1/2 Nalthar 2024/03/14(Thu)23:36 No. 1086465 ID: 5ebd37
File 171048457209.jpg - (1.13MB , 1000x800 , good ideas.jpg )

>Be good at your job, and she'll take notice.
>Start by getting a bath house built.
Martah: "Yeah, you're fine Mirrak. You just need a romantic moment to ask her out. So that's our priority then, building a bath house."

Mirrak: "Stop iiiit." she complains, but she's clearly smiling.

Solfar: "hee hee hee"

>What about you, Martah? Have an eye for anyone?
Martah: (Well, as you can probably tell, I'm not much of a kisser. I've spent a few hot nights with some lovely folks, but I just don't have that much drive, you know? I've got my friends, and that's enough for me.)

>hooking a dynamo to the ground and letting the mass of the city itself power it through gear contact
>Sideways windmills could also work as a constant energy source
Martah: "Wow, that sounds like something a people that weren't nomads would have the relevant skills to accomplish! Unless the windmills were made out of bones and tendons, which, hmmm. Maybe?"

Mirrak: "No, Martah. That would just start rotting, and we have more than enough vines and wood. As for this 'dynamo' even if we could make one, the edge of the ground is like a half a mile away. Might be a bit tricky."

Solfar: "I've only repaired machines, not built them, so I don't know how much I could help here. I don't think you have the right metals here."

Mirrak: "Its definitely something to discuss at the next meeting." she stretches and gets to her feet. "But its getting late, so I'll see you two tomorrow."

Solfar: "Good night! ... is that supposed to be a scribble of me?"

Martah: "uhhhh"

2/2 Nalthar 2024/03/14(Thu)23:38 No. 1086466 ID: 5ebd37
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An uneventful night passes into the dawn of the second day on this strange new world.
Martah: (You know, you guys don't have to just hang around me all the time. I'm going to be studying those sense organs some more, might be boring for you.)

Who do you want to follow today?
Martah messing around with flesh shaping
Murdoc and the hunters planning an excursion to the ground
Donvan and Jormun trying to figure out this wurm's whole deal
Solfar doing... something
>>1080192 Or one of these weirdos

>>1086465
>not much of a kisser
My brother in Christ, you are a fleshbender. Even if your normal mouth is cursed, life finds a way.
I suppose if you feel using a grafted mouth doesn't count, that's fair.

>>1086466
We may be of use to the ground expedition. Our third-person perspective can often help with picking up details in the area that might otherwise be missed, like threats hiding from the host's line of sight but not ours'.

Let's follow murdoc for a bit

>>1086476
I agree.

We can spread the knowledge gained but also there may be things more visible to spirits than the scouts.

...i wonder if there are local spirit forms too?

1/2 Nalthar 2024/03/29(Fri)22:17 No. 1087438 ID: 5ebd37
File 171177585212.jpg - (48.38KB , 1000x800 , edge of the wurm.jpg )

>Even if your normal mouth is cursed, life finds a way.
Martah: (Yeah well... no, you're right. I've had this curse for a long time, and I've let it kind of control my life. Sillah has been helping me build up my self esteem, but I keep falling into old habits, assuming folks will reject me and so isolating myself. I am getting better though, really.

So uhhh, I'm gonna go now. See you later!)

Martah scurries off to do weird things with organs. We now join the hunters' planning session already in progress.

Mishkah: "-didn't save his legs now did it? And how would we set one of those up when we're falling out of the sky? C'mon now people, we need good ideas, good ideas."

Off to the side of this rabble stand Grishkah and Murdoc, peering over the edge.
Murdoc: "I don't think these wing suits are going to be enough. Even if we clear the forest how will we land at that speed?"

Grishkah: "Couldn't you just" He mimes a shallow arc. "Like down and then up? How did you do it in the mountains?"

Murdoc: "About like that, yes, but never over such distances." She glances up. "Oh, its you lot. I don't suppose any of you have experience with flying? PItreh wants us exploring further out, but the forest is giving us trouble."

2/2 Nalthar 2024/03/29(Fri)22:19 No. 1087439 ID: 5ebd37
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Grishkah: "The portal is about a mile across, and Jormun is a quarterish mile wide, so gliding to the ground is no problem. It's just that the forest is jam-packed with wicked cool beasts, which have thus far proven impassable. This entire valley is dense forest, coniferous trees and many mosses and ferns. It seems as though the mountains all shed their water on this side, so the plantlife is flourishing. It's practically a jungle! But that makes progress slow and gives predators cover."

Murdoc: "Exploration aside, if we can't hunt that's going to put a lot of pressure on the farm team. Robolds have never been farmers, so I don't expect we can rely on them so soon. We still have a fair store of food from the old world, so its not a crisis yet. I just don't like feeling trapped here."

>>1087439
The top portal is pretty high up... How far could a kobold glide if they exited the portal at the top and went as far out as possible?

Has anyone gone up above the top portal to see what's on the other side? Most likely case is that it leads to the ground under the bottom portal, which wouldn't be super helpful but at least gives us an option for how to land-- it's easier to use a bit of velocity to fly up above the top portal than it is to slow down and land normally from high up.

>Robolds are not farmers
Okay. How about ranchers? You can trade in optimized farm animals for crops from the local towns.
Ranching means you just need to set up defenses and boundaries for the grazing livestock. They'll do the 'farming' for you.

Probably not the best idea, but what about fire? It'd help clear out areas for excursions and keep predators away. Plus, the updrafts from the heat would help increase the distance one could glide. Wouldn't have to worry about the fire getting out of control if the area is so green as well. Would maybe take devising some firebombs and some designated spots to target

Why. yes. I have experience flying. First, you pay for your ticket... oh wait.

>>1087439
You need a staging post.

Pick a convenient natural clearing, expand on that. Wooden fence and minor earthworks like a ditch with spikes sunk and facing outwards.
A couple of rudimentary tents for rest and storage.
Torches around the perimeter at night.

This will give you a clear, safe landing point, allow for extended expeditions and provide a secure rest and storage point for gathered supplies.

Anything found, foraged or hunted could be stored there and left to a seperate team to ferry back to the city.
Hunter focus on hunting, loggers and foragers on their work.
A team of your strongest can respond to a raised flag from the camp and travel down to make pick ups or drop offs.
Specialisation for efficiency.

Yeah, expand a clearing and start fortifying it.

Is there any quick modifications on the workers you can do to help with tree chopping? Or maybe just beef up the hunters to help fend off beasts.

>>1087439
Getting back up to the portals might be a concern as well, no? Do you have any plans or equipment in place for that already?

If not, we'll need to establish some infrastructure below. Securing a landing site, building something like a lift and pulley system to get back up or transport supplies. A lift system that tall will take a long time and space to build safely.

1/3 Nalthar 2024/04/15(Mon)21:07 No. 1088886 ID: 5ebd37
File 171324047168.jpg - (69.71KB , 1000x800 , considering bodily harm.jpg )

>How far could a kobold glide if they exited the portal at the top and went as far out as possible?
Murdoc: "From the top portal we are five miles up. Or four? I can't really tell, but its quite high either way. So plenty of range, it's the landing I'm worried about.
Now I'm not one to shy away from dashing myself upon the rocks. Done it a few times, it's not so bad. But I'd just as soon not rely on a shaper being on hand to resurrect at the very outset of our expedition."

>what about fire?
Grishkah: "Not a bad idea, this forest is very wet so it wouldn't spread too far. But by that same token It will take some doing to get a good blaze going. Maybe just a torch fence to start."

>How about ranchers?
Grishkah: "Quite a few beasts got caught when the portal opened. We've got a team sorting out the ones we captured alive. They should have a report by the next meeting."

Murdoc: "I popped in for a minute this morning and its a madhouse. They'll have their hands full finding anything domesticable in that lot."

>You need a staging post.
>Yeah, expand a clearing and start fortifying it.
Grishkah: "Sigh, so straightforward, but its the best plan for the moment. Needs more action though, more beast fighting."

Murdoc: "No, shut it, it's a great plan. Establish a foot hold and work from there, and it will keep the hunters busy before they go tearing off into the woods for sport. Come on, we'll do a flyover now and pick out a likely spot."

>Getting back up to the portals might be a concern as well, no? Do you have any plans or equipment in place for that already?
Murdoc: "I mean, we'll be right next to the lower portal so, we can just hop back in. Jormun is falling much slower than terminal velocity, so it's easy to catch up."

>Has anyone gone up above the top portal to see what's on the other side?
Grishkah: "The top? Of course, why didn't we think to check before?"

Murdoc: "Well here comes the portal, lets go find out."

3/3 Nalthar 2024/04/15(Mon)21:09 No. 1088888 ID: 5ebd37
File 171324057509.gif - (534.15KB , 1000x800 , little-clearings.gif )

Grishkah: "Aghl-aghl-aghl-aghhh!"

Murdoc: "Well that's a no go. Guess it has a shield to keep people from messing with it.

Anyway, lets pick a landing point. There's a long, narrow clearing with a stream, a small clearing with dark spots, and a large clearing with a sandy area. Also there's a big square rock that might make a nice high ground."

Aim for the clearing with sand

>>1088888
Dont trust those spots in the open field.
Rock looks very defensible but very visible.
That said, jormy is probably getting all the attention so that's lesser of an issue.
Fresh stream might be a good start point for game trails.

I say go with the sandy patch clearing.
More room to work with.
There could be something lurking in the sand like some kind of horrific giant antlion, but thats a positive to some of the more hunthungry folk.

I couldn't quite tell what the shield does. Is it like a trampoline or something?
The sand seems like it might work for a landing zone. It's softer then landing on rocks that's for sure. How are we going to handle water supplies in the staging post? Regular deliveries?

You know, I just realized I don't know how close to the ground the portal down there is. Does it actually cut into the ground to make a "hole"? Where did all the stuff that was there go, in that case...?

>>1088899
Good point, sand would cushion the landing.

Hmm. I'm inclined to go with either the rock or the sand, though I'm wondering about things hiding in the sand. How's your water supply, though? Would the river be notably useful?

>>1088888
I say go with the rock, who knows what those dark spots are, the sand could conceal all manner of horrible burrowing monstrosities, and while fresh water is nice the stream isn't really shaped in a way to make for a good defensive barrier.

Nalthar 2024/05/05(Sun)00:49 No. 1090346 ID: 5ebd37
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>the shield, is it like a trampoline or something?

Murdoc: "Yeah he just bounced right off. Reassuring actually, I don't want to think about what would happen if one of the portals were to fail."

>how close to the ground is the portal down there?

Murdoc: "It's flush with the ground, recessed about a foot down even. Everything that was above it was dropped in when it opened, and we piled it up on Jormun. So far no animals have been stupid enough to fall in, though they don't seem to fear getting near it either."

>How are we going to handle water supplies?

Murdoc: "Uh, supplies isn't my strong suit, I know hunting and scouting more. Thinking about how to get water from that stream to Jormun makes my head hurt. But this forest seems like it gets a lot of rainfall, and there's gray clouds drawing near. I'd say some simple collectors will suffice for now."

> Sand, sand, sand, sand, rock/sand, rock

Murdoc: "Hmm, I'm having second thoughts about the rock, hard to build on. The sand obviously will have ambushers, but overall seems better. And plenty of space too."

Murdoc angles herself through the air to join her boss. The hunter bats at the stricken Grishkah until he stops spinning. His eyes are still spinning in opposite directions though. With aerial grace Murdoc manages to get them both safely back atop Jormun.

Landing among the hunters, Murdoc unceremoniously dumps the dizzy boss on the ground. "Alright alright, enough hanging about. Who's ready to get down there and show this new world what we're made of?"

Mishkah: "Finally!" the other hunter boss kicks over the drawing board and sprints to the Wurm's edge. "You sort out the details, I'll see you down there!" With a jaunty salute he disappears over the side.

Murdoc: "Wait, you don't know where we're landing!" Too late, he's gone.

>>1090346
Quickly inform those present, then chase after The Fool so you can point him towards the landing site.

>>1090346
You have to admire their enthusiasm.

Well, best get down there.

Aim towards the edge of the sand. Soft landing, but you have a better chance to scurry away from anything buried beneath.

dammit Leeroy...

Nalthar 2024/05/21(Tue)13:17 No. 1091494 ID: 5ebd37
File 171632262008.jpg - (269.71KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_54 touchdown.jpg )

Murdoc: (Damn, if they're both out of commission then I have to be in charge. Well not on my watch!) She turns to the hunters "Right! Burgo, you're with me." The big cappybolda nods and grabs his equipment. "The rest of you, get Gris to a shaper and grab some supplies. Pointy sticks or something, I don't know. We're landing in the sandy spot, lets go!"

Murdoc and Burgo quickly catch up to Mishkah, who is splayed out and idly drifting down.
Mishkah: "What took you so long? Show me where we're heading." Murdoc rolls her eyes and leads the way.

The group swoops in and lands safely on the sand. Hurriedly getting to solid ground, they look around the empty clearing. "Well this is far too suspiciously quiet." says Murdoc, as a gentle breeze stirs the grass.

At the treeline a long red snout emerges from the foliage. Yellow eyes peer at the party.

>>1091494
Prepare for battle, but don't make the first move. I think we would prefer not to enrage the predator if it won't attack on its own. Observe its behavior.

Best defense against a predator is to make yourself seem big. Stand on top of each other, stack those kobolds!

>>1091503
This should be our response to everything

I do agree that we need to observe before engaging first. For all we know this is a thinking creature

>>1091503
Stack them 'bolds.

Itnmight initially be a funny suggestion but predators are often very wary creatures.
One bad call can lead to starvation.
Especially among non pack hunters.

Sometimes doing something unexpected can throw tyem while they try to figure out if youre a good prey target or not.

Standard thing. Dont show it your back.

>>1091494
Eyes up, something's watching you. Only one right now, but it could be a pack predator.

Nice sand effects, looks cool.

>>1091512
>One bad call can lead to starvation.
Specifically compared to herbivores, whose food can't run away; is the logic I've heard. A herbivore tears a muscle, they just take a little longer to get to new grass; a predator tears a muscle, and they can't catch anything.

Nalthar 2024/06/04(Tue)12:42 No. 1092375 ID: 5ebd37
File 171753014016.jpg - (200.77KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_55 impressing children.jpg )

>Stack them 'bolds

Murdoc: "Ah, here we go" The hunter spots the watching predator. "Standard formation, height advantage!"

Mishkah: "Hey I wanted to say it."

Murdoc: "Have to be quicker on the draw then."

Brugo effortlessly hoists his companions onto his broad shoulders and the three form a small tower. As they wobble in place a pair of bipedal lizards come rushing out of the trees. The bolds tense up, ready for a fight, but the red things stop a few paces away. They look up at the bolds curiously, hoping around and chirping to each other.

Mishkah: "We captured some of these earlier didn't we? I thought they were bigger. Oh, wait"
Another, much larger lizard steps out of the forest. It doesn't approach, but keeps a watchful eye fixed on the party. The smaller ones come closer and start chasing each other around Burgo's feet.

Burgo: "Oooh, boss, can I pet em? Pleaaase?"

Petting things with large teeth is how you lose a finger. Petting cubs while the parent is near is how you lose the whole arm! If we must befriend then try offering a bit of food

Eh, losing fingers or even arms is not really a big deal, we can replace them. That said, be careful.

They seem to be a social species, but one should never assume cross-species body language will translate, so avoid touching for now. The young probably don't know how to assess danger yet.

>>1092376
On the one hand, if we give them food they will come back and become a nuisance species. On the other, that can be how domestication starts.

I'll agree with the food plan, though. The mother lizard hasn't attacked you on instinct yet, so the species must be fairly intelligent.

>>1092375
No pet.
The loss of fingers mentioned is a very real risk.
Moreover, tge mother may interpret it as an attack.

Get started on domestication, or af least fruendly terms.
Got to presume meat is on the menu for something with teeth like that

Nalthar 2024/06/11(Tue)19:10 No. 1092847 ID: 5ebd37
File 171815825319.jpg - (186.06KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_56 oh no buddy.jpg )

>Pet, No, Pet, No, Give em food

Mishkah: "Well okay, big guy, but be careful. I'm not fishing your fingers out of a stomach. Again."

Murdoc: "Hang on, I've got some jerky." She passes some tasty dried meat down to Burgo, who offers it to the curious lizards.

After a few sniffs, the little ones nab the treats. They break out into a happy dance that would melt the hearts of lesser bolds. Luckily the party are all veteran hunters and able to withstand the assault. Burgo manages to keep it together long enough to break off another piece. When a lizard snaps it up he is able to get a few quick pets in.

Burgo: "eeeeeee"

Murdoc: "Whoa, hey keep it steady Burgo." Trying to keep her balance atop the distracted hunter, she glances at the mother in the trees. The predator narrows her eyes, but otherwise hasn't moved.

The other juvenile, still gamboling about, trips on a loop of grass. The poor thing tumbles over into a heap by the edge of the sand, which shifts slightly.

Ambush predator in the sand! Intervene to protect the child!

Unload into the sand heap!

>>1092847
Rushing the youngling may agitate the parent but it seems smart enough to realise whats really going on.

Get between the youngling and the sand dweller.
Braced small spearwall.
Something is coming out of that sand with momentum in a moment.
Whether its an appendage or the whole beast, let its momentum do the damage to itself.

Like taking a charging boar.

>>1092847
Looks like danger coming. You're precariously stacked, so it might be hard to rush in on short notice, but one of the upper stackers could shoot the sand beast.

1/3 Nalthar 2024/06/29(Sat)10:21 No. 1093582 ID: 5ebd37
File 171968166128.jpg - (89.42KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_57 the fastball special.jpg )

>Danger coming, intervene, get between the youngling and the sand dweller.
>Unload into the sand heap!

Murdoc: (I see it!) "Something in the sand!" In one smooth motion the hunter draws and looses an arrow at the heaving sand.

The others snap to attention at Murdoc's cry. Without missing a beat Burgo snatches Mishkah and spins to launch the ratte. The watching mother gives a warbling call and bursts from the tree line, rapidly closing distance with the bolds.

The fallen lizard looks up with a chirp of fear as an eyeless head looms up out of the sand. The ambusher's attack abruptly halts as an arrow strikes it square in the face. Chromatophores flash crazed patterns over its body as it rears back with a piercing hiss, only for a flying Mishkah to impact its neck, sword first. The beast falls back, quite dead.

2/3 Nalthar 2024/06/29(Sat)10:21 No. 1093583 ID: 5ebd37
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The adult red lizard skids to a stop as its babes scamper over. Murdoc slowly readies another arrow as the sleek hunter approaches where Mishkah is dizzily getting to his feet. She stops in front of the hunter boss, head held high to look him right in the eye. Then she makes a thrumming deep in her throat and gently bumps her big head into the hunter boss. Not quite sure what to make of this behavior, Mishkah settles on stroking her between the eyes, which elicits an even more intense thrum.

By the time the other hunters arrive with supplies the trio is entertaining a whole pack of lizards. The rattes carve pieces off of the ambusher's corpse to toss to the excited preds, who easily snatch them in their needly teeth. Meanwhile Burgo is stuck in a cuddly pile of juveniles, experiencing adorableness beyond the ken of normal bolds.

Progress on the camp is considerably hampered, but all involved agree it's worth it.

3/3 Nalthar 2024/06/29(Sat)10:22 No. 1093584 ID: 5ebd37
File 171968175091.jpg - (70.34KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_59 wurm call.jpg )

The next morning while floating aimlessly around Jormun calls out to you.

Jormun: (Hey guys! I'm an intercom now! Solfar helped me figure out how I was communicating with her so easily and now I can talk to anyone around me, so I can pass messages along and stuff. Donvan and I have been going over what I can access of my systems so I can be more helpful. Oh right, that's what I needed to tell you. There's a another leadership session about to start because we found out something about my body that's maybe not good. See you there! I mean, I see you now, but I'll see you then too. So, um... bye!)

The meeting is just starting as you all drift in. Most of the leader bolds are in a disheveled state as if they were just dragged out of bed. While everyone is grumbling about the time and the lack of stimulants, the chief bursts into the tent.

Pitreh: "Alright bolds, we've got a problem! And I don't just mean how we're generally fumbling around. Jormun, explain."

Jormun: (So, wait everyone can hear me right? Good. So, Donvan and I have been trying to figure out how I work, and its kind of a mess. There are a lot of systems that have calcified and either don't work or can't be controlled.)

The robolds are looking confused at this tech talk so Solfar pipes up. "It's like, magic that tells his body what to do, like gears and pulleys, sort of?" This explanation seems to satisfy, so Jormun continues.

Jormun: (I was wondering how I'm getting energy, and it turns out my back plates absorb sunlight! And so energy is building up! And the only system that's still operating is fabrication! And the battery system is damaged, so if I don't use up this energy I'll explode!)

Jormun: (So the fabrication system isn't listening to me, and is going to build a new section to make me even longer. But, well, that means you'll need to move all your stuff to my sides. The fabricator bots might... build over you if you stay here.)

Pitreh: "We've got timber, we've got tenting. This should be no problem. Jormun says we can make holes in his hide..."

Jormun: (I don't feel pain!)

Pitreh: "But it's as hard as stone so we're limited to small holes. And of course wind is also a factor, but we're not falling too fast so it's not so bad."

Pitreh: "So, esteemed bolds, what are we doing?"

Time to really get this city going. Suggest a structure to start with.

>>1093583
Good work, team. We've already made friends on first contact with an intelligent species.

>>1093584
That's less good news. If Solfar is able to communicate with Jormun, maybe she (and us) can help fix whatever is causing a communications error with the fabricators? If the fabricators don't listen, whatever was implanted in her head is clearly a comms transmitter and receiver of some kind, so if there's a way to replicate it we can replace the broken comms relay in the fab subsystem.

Until then... maybe there's a way we can stop the power supply from overloading. We can cover the solar panels on Jormun's side with our thickest, brightest fabric, which will reflect the photons and prevent them from being absorbed as power, without absorbing them and overheating like dark fabrics would. We do this until we find a safe equilibrium between power generation and expenditure and hold the batteries in a stable state.

If we're going to be doing many expeditions, maybe let's get started on a launching/landing pad? For now when our hunters return they have the back of Jormun but that might change soon

>>1093584
Everything starts with living quarters. Then workshops and storage.

>Energy buildup
We need to find the power rerouting substations and whatever the hell is responsible for the portal. It's just a matter of siphoning our vast energy reserves into maintaining something that eats power.
>Growth systems not responding
I wonder if we can make Jormun reproduce if we slice him in half and let the two sides' nanofabs work on it. We should look for some kind of reproductive module, as an emergency backup.

Can't we just cover up the solar panels?

I assume the new section will contain batteries so as not to explode?

>>1093583
Good work guys.
Friends acquired.
Hunting partners eventually, mounts maybe but best of all theyre all
good boys and girls.

>>1093584

Oh damn.
Ok.
New section.
Hmm.
Lets go for something with the scales lifted and facing outwards. Not inverted. This would offer bowl like surface that could house more stable structures AND act as a rain trap for water storage.

>>1093585

This is a good secondary plan.
If enough bright cloth isnt available then maybe rope, planks of locally sourced timber laid in thin rows could make us some giant blinds to raise and lower as needed.

Nalthar 2024/07/06(Sat)20:54 No. 1093887 ID: 5ebd37
File 172032447006.jpg - (1.01MB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_60 first planning.jpg )

>communicate with the fabricator
Jormun: (That's the problem, I should be able to talk to it, but there's no connection. Or at least, it's not responding to me. I'm still getting some signals from it so I know it's online and what its doing, but that's all. If someone can get inside me we might be able to fix that, but none of the exterior doors are listening to me either. So until you can break through reinforced plating the fabricator is just going to be on its own.)

>I assume the new section will contain batteries so as not to explode?
Jormun: (Each section has its own battery, so yes. I checked in my data banks, though they're in a sorry state, and I was able to find some info on the battery system. They're rated to not degrade like this for at least 30 millennia, so we won't have to worry about the new one.)

>slice him in half and let the two sides' nanofabs work on it.
Jormun: (Ah, that would be cool! But there's only one fabricator so, I think it would only half work. I'm hard to saw in half anyway, so maybe later.)

>cover the solar panels
Crafter rep Lohmul: "That is my first thought as well. How much area would we need to cover?"

Pitreh: "H-He's four miles long!"

Lohmul: "Hmm, we may only have enough material to cover two panels then, if we were to give up all the tents. Trader Mirrak, have you any suppliers for more cloth?"

Mirrak: "Wha- I, we haven't met anyone yet?"

Lohmul: "I'd get on that. The crafters are getting antsy with no commissions."

Mirrak: "Hnnn..."

Farmer Marten: "Ey, what if you rubbed mud on em?"

Pitreh: "Do you have four miles worth of mud?"

Marten: "Well, no..."

Jormun: (A partial covering will only delay the build-up.)

Pitreh: "Then we'll put coverings down as a maybe for current projects. After we get some decent housing."

>landing pad, living quarters, storage
Lohmul: "Now this we can do. Plenty of good, strong timber for a platform and some bunkrooms. Any suggestions as to the arrangement?"

Huh, it sounds like the implication is that we need to cover ALL the solar panels, but... the inertial dampeners are using power too, so is there an internal generator or something?

>any particular arrangement?
Well, we have to keep the top of the landing pad clear, so don't build anything above it. We should put storage near the current buildings so that it takes less time to move things.

Storage could probably be put under the landing pad, since that's probably where most people will go immediately afterwards.

The roofs of people's housing could work as walkways to get around. Probably should have netting at the edges to catch any errant slippers. Otherwise, bunkrooms connected to a common area would probably be the most efficient use of our timber for now. Not the most privacy but certainly a step up from tents.

>>1093889
Yes.
Bunkrooms at first with a thought to repurpose them as we have the luxury to make more personal domiciles.

>>1093889
>>1093907
Sounds like a plan.

Nalthar 2024/07/16(Tue)16:08 No. 1094319 ID: 5ebd37
File 172117130612.jpg - (0.97MB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_61 trade platform.jpg )

>more details on the power situation

Jormun: (Sorry if I made it sound too dire. Everything is stable, mostly, but I don't seem to have the control I should. I can't turn the panels off, and I can't turn more systems on that aren't already on. There is a small back up generator, but I'm not sure if it's even working. I'm kind of a mess inside.)

Courtesan Sillah: "It's okay dear, everyone is."

Jormun: (Really? That makes me feel a little better. thanks.)

> A platform, with storage beneath and bunkrooms beside

Lohmul: "Yes, a simple warehouse to start. With a flat roof for landing on, and hmm, ramps for cargo. Housing enough for everyone, even if its cramped for now, tucked on either side."

Sillah: "Like a hug."

Lohmul: "Ye- hrm. If you like." the mouzbold taps his jaw in thought "We should be able to manage it in a week. Will we have enough time, mister Jormun?"

Jormun: (That will be enough time before the fabricators get started, for sure. I'm excited to see what you guys make!)

Pitreh: "Good, let's get to work then. Are there any other immediate concerns before this meeting is adjourned?"

>>1094319
Update on the progress of the hunters and the base camp?
I mean us sharing it with the council so theyre aware of the discoveries regarding the ambush predator and the lizarc domestication candidates to serve as hunting budfies.

>>1094319
The first landing is going well. We've identified another intelligent species, how intelligent isn't clear but there's signs of social bonds and the capacity for recognizing other species as friends or allies. Could be either a candidate for domestication or uplifting. I assume uplifting is a thing that can be done with fleshcrafting, if something is near-capable of interaction and civilization but not quite.
Is that possibly how all the convergent species of kobold came about, actually? Maybe we'll have some lizardbolds floating around soon.

Nalthar 2024/07/24(Wed)19:48 No. 1094686 ID: 44c167
File 172187572490.jpg - (105.68KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_62 discussing anatomy.jpg )

>Update on the progress of the base camp
>candidate for domestication or uplifting

Murdoc: The hunter spreads a few rough charcoal sketches on the table. "We've set up a little palisade around our camp. But more importantly, we made some friends. Fast and smart, and we feel with just a little nudge they could become full on thinking people."

Martah: "What a coincidence, I've found a candidate for personhood too." The shaper thumps a wrapped bundle on the table, opening it to reveal a head with snaggle teeth and an exposed cranium. "While looking through some of the spare parts I saw that these red ones have quite developed brains."

Murdoc: "Ah! That's the one, the raptor things!"

Martah: "You've met them? And they're friendly? This will be easy then. Just a poke around the head, switch to an upright posture..."

Murdoc: "Whoa hey no no no! They look so cool the way they are. They'll need opposable thumbs sure, but don't just shove them into a koboid body shape."

Martah: "Koboid body plan is the standard for a reason. It's more efficient! You just want to ride one, don't you?"

Murdoc: "Yes, I do! They aren't so big, they would function just as well they way they are!"

An argument ensues with much heated words and shaken fists exchanged between the esteemed council members.

A) uplift and give the raptors standard humanoid bodies
B) uplift and keep their bodies the same but with better manipulative hands
C) or something crazier?
Also what should we call these things?

A

>>1094686
B. But also, can't we just ask what they want?

Why the hell are you performing direct-contact biomancy on their immunocompromised brains with your dirt-covered bare hands?! You're going to give them literal brain-rot!
Ugh. (C) Taur-form if you're both so obsessed with contrasting postures.
Add udders.

I mean, if we're uplifting them, we could ask them what they want

I mean, if we're uplifting them, we could ask them what they want

>>1094686
Open with b and when they achieve sufficient understanding, give them choice.

You guys really know how to make friends.
Structurally too.

>>1094690
This is a dead one we had in our spare parts since back here >>1081392
I think germs are the least of its concerns.

>>1094686
B. and then ask what they want after you teach them your language.
Don't forget vocal chords capable of speaking your language!
>Name
Lizbolds will do, for now.

1/3 Nalthar 2024/08/05(Mon)23:19 No. 1095378 ID: 44c167
File 172292517917.jpg - (100.17KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_63 cheer up martah.jpg )

> Get your dirty hands outta that brain!

Martah: (Oh, don't worry, this is one that, eh, didn't survive our arrival. It's very dead. If you thought people's spirits didn't hang around their bodies long, they got nothing on animals. It's like they've got somewhere to be.)

> teach them your language.

Martah: (Hah, that's no problem. That was the secret to our trading success back in the old world. All robolds get a little extra bit on the brain that senses intent, so learning languages is a snap. I'll just copy that.)

> Open with basics and when they achieve sufficient understanding, give them choice.

Martah: "But that's so... easy. Where's the fun in that?"

Murdoc: "Would it make you feel better if I let you work on me too?"

Martah: "Sigh, yeah it would."

2/3 Nalthar 2024/08/05(Mon)23:20 No. 1095379 ID: 44c167
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Work progresses well. The crafters are happy to have something to work on. And there is only a minimum of broken bones from tossing logs down to the worksite a mile down.

The flesh shapers set up a makeshift workshop down at the camp. It's a simple set up. Curious lizards approach are lured in by the scent of the hunters' fresh kills. They are met by courtesans who usher them into the tents where a little spa has been set up. While the future lizzbolds are bathed and pampered shapers massage their scalps, gently driving magic in to run the animals' thoughts down new pathways. They also give each a pair of new thumbs, while they are reeling with the jump to sapience.

Once the lizzbolds have recovered they get to attend a sort of crash-course on being a person. Between their innate intelligence and the courtesan guild's skill at therapy, they are operating at the cognitive level of a child in only a few days.

Some of the newly lifted lizz go out with the hunter teams and spread the word (as it were) to other packs. By the time the weekend comes the camp is bustling with around sixty of the things.

3/3 Nalthar 2024/08/05(Mon)23:21 No. 1095380 ID: 44c167
File 172292528494.jpg - (53.39KB , 719x800 , fallingcity_65 new eyes for murdoc.jpg )

Meanwhile, Murdoc is getting an experimental new electro-sense organ from Martah. It can detect electrical impulses up to fifty feet away, and can operate just fine through flesh, though not very well through bone. The question is, where to put it.

Feel free to draw or just describe how it should be situated.

>>1095380
Tail tip. Easy to snake it around corners or close to something without risking a more immediately valuable limb.

>>1095378
Ah. Poor bastard.

>>1095380
Nipples

Doomsby 2024/08/06(Tue)22:31 No. 1095467 ID: 462d8c
File 172300867372.png - (369.75KB , 719x800 , ratboldwhisk.png )

What about as the classic, and stylish, sensory organ of whiskers? Nice wiggly things to show off your new skill.

>>1095467
Three words.
Star nosed mole.

Lots of tendrils but shorter, very prehensile. All on and sprouting from nose.
Can clench up like a weird fist if something starts agitating it.

Absurdity DeVoid 2024/08/08(Thu)12:46 No. 1095562 ID: e25c20
File 172314637111.jpg - (127.45KB , 462x470 , poklon 13.jpg )

Well, the best organ for detecting electricity would be 4 antennas and they would work like the ones that the snail has. They can retract back inside the head, and pop out when needed to be used.

Nalthar 2024/08/17(Sat)14:52 No. 1095980 ID: 355e44
File 172393155239.jpg - (63.89KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_66 tentacles.jpg )

>Nipples!

Murdoc: "No way! I need those."

>Tail

Martah: "That's a good idea but..."

>Tentacles Tentacles Tentacles!

Martah: "Tentacles Tentacles Tentacles!"

Murdoc: nods "Hm, yes. Sensible."

Martah: "Just kidding, we'll do both!"

One flesh shaping later...

Martah: "So now the tip of your tail can split open to reveal the sensor, that way you can mute it when you don't need as much information. And the ones around your nose can retract as well. Effective range of around 30 feet. Oh, and you'll need some extra vitamins to keep them running smoothly."

Murdoc: "Wonderful! You're the best Martah." she traps Martah in a big hug and pets the shapers head, to which he blushes and squirms. "Nooo, don't praise me. Murdoc stoooop!"

Nalthar 2024/08/17(Sat)14:52 No. 1095981 ID: 355e44
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As the week nears the end so too does completion of the new structure. Tall columns of public housing rise up on the left of the landing platform, with enough room for all 300 bolds, even if it is rather cramped. To the right is a large workshop, which is doubling as crafter housing for the moment.

The warehouse under the platform is already starting to fill with craftpieces. But not, unfortunatly, with much food. The farming effort has been unsucessful, and the hunting can only bring in so much a day. The top hunters are called up to discuss a plan.

Pitreh: "Despite my best encouragement, Marten continues to have no experience as an actual farmer. So we're going to need local help to get more than just meat. To that end, we are going to send an expedition to try and find said locals. I've already asked some of the older lizzbolds, combined with what we've observed from up here it seems we have three options."

Option 1: The structure in the mountains. Lizzbolds said there had been people on that side of the forest, but this was years ago. There are lights up there at night, so a good chance it's occupied.

Option 2: The desert across the mountains. One of the lizz said they wandered through a pass in the mountain once, so at least we have a guide. We don't have a great angle, even from this high, but there do appear to be lights out there on some nights.

Option 3: The jungle to the south. As far as we can see to the south, the river leaves the valley and flows into a dense jungle. Some ways away along it's length we've spotted a persistent hazy area, could be sign of a city's hearthfires. The lizz consider this valley their territory, so none have ever journed as far as that.

>>1095981
Option 1. Confirmed people, which means at the very least they can direct us to where the farmers are.

>>1095980
Out
Standing!

You now have the bestbparty trick ever.
You can pick your nose with your nose

>>1095981
Option 1 and 2 have confirmed people, or as close as were going to get.
The down side is both are environments where farmland and yeild is sparse.
Good lessons to be learned but scant resources for trade are likely.
That said, our capacity to gather meat for trade may tempt them.

Mountains.
Most dangers there are mitigated by our semi airborne hunters.

>>1095981
Not great places for large scale farms, but there is likely horticulture with hardy root vegetables in a mountain settlement. Those sorts of things can be adapted into easy farm produce for the inexperienced.

Option 1.

>>1095981
Option one seems likely to work and even if their aren't locals there anymore we can probably learn something from any ruins

Nalthar 2024/08/28(Wed)22:51 No. 1096650 ID: 355e44
File 172491067657.jpg - (95.99KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_68 lets go on a hike.jpg )

Pitreh: "Mountain expedition is a go then. Murdoc, you're leading. Pick whoever you need, but we only can only spare enough food to feed six for a week's journey, plus some for the lizzbolds that will carry you there. Oh, and take some craftworks with you, maybe we'll get trading partners out of this."

What sort of bolds should Murdoc fill the five available slots with?
Hunters: bolds skilled at hunting and wilderness survival, as well as combat.
Shapers: magic users able to shape living flesh to their design.
Crafters: those with the drive to create shape and form out of whatever material is at hand.
Scriveners: bolds who craft runes and make a deeper study of fundamental magic forces than shapers do.
Traders: the negotiators and planners of the tribe.
Courtesans: there to soothe tensions and keep everyone going.
"Farmers": bolds with nothing better to do so they might as well study the local fauna or something.

Also will you spirits be coming with, or stay here and keep planning the town?

>>1096650
Murdoc is a hunter...
One hunter, one shaper. Two fighters and a combat medic will handle any threats. Take a Scrivener so if there's any magical weirdness up there they can handle it. Additionally, let's take a trader for obvious reasons, and... I dunno, maybe another hunter, or a courtesan, or a crafter. Would both traders and crafters have an eye for valuable materials?

>>1096650
1 Hunter
1 Shaper
1 Scrivener
1 Trader
Keep the last lizbold free of a rider, in case we need to haul something back, or bring back a foreign diplomat. The extra food will give us a little more wiggle room as well, at least another day of thin rationing before we run out.

>>1096650
Agreed on the hunter, shaper and trader.
Perhaps a farmer too.
If our goal is to find sustainable food sources or learn farming techniques, someone who knows flora would be important.
A deficated mount for carrying goods to and returning with samples

Shaper + Courtesan: Can mold the social expert into the neighbors' deepest desires for long-lasting first impressions
2 Hunters: One to scout and one to guard.
Trader: They'll discuss basic trade routes. Make sure they don't scam the locals, we have a Titan and won't need to worry about being screwed over for a long time.

1/2 Nalthar 2024/09/12(Thu)18:10 No. 1097330 ID: 355e44
File 172618984396.jpg - (169.87KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_69 the expedition prepares.jpg )

The team assembles down on the field.

Murdoc is, of course, leading and will also be bringing her considerable scoutcraft skills to the table. She will be riding Gnapper.

The other hunter will be Burgo. As the only cappybolda he brings a good intimidation factor. He also has been getting on well with the lizzbolds. He will be riding Croosh.

Martah is our shaper, due to his skill but also because he and Murdoc are childhood friends. It's nepotism! He will be riding Tippitoe.

Donvan is NOT coming, because despite also being Murdoc and Martah's childhood friend he would be unbearable to spend a week in close quarters with. Instead we will be bringing Lantil as rune scrivener. She will be riding Jitter.

Mirrak is our most senior trader, and we should put our best foot forward. She will ride Leerin.

And to round things out is courtesan Hilgar. They used to be a hunter and still maintain some of those skills, so they'll be able to fill dual roles. They will be riding Hazard.

Also extra lizzbold Grina in case we need to carry something back and because they really really want to come.

2/2 Nalthar 2024/09/12(Thu)18:11 No. 1097331 ID: 355e44
File 172618988780.jpg - (174.75KB , 1000x800 , fallingcity_70 forest routes.jpg )

The expedition sets out at a good pace. Lizzbolds are sprinters, but they can manage long distance as long as it's not too hurried.

The lizzbolds offer a choice of routes:

A) follow the stream; faster but more likely to encounter large predators.
B) through the forest; moderate pace but safer and easier hunting.
C) deep forest; slow but nothing larger than a lizzbold will show up due to undergrowth

Oh we have a choice of risk. Well, I'm not totally sure about our party strength, to be honest. Do you feel confident about fighting predators? We could do A. If it's iffy then B is fine.

Leaning towards B as the middle ground, but I guess it depends on just how much there is to worry about running into, for A.

>>1097331
B. With good hunting we can save more of our food supplies for the climb.

Nalthar 2024/09/18(Wed)21:58 No. 1097544 ID: 355e44
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The robolds are persuaded to temper their exuberance and take it safe. The lizzbolds race through ferns and thickets with sure feet and high spirits.

With the lizzbold's knowledge of the forest the party is able to avoid the more dangerous creatures, and fend off the more annoying ones. They even manage to bag a few small gliding salamanders, when a flock drops out of the canopy and divebombs them. By midday they rest in a clearing around halfway through the forest.

Murdoc takes a pair of lizzbolds to try and get in a bit of hunting. In a patch of dirt by the clearing are some fresh tracks.

Gnapper says:
A: A flock of little snappers. Taste okay but they're so tricky.
B: Ooh, spinies! Very tasty, but they sting.
C: Those things! They like to hide, but they taste good.
D: A big stomper, too big for lizzbolds to hunt alone. I wonder how they taste?

>>1097544
D! How do they taste?

>>1097544
C. Once we catch one, maybe Martah can use their vocal cords to make some calls and draw more out of hiding.

>>1097544
Spineys.
They may be easier to deal with for our more adept hunters.
The spines may be harvestable and have utility.
Plus, itd be a nice reward for our new lizbold buddies.