The Druidess' Encampment [Closed Thread]

[The Druidess]

The place which I have chosen to inhabit is in the midst of an uninhabited forest. Despite that, it is only a quarter of an hours walk to a nearby field, but I much prefer to stay in the woods. The forest is an old growth, with huge mossy trees whose ages are unknown to any. Were one to cut down such a tree, and try to count the rings, they would find their life far too short to get to the end of the counting. Tea is a warm land, but the shade of the forest, and small brooks which trickle through keep it cool and moist, making the sun bearable in all ways. During winter, the frost cracks the wet ground at night, and snow occasionally dusts the landscape, but never accumulates high, and melts once the sun returns.

My particular encampment is almost impossible to notice. Between two trees of sizable girth I have hung a single rope. This rope is burly, and woven from dried fibers of local vines.  On the line hangs a large blanket, which has been waterproofed with fats and oils. This is my home. The corners are all stake out a reasonable distance, which allows me to sleep underneath the blanket without fearing the rain. The stakes I carved out out of tree roots, using the knife my kinsmen gave to me, many moons ago.

Inside the blanket, there is a bedroll which is spread out already. This is my place of sleeping, and even just of relaxing. The tent is designed for more people than currently occupy it. Because of that, I put all my gear beneath it. I have a trunk off to the side, where I store things, and a sack where I keep any herbs or other things which I gather. I also allow my dog, Umbra, to sleep underneath it on rainy nights, and mandate that the bitch helps warm me up on the colder nights.

There are the components of a wonderful smithy about the place. Each is under a cloth, protecting them form the elements. An anvil of mithril, a furnace, workbenches, tools, stores of metal, bags of coal, and everything else, all prtoected by thick water-proof cloth.

SPOILER: Click to show

Smithy, Perfected
Rank: "S"
Type: Main, Room, 3 Stronghold Space, Craftsman Room
Effect: A Crafting Room dedicated for all kinds of Blacksmithing/Metalworking.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Similar to the basic smithy, this area features a polished stone floor and marble-encased forge of the highest quality. Working in this smithy gives a character a +80 circumstance bonus on any Craft pertaining to Blacksmithing/Metalworking (Armour, Blacksmithing/Metalworking, etc.) checks. This area requires the services of a smith. There may be up to 6 people working in this area.
Limit: Must be created by a Construction Crafter.
Cost: 130,000 Ryo

[The Druidess]

I woke up in the morning, knowing that the frost has descended upon the world. Umbra had left me at one point in the night, so I was alone at the moment. I rolled off my bedroll, and pulled on some clothing. The garments I chose were based upon my assumption that, while cold now, it would indubitably grow warmer as the day wore on. I would walk out to the field near my home, where I would look for a horse if I could find one. I slid on a pair of shorts, which would not hinder my mobility what so other. I also garnered a leather shirt, which was largely the same way. I strapped a butt bag to my shorts, and a quiver to my shirt. I immediately took a fur I had that was tailored roughly to my size, and put it on over my shirt. My bow was neatly strapped to that large fur. It would keep me warm until the morning wore on. With that, I stepped out of my overhanging piece of a cloth which I considered to be a tent.

In the light of the morning with the crispness of frost about, I could feel the presence of divinity for sure. I knew, by some goddess above me, today would be a profitable day. Perhaps I would find the horse, or maybe something else useful to me. But, I knew somebody up above was watching out for me at the minute. Let us see what kind of guardian angel has selected me.

I made the short journey out to the field. It was a pleasant one, for the frost had solidified the ground, and the rising sun provided just enough light. The streams which normally burbled through were frozen or dry or generally silent. I  arrived at the field which I intended to enter, knowing it would lead out to a large grassland and, potentially, a large number of horse. Before I hard walked very far, I noticed a track in the ground. Now, I was no expert, but could this be the track of a horse?

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Horse, Light
Rank: Uncommon, Large
Type: Animal, All Regions, All Seasons, ---
Effect: A solid-hoofed plant-eating domesticated mammal with a flowing mane and tail, used for riding, racing, and to carry and pull loads
Special: Preparation: 1 hour; Duration: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Picture A large 4 legged animal primarily used for riding, racing, and carrying loads. This is a catch-all category that includes ponies, cobs, Arabians, Barbs, and many others. The main difference between a “heavy” and a “light” horse is in body width and pure mass. Normal weight is between 900 to 1,000 lbs. A light horse has features and a bone structure that allow for ease of riding. Its back is long and thin enough to be comfortable between the legs of its rider. Light horses usually stand between I5 and 17 hands high (5.6 feet high). All Light Horses no matter what breed they are gain Low-light Vision and Scent innate Jutsus. Gain 1 movement, while all striking attacks are more effective by 1 rank. Listed below are specific breeds that are slightly different from the overview Light Horse.
Arabian - Gain 1 movement, while all striking attacks are more effective by 1 rank.
Barb - Lose 1 movement, while gaining all striking attacks are reduced by 1 rank.
Noregian Fjord - Are hardier and can withstand extreme colds while all "Cold" damage is reduced by 1 rank.
Ariegeois - Automatically get the Sure-Footed Jutsu.
Shetland - Automatically get the Fearless Jutsu.

Their brain can be slow cooked for 1 hour in water that creates a gooey potion that gives the drinker Low-Light Vision for 15 rounds while it takes 1 round before the effect kicks in. Animal consists 16 doses.
Limit: Must know Animal Knowledge for All Regions. 30% chance of finding.
Cost: 15,000 Ryo per Animal, 750 Ryo per dosage

One roll to look for a Light Horse. 30% chance

[Father 'Suke]

Not Found

[The Druidess]

I continued my search, realizing that the footprints I found were long cold. I went on my way, walking out in the field, not seeing a horse in any direction. That was unfortunate, but I kept checking the ground. Dung, hoof prints, any of those things would work absolutely fine to guiding me to a new horse. I just had to get somehow onto the trail of the horse, and the whole thing would be quite easy to manage.


I kept walking, noticing that there was a deer that came out of the woods trotting about the grasslands. I looked at it, shrugged my shoulders, and the poor little thing decided I was more of a threat than a friend, but that I was also not going to kill it immediately, and strolled off. I forgot the distraction, and returned to observantly strolling around through the high grasses, looking for a mount.

---

Same as above, 30% chance of finding a horse.

[Father 'Suke]

Not Found

[The Druidess]

I continued my search, and the morning began to turn into the noon-time heat. The sun rose in the sky, changing the sharp and icy color of blue into a warmer one. I continued walking through the grasslands, my eyes looking out for any sign of a horse in the valley. I noticed that the grass was pressed down in an area, and wondered if this was the gift that the goddess had decided to give me once more.

I removed my fur and tied to my back, for I was starting to get too warm. The cold air met my skin, forming goosebumps, but I quickly became accustomed to the cold. I followed the trail of bent down grass, wondering if it would lead me over a hill in the distance. It did not. Instead it brought me back towards the nearby forest. I doubted the horse had gone there, but, there was a muddy section ahead. Surely, if one was near, it would leave tracks...

---

Same as above.

[Father 'Suke]

Not Found

[The Druidess]

I decided I was covering too little ground. The day was wearing on, and I knew some higher power had set out a gift for me, I simply knew it. I broke into a run, feeling the warmth from inside of me rise. I could move this way all day, the cold and hardness of my bedroll brought stiffness to my muscles, but the pain and soreness was fleeing quickly, and only strength and ability remained.

I heard movement over a hill as I ran up it. This excited me, provoked me to run even faster, my legs carrying me hard against the slope of the hill, I slipped on a rock, and lost my footing momentarily, but regained balance and continued the run, being near the top of the hill. As I crested the hill, I had a great view, a commanding view, of the area round me. Perhaps, I would see what I sought from here?

---

Same as above.

[Father 'Suke]

Not Found

[The Druidess]

I was quite disappointed that no horse appeared present from the top of the hill. I would have to continue my march, perhaps to the next hill, off over there. With that destination in mind, I stepped down from the top of the hill, feeling the force of the hill as it helped me down, gathered my momentum. I was careful not to twist an ankle, but as I left the hill I used the force to break into a run, so I could hopefully reach the other hill quickly.

There was a singular tree growing at the top of that hill. It was leafless in this season, despite the warm weather that was coming on. The hill was taller and steeper than the other, so my progress slowed even more as I began to climb it up. I was almost out of breath as I reached the top, but when I did I knew, just knew, something would jump out at me.

---

Sam as before.

[Father 'Suke]

Not Found

[The Druidess]

I was somewhat shocked that a horse had not presented itself to me yet, but I knew something was waiting for me. I could feel the impending pearl being handed to me. I knew that this entire grassland must contain at least one horse, one escaped work horse, one wild gelding, I just didn't care. But more than that, I knew that somebody looked down on me, and had arranged for something to happen to me.

I would climb another tree, a relatively tall one, in the middle of the grasslands, and look out in all directions. The tree would almost give underneath me, but I could see much farther, and hopefully find what I was looking for.

---

30% of finding that horse

[Father 'Suke]

Found

[The Druidess]

I was quite right when I said what I did about the thing waiting for me. And it was a horse. I climbed the tree, each limb feeling easier and easier, but more and more likely to collapse underneath me. But, as I sat in a high branch, I saw exactly what I wanted to see. It was a horse, off in the distance. I dropped a couple of feet downward, and then hit the ground, rolling as it happened. I had to, I had to go get that horse.

I ran quietly across the field, and I noticed then that the horse was happily grazing in the sun. I touched my chest, wondering what divine power was so true that they sent me such a gift. Whoever they were, watching me, I had to thank them sometime. I hunted down the horse, only to notice it was the horse, Satinka, of my childhood. I was quite shocked. Could he really still be alive, and so close? How could I have not found him after all this time? I fell to my knees, thanking the goddess of my childhood, for it seemed it was her who returned to me.

I drew a rope from my pocket, it was not sturdy, but Satinka looked at me endearingly, and I knew he would not try to bolt on me. I tied the rope around him, in such a way that it would just guide him to walk with me. While he could escape, I knew he would return with me. I spent the rest of my afternoon leading him back to my camp, and training him to stay around.

That night, I was laying down on my bedroll. I realized I had not said a single word yet that day. I would not break that silence for my prayer, so I instead spoke in my mind. Goddess of my childhood, I appreciate the gift which you have sent me. I now know I have your blessing, and will do great works in your name. Whatever it is that you wish for me to do, just sign to me.

[The Druidess]

The next morning, when I woke up, there had been rain, and the world was covered with a deep mist, one that vision fails to penetrate, the type of mist which blocked out all sight and all light. I let out a small sigh, as a I put on clothing for the day. Despite the otherwise unpleasant winter weather, the temperature seemed relatively warm today, so I left the fur in my tent. Umbra was out and about somewhere. I let out a two-toned whistle, which called Umbra back. I was going to make use of her today.

I was wearing an outfit approximately similar to the previous days garb. I had the bow on my back, 50 arrows in the quiver, and a bag attached to my rump, which contained a knife, a fire starter and a compass, in case any of those tools might be useful today. I was going to need some herbs, preferably valuable ones. I needed tools to do the work of the goddess. I knew the Spanish Nuts caught a pretty price among lusty men and budding illusionists, so I was keeping my eye especially out for those.

I wandered along the forest, with Umbra at my heel. My eyes were scanning each colossal tree which I came by. They were common here, but if they were any smaller, they would not bare decent nuts for the purpose of my herbalism.

---

80% chance of finding a Spanish Nut

SPOILER: Click to show

Spanish Nut
Rank: Common, Colossal
Type: Herb, Forest, All Seasons, Aphrodisiac/Chakra Enhancement
Effect: An aphrodisiac herb capable of increasing the effectiveness of Charm techniques.
Special: Preparation: 25 weeks ; Duration: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A very large tree that can grow up to 25 meters high. The leaves are 20 to 30 centimeters long, pinnate, with 3 to 7 leaflets, each leaflet is 4 to 10 centimeters long and 2 to 4 centimeters broad, with a coarsely toothed margin. The fruit is a nut 3 to 4 centimeters long and 2 to 2.5 centimeters diameter, with a thick, hard shell and a sweet, edible seed. This seed is a powerful aphrodisiac. If successfully administered it will increase the power of Charm Jutsu by giving a bonus of 1 rank to their Charm Jutsus for a period of 15 rounds. Herb consists 128 doses.
Limit: Must know Herbal Knowledge for Forest Regions. 80% chance of finding.
Cost: 28,000 Ryo per herb. 215 Ryo per Dosage.

[Father 'Suke]

Search Failed

[The Druidess]

I walked along the forest floor, noting how the streams had thawed slightly in the warmth of the morning. I wondered if the same being who sent me my old horse back had also decided to send the sun to end the rain and warm the streams. The rain was misty only for the first half of an hour when I was awake. After that it left the earth, but I knew the Mist was an omen, I knew my Goddess was telling me to do something with the mist.

It was an okay day for a walk, and I plodded along. I kept my eye out for any big and promising trees. I want to find some nuts. Umbra walks behind me, and my old horse is plodding off to the right somewhere.
 

---

80% chance of Spanish Nut

[Father 'Suke]

1 found

[The Druidess]

I had already trained Umbra to seek out more of things which I show to her. I called her to me with a whistle, and she lurked over to my side, where I let her sniff one of the nuts I removed from the tree. She spent a minute sniffing the thing over, but then she wandered off, and I knew she would show me the locations of any Spanish Nut trees she found. That part was relatively easy.

Santika needed to be taught to do this. I put a Spanish Nut up to his mouth, and then removed a patch of grass from the ground, feeding it to him, and then I praised him aloud, stroking his ear slightly. I waited a minute before repeating the process. Santika was a smart pony, and a praise-oriented one. It would be no problem for him to the learn this behavior through only a moment of training. I started looking for Spanish Nuts, knowing my beastial companions would also be doing so.

---

Umbra, after sniffing the Nuts, would wander off and run briskly through the woods. She took a quick drink from a now-melting brook before trotting through the mud. She was sticking her nose to the air, trying to separate out the various smells of the forest, trying to find the exact one that she was looking for. The forest was quiet, and Umbra was in no position to end such a quiet.

---

Santika was unsure of his independence as he walked through the forest. He did not know exactly what he was supposed to be doing, but he did think that finding a Spanish Nut tree would be a good idea, for it might at least bring his master to him, and earn him a little bit more praise. He tripped slightly as the frozen footing was not exactly his ideal. Nonetheless, his nose which was normally used to keep him from becoming the food of a more aggressive animal was now put to use looking for Spanish Nuts.

---

80% chance of finding a Spanish Nut
84% chance of finding a Spanish Nut (Scent "C" Rank)
84% chance of finding a Spanish Nut (Scent "C" Rank)

[Father 'Suke]

3 found