to pleroma.

[sageguidance]

Good day, everyone; if we've not yet spoken ere this day, then well met. I am Alphinaud Leveilleur, and we are come to you today—all you, of the Pleroma—with another call into action.

And I’m Hiccup. Maybe we’ve talked before, you might’ve seen me around Greentruth helping around… I was always taught we should take care of our own, which is why this is way past time. We need to get it together, now. Before another Venera happens or any new arrivals.

We discussed it at the campfire a few weeks ago, but starting this week we need to start preparing. Now, someone has already started help on the magical side — but we’re talking everything in between: combat, first aid, navigation, survival, crafting. Anything you might need when you find yourself alone. If you think you’re prepared, come by anyway.

I know from experience there’s always something more someone can learn. Everyone has a skill to teach. Even if it’s something like out-stubborning the enemy, you wouldn’t believe how effective that strategy is.

Indeed. Thus, Hiccup has agreed to hold sessions periodically to assist those who need this help. I implore any and all to take part, for it is imperative we are ready for everything the Kenoma may throw our way.

But we are not all combatants, I realize, and there are other means to help. Supplies of all sorts are in high demand, and are not always so easily accessible in the likes of Greentruth where the heart of the Resistance lies. Therefore, I am asking for those who can assist in this way to come forth, for 'tis my intention to personally oversee that we are all provided with what is necessary for us to rise above our adversaries.

For those willing, pray come forth to inform me what you are willing to contribute. And should you find yourself wanting for aught, you need only say the word, and I shall find a way to make it happen.

As will I. I mean, saying I grew up in a blacksmith’s stall isn’t for all talk. We need to help each other. I mean it when I say everyone has a skill to share, something to contribute. Rather you’re willing to fight or believe in fighting a war, we’ve all got one thing in common: We’re all here, together. We won’t survive if we can’t learn to not take everything on our own and trust each other. That’s what we’re here for today.

[ Alphinaud will let that settle for a moment, then: ]

That is all. My deepest thanks for your time, and may we prosper together.

Comments

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien has been fairly scarce recently, but Alphinaud has a way of getting his attention. He dips into the mental conversation to offer his piece.]

As ever, my lance is yours, should you have need of it.

[sageguidance]

Doubtless so we will, be it sooner or later.

[ Estinien can likely hear the smile in his voice. ]

Until then, how do you suppose you would fare in teaching those willing to wield a lance? I realize you've not taken up the role of instructor afore, but surely advice from the former Azure Dragoon himself would be a boon indeed.

[chronosynthesis]

You're right. We're already outmatched in manpower and supply. The sooner we close the gap, the better the chance of success we'll have.

[Whether or not some people want to believe it's a war, it won't change the reality: that's exactly what they've been dropped into.]

My experience is mostly on the front line, but I've been in war before and I'm familiar with all of its moving parts. As a Mesmer my magical expertise is illusions.

[sageguidance]

A 'Mesmer'... If you mind not my asking, I assume that is a mage of some manner, yes?

[dragon_rider]

[ He mostly listens to the explanation to Alphinaud; Decidedly, he wants to avoid openly saying anything is for war — His desire is for the practical application of protecting themselves and their own: ]


Is that something you think you can help instruct others in if they find themselves... having something similar?

[ It's weird to think magic can just manifest, but he has to believe it. ]

[passio]

[ dextera had already been dwelling a bit on what he could do after his meltdown a few days ago, and there’s something remarkably more confident in his message across the mindscape now compared to the shaky text that his fellow pleroma were previously assaulted with. ]

I know a lot about survival. I can create what you might call “magical” traps. With everything Greentruth has to offer, it wouldn’t be hard, but I can’t make them alone.

[ yes, dextera is thinking about using those mushrooms he ate to make a trap that causes bowel issues… ]

[sageguidance]

[ ... dex is valid. i think. ]

What assistance would you require to make these traps, and what do you typically trap them with?

[dragon_rider]

[ Mostly, from curiosity he has to ask: ]

Sorry. What kind of traps are they? [ There's no heat or accusation, just genuine curiosity: ] How are magic traps different than normal ones?

[aquaveiled]

I've got some jools now.

[ Said with absolutely no context of how she came upon some, if not any while residing in Greentruth. But that is probably hardly surprising for Alphinaud. ]

I'd hope they could be used to fund the Resistance, so just let me know where I should spend them.

[sageguidance]

And you would be precisely right about that. We are, unfortunately, in desperate need of coin—especially so when we are in an area that scarce uses it...

Hold it for the now. I shall see what we are lacking in most first and foremost ere I make any suggestions.

[dragon_rider]

Have you been spending time in Godsblood?

[ Look!!! It's a curious question, nothing more. Especially when Greentruth reminds him more of Berk in its bartering and occasional shared dining. Why is everyone so fixated on jools?? ]

[emblazer]

I can help with cooking and crafting if anyone
needs any lessons.
I learned from scratch myself, so it shouldn't be that difficult for others
to pick up if they're persistent.

But I guess we should really talk about gathering raw materials first, right?

[ He's willing to go out and start there, but he's also just one person... and they're going to need a lot of thread to make enough fabric to clothe a whole army. ]

[comelately]

What kind of raw materials are you talking about?

[ he can help... for a price, maybe. ]

[sageguidance]

I wager there are many who do!

You would be correct, however. Ideally, we would have coin– [ jools, whatevs ] –that would allow us to purchase necessary goods from the merchants of Godsblood, but... even that, many of us lack. 'Tis my hope to acquire some, but unfortunately, I know not who amongst us possesses the skill of a trader.

Until someone steps forth, we will have to rely on what the land provides us. Have you the knowledge to gather?

[dragon_rider]

That makes a few of us, then. What can you craft? If all of us who can make things can divide that up, it'll be a lot easier.

[ But also still a lot of work — admittedly, there aren't too many Aions, though. ]

There was talk a while back about going out for ore for metal work, but I'm not sure where they are on it. It's definitely something to check back up on.

[inutilis]

Ah... would you look at that -- two voices I'm quite happy to hear, and together at that!

[ THE LADS... have some warm, affable vibes in response to all this, gentlemen!! ]

This really is a wonderful idea. It truly is; I know we've all been busy and scattered to the winds as of late, but-- trying to get together and figure out how to make ends meet one way or another... it's sorely needed, I suppose.

I don't know what I might be able to offer either of you, but-- I'm here! I'm here, a warm body more than willing to help should you need one.

[coerthantorment]

Are you trained in the use of striking pads?

[Like, if you're offering to be a warm body...]

[comelately]

... So you really are just like this all the time.

[ spoken with a sort of neutral bemusement... ]

[dragon_rider]

[ He's??? Here later? Honestly not sure how that got derailed so badly, but you know. He's starting to think that Abel just brings a naturally chaotic energy somehow: ]

Being there is honestly the best way to support someone.

[ It's said earnestly, but then of course it would be. He considers before adding: ] Is there something you want to be better at?

[ You know, given you didn't say any skill you had Abel! He doubts the older man is helpless and he seemed happy to gear others as moral support but, well. ] How about a trip sometime?

[comelately]

[ isn't this hunky-dory... he's not really feeling the power of friendship or anything, but the two of them are right about one thing: none of them can survive this alone. ]

I can hunt. I never miss a shot.

[ he says this very matter-of-factly. ]

And I know how to set up camp and stuff like that. [ a pause. ] ... Horseback riding is my specialty, but I don't think we'll be seein' too many horses around here.

[dragon_rider]

With a gun or a bow and arrow?

[ He has to ask, for his own sake. He still doesn't really like the idea of the former, but knows what they are: ]

You know, I'm starting to think that most people ride horses around here. Surely riding a horse would be similar to another animal right? Say, I don't know, one of the dinosaurs?

Voice

[locumstudentesquire]

I've been doing what I can to acquire new skills in my brief time here... But if nothing else, recent events have shown me how ill-prepared I still am, to step out into this world, beyond the safety of Greentruth. So... whatever anyone is willing to teach, I'm willing to learn. Combat, I would say, is the area where I am in the most dire need of assistance. I'm not a proponent of violence, and truthfully I would prefer not to use it, if given the choice... But it has also become clear to me that I may make myself a liability to the whole cause, if I don't at least put some effort into learning to defend myself.

I appreciate this call to action, gentlemen. If you require any help in bringing this all together, I'd be happy to assist. Particularly since, I...

[He hesitates awkwardly, knowing he's directly contradicting Hiccup's message; this is the truth, though!]

...I Truly do not know if I have much to offer in terms of teachable skills. I was a lawyer back home, and it sounds as if the law will be of little use to us here, considering it's written and enforced by a tyrant. But I will say I agree with the sentiment, that we must all work together. If we do that, perhaps we can do more than just survive...

[coerthantorment]

How is your grasp on general athletics?

[youngprodigy]

As always, I will do aught I can for everyone.

The situation in Venera interrupted my attempt to gather ore, but that is still a priority of mine, we need only find transport for the back and forth. If only I had the Excelsior with me. Though I suppose an airship would stand out far too much.

[chronosynthesis]

I can close some of the gap with portals if that eases the labor of pushing it. Where is this ore located?

[snakeandfangs]

I can help, too.

I think I'm pretty good at sneaking around, and if that doesn't work... I can make sure I'm not easily noticed.

But also, if you're fighting with me? You need to learn how to shield yourself, somehow. I think that might come with getting used to hearing my voice.

[sageguidance]

When you say sneaking around, do you mean to say you have experience in espionage?

[dragonmount]

I can help anyone with an interest in archery, or who needs bows and arrows. I know the longbow best, but I can try with others.

[ he's been very, very carefully working on hayame's bow, unfamiliar as the technique is. but he's also carved arrows, bows he's more familiar with, for himself and those in greentruth. ]

And I grew up around deep forests, so I know a few things about tracking, hunting and gathering, and finding your way.

[ all true, though it feels like lying by omission. especially after akua's announcement. but it's not like he can do much with channeling yet, much less teaching or helping anyone else with that. he'll be more open about that when he's better able, or so he tells himself. ]

[emblazer]

I wouldn't mind learning how to shoot better.
I'm not that great with ranged weapons, but maybe with enough practice...
I'd like to at least learn how to make archery supplies if you got the time.

[ He tried to help Hayame too, but his skills are quite rudimentary in crafting arrows. ]

[recursive]

Anyone who wants to learn how to use a sword or just wants a sparring partner, I'm here to help!

Also... I've been exploring the jungles around Greentruth a lot, or, well... as much as I can and as far as I can without getting totally lost, haha... I haven't really spent a whole lot of time in the wilderness like this before coming here, ( not without a guide that knew the area way better than he ever could, ) but I'm a little more confident in moving around out there. If anyone needs a pair of hands to help them gather ingredients, supplies, or hunt any animals down for food... I can probably help with that too! All I need is for you to tell me what I'm looking for and where to find it.