Closed Jungle Basketcases (Marino)

Tony, Ken, Marino and Selene harvest and transport reeds for basketweaving.

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Syka is a new settlement of primarily humans on the east coast of Falyndar opposite of Riverfall on The Suvan Sea. [Syka Codex]

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Jungle Basketcases (Marino)

Postby Selene Curare on May 19th, 2020, 8:26 pm

Image




Spring 68th 520AV


The widow sat on the edge of the dock, her leg dangling into the water tracing an infinity symbol. The connected rings that symbolized Viratas. Beside her slouched a backpack stuffed with rope, a hatchet, and other supplies Tony had said she would need for harvesting the reeds. The reeds would be dried and prepped over the course of several days before being formed into the baskets Sykans relied on for harvesting and storage, or the various other uses Tony had for them; wicker chairs, room dividers, garden fences, and other assorted construction. Her fingers were sore from weaving with Tony the day before, and she was looking forward to a day of harvesting new reeds to replace what had been used the day before. As a weaver in Kalinor the materials were already harvested by others, so harvesting and foraging for materials was a novel exciting aspect of Syka she hadn’t been expecting.

She had finally understood Tony’s dismay at her arrival when he had described what would be involved in harvesting the reeds. They would need to be escorted by an experienced Sykan who understood the peculiar and frequent dangers of the jungle, hacking through uneven terrain that would quite likely be difficult for the Sym with her balance handicap, stay away from or kill predators that might be attracted from the noise of their harvesting.

Having landed in Syka seven days prior she had done little to contribute to the settlement beyond the experimental buoys Pelly and Juli had a hand in creating, and was feeling the pressure to contribute. Paranoia a cold wet cloth on the back of her neck that she was insufficient and could be cast from the colony or worse, her child would be, when she wasn’t there to care for her. Perhaps it was the paranoia, perhaps her own arrogance that had her scrambling a group together to harvest reeds for Tony as part of her work. Tony had advised against it, but the sneer with which he had done it was a kick in Selene’s mulishness.

The rough-hided face topped with a bloom of wild white hair bobbed along the beach, his intense direct gait a sharp contrast to the plume of red hair ambling along at his side. Selene watched them, standing up only once they strode across the dock to join her. Selene, still getting used to smiling for no reason to be seen as friendly, smiled awkwardly at the two.

“Good morning Tony,” She nodded at Tony, glancing sidelong at his companion. On Tony’s advice, Selene had traded her usual delicate sundress and broad-rimmed hat for what she hoped was jungle appropriate clothing, although it had all been brought from Lhavit. “It’s not the rain that’s going to soak you, it’s the jungle itself,” He had explained, “and the humidity will keep you sweating even when you’re standing still. You’re going to be pretty much constantly, be in contact with wet plants…so dress properly.” Selene hadn’t taken the warning lightly, but the Mercantile hadn’t had any clothes besides heavy black jungle boots (which had required Selene, with disgust, to spend the night cutting, trimming, hacksawing, and sanding down her feet’s claws). The heavily traded bottoms of the boots would dig into the mud, but was still soft and bendable enough to grip wet rocks and logs.

“Well that won’t do lass,” the nameless red-head waggled his finger and dropped one of the backpacks he had slung over his back at her feet. Tony grumbled to himself rolling his eyes and mumbling something about newcomers.

“Here,” Tony kicked the back towards Selene. Crouching, Selene tore through the bag and hid the smile the contents created. The grump is really as soft and fluffy as the Isuas he picks! She realized. Inside the backpack was an assortment of waterproof clothing he must have made himself at some point. Everything was obviously made for a man much larger than Selene and was heavier than anything she was used to wearing.

“Thank you,” She nodded at Tony, struggling to keep her face impassive. It certainly didn’t seem like the man was one for overly emotive displays and she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable in front of the stranger. An Isuas cotton long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and huge long socks were folded neatly at the top of the pack, Beneath, there was an insect repellant cream, waterproof gaiters, a boonie hat with a neck protector, one pair of wrist length gloves and one pair of elbow length gloves, and a machete strapped to the outside.

“Now that you’ll be dressed like a proper Sykan woman on an adventure, let’s get on with it. I hear we’re going reed hunting? I’m Ken Chi, guard and guide.” The red-head introduced himself, grinning with enthusiasm. The red hair grew all over his face, framing his mouth and cheeks, Like those little red monkeys, Selene thought, imagining him running up to steal her banana before swinging away like the rascals had done. His white shirt was slung over his shoulder revealing a heavily tattooed chest and arms of which Selene only recognized a masted ship on his left bicep and a wing sprawled bird across his chest.

“I’m Selene,” She introduced with a bob of her head and a fanged smile. I’m getting used to this smiling thing She thought jubilantly. “We’re just waiting on Marino Oceangem, he’ll be taking us to the reeds and his boat will help up bring a lot more back than ever before, Tony says.”

“Ah, well that explains why you wanted me to come along chap,” He wrapped a huge arm over the thin mans shoulders, “Can’t have you babysitting two new Sykan tots alone, plus between you and the little ladies state I can’t imagine you’ll get much carrying done without me,” He teased, his grin spreading when he received the desired twin glares of the two weavers.

Smart ass…

Word count: 1,000

OOC: “Can I get a double double?” - WSx2 work skills and wilderness skills.

Backpack Contents:
Jungle boots (boots, high) 5sm
Black Isuas Pants (man-sized used) 8sm*0.75(used)*2(Isuas)=12sm
Green Isuas Shirt (w ties at the wrists)(man-sized used) 8sm*0.75(used)*2(Isuas)=12sm
Boonie hat with neck cover (used) 2smx0.75(used)*2(leather)=3sm
Waterskin (own)
Rope, Hemp (50 ft.) 1gm
Eating Knife (own)
Flint and Steel (own)
1 day rations (own)
Belt + Pouch (own)
Machete 10gm
Insect Repellant Cream 1GM
Waterproof Green Gaitors 3sm(guess?)*0.75(used)*2(Isuas) = 4.5sm
Socks (very large man socks) 4sm*0.75(used)*2(Isuas) = 6sm
Wrist length gloves (man-sized used) 5sm*0.75 (used)*2 (Isuas) = 7.5sm
Elbow length gloves (man-sized used) 5sm*0.75 (used)*2 (Isuas) = 7.5sm


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Selene Curare
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Jungle Basketcases (Marino)

Postby Marino Oceangem on May 20th, 2020, 12:50 am

Marino pulled on the leather glove. It was the third pair he’d tried, and so far this felt the most comfortable when he flexed his fingers. “How are those?” Juli asked, and he looked up with a grin. “Better.” Then after a brief pause, added. “Do you really wear these in the jungle?” She nodded, “That, and a whole lot more. You are going to at least need some long sleeves and some better breeches if you are going to venture in. I see you already have the shoes for it, and that cloak will do in a pinch” Juli said as she laid a white shirt and breeches on top of the gloves.

That’s quite a lot to wear in this heat” Marino said, and Juli gave him a grin. “Trust me, you are going to need all of it and more when you get some coin in your pocket. I can think of at least a dozen other items you are going to need, but since you just got here and are light in the pocket we can hold off on those things till you get settled.” “Well then, I’ll make sure to see you first thing.” He said, grinning back as he handed her the coin, and picked up his purchases.

Back outside the Mercantile, Marino started by taking off his packs and then his clothes till he was down to his linen loincloth. Then he pulled on the isuas breeches before sitting down to put on his leather boots. Next he slipped into isuas shirt, and pushed up the long sleeves so he could see the waves that rippled across his forearm. He knew he would have to push them back down when they went into the jungle, but he didn’t like hiding the mark of Laviku. It was a shame he couldn’t do the same for the tattoos on his upper arms. That was just a price he would have to pay to see the jungle. With the shirt out of the way, he tied his blue cloak around his neck before pulling the leather gloves on. To complete the outfit, he wrapped a the crimson scarf around his neck, then thinking better about it, took it off and stuffed it into his pack. If the jungle really was as dangerous as they said it was, perhaps he didn’t need to make a lot of noise.

After putting on his backpack and rucksack, he headed to the dock to Selene waiting there for him with two men he did not recognize. “Hullo there Selene, care to introduce me?” Marino asked as he walked up, raising a hand with his palm out towards both of the men. Walking past the trio, he stopped alongside his Casinor that was tethered to the dock, and loaded his packs onto it while he talked with the group.

Receipt- Leather Gloves 1gm
- Shirt, Isuas 2 sm
- Breeches, Isuas 1 gm, 6 sm



WC: 478
Last edited by Marino Oceangem on June 1st, 2020, 3:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Jungle Basketcases (Marino)

Postby Selene Curare on May 20th, 2020, 10:26 pm

Image



Marino was recognizable to Selene by his galloping stride that devoured the sand. Selene waved at him from the dock where they were perched beside The Seasilk. She was thrilled that Marino had decided to settle in Syka, especially for Pelly’s sake, family was important to keep near. The Svefra joined hands with the two other men, Ken giving the same broad enthusiastic grin he had given Selene while Tony grunted his hello in typical Tony fashion.

“This is Tony and this is Ken Shi. Shi? Am I saying that right?”

“Chi, Ken Chi, I’m tagging along to help guard and guide you all. I could be coerced into some heavy lifting if I don’t have to make dinner. Although – you aren’t one to do the cooking either Selene,” He winked at the Symenestra making her flush with embarrassment. He was referencing the party Selene had held when newly landed in Syka where she had accidentally poisoned several Sykans with her food.

“Oh Viratas, I hope you didn’t feel terrible for too terribly long,” Selene grumbled, not enjoying being reminded of her embarrassing error.

“Relax lass, pregnant women crave all sorts of foul things,” Each of them had picked up their backpacks and followed the Svefra into his boat, loading them where he instructed. The boat bobbed gently in the waves. It was a peaceful day with a clustering of clouds that threatened rain but kept the sun off Selene’s fragile skin.

“Have you had a chance to enjoy much of the Jungle yet?” Ken asked the two newcomers while Selene offered Marino a hand, “I can pull the rope by myself this time,” She offered gesturing broadly at all of the ropes, needing reminding which rope was the appropriate one to lift the mainsail.

“No, this will be my first venture out of Syka’s commons. I’m breathless by Syka’s beauty, but if you remember that barbeque very well those jungle horror stories people told were a little less than inviting. I’m glad that you’re coming along with us,” She was about to glance at Marino but quickly added, “Not that Tony isn’t…I’m sure it would be safe to go with just…” quick to try and avoid offending the old man when they were just starting to get along. Fortunately, he seemed lost in his world staring off along the coast of Falyndar.

Selene looked to Marino, wondering how much exploring he had done since she’d last seen him. While they talked she offered any help she could in setting them off from the dock: untying ropes that held them to the dock, pulling on lines, anything else the Svefra instructed her to do. Meanwhile, Ken and Tony, respecting the boat as the Svefra’s home and not having ever been on it kept out of the way as best they could.

Once the Svefra had them pulled away from the dock and had it skipping across the ocean Selene settled herself with the other where Marino instructed to balance the boat. “What kinds of things have you been carrying around Marino? Are you quite busy? My fingers are practically worn away with all the work there is to do!” Selene commiserated.

“Well now, do remember to relax and enjoy Syka. There’s always work to do, and there’s always tomorrow,” Ken scolded, an amused lilt in his voice seemed to say, Psh newcomers, so stressed out.

“Well, we’re kind of forced to relax with all this heat. Syna’s command.” Selene rebutted, rolling her eyes at the sun. “Thank Viratas we have some clouds today.”

Tony and Ken exchanged knowing smirks. Selene glanced at Marino, What do they know that we don’t? she thought at it, furrowing her brow in confusion.

Word count: 619

OOC: Hey! Hope I didn't rush too much along - wanted to move along to the meat of the thread. :) Let me know if I rushed it along too much or anything. Feel free to instruct Selene on how to help out and can assume she would listen and try her best (feel free to describe her struggling and you having to clarify if you want to work on your teaching XP).

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Jungle Basketcases (Marino)

Postby Marino Oceangem on May 21st, 2020, 4:05 am

I’m Marino Oceangem, and it will be my pleasure to sail you fine people today. Where are we heading by the way?" Looking between Selene and the Tony, settling on the older man as he appeared to be in charge of this expedition. Next he guided them to put their packs inside the cabin while he went across the deck to the bow, leaning over to feel the breeze. He’d already checked the tide was earlier, it was almost all the way in now with fat waves rolling towards the shore with the decent gust of wind they were getting.

Grinning wistfully, he turned back towards where Selene was talking and scratched his chin. “Sure thing, I’ll get the heads up if you want to untie us from the dock?” He said before getting right to work. Marino moved quickly as he loosened the halyard, pulling on it with three strong jerks to bring the head to the top of the mast. After doing the same for the second sail, he proceeded to draw out the clew halfway on the main, letting it catch the wind for a bit while he decided what to do with it. Seeing Selene walking back up from the dock, he handed her the rough piece of line. “Hold it there for a moment please” He called out over his shoulder as he jogged to the anchor, pulling it up quickly before darting back across the ship to push them away from the dock.

As he pushed away, he looked over and saw that the wind was catching the sail quite nicely. “Pull it all the way, and hold it tight for me. I’ll be right over.” He said, dropping the grapple pole to the deck before sliding over to the wheel to steer them towards the gap between the island and mainland. With that out of the way, he made his way over to Selene. “Thank you very much. Mind pulling that line tight for me?” He asked as he took the outhaul from her, and tied it off in a figure eight. Then looking at the luft of the sail that she was now tightening he took that one, tying it off quick.

Marino didn’t catch much of the conversation between the people on deck, but from the sound of it, they seemed friendly enough. He did hear Selene however as he got behind the wheel and looked over to smile. “Mostly people, wood, sometimes metal and fruit. Quite a variety actually which is nice.” He said distractedly. His focus now was on navigating the gap without getting too close to the island. Though the water was deeper now with the tide in, he didn’t want to blunder too close and beach on a sandbar. That would be quite embarrassing.

Idly, he wondered what Twist was up to as his tavan could certainly be useful in navigating these waters till he got used to them. He was probably with the pod though, which Marino couldn’t begrudge him. It might be a while before his tavan saw his family when the pod eventually moved out into the open ocean, and he was spending as much time as he could with them. Regardless of what the outsiders say, he was sure that the tavan understood what was spoken to him, and this was a sort of reassurance for him. Though perhaps, when he thought about it, maybe there was something about his mood of late when he was will his family.

Marino dismissed those thoughts for now, and focused instead on where his passengers where on the deck before looking forward, up the coast. They were almost safe across the span of the gap now and the open sea beckoned with a sturdy wind. Breathing in deep the scent of the salty sea, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling for a moment before going down to adjust the sails. “Help me curve the foot.” He said to Selene on his way down. On the deck of his ship he was all movement, and he gestured towards the bottom of the sail with both of his hands as he said this. With Selene beside him, he guided her hands back to the outhaul, and let the rope have some slack before he worked it quickly through another figure eight on the cleat. The ship picked up speed as the wind funneled through the slack, and they started to make a good pace along the coast. Soon they would be at their destination.


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