque within the base after which they must return and drop the stick. The goal is to get the stick and remain undetected in the mean time. There are usually three bases. The Oque like that Sedha is playing with them, and a trio comes forth to Sedha. "Want group. Symbol Sedha makes. Symbol for stick." They basically ask Sedha to make a symbol which will be put on the top of the stick by the other Oque. This is used to identify the stick of several groups. While they play, along with the Oque from the other gorup, they do seem to grow closer

In group 29, Sedha treats the injured. She pulls out the brambles sticking in the leg, but when she looks at the Oque appendages, it is no wonder they were not able to pull them out as easily. Their manipulation of fine objects is rather lacking. They do understand the washing of the wounds as she explains it. When she moves on to the other and instructs the Oque to make a splint to tie against the leg, the Oque watch, wonder and ask: "Why Sedha do that? How does it help?"

Then Sedha moves on to the two other sick Oque. While she can not directly determine what the illnesses are, she does remember that food has an influence. After asking them what they ate, the one with the hazy eyesight said it tried a new plant, but that was a while ago already. The other says that it just ate normal fruit, apples in a tree nearby.

[Dr Bwaa]

Tumine Barok, turn 12.3-4
Group 2

I am of water, so I can give of myself to these plants, to give them what they need.

Thinking suddenly of a way to show them about the seeds, Tumine asks for a couple volunteers, probably from Ades' trios (but not necessarily, you never know), who are decent with warping wood. Once she has three or so volunteers, or as many as she can get, she sets to work with them creating a small basket-like object. Her goals for the basket are:

A) To have a solid enough bottom and sides to contain dirt. They will doubtless not be legitimately solid, but they's good, as it will keep the plant from drowning.
B) To be small (easy) enough and have a good enough handle (maybe hard or impossible, not sure how good Ades' woodworkers are) to be easily carried by an Oque without hindering it too much.

She will help in any ways she can. Once she's made the basket (assuming it works), she will pack some dirt inside, along with the first seed she planted (so a small sprout is showing), making a small, portable flower basket. Then, she explains,

This is a basket. Keep this basket with you to show you what I mean. This seed will grow much bigger soon, if you give it water and sunlight every day.

Only then does Tumine realize exactly what she's made for them.

Basket can hold other things, too! Oque can make more, carry food! Lots to do with baskets!

[pseudovere]

Sedha 12.3

Sedha turned to the Oque who asked why she made the stick to immobilize the leg, and patiently explains. "The leg hurt when it was moved, and it would have gotten worse if it was moved too much. Now the leg can't move, and it will heal more quickly. After it is healed, you can remove the stick, and the Oque should be able to walk just as well as any other Oque again."

Sedha turned to the Oque who had eaten the new plant. "How long ago did you eat the plant? And could you show it to me?"

Finally she turned to the Oque who had ate the apples. "Could somebody lead me to the tree that this one ate the apples from?"

[Zweanslord]

Turn 12.3-4, Group 2, Tumine

Tsip offers himself as volounteer as he walks about Tumine, but finds that he can not make what she suggests, since, well, he has no skill with warping wood. Mrest came to the aid, though, and made a wooden bowl for Tsip and Tumine. Mrest explains that the Oque can already make that with their woodwarping and that it is useful to carry water in it for short distances. There are no handles on it, and when Tumine explains, Mrest adds it, but with the lack of fine manipulation on the part of the Oque, it still goes climsily for Tsip to carry it around. Especially since it would be a constant burden with dirt in it. Mrest makes a smaller bowl for Tsip, so that it is easier to carry. Tsip uses two of his paws, the central ones, to hold it on top of him, walking with the remaining four. "Will keep! Water and sun!" And so, Tumine often sees Tsip going round with his small flower bowl.

Turn 12.3, Group 29, Sedha

The advice given to the Oque with now a stick close to its leg is accepted and taken heed to. When Sedha moves to the one who ate the new plant, she finds that he is unable to show her due to his condition. When asked how long ago, he says that it was two days ago. The plant is near the apple tree of the other Oque. This place is shown to Sedha by another Oque, a healthy one. The apples are clearly overripe and a number are lying on the ground, some with worms. Further ahead, she finds the described plant and upon inspection, it drips some dark fluid if the leaves are squeezed.