[Sweetsong] A Hazy Shade of Winter

[Vega]

A Hazy Shade of Winter

It was snowing.

No. No that wasn't right. "It's beltin' down," Vega said and she looked up at her father.

He smiled at her and nodded. "This is not good, certainly," he said and Vega lifted her gaze to meet his. Her father was one of the few people in the world who was taller than her and she met his gaze with love in her eyes and heart. "No, Papa. A'right. This smells like it's a big one, an' I'm not takin' no risks." The camp at Sweetsong was already more protected than most Bamboo: Camp inhabitants are protected from the weather, and camp can be set up in half the time. Sweetsong Effect from the Capstone "Bamboo" here
"Vega has lived in the wilderness, or on the oceans, all her life. During that time she's seen a lot of extreme weather conditions. She has learned the art of building a camp which withstands the elements. Like the bamboo bends in the wind, rather than snaps, Vega has learned to set up a camp - large or small - which protects against the elements. Wind, rain, sleet, snow - they are all protected against. By putting a windbreak in just the right place, by having hot stones or warm sand around, things don't get broken, spoiled, etc. The upshot of this is that, subject to her having the resources she needs, Vega can make a comfortable and functioning camp in even the most extreme of weather - the inhabitants will suffer no ill effects from the weather in all its forms. They may not be warm in snow - but they won't be cold, won't be wet, will not stay awake hearing the wind howl, etc. One camp protects against all potential elements / weather conditions.

If the camp is of the usual size (eg: Vega, Arlo + NPCs) - then it takes half the time it usually would to set the camp up." but Vega wasn't prepared to take any risks. When a cold storm had hit Hopetoun, while Darius wasn't there, she'd gotten the people organised then and she had much more of an idea of what to do now. "I'm goin' to get a camp up. But first, I reckon I'm goin' to set up Safesong Sails for the children.", she said and her father nodded.

Thinking about it, Vega knew that she had to consider every person in Sweetsong and think about their vulnerabilities It was then that she realised that "Jasper's wife, Astra, she's pregnant. I don't wanna take any chances with her," Vega said. Looking at the children as they slept, she considered things just for a moment, and then she began to move. "Papa, stay here with the children. Get the others up an' movin'. Get Shon an' Reese makin' the boats safe. I can keep people warmer here than out on the boats, so I jus' want them moored an' anchored an' all that. Tell them to get the orange sand bags that we use below decks, I want them all here." Jo'qan nodded his head "Also, any an' all resources that could be useful. Blankets, wood, ropes, all of it. Bring it to shore. I'll ask the admin tent to help them." she said, firmly, and then Vega turned and, pulling on her coat, started to move.

"Wherever you are, Creede," she muttered grumpily as she stepped out into what was a beautiful scene. "You'd better be well an' healthy." But she had no time to do more than that, at the moment, so she walked.

The camp was mostly silent - except for the light in the administration tent, of course. That always burned, because there was always someone there. She first of all stepped towards there and then, entering the tent she saw that it was

Gilna

. That was good, Vega thought - Gilna was a sensible sort and she liked him. He also had good skills. "Gilna, I'm not likin' this weather," Vega said and he nodded in agreement. "Is everyone in camp, or is anyone out?" They had a system where people signed in and out for just this sort of reason and Vega was grateful for it in this moment.

"All in," Gilna said. "Sam and Sally were out, but they came back early when the snow started to fall." That was good. "Is there anything I can do?" Vega thought about it for a moment and then nodded. "Put a note up here, lettin' folks know where you are. But I'm goin' to build us a central camp around the tree. My cousins are gettin' all the supplies we have on the two ships over there, an' if you could do the same, help them where you can, that would be great. Once that's done, I should be there but if not, get over there, an' grab a couple of strong backs on the way an' start clearin',."

Gilna looked at her and nodded. "What are you doing?" He asked it not in a challenging way, but with an expression of curiosity. "Asta's pregnant," Vega said. "I'm goin' to get her an' their family over to my tents, so they're warm an' safe while we're makin' the main camp." Gilna nodded.

Vega then made her way to Jasper's family tent. "Heya," she called as she got to their camp. "Anyone awake? It's snowin' up a storm an' we're goin' to make a central community shelter. Until that happens, though, I thought you might be more comfortable in my tent, it's warm an' everythin'. Also, my kids are sleepin' there, so I'd appreciate some grown-up eyes on 'em.". Then, she waited to see who - if anyone - answered.

[Jasper]

Jaspers Stats
6 Feet 3 Inches
205 pounds
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
Scares on Right Arm
Tattoo on Left Arm - Matches scares
Moon Tattoo on Left palm
Sun Tattoo Right palm

2 Cylus of 723

Jasper was awake before the snow started. Astra had gone to bed early that evening as she was approaching the final trials of her pregnancy, and her between her belly forcing more pressure on her back, the waddling, and swelling. There was a list. She took sleep where she could, and since she slept better with Jasper there he had retired shortly after her. Their sleep didn’t last long as before midnight Astra woke up with contractions. The two got up and walked the interior perimeter of the tent. Astra had been at a fair number of deliveries with her mother and had a fair idea of this process. Jasper was the second oldest of eight children, and had been old enough to watch his parents.

They two both knew that at that this stage contraction pains didn’t mean a baby was coming then. Walking was the best way to determine that one way or the other. Jasper walked with her, not because she needed the help, but because he had to walk with her. It made her feel better, and it made him feel better. There were things he could do to help, but in the end that was all he could do, was help.

As midnight came and went Jasper had noticed Astra had stopped pausing with contractions so often. He would guessed it had been 20 bits since the last contraction. Astra walked next to him, her eyes a bit puffy, and her hair slightly disheveled even in its braid. The two didn’t talk there wasn’t need for it. Astra made her way to the bed, and Jasper followed her and pulled the blankets up around her. She smiled back at him. It was then that he realized that in his concern he had totally tuned out his other senses. Well that wasn’t true, he had sensed them in the background, but they were happy, not an emotion that instantly brought worry to the Aesir. But who was happy, and why so many of them.

Jasper walked over to the edge of the tent and pulled aside the flap. He could feel the multitude of Anok whipping around them. He also now could sense that they were snow Anoks. Happy Snow Anoks. Jasper closed up the tent flap and rush to throw on his cloak. Astra was watching him. “We have a incoming snow storm a bad one.” Was all he said. Astra didn’t wait, didn’t complain, just threw off the sheets and began to dress.

Jasper bolted over to his brother’s tent. “Wake up you two. Snow storm incoming.” He paused long enough to see Bryil’s eyes fly open. “I don’t know what Vega has planned but get ready.” Jasper raced back. Astra was mostly dressed, “How can I help you?”

“Get Lanquin ready. He will be able to move through this snow better then the rest of us.” Astra said. Jasper nodded in his agreement. He paused long enough to grab one of the rabbits Bryil had brough in. He rush and even as he moved he could see the snow beginning to build up. Lanquin had sensed that something was up and stood in his make shift corral. Jasper came up to his friend who nuzzled him.

“Old friend, it looks like we will have our work tonight.” He tossed the rabbit to the Sleipnir, and while he ate Jasper hooked the harness up to him. They didn’t have a wagon, but a small make shift sled. Jasper was walking around the tents with the pure white Sleipnir when Vega arrived. Jasper suddenly appeared out of the snow at the same time Astra poked her head out of the tent, as well as Bryil out of his. Jasper came up and said.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Jasper said to Vega at her suggestion. Astra shot his a look and he left Lanquin standing there sniffing at the snow and took his wife’s hands. “I love you and I know that you are capable of doing anything, but we just spent two breaks wondering if you were quickening. We can get the supplies. Soon we will all be together safe as a clan.”

Astra nodded her head and gave Jasper a kiss. “I have the box of blankets ready.” She then said going about business. Jasper nodded and picked up the box of blankets, quilts and furs. He put it on the sled behind Lanquin.

Astra waddled forward Vega as Jasper moved to pile firewood on the sled as well. Even as they moved his brother came out gathering supplies. Bryil worked to collect the food stories that could actually be used in this situation. Rewan collected the spare tarps and other tools needed to secure a shelter. Astra smiled up at Vega. “Thanks for coming to get me. I hate to say it but that really is the best plan.”

Jasper paused at that point and pulled out the aspergillum that housed Eldloga. He ran over and gave it to Astra. “Talk Eldloga. As a hearth fire dirri he will serve better where he can influence a hearth.” He looked at the home of his spirit companion. “Eldloga these are the times when the power of the hearth is the most needed. I call upon you to guard this community. I also charge you to guard Astra and our child as you promised.” As if in response the light radiating from the aspergillum intensified. Jasper turned to Vega. “We will get our supplies to the communal tent as soon as possible.” He touched Lanquin and smiled at the Sleipnir. “Don’t hesitate to use Lanquin to fall what every is needed.” He glanced back. “Unless you need me someone else first. Once we have our stuff over, what do you want us to help with?” He wasn’t sure how much of a plan Vega had but he figured directions now prevented him from wasting time later.

Passive Active Effects

Spirit Meld-When near a spirit, can mental sense its emotions.
Spirit Sight-Perceive all spiritual forms within a ten foot proximity.
Rupturing-Detect all motions within 20ft.

Post Specific Effects

~NPC~

Astra

Rewan

Bryil

Eldloga

Dasjat

Lanquin

[Vega]

A Hazy Shade of Winter

The first thing that Vega did when Astra smiled and thanked her was to smile back. "It weren't that long ago that I was pregnant. I know it's bloody frustratin' an' I hope you know it's not anythin' other than jus' bein' sensible. In a fight between the two of you, my money's still on you." she said, with a grin at her as she motioned to Jasper and his role as loser in any fight between the two of them. But, equally, Vega was worried. "I'm not likin' the look of this snow, not at all. It's comin' in hard an' heavy an' it.." She paused, searching for the word. "It smells bad." Vega had a very well-developed ability to understand forthcoming dangers in her environment, and this one was not small, she was sure.

Jasper then passed over a thingit to Astra and they started to make their way. "Any resources that you have, blankets, coats, hats an' gloves. That kind of thing." She said to Jasper. "If you could get them brought to the Sweetstone Tree, we'll base ourselves there." That was an easy decision for Vega. It was the most sheltered and had access to water and food. But Jaspers question was a good one and Vega considered it carefully. "You know, Jasper, that's important. We need to think clearly an' do so now. Ok, so," She thought about it for a moment and then she came to a decision.

"If we have one person in charge, that's fine. But that one person will get pulled in different directions, every which way. So, what I'd like to do is to ask you to be in charge of communicatin' needs. I'm goin' to ask the rest of you," she said, motioning to the rest of his family "To go round the camp an' get people up. My three cousins will do the same. Work in pairs - one of you, one of the girls." That way, there was someone who knew Jasper and someone who knew her. That worked.

Fi

and her sisters, the twins

Lily

and

Sian

were waiting for something to do, so Vega was happy for that to happen. She saw them, exiting their tent and she waved them over. They came, quickly, and she gave a quick recap.

"For now, I want you all to tell people they're to stay in their tents, while I get this shelter up. Get them to stay warm, an' get dressed in lots of layers. Then, I want them to pack up everythin' what might be useful. Blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, socks. Clothin'. An' of course, food an' water. Be clear with them, that they are to stay put for now," she emphasised that. When she'd gone to the admin tent, she'd picked up the list of residents and the maps - it seemed useful and now, she pulled them out and handed a couple of pieces of parchment to Jasper. "This is the list of all the residents of Sweetsong, an' where their tents are." she said. Although she handed the parchments to Jasper, she spoke to more or less everyone else. "So, when you've gone round an' got everyone up, told them to get dressed, an' pack an' stay till we come get them, you report to Jasper here." She smiled a slight, tense smile. "Give him their names, an' Jasper, you keep a note of who's gone where an' to who. An' if there are any people who give you worry or who need somethin' extra, you let Jasper know. Jasper, I'll leave Snuffle with you, an' so you always have a way to communicate with me. Fair?"

There were pieces of blank parchment if anyone needed them, but that should mean that people were informed and she was able to focus. "I'm meetin' Gilna at the tree. I'm goin' to ask Sam to be in charge of takin' care of the animals, so he might well pull people in.

Jeff

, my Songforged Diri will be with him, an' so I'll be able to communicate with you both at all times." She told them that, both so that they knew, and also so they didn't worry when Sam wasn't there, though his wife Sally would inform them she was sure. Turning back to Jasper, she added, "If you need anythin' or there's the slightest issue, jus' talk to me through Snuffle. I'll do the same with Sam via Jeff an' that way the three of us can keep in touch.".

It all made tactical sense to her, so she waited to hear from Jasper if he was happy and clear - and once he was, she'd turn to Astra. "These are my children, an' this is where my family will come when they need to communicate. I think, if it's a'right with you then we'll do two things. First one is that Madam Leona will stay here with you." Madam Leona was a large

dire lioness

, but was also a spirit of some sort. "An' we make you the central hub too. People will talk to me through the spirits an' stuff, but havin' two of us who know exactly what's goin' on everywhere makes sense. Do you mind? " They could bring her their parchments and records and she could cast an eye over them, for example - something Vega herself wouldn't be able to do. If Astra was happy with that, then Vega would nod, thank them most sincerely and make her way to the Sweetstone tree.

[Jasper]

Jaspers Stats
6 Feet 3 Inches
205 pounds
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
Scares on Right Arm
Tattoo on Left Arm - Matches scares
Moon Tattoo on Left palm
Sun Tattoo Right palm

2 Cylus of 723

Astra smiled at the other woman as she expressed empathy for the situation. The melrathie woman nodded in understanding. “Thank you. You are right though. At this point in time this would be better assignment.” They listened as Vega expressed her concerns about the incoming snow storm. Jasper nodded his head in agreement. “I can sense the snow Anoks swarming, and they are in full,” he paused for a moment trying to think “glee, no, ecstasy would be a better word. I am not saying the snow Anoks are malicious, they are just fulfilling their purpose right now and do so with everything they got.” He shook his head. “Basically I agree, this isn’t going to be a simple snow storm.”

Vega’s instructions about what was needed was about what Jasper suspected they would be. Luckily Astra was a neat house keeper and such supplies were already gathered together, and the only left to collect was those currently being used. That chest was already on the sled thing attached behind Lanquin The brothers finished filling the sleed with the most critical supplies from their tents. Vega gave out a list of instructions and the farm boys stood and listed to the directions. Jasper nodded his head in agreement as the groups were formed. He nodded his head and looked at Astra as he began to take notes on the parchment he was given.

“Dear can you use Eldloga to light torches or better lanterns.” Jasper asked, and she nodded and began to do so. He looked at Vega. “Eldloga and I have a similar telepathic bond, but in addition it anyone looks into a controlled flame.” He indicated to the light source Astra was lighting. “And says my name and a message, Eldloga will get it to me. So if each pair has a light they can relay the message back with out having to track me down. Then I can relay anything on to you that needs to be.” He said to help further her plan. “I will do as you said, and look forward to working with you Snuffles.” He said smiling at the spirit. “Sorry Astra can you hand Eldloga to Vega since she will be setting up the community center.” He looked seriously at Vega as Astra nodded. “I hope you will take Eldloga with you, and as you set up the main tent and light its fires use him. Any hearth fire he starts will be better. It will offer more warm, help health and sustain those who gather around those hearths. I believe we will need that extra warmth this night.”

Unless Vega had anything more to say Jasper would smile at the two women and then turn to organize the groups, give them parchments, maps, pens, and light sources. He would begin to take notes on what he had assigned people, and made a note about Sam. He looked up and said. “You can also uses Lanquin to help haul anything you need. His additional legs will help stabilize him, and he will make an excellent plow if needed.”

Astra looked at Vega and said. “I can take care of this here. My village has seen its fair share of storm and raids. I will watch the children, and keep information flowing as well.” She looked at the dirri, her eyes showing approval at the lion dirri. “Though I would say having you here Madem Leona will be a blessing.” Which she sincerely meant. To be helped by the dirri was a boast at least to the Melrathians morals. They were after all their Angels and Deamons. So it was that Jasper and Snuffles collected information. Astra collected the children together and calmed them as the lioness watched over them. Astra would read any parchments that came her way and organize the information. Bryil, Rewan, and even little Dasjat joined with Vega’s clan to warn their neighbors.

Passive Active Effects

Spirit Meld-When near a spirit, can mental sense its emotions.
Spirit Sight-Perceive all spiritual forms within a ten foot proximity.
Rupturing-Detect all motions within 20ft.

Post Specific Effects

~NPC~

Astra

Rewan

Bryil

Eldloga

Dasjat

Lanquin

[Vega]

A Hazy Shade of Winter

Jasper was, Vega decided, a very useful fellow to have around and that went twofold for his wife. Nodding her head, she first listened to what Jasper said about the snow anaks. Frowning thoughtfully, she considered it. "Well, that's helpful to know," she concluded. The spirits of snow would do and be what they would, and Vega would not seek to change that. But knowing that they were agitated and ... active, for want of a better word, meant that she was less concerned that she was over reacting and more just happy that she was reacting. "I'm goin' to buy us time," she said softly. "An' I'm goin' to do that by raisin' the temperature in the area. It'll take the edge off an' it'll allow us to get this shelter made. But it's not a permanent solution, jus' somethin' to help us get it sorted." Vega smiled at Astra's suggestion of the flames. "That's well 'andy that is innit?" She liked their attitudes and the way their family worked. She was confident that everyone knew what their jobs were and just before she left, she glanced round one more time.

Then, she got on with what she needed to do. Getting a central camp set up made sense and where they had decided it should be did, also. Vega knew that there was plenty to do, but the important thing was that it was done right. She made her way and pulled her cloak against the cold. Vega didn't feel the cold, but that didn't matter. The others here would and so she used her Xiur-granted ability The Blessed can impart an actual rise or drop in local temperature, to bring relief and encourage good moods. This can be up to a 15-degree effect in a single building; a 10-degree effect over a city block, or a 5-degree effect over a small village. At "Adored", raise the effect by an additional 5 degrees, and make the new 5-degree area be the size of a large town. At "Exalted", add another 5-degrees, and have the new 5-degree area be the size of an entire city. This effect will remain for an entire trial, but can not be generated again for another three. As Xiur's Champion she could certainly cover the whole settlement. But what about more than that?

Vega wasn't sure and so, she spoke to

Jeff

, her Songforged diri. "Hey, Jeff, I can raise the temperature, an' I'm goin' to do that for Sweetsong, but I wonder whether it would be soemthin' that Sweetwine would like to be more widespread? I can cover quite a distance," she visualised what she meant so that he could see via his link with her "Would you check what Sweetwine would like? I'm reckonin' that this is beyond the norm for the season an' so a trial migh' give the animals an' the fairies a chance to prepare an' stuff?"

Jeff looked at Vega solemnly, his sad eyes brimming with tears. "Sweetwine thinks you're very kind," Jeff sang in his beautifully melodic voice. "to keep the woodland in your mind. To buy them time, it would be good, to help the creatures of this wood!" Vega nodded. "Got it. Doin' it. Thanks, Jeff, you're a doll." At these words of praise, Jeff began to cry, but did his best and kept himself brave.

So, Vega activated the ability and she felt the temperature rise. The diris did their jobs and informed the others and then Vega got building. At first, she was on her own as she worked, but as the time progressed, her cousins joined her. Huw, Shon and Reese, and her father, all put their backs to the work too. Between the Flag which flew over Sweetsong and the fact that Vega lifted her voice and sang as she worked, her hands moving in the air now and then, as though she was playing an invisible fiddle, and the sounds of the music from said fiddle heard across the settlement. She directed them where to go, what to do, what to build. She built and she sang as she did, and she moved around, literally dancing and playing the air-fiddle as she did. But, of course, as was always the case with Vega, she did what she did for a reason.

Because it made them quicker, and better at what they did. So she danced and she sang and she played the air-fiddle and in doing so, she built the central area. It would be done more quickly and to a better standard than should be possible, but that was simply what Vega did.

Active Effects

F'lag of F'libberty:
Flag of F'Liberty: A silk flag made with Weaver Silk which has exquisite embroidery crafted with lunar silk which means that the embroidery glows like metal. The background of the flag is a deep navy blue, like the sky at dusk and the embroidery is a constellation of stars which form a dragon. The colours on the embroidery seem to constantly shift and change.

In order for this item to be activated, two criteria need to be met. Firstly, the flag must be flying and secondly, Vega must be currently residing in the location. It will work on a boat or a camp or even (should she ever reside in one) in a house. The ability is able to affect an area roughly a mile from the flag itself. It creates a sense of community cohesion and a feeling of determination and hopefulness. It does more than negate fear, it promotes positivity and gives people a deepened sense of "clan" identity.

The impact on those in the area is that they have a shared sense of identity, of community, and they work together better. There is less conflict, more co-operation and people are, basically, happier, more hopeful and getting on better. This translates to a drive to get on and work and impacts PCs and NPCs thus:

NPCs: Learn and develop skills more quickly. In the case of personal NPCs, once they have met the criteria for skill improvement, rather than 10 points per season, they gain 15. City NPCs who are used in the same way (2 x threads per season) may also be improved in this way, with moderator approval.

PCs: PCs who are working towards the goal of the clan are given more support, more help. Things happen quicker and more efficiently for that reason. PCs who are actively using skills which benefit the "clan" and are doing so with NPCs / PCs of the "clan" - may assume that the task is less difficult and by everything going smoothly and people helping, everything falls together more easily. This allows the task to be easier / a stroke of luck /teamwork to mean that the task is completed in 50% of the time OR to 2 levels higher a standard than they could otherwise achieve.

Song of Hope:
Vega has developed her ability to the point that she can use sound as a means of increasing the skills of those around her. Her devotion to Xiur and Qylios is such that she is determined to be hopeful, and to always do her best. She can play and, when she plays, it gives a boost to the skills of those who hear it. When Vega focuses on a group and actively uses this ability - she is able to inspire them to be the very best version of themselves. Any and all who are in the room / area where she plays (so not someone that hears it in passing, they have to be listening) have a +1 level bonus on a non-magic skill for the next trial (so, novice becomes competent, competent becomes expert etc). This skill will be directly linked to the focus Vega has so - if it is in a camp preparing for battle, for the soldiers it will be a combat skill - but the cook for that camp would gain a bonus to cooking for the troops. No more than one bonus per day can be given. ( here )

Bamboo:
Vega has lived in the wilderness, or on the oceans, all her life. During that time she's seen a lot of extreme weather conditions. She has learned the art of building a camp which withstands the elements. Like the bamboo bends in the wind, rather than snaps, Vega has learned to set up a camp - large or small - which protects against the elements. Wind, rain, sleet, snow - they are all protected against. By putting a windbreak in just the right place, by having hot stones or warm sand around, things don't get broken, spoiled, etc. The upshot of this is that, subject to her having the resources she needs, Vega can make a comfortable and functioning camp in even the most extreme of weather - the inhabitants will suffer no ill effects from the weather in all its forms. They may not be warm in snow - but they won't be cold, won't be wet, will not stay awake hearing the wind howl, etc. One camp protects against all potential elements / weather conditions. ( here )

All-Dance
For Vega, dance is many things. It is worship, it is celebration and it is a means of expressing herself through music. With this capstone, Vega is able to dance while performing any other skill - within the boundaries of what is physically possible, she can dance. Neither skill is impacted, no matter how difficult it is for her to dance. As long as it is physically possible for her to move her body, she is able to use the full extent of her dance skill with any other. here

Dance of Hope:
Vega has developed the ability to not just instil hope in others by her actions, but to also get them to act as ambassadors of hope, too. This capstone allows her to imbue those who see her dance ~ or who join her in doing so ~ find themselves energized and enthused for a full trial. They will feel awake, refreshed and filled with hope as though they had just slept an excellent night's sleep. This doesn't, of course, heal wounds or anything, it simply gives the people who dance a burst of adrenaline which lasts for the rest of the trial. here

Irritatin' an' Chipper:
Vega is aggressively optimistic. Her time in Rharne during the Siege of Storm's Edge taught her that, no matter what, she had to keep up her own sense of optimism. This has allowed her to lead others by example, but specifically by making people happy in whatever task she is leading them in. If Vega is part of a group working to a common goal, then her enthusiasm and optimism mean that people are able to keep going just that bit longer, or perform just that bit better. This has an impact on the outcome of a task - when working together on a task which has a physical product (like rebuilding the walls in Storms Edge) then that outcome will be better than it would otherwise be, while the outcome of more abstract tasks (like exploring) will simply be more efficient.

Mechanically, this means that a physical outcome (like rebuilding the walls) will result in the job will either be finished in half the time, or at one quality level above what would be expected (eg: average will become good. If these criteria aren't in place, it'll need to be story-specific but will follow this format). Which of these outcomes it is will be dependent on whether Vega's pushing people to hurry, or to do their best. For more abstract tasks (eg: exploring) the task will simply be performed to the best capability in half the time. here

Leadin' By Example:
During the Siege of Storm's Edge, Vega found herself in a number of positions where she had to make snap decisions and act on them. There were things which needed doing, jobs which had to be done. She has learned that one way to get things done is by the simple expedient of starting them. Rather than tell people what to do, Vega is very much an "in there and doing it" kind of leader. That means that, when she's working in a team - whether she's in an active leadership role or not - her very nature of leading by example, of getting right in there and getting her hands dirty makes people more inclined to do the same. This specifically means that teams work better when Vega is in them. Whether she's crew on a ship or a member of a military unit, they work smarter and harder and get things done. The outcome of this is that the group functions at peak efficiency - resources are used the best they can be, communication is at its best. The longer Vega is part of this team, the more they work like a well-oiled machine and the more efficient they become.

After working in a team once, this capstone starts to take effect. Thereafter, the multitude of tasks which need doing in any group situation get done more quickly and to a higher standard. Mechanically it means that they need less people to do a job than they might otherwise, freeing people up to do other tasks. If building a wall would take five people five days - if Vega is in the team then it'll take less people (maybe 3) to build it in 5 days. All five people would build it in 3 days. here

The Red Shoes:
When she wears them, they appear to be normal shoes - however - whenever she dances, the music that she is hearing in her head / imagining is heard, playing for all. This can be very quiet or up to the volume of a full orchestra - depending on what Vega is imagining in her mind.

Upon hearing the music play - which continues as long as Vega is dancing - those who are allied to her are afforded a boost. In order to be affected by this they must be allied with her, AND be working towards a common goal. If that is the case, then she and her allies will find themselves surrounded by an individual armour which functions as full plate, but is weighless, totally flexible and invisible to the naked eye other than a ripple of air waves which it is, in fact, made up from.

[Jasper]

Jaspers Stats
6 Feet 3 Inches
205 pounds
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes
Scares on Right Arm
Tattoo on Left Arm - Matches scares
Moon Tattoo on Left palm
Sun Tattoo Right palm

2 Cylus of 723

Jasper had checked off his assignments on the parchment after having sent off the different groups to collect in the villagers and bring in there supplies. He was looking through his own collection of supplies from there tent, and pocked his head in to look around. It was then that he saw a small box with items he had gotten awhile back, and he remembered that he had received a horn. He rushed over and pulled it out. He hadn’t actually needed to use it. He returned to his station and quickly wrote a note.

Vega.

Blow this horn and everyone helping you build the central structure will work quicker and produce better work. Sorry I haven’t ever used it so forgot about it.

Jasper

Jasper didn’t want to leave his post so he waved pulled in his aether and waved his arms around him like a crazed juggler. Eventually he tore open a portal, with the Ingress right by Vega. Jasper pushed the horn through so that it safely landed by here. At the same time he looked at Snuffles and said. “Can you please make sure that Vega is aware that I am sending this horn over. It will help speed up construction.” Jasper saw no reason to believe the dirri wouldn’t help and share the message so he focused on getting his family supplies to the central drop before taking the mount and walking the length of the tents. Collecting what ever supplies were ready and then bringing them back to the central spot. Jasper and Astra took notes of who had been warned, and there responses. As they worked through everything.

Eldloga listened to what Vega said about being able to warm the area for a long period of time. He then spoke up. “I don’t know if it is possible but maybe we can try to work together.” The spirit said. “use me to light a fire and use your ability at the same time. It might be possible that by doing so you can anchor the your ability to my fire to hold out as long as that fire does. I also hope that it might extend the affects of my powers across your ability.”

Jasper could only hear Eldloga’s side of the conversation but he blinked in surprise. He had no clue if it would work but it might help. “Go job Eldloga.” He said outloud to the spirit.

Passive Active Effects

Spirit Meld-When near a spirit, can mental sense its emotions.
Spirit Sight-Perceive all spiritual forms within a ten foot proximity.
Rupturing-Detect all motions within 20ft.

Post Specific Effects

~NPC~

Astra

Rewan

Bryil

Eldloga

Dasjat

Lanquin

[Vega]

Rewards Requested

Notes/Warnings: (Any Notes or warnings? Violence?)

Thread: [Sweetsong] A Hazy Shade of Winter
City/Area: Sweetwine Woods

Renown: Reviewer Discretion
Wealth Points:Nope
- If you are claiming Wealth Points, please link to your Wealth Thread for this season, as Wealth Points can not be awarded before this is completed:
Collaboration: (Yes)
Local Language Thread? ( No)

!	Message from: Pig Boy
	Done!

[Pig Boy]

Vega

Feedback

Vega is a darned good person to have leading the settlement in its survival efforts in a once-in-a-lifetime blizzard. I'm sure the people of Sweetsong feel especially blessed to have her about, but at the same time encouraged as their skills are improved by her items and her abilities.

Great writing!

I've awarded 4 song-forged points to you for this. Please throw it up on the forged tracker so the overall amount can be tallied. Please do inform your entry that the points have been awarded already through UCP. Thanks!

Rewards

• Points Bank: +10 - Participate in, and Complete, a City Event (Seasonal Events run by mods)
• Renown: 5
• XP: 15
• Forged Faction Points: 4

Knowledges

• Tactics: Preparing for something extreme means thinking of every possible weakness
• Field Craft: Plan for the worst case scenario in a crisis situation
• Leadership: Recognising the complexity of leading a community through a crisis
• Field Craft: Keep an overview of your environment whenever you can, especially in survival situations

Jasper

Feedback

Jasper, while perhaps not as experienced at survival as Vega, still has many factors and abilities and knowhow that make him invaluable toward the improvement of Sweetsong's situation. I love that you used the Quacian Work horn to improve the abilities of the settlement to function, and there was some creative use of Eldloga's abilities here to preserve the warmth coming from any campfires.

Good job great writing!

Rewards

• Points Bank: +10 - Participate in, and Complete, a City Event (Seasonal Events run by mods)
• Renown: 5
• XP: 15

Knowledges

• Medicine: Contractions can be a sign of false labor.
• Meditation: Sensing a Happy emotion from a Anok can be a danger sign
• Leadership: Trusting others to act when supplied a warning
• Logistics: Using a make shift vehicle to carry supplies
• Leadership: Sharing information about Anoks in context
• Animal Training: Knowing a sliepnir's strengths
• Rupturing: Using the portal to deliver a critical message

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this review, feel free to PM. Enjoy your rewards!