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[Egan_BW]

Let's slip past this settlement for now and proceed to the shiny thing.

Assemble my sluggish companions and proceed to the shiny aura.

[Stirk]

Marco sighs. "I will check your contacts then, as your son has said."

Check those contacts, assuming the son has told me where they are. Otherwise, time to ask the old man and get no proper answer.

Click. The old man takes another pict as you turn away.

He never told you where they are, but as they're taking up a good portion of the small house it is easy to find unassisted. The records are haphazardly spread across a series of albums and inside various kinds of boxes. Most are picts with writing on the back. Names, location, what they're known for, significant injuries, rank, position, where they are supposed to be deployed, daily habits, among other apparently random notes scrawled on the back in quill. Those in the albums tend to be those with dinos, the album acting to keep the picts of the creatures alongside their masters. Notes on the back of dino pictures tend to be more anatomical, listing injuries and quirks of the creature's appearance.

In addition to traditional artisan artists like those you've spoken to, his records include expert marksmen, athletes, hunters, swordsmen, talented merchants, clergymen, actors, singers, various high-ranking military officials...essentially every exceptional human on the planet. Several dinos get similar treatment, getting their own infograpic rather than aesthetic notes, often those who have won awards or performed bravely in battle seperatly from their handlers. The content of the pict themselves vary. Some are shots taken from a newspaper, others are candid picts of the individual in question performing the task that made them famous, a few involve the old man posing with the subject (typically when said subject is too injured to continue normal duty). There are even picts of the two Traders involved in the conflict, with much of the same information.

Unfortunately the they seem to be sorted chronologically as of last "update". The records go back for decades to what should be the man's youth, but they apparently get pulled out and updated fairly regularly as those in the back that should be the oldest still have the old man in something resembling his current state in the rare instances he appears in the pict. The most common update is simply writing "Deceased" at the bottom of the card. There are some doubles, usually when the pict is updated to be more current. The most recent updates must have happened in the last few days. The handwriting is the same across all of them, so he theoretically has at least the mental facilities to write on a good day.

You certainly have enough material here to work with. What kind of hideworker are you looking for, beyond "talented'?

Let's slip past this settlement for now and proceed to the shiny thing.

Assemble my sluggish companions and proceed to the shiny aura.

The Corsair seemed to have strong opinions on where you should go, but if he doesn't voice them I guess we have to move on!

The five of you skirt around the village. Just about as soon as the village ends you're met with incredibly thick jungle. There is no obvious path leading closer to the presence, and in fact the jungle seems to be deliberately making the trip as difficult as possible. The Eldar know that this is probably what is actually happening. Thorny underbrush joins with thick, thin closely-grown bamboo to act very much like a natural barbed wire fence. Nothing that would stop a determined human (or Eldar) form moving forward, especially not one in armor, but enough to make most turn toward an easy path.

If this keeps up, it will likely take around three days to reach the presence with your mix of Raptorback and walking. You could likely cut the trip down by a day if you find a decent path, if one should exist. Is there any preparation you wish to do barring bringing along basic camping supplies?

[Lenglon]

nah, this is nice and relaxing. practically nothing wants to kill us, there's no mutant-hunter mobs, my companions aren't babbling about the warp, instead just being rather Eldar-ey, and so far more likely to have a reason before attempting to backstab me. It's nice.

[Caellath]

It is certainly odd to think I'll end up as one of these, given the picts taken. Marco muses, before focusing on the task at hand.

Let's see hideworkers who are fine with commissions, aren't too picky about them being super special, are good at weathering or detailing and hopefully have worked with the same dino or similar.

[Stirk]

It is certainly odd to think I'll end up as one of these, given the picts taken. Marco muses, before focusing on the task at hand.

Let's see hideworkers who are fine with commissions, aren't too picky about them being super special, are good at weathering or detailing and hopefully have worked with the same dino or similar.

There are surprisingly few hidworkers given the amount of land dedicated to dinos, none particularly noted for weathering hide (presumably what the shoemaker said proves true and few artisans have any reason to regularly artificially weather rawhide). Those that are notable enough to get their own photo tend to be to excellent at detailed work befitting a master artisan.

The first you find is a taxidermist, one noteworthy for mixing and maxing parts of creatures to create odd chimeras that would fit one of the Biologos's creations and sending them off world as curios to nobles looking for something a bit more "unique" than even a typical dino. His creations are said to look like real creatures to the human eye, with many of his customers assuming that he had simply shot and stuffed an exotic or mutated creature until informed otherwise.

A bit older is a "dino pelt" specialist. It seems that some feathered dinos are used for their "fur" and must be processed with extreme care in order to produce something that is both functional and beautiful. This artisan is said to be able to produce a perfect pelt every time, manipulating the hide so that it becomes soft enough for a feather pillow or hard enough to protect you as it protected the previous owner. There is nothing on artificial weathering but the final product is noted as being very detailed.

Finally pictured in the album is a holster and lasgun accessory maker. According to the notes he actually prefers to work on simple and practical pieces meant to see combat, but won't turn his nose up at making custom pieces for wealthy individuals since a paycheck is a paycheck. Such pieces are known for their exquisite details, in addition to practicality and ruggedness. His work preference means he's received little personal fame despite his skill, its a wonder how the old man ever found him.

All the while the old man watches you occasionally snapping a new picture. The son has yet to return. There are more to shift through if none of the above strike your fancy.

[Karsus the Mad]

Let's slip past this settlement for now and proceed to the shiny thing.

Assemble my sluggish companions and proceed to the shiny aura.

The Corsair seemed to have strong opinions on where you should go, but if he doesn't voice them I guess we have to move on!

The five of you skirt around the village. Just about as soon as the village ends you're met with incredibly thick jungle. There is no obvious path leading closer to the presence, and in fact the jungle seems to be deliberately making the trip as difficult as possible. The Eldar know that this is probably what is actually happening. Thorny underbrush joins with thick, thin closely-grown bamboo to act very much like a natural barbed wire fence. Nothing that would stop a determined human (or Eldar) form moving forward, especially not one in armor, but enough to make most turn toward an easy path.

If this keeps up, it will likely take around three days to reach the presence with your mix of Raptorback and walking. You could likely cut the trip down by a day if you find a decent path, if one should exist. Is there any preparation you wish to do barring bringing along basic camping supplies?

In addition to basic camping supplies the corsair grabs several extra magazines of ammo for weapons, beyond what he normally carries, and downloads topographic maps of the area from the shuttle's sensorium to his data slate. "If we're going on foot to wherever this 'shiny' thing is, then you guys might want to grab some extra ammo before we set out. You don't want to run out in the middle of the jungle." He recommends to the other two. As he gathers the rest of his camping supplies, he also studies the maps he downloaded; hoping to find a quicker trail or path that could cut down on their travel time.

[Caellath]

The taxidermist's handiwork seems the closest to the task at hand. Marco writes down the contact for the three he's found so far but underlines the first artist's name.

Then he checks for other names while waiting for the son to return.

[Stirk]

The taxidermist's handiwork seems the closest to the task at hand. Marco writes down the contact for the three he's found so far but underlines the first artist's name.

Then he checks for other names while waiting for the son to return.

The son returns some time later with a basket full of peaches.

"Sorry for the delay. It looks like our neighbors have all misplaced their peaches. I had to go to a ranch house out of the village to find anything worthy of serving."

He offers the basket to you.

You retrain the contact information without issue. It appears that the old man has nodded off.

***************

Jungle Team

In addition to basic camping supplies the corsair grabs several extra magazines of ammo for weapons, beyond what he normally carries, and downloads topographic maps of the area from the shuttle's sensorium to his data slate. "If we're going on foot to wherever this 'shiny' thing is, then you guys might want to grab some extra ammo before we set out. You don't want to run out in the middle of the jungle." He recommends to the other two. As he gathers the rest of his camping supplies, he also studies the maps he downloaded; hoping to find a quicker trail or path that could cut down on their travel time.

You equip yourself with extra ammunition and examine available maps. As thick as the jungle is it is difficult to see past the canopy from the sky. You can tell there are no wide paths meant for industrial machinery, but a smaller footpath or well hidden dirt road wouldn't show up on your records. Still while studying the maps you notice several crevices that would make a direct journey difficult without some way of bypassing it, and manage to make a winding path around the hazards.

Everyone else seems content with their current equipment. You bravely set off into the hostile jungle!

Just as it appeared, the jungle really doesn't want you moving toward the presence. Thorns tear at your gear, attempting to slow you down just as the bamboo attempts to block your path. With armor both natural and artificial your group including the Raptors are easily capable of traversing the undergrowth without harm, but you still have to either pick paths that are relatively safe for your unguarded equipment, raise said equipment above the brambles and as a consequence slow down, or simply allow your packs to be torn up and your gear thrown about and filled with thorns. Thankfully you are mostly able to get by with the first two.

You occasionally hear life stirring in the thorns, some skittish creatures that rush away as you approach. Your Raptors tend to screech at them, but manage to not charge after them the second their predator instincts kick in. Which is a good sign for their obedience if nothing else. Otherwise bird-like creatures skitter along the sides of trees well out of reach, or fly from branch to branch occasionally clicking a song to one another. Large bugs constantly attempt to harass the group, but nothing large enough to be considered hazardous and the most viscous can be swatted away as an annoyance.

By nightfall you reach the end of the "natural fence", breaking into a more typical jungle with less hazardous undergrowth. Is there any particular way you want to set up camp?

[Caellath]

"Should I be flattered your father has taken several pictures of me?" Marco gingerly inquires as he takes one of the peaches. "And do you know whether your homeworld has rejuvenat treatments or if they are received from offworld?" He wondered if those peaches could be used as the base for one, even. They sure seemed very good at keeping the fortress worlders in tip-top shape.

[Stirk]

"Should I be flattered your father has taken several pictures of me?" Marco gingerly inquires as he takes one of the peaches. "And do you know whether your homeworld has rejuvenat treatments or if they are received from offworld?" He wondered if those peaches could be used as the base for one, even. They sure seemed very good at keeping the fortress worlders in tip-top shape.

"It is certainly a great honor that he utilized his remaining strength to remember you. I know little of rejuvenats, but from what I know of history there have been few on this planet who live long enough to enjoy their benefits. I haven't heard of any local rejuvenats and assume we'd be filling vast fields with them if such a thing where available."

After all if what the Genator said is true, the Eldar crafted all life on this world, and as far as you can tell they have little need for such treatments.

"I imagine what little we use is imported as a result, so long as the current happenings in the galaxy have not halted their shipment entirely. So long as they're brought in by the official channels the Quartermaster should have a record of any imports, including any rejuvenats. Of course if other traders or yourself bypassed the paperwork it would be possible that we have such product on the planet regardless of what his records say."

[Caellath]

A sad end to a talented artist. Maybe he could fix that. "While there's no guarantees, I could look into it. I believe it could help keep your father in the Emperor's services for longer if all works."

And since he already had the contact for the other artists, he could as well see about contacting them while looking into the rejuvenat supply in the fortress world. Plus sending a message to the Genetor to ask whether the local peaches had ever been examined for sign of anti-aging substances that could help in the production of juvenat.

[Stirk]

A sad end to a talented artist. Maybe he could fix that. "While there's no guarantees, I could look into it. I believe it could help keep your father in the Emperor's services for longer if all works."

And since he already had the contact for the other artists, he could as well see about contacting them while looking into the rejuvenat supply in the fortress world. Plus sending a message to the Genetor to ask whether the local peaches had ever been examined for sign of anti-aging substances that could help in the production of juvenat.

The son answers. You don't seem to hear him. You see his mouth moving but the sound doesn't reach your ears. Your sight grows blurry and your body feels heavy. Was the peach poisoned? No...this feeling is too familiar. A feeling burned into your soul. The same feeling as the archeotech that changed your life. Why now of all times? What could possibly have triggered it? Your body falls to the floor. Your soul moves...somewhere else.

"Lord Trader! By the Emperor hold tight, I will fetch a medic!"

You hear the son speaking. His voice is further away...but somehow louder. When you open your eyes you are lying on a bed. There is a picter nearby. You see the son rush out of the building like it was on fire. You see a body on the floor. Your body.

But...could this really be the old man's body? It is nowhere near as frail as you where led to believe. Your eyes and hearing are undeniably sharper. Your arms and legs obey your mind without trouble, though there is a dreamlike feeling with each movement. Your lungs breath in the clear air without issue. By all accounts this body is as functional as yours.

Speaking of your body, on the floor it stirs. "You" stand up clumsily, rubbing your temples with your hand.

[Caellath]

It felt like he was desperately roaring not even in his mind, but letting loose a shout from the soul as he went No. Not again. Not now. While time didn't pass on the outside the last time around, this time was different. In fact, much was different compared to last time.

"What is happening? You are not me."

[Stirk]

It felt like he was desperately roaring not even in his mind, but letting loose a shout from the soul as he went No. Not again. Not now. While time didn't pass on the outside the last time around, this time was different. In fact, much was different compared to last time.

"What is happening? You are not me."

Your voice is not your own. It is higher in pitch and hoarse as if from lack of use.

Your body motions for you to be silent. A moment later a uniformed warrior towing a medkit rushes through the door with the son hot on his heels.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. The Emperor has simply blessed my bloodline for its many generations of purity with bouts of narcolepsy. I see a vision of the Golden Throne and then awaken."

That on the other hand was your voice. It sounds different - both in the way listening to a recording of your voice sounds different and in the tone the speaker is using.

He pushes the medic away before stealing a glance at you.

[Lenglon]

I take my time setting up camp, making sure to include my usual alarms and trips, scout out three different escape routes, and ensuring the campsite as a whole breaks lines of sight and sound. My personal rest position will be up in a tree, because most things don't look up, but I don't expect the others to do the same as me on this. Just normal campsite prep.