Chapter 20 - "A favor, for a favor"

Chapter 19 < Chapter 20 > Chapter 21

Chapter 20 - "A favor, for a favor"

   [6:47 am] ...

... The Ashranie sure are early people, rising with the sun. The day didn't even properly start yet and they're on their feet already, minding their daily business.

I thought about how to spend my time useful until they get up and my first thought was; continuing planning the layout of my future dungeon/home. But this would be futile until some important questions are answered, which I need the Ashranie for. The second idea was to go over the item-list, and see if anything interesting was brought in with the recent attack. But there's currently no one interested in the equipment of soldiers, so it doesn't have a high priority right now. In the end I ended up browsing through the achievement-list, hoping I would find something with a nice reward that could help me sort out some of the planning-dilemmas I have. Aside from research, this is the best way I know to widen my range of possibilities. And there are indeed some interesting ones:

The first would be of coerce:

Achievement: "Going slowly" (Needed: "Getting a foundation")
Condition: Have at least 10 creatures (1/10). Place at least 10 traps (10/10). Advance the dungeon to a min of 500 m² (500/500). Create at least 10 rooms (10/10). Kill at least 10 Creatures(10/10). Relocate the dungeon-core at least ones.
Reward: 1500 DP, 75 Research hours, "Population" on "Dungeon Info"-screen, Reach "Tire Z+", new Theme: "Swamp", new spawner: "Rat Nest"

Once I get the Ashranie to meet the new dungeon-dwellers and see the result, my plan is to fill the other empty creature-slots in both spawners. That will bring them to a total of 10 and unlock the Achievement. The reward of which is really something to look forward to.

Another interesting one would be:

Achievement: "Roll It"
Condition: Spawn a total of 10 "Horned Rabbits" (1/10)
Reward: 20 DP, New Creature: "Armored Rabbit.

It promises me a new creature. I wonder what an "Armored Rabbit" is supposed to look like? A rabbit with actual Armor on it? [That would be weird!]

But the one I really found interest in, is:

Achievement: "Tightly shut"
Condition: Place at least 10 Doors (2/10).
Reward: 20 DP, New Trap: "Trap door".

The "Trap door" reward catches my eye here. I don't know how exactly it will work, but with a little luck, and if I do it right ... maybe I can make it work like an improvised drawbridge. This could certainly help a bit in separating the living quarters from the dangerous parts of the dungeon. [Now I just need to find an excuse to install 8 more doors somewhere ...]

My line of thought gets interrupted when I see Orshas figure appearing in front of the tower. She looks around, smells the morning air and begins a slow walk around the outskirt of the Tower, talking with the guarding hunters on her way. I let her finish the inspection and establish a spiritual connection right after.

Me: [Good morning Orsha. You slept well?]

She stops in her tracks and looks around for a moment, even knowing that she can't see me. A natural reflex I guess.

Orsha: [... No ... In the land of dreams, Orsha had seen dark places and had a bad hunt.]

She's awfully honest! I just wanted to greet her...

Me: [I'm ... sorry to hear that? ... Anyway, how's your sister doing?]

Orsha: [She had a peaceful travel in the land of dreams.]

That's not what I wanted to know ...

Me: [Good for her ...] ... I guess ...

That's an awkward conversation ...

Me: [... Say, what are your plans for today?]

Orsha: [Orsha will go to Ashranie camp early, to meet with Hassag and other hunters. Than bring Hassag and hunters to this place. Hassag will want to make ritual to send the fallen Ashranie hunters on their way to the eternal hunting grounds.]

Of coarse, they want to mourn their dead! I haven't even thought about that.

Orsha: [Does Kalifos need something of Orsha?]

Me: [Ahm ... well ...]

Now I feel uncomfortable to ask something of her, knowing that she has a lot more serious concerns on her mind.

Me: [Never mind, it can wait. You have more important things to do right now ... or actually ...]

It sure is important to make your peace with the dead, but I still have a deadline with the refugees from the Dark-Elf's. The sooner I can figure this out, the sooner I can continue with advancing my dungeon. If I take this lightly, I could end up not being ready in time!

Me: [... What will Sari do while you're away?]

Orsha: [Sari stays with the children and injured. She speaks for the Ashranie as long as Hassag and Orsha are not with the tribe.]

Me: [Good, I'll ask her instead. I wish you save travels!]

Orsha: [Ask what? ...]

Instead of answering, I cancel the connection. [Sorry Orsha, I don't want to burden you with even more responsibility right now.] She looks surprised and a little concerned. After a moment, she decides to go back tho their living rooms. I follow her, just out of curiosity and see her having a serious talk with her sister. Now Sari looks nervous ... I wonder if there's a problem ...

Me: [Orsha, is everything alright?]

Orsha: [... Yes! Sari will listen to the great spirit, Kalifos!]

... I wonder what's wrong ... but decide to not bother about it. If she says it's fine, than it probably is.

It took Orsha 20 more minutes to assemble and prepare a small group of hunters. After they had what they needed, they set off towards the forest. Orsha left 4 people behind to protect the ones who can't fight. If Sari is a skilled fighter too, this would make 5. [Time to get to work!]

Sari is currently sitting in her tent and preparing a yellow-greenish paste. I suppose, it's some kind of medicine.

Me: [Sari? Can you hear me?]

She twitches and lets go of what she was holding in her hands. Thankfully, nothing gets spilled.

Sari: [... Yes ...]

She doesn't instantly look up, like Orsha uses to do.

Me: [Sorry, din'd men to startle you.]

She stays silent. Is she afraid of me?

Me: [Ahm ... I hoped you could help me out with something, while your sister is gone?]

Sari: [... Yes ... Sari listens ...]

The answer is quite hesitant. Now I'm glad that Orsha already spoke with her. Otherwise this shy girl might end up not speaking with me at all, simply out of shock.

Me: [I attempt to increase the defense capability of my ... "our" home. For this I ... let's say I called for some guarding spirits. Now I want to see how they react to the Ashranie. Well, basically: I want you guys to "hunt" them! You think, you could ask your armed friends if they want to do that?]

I try to choose my words in a way she would understand the most. It takes her a moment to reply:

Sari: [... Yes ... Sari will ask ...]

She puts the paste and the ingredients to the side and walks over to one of the hunters who didn't go with Orsha. He's currently talking with one of the injured Ashranie, a women who's lying on a layer of pelts, her injuries covered in that same yellow paste. I remember seeing her during the human attack, she was on the tower, throwing spears, when an arrow hit her shoulder. But she didn't retreat and participated in the second stand-off in the barricade-room. The other injuries she got while piercing the commander to death on the stairway. Doesn't look like she will be dying anytime soon. A though women!

The male hunter by her side turns to Sari when she approaches him. To me, he doesn't look very strong compared to other Ashranie hunters. His body is marked by a multitude of old scars. He is either very clumsy or very experienced. His proud look and straight pose when he stands up, suggests the later.

Sari: "Hoko ... Asár "Kalifos" grosh-gomár ..." 

She makes a pause and his eyes widen...

Me: [Hoko ... where have I heard that name before? ...]

Sari: [... Hoko is experienced Ashranie hunter.]

Me: [Ah, right, Orsha mentioned him a few days ago!]

Hoko: "Gas-dag zorim os "Kalifos" andag gor Hoko?"

His voice sound deeper and smokier then most other Lizard-man I heard before. I guess the reason for that is that striking scar on his throat.

Sari: "... Kalifos gomár ... zig Ashranie ash-gor nad zachríg.

Hoko: "... Gordosh zachrig?

"Zachrig" - they are talking about hunting. It's nice to understand them a little, even if it's just a few words.

Sari: [... Hoko is asking what the great spirit ... "Kalifos" ... want the Ashranie to hunt.]

Since I don't know how they call the creatures, I'll go with a more descriptive answer:

Me: [Tell him; the first one is a small, white, furry creature with a single horn on its head. And the other one is a small, black, furry creature that likes to hide in shadows.]

She carries over the descriptions and he nods to both of them. Maybe he knows what I'm talking about.

I notice that Sari seems to be very hesitant in speaking with him as well. I guess, it doesn't have much to do with me after all. Maybe it's just the way she is?

Hoko: "Hoko go-gesésh onák Ashranie. Tornák os-gar!

Now, Sari nods.

Me: [He seems determined! What did he say?]

Sari: [Hoko says, he will call for other hunters ... Hoko wants Sari to show them.]

Me: [Alright, I'll lead you there. It's just a bit more then a stone-throw away from here. Gather at the gate when everyone is ready.]

Sari: [Yes! ... Sari understands!]

She gets a spear from her tent and hurries after Hoko, who already went out. Does she plan to fight to?

It didn't take more then a few minutes for them to gather. Hoko, Sari and two other female hunters are standing at the gate. Hoko shortly explaind something and turns to Sari.

Me: [Everyone ready?]

She gets a confirming look at Hoko's face.

Sari: [... Yes ...]

Me: [Good ... but I have one more favor to ask. If possible, have the creatures attack first. I want to see if they are hostile towards the Ashranie. After that, you may hunt them as you please.]

Orsha translates my will to the others. Hoko takes a look at the other hunters and nods in confirmation.

Me: [Great! You know the pond over there? ...]

I pic up a stone and throw it in the direction of the cave.

Me: [... You can't see it from here, but there's a small cave there. That's where the creatures are!]

The group follows Sari's lead and ends up at the entrance of the cave with a surprised look on their faces. I've seen them scout the area during guard duty and there was no cave there before, so their surprise is understandable.

Hoko rises his hand to the others, gets closer to the entrance, bows his body forward and listens. After a few seconds even I can hear a damped, echoing *skree* from the rabbit inside. Hoko readies his sword-like weapon (a long, curved bone, sharpened on the outer side, the handle wrapped in thin vines) and silently moves inside. One does not need to be an expert to see how familiar this is to him. The others follow his example and ready their weapons - Bone-claws and another sword. Sari is the only one with a Spear and the last one to enter the cave.

As they move through the entrance-room into the bigger cave, I can't help but notice how the others rely on Hoko's lead. How they are trying to mimic his movements, following his steps. I think of asking Sari if he is a teacher of some kind, but she looks so tense right now, I would just scare her again. I'll first let them do their thing, and talk later.

As soon as they get into the bigger cavern, Hoko pierces his eye on the rabbit for a moment, which is luckily facing the other direction right now. Then he starts looking through the various dark corners of the barley lit cave. I guess he is looking for the Shadow Cat.

I take a look around the room ... It's nowhere to be seen ... Maybe it went outside?

Hoko gives a sign to spread out and the group moves further into the room. A few steps after, the claw-girl trips over a stone and the same instant, the Horned Rabbit jumps on its back-feet, ears up in the air.

Horned Rabbit: "*SKREEEE!*"

Well, that's not the reaction, I was hoping for. The creature immediately kicks the ground and starts running at the intruder. The same charge as it did on the chicken earlier. The huntress seems to be struggling if she should block or dodge, but at Hoko's command, she leaps out of the way of the creatures pointy horn at the last moment. The girl with the blade takes the chance to strike at it when it lands, but the critter menages to jump to the side.

What follows is a short back-and-forth between them - striking and dodging. Despite his obvious experience, Hoko stays out of the skirmish and just occasionally gives commands while carefully observing the surrounding, well aware of the other danger inside. The skirmish ends with the claw-women luring the rabbit into an attack, and the other girl slashing it with her sward in mid air. A happy cheer echoes through the cave and Hoko gives them a satisfied smile ...

But at this exact moment Sari jumps towards him with wide opened eyes, striking her spear towards his head. He don't even notice until the weapon passes his face by a hands length. The spear comes to a halt with a dump *thud* and falls to the ground - at its end, a gasping black cat. While the creature breaths out its last, everyone turns to Sari, who is still standing there like a statue in the same pose the spear left her hand. She blinks in surprise on her own action.

Other huntresses: "Hooaaaa ..."

But the most surprised seems to be Hoko. He looks at the cat, than at Sari, then at the cat again. The creature attempted to attack him from a blind spot. I doubt that it could manage to do serious damage on him, but Sari may have saved him from a few new scars.

After ensuring that there is nothing more left to hunt, he walks to the slain creature, hacks of its long tail and hands it over to Sari.

Hoko: "Gar-sesh Sari. Sograd tar-mogósh!"

Sari carefully takes it with wide open eyes, like it's worth a fortune. She looks dumb-folded as the other girls come to her with a cheer and pat her shoulders. I guess, she is not getting a trophy every day.

Me: [Congratulations, Sari!]

She jumps in surprise at my wards. I scared her after all.

Me: [Thank you for your help today. And give my thanks to the others too, I appreciate it.]

She stays silent.

Me: [Please leave the dead bodies behind, I want to see if they'll disappear ...]

While I talk to her, the sword-girl ensures her own trophy, buy breaking off the rabbits horn. It takes her some effort and a bit of help, though.

Me: [... But don't worry, you can keep the trophies.]

That would actually be another good experiment.

Sari: [... Yes!]

She transfers my words to the others and they nod in agreement. Deciding to visit her later, I cancel our connection. And look at the dead bodies. [You guys had quite the short life ... Sorry 'bout that.] That was quite interesting! Watching the Ashranie hunt is always exiting. I can't stop myself from being fascinated by them. Their culture, their hunting patterns, even their history with Argos.

My spawned creatures on the other hand are as troublesome as I was afraid they would be. Their aggressive nature will surly help holding off who ever tries to invade. But at the same time, it endangers the ones they are supposed to protect. I'm not ready to abandon the idea of using them yet, but figuring this out could proof to be complicated.

No matter how I go about it, I would need at least two different entrances - a save-, and a regular one. So making this cave was not a bad idea after all. But how to go from here? Sure, I could use doors to separate the different dungeon parts, but I don't know if it will be enough. If some of the creatures are able to sense their "enemy" through a door, they might try to brake it down. Then there is that trap-door, which I could get through achievements, but I need to install some more regular doors to unlock it. [Hmmmm ...]

If I just start by advancing this cave and separate it into different rooms, there would be much opportunity to install doors. It could also be useful to test out other creatures. Either I connect it to the main area later on, or not, I still can't do much wrong with that plan ... [It's decided then!] This will be the plan for the near future. But there's a more pressing meter right now; When Hassag and his men return, they wouldn't have a proper place to rest their feet. Now, that I have the necessary DP, I should enlarge the living quarters for the Ashranie. Even when I was thinking of moving them deeper underground, I can't say when this will be yet.

While I am still thinking about one or another minor thing for a few more minutes, the corpses of the two creatures begin glimmering. [That's what I was waiting for!] But it's different from other disappearing bodies. The glimmer is blue, like the one when I create stuff. And it doesn't fly anywhere, like the yellow particles. It's more like they are just burning away. What stays behind is only the green soul-core. It was present inside of their chests all along, like some kind of artificial heart.

After confirming that nothing more is happening, I try placing the cores back in the spawners ... and it works without a problem, giving me a new counter. This time I placed the cat first, and the rabbit second. To my delight, the spawn time is bound to the creature types and not to their total amount. That's another mystery solved!

...

   When I arrive back in the Ashranie-cave, Sari is surrounded by some tribesmen - mostly children. The center of attention seems to be the Shadow-Cat tail she got from today's heroic stunt. She got herself some sharp tools and is fiddling with it, trying to remove the flesh and bones inside. Hoko is sitting across the room and is watching the scene with a satisfied expression on his face. His thoughts seem to be somewhere else, though.

As for my curiosity; I'm glad to confirm that the trophies didn't disappear. The other women is showing off the horn to her comrade too. Maybe that's because they are not physically connected to the soul-core anymore.

To proceed with my plan, I could just start digging. But it would be good manners to warn them about it. I don't want to scare anyone after all. I open a link to Sari and wait for a moment. Like I expected she stops what she was doing and looks around. She noticed!

Me: [Hello there, didn't want to scare you again.]

Sari: "*Eiick*"

With a short scream, she drops her tool once more. The others look at her in confusion and surprise.

Me: [... I scared you after all ...]

She signals the others wit a gesture that everything is fine.

Sari: "... Agrosh mor-gar dos Kalifos ..."

Others: "Hoooaaa ..."

Sari: [... Sari apologizes ...]

Me: [No need to! I see, you are tending to your trophy. Not happy with how it looks?]

I try to make it sound like a joke.

Sari: [Yes ... It will rot and stink if the meat stays inside.]

Well, that makes sense.

Me: [I see ... Listen, I was thinking of advancing this cave. It may get crowded when Hassag's hunting group returns. Could you ask your people to stay away from the back wall, so we don't get in each others way?]

Sari: [... Yes, sari will tell ...]

Me: [Thanks!]

I intend to turn around and inspect the area I need to dig out, when ...

Sari: [... Kalifos! ...]

Sari shrinks in her pose, as if she scared herself to call out my name like that. I can tell that it took her some courage. It must be important, so I turn my full attention back at her and reply as gently as I can:

Me: [Yes?]

It takes her a moment to collect her thoughts, which is hindered by her nervousness.

Sari: [... Hoko ... wants Sari to ask a favor of the great spirit, Kalifos.]

Me: [Ooh? And what does he need?]

Sari: [... Hoko wants to ask if ... if Kalifos will call the spirits of the beasts again ... for the young Ashranie to hunt ...]

A hunting ground, huh? Not a bad Idea. If they go out to real hunts, you never know what will happen. So a controlled environment would be ideal to tech the basics of hunting. Basically what he did back in the cave. I guess, he is a teacher after all. At least, he is thinking like one! On top of that, this could even provide some resources for them, like pelts and the like. maybe even meat for food ...

Me: [That's a good idea! In fact, they are already on the way. It takes a bit of time for them to arrive, but if he likes, he can go hunt them several times a day. But I would like to set some extra rules for it first. Can we talk about it later in more detail?]

Sari: [Yes ... Hoko will be happy.]

I'm sure, he will. I can see him watching Sari in anticipation, knowing that she's talking with me. After she nervously proclaimed to her clan what I wanted to do, everyone gets exited. They take away their tools, pelts, weapons and basically everything else away from the back-wall, like I asked. They event went as far as to quickly deconstruct two of their tents. I'm honestly surprised at how fast they are at it.

When I started "digging" and the bluish shimmer slightly brightens the cave, gasps of surprise and fascination emerge from the crowd. They are watching the process to the end with an expression of witnessing a miracle. Well, to be fair, from their perspective they probably are. No wonder some dungeons are worshiped as god-like entities.

I didn't enlarge the two -already huge- rooms where the Ashranie made themselves at home but instead made two additional ones which basically doubling their living-area. Once it's done, and the bluish glimmer disappears, the area is lit only by their simple lamps and ... well ... by my dungeon heart in the main room. After I made Sari tell them that it's finished, and they curiously inspect the new cave, I take the chance to talk to Hoko with Sari's assistance.

It didn't take long to clarify our expectations of each other. Basically, he wants several stages of creatures (or "prey" as he calls it) with increasing difficulty. And I want him to wait for the creatures to disappear and put the cores back in the caves they belong to, So I don't have to do it myself every time they go in there. He has a "simple" mind, which does not mean "stupid" but "practical". He is quite straight-forward, knows what he wants and in return respects my demands. I don't have the feeling that he is trying to deceive or trick me, like I constantly did during our talk with the Dark-Elf's.

I like him!

Now, that this has been taken care of, it's time to return to the cave.

Lets build a nice, little, protective maze!

Chapter 19 < Chapter 20 > Chapter 21

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