✘ Round 9 | [Audio]

[glacius]

Greetings, residents of this city-prison. Now that we have been transported to a new land, an environment that I imagine must be significantly harsher for most of you, I feel that it now may be a pertinent time to make an offer.

I am not bothered by this climate; in fact, I thrive in it. [He's not going to switch on the video and show why; even after years of being stuck here, Glacius is still wary about how and to whom he reveals himself.] So, I am offering my services as a hunter and forager to those that may be worried about their abilities to provide for themselves in the long-term. There is wildlife here that can be hunted for their meat, pelt, and parts; I can procure and deliver such items to you, should you need them. I estimate that I could feed a handful of you every couple of days without risking overhunting; I am capable of providing more, and every day at that, but we do not want to abuse and deplete what resources are naturally available to us. [Every hunter should know how to respect the lands, after all—especially when they do not have not-so-benevolent god-beings to magically manifest things for them. Glacius has always tried to remain self-sufficient from them wherever possible; now it is time to help others do the same.]

So ask of me if you have need, and I will manage the logistics of providing as much I can without overhunting. I already hunt for my partner and I and regularly patrol to be sure that no threats prowl too close to us, so this is not far out of my way.

[He seems like he might leave it at that, but after a moment he adds on:] Ah, and as far as plants go... they exist, as I imagine most of you know by now, but they are sparse. I have managed to absorb nutrients from some of them, but you are likely better relying on the orchards and perhaps the gardens should you make an arrangement with their owners. I have also determined that water is available deep under the ice of frozen bodies of water, but I am not certain whether or not it needs to be purified to be safe for your consumption.

So these are my findings and my offers. Rest assured, we can survive just fine without the absence of the gods, and I will do what I can to make it so.

Comments

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[am_i_a_monster]

Have you already been hunting? Can you tell me about the wildlife?

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[glacius]

Yes, I have. For what reason do you wish to know? Are you planning on trying to hunt as well? I advise you think carefully and exercise utmost caution if you do try to; aside from the apex predators of this land, the environment can pose plenty of risks on its own if you are not suited for it.

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[am_i_a_monster]

Yes, I am. No offense to you. I've almost always hunted my own food. I will be careful. It won't be my first time hunting in the cold.

[so_dark_a_road]

That is very generous of you, Glacius! I'm a good hunter and won't need to take you up on your offer, but I'm very glad that you will be doing this for others. I will be doing the same, but I think you'd be able to stay out in that environment for longer expeditions than I probably can.

And about that water, yes, I'd advise boiling it, if at all possible.

[glacius]

I will leave the boiling to you. [Not that he does not know how—he's done it plenty of times for Carlisle's tea—but he tries to stay away from scalding heat sources unless absolutely necessary.

As for the thanks, Glacius as always seems to take a moment to adjust.] Anyways, I have a unique set of capabilities that make me well-suited for this, and have been a bit too preoccupied as of late to perform my due diligence. This seems like a good way to be, ah... well, to be present once more. [Or at least as present as a reclusive and often wary alien marshal can be.]

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He knows Glacius doesn't care much for intense heat-sources! -- Curufin wouldn't, either, if he were an ice-alien. And he knows that Glacius has difficulty thinking of himself as someone who deserves thanks. But this is one reason the Elf makes a point of thanking him; he wants him to know that he is well-regarded, even if it's not quite easy to take that in. ] All right, I'll take care of the boiling! [ Smile. ]

You do have some remarkable abilities. And I haven't seen you on the network or in person much in many months now. I was wondering if something was going on. But tell me only if you feel like it. I don't mean to pry.

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[roseofthetyrells]

I would greatly appreciate any aid you can give, especially when it comes to the meat and the pelts of the local wildlife. I can make cloaks out of the pelts to help keep people warm.

May I ask your name? Mine is Margaery Tyrell, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

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[glacius]

Oh—of course. [Despite putting himself out there he stills seems mildly surprised that one he's assuming to be human took him up on this offer, but he isn't bothered.] Cloaks would be very helpful, actually. I may take you up on the making of one for my partner, once I have proved to you that I can make good on my word.

[And if she is adept at making other garments? Glacius does not want to get ahead of himself, but he thinks this could be a very beneficial agreement indeed—for both of them, not just her; it is not often he thinks that about humans, particularly once he has just met. That may also have something to do with the deferential dip his tone takes on. While the titles of other species mean little to him, especially when they have all been displaced from their lands, he thinks it might be wise to grease the wheels here.] My name is Glacius. It is an honor to be of service to your grace, Queen Tyrell.

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[roseofthetyrells]

[she doesn't know any better. and even if she did, she wouldn't judge him on it] Yes, they would. Far less effort than full coats and far more use of the pelts.

[she gives her title out of habit. remembering who she was back home, while trying to keep an eye to the future where such a title would have no bearing. but while she's here, she plans to make the most of the title where she can] It's my pleasure to meet you, Glacius. And please, call me Margaery.

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[completelycrazy]

How much do you know about the local wildlife? I'm set on supplies and crap, but I can add whatever's out there to the bestiary if you're willing to do some field work for me.

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[glacius]

[A low, contemplative rumble rolls out of the alien's throat. This one has a different manner to him than most of the other replies he has received, slightly more crass and hurried, but what he is offering... still useful.] I am willing. It would be wise for people to know what awaits them in these tundras, especially of the beasts that could pose great risks to them.

[Sometimes self-preservation does not seem to be a strong suit of the people that are stuck here, but hopefully awareness of dangerous predators will keep people from traipsing off into the wilds too carelessly.]

[completelycrazy]

Awesome, thanks. What sort of wildlife have you seen out there? I haven't really, uh, ventured too far out of town just yet.

[In other words, he's been sticking almost exclusively to the lab with the occasional jaunt to his house.]

[Audio]

[bespectacledsnake]

I am afraid I may need to take you up on your generous offer if it still stands.

[While he is not unfamiliar with harsh cold climates having grown up in Russia, he was never in a position where he needed to hunt or forage and now he has his advanced age to add to the challenge.]

[Audio]

[glacius]

There is no reason to be afraid. I would not have made the offer if I minded, and I will be sure that the harsh conditions do not get to you too badly. To where would you like me to deliver these rations? Perhaps I can see about getting some plants for tea from my partner's garden as well. It seems to help him keep warm.

[bespectacledsnake]

I am grateful. I live with Newton Geiszler in one of the houses near the first spire, I believe 1301 is the number.

Is there anything you are asking in return? Surely you must need something as well....

[Audio]

[drabsolutelynot]

Would you happen to have more details about the plant life specific to this new planet?

[Audio]

[glacius]

I do not have many, I am afraid; as I have said, the plant life that can survive in this climate is limited and sparse. Lichens, grasses, moss, the like. What exactly would you like to know as far as specifics go? Nutritional value, appearance, growth patterns..?

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[dedikated]

Need some company?

( She's no fan of the cold, never has been, but moving keeps blood flowing and she'd much rather do that than shudder around in the city, waiting for the gods. )

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[glacius]

From you, my sister? Always.

[He may or may not still be trying the term out; it still fits, to him, but he'll be a little careful until he's sure she feels the same.] But... will you be alright in the cold? You have some warm clothes, I hope?

[audio]

[onlyanautomaton]

[It is astonishing to continually find himself being taken aback by practical acts of kindness here in Hadriel.

One of the deepest fears he has held since he was first captured by the Door is the occurrence of the exact situation in which they currently find themselves. Without the aid of their captors and their supply of provisions and habitable accommodation, their chances of survival have significantly declined.

Luckily, for now at least, this climate seems bearable. And while he has taken as fact for a long time that these people often surpass his expectations, he has been reminded of it more than once since the city's relocation. They are prepared to face this challenge as well.

He feels moved by the post's final message.]

Thank you, sir. I'm sure that many people will come to appreciate your efforts.

[audio]

[glacius]

[Glacius is usually similarly surprised by acts of kindness here in Hadriel, though that's more due to his rocky history with humanity than anything else. That is also one of the reasons why it seems to take him a second to process the thanks. It feels odd enough to the alien to get as much when he's just doing his duty, trying to alleviate suffering as any honor-bound individual should; it's even odder coming from the sort of people that responded to him with such prejudice.

... Not that Oscar is necessarily human himself, but it's easy to assume over an audio feed, and Glacius would be fairly certain that the person conversing with him now has some things in common with the young species. Either way, the ice alien seems.... surprised but receptive to the thanks.] Many have expressed as much, yes, which is... nice. [A good reminder of how different the people here can be from what he expects, and why it is good to work to aid them.] Will you also be requiring assistance?

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[pocketspa]

Heeeeeey, my man.

[It's been a bit since they've spoken, but Taako is about to cash in some favors from people who like him. Or at least don't hate him.]

You figure out if those big mammoth beast things have any natural predators? Anything bigger than 'em that would take 'em out naturally? Also looking for deets on how you're killing whatever's out there.

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[glacius]

I have not seen anything that regularly preys on them as of yet, though we have not been in this new world for very long. Perhaps something dwells closer to those distant rises, or migrates in from even further out at certain points to hunt them. We will not truly know the greatest threats this land has to offer until we have spent time in it, but for now, those "mammoths"' do indeed seem to be the apex predators.

[A pause, then;] Why do you ask? [It's hard to shake his drive to be a keeper of peace and order, and Taako has not exactly seemed to be the picture of restraint to him. He does not want the elf trying to tussle with the wildlife on his own, especially when they know so little about it.]

audio; | /slides in real late

[writtendestiny]

[She doesn't need to see him, or see the name attached to his message to know that voice. Poison listens, a faint smile on her face at that helpfulness she remembers so well, then she taps the button to reply.]

I know a little about hunting, and finding what plants might be good to eat out there... if there are any. [She's already had to wrap up against the cold and doesn't expect that much plant life will be surviving out there.]

I'd like to help, if I can.

audio; /now i am even later bc holidays sorryyy ;n;

[glacius]

Oh, ah... I mean, I am always happy to have someone along to help, I just... I-I do not know your capabilities. [Glacius winces slightly, and she can probably feel the grimace on his face in his tone. To say he does not know something about her feels distinctly terrible, because that other version of him must have, and she clearly knows of his if she is offering to come with him.]

I am very sorry. I feel guilty that I am not able to return that in a way that you expect of me. It can be fixed, but... I just do not want to get you hurt.