With Sticks and Stones

[Arthropoda Ingens]

Are you a REAL MAN?

Do you REVERE your ancestors and their survival skills?

Do you WANT to show that you've the same BALLS OF STEEL they had?

Do you have EXPERIENCE with EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY?

If your answer to all these questions is YES, then maybe, just maybe EOCENIA is for you!

Eocenia, a recently discovered world in the Perseus arm (Spinwards). A world teeming with life, thirty million years after its most recent extinction event! Six continents and thousands upon thousands of islands waiting for discovery! An alien biosphere, superbly adapted for life on its world, waiting to be challenged!

Ten, twenty thousand years ago, the ancestors of man survived without any advanced technology, just with what their ingenuity and the environment gave them. Almost literally dropped naked on a hostile world out to cause their extinction, they kept going, to become what we are now.

YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE SAME! A strange, unknown, alien world, waiting for its conquerors. But it will be a challenge, for you'll arrive naked, bar all technological gimmicks and gadgets, to survive, to defeat eocenia, to prove that YOU have the same balls, and the same skills your ancestors possessed! Be part of a team effort, win (And lose) new friends while fighting for your next meal with Eocenia's sabre-toothed apex predators such as Gigantodentes! Explore mountain ranges, shrublands, rainforests, and the island chains in the seas! Experience moments of incredible beauty and unimaginable terror when the streamlined bodies of giant fish leap out of the water, seemingly defying gravity, and tear your head off with row after row of razer-sharp and fist-sized teeth!

Are you interested? If yes, book your personal one-year ADVENTURE with Norton Adventuring, Keyword 'Eocenia'.

Norton Adventuring is not liable for any injury-related expenses incurred during your holidays on Eocenia

... A bit weird a holiday trip, but for people into that kind of thing... Interested parties could of course quickly aquire a (Rather short) fact sheet on Eocenia.

Eocenia is an earth-like planet with slightly lower gravity (~ 97% Earth standard) than Earth; A year is approx. 359 Earth days. The temperature is high - the global average is at 290 Kelvin (18 °C), about three Kelvin higher than on Earth. The oxygen content in the atmosphere is high, at about 24%, giving rise to impressive megafauna, impressively sized invertebrates, and impressively devastating forest fires.

Temperatures have recently - past few thousand years - been dropping, as the widespread forests soaked up atmospheric CO2, reducing the greenhouse effect. Consequently, the forests themselves have also been retreating (Though they're still the most widespread terrestrial ecosystem on Eocenia), making place for shrublands (Grass-like plants have evolved several million years ago, but aren't widespread yet). Nonetheless, with no permanent icecaps, the land area is relatively small, at about 25% the total surface area, as are the continents. Large, shallow oceans are dominant.

Geological activity is substantial, with higher-than-Earth rates for volcanic & tectonic activity, partly caused by the last extinction event (Asteroid impact; equatorial, near a fault line), however, it, too, is slowly decreasing to more 'Normal' levels.

The possible 'Drop Zones' (That is, continents) are as follows:

Mary is the northernmost continent; a large island archipelago (With very large islands) goes past the polar circle. A single, large mountain range divides the western coast from the interior of the continent, and the western temperate rainforest from the interior shrublands and (In the south) open woodlands. Smaller archipelagos lie along the western coast.

Mary's large temperate rainforests are home to many small- to medium sized (But few large) animals, and are presumed to have given rise to Eocenia's version of birds some fifty million years ago. The interior shrub- and open woodlands are dominated by large herds of megaherbivores, as well as their equally large predators. The polar regions are dominated by their seasonal changes, and are home to semi-aquatic animals (Similar to Earth' pinnipeds).

Sophia lies several thousand kilometres to the east of Mary, and a little more southward. It's the smallest continent, and hardly even looks like one. It's five times as long as wide, stretching from the north-west to the south-east. High volcanic activity and rather a lot of precipitation form a remarkably fertile environment. Around it, the second-largest density of islands on Eocenia is found.

Being relatively isolated (And Alessa's environment being too different to allow for a large-scale exchange of biodiversity), many of Sophia's endemic species differ significantly from the ones found on the other continents, and are more closely related to the pre-extinction environment than to the modern one.

Alessa is located close to Sophia's south-west. Ranging from the subtropical areas of the northern hemisphere to the temperate ones of the southern one, it is for the most part dominated by vast shrublands and deserts. Similar in location and climate to Earth' africa, it does for the most part lack rainforests, as it is largely dominated by the planet's highest mountain ranges, turning its interior into a difficult environment where only specialists survive.

Superficially similar to Mary's interior, Alessa's much harder to survive on, and the local wildlife shows. Poison, horns and claws, an infinity of tricks and traps, powerful predators and powerful prey. Constantly threatened by death, Alessa's wildlife is among the most impressive, and undoubtedly the most deadly on Eocenia.

Erika is the largest of Eocenia's continents. Stretching from near the southern tip of Alessa to past the equator in the distant west (A few thousand kilometres to the south of Mary), it is largely dominated by forests and rainforests stretching as far as the eye can see, only occasionally replaced by shrublands. Geological actvity is comparatively minor, and the many different climates on the continent give it one of the most varied ecologies on the planet. A relatively small mountain range stretches across the length of the continent, sharply dividing the north-eastern and south-western ecozones.

The variety of life on Erika is tremendous. Although not reaching the size and deadliness of Alessa's native species, Erika's are impressive in their own way, and in many ways, resembles Alessa's, except they're adapted to forests, rather than the open savannah. The much-feared Gigantodentes calls it its home.

Edna is the southernmost continent. Although not covering Eocenia's south pole, it comes close to the same. Riddled with fjords, many of its long-stretched peninsulas reach past the polar circle and into more temperate regions. However, for the most part, Edna is dominated by the cycle of polar day and night, the melting of its ice, and the freezing of its water.

Its ecosystem shows as much, with wood- and shrubland being limited to a few isolated pockets on the peninsulas stretching from the continent proper. The rest experiences harsh winters, and only during the short summer can a small, but hardened flora develop and support the many animals that've slept through the winter. Those few months, life is frantic, only to go to sleep again once the days grow shorter.

Melissa isn't a continent as such, but it could be one, or rather, several, if Eocenia had permanent icecaps. Reaching out of the ocean to the south-west of Mary and the west of Erika, and not too distant from the eastern fringes of Sophia, this would-be continent is instead a gaint archipelago spread over most of the 'External' ocean (The 'Internal' ocean is defined by being inside the semi-circle formed by Mary, Erika, Sophia and Alessa). It is a host to many rare species, rather like Earth' Polynesia - except that in this instance, many of the islands reach New-Zealand size, as opposed to only one of them. Ranging from tropical to temperate climates (In the very south, not far away from Edna, it can be subpolar), it probably forms the human 'Ideal' of a tropical island world.

Not surprisingly, Melissa's wildlife is often aquatic or semi-aquatic in nature, though 'Birds' (The term is used loosely) and survivors of the great flooding play a role as well. Oceanic megafauna is frequently seen near the shores, taking advantage of currents and food sources, and amphibic lifestyles similar to those seen in crocodiles (But bigger) are omnipresent.

---

Out Of Character Notes

To participate: Being on NS IRC is a plus. Your character's species isn't of concern, but magic, psychic, cybernetic & similar... Goodbye.

If interested, you can just assume to have booked for the trip, signed the legal documents (Norton Adventures isn't responsible for anything that'll happen to you), and arrived on the Norton Adventures base ship in Eocenia's orbit. It is recommended that everyone involved comes to a consensus as to where to start off, and then go together in one to three groups. Alternatively, you could switch your environment every few months (Build yourself a boat).

Also, you'll not be kept tabs on - the ship will bugger off once you're down, and no contact will be possible. One year later, it'll be there again to take you home.

Lastly, I've kept the overall description brief. The environment is a fair bit more varied and complex than described above (It's just the general outline, doesn't cover every exception to the rule), and the animal- and plant species went intentionally undescribed - you're supposed to be surprised, after all.

[The Atheists Reality]

Mss'Rahk preferred to work with the rough, scratchy paper she had for most of her fifty six years, yet even this corporate(and thus family) matriarch summoned the will to read something one of her sons, and employees, had sent across the company network. Her family(and thus employees) often joked about her tendency to harp on about the evils of the modern world, and though no doubt exaggerated, Old Lady Rahk loudly pined for the days when it was your skill in the hunt, and the number of mates that determined your worth in society, not the depths of your bank account!

Her grumbling aside, Mss'Rakh is the wealthy head of a large family corporation and thus possesses the resources-and will to respond in a manner befitting this great cat of some ten feet tall, with her slightly faded, coarse fur and ominous, fang filled grin. One would be wise not to underestimate her, despite her clearly hunched over stance, weary with the weight of time. Or the occasional fleck of meat stuck in her chin-fur.
Ingrained distrust of high technology notwithstanding, 'Old Lady' Rahk is perfectly willing to put up with the indignity of a cold, unfeeling and most certainly unnatural starship if it means teaching those inferior and most certainly less worthy wealthy beings outside of her family just what it means to survive in an environment lacking the pleasures of an airconditioned corporate headquarters!
Her speech is short and to the point, as even though she has mastered many simplified trade languages her large, one could say gaping-mouth was never intended for elabourate conversation with alien species, and as such, though she signs the neccessary documents and books the proper space she seems little short of irritated when she sets foot on the ship, no small part of which must be due to her avoidance of the smaller spaces.

[Dermeria]

6 months ago
Diaria threw down the advertisement onto the desk. A year on an alien planet, she thought, How exciting!

Diaria walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. She smiled, thinking again about this oppurtunity. She wasn't an ugly women, actually, she was quite beautiful. With a smooth face and sharp green eyes, but she hid behind her frizzy brown hair and thick glasses, the two things she could always count on to shield her from everyone else.

So much she would have to do. She would have to resign, if only temporarily, from the University and find someone to look after her house. She had been a biology professor for five years at the top university in Dermeria, after working for years on her own research in order to earn her PhD. She could see the headlines now, "DNU professor makes trip of a lifetime." She would be famous! And think of the research she could do on the alien planet. A biologist's dream. Maybe the University would pay her way, think of it as 'extra training.' She had to find a way.


the Present

Diaria boarded the large starship destined for the alien planet. So much had happened in the last 6 months. The University had decided to send her on this trip, as a way to support a "diverse and unique teaching staff," plus it looked good for the University, having a staff member if space doing research gives the government and other donors a lot of incentive to give more money. Diaria had also gone through intense survival training. She learned how to survive in the wild from various trackers and wilderness enthusiasts. Her appearance had also changed. Her glasses had gone, after she had laser treatment to correct her vision. And her thick hair had been replaced by a sleek and short hairdo that would be much less maintenance in the wilderness. She smiled as she entered the massive starship.

[Schadow]

Fionn MacLeod didn’t have anything to lose. This had become increasingly apparent as he thought over his burgeoning debt, the screaming harridan of an ex-wife demanding more and more in the way of support he neither had, nor she deserved, and the dishonorable discharge he’d received from losing his temper at a less than ideal moment on a very deserving yet legally untouchable superior officer. The brief satisfaction he’d had while beating the other man’s head against the ground had soon been overwhelmed by the reality of the situation, and his denial of benefits, paycheck, and further service.

A year spent away from all of it, even if one were to be dropped down naked on some miserable rock populated by ancient beasties couldn’t possibly be worse than what he was already dealing with, could it? If nothing else, something would eat him, and his problems would be over. At best, perhaps he could eke out an acceptable life and hide out there for his remaining years, untroubled by all the social issues, the taxes, the press of the crowds, and having to deal with his fellow man – who had repeatedly pissed him off of late.

He wasn’t even sure how he’d found himself on the corporation ship hovering in orbit, but he surmised his current headache and familiar cottony taste in his mouth had something to do with it. The sting on his shoulder of a newly-inked tattoo only solidified that impression, and he pulled up his shirt sleeve to examine it.

The black ink on reddened, puffy skin showed the image of a phoenix above the Celtic band design he had on his bicep, which matched another on his left arm, above which already resided a dragon.

Well, now I’m balanced, he thought, smirking. As balanced as he was likely to get in any case.

Checking his pack, something he always seemed to remember to keep with him in spite of his wanderings, he found there was still a bottle with some unidentifiable smoky liquid inside, and so he took it out, uncapped it, and choked down a good swallow or three. One … or more, for the road. He wasn’t going to be getting more any time soon, so he might as well make the most while he had it.

He looked around the ship, somewhat bleary-eyed, and scratched the side of his face, idly noting that it had been some time since he’d shaved. Hell of a thing, this, and yet …

Eh. Roll with it, man. Go out of this life same way as ya went in – naked, bloody, and screaming. At’ll do, aye. At’ll do.

[Arthropoda Ingens]

On board of the Norton One - originally a small hauler, but since refurbished into a surprisingly pleasant cruiseship/ explorer hybrid, which made it perfect for the sort of business Norton Adventuring specialised in -, Matthew Norton, thirty-something years old son of company owner Jeremiah Norton, was already awaiting the first arrivals. The advertisement had had the desired effect - some people had (Suicidally? The future would show) become interested.

Which had been the idea, of course. Although Matthew thought that maybe, they should've ensured that Norton Adventures would be recognised in the customer's last wills... Such an opportunity wouldn't come up again anytime soon.

But well, too late now.

The lounge - to which the first arrivals had been guided a little earlier - was furnished appropriately for, well, the late 19th century, with a number of large armchairs and a bar in the background providing ample opportunities for resting after the long flight, and a thick atmosphere of cigar smoke causing either a pleasant surprise or an allergic reaction in everyone who entered it. For Matthew, who hadn't inherited his father's liking for cigars, it was mostly the latter, and he couldn't help sneezing audibly as he entered to greet the three people who'd arrived - there'd be more, he knew, but no point in letting them wait.

Huh. Janice said 'Feline', but I didn't really expect this... he thought upon getting a first glimpse of Mss'Rahk. Well, anyway... Other two seem normal... Though I wonder how the man could even afford the trip, judging by his attire... Maybe he's been tricked into it. That'd be hilarious. Professor... I think she is? I think the notes said she is. She's pretty, not what you'd ordinarily expect from a professor. We'll see whether book knowledge translates into survival skills, though.

He smoothed his suit, winked for the barwoman to pour a few drinks for them all, and then he addressed his guests. "Ah, good evening, ladies and gentleman. Or maybe I should say brave adventurers? Both seems fitting. Haha. I'm Matthew Norton, and your host for the few days until your adventure really begins. You're a little early - we're waiting for a few more brave adventurers, ready to put their lives on the line, and to have the experience of their lifetime. Nonetheless - interested in getting a little glimpse of what is waiting for you?"

Matthew smiled that his very white teeth were showing, and one of the lounge's walls began to show a a view of the world below them, rapidly losing altitude (Figuratively speaking, of course), until the view showed a close-up of a river rushing down a mountain range - which continent it was on was difficult to tell - while over it, thousands upon thousands of... Well, not birds, since their wings were entirely too leathery for this... were flying, the flying beast's screams echoing off the rocks that were themselves hidden under the never-ceasing cloud of water vapour over the falls.

"As a first impression, if you will. Though I can guarantee you that there'll be many more, and much more impressive ones, once you've made landfall. Assuming that you make it far enough, of course. Haha. However, I forgot... Would you like to introduce yourself and your plans for the great adventure ahead of you? I'm sure that you've some vague idea of where you'd like to go and challenge our unforgiving mother nature. Also, I'm of course open to any questions you might have. I'm aware that our information package was of a somewhat sketchy nature, and you'll probably be interested in learning a little more before entering the shuttle that'll put you on Eocenia. The local taxonomy, maybe, or the geology in the landing zones you're thinking about. It's not too late to change your plans, yet."

[The Atheists Reality]

By Mss'Rahk's reaction, it's clear she dislikes the wafting smoke, even going so far as to lean against the bar rather than attempt to sit anywhere to avoid it. The occasional rumbling sneeze does nothing to hide it, however.
Though she views the others already present as far too short, far too human, she has sense enough not to insult either of them just yet, anyway..
She looks as if she's about to take up Matthew's invitation and ask her own questions, then stops mid breath. Clearly she intends to observe the others for the immediate future, though the expressions displayed would be little more than a toothy grin to one not attuned to her kind's culture. In the future she may wish to involve herself in proceedings, but for now she is content to remain the silent giant, contributing little other than an apparently irritated sneeze.

She does however take note of the more important things said so far, and takes in the expanding vista of the planet below them, all the better to not look like a fool compared to the training or ability of any others, despite her natural talent..

[Dermeria]

Diaria sat in the smoky room, sipping on her drink. As people came in, she eyed them up and down. He's a little shabby, she thought, but that won't matter where we're going. The big cat lady scared her a bit, but she wasn't pouncing, so she would probably be safe. When Matthew began to speak, she was all eyes on him. Hmm-ummm, he's a cutie. I wonder if he's coming with us...

At the end of his speech, she bravely began one of her on. "I'm Dr. Diaria Jorno, professor of biology at Dermeria National University, in Jaunto City, Dermeria. I am particularly interested in studying the natural flora and fauna of Eocenia. I am thinking of it as field work. What exactly is the case history of Eocenia, have their been many biologists there to study the plants and animals in there natural habitats?"

[Schadow]

Matthew Nortan – the man profiting off their likely stupid decision to go haring off into the wild …

Hells yes, wild. Nasty beasties there, he observed, peering at the screen. What the hell he’d been thinking originally came rushing back. The trip to the bank. The withdrawal of his remaining funds. The sale of his vehicle. The gathering of a few belongings, and the beginning of a rather wild day and night, which he still couldn’t remember in its entirety, thank God.

It had, as he recalled, seemed like a good idea at the time. All the survival training he’d received in the military was sure to pay off. Surely. Probably. Hopefully. It was sounding less and less reasonable by the minute, but then again, as he’d noted earlier, he didn’t really have that much to lose.

Fionn had no idea what to make of the cat creature, though it made him feel like a bug under a microscope for some reason, the way it stared. The other, he couldn’t imagine getting dumped down anywhere without her coat and clipboard and library card.

Ah well. If they were what he had to rely on, he was as good as dead. Study the plants and animals? Had she forgotten the brochure? What did she think she was going to record all that study with, some charcoal and a cave wall?

He snorted quietly at her questions, shaking his head and getting to his feet, somewhat unsteadily. Fionn scrubbed a hand back over his buzzed scalp, the medium brown hair there about as short as the scruff on his face.

His loose cargo pants were dirty, and the tight black tee-shirt he wore with them wasn’t in much better shape. The smell of the cabin didn’t bother him – he was certain he smelled worse after his evening out. The urban-camo military jacket he wore over the rest worked with the heavy boots he’d been idly tapping against the cabin floor. Likely not the most reputable look, not as if he cared.

“Fionn MacLeod,” he said, his deep voice, a deep, penetrating rumble. “Pondering the Erika drop m’self, gigantowahtsis aside. Here to survive, or not. Just need to know one thing – you fuckin’ serious about the dropped down naked as the day you were born, an’ not a stitch else besides, or was that just yankin’ our chains? Either way, I’m in.”

[Sunset]

"I hope so!" Basilia Penisjt trotted into the lounge and up to the bar. "Water please. Crisp and ice cold."

"This wouldn't be much of a challenge if we had our clothes, would it?" Not that the centaur was wearing all that much to begin with nor did she need to. The horse half was a well-groomed painted palomino and over the human half she wore a stylish burgundy silk blouse. Unlike Diaria she hadn't cut her hair which trailed down her back in a long dirty white tail to match her regular tail. "Clothes become cord which becomes snares and fishing line very quickly even if you'd prefer to keep your bits covered."

[Arthropoda Ingens]

"You're welcome, professor." Matthew bowed slightly in Diaria's direction, paying the respect he - as a college-dropout - thought proper for a professor. He had, after all, always wanted to be one, he just hadn't been good enough. "Although considering the circumstances you'll be in, your field work will probably center around the survival strategies-" and mating habits he added mentally - "of small- to medium sized, bipedal omnivores. As for your question..." Matthew hesitated for a moment, and produced a little sheet of paper. "Ah... No, we've discovered this planet only about two and a half years ago, and had reason to try and keep it in as pristine a condition as possible. Some basic work has been done by a team led by Doctor Wallace - our xenobiologist - but it doesn't extend much beyond defining the basic ecozones, migratory habits, and major extant groups, down to maybe the family level, but usually less. Of course, our time has been far too limited for a proper cladistic analysis - we simply haven't found more than a few dozen fossilized species, and those we did find were found by accident. All in all, you haven't had more than a team of about a dozen people preceding your arrival. And come to think of it..." Matthew did his best not to make his smile appear as that of an overconfident insurance salesman. Usually he didn't mind, but... "I'm sure that Doctor Wallace would be quite happy to continue his work after you've made it back to civilisation, and I think he'd welcome an addition to his team, especially an addition that, by then, would have more experience with Eocenia than anyone else. Assuming, of course, that you'll survive."

Matthew had never been very good with women.

In the meantime, Basilia entered, and received her ice-cold water from Erika, the rather chastely suited up, petite and brunette barwoman. "Here you go. Drinks go on the house, of course."

Matthew, too, was now switching his attention to her and Fionn, trying not to pay attention to Fionn's unexpectedly low-class attire, behaviour, and speech. Even if Matthew didn't strictly belong to the upper class, he did have a habit of pretending he did, and seeing someone like Fionn simply not giving a damn... Well, it was unusual. Also sexy, but Matthew wasn't sufficiently bi-curious for this thought to enter his consciousness.

Regardless, customer was customer, so he wouldn't complain. "Indeed, Miss..." He quickly checked his notes. I really should remember where it says 'Centaur...' "Penisjt? We're quite serious about that. You'll of course not be completely helpless - for example, you'll receive shots to ensure that the local microbial fauna wont drop you dead within three days. Playing neanderthal is a challenge, but we believe that playing indian and smallpox at the same time would tilt the odds a little too much in Eocenia's favour, haha."

What followed was an awkward pause, when Matthew struggled to figure out how to continue. On the wall showing scenes from Eocenia's surface, the view changed, now showing snowcapped mountaintops, and the vast shrublands kilometres below them. "But, anyway. That little cheat to even the odds aside, yes, you'll indeed be dropped stark naked, though I've no doubt that you possess the skill to change this inconvenience within a few days, and I'm sure that by then, any awkward social norms will have been, if not forgotten, then at least pushed back by the much more basic need for food and shelter."

"Also, it's Gigantodentes, Mr. MacLeod." This time, Matthew didn't make any attempt at hiding his remarkably insurance-salesmanesque grin. "A second, I can explain why. You see, Gigantodentes translates as 'Gigantic Teeth'... Like this one here." He stepped over to the bar, his hand briefly hidden by the same (And for once, not patting Erika's shapely little bottom, an action that, despite sharing a bed with her in the past, tended to have painful consequences for Matthew if he wasn't quick enough) before coming back into view... Or maybe not, because it was mostly hidden by a tooth of about the same size as Matthew's hand. "Ripped off one of our assistant geologists' arms about a year ago. His arm has since regrown, but the shock remains, of course. Fortunately, our contract had covered it under 'Expected Risks', so no additional expenses were incurred."

[Gehenna Tartarus]

Tristan Kennilworth stepped through the door to the lounge, as everyone began their introductions. The room reminded him oddly of home, which to him felt more surreal than the adventure that he had signed up to. Lord Kennilworth, Marquis of Rosfleven was used to cigar filled air, the old fashioned furniture and the basic feel of the place. If he had not known any better he would have assumed he had walked into the Club, though the two women that he laid eyes on would have instantly destroyed that illusion.

It was during one evening at the Club that the twenty-seven year old Marquis had decided to undertake this latest adventure. He had been discussing his last adventure to one of his peers, when one of them had presented him with the advertisement. Instantly, the adventure crazed noble had jumped at the chance to try something new and dangerous.

Tristan was the only child of the Marquis and Marchioness of Rosfleven, not that he knew either very well as both were taken from him when he was two. The three had been involved in a car crash which had robbed his parents of their lives, but left their young son with barely a scratch. Feeling that he lived a charmed life, the young man became obsessed with testing his abilities in more crazy and dangerous ways. His Aunt, Lady Patricia, who became his guardian and like a mother to him, would constantly try to curb the destructive tendencies of her nephew, but no amount of begging on her part could change his mind.

As he grew older and with his fortune behind him, he would spend months of his life facing any challenge he could find. He tried to circumnavigate the world in a hot air balloon, had sailed single-handedly through some of the most treacherous waters, and had scaled some of the hardest mountains nature could muster. His Aunt and close friends put his madness down to his not dying when his parents had, and no matter what they said, he could never be dissuaded.

”You cannot mean to take up this crazy man’s challenge,” Aunt Patricia had cried out anxiously as he announced his attention to leave for Eocenia. “Are you trying to get yourself killed? How will I live if anything happens to you?” Tears began to run down the old woman’s face.

He pushed the scene from his mind, as he moved further inside the room, nodding his head in greeting to those already there. There was more to life than sitting in a large house in the middle of fine rolling countryside. He was not the retiring kind and he never intended to be. Maybe one day he would settle down, but he was certain that he would never die quietly in his bed.

[Ainulindalion]

In the corner of the lounge, despite its relatively brightly lit status, sat a dark haired, deeply tanned woman who managed to be hidden in the shadows. But then, perhaps it was the stillness in her sitting form which had cloaked her, rather than any lack of light. The only visible movement was in her honey-colored eyes, a mixture of gold and brown that made anyone who met her gaze want to fall in briefly.

The eyes watched the room as she sat in silence, not, perhaps, like many of the Dothelavarar candidates, because she was unable to speak in the Common tongue, but because the first bit of training was to observe. Older than many of the candidates who had not yet been born when the original Chosen were selected, Laslaurë was of the second generation, and as such, her body was fully matured to an equivalent of being in her late twenties or early thirties, and had been that age effectively for millennia of real time. Laslaurë had been fluent in Common for longer than anyone in this room had been alive, having slowly learned it in the multitude of years since the Lord Protector had taught it to His Chosen.

She had been surprised to be selected for the potential training when the Protector had announced that He was expanding the Dothelavarar, she had never had children, having never found her match among the Waith Fuina, and had, as such dedicated her life to training the youngsters of the Protector’s people. The Protector had, on the other hand, explained this test to her, when He had chosen it, because she would be gone for longer than anyone had ever left the Isle, including the Protector Himself.

Even the First Generation, the original one hundred of the Waith Fuina, created directly by the hand of the Protector into adulthood, had not faced the challenge of taming a virgin wilderness, for the Protector had labored along side them in raising both the Fortress and the village around it. Besides, even in the deepest night of the coldest winter, the Hidden Isle was hardly as inimical to human life as this place sounded, given the size of the tooth the guide was displaying.

When she finally rose from her observational perch in the corner and made her way towards the bar, her lips curved into a smile at each of the beings there. Utterly feminine in her movements, relatively tight leather garments clung to each curve, except for the flowing sleeves of cotton that trailed down her arms from the peasant style blouse she was wearing. The garments, on the other hand, were clearly homemade, though by a very skilled hand. “Water,” she said as she reached the bar, not wanting to drink anything dehydrating before they were sent to the surface.

Taking a sip once the drink was provided, she shifted her attention back to the man with the tooth. “I don’t suppose it would be possible to examine a geographic survey map of our potential drop zone, would it?”

Finding a location with comparable minerals to obsidian and limestone would be highly important. Assuming, of course, they did not have to figure out what plants and animals were edible through trial and error and die that way before the megapredators or dehydration could finish them off.

[Schadow]

After boggling slightly at the size of the tooth, Fionn tried to settle down and run some numbers in his head.

Two human males, one a fine lord o’ the manor no doubt. Two human females, one a bookish gal who’s likely to get et soon after landing, and another with legs what don’t stop, a fine ass, and looks to know how to handle herself, and any man what pushes too far. A … what was it now, centaur? Female? And a walking rug with teeth and claws.

A’yup. We’re boned, right and proper.

He was out of his league on several points. By rights, he shouldn’t have the means to be here, but then selling it all off and running away from anyone who’d try to make good on debts owed had taken care of that problem. He didn’t have the class or style or education of some, nor the natural weapons of at least a couple.

But then, damned if he weren’t convinced he had the best chance of surviving given his training, his scrap, and his determination to either survive, or take whatever he could down with him on his way out.

“Good question,” he noted at the request for a map. “What all info do you intend us to have, aside from the brochures an’ intro here?”

[Gehenna Tartarus]

It took moment for Tristan to survey his companions on the adventure before he followed the example of some of the others in the room and walked over to the bar, where it seemed a good place to make the acquaintance with the people he was going to be spending the foreseeable future. How long that future was would depend on his own and their abilities.

From his initial observations of those present in the room, he was a little taken aback. They did not look the kind of people who would take up the challenge, but then he knew that they probably had the same opinion of him. He knew he did not exactly look like the adventure type, despite being extremely fit and weather beaten. His name alone would not instil any faith in his abilities. Tristan Kennilworth, Marquis of Rosfleven gave the impression he did nothing more than hunt and drink fine brandy.

It had always been his belief that a book should never be judged by its cover, so with that philosophy in mind, he gave up review of the other participants and listened to the conversation, which instantly told him that the group was probably more capable than his first impressions would have dictated.

“I’ll have a water too,” he finally said, giving his drink order to the barman, while keeping his attention focused on the man in charge.

[Arthropoda Ingens]

"The same geographic survey maps a Cro Magnon would've had available," Matthew - still holding the giant tooth - replied to the other shy female - human, this one, which was somewhat reassuring. At least he didn't constantly think of her as a rug in front of his fireplace. "Though I think such a help would be rather limited in its usefulness - after all, you wont be able to take it with you. This said, you'll land in a 'Safe' zone - water will be nearby, no apex predators will be in the immediate area, edible plants and animals will be. Likewise, base resources - wood, usable flintstone and probably obsidian sources, direct or indirect sources of salt, trace minerals and so on - will be in the vicinity. And of course, you'll be able to survey the general area you'll land in while you're landing."

"However, which drop zone, or zones, are you thinking about in the first place? Mister McLeod has already made his tentative suggestion, but I'm sure there is some more variety in this group. Oh, and I should note that due to the timing, the southern hemisphere may be a somewhat risque choice - autumn is just beginning, the monsoon isn't far away... A difficult situation."

"As for the information you'll receive - well, I'm sure you're all familiar with the basics of survival. Don't provoke animals with huge teeth, horns or claws, don't eat funky, bright-red amphibians - although licking them may provide an interesting experience, haha -, the likes. However, the exploration of the area - and any others you may eventally move to - is entirely left to yourself. You already know that the fauna and flora, though not as advanced as Earth', is nonetheless 'Modern' enough to cause us to call this world 'Eocenia'. As our adverts said - it's supposed to be more than an adventure. It's supposed to be a challenge."

Matthew paused for a moment, looking at the tooth he was still holdng, and eventally gave it to Tristan, who was standing next to him at the bar. "Ah... Here. A little touch of Eocenia in advance, I guess. Anyway," he continued, now once more addressng everyone. "There is one exception to this, in that you'll be given a brief introduction to local medicinal plants and the likes. Basically, knowledge that takes generations to accumulate, you'll be provided with in advance. Knowledge that can be acquired more quickly - for example the behaviour- and migratory patterns of the megafauna - you wont receive. Plus, we don't want to spoil any surprises by telling you about all the things you'll see in advance."

[The Atheists Reality]

Mss'Rahk finally breaks her self enforced silence to lean off the bar, and given her still mostly non-moving state she is seen to rest forward on her hands, though by the views of others they may not seem all that far from 'paws'.
A million different questions swarm through her mind, and while the eagerness may be obvious to others with attentive natures she restricts herself to the required basics, as yet unwilling to reveal too much to these inferiors.
"Mmmoonsoon? Depending on zone of arrival, would we be warned of any more severe weather conditions? And what of environmmental hazards that mmmay not be visible in the initial survey?"
For whatever use Mss'Rahk's questions are, she seems entirely oblivious to any of the group that have been eying her with less than noble intentions. It had been a long while since anyone had even threatened to make a rug out of one of her kind, after all..

[Schadow]

“Well then, let’s have at it,” Fionn grumbled. “Would be nice to at least have an idea on what plants might kill me off before the wildlife, or save my ass if something goes straight ta hell. The rest of you folks plan on sticking it and working together, or ya gonna wing it on your own?”

It was a simple enough question. Granted, there was no point in not going in as prepared as one could be considering the circumstances, but in the end, all the talk in the world wasn’t going to compare to keeping a level head, making good decisions, and not being afraid to do what was needed to survive. If the rest wanted to increase their chances, so be it. If not, well … he knew what he’d signed up for, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to back out now.

[Gehenna Tartarus]

Tristan listened intently as Matthew spoke of what lay ahead and gave an overview of the information they would be given. He was about to pick up his water when he suddenly found himself in possession of the giant tooth. He had been impressed with it from a distance, but he did not get the full impact of its size and weight until he held it in his hand.

“I’m all for having the best chance of survival possible and going it alone sounds like the best way of not doing so,” he replied, as he handed the tooth to the human woman, who had mentioned the map. “I’d like to think that I could do it alone and I probably would have given it a go if we were going down fully equipped and prepared. As we’re not, I believe we will fair much better as a group. Once we become more established, there is nothing to stop us from doing our own thing.”

With his hand free, he picked up his glass and took a sip, letting whoever else had an opinion to take the floor. He missed the hard kick of whisky, which tended to be his usual tipple, but with the adventure ahead going to be touch enough, he really did not need to add to it with dehydration or worse.

[TRIAD Enterprises]

Herzhak was a traditionalist by his species standards. Those who believed that the Tejhiik should never had abandoned the deserts, mountains, and savannas which were their species' birthright. Many of their kind had taken to the stars with gusto, seeking new challenges, and new conquests. Many of these of course had been "tamed" in Herzhak's eyes, what with the widespread integration of technology and leisure into their lives. Even a hardliner like he could see the thrill of challenging the very stars themselves to a fight, but Herzhak felt that his people had lost much by abandoning the ways of the hunt and simple survival.

A kinsman had told him of an opportunity beyond the Rhydin gate, where one would be dropped on a virgin world for a year, and asked to simply survive the experience. Herzhak had relished the opportunity and his kinsman had provided the funding, as Herzhak's survival would bring much honor to both their Clans. The Tejhiik was nominally "late to the party", but as he entered the smoke-filled room, he saw the other hopeful survivalists. Four humans, one who he recognized as Centaur, and only one that even looked like a predator. Still, despite their physical frailty, the humans could not simply be discounted; it was not without reason that their species managed to spread to countless worlds across equally countless universes. More than likely they would all die before the year, but perhaps fate would play the jester once again?

Herzhak took a deep breath, scenting the room, and just as immediately regretted the action. The smoke assaulted his senses and caused a harsh sneezing fit as he stood in the doorway. Shaking his head, both to clear his sinuses as well as stop the sneezing, the predator chose to breathe through his mouth, raspy and labored. "I do not know of these others, however I would prefer the continent you have named Alessa. It's climate and challenge are more to my liking. If we are however to be dropped as a group, I wonder how many here would survive that environment?" His words were harsh and challenging, an open display of a predator sizing up ones companions.

"Another question. You mentioned giving us information regarding poisonous and medicinal plants. What of known toxic animals? Those whose very flesh will poison on consumption. These are things which would be learned with time as well, in your own words."


((OOC Note: For the curious, I have a rough reference picture for the Tejhiik. The art is not mine, and is not exact. When creating the Tejhiik species, I was loosely inspired by the Sergal species. Tejhiik do not share the "shark-face" of Sergals, but otherwise look very similar, like loose furred/feathered Velociraptor-like predators.))

[Sunset]

"As described, I'd more prefer Erika as our landing spot of choice. Firstly because we are, after all, here for the challenge and hauling the head of one of those things home to stick up on the family wind-pole would make for an excellent demonstration of that challenge." The little centaur took another sip and explained. "The wind-pole, for our people, is a ceremonial religious object that each family has outside of their tent. The various flags and pennants on it show the families' accomplishments and it often has the skulls of large predators or noteworthy enemies at the crown. Or in the case of this beast the base might be more appropriate."

Moving away from the bar she trotted up to Mr. Fionn and looked up at him. The traditional image of a centaur was that of a full-sized horse with a human torso but Basilia barely came up to the top of his breastbone. "The other advantage I see is that if we are to cooperate having the largest possible variety of plants and animals present would give us the most possible food sources. Your Terran horses might be find with grass but I like a nice barbecue myself. Plus with a pair of distinctly large predators in our company we should have a large base of prey-animals available so they do not begin thinking we look darn tasty."

Turning to the Tejhiik she grinned. "Someone once said that I do not have to outrun the bear - whatever that is - I only have to outrun you... A wider variety of species would also allow for our differing biological needs. While my heritage and nutritional needs are still mostly human I'd wager that the two of you can eat your meat both raw and with a good deal more toxins present."

[Ainulindalion]

Laslaurë calmly accepted the giant sized tooth with a single hand, belying a strength that was well trained into slender limbs, and weighed it carefully, running highly trained eyes, though extensive practice, over it, looking for the chips and scrapes, noting their size and shape, trying to figure out what and how often the creature had fought and eaten, and what its targets had been. An adult’s tooth could tell you a lot about them, especially an animal’s.

The term ‘Cro-Magnon’ went right over her head, but the rest of the guide’s speech made perfect sense, given the situation. “I mostly wanted the map to help select a drop site, but your conditions fit anything I would have chosen. As for the location, personally, I would prefer the continent called ‘Mary’.” She smiled, lips curving into a generous lilt. “It seems to be less extreme than some of the others, and given that this adventure was selected for me, I see no particular reason to make it more difficult.” As she looked around the group consideringly, she made a decision. “It would seem likely we would survive better if we stuck together, particularly those of us with less formidable natural abilities.” Her eyeing of the non-humans was frank and open, but not offensive, an honest curiosity.

[Gehenna Tartarus]

It took all sorts to make the world and beyond and the idea of sharing experiences with all different creatures had always fascinated Tristan. But even he had to admit that he felt a little bewildered at trying to survive on an unknown planet with some of the others who looked like they should have been on the planet’s inhabitants list, rather than the guest list. The fighting talk made the newcomer seem like trouble. If there were going to survive the initial few days, they needed to work together and he could already feel that the Tejhiikv might want to run before the rest of the group could walk.

“I have to agree that ‘Erika’ seems like the best option,” the Tartarian noble said, after Laslaurë had finished her bit. “Normally I would be interested in taking the more challenging option, if I was fully prepared and equipped for it. But going in naked, I’d like to give myself at least a fighting chance.” Humans without even the bare basics were unlikely to survive for long in any of the harsher areas. It was okay for species that were naturally blessed with fur and claws, or any other advantage they had been given.

He then paused in his speech, allowing the questions that had been asked by the other members of the group to be covered by Matthew. He had nothing else to add, as everything that seemed to be important right now had been raised already.

[TRIAD Enterprises]

Herzhak listened to three of the others voice their own opinions. He'd expected the humans to choose lesser hunting grounds, but was more curious what the large feline would do. She'd yet to speak up since her question about the weather, and she'd expressed no opinions on landing sites; at least none that he'd seen. So far it looked as if most here were in favor of pooling resources and staying together as a group. Despite his own seeming display of aggression, Herzhak saw the logic in this. Tejhiik might be better physically suited to this world than humans, but only a fool made things more difficult for themselves than necessary. Herzhak wanted to show his people they did not need the trappings of technology and modern civilization, but refusing the aid of others was not brave, but stupid. There was also the centaur's comment to consider. In the event that there were beasts down there even he could not deal with, it would be an advantage to have the humans around as distractions.

One did not have to outrun the bear indeed... The thought caused the Tejhiik to smile, revealing the razored fangs across his muzzle as he leaned in the doorway. "You make a point. Erika would provide a suitable challenge. I would however suggest if we're to make use of our natural talents, we stay close to the shrublands and open terrain when possible. I know my species, and I suspect yours and yours, are all more suited to running down our prey than dodging trees." Nodding towards the centaur and the felinoid.

[Sunset]

"If it was up to me, it would be the open grasslands, but it's also the challenge isn't it? Still your idea has merit. Though how much merit it has will depend on whether this area has transitional predators that shelter in the forest during the day and move into the grasslands to hunt at night."

Purposefully picking up her hooves so that each made a clicking sound as she walked back to the bar she set her glass down for a refill.

"We can always change our situation once we get down there. I don't know about you but I'm ready to get moving."

[Arthropoda Ingens]

The tooth Laslaurë was now holding was rather reminiscent of those known from sabre-toothed animals on Earth, if bigger than theirs, and seemingly worn - clearly, it wasn't just a symbol to display in courtship or as a warning, but a weapon to be used. The kind of animal it was used on was difficult to guess, apart from them undoubtedly being big - whether the giant tooth could puncture armour or not was impossible to tell without knowing the jaws it belonged to. However, it was clearly a stabbing, not a slashing weapon, since, as sharp as its tip was, its edges were rather less so.

In the meantime, the conversation continued.

"That'd mean tentative support for Erika, although Mary and Alessa, too, garner some interest? We could make it two or even three landing zones, of course, but as you've already stated, splitting in such a fashion would make your survival an endeavour with a somewhat questionable outcome, haha," Matthew said, after just letting the conversation develop for a few minutes. "I must admit that Alessa would probably not be the safest of choices unless you're veterans of this kind of adventure, and that Erika and Mary are much more, lets say, suitable for Man's first steps on this new world. Either way, unless those of you interested in the latter two continents wish to pursue adventure on the same on your own, I suppse we can concentrate on Erika in the environmental basics - toxic animals included, although their prevalence varies greatly? I'd be happy with either variant, of course - and besides, Mary and Alessa can both be reached from Erika." The couple thousand kilometres one had to travel either south-east or north-west from Erika's centre were left unsaid. "Concerning your more specific questions - Erika is rather below the planetary average for seismic activity, whereas Mary is above it. It's a bit sprinkled with Volcanoes, unlike Mary, but they're much less dangerous. Mary seems to have had a major eruption some twenty years ago... The area in question, a couple thousand square kilometres, still hasn't fully recovered. The weather conditions, well, they're defining the ecozones - we'd have no means to, say, spot and warn you of a hurricane, though the activity of the local fauna would do that for you. It tends to notice such things in advance. They're certainly there - Mary's south in particular tends to be affected by them, as well as Melissa, and then there's the Monsoon now hitting the tropical and subtropical areas of Erika, although I presume that you'd prefer to start in a more temperate area in the first place."

"However, ultimately, I am certainly with our hooved friend," Matthew continued with a quiet nod towards Basilia, "you haven't come here for talking, but for action. Once we've reached a consensus, and went through the basics you need to know to survive the first few days - no licking the funny-looking amphibians -, well, you can go down after a good night's sleep, I reckon."

In the meantime, the barwoman had refilled Basilia's glass, and gave it back to her. "Good choice. Allegedly, the continent fits me quite well. I'm not sure whether that's good or bad, though... Not been down there myself, yet. Not after what happened with our man and that tooth..."