~~~ IC ~~~

::after about an hour of talking to the strange avian bipeds, you've convinced them to let you talk to their village elder. They asked you respectfully to store your weapons in a small hut while you're in the town, and then showed you into a decently large cavern hung with woven tapestries in bright colors, and lit by a few well-placed fuzion lanterns... after a bit of small talk with the raptor-esque old woman, you've come to your reason for being here::

So... why have you come to seek the wisdom that is mine?

((who has been the primary speaker during this?))

((probably you))

We seek an ancient artifact.

Oh, indeed, ancient? Of what sort?

It the wrong hands it could be used as a weaon, but of course, in the wrong hands all things can be used as weapons.

::leans forward:: A weapon that is not a weapon, go on

It is an ancient artifact that we believe can open the stars in various places without the need of the gates.

We have come to you for help.

What does this device look like?

::nudges An::

We cannot seek it because this item was lost long ago. We need sight beyond sight. ::looks over::

::nods::

::looks at An and nods::

We believe it is a long, blade sized sliver of stone.

::head tilts to the side and her eyes roll strangely as she considers.. finally:: Why have you thought to seek out the wisdom of my people?

We have heard of your wisdom across the stars and have heard that your people might have an insight into things unseen.

Ah... but the real question... how do we know that your intentions are honorable as you say? This, this is where negotiation fails, always, with your kind... perhaps you would agree to a method of testing your honor?

I would.

I propose that you undergo the ordeals of my people, that you may prove strength and wisdom to use what knowledge we might give you

Those are acceptable terms. I would be honored.

What kind of ordeals?

Six of you there be, so six ordeals... a test of sky, a test of sun, a test of rain, a test of death, a test of forest, and a test of battle...

I do not think that AN will have any problems with their ordeals. He is strong and focused.

Choose amongst yourselves who will face which challenge.

::Budi's smile melts::

In following these ordeals, not only will we learn your mettle, but you will learn some of our beliefs

::cogitates furiously about what the death and sky tests might be::

Vasili will you take up the test of battle?

Budi the test of the Sky?

I will, providing it's not a battle to the death.

Understandable.

There is always a risk of death in ordeals, but such is never the intent

What is this test of sky? I am a pilot, but not skilled in your method of flight.

I mean that I will not be asked to kill anyone. I won't fail if unable to kill someone or something. If so, I cannot undergo that challenge. I will subdue, but I will not take a life.

Part of the challenge is to not have time to prepare

Then so be it. Without knowledge of these tests it matters not which we take. The last four, how shall we split them?

Your concerns are unnecessary, large human; death is never a goal, only a risk

I will take Death, as I have died once before.

Then I will undertake the battle, if that's where I'm needed.

I'll take rain

Perhaps the Madam will choose for the rest of us? If that's not suitable, I'll fill in with forest or, mmm, whatever.

I will take the test of the Sky.

Excellent.. and that leaves your priest with the sun

::rubs his goatee:: Makes a certain kind of sense.

That is a good test, the Pancreator will aid him in that test.

::nods:: Yes it does.

We shall begin in the morning. Please spend the night with us.

Thank you for you hospitality. You have been very kind.

Will we take each test in an order or all at once?

::bows::

((Wonders if spending the night is another kind of sick test))

You may not think me so kind on the morrow ::gives what you assume is an attempt at a wink:: You will be called one by one.. you can watch one another's ordeals, but not participate... and afterwards you will discuss with me why you succeeded or failed

::nods:: Thank you again.

::Bows to the elder::

::observes whatever custom seems polite while leaving::

::they show you to one of their more normal houses; it's not much different from peasant housing anywhere, though the space is much less confined... you're fed a decent meal of game animals and vegetables, all cooked thoroughly, and left alone for the evening... you have time for some brief discussion before the exhausion of the day's trek takes you::

So, we have the Sky, the Sun, Rain, Death, forest and battle. What do you know of their cosmology? ::Looks to the doctor::

::sits on a bed roll beside Maria:: Well this promises to be interesting.

::sitting somewhere stretching before bed:: Well, so. Yeah...

More importantly, what do we know about ordeals?

Not a lot. If one of them needs their equivalent of an appendectomy, I can probably manage it, but unfortunately, I studied even less regarding their culture. In fact, I'm thinking I left one of my few sources pertaining at all to their culture with a certain castenadan. I mean, sure, I know this and that... But most of it is hybrid Gjartin type.... thought.

That was conforting...

So, but. Just speculating. You know, the test of death is probably something about being stuck on the ground.

Yeah, I feel much better.

I'm sorry, which of us is performing the test of death?

That would be me.

What order did she say them in again? ::musing::

It could be any of us. Death is an option to them all.

Well, seriously, though, I imagine they're symbolically named.

I have faith in all of us.

::chuckles weakly::

((sorry I'm massively late fellahs))

::and at similar times you all figure it's about bedtime::

::finds a likely spot to sack out, reminds himself to feel "at home"::

::but not in a way that you think you've been drugged, or anything, it's just that time of night::

::hasn't drugged *anybody*. REally::

::time passes, you sleep massively after all the craziness lately, and wake up around dawn when an etyri guard knocks at your door::

One minute, brushing teeth!

::answersthe door::

::shakes his head of the cobwebs::

(( and this is just a friendly reminder that the dice command is //roll-dice2-sides20 ))

((thankee))

::doesn't want to get up but does::

::the etyri nods to Budi:: It is time. The test of battle begins soon.

::wakes up, chews a bit of some tasty tea-like leaves or something, and finds someplace to rub his face with water::

((actually, Andy's food just got here, so strike that last and replace with "The test of Sky begins soon"))

((or got there, or wherever the food is))

((I don't know.. I had chili))

((Not funny. You should eat before you turn onthe computer. So, I'll go get some popcorn.))

((no, really, you're now first because the other two that could be first are eating))

((OK))

::after everyone assembles themselves they lead you to the outskirts of the village, and up towards one of the higher spots in the nearby mountains::

::breathes in the fresh, crisp air:: Ahhh...

::Takes in the view and tries to locate the ship::

::moves up as nonchalantly as a half-insane buzzard can, and hiss-whispers to Budi:: Be not afraid, Spaceflierhopperfrogman; losing is not necessarily failure, lest you have no wisdom!

::and with no further clarification he rushes off::

That was very confusing.

::as you climb further up the mountain, the whine of the air against the side becomes more and more pronounced, and the early morning sends a chill across your skin::

::when you reach the top you see most of the village has already turned out and is clinging to various stones near the summit, and Cri!ka stands before you::

::Stride up to the elder and bow:: I am ready. What am I to do?

Greetings, aspirant of the sky... In the beginning, for our people, is the sky... the open expanses of air.. few realize that the sky is much the same as the ground...

::Nods::

::looks startled, hisself, as he looks on, by this remark::

and yet, on the earth, the terrain stays the same from moment to moment; the sky is ever changing, ever treacherous... the young of our race must learn, first and foremost, how to navigate invisible ground... this is partly the reason why we think of those who can fly as higher creations; their travails take much more effort than the land-bound learning to walk.. By facing this ordeal, you will experience the difficulties and treacheries of the sky, and learn part of what it is like to fly without a metal womb.. please, leave behind any small items and stand at the pinnacle until the sun has fully risen

::Divest himself of his pack and pouches and clothing, down to his skivies:: To be born again, eh my friends?

Good luck

::Goes and stands on the ponnacle.::

Next time, you should try to be born again with pants Budi. ::grin::

::Laughs:: Yes, it would be warmer. But I am about to enter a new life.

::as you reach the highest point, you find out where the sound of rushing wind is coming from as a gust hits you full blast... then another immediately snaps you the other way... you plant your feet and begin the ordeal::

((alright, start off with a Perception + your choice of Drive Aircraft or Science Meteorology))

((They are both the same, so... )) Meteorology + Perc ##8##

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 13 9

((would you like to spend a Wyrd to bump that to a success?))

((smoke brb))

((Oh, yea. Does that make it Failure to Success or 9 to 8?))

((both))

((because you bumped the 9 down 1, you become successful))

((9 to 8 would be a crit?))

((only if the other die were also a success, as is, it's just a success))

((OK))

::after concentrating for a minute, and relying a bit on his innate luck that his spur of the moment calculations are correct, Budi thinks he has a good grasp on the current airflow, and how it might change as the rising sun heats the air into thermals::

((Alright, now a Dex + Vigor roll, +2 for your previous success, for a total of 14))

::Thinks to himself...'Should have kept on the clothing. Would have improved my lift...'::

##7 + 5 = 12##

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 19 20

((Can I burn another wyrd?))

((yes, and I would recommend it))

((Done))

::and yet, despite his calculations, the winds are still flinging Budi around like a rag doll, and it's all he can do to maintain his footing.. and he's uncertain how long that will last::

((Leaves me with one point))

((would you like to keep going, or bow out now?))

((Continue....))

((back))

((alright, try that roll again - you'll be at -2 victory points for the severity of the failure))

((12-2 = 10: 50:50))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 9 19

((Yea!))

((actually, it was 12+2 = 14 :-) the victory points are removed after the roll.. so, with a 9, you got a net 1 victory point))

((Oh, ;-( ))

::and then Budi miraculously recovers his footing and begins an interesting dance that is part "I am being buffeted by cold winds", part "I am barefoot on pointy rocks", and part "I nearly died right here" but which is mostly a strange pirouette through the air currents, much as he would fly a flitter across the sky, compensating for the wind::

Ahhhhhh!

((Hehe! ))

((alright, let's see if you can keep it up for the duration of the ordeal - Endurance + Vigor + 1))

##5+5 = 10 +1 = 11##

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 17 3

::Flapping like a bird about to loose it...::

::and then, what seems like aeons later, the sun crests above the clouds, and a massive warm thermal shoots up beneath Budi, lifting him momentarily weightless from the ground, before he lands again to the sound of clicking beaks which you assume is some form of clapping... the ordeal is over, and Budi is sore as hell::

::Moves back to the group and begins to get dressed::

Whohoo! allright buddy!

Lan, I need something for my feet. They are a bit raw...

Well done ::claps::

Yes! ::Raises both fists in the air!::

Congratulations. Tell me what you have learned.

::thumbs up:: I'm suer I've just the thing.

Naked birds do not fly well. ::Laughs:: No, I must learn to anticipate the world around me.

Well done

::nods:: both interesting insights ... Now, we move on to the test of Battle! Please, follow me.

:: Vasili begins to stretch out::

Father, in my next life, I wish to be born on Pyre. Or clothed.

::claps Budi on the back, and tromps off after the bird-man::

No, no you don't.

Well, not on pyre anyway ::grin::

::you're all led, followed by the rest of the etyri, back into the cleared area near the village.::

Life in the sky is dangerous, but not only due to the uncertainty of the terrain. No Etyri can fly forever; we must land in search of rest and food, and when we are not in the sky we lose much of our advantages to those that dwell beneath the trees, and many have long sought to do us harm. Thus, we learn to fight for our own survival, sometimes against insurmountable odds.

::Vasili listens intently::

Please, warrior, remove any technological protections you may have

::Vasili, like a soldier, quickly loses all the offending items::

::Vasili is handed a staff made of a spongy heartwood.. it looks like it is meant to whip and sting more than deliver a solid blow::

::To Lan, in a whisper:: I don't think I will ever see my manhood again...

::paces around a 20 foot diameter circle that has been etched into the turf:: Within this circle is the ground, without is the sky.

::pats him on the back::We'll take care of that soon enough.

::clears his throat, still in a whisper:: Your feet I mean. The rest is your own business.

::three of the raptor-like Etyri, also bearing the wooden staves, enter the circle, spread out to the edges away from Vasili, and drop into fighting stances, their wings deliberately held back::

::Tests the weight of the weapon, spins it around a bit::

::it's fairly well balanced for its purpose... though you'd probably want to add some lead weights and sharp spikes if you were to.. badwrongthought!::

::Ah!::

The ordeal begins when you enter the circle, and ends when you or your foes yield

::Vasili nods amd immediately enters the circle, not wishing to waste time::

::as you enter, the Etyri begin to circle, seeming to have deliberately altered their inherent styles somewhat in order to mimic a ground-based predator::

::Vasili notices their movements, instinctively searching for weaknesses. Mildly surprised at how quickly this came back::

::Checks to see which, if any, is coordinating as a leader::

((make me a Perception + Melee roll (14) to spot weaknesses::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 16 12

::Vasili is not only sure he's found their assumed style, but is ready for them to switch back to their normal style once they start to lose::

((you got 4 victory points, so can add +4 to any one attack or dodge during the fight))

((got it))

((you have the initiative, attack?))

::Looks for an opening on the nearest one, keeps himself guarded from behind. Swings in, looking to leg sweep::

((Dex + Melee (also 14)))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 9 1

((would you like to save an action to dodge?))

Ugh

((right, actually if you spend a wyrd that will turn that into a crit with the multiple action))

((Then it sounds like a plan))

((since your modified TN is 10 with the -4 two action penalty))

::and smack! goes Vasili's lightning fast attack at the Etyri coming up on his right, who was trying to outflank him::

::mutters:: Wow. Did you see that?

::there is the sound like a steel ruler slamming into a side of beef, and the etyri drops his staff, rolls out of the ring, and begins to cradle the massive bruise that will soon be its leg, out of the fight::

::mutters:: Yeah, see, he kicked that guy there..

::winces at the Etyri getting smack::

::Doesn't let up. Two to go. Make it quick and efficient::

::the etyri on the right moves in and takes an overhead sweep at Vasili, who is already moving out of the way::

((etyri strike))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 1 1

((heh, make your dodge roll - 8 + 7 - 4 for multiple actions))

((Dodge attempt))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 12 3

::without even trying very hard, Vasili sidesteps the attack; the Etyri was probably focusing too much on his friend, and not enough on his own attack::

::the center etyri tries to catch Vasili with a sweep towards his arc of movement::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 1 9

::and connects with a solid blow, stinging Vasili across the ribs, but barely denting his giant reserve of muscle::

((Am I imagining those last four dice the GM rolled? ))

((No, you're envious))

((It's rigged. Has to be. Or he is god?))

((God does not play dice games with the universe!))

::after that few second interchange, everyone reorients, and Vasili can move in again::

::Vasili thinks that they are moving to flank him and draw him further into the circle::

::contemplates where the nearest source of ice for the injury is::

::or anything else that will constrict bloodflow locally to reduce bruising::

::Vasili holds ground and attempts a feint move on one to tag the other on the head. Humanely::

((how many actions are you reserving for dodge/extra attacks?))

((1))

((okay, your attack is Dex + Melee (14) - 4 for the two actions))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 4 10

::and with a backhanded blow, which Vasili is careful not to put out an eye with, another Etyri gets flung from the circle::

((you're talking about my rolls, that's two crit attacks in a row on Andy's part))

::looking kind of scared now, the last Etyri tries to capitalize on his previous success, and again tag you in the ribs::

::Vasili's follow-through leaves him staring at the last bird standing::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 6 5

((dodge))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 8 14

::and Vasili almost negligently steps out of the way of the attack, tapping the staff away with his own:;

((third round, single attack with your tactics modifier to show him what for?))

((Indeed))

((that's a TN 18, would you like to spend a wyrd to accent up?))

::Vasili steps away from the attack, then spins the staff around, clipping the bird on the back of the legs::

((Sure))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 17 1

((damn))

::and, with a focused snap, Vasili waits for just the right moment when the Etyri's stance betrays him, and gives it his all... and the bird man is catapulted out of the ring and barely manages not to flip end over end::

:: Vasili looks around for the final enemy::

::alone in the ring, slightly banged up, stands the giant of a man that is Vasili::

::If any::

::who had incapacitated three etyri warriors in just under 15 seconds::

::lights a cigar, and takes a puff::

...and that is why I hired him. ::grins::

::Claps:: Well done. ::Whisles::

::When Vasili realizes that all are vanquished, he walks to the fallen warriors and offers them a kind word about their efforts::

I'm going to say "good call" on that one

::When done, he takes his place back with the group::

What kinda military training DID he go through An?

::shrugs:: That's for him to tell you, because I do not know.

::just kind of looks around as she looks at the fallen warriors:: hmmm... no questions, I think.. for you

uh huh. Very efficient.

Moving on, the ordeal of Death!

Hate to see what he'd do with a serious weapon. ::quietly::

So would I.

((Ciao, guys, gotta run))

Oh, Good. This should be fun.

Please, remove your torso covering and step into the circle

::removes his shirt and steps into the circle::

Maria, sure that you do not want to do this one?

::tossing the shirt outside the ring::

::shoots a look to Budi::

::winces::

::Laughs:: You do not take my joke well, AN.

::elbows the pilot::

No, I don't think that we're supposed to sub in for... ::catches up to what was said, stomps budi in the foot::

::is always within elbowing distance::

Wow! It was in jest, my Lady.

::grins::

::returns his attention to the elder::

Our religion states that the ground is where the dead walk, and much of our theology has grown from this. You walkers of the ground think us strange, but there is a tenet of our faith that you may understand more easily... to us, the ground is death... to lose control in the air, we would surely be dashed to pieces upon the earth.. even from short distances the lightness of our bones makes the earth dangerous

Thus, in this ordeal, you shall understand part of what we feel. You may stop us at any time.

::nods::

::all around you, the Etyri of the village have each taken up round stones.. you'd estimate a few ounces each::

Ohhh, this is gonna sting...

::the first one prepares to fling his rock.. and An must decide whether to attempt to take it, or dodge out of the way::

::braces himself to take it::

::and, well, he's hit by a decently heavy rock tossed at a reasonable rate of speed.. it really hurts::

((End + Stoic Body please))

::clears his throat:: Oh, for crying out loud. Do NOT let him... eesh.

Shit. ::Shakes his head::

Quiet Lan. It's his choice.

##End + Stoice Body = 7##

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 4 3

::and An grits his teeth and bears it, then sees another stone being hurled:: ((soak or dodge?))

Yeah, but. Man.

::takes it::

((roll it))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 18 2

::and, again, An takes it, though this one glances across a bone and really stings. The first hit is already forming a bruise on his torso. A third Etyri stands ready::

Is this not an ancient form of murder?

Throwing rocks is pretty old, yeah. ::grimly::

The rocks aren't heavy enough, and they aren't throwing them hard enough.. this will just really hurt

Probably is. We call it stoning, and use it to kill particularly vile criminals.

::gives An an encouraging smile::

((soak or dodge))

::smiles back and takes it::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 3 18

::and a third purple patch begins to form, though An's still dealing with the pain, barely. The fourth rock is hefted::

::grits teeth and bears it::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 2 19

((would you like to burn a wyrd to bump that up to a victory point?))

::clears his throat and mutters:: So, this must be why no etyrie make it to adulthood.

Different culture, different ways.

((yep))

I can see how this would kill one of them.

::covers his eyes with a hand::

This is worse than my trial.

::That one looks like it was almost too much for An... you can almost see him concentrating his self-control to take it::

::the fifth etyri, looking kind of pained, flings his rock::

This isn't bad, as far as punishments go. You should see a pressing some time. Or rather, you probably shouldn't.

::takes it::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 13 13

::that one staggers An, and he nearly goes down as it clips his leg. The sixth Etyri reluctantly tosses his stone::

::regains his footing and leans into the next one::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 7 8

((woot!))

::clears his throat, and slightly louder:: Elixir does *not* set bones.

((wanna spend a wyrd to bump that to a crit?))

((yep))

::the stone bounces off An's chest with a sound less like the previous wet thunks... more dry and springy, perhaps. The next Etyri prepares to throw::

::looks the Etyri in the eye with grim determination and takes it::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 5 12

((a wyrd to bump that to 2 victory points?))

((sure))

::again, the rock flips off of An's chest, barely leaving a mark, and another Etyri pulls back::

::takes it::

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 2 4

::and the rock skips off just like the others. At this point, An pretty much has the hang of it. In for a penny, in for a pound, and all of that. The circle continues around, and more rocks collide into An, leaving only the smallest of bruises where they hit until there are no more Etyri to throw stones::

How much more of this can he take?

You humans are truly amazing, I must say. What did you learn?

::goes to his knees:: Even the smallest things are not to be underestimated and that there is strength in numbers.

Close enough. Let's have our morning meal.

::nods and slowly stands up::

((so, I'm like 10 minutes late for work, so I'm outta here))

((k))

Same here, but that would be bed.

::takes tow or three steps, the color drains from his face as something in his body lets loose and he collapses::

::the bruises that were once tiny explode into large blotches of purple across An's chest, all of a sudden::

::grumbles, and comes forward and treats An::

::with all due haste::

::like, faster than should be medically possible, Lan thinks::

::is alarmed by this. Knows An has had weird metabolic... things going on::

::runs up to An:: What the hell?

::is unconscious:: ((smoking))

What is happening? Why is he bleeding so much internally?

::Lan's ministrations don't lead him to believe that An's in any immediate danger.. it's just like suddenly his tolerance for pain drastically decreased, and reduced his muscular density at the same time::

::shrugs:: Dunno, exactly. I think he'll be OK. But I want to keep hum under observation...

::lays him up in bed and gives him something to reduce the microbleeding::

::Lan mixes up a decent salve... does Lan apply it, or leave that to Maria?::

::As Lan starts to apply it, Budi takes him aside and out of the hut.::

Maria, if you'd care to apply this stuff, hmmm?

::goes with Budi::

((Night?))

::and the mid-morning meal gets underway for those still conscious::

((yeah))

~~~ OOC ~~~