I just want to -know-
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#1
After a few days of rest, I find myself filled with an itch to explore. I have always been a scholar, always keen to learn more, and also to contribute whatever I can to a situation. The opportunity to explore Antarctica was a chance of a lifetime - the opportunity to explore Caido was, admittedly, thrust upon me without my consent, but here we are anyway - may as well make the most of it.

I've learned a lot since Korbin led me here, and Loren into Halo. It is safe to say, I'm no longer on Earth, and I have no way of getting back to Earth.

I'm slowly coming to terms with that fact, though I'm finding that I cope better when I give myself something to do. Veterinary medicine is my passion, my career, and there are definitely animals being used in various capacities in this world, and where there are animals, there is a need for a good vet.

I'm sure unicorns are similar enough to horses that I'll pick it up quickly.. right? Or maybe it's deer they're similar to..

I wander through the town I'm told is called Snowcloak, taking in everything around me and listening whenever a local cares to fill me in. They are a guarded bunch though, and I find that information in general is hard to come by - hopefully I'll get lucky though and someone more inclined to be forthcoming with helpful knowledge will make themselves known soon enough.

@Jigano
Chulane

AlaskanStock on deviantart
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#2
There was much to prepare before the Deepfrost blizzards closed the paths between the Citadel and the portal in the Fangs, and if there were to be refugees from the Hollowed Grounds staying the Palace they would need their own stores of supplies. Jigano had been bringing firewood and grains in previous trips, and had just finished hauling a load of root vegetables and dried fruit to the rooms set aside for the LongNight refugees, rolling his shoulders with a theatrical groan as he bundled up once more and headed into the Leafchange cold of Halo. Isuma peeped encouragingly, the small cat-sized gryphon with her snow-leopard body and tail and snowy owl wings, head, and foreclaws occasionally perched on his shoulder and occasionally flitting ahead to look at something shiny or tasty. As always, her companion chuckled fondly at her antics as she led him back into Snowcloak.

"Shall we stop for a snack on the way back?" he called to her, and she reep!ed bright agreement, zipping back to land on his upraised arm and scamper back to his shoulder. "Alright, you pick the--Oh! Terribly sorry," he apologized to the man he'd nearly bumped into, a tall, dark-haired fellow nearly at his own height. "I should have been paying more attention." Isuma trilled in concern, leaning forward precariously to peer at Chulane and make sure he was unhurt.
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#3
It's been a while since I've been in a city. Or even a small town. And it's been exactly never since I've been in a town that was, relative to 2018 Earth, was a few hundred years behind technologically (and yet, way ahead in other ways).

Living on Antarctica, one got used to seeing the same old faces day-in day-out, one got used to the 'town' that was the service centre at base camp, and one also got used to their own company.

Being thrust into an unknown place, with unknown magicks at play, surrounded by unknown people, could get a little overwhelming. The people were bustling about, here and there, doing this-and-that, and I found myself almost as alone as before.

I didn't have a purpose. Hell, I didn't have a clue.

To be fair, the bump into the older, taller, pale gentleman was probably equally my fault as well. I wasn't paying complete attention to my surrounds - in fact, my eyes had locked onto the fantastic creature that was perched upon the man's shoulders.

I'm a vet. Animals are always going to get my attention before the people.

I held my arms out in an attempt to assist where the man may have dropped any of the items he was carrying, though it seemed he had them securely held onto himself.

"Not to worry, at least half the blame is mine" I say warmly, a smile upon my lips as I nod at the avian-feline creature whose beautiful trill I heard and received with untethered joy. "Beautiful companion you have there," I add, hoping to elicit some conversation from the fellow, hoping he would not just brush me aside and continue on his day (though I wouldn't blame him if he did, as one never fully knows what is going on in another's life).
Chulane

AlaskanStock on deviantart
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#4
Given how surly some of the locals could be (not that Jigano blamed them, given the climate) he was pleasantly surprised by the stranger's courtesy and the warmth in his voice. The compliment to his companion certainly didn't hurt either, the bard beaming with pleasure as Isuma picked up the sense of the words from her bonded's mind and purred with pleasure, turning her head to preen a blue-tipped wing.

"Thank you. Her name is Isuma - and I'm Jigano," he added, almost an afterthought as he reached up to tickle the gryphlet's cheek. He hadn't missed the other man's attempt to steady him, and he took a moment to step out of the flow of shoppers while they spoke. Since the man wasn't immediately moving on his way, and the bard was in no hurry to be anywhere in particular now that he'd dropped off the supplies, he tilted his head in tentative invitation. "We were just about to find somewhere to grab a bite, and would appreciate the company if you'd care to join us? I should be able to cover meals for the three of us." The Grounders might have seen magic as a curse, but Jigano was glad to have it at his fingertips once more, if only for the convience.
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#5
To say I was thrilled by being the one to elicit purrs from a magical creature I had just met, would be an understatement. Being in the medical field, it wasn't always pleasure that I saw animals experience - oftentimes it was pain, suffering, illness, and occasionally, death.

I learned her name, and his too, and welcomed the relief that came with meeting someone who was willing to engage in pleasant conversation. "Isuma," I begin, tilting my head to the gryphon, "Jigano," I continue, "I am Chuy, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Jigano makes a most generous offer, and I gladly accept, the smile on my face hopefully showing my gratitude for the kind offer. I was living on the kindness of others at the moment, and hoped to give back sooner rather than later - perhaps this opportunity would give me more knowledge and ideas of exactly how I could achieve that.

"That would be great," I confirm, motioning for Jigano to lead the way to wherever these meals were going to happen.
Chulane

AlaskanStock on deviantart
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#6
Chuy was not the only one happy to find someone pleasant to chat with, and as he would soon discover, Jigano was always willing to draw out a conversation, eager to learn any speck of information he could glean from those who put up with his pontificating ways. "Likewise," the bard murmured as Isuma scrambled up over his scarf and hat to his head to launch herself once more. The white-haired man seemed used to it - at least, when he was properly padded against her talons by layers of cold-weather gear - and content with being a jungle gym for the small predator as she fluttered above the street, seeking a place for them to retreat from the wind for a bit.

"Chuy? Is that a traditional Halovian name?" Jigano asked his new acquaintance with bright curiosity as he ambled in the gryphon's wake. They didn't have too far to go before she dove down to perch on the sign of a sleeping white bear, peeping appreciation for the smells wafting from inside. The bard led the way as they spoke, pushing open the door to a small but clean-looking establishment with two merry fireplaces and tables that were half-filled already. Stairs in the back likely led to rooms for rent, but it was to an empty table for two near one of the fireplaces that Jigano led Chulane while Isuma scampered beneath the table looking for crumbs.
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#7
I've never been a big drinker, but if there's one thing that Australia has plenty of, it's pubs. The local watering hole is a place that many a rendezvous with mates would occur, and it would seem that the culture is similar here.

(I try not to think about how Halo is medieval when compared to modern day Australia and how modern day Australia has many similarities to medieval times)

Jigano asks about my name, and smile evolves into a sort of wry smirk as I think about it. When I came here, I easily shed my surname, almost as a way of disconnecting from what I had left behind on Earth. Disconnecting, but never forgetting.

"Chulane, is my whole name," I don't bother explaining that my parents were fans of a fantasy card game, because at this point in my life, fantasy is reality. "I'm not a native - or, er, a Natural to Halo. I'm what they call an Outlander." I had learned these terms very recently, among other things.

"I've only been here for a few days," I chuckle softly at the sheer incredulity of it all, shaking my head as I settle down at the table chosen by my newfound friends. "I'm still learning - I want to learn more, so that I can give back to those who have been generous to me since my arrival, especially."
Chulane

AlaskanStock on deviantart
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#8
As they made themselves comfortable - shedding his cloak and the large coat, in Jigano's case, and unwinding scarf and hat so he could run his fingers through his long hair and push it back into a semblance of order with habitual vanity - the bard listened intently to the other man, and blue eyes lit up at hearing that his new companion was an Outlander.

A waiter hurried over before he could get out a proper reply, and he gave Chuy an apologetic look as he haggled for two bowls of rabbit stew and a loaf of bread. Payment was demanded upfront from the strangers and Jigano moved to the woodpile by the nearest fireplace with the wait in attendance. Wood was stacked, logs the size of his thigh, until the waiter nodded approval and headed back to put in their orders.

"Sorry about that. I know well what an Outlander is," he revealed with a grin as Isuma hopped into his lap and poked her head over the table to watch Chulane with fascination. Jigano ruffled her ears playfully as he continued. "I'm one myself. But I've been here for around two years now, and I've settled in a bit. I live in the Hollowed Grounds and serve as the Outlander Advisor in the government there, which means acting as liaison between Outlanders and the Council, and helping new arrivals get a good start there. So if there's anything I can help you with, it would be my pleasure." Isuma reeped! a cheerful counterpoint and he nodded down at her with a fond smile. "Though if you already know what a companion is, you're off to a good start!"
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#9
I watch as payment is exchanged in the form of manual labour - if I had known prior, I would have jumped at the opportunity to help, however by the time understanding of what is taking place dawns upon me, the payment is complete, and Jigano has resumed his position at the table with me. I know better now, for next time - I will learn from this, I will grow, I will improve myself so that I am not indebted to anyone.

I listen intently as the pale man reveals snippets about his past to me, my interest keen and genuine. He was - he is - an Outlander as well, only he has been here long enough that he probably feels like a local. He has rank, or at least, influence, it would seem.

Excitement at the prospect of meeting another scholar, and one who was happy to share, to discuss and debate and... - I was getting ahead of myself. But the joy was clear on my face, as I, completely hopeless at guarding my facial expressions, beamed happily as I learned about the man, chuckling softly as his gryphon crooner seemingly in agreement.

"Where I come from, I have spent many years studying many different species of animals - I am a scientist, specialising in medicine, healing. It's my passion, and so naturally I find the subject of the animals of this world intriguing." I offer as succinct an explanation as I can for my preliminary knowledge of the land, hoping I don't bore him in turn. "I hope to be able to adapt my knowledge to this world and make something of myself - I also discovered that I am attuned, and I feel like I should make the most of the opportunity given to me."

When I was on Earth, unless I was surrounded by my peers and fellow scholars, I was used to being looked at like I was insane, like whatever came out of my mouth was too much for the audience to comprehend. It was refreshing to be in the company of one who could keep up, or who in fact was vastly ahead of me - he knew all that I sought to know, after all.

"Any knowledge you would be keen to share, I promise I would be glad to have it."
Chulane

AlaskanStock on deviantart
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#10
He almost perked up with 'druid', but when Chulane claimed the title of scientist and spoke of healing Jigano nodded in better understanding. "It's a pleasure to meet another Attuned," he assured his lunch companion, and glanced down at Isuma with a raised brow and a smile. "Do you want to go say hello?" The gryphlet reep!ed excitedly and wriggled onto the table, trotting over to demand scritches from their new friend. "It would be good to have a doctor specializing in animals and companions," he encouraged. "And I may be able to help you with some of the more interesting creatures in the Hollowed Grounds region."

He watched carefully to make sure Isuma behaved as much as Chulane, though he was relaxed and not too concerned. "There's a Guild called 'the Loreseekers' who seek out information from around the world - the animals, the plants, the history, the gods, whatever we can - and gather it in the Atheneum in the Hollowed Grounds. We've compiled a booklet of the more dangerous and unusual plants and animals, and I'd be happy to give you a copy if you get the chance to visit." He chuckled as he sat back. "There are several Guilds across the various regions, some focused on hunting monsters or crafting or art. Sadly our Healer's College closed recently," he admitted with a sigh.
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#11
I gladly welcome the approach of the gryphon, my hand outstretched for it to rub against, my fingers deftly moving through its feathery fur as I locate the perfect spot to scritch. It brings me great joy, not just because I clearly am enthused by all things animals, but also from a scientific standpoint - this is the closest I've ever gotten to a gryphon, and I can't help but attempt to make sense of what should be a fantasy creature by trying to identify which parts of it are avian and which parts are feline. I don't get too caught up in this (I could get lost for hours in my own thoughts, and that's just not polite), and try to simply accept that this is what it is, and have hope that there will be other times where my yearning for science and knowledge will be met.

"My world called the profession veterinarian," I offer, my warm smile ever present upon my lips. "You'll find me a very willing student," I nod as he speaks of teaching about the animals local to his region.

He continues, and I am excited again about the prospect of the Guild he speaks of - I can't help but think that this is why I always play a bard or cleric in games of Dungeons and Dragons with my party, I simply cannot get away from the desire to learn, to know, to share that knowledge. "Yes please!" I respond to his offer of written information hopefully not too enthusiastically, my hunger for it clearly evident in my expressions.

News of a Healer's College being shut down saddened me greatly - it sounded like something that I would be perfectly suited to. I realise that in my sadness, I stopped my petting of the gryphon - swiftly remedied by resuming said scritches - "That's a real shame," my voice is notably less enthused than it was for my prior comments. "Well, I'm sure once I find my feet I can help figure out a way to fix that. There's hardly a point to gaining so much knowledge if there is no means to share it."
Chulane

AlaskanStock on deviantart
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#12
Isuma was not usually shy about asking for attention, and she purred and pressed into scratching fingers, her fur and feathers soft and warm. Her body was smaller than she looked, hidden beneath the thick fluff and plumage, but it kept her warm even in Halo's wicked climate. Some parts of her were clearly feline, others inarguably avian, but much of her conformation was a mix of both - or neither, something unique to the hexapodal warm-blooded predator she was.

"You'll find me a long-winded teacher, I'm afraid," Jigano admitted ruefully. "But I'll do my best not to bore you."

In time Chulane might be surprised, indeed, to learn more about the white-haired bard and the world he had come from, but for the moment it was Caido they spoke of rather than each other, and Jigano's chuckle was downright delighted at the newcomer's enthusiasm. "The Atheneum is full of books," he assured him, "though many are in languages we haven't deciphered yet. But the books in the Loreseeker's Guildhall are written in the common tongue here and available to those who visit us. Copies can be made on request, of course, for those you want to keep." They'd learned early on that loaning out the originals to strangers who might disappear could make getting them back... difficult.

Isuma gave a concerned trill at the pause in pets, but returned to purring in Chuy's lap when he resumed. Jigano nodded enthusiastically at the other man's plaint, but paused as the food and ale arrived to give the waiter a grateful nod. Tearing off a chunk of bread to dip in his stew, he barely stopped himself from using it to point across the table in emphasis. "Exactly! That's why my Guild largely exists. It's an easy place for anyone to come and ask questions or search our collections. And we hold classes once in a while, too. Largely geared towards Outlanders," he admitted ruefully. "But all are welcome to attend." He took a bite, chewing and swallowing quickly so he could get back to the conversation at hand.

"So... I don't want to risk repeating what you already know. Have you heard about the different races here? The regions? The gods?"
Ningo Farmer

Age: 30 | Height: 185cm | 6'1" | Race: Attuned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Halo
Level: 4 - Strg: 15 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 24 - Luck: 14 - Int:
AUNI - Mythical - Luxere
Played by: Whimzi Offline
Change author:
Posts: 815 | Total: 926
MP: 35
#13
One thing I find myself missing here in Caido was books. Whilst the digital age had hit my world and greatly reduced the need for them, I still loved them, cherished my collection of novels and informative textbooks alike. Libraries were my jam, I grew up in hallways decked with shelves overflowing with so many pages, each one a new story, or a new fact - and their smell, their texture, everything about books was something I enjoyed, and longed for.

So when Jigano spoke about an Atheneum, and its contents, I was understandably excited, evidenced by the widening of my eyes, and the smile on my lips. It was like Christmas time, one gift coming after another - and our food arrives soon after this news as well. I shift slightly to ensure Isuma still has enough space on my lap, and proceed to start eating my meal one-handed. It is wholesome, delicious and simple, and I gladly scoop it into my mouth, not minding if Isuma helps herself to a crumbly bit of bread or meat if she so desires.

He speaks of holding classes, of a guild, and I think of days spent playing World of Warcraft on the computer, of planning with friends I knew only through their online profiles adventures that would take our pixelated avatars across a great many lands, defeating foes and rising through the ranks. It's a curious notion that I seem to have fallen into a fantasy world - and that I cope with it by comparing it to games and stories from my world. Hey, it works for me - so far, anyway.

"I'll be sure to attend your next class, there is much for me to learn," similar to Jigano, I bite and swallow relatively quickly so that I can continue with the conversation. In response to his next question, I shrug without committing to a definitive answer - I had heard brief overviews on each of these topics, but nothing nearly as detailed or satisfying to my desire to know everything about them.

"I have heard of all of those things, yes, and I know probably the basics about each. They seem to be connected in ways that I am yet to completely wrap my head around - there were no gods in my home world, not in the sense that Caido has them, anyway." I offer a topic for Jigano to begin with, if he so desires - it is admittedly probably the topic I struggle with the most, for my mind of logic and science merely wants to explain these so-called gods away with just that - logic and science.

And yet, when I came through the threshold and into Halo, I evidently picked up the gift of shifting into an animal form, an ability I have yet to find a perfect scientific explanation for, and accepted as simply being. Perhaps with more clarity, I will learn to do the same for the gods of this world.
Chulane

AlaskanStock on deviantart
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#14
Isuma very much wanted to help herself to a few crumbs and bits of bread, forgiving Chulane the lack of petting for the opportunity to steal nibbles. Jigano chided her gently through their bond to make sure she didn't beg, but she had no shame in pouncing on what fell to the table or Chuy's shirt.

"This season's is on magic," Jigano offered as they ate, a slightly rueful cast to his expression. "Something that seems fairly common in Halo, and not uncommon in Torchline, but that is far more fraught in the Hollowed Grounds. Mages are not...hmm. I would say not 'welcome' there, but they aren't driven out or anything quite so drastic. They're not entirely trusted though, and the Naturals tend to avoid magic users, so it's a decidedly more difficult community for them there." All the more reason to try and shine a little light on what was muttered about in dark corners, to try and ease some of that stigma on those who couldn't help what they were.

Chuy's approach to what he was learning was refreshing straightforward and logical, recognizing what he didn't know and seeking to overcome that. Jigano nodded thoughtfully as he enjoyed his own meal, considering again the strangeness of these worlds without gods that some Outlanders came from. "The gods here are powerful, but not perfect," he began slowly, measuring his words carefully as he tried to construct a more complete framework for the new arrival. "The Old Gods watch over the world and everything in it. It's not that they protect or perfect it, I think. They are largely observers, though occasionally they do meddle directly. The most powerful gods are also the most distant, and you're least likely to run into them. Their heralds, the assistant and companion each Old God created for themselves, are more limited in their powers, but more focused on the smaller scale. They're most likely to answer your prayers, though there is never any guarantee on that," he cautioned with his spoon. "And sometimes when you pray at a shrine it's not a god that answers. There are powerful spirits, too, that like to toy with those seeking divine intervention."

He paused, his expression taking on grimmer lines. "And then there is the Voice. The newest and youngest of the gods, for she was a mortal who ascended to godhood through her ambition and search for power. What have you heard of her so far?"


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


RPG-D