Pius Fidelus: Convert the Niddog

[harmonictempest]

Ardannis, Turn 5.1

Ardannis locates as best he can the younglings who had been traveling and teaching his wisdom. If he can't find them, he goes to Redclaw's family. In either case, he greets them warmly, and asks how the teachings have been going.

[SithLackey]

Mandak, 4.1
"Halt" Mandak does not move except to pivot perfectly around his torso, and brace himself for a possible impact. In short succession, he Commands the ground in front of the creature to change, softening and (hopefully) trapping the creature in a knee-deep sinkhole it cannot quite escape from. Then, he molds the stone around its legs farther up, making sure of its immobilization. "You have hunted the Niddog, and made them unsafe. You are not worthy."

OOC

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Basically, I assumed that this thing has legs, and that two uses of Soften Earth would be enough to either slip and trap or just trap it. Then, one use of Shape Stone for each leg to trap them. I also left the post open-ended, in case this thing can communicate. Might be a fun RP. If I assumed anything incorrectly, let me know and I'll change it.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Ardannis 5.1
Ardannis is easily able to find the younglings he contacted before, being guided to them by their frequent prayers. He finds them on the north-eastern edge of the Niddog territory, helping some of the newer families find good places to build their homes, with enough food and water nearby to be safe, but also relatively free of dangerous predators. "Ardannis! Teachings are good. We are helping make new paths. We are teaching others to make new paths too."

Mandak 5.0
((ooc: Sorry about messing up the turn time there, must have just made a typo.))
The suddenly soft ground does in fact slow the creature, but not as much as Mandak would have suspected. It does however give Mandak a moment to fully view the creature. It appears to be a serpent nearly 20 feet long, with numerous tiny leggs along its sides, similar to a centipede, though the legs look like they would be far too small to be of any real use in movement of a creature this size. Luckily for Mandak it appears that the creature usually attempts to keep the majority of it's body on the ground, and only raise the front 4 or 5 feet off the ground. Though it does not fit the description that Mandak heard of the Niddog-Slayer, it's 2 foot wide head filled with what look to be razor-sharp teeth would surely be a threat to any creature that passed by. The Shaped stone seems to firmly trap the middle of the great serpent in the ground, however with most of it's massive body free to sqwirm, its only a matter of time before it escapes, and now it's angry.

Spoiler

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(Right now you've only used one shape-stone, and one soften earth, if you want to throw more at it go ahead.)

[chrono]

Forneus
Turn 5.0 (sorry, forgot to mention that the first time)

Forneus tries his best to keep the peace between the females (while trying not to annoy them at the same time) and thinks about his next move. The two families seem to get along better than he expected, but getting the leaders (females) to accept each other's authority might prove to be more difficult than initially expected (and initially Forneus expected little trouble there).
Forneus plays with the younglings, making a point of playing with both families at the same time. His plan is to get them to mingle up to the point that they accept their peers as equals/friends regardless of what family they belong to. To further encourage mingling, Forneus tries to get the males to go into mixed groups - ideally half of the group would consist of one family and the other half of the other.

Forneus doesn't really introduce new teachings at this point, but helps the Niddog with the fire and encourages use of air weapons and toys (blow guns, frisbee, tossing fruit). He tells the younglings stories to help them adapt to the idea of living together from an early age. You see the birds in the sky? They usually fly in flocks because the air creatures already know that living in groups is good. And the fire is made up of many small flames, but together they make the powerful flames that can burn down a fores.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Forneus 5.0
While the males have no problem living together, they are less apt to get along when working together on something that they feel they could do without the help of the other family, but more importantly, they seem to have similar problems in not knowing who should be in charge. Amongst the males in a single family, everyone knows who is the best scavenger, who is the best builder, who is the best at defending, etc. However once the groups start to mix, they at first have no clue who is 'better' than the others, so they have no clue who to listen to when there is a dissagreement. However with Forneus' efforts to mingle the two families together, the males eventually start playing some of the 'childrens games' against eachother, testing their skills and knowledge of the world around them. After perhaps a week of Forneus' watchfull care, the males have a relatively good idea on who is best at what, and the arguments between the mingled hunting parties dissappears almost entirely. Alass, the children know no games regarding how best to lead a family, so a similar method will likely not work for the irritable females.
During one of Forneus' sessions with the younglings, a small, and usually quiet female steps up ahead of the others, having watched Forneus peace-keeping with the women, and seeing his success with the males, but she seems unable to make the connection to this most recent enlightenment. "Who leads a bird pack?" She asks, "Which flame leads the fire? Which flame says where it goes? Which flame keeps the others from burning the wrong way?"

[chrono]

Forneus

Forneus is struck by the realization of how tricky yet valid the question is. After a bit of consideration, he sits down and replies. This is a very good question. Fire does not like order much. Fire is strong and it finds its own way without needing anybody to tell it where to go. Each flame goes where it wants to go and it works because there are so many flames. If a flame goes the wrong way it's not a bad thing - the flame will see there is nothing to burn where it went and go back to the others. It will then go another way, again without need of instruction.

Forneus grabs a few leaves and blows them in the wind. Birds, like the Niddog are not as strong as fire yet, and they are not as many as the flames inside a fire. Birds also go where they want, but like the Niddog they want to stay together in groups, because alone they are weak and in a group they are strong. What the Niddog can do is try which female leads them where most Niddog want to go.
Forneus explains that the Niddog can try a rotation decision-making principle - one female is in charge for a few days and the others help her. Then another one is in charge and so on. Ultimately they would see which female leads best and others can learn from her.

[harmonictempest]

Ardannis, 5.1

Wonderful. It is good to see you helping new families. He unassumingly joins up with them, helping a traveling for a couple of days, aiding, improving, and encouraging their work as usual. One evening during the meal, he asks Do you all like to travel? Have you met many Niddog who like to travel? Have any of you ever thought of traveling farther north than any Niddog has ever gone, being explorers for your people?

He regales them with stories of the Karksh and the Oque, emphasizing that these are neither beasts nor Immortals, but rather beings who think like the Niddog, though looking very different. He'll probably run into a snag when he describes the Oque as having six legs, since he does, but he'd respond that unlike him, their legs are black, and all six look the same.

Spoiler

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Unsure of what questions this is likely to raise, so I'll stop there.

[SithLackey]

Mandak, 4.0
A giant serpent. Mandak had not been expecting that. But now it was trying to destroy his mortal form, so the point was, as some race might eventually come to call it, moot. Mandak takes a couple of steps backward, positioning himself for his next move. Waiting for the brief lull following the first of the beast's expected lunges, Mandak calls forth the Earth twice more, in attempt to pin the creature momentarily. Then, as the beast struggles to escape again, Mandak step closer and brings one giant stone foot down on the back of its head. "Sleep, beast."

OOC

Spoiler

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More Shape Stone. Once just behind the head, and once a little more than midway down its length. As always, if I assume too much, ignore that part.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Forneus 5.0
The concept is still somewhat foreign to the Niddog, but Forneus can see that what he is saying is starting to make sense, especially to the younger generation. "So we all live together, and do what we want. The one who's best at something tells the others how to do it?"

The lead females accept the notion of taking turns leading, though generally speaking when one female is leading, the other is skulking in her hut. And though that may not be the optimal condition, life does go on, and the two Niddog families fall into a peacefull, (if somewhat tenuous) daily routine.

Ardannis 5.1
"Traveling is good, it makes new homes for others, it finds us more food. Never thought to travel further, Niddog not nead trails further." Is the first reaction of the Niddog Trail-blazers, however after Ardannis starts talking about the other races, their interest is most definately peaked. The immediately start asking questions about the other species. "They live like us? They think like us? They talk like us? How far away are they? It would be ok to go see them? How many should go?"

Mandak 5.0
As the stone shapes istelf further and further up the great serpents neck, the creature obviously starts to panick, and a horrid sound erupts from its mouth. Echoing through the tree's probably for miles before it fades, and Mandak would easily recognize it as the sound that had scared the Niddog, and that he had come to find, though he expected a far different beast. As Mandak's crushes the serpents head beneath his foot, the serpents body begins to flail about madly. The large tail of the creature striking a powerfull blow across Mandak's back. Though it does little harm to the great earthen avatar, Mandak is sure that a similar blow could have easily wounded a Niddog, if it didn't kill them outright. This was not the legendary Niddog-slayer, but it surely was a menace none-the-less.

[SithLackey]

Mandak, 4.0
Although dissappointed that he has failed to find the "Niddog-slayer", Mandak is sure this beast was also a threat to his smaller friends. After all, a small dirt wall will do little to stop a 20ft long snake. He breaks the stone bonds around the beast, and scoops it up, making sure the weight rests mostly on his strong arm, and heads back to the encampment. "The Niddog-slayer is gone from these lands. It was the cries of this beast which troubled your nights, and it shall bother you no longer. Rest peacefully, for if the Niddog-slayer rears its head in these woods again, it will find them far more dangerous prey. Remember, event the greatest of beasts can die. Know that many of you together for a common goal can do many times more than just one."

[harmonictempest]

Ardannis, 5.1

They live and think little like you, but they are similar in some things. They are all smarter than beasts, and can be reasoned with and talked to, unlike beasts. They are not gods, and some are quite friendly. Some live under the water, some talk without speaking out loud, some have six legs, some have none.

Well, we would not leave right away - it is a long journey, and preparations must be made. But it is good to think of traveling where you wish to go, rather than where you need to go. Niddog who can make trails, avoid beasts, find food do not need to be stuck in one spot. They can travel and see wonderful things, like other races.

These races are in many different places, and the closest are four or five tendays' travel from here. I have told you of them so that you may be ready when the journey begins. For now, continue traveling and teaching as you have been. But now, tell those you teach of Ardannis' Journey, and that Niddog who wish may come. How many should come? Well, as many as wish - but the trip will be easier if there are not more than ((twenty)), the size of two families or so. It will be a long journey, but a safe one, with Ardannis. If Niddog wish to come back afterward, I will bring them back as well. I must go to visit other races and prepare them to meet you, but I will return to help the Trail-Blazers progress and prepare the Niddog for a great Journey.

Ardannis stays with them a short time longer, answering their questions.

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Etc etc - he'll give more detailed answers to questions like "what do they look like" and so forth if they continue to seem curious. He's a relative font of information on these races, in fact, as long as the Niddog seem excited by the info - he'll tone it down if it starts scaring or intimidating them, assuring them that these races are not that much different or more powerful than the Niddog.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Mandak 5.0
While the Niddog are at first saddened that the Niddog-Slayer was not destroyed, when they see the great-serpent that Mandak slew they are ecstatic. "That Biggest Death-tooth ever! Small Death-tooth kill many, never seen one so big, could never have stopped that. Thank you, you save many. We always remember Mandak, remember that anything can be stopped." If Mandak allows, the Niddog will have a feast in his honor, the main course being the enourmous snake that Mandak has brought back.

Ardannis 5.1
The Niddog take fairly well to anything that Ardannis is willing to tell them, seeming relatively unafraid of anything that he tells them, and always curious for more. The Trail-blazers promise to find the best travelers in all the Niddog and prepare them for the journey. The rest of Ardannis's teaching also is not lost on the Trail-blazers, travel is a usefull tool, but it can be fun, and be for purposes other than just utility.

[Oculus]

Arasylon

5.2

Arasylon greeted his followers and sat with them. He inquired to their status since he had seen them last and if they had had contact with Mandak since then. When he was done with pleasantries (and discussing any problems they were having) he asked to speak with the clear voiced female.

[SithLackey]

Mandak, 4.0
Mandak does indeed allow. He does not, of course, eat, and can do little to express his gladness at the Niddog's joy, as he lacks a face, but he attends nevertheless. After the festivities have died down, Mandak decides it is time to go. "Friends, remember my words, and remember this day. When trouble comes and when trouble stays away, think of me. Live Well."

[harmonictempest]

Ardannis, 5.1

Glad to hear their enthusiasm, Ardannis travels with them for about a week, helping share the news they bring to the Niddog they pass. When he takes his leave, he says that he will return soon, and that the Journey will begin in about eight tendays, if all goes well.

Spoiler

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Beginning at 5.8 will make the journey go well into Turn 6, so I'll be back later this evening to begin that.

[chrono]

Forneus

Turn 5.0-5.1

Forneus stays around a bit longer, watching the Niddog and enjoying his success. It seems that his plan worked well enough for two families, but most of the Niddog have certainly not realized that his idea was to get many more Niddog together.
As some time passes (i.e. at the end of his stay in 5.1), Forneus gathers as many of the Niddog from the two families as would come and asks them how working together was going for them so far.
I am glad that you followed my advice, and I see that it is working. The Niddog have much to learn and by now some of you can see that they can learn from other Niddog, not just from me and other visitors. I will leave, but while I am gone I wish you to live together and be strong as if I am with you. Remember that if you meet serious trouble you can call me and I can help. Forneus eyes the two females (if they are present) and continues. I know some Niddog are happier together, but some aren't used to it yet. In time you will like it, but only if you do like the wind and fire and find your own way. Remember, I want you to stay together and be happy, not stay together and be unhappy. If you are not happy yet, try different things and see what makes you happy.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Arasylon 5.2
This particular family appears to be in a good place. They are close enough to the middle of Niddog territory that most of the outlying families deal with the majority of the dangerous predators, yet they arn't in an area where it is difficult to scavenge for food. The clear voiced singer still sits quietly while the others talk to Arasylon, but when he asks for her specifically she readily steps forward and the others quiet down and listen (unless he wanted to talk to her alone, in which case she wanders off with him.)

Mandak 5.0
The Niddog say their farewells to Mandak, and continue to thank him for slaying the great serpent. All the Niddog promise to remember Mandak and what he has done, and to think of him whenever they are in need, or aided by his teachings.

Ardannis 5.1
The word starts spreading relatively quickly that a group will soon be traveling to go see strange new races in distant lands. Some take the news with indifference, some even worry of what these new races may do. However, there are those that wish to go with, wish to see the wonders of the world, and now they have a chance. A makeshift home is built near the northern border of the Niddog lands, and the best and most curious of the Trail-blazers start to collect there, awaiting Ardannis to return, and tell them that it is time for the journey to begin.

Forneus 5.0-5.1
The Niddog have few duties that can not be post-poned, so when Forneus asks them to collect he recieves the full attention of both familes. They all listen to what Forneus has to say, and after a bit of goading from the younglings, he recieves a promise from both the females "We will...we will try to find a way. It is hard task, to live together, but it does seem better for males, it seems better for younglings. We will find a way."

[harmonictempest]

Ardannis, Turn 5.8

Swinging down from the sky into the top branches of a tree, and from there to the ground, Ardannis addresses the Niddog gathered there.
Trail-blazers! Ardannis is back, and I am prepared to visit the Karksh, who live under the water. I go now on another journey, to the water's edge, where we will meet them. The journey may be long, but you will see sights that no Niddog has seen before, and the stories you will bring back will be passed on to younglings for a very long time. If you wish to stay behind, you certainly may, but to anyone who wishes to come, now is the time!

He seems almost giddy at the prospect of such traveling, as if he has nothing in the world he'd rather be doing (which he...really doesn't). He waits for them to be ready, if that takes any time, and then they set out. To the Karksh!

Spoiler

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They will head north and then east, through hexes n17 and m17 to m18. Ardannis will use his Wilderness Survival skill (level 2) to navigate, find food, etc. If they are attacked at any point, he will use Flicker of Shadow to hide the Niddog while they run, or Moment of Seeming to make some fearsome creature and try to intimidate the beast. If they are persistent, he will use Weary Legs to make it tired. If necessary, he will lead an attack against it, using his incredibly superior speed and dexterity to offset his lack of toughness, striving in all cases to drive off the beast if killing it can be avoided (mostly because killing takes so much more effort). I don't remember if the Niddog can climb tress, but if they can, he will emphasize that as a defense mechanism. They wil take as long as is needed on the trip - Ardannis himself has Celerity 4, but speed will be determined by the Niddog. If one gets especially tired and the situation is important, Ardannis will use his Burst of Energy miracle on them (saving it for a good time, as he has only one left of those this turn, as opposed to as many level 1 miracles as he wants).

That...should about cover most contingencies on the road. If a strange situation comes up, Ardannis will also rely on the Niddog's knowledge, as they have surely dealt with most situations that can arise in a forest before.

[Oculus]

Arasylon

5.2

"Have you been singing much, young one? Do you practice or is your gift not your love?" Arasylon waited patiently for her answers as he strolled through the nearby woods.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Ardannis 5.8
There are quite a few Niddog gathered, probably around 30 at least, though it seems that quite a few are there to see off their friends, and out of curiosity at the first great traveling of the Niddog race. Most of the Niddog who are prepared to travel look quite familiar, as they were taught the skills of trailblazing by Ardannis himself, however one that stands near the back of the group is unfamiliar to him, and he continues to shift his weight from side to side, looking around anxiously, as if he's expecting someone that isn't yet there. One of the trail-blazers speaks up "We are ready Ardannis. We are ready for the journey."

Arasylon 5.2
"No Arasylon! I sing everyday, I like to sing...I.....I just don't like the others listening." Says the youngling, now very close to being ready to travel out on her own. "Is that wrong?"

[Oculus]

Arasylon

5.2

Arasylon thought for a moment Sometimes we wish to express something that we don;t want to tell someone else. And the feeling burst forth in song, or sometimes we are bash full about our skill. These are not bad things, but music is something meant to be shared. Why don't you like the others hearing you?

5.8

Arasylon appeared in the camp where ARDRANNIS had assembled his followers. He was surprised, at first to see another gods avatar but took command of the situation swiftly. He strode to Music Bringers cart and his childish form stood on it to gain altitude. "Well met, Ardrannis. What is the meaning of this gathering? One of my followers has called me here for a blessing to travel with you, but I know not where or why."

[harmonictempest]

Ardannis, 5.8

Ardannis smiles broadly to see another Immortal. Well met indeed. You know my name, but I do not yet know yours. Are your followers the fire-users, the healers, the singers, or perhaps the wall-builders?

After awaiting a reply, he continues. The most adventurous of the Niddog have gathered here to journey with me. I travel now to the Karksh, which species I do not know if you have yet met. They are however intelligent and friendly, and the Niddog seem ready for a chance to truly stretch their legs. Your company is welcome, too, if you would like to accompany us for some or all of the way.

Spoiler

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He'll engage in a little conversation, but he's ready to hit the road (and thinks you should totally come). Mostly, this is because I'm going to bed, and the turn is basically over, so I have no more time to RP a longer conversation. But, he's basically amicable, as long as you don't try to stop the whole shindig, so feel free to write whatever wrap-up seems best.

[Oculus]

Arasylon

5.8

"I am Arasylon, God of Music and patron of Music-Bringers clan. I fear my presence is required elsewhere, but I approve of your aid of the kind and gentle Nidogg. Though I have met no other races yet one of my followers is prone to wanderlust and wisely asked for my blessings before he left. Arasylon turned to the young male who is visibly shaken.

"You have my blessings to travel with Ardrannis if Music-Bringer gives you hers. Arasylon waited for her to indicate her approval. "Go in my name then, and teach the joys of song to all you meet.

"I leave you two gifts for your journey. First," He produced a wineskin "I gift you with the Vagabond's Wineskin. So long as you carry this you shall never fear thirst. He bestowed it upon the youngling and continued. "Second, a follower of mine should have a name when he goes to see the world and its wonders, and you have taken none yet. I give you the name 'Journeyman' for it is both your wish, and your skill with song. SHould your faith in me stay strong, and you spread the joy of music I will return with another gift for you, to lift the aches of the road from you and your fellow travelers backs." Arasylon cast Ghost Song projecting a fanfare to see off the traveler's and dematerialized.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Arasylon 5.2
"I like to sing. But everyone always focuses on me when I sing. I do not want that much attention. I just want to sing without worrying about everyone else."

Traveling group 5.8
Music-Bringer of course grants her first-born permission to go on whatever travels he wishes. The newley names Niddog, Journeman accepts the wine skin graciously "Thank you Arasylon, I'll make sure to sing some everyday." The last goodbyes said, and the last blessings given, the First journey is now ready to begin. The path is long and uncharted, but the reward for success is the whole world, never before seen by any Niddog.

[Oculus]

Arasylon

5.2

They focus on you when you sing because you are, from the Niddogg I have had perform for me so far. The best singer of your race. This can be frightening, I know, but it is good to know when you are skilled at something. What would make it easier for you to sing for the others?"

[Rogue_Dragon]

Arasylon 5.2
"You really think I am the best? There must be better somewhere? Besides, when they all watch me, it just feels wrong. It would be easier if they were not stairing at me though, I do not like them all watching me."

[Oculus]

Arasylon

5.2

"I encourage you to practice your gift, for you are truly amazing. I will think on your dilemma and if you keep practicing and stay faithful I will return with a solution that will allow you to perform without fear."

[chrono]

Forneus

Turn 5.1

Forneus contemplates for a second, then says: Your progress and will to learn makes me very happy. I will go now, because I wish to visit other Niddog families and help them too. But I will do as I promised and after that I will start working on a gift that will allow the Niddog to fly. Forneus waits for the reaction of the Niddog to settle down. Even in the sky, even with my powers, making things like this takes very long. So my gift will at first work for a single Niddog, so you will have to find a way to share. If more Niddog were in one place, I would spend less time visiting from group to group and I would have some more time for gifts. Now you know why I wanted two families together, and you also know why I want even more families together once you feel happy with the two families.

Turn 5.3-5.9 (yes, due to OOC Forneus was left with plenty of time to spare)

Forneus studies the location of the closest Niddog families and goes to visit them, just as he visited the second family. He introduces himself, checks if they have heard of him, shows them some tricks, tells them about using air and fire and plays with the young ones. This time, however, he doesn't suggest living together (because he isn't sure the two Niddog families are ready for more yet).
The point of this is twofold: Forneus wishes to expand the number of Niddog who have seen him first-hand and he wishes to pick the most enthusiastic family to add to the settlement he's trying to form.

[harmonictempest]

Ardannis, Turn 6.1

On a relatively random day a few weeks into their travel, Ardannis suddenly stops cold. Eyes wide, he declares The Oque need me. They are in great danger. I apologize, my Trail-blazer friends, but I must attend to them. If you do not wish to travel without me, you may remain here until I return - it should not be long.

With that, he disappears, not bothering to swing up into the trees as usual.

[Rogue_Dragon]

Turn 5 Summary/turn 6 beginning
The changes in the Niddog were not as profound recently, however they continue to change none-the-less. With the collection of the greatest Trail-blazers in all of Niddog lands, they have shared much of their knowledge with eachother, and the cause of safer trails has surely benifited from it. Furthermore, the first true Niddog expedition has started, with a brave group of 16 traveling through rugged forests in the hopes of being the first to meet the strange Karksh near their watery homes.

The Music-bringer, herald of Arasylon, has finally started her own family, and her children are actively attempting to spread music and joy throughout all of Niddog-kind, now there are few parts of this small corner of the forest where a song can not be heard on the winds, cheering any who hear it.

Mandak, the Earthlord, is also known now by some as the Serpent-slayer. His gift to the Niddog now houses the remains of a great monster that once slew all in it's path, and the hallowed halls of Earthome are visited by any who wish to learn to protect their families with the strength of the earth.

Finally, the Smoke-beast Forneus has travelled the land, spreading word of himself, and bringing safety and joy to any family he comes across. Some children spread rumors that his followers have started to combine families, with two females living like sisters, combining their families together, though surely this is exageration.

The progress recently does not seem as fast as it was before, but it is progress, and it is nearly universal across the race, no longer are small sects leaps-and-bounds beyond their neighbors, and progress now is not merely the teachings of immortals, it is their own. Their own ideas, their own curiosity, and their own attempts to better their lives. The race as a whole now understands that there is more than what they already know, and if no immortal ever returned, they would still continue to develop and progress, now it is merely a question of what guidance will the immortals give to this budding race as they bring themselves together, and as they spread across the land to meet others.