Saurian Searching (Tyr/Jorkahn)

[Tyr]

Spending the night at the manor had been refreshing, but it still felt weird. The staff had been half confused, half delighted that he'd shown up. There'd been some rekindling of old relationships, a wonderful dinner, a room full of sharp memories, and a quick early morning getaway. Heading back down the road towards the Fishery was a great chance to clear his head in preparation for the upcoming journey. Seeing the construction on the grod coming along nicely picked up the Duke's spirits, and being out and about in the light of dawn made him feel alive and part of the world. He nearly started humming a tune as he went, but kept it to himself for propriety's sake.

He took a detour towards his warehouse first, picking up a small sack filled with four pieces of serpent flesh. Na'ka had advised him to bring raw flesh and so he would. Everything else was left behind, his gear was at the shop and he wouldn't be needing much else for this trip. Heading towards the Fishery next, the Duke fished the key out from around his neck, rapped his knuckles hard on the front door, then unlocked it and went inside. His eyes took only a moment to adjust from the meager light outside to the internal gloom, and he moved to the forge to get some light going by way of fire. Blowing a small layer of ash away, Tyr piled some small logs on the fire, pumped the bellows a little, and brought forth a blaze.

The Duke then geared up, grabbing his warhammer and all the spare armor he'd forged over time. It was nothing special, most of the pieces barely compared to what he'd been forging recently, but it was at least basic protection in case they happened upon something. Jorkahn seemed like he would be fairly handy in a fight though, he at least knew which end of an axe to hold and how to swing it. A dedicated bodyguard would be a good idea in the future though... Strapping on the last of his armor, Tyr looked up to see Jorkahn stepping out of the side room.

"Good morning lad! Ready for our little adventure?"

---

(If you have a problem with any of the puppetry let me know and I'll change it immediately.)

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Jorkahn had been awake for nearly half an hour when Tyr had finally entered the shop. Because the boy had slept in rather late the day before he didn't need as much sleep to feel rested. When he had awoken he felt much better than the day before at around this time. The again, he had been travelling for quite some time by that point. These were not the thoughts on his mind, however. For now he was focusing on the blade of his brand new axe. A large part of him was excited to use it, an equally large part hoped he never had to.

The mixed blood's armor was already adorned. Every so often, if the light caught it just right, it would shine from beneath his cloak. Since the armor wasn't too ridiculously heavy it didn't clank and clink as loud as one may expect. It seemed very hardy and durable, and the boy was certain it would likely save his life many times in the future. When the Wealddir was satisfied he stood up and walked out the door of his temporary room. Through a yawn and a rather satisfying stretch Jorkahn didn't notice Tyr right away. In fact, it wasn't until the man spoke that the boy realized he was there.

With a small start that turned into a light smile the lad spoke, "As ready as I will ever be!"

[Tyr]

"Excellent! We'll head off immediately then. We have a ways to go and having all of the day's light will be helpful." Finding the exact location of the hermit Skaldi would be....difficult. The only clue he had was 'the valley where the river falls to the north of here'. Not the most descriptive, but with people lacking basic forms of maps these days there wasn't much else to go off of. Lucky for Tyr he'd grown up in these lands and had a basic idea of where that was. Also that he understood what directions were, but that was another matter.

All sorted with his arms and armor Tyr led the way out of the workshop. Once Jorkahn was outside he'd fish the key from around his neck and lock the place up, leaving it open to the public was his goal but with no one tending it there was the risk for theft and injury. If he could find some people to work and guard the place then he could leave it open, but for now that wasn't an option. With the doors shut, Tyr started walking up the road towards the river crossing. The workers moving from the forests and mines would be able to tell him of any rumored Skaldi sightings, and it would be the easiest access to the river and whichever 'valley' the Skaldi was hiding in.

"The Skaldi we're searching for is called Nak'mantul. We'll have to search for him, I've been told he's a bit of a hermit, and all I know is that he's in a valley north of here 'where the river falls'. Should be an interesting search."

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Jorkahn followed Tyr out of the workshop and waited for the man to lock up. The boy was surprised how well rested he felt. It had been a long time since he had gotten a good night's sleep, having been on the move for the last month or so. It was also quite a luxury that he had taken for granted, sleeping in a good bed. It almost made him reluctant to head back into the wilderness, away from society. But the events of the previous afternoon reminded him why he enjoyed the solitude. It was rare for people like Tyr and his sister to exist, or at least in his eyes. For all he knew plenty of people like that existed, he just never saw them.

The wandering half elf looked around curiously as they walked through the town. "That is a rather vague description. Though I wouldn't imagine there to be too many waterfalls around here, and I assume it would be connected to a river of some sort, unless the water was from snowmelt. We aren't that close to the mountains, are we?" Though he had been traveling for a while he had only been in Mardok for a few days, maybe a week. It hadn't been long. He would allow Tyr to guide them, but that wasn't to say he was completely clueless when it came to navigating either. The lad looked at Tyr's gear for the first time.

"I-I mean no offense, but how proficient are you with your weapons?" His stutter had only returned for a moment. He just hoped Tyr wasn't offended.

[Tyr]

"The edge of our town connects with the river. The mountains aren't terribly far north of that, but there's a ways to go before reaching the valley in which the river falls. We could find our secretive Skaldi in a day, but it might be a bit longer. Which brings me to a new thought. Camping. I'm not very well versed in that, are you? We should probably have tents and something to sleep on. Maybe a quick detour to my supply store so I can make some things..."

Jorkahn's question was well founded though. The Duke hadn't had much cause in his life to truly test his combat skills, but he'd spend his life wielding a hammer in some form or fashion. A warhammer felt natural enough to him, and sat easily in his hands. As he redirected towards the warehouse that held his spare crafting supplies, Tyr idly swung the hammer around in front of him. While he lacked form, he had an abundance of strength and the easy acquired knowledge of 'hit the thing with the flat end'.

"I would say I have some skill with them, but I wouldn't match for a trained soldier by any means."

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Jorkahn nodded, staring off across the town, as Tyr explained the surrounding geography. Even if the boy wasn't entirely familiar with the immediate area he had a decent sense of direction. He was positive that with Tyr's help they could find this 'Valley in which the river falls.' Jorkahn did not really mind the search taking a few days. He felt at home among the plains and forests of Cruinthe, after all he had been travelling them for a few of his teenage years.

"I have a bit of experience in preparing outdoor areas for sleeping as well as temporary dwelling. Unfortunately I am only mostly aware of the basics, I wouldn't expect anything too luxurious or exotic." The boy shifted his weight around a bit, feeling the weight of his brand new armor. He was taken away for a moment at how well it fit. Tyr hadn't even taken any measurements, he had just seemed to eyeball the lad's size. It was quite remarkable. "Tents and sleeping bags would likely be a good thing to have. Maybe lanterns or torches as well, if we plan to be out at night. The latter aren't exactly necessary, however."

The fledgling warrior watched as Tyr swung his hammer idly. He didn't seem to be using any sort of formal technique, but the movements did not look awkward or slow, so the man obviously had the required strength and familiarity to wield it. "You would be surprised how much more you can accomplish with just a little bit of skill over no skill at all." They were on a topic that the boy was interested in, so he thought he would ask more. "Are you formally trained with any other weapons? Or perhaps consider yourself better versed with some over others?" He both looked and sounded interested in the craftsman's response.

[Tyr]

Tyr snapped his fingers and pointed at Jorkahn as the lad pointed out the potential need for lanterns. "Brilliant idea, I should be able to whip up a pair of those in a jiffy. Just be a moment really." Making supplies for the road wouldn't take much in the way of materials, but it would be an interesting thing to break into. Tyr hadn't had much practice in making anything of the sort, but working metal and leather into a usable shape was fairly natural to the Duke now.

The pair would happen quickly upon a wide building tucked neatly near one edge of town. The doors unlocked with the same key used for the Artificery and Tyr strode inside in a hurry, pulling ingots off shelves and grabbing bolts of leather. There was a stock of spare tools as well, and luck would have it that tin could easily be forged cold so there wasn't too much of a loss there. Although the forge would have made the entire process easier. Oh well.

First would be the lanterns. Precise metalwork would be the most demanding task, might as well do that while fresh physically and mentally. Tyr set up on an empty shelf and started hammering the tin into shape, occasionally using one of his daggers for fine detail. As he worked the Duke pondered the lad's question.

---

Making a lantern from 1 tin ingot. Simple (30) + K (25) + Iron master (20) = Threshold 75.
33U_id|J
Success! 1 tin lantern produced.

---

"I have some formal training with swords, experience with hammers and the like, and I'm good with my hands and anything on them." And if he ever got off his lazy butt and practiced with the bow he'd made he could eventually add that to the list.

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

The boy was surprised by the other man's snapping and sudden finger thrust in his direction. It wasn't until Tyr spoke again that Jorkahn calmed back down and realized what had happened. He was happy to hear that his idea had been a good one. They were coming to the edge of the town when the craftsman suddenly turned, key in hand, to unlock the door of a building that Jorkahn had nearly passed up. Almost sliding to a stop the young Wealddir swiftly stepped into the recently opened building right behind Tyr.

What he saw inside made the lad smile slightly. He was impressed how well stocked the warehouse was. The boy wondered how many other buildings around town the Duke possessed that could be used as a temporary crafting area in a pinch. It reminded him a lot of his own father, that man seemed to have buildings all around Viktoria with some kind of office room. They held papers, writing utensils, ink, stamps, boxes, and all kinds of other random odds and ends in case something business related came up when he wasn't home. When he finished reminiscing Jorkahn watched Tyr work and listened to him speak.

"A-at the risk of sounding brash, uhm..." The stutter was back, "c-could you show me how to wield a sword properly? Or how to fight without a weapon? I-I know that I already owe you much! But I could show you how to formally wield an axe in return, m-maybe show you a few other things as well?" Though he was rather certain Tyr wouldn't react negatively to his questions the boy still prepared himself for the worst. He was quite pessimistic, wasn't he?

[Tyr]

Spurred by success, Tyr immediately started a second tin lantern. Having a working creation in front of him made the task quite a bit simpler, more about copying it and less about creating it from scratch. While he was plenty creative and all, and new designs seemed to flow from his mind like water from a river, every now and again it was nice to relax and make something familiar. There was a simple joy in the mere creation of an item, and knowing it would be put to good use. Besides, having a basic concept meant future expansion of the idea was easier. You could change a sword's shape and it would still cut. Trying to create a whole new weapon from nothing presented a much more difficult challenge.

Jorkahn's quick offer prompted a smile from the Duke's lips. The benefit to people was that everyone was different, and thus knew different things. In wanting to become a polymath Tyr would need to find those people and learn from them the best he could. Jorkahn was a promising start to that.

"A trade of knowledge is a great idea. You can teach me the basics of camping in the wild and I can teach you the basics of swordfighting. I'm sure we can find a similar arrangement for everything else." If the Duke was going to go on any more adventures like this present one having the ability to camp would come in handy. He couldn't always rely on--Well ok, yes, he could, he was a Duke and relying on other people to do things for him came with the job, but he didn't WANT to always rely on other people to take care of him.

---

Making a lantern from 1 tin ingot. Simple (30) + K (25) + Iron master (20) = Threshold 75.
6AUaGLp8
Fail. Skill save, DC 25.

Success!

Tin Lantern: Brightness 4/Distance 5 yards


---

Finishing the other lantern in similar style, Tyr handed it over to Jorkahn. Now they'd each have one in case of emergencies.·

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

It really was amazing how Tyr was able to make something out of, what seemed to the inexperienced boy, nothing. The craftsman had quickly put together one lantern and was now on the second. His efficiency and skill was not lost on the lad. At Jorkahn's proposition the Duke's lips curled into a smile. He thought that was a good thing and relaxed quite noticeably. He didn't have to wait long for his assumption to be confirmed, it put a smile on his own lips. The young warrior pulled out the sword hidden beneath his cloak and began to swing it around gently in his hands. It was quite obvious he didn't have very much training with this type of weapon.

"Let us hope we won't have to put these practices to use on our trip. I would prefer to stay as far away from combat as possible." Just as soon as the short sword had been pulled from beneath his cloak it had disappeared within yet again. "But yes, I can teach you as much about camping as I know. Maybe I will learn some new things along the way!"

With all said and done the boy went back to watching Tyr work. Eventually the lantern was finished and handed to him, which he thanked the other man for. "I-is there anything I can help you with? It feels wrong to just stand here and watch."

[Tyr]

"Oh no no, don't worry about it. Making things is what I do, feel free to watch. If it feels wrong you could always sit down." Tyr smiled to himself at the slight joke and moved on to the bolts of leather. He unwrapped one and started cutting it into pieces with one of the daggers, laying strips out to start making the camping supplies. A sleeping bag for each of them and a shared tent would be sufficient to start with, he didn't really have a whole lot of supplies to be throwing at this trek. Hopefully the lad wouldn't have an issue with the shared space. Only one way to find out though.

"I can make a bag for each of us, but only one tent. Will you have an issue sharing it?" If he did Tyr could always sit out on his own by the fire they'd probably end up making. If Jorkahn was going to act as Tyr's bodyguard during this trip then it would be more important for him to be better rested. With luck it wouldn't be necessary, the Duke was only going to find someone to talk to after all. Taking a spare needle and some hardy thread the shaper started overlapping the leather cuts and sewing them into sleeping bags.

---

Making a sleeping bag from 2 leather. Simple (30) + K (25) + Tanner III (15) = DC 70
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69, success! Sleeping Bag - 50% HP/MP/Stamina regen after sleeping in it.

---

The first bag came together nicely and Tyr rolled it up. Two little leather straps at the end went around the bundle a few times then came together, keeping it nice and tightly packed. This bag he rolled over to Jorkahn before getting started on his own.

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Jorkahn chuckled despite himself at the craftsman's joke. Taking Tyr's sarcastic advice literally, the boy sat down. He supposed the warehouse wasn't really meant for living in, or sitting down for that matter. But, since they weren't exactly going anywhere any time soon, there was no point in wasting energy. Stretching, he continued to watch the man work.

Now Tyr was working with Leather pieces and string. The Duke sure knew how to make a lot of things. The young warrior almost felt like he was inferior to the larger man. All Jorkahn knew how to do was fight somewhat effectively, even that he wasn't very good at. Another thing he knew he could do but wasn't very skilled in was the art of magic. Sure the lad was agile, fit, and acrobatic, but he assumed Tyr was as well. It wasn't worth dwelling on such things.

His new friend's question snapped the Wealddir whelp out of his negative imaginings. "O-oh. No, I suppose I don't mind." He minded, but only a little. Duke Mardok may be one of the only other people Jorkahn felt somewhat comfortable around, but the lad had always felt vulnerable sleeping around other people. He would never admit this to anyone other than his sister, however.

The boy scooped up the sleeping bag and slipped it into his pack, beneath his cloak.

"Why did you decide to become a craftsman? Why not be a warrior of some kind, or maybe try your hand at magic? As taboo as it may be." Jorkahn hoped he wasn't asking too many questions.

[Tyr]

With the first bag completed successfully Tyr moved on to a second one for him. Really if it came down to it the bags would be enough to ensure they got some decent sleep on the trip, the tent would just shelter them from the elements more in case of rain or storms. Why didn't more people use them as emergency shelters?

Oh yeah, no one made them. Maybe he should do that. Hell he could offer a stock to Kable for people already on the road to have access to.

---

Making a sleeping bag from 2 leather. Simple (30) + K (25) + Tanner III (15) = DC 70
FIr5nmWm
25, success.
Sleeping Bag - 50% HP/MP/Stamina regen after sleeping in it.

---

"I was meant to be a soldier at first. My father had wanted me to rise to some fame or glory in battle and take over as Duke with the blatant respect force of arms at my call would bring. I didn't learn that until much later though. When I was a child everyone around my father seemed so busy with the tasks he gave. To get things done he had to make so many other people busy, but I didn't want to burden anyone. If I wanted something, I made it myself or went without it." Memories flashed through his mind of the various things he'd come up with as a child. Weaved sticks to make forts, stacked rocks to make child sized caves, enough carved sticks to make an army of children. He'd definitely been an uncommonly dedicated child.

"After a while I was apprenticed to some of the local craftsmen and was found to be quite gifted at it. I do it because I can, because I'm good at it, and because what I make helps people." He'd never really given much thought as to the why before so it was a rough answer. For Tyr, making things was just what he did. There wasn't a specific reason why. "I was tested for magic though. I didn't show any ability for it, otherwise I would've been taken to the Academy. I imagine it could be a pretty useful skill though." There were plenty of stories and rumors that floated about of the things that could be done with magic. Without firsthand knowledge of the possibilities it was hard to sort through what was blatant exaggeration and what was reality, but even some of the least extravagant stories made magic seem incredibly helpful.

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Tyr whipped together yet another creation with out trying, it seemed. He talked as he did so, answering the boy's questions. Jorkahn nodded as the craftsman spoke. "I suppose there are many ways to earn respect. My father did it with wealth and a keen business sense. He also seemed to have a rather diverse choosing of connections, but he never let me meet them."

The Duke's outlook was admirable. In retrospect Jorkahn's life had been rather selfish. He had always been attempting to please his family, or do something he was interested in that would benefit, in his eyes, only himself. He had never succeeded in the former, but the latter may prove to be useful in some way.

"I don't think my parents ever had me tested for magic. They kept me pretty sheltered." The young warrior paused as if in thought before speaking again. "Still, I imagine it must be nice to have some kind of innate talent! I wish I could say the same about myself!" Jorkahn smiled despite the self inflicted insult. While he truly believed he lacked any natural skill he didn't let it get to him. He had come to terms with it long ago.

[Tyr]

Last but not least came the construction of the tent. Finding sticks to stand the thing up with wouldn't be a difficult feat, they'd be traveling along the nearby forest after all, so Tyr's focus was on making the thing the right size and shape. This would take a lot more leather to accomplish so he wasn't likely to get another attempt at it if he failed the first time around. A lack of supplies at the moment, he'd have to rectify that later with some help via Kable's Company.

Jorkahn's words raised one of Tyr's eyebrows. Everyone got tested, it wasn't a voluntary thing. How had he gotten away from it? And how did he not see that as a talent?

"Yes indeed, having an innate talent must be nice. I had to spend years learning to make things out of something other than sticks. Being able to cast magic without any training must be amazing." Magic wasn't a gift everyone could just work at and have, only certain people seemed gifted with it. Anyone could learn Tyr's trade if they spent the years laying the foundational knowledge. Granted it helped that his family had the money to actually get him a lot of said knowledge, but it was still true.

As the leather came together Tyr formed the ends into corners and sewed channels for sticks to follow. It would make setting it up incredibly easy, just shove some sticks in the channel and it would create an instant frame.

---

Making a tent from 5 leather. Simple (30) + K (25) + Tanner III (15) = DC 70
XC1MoOhR
49, success.
Tent - Immunity to weather effects. 50% HP/MP/Stamina regen after sleeping.

---

The tent was easily packed up as well, with the draw strings for the front flaps tying together the same way all of the sleeping bag straps had.

"Would you be able to carry this for the trip? I seem to find myself running out of space." The sleeping bag, lantern, gear, and serpent flesh had him packed out. If anything he could probably leave some stuff behind, but if Jor happened to have space then things would work perfectly.