On the shoulders of giants: a new multiple choices LP!

[Curufinwe]

Alright. It seems a general consensus has been indeed reached on Vernydar's idea. I will close the vote and post the update a bit later, after dinner. Didn't go too bad.

 

[Curufinwe]

The council listened with obvious fascination to the hunter's tale, considering its import to the life of the tribe, weighing the potential gains and dangers.

But the eldest spoke up, leaving the expedition members nonplussed: 'We thank you for your courage and dedication in bringing us back those news. But while you were away, some of the scavengers brought back a strange, shiny, sharp black rock they found on the slopes of the mountains. We decided to investigate further on the uses of this rock. I am sure you will contribute to this. The beasts will have to wait.'

The following seasons passed in a flurry of activity and experimentation. The new stone, although somewhat brittle, could be worked into edges so sharp that cutting implements made with it actually had to be handled with care.

Some of the craftiest hunters put their heads to improving their arsenal, and soon came up with three designs, both using the new black stone. First, they started using the stones themselves as claws. Soon they found out though that this tool had a range problem. Using animal sinew, now more easily obtainable, they created two different implements: one for stabbing, one used as a club with cutting power.

Armed with their new weapons, the hunters immediately clamored: 'We can now try to hunt down the dangerous beasts on the mountainslope. Surely even their strength and cunning can't withstand our tools!'
The tamers, somewhat subdued, chimed in: 'We are more interested in the other, white furred beasts. They graze grass, surely we can add herds of them to our livestock.'
A few of the hunters observed: 'Hunting the great beasts or taming the grass-eaters is all well and good, but still we're worried by the skulking shadowy beasts that prowl the deepest forest. We should focus on them, they might be a far worse danger than we think.'

And here we are again, at the vote.

A. Hunt down the great, furry beast that killed our hunters.
B. Try to tame the white-furred animals.
C. Gather more information on the shadowy stalkers.

Finally, a brief commentary on the open-vote experiment: it went pretty well, I will most likely try it out again in the future. Regarding the specific choice, it was a very good one. You found one very useful resource, which I had put there but wouldn't have been found until later in my plans. This translates into a small technological jump, which I'm sure will come handy in future scenarios.

 

[SCO]

I don't want to imagine their teeth

 

[Monty]

Would love to vote B, after all there's only so much zebra carpaccio a man can eat. But can't helping feeling that ignoring C will have adverse consequences.

So C it is.

 

[Esquilax]

I say we utilize our new obsidian weaponry to hunt the great beast that took two of our tribe. Morale is high among the hunters, so we should go after the creature while the men are confident and eager to avenge their comrades. I understand that people are afraid of getting slaughtered by the shadow creature (is it some sort of wolf?), but I think that learning some hunting, and earning a great victory in the process would tighten the bonds of the tribe. Also, it's important to remember that the big predator lives in the sparse forest, whereas the shadow creature lives in the deep forest - since they live in different areas, it's unlikely that we'll be in the very shitty situation of having to fight both of them at the same time.

He pauses, then keeps talking: 'The second beast is a great predator, more fearsome and bigger than the greatest beasts we know from the plains. Thick furred, heavy gaited, he lives in the sparse forest hunting for game much like us. We tried to bring one down but lost one of our best to its enormous strength and fierce temperament, before running away and seeking refuge on the nearest trees... yet he climbed after us and managed to snatch down and maim another man.'

He stops again, then finishes his speech: 'The third beast... we're not even sure it's really there. While walking in the thickest forests, we felt... watched. Shadows circled us, never more than half-seen or half-heard. It is a beast that walks on four legs, its mantle grey, its form sleek. Never have I felt such unsettling intensity from an animal. We were never attacked, but always, while remaining in the thick forest, we felt this wary beast looking at us, as if scouting us out and deciding what to do with us'.

A

 

[Vernydar]

C

An old hunter, now retired due to age, tries to sway the council:

"Listen to me, I have been a hunter all my life, and I have seen all types of beasts before we reached this place. And since we came to this place, before becoming too old to hunt, I also hunted a bit, and always tried to listen to my fellow, younger, hunters. Never to my memory we have met such a creature. A creature that stalks us. A creature that observes us.
This creature could be a great danger if left alone. We do not know anything of it, and so we should learn.

The great beast that killed two of us must surely be put down, and so we shall do that. But, the creature that stalks the deep wood feels a lot more dangerous in truth. And so it should be the first problem we look into. The great beast can be avoided for now, while formidable, it does not seem to pose any unconventional danger.

I say we send a strong party in the deep woods, and try to learn more of this creature. And learn if it's a danger we must confront, or a possible source of food, or if it can be of use in other ways. "

 

[Omicron]

C

Surely the great beast our hunters met is a powerfull spirit, we would do well to honour it.
The beasts that lurked in the shadow of the thick forest howeverr, must be great hunter itself. We should learn if it will hunt us and our zebra's so that we may be prepared when it strikes. If we are in luck, maybe we can learn to stalk the woods like those beasts do.

 

[Jick Magger]

A is just us trying too hard to be EXTREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEME!!11!11, which is grossly unnecessary and too great a risk for our hunters, who serve as both our tribe's bread winners AND defenders. The Shadow Stalkers sound as though they could become trouble. I vote C, we should try and learn as much about it as possible. I doubt goats will harm us too badly.

 

[Kz3r0]

A Having man eating predators around is not a good idea.

 

[kazgar]

Sure the only reason the predators ate the men was due to the fact the men entered its territory up the mountain? If there's a supply of food on the mountain, the tribe should be safe, and while we have the weaponry now, there''s no guarantee on the number of predators and it'll be risking valuble hunters in a foolish pursuit. If the animals come, we can use the weapons to defend if need be.

Another animal to train or breed seems useful (and metagamy, wool! and milk! we don't know what season it is)

B

 

[Zero Credibility]

B because it actually offers a real benefit. We are now overspecialised with our food source. If something (like a disease outbreak) would happen to our single-species herd, we could be facing starvation.

A is just too risky right now - yes, we have some weapons now, but we could be facing a cave bear for fuck sake - think the largest, meanest bear you can find alive today and you get the picture. And if we corner this fucker he is not going down without a fight. Let's not throw lives of our hunters away for no tangible benefit.

As for C, let's just stay out of the deep woods for now. Yes, it could be wolves, which could lead to domestication, but it could also be (and more probably so) some stalker predator. Whatever it was it didn't attack us, so we can deal with it later. Probably.

Of course, it goes without saying that we should be ready for an attack while we are trying to capture white-furred animals. If that bear comes for us again, he is in for a rude surprise - fire and our new weapons should be more than enough to convince any predator to look for an easier prey.

 

[Hirato]

B - the guy above me makes a good point

 

[Esquilax]

B because it actually offers a real benefit. We are now overspecialised with our food source. If something (like a disease outbreak) would happen to our single-species herd, we could be facing starvation.

A is just too risky right now - yes, we have some weapons now, but we could be facing a cave bear for fuck sake - think the largest, meanest bear you can find alive today and you get the picture. And if we corner this fucker he is not going down without a fight. Let's not throw lives of our hunters away for no tangible benefit.

As for C, let's just stay out of the deep woods for now. Yes, it could be wolves, which could lead to domestication, but it could also be (and more probably so) some stalker predator. Whatever it was it didn't attack us, so we can deal with it later. Probably.

Of course, it goes without saying that we should be ready for an attack while we are trying to capture white-furred animals. If that bear comes for us again, he is in for a rude surprise - fire and our new weapons should be more than enough to convince any predator to look for an easier prey.

The benefits of A aren't as tangible in terms of resources I'll admit, but they offer a bunch of other benefits. First, it gives our hunters a taste of battle against a powerful predator, sharpens their combat skills for the future, whether it be against four-legged or two-legged opponents. Also, I think that there are cultural benefits that must be considered - hunting this creature (cave bear?) and bringing back its pelt is a reminder to the tribe of the strength of our people and it will do much to unite us. Holding a great celebration after a successful hunt seems like a great way to develop our identity and it shouldn't be underestimated - we need to develop a concept of who we are as a people, and we do that by winning glories, not by taming some docile goats.

Furthermore, I'm worried that going against the hunters on this one might turn them against the council. We have a bunch of hunters, now armed with mighty weapons, and our oldfags are telling these guys that they can't use them - it won't be popular. We've moved against the tamers when they tried to make a power play, and we've already spared a murderer against the wishes of the victim's family, so I'm concerned as to whether another rational, but unpopular decision won't lead to some unrest.

 

[Zero Credibility]

A victory against a dangerous foe is definitely good for morale, but so is a full belly and warm clothes. Plus, while we can certainly kill whatever is up there, it will by no means be an easy victory if we really are up against a cave bear. Yes, we have weapons, but our hunters are not experienced in using them, nor do they have enough information about what they are hunting. We might lose a lot of men, which will kind of negate any morale increase we might get. If half the hunting party gets wiped out and all the tribal council gets to show for that (mis)adventure is a bear pelt, that will definitely lead to some unrest. Not to mention that losing that many able bodies at this stage is something that can easily bite us in the ass later.

The job of the council is to make decision in the best interest of the whole tribe - and right now that means more food sources. The hunters will be busy enough capturing the white-furred animals and looking out for any other danger. This will give us another food source while at the same time give the hunters some much needed experience with new weapons and hunting techniques. THEN we go after the bear. If the council presents their decision in these term, I don't think we have to worry about morale problems.

 

[Jick Magger]

And remember, the hunters are the tribe's defenders as well. The last thing we need to do is risk losing them farting around the mountainside hunting bears for emotional satisfaction. What'll we do if we lose alot of hunters to it and barely have anyone left to fight a hostile tribe if they roll up?

 

[Internet]

B. We need new food resources. A is too dangerous right now, we aren't ready to take on fenrisian wolves yet.

 

[Curufinwe]

B. We need new food resources. A is too dangerous right now, we aren't ready to take on fenrisian wolves yet.

But... but... there are no wolves on Fenris....

 

[AstralStorm]

B. Let's take the wolves later when we have a good source of meat that can actually survive in the mountains (unlike zebras).
Then we can attract the wolves... or they'll come right at us, unless the Fire Spirit keeps them at bay.

 

[Lindblum]

B food!

 

[Stygian Lurker]

A.
If we learn to kill dangerous predators, we will become stronger.

 

[Curufinwe]

Alright. Time for today's update. B won again (it's becoming a trend) so the sheep-lovers between you can get their groove going.

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The animal tamers, while looked on with suspect by most of us, still held great sway with the elder council. It was thus announced that, while getting rid of dangers, seen and unseen, would be of great benefit to the tribe, the priority would have to be given to diversifying food sources. Besides, everyone was tired of dressing in striped black and white pelts.

Thus the animal tamers organized a great hunt for the white beasts (who would be later come to be called ram, for the horned male variety, and ewe, for the fluffy, female variety).
The hunters were confined to scouting and protection duties. Within weeks of searching and learning the beasts' habits, a decently sized herd was finally captured and brought back to the camp.

Still, there was unease within the hunters, for the keenest of them kept grumbling about 'eyes in the thickets' and 'being stalked from afar'.

A few more years passed by and we learned to cut the ewe's fur and make filling for our basic pelts, or to skin the animal whole and use their pelts as they were. They stank something fierce in the rain, but kept us warm. Furthermore, the meat of the ewe and its milk made for a food variety previously unknown of.

In the meanwhile, thanks to the newfound prosperity and sharper tools, some people took to art, carving rough figurines of animals, people and fire spirits from chunks of wood. The best of those soon became prized heirlooms.

Then something that would change everything happened....

One night, during a feast, the fire spirit consuming the new sheep meat happily, one of our scouts looked at the river. It was spring, the river grumbling with its increased waterflow, and pieces of wood or whole logs floating down from the mountain were a common sight. The scout looked on, only half his attention on the water, cursing his bad luck for missing the feast, when he noticed something very odd. One of the logs wasn't floating in the same direction of the others... it was floating upriver, near the bank. The scout narrowed his eyes, trying to discern the cause of the strange phenomenon, when his blood turned to ice. In the sparse light of his small fire, he could barely see a figure. A figure that looked like him.

The scout gave a cry of alarm, running towards the log, a burning branch in his hand. The figure in the darkness gave a start, then suddenly pushed a wooden pole in the water which moved the log towards the deeper waters and started his downriver escape.

Our scout ran back to the camp, explaining in hurried tones what happened. A small expedition made of hunters and scouts was immediately formed, running after the fleeing log. But the log was much faster than them, and was soon lost in the distance.

The council convened immediately to decide the tribe's actions:

The eldest spoke first: 'It seems there are others like us in this land. Who are they? We need to send our scouts downriver, to gather information.'
The chief of the hunters growled: 'That man ran as soon as he noticed he was spotted. That speaks of ill intentions. We should send people downriver, yes, but no scouts. We should send our best hunters, to be prepared for anything.'
The Keeper of Fire stood up last: 'That one was afraid of our fires. He didn't run when he was spotted, he ran when he saw the spirit carried by our scout. The expedition should be commanded by one of our keepers, his command of the fire spirit will awe anyone that sees him.'

Author's Note: Well thought out to the person who, when you got to the mountain, thought of it as a landmark. It seems someone found you. Now, what to do?

A. Send a prudent scouting expedition downriver, to gather information.
B. Send an open expedition headed by hunters, in case whoever is there is hostile.
C. Send an open expedition headed by a keeper of fire, to protect us and show our command of the spirits.

 

[Jack]

I'm tempted to vote C to show them who's boss, but they could kill our keepers and steal our fire spirits. Instead I will vote B, if the first killer is still alive he should go with them.

 

[Esquilax]

We've been pussies so far, so we can't start acting hard now that we have little experience to back it up. We haven't developed into a warrior people - we had a chance to sharpen our prowess last time, but that wasn't the direction that we went in. However, what we do have are many resources to trade (obsidian, milk, furs) so coming in and acting aggressively right off the back isn't wise. There are many reasons why this scout from another tribe decided to run away when he was spotted - maybe other tribes they've encountered have been hostile, so he got scared. I think, at least initially, we should try to make open, peaceful contact with these people.

A

 

[CappenVarra]

C (they can't steal our fire spirits without the keeper's wisdom of controlling them)

 

[Jack]

Alright I understand not wanting to risk conflict, but why send the keepers? If we merely want to trade with them we don't need to impress them. Besides, the one we saw ran from the fire, they could see our keepers walking into their settlement as an act of hostility and attack anyway. In the eventuality of them being hostile I don't want to send defenseless scouts or keepers, better safe than sorry. If it would cause conflict then so be it. Sure, we aren't a warrior people, at least not yet, but we might have superior numbers and weapons. We also know the mountain, and could fight them there to increase our chances should they strike. We have nothing to lose by sending our hunters.

C (they can't steal our fire spirits without the keeper's wisdom of controlling them)

And what's stopping them from capturing our keepers and forcing them to share their secrets?