Day 7: The Hunt, and Scouts Head Out

[Norbert]

Day 7:

Weather: Cold in Morning, Cool rest of day. Low of 40, high of 55
Clear Skys, Wind from NW 5-15 mph

Times General Guidline (Read About XXXX time)
0300 Brown Bear sniffing around looking for easy food.

During the Hunt, an Native gets caught up from the drive. Probably runs in complete terror.

1100 Cougar pushed by beaters in the Hunt

1300 Mild Earthquake. About a 3 on Richter

1900-2000 Scouts hear sounds of native activity

2200 Natives hearing the sounds of thunder (gunfire) during the day with clear skys decide to investigate the strange sound.

2200 Wolves, attracted by the rich smell of blood, enter the outskirts of the camp.

[Psychomeltdown]

Because I've been nagging Ward for days to do shed some light on the Homesteaders that left to strike it out on their own... He's finally relented e into writing this up...


1426 - Camp Guardians on the Western edge of the Camp come across a small ragged train of animals, two donkeys, one horse. Two badly injured men, two women, and a child collapse when they get near the Camp.

The two women and child are survivors of the Homesteaders that had set out on their own. They tell stories of Warriors descending upon their camps, killing animals, men, and kidnapping women and children. The three had managed to flee on a horse.

The two men are survivors of the Expedition to the Ocean sent out by Fort Ian, they had come across the women fleeing, then they in turned had been attacked. Luckily the Natives had seemed more interested in their goods than captives.

[Norbert]

3 AM (Actually Day 7)
Norbert got up, and he was grouchy. The Wards fight had gone on long into the night. He got dressed, and took an hammer and an axe outside, and started to hit the side of the blade of the axe with the hammer. TING, TING, TING, TING, TING!
Ward yelled out 'Who the hell is making that racket???"
Norbert, satisfied with his revenge, went back to getting ready to head out on the survey trip.

[jolo]

Because I've been nagging Ward for days to do shed some light on the Homesteaders that left to strike it out on their own... He's finally relented e into writing this up...


1426 - Camp Guardians on the Western edge of the Camp come across a small ragged train of animals, two donkeys, one horse. Two badly injured men, two women, and a child collapse when they get near the Camp.

The two women and child are survivors of the Homesteaders that had set out on their own. They tell stories of Warriors descending upon their camps, killing animals, men, and kidnapping women and children. The three had managed to flee on a horse.

The two men are survivors of the Expedition to the Ocean sent out by Fort Ian, they had come across the women fleeing, then they in turned had been attacked. Luckily the Natives had seemed more interested in their goods than captives.


I don't remember home steaders being sent to the ocean. Only an expedition to get to know the area - which would be a few guards with their horses...

[Psychomeltdown]

I don't remember home steaders being sent to the ocean. Only an expedition to get to know the area - which would be a few guards with their horses...
I don't mean anyone from Fort Ian, this is the

HOMESTEADERS: Headed out on their own, but with no plans of conquest
TOTAL: 72
MEN: 29
WOMEN: 29
CHILDREN: 14

then there's you Expedition that included " a few guards with their horses."

Beyond the killing of a few of your People Going to the Ocean, this has pretty much nothing to do with your settlement.

[jolo]

I don't mean anyone from Fort Ian, this is the

HOMESTEADERS: Headed out on their own, but with no plans of conquest
TOTAL: 72
MEN: 29
WOMEN: 29
CHILDREN: 14

then there's you Expedition that included " a few guards with their horses."

Beyond the killing of a few of your People Going to the Ocean, this has pretty much nothing to do with your settlement.

Didn't know they left as a group. There should have been some story on them before they return, I believe.

[Ward]

O5:00 Ward and his Wife get up and head out together hand in hand.
What he asks the kids as he and the wife look over by the stove . Don't you have something to do . His youngest said na its to early , then he looks over at his wife , ya there is something we could do . As he pulls her over to him and takes her hand . The young couple heads back to the tent .

Fred's brothers call out don't do anything we would not do , and if you do name it after Dad .

Piea Calls out to the young couple you wake the little ones and you can watch them today .

After having breackfast Ward and his older sons head out to were the shooters are to meet for the Great hunt .

Ward spots a person walking though the camp carring his rifle and has his fingure on the trigure of the rifle .
Ward hay Ass Hole get you head out of your ass . and take your fingure off that trigure before I shove that rifle up your ass .
Don't you know any weapon safety at all .

Frank has moved up behind the guy and takes his rifle from him .

As he check the weapon he just took from the member of the board at less
Dad he has the safety on .
Come on lets get over to the firing line .

As the group heads over to the fireing line Frank give that guy a run down of rifle safety .

[Matt]

0400

The Scouting expediation was ready to leave, and Matt made sure he was there to see them off. When he got to the departure point he noticed P99 had also gotten there. He noted that was some sort of sign about the quality of the man he choose to be the 1st Sergent.

The Rangers were seperated from the others, going over their gear. The cream of the crop of recruits had been selected to go with Flocc and GBW. Matt and perdedor walked over there.

"Guys, I just wanted to wish you all good luck. Good luck, and I'll see you all when you get back." he announced. "Top, you want to give them one last look over?"

"Sure thing, Sir." Top 99 walked over and began inspecting the loads each man had, while he was over there he motioned Flocc over.

"Wish it was me going," Matt said with a smirk. "But I suppose it would be bad form for me not to be here when the company's being raised."

"You got that right. Besides, I'll be walking bow legged by the time we get back." Flocc shot back.

A small laugh escaped from Matt. Then soberly he switched tones "How's the missus taking this?"

Flocc leaned back, as if absorbing a blow. "Not so well. I mean we've been 'married' for a whole whopping week now. Only been home for 3 days of that. Yet somehow, I guess you can say, we love each other. It's a tough life."

"Yeah, well I'm sorta glad I didn't take a wife with me," Matt responded. "My girlfriend back uptime would of hated me for this shit. To leave her alone all the time wouldn't be fair. Besides, I got Top 99 and Luakel now."

"Sounds... flattering."

"All right Lefttenant, you got a mission to lead. Good luck. I'll see you all first thing when you get back"

Matt held out his hand, and Flocc took it.

"Thanks, see you in two weeks, sir." With a salute Flocc walked back to the men. P99 walked back over.

"It's all good to go sir."

"Good.. good."

[Flocculencio]

"Who knew that there was a four in the morning," came a voice.

"Bruno?" said GBW.

"Yeah- I've got Ahmick and Leo with me. Everyone else here?"

"Yup, surveyors are over with the pack mules, rangers are right here and since you guys are here we're good to go."

"I see you came to see us off, Matt," said Leo.

"Yep- gotta make sure that my men get a proper send-off."

"Where's Flocc?"

"A tearful goodbye, I think- Vicky insisted on waking up to see him off and they went off behind a tent somewhere. Yep, here he comes."

Flocc came looming out of the shadows, pipe glowing in his mouth, a small brunette by his side.

"You take care of yourself," she said to him, "And if he gets hurt, the rest of you will answer to me." With a stern nod, she turned away and melted back into the gloom of the camp.

"Good morning gentlemen," he said.

"Good morning lieutenant," called a few of the rangers as they saluted.

Flocc looked a wee bit taken aback- he still hadn't really adjusted to the fact that he had magically become an officer.

"Err...as you were...and it's pronounced Lef-tenant if you please," he said returning the salute with a grin.

He trudged over to Othniel.

"Just to inform you that the Ranger escort is ready to go whenever you are."

"It'll be a while yet, Flocc," replied Othniel, searching meticulously through a bundle, "We're making a final check to confirm that we've brought everything we'll need."

"Jolly good," said Flocc, "Just give us a shout when you're ready to move out."

He sauntered back to the Rangers and the Diplomatic team.

"What's the plan?"

"Hurry up and wait," replied Flocc. He turned to address the Rangers.

"OK, guys, just thought I'd brief you on our nightly routine. First of all, those of you who smoke, please feel free to do so now. Be warned- this is not something that you will do when you are on guard duty. Each of us will be on two hour shifts of two men. No smoking, eating or undue noise- those can wait for when you're off-duty.

"If you see something that looks like it might be dangerous, shout out, raise the alarm. A false alarm is better than getting killed for lack of an alarm.

"If you see people you are not to fire first. I repeat- we will not engage in combat unless first attacked. If we are attacked, your first shot should be over their heads. Only shoot to kill if they persist in attacking..."

As Flocc carried on with his briefing, an amusing thought crossed his mind.

Sweet Buddha, I bet I sound just like one of those pompous officer bastards...

[Flocculencio]

OOC: Whoops! :o Guess we crossed wires there MBarry :D

I'm editing mine to make it fit in as a continuation to yours

[Othniel]

0340

Othniel had always had bad expirences waking up early. To say that he was less than enthusiasic about the early time they chose to leave was an understatement, though thats what he said every time he had to get up before five. At least Katty was used to this, and had woken him up early enough, a smirk rose to his face when she had..

"You know your first alarm clock I haven't found annoying.:D "

They talked for a while at what was going to happen, Othniel promising to make sure there was some wild flowers at the site to bring back as a gift. So he grabbed his gear and headed up to the scouting party, near an old stump to leave early, a goofy half-asleep grin on his face.

When Othniel got there he'd been just a little late, but relivied that they hadn't even had everyone there yet. Taking careful note of his surrounding he fell in behind a ranger, oddly slilent to the group.

[SionEwig]

3 AM (Actually Day 7)
Norbert got up, and he was grouchy. The Wards fight had gone on long into the night. He got dressed, and took an hammer and an axe outside, and started to hit the side of the blade of the axe with the hammer. TING, TING, TING, TING, TING!
Ward yelled out 'Who the hell is making that racket???"
Norbert, satisfied with his revenge, went back to getting ready to head out on the survey trip.

Sion will wander over to Norbert with 2 cups of coffee.

"Ya know, if I weren't already awake, I'd have to hurt you for that."

[Norbert]

Sion will wander over to Norbert with 2 cups of coffee.

"Ya know, if I weren't already awake, I'd have to hurt you for that."

'I know, but I was a bit peeved at Ward. Having set up next to him, and planning an early morning, having them have their loud argument tempted me to call the cops on a noise complaint. Then I remembered I didn't have a phone, and we don't really have any cops yet. But, I suppose I manage. Its not like I am taking medicines that keep me asleep for 9 hours or so anymore.' Norbert pointed at the coffee. 'You making an offering of that?'

[SionEwig]

04:00

Sion and Brad were having a quiet conversation while waiting for word that it was time to leave. Low laughter could be heard from them as they seemed to come to a decision.

"So it's a deal?" Brad said.

"Sounds like a winner to me." Sion replied.

Seeing Othniel nearby, Sion walked over to him. "Mr. Expedition Leader, your engineering consultants are ready." He tried to hold a straight face but was not successful as both he and Brad began laughing.

[Othniel]

04:00

Sion and Brad were having a quiet conversation while waiting for word that it was time to leave. Low laughter could be heard from them as they seemed to come to a decision.

"So it's a deal?" Brad said.

"Sounds like a winner to me." Sion replied.

Seeing Othniel nearby, Sion walked over to him. "Mr. Expedition Leader, your engineering consultants are ready." He tried to hold a straight face but was not successful as both he and Brad began laughing.
A silent look across Othniel's young face as he waited for them to stop laughing, "Yup."

[Norbert]

Norbert, hearing that the engineers were ready, looked at Oth. 'Ready as i will ever be, too.' Then, muttering to himself, he put his foot in the stirrup, saying, 'I'm glad its the right leg I hurt! Damn, but its going to be a long day!'

[Matt]

Matt walked over to Brad and Sion. They seemed to be laughing at Othniel. But Oth has a smirk on his face. That sort of smirk...

"Someone got laid last night," He blurted out. His hand went out and slapped him on the back. "You little rascal!"

[Othniel]

Matt walked over to Brad and Sion. They seemed to be laughing at Othniel. But Oth has a smirk on his face. That sort of smirk...

"Someone got laid last night," He blurted out. His hand went out and slapped him on the back. "You little rascal!"
"I can neither comfirm or deny that, but such are the benefits of being married."

[Matt]

OOC: For Brad's future charcterizations.... He's skinny, about 5'7''. Eats alot. Real big wiener, with a dorky sense of humor. Alot of times he resembles the streotypical enigneer.

[Doctor What]

Shortly before 4 AM

Doc pried open his gummed up eyes. The fog in his brain slowly cleared up.

Right...I'm on a horse...a horse burdened with supplies...a bunch of other horses are around me too...also burdened with supplies ... good... good... making excellent progress there with the observations there, Bruno ... now...the hard part....

What the fuck am I doing on a horse in the first place?....

Oh yeah--scouting mission...

Doc looked around. Ahmick looked like a schoolboy going out on his first field trip--all smiling and excited and taking in everything around him. There were a bunch of people milling around, talking, checking equipment

What is with these military guys and their insistence on leaving 'first thing'? Why can't they leave at a much more civilized time--like 'noonish'?

"Who knew that there was a four in the morning," he said out loud.
**

Evening-previous day

Matt and the Doc were sitting near Matt's tent

"Bruno--you ever fired a gun before?"

"Does playing seventeen straight hours of Doom count?"

"Not really, no"

"Then that would be a negative"

Matt pulled out a small handgun. He hesitated and seemed to be weighing a decision in his mind.

"Let me guess--you're worried that I might accidentally shoot myself with that thing" said Doc, with a slight smile.

Matt smiled -"The thought did cross my mind"

"That would be a safe assumption. Do you really think I need it?"

Matt gave him a 'Are you fucking kidding me' look.

"Right. Hostile natives. Thousand pound bears. Cougars. Wolves. Rattlesnakes. Hell--the freaking pigeons here probably will give us attitude." said Doc.

"Normally I wouldn't even dream about doing this without giving you tons of training. But I don't have time for that. If anything was to happen to either you or Leo--or god help us--both of you, it will take us weeks, maybe even months to make the type of progress that you two have done just in the last few days. Still--some training is better than no training."

He moved closer with the handgun. Doc actually let out a gasp and backed a step or two away. Matt was confused for a few seconds--then he remembered what had happened on day three.

"Shit, man--I'm sorry--I forgot."

"It's ok."

Matt paused. "Still having bad dreams?"

Doc paused. "A few". He looked at Matt. "How do you deal with them?" he asked.

Very long pause "You just do" said Matt. Matt held up the gun again "Shall we?"

"Might as well"

Matt hesitated. "I want this to be absolutely clear to you. This is only for extreme emergencies. I'm talking about 'the entire group has been wiped out--you're the only survivor--you're on foot--you're ten miles away from camp--there's an angry bear coming at you' kind of thing. Even then--I want you to consider climbing up a tree first."

"Bears climb trees, Matt" said Doc, smiling.

"Good point"

"Trust me dude--I have no intention of using that thing unless I really have to--I'm going to leave all that stuff to the Rangers. But thanks anyway for this."
**

Doc's mind came back to the present. He noticed, out of the corner of his eye, Othniel--having the goofiest smile he's ever seen on the kid.

Wha? Either somebody's really stoned or somebody got...

"Move out!" someone shouted.

And so it begins....

[SionEwig]

'I know, but I was a bit peeved at Ward. Having set up next to him, and planning an early morning, having them have their loud argument tempted me to call the cops on a noise complaint. Then I remembered I didn't have a phone, and we don't really have any cops yet. But, I suppose I manage. Its not like I am taking medicines that keep me asleep for 9 hours or so anymore.' Norbert pointed at the coffee. 'You making an offering of that?'

"That was the plan," he replied handing him the other cup. "Don't blame you one bit, heck we could hear them from the other side of Glen's camp. Just glad you didn't wake up my wife, that would not have been a pretty sight."

[Flocculencio]

Real big wiener,

OOC: By this I assume that you mean that Brad is a bit of a jerk and you're not referring to his endowment? :)

[SionEwig]

Matt walked over to Brad and Sion. They seemed to be laughing at Othniel. But Oth has a smirk on his face. That sort of smirk...

"Someone got laid last night," He blurted out. His hand went out and slapped him on the back. "You little rascal!"

OOC: not laughing at Oth, just an engineer joke.

[Matt]

OOC: By this I assume that you mean that Brad is a bit of a jerk and you're not referring to his endowment? :)


Wiener in the way that the Nerds on the Simpsons are wieners

OOC: not laughing at Oth, just an engineer joke.

It begins... I hope it wasnt oct31=dec25 or whatever the hell that one is.

[Flocculencio]

Wiener in the way that the Nerds on the Simpsons are wieners

Oh ok- thanks for clarifying :)

[Glen]

Because I've been nagging Ward for days to do shed some light on the Homesteaders that left to strike it out on their own... He's finally relented e into writing this up...


1426 - Camp Guardians on the Western edge of the Camp come across a small ragged train of animals, two donkeys, one horse. Two badly injured men, two women, and a child collapse when they get near the Camp.

The two women and child are survivors of the Homesteaders that had set out on their own. They tell stories of Warriors descending upon their camps, killing animals, men, and kidnapping women and children. The three had managed to flee on a horse.

The two men are survivors of the Expedition to the Ocean sent out by Fort Ian, they had come across the women fleeing, then they in turned had been attacked. Luckily the Natives had seemed more interested in their goods than captives.

OOC: Can Doctor What clarify how likely this sort of attack is in this region?

[GBW]

0408
GBW let his impassive gaze travel over the Rangers as Flocc was wrapping up his briefing. My men, actually, he reminded himself. Things had moved quickly after he'd signed up with the Rangers, getting his own squad. To top that, he'd discovered the next day that he apparently 'made the grade' and was going along on the scouting expedition up to Berkeley. A scouting expedition that would take nearly three weeks. He'd gone back to his tent to inform his wife and she, understandably, had freaked. He'd been pleasantly surprised that, despite the short time they'd been together here, she had given him a 'going away present'; it made him reluctant to leave.

GBW listened as Flocc finished his briefing, then turned to his squad and said, "Check your gear one last time and mount up." As the Rangers headed off to their horses, GBW turned to Flocc and nodded to him. "Sir," he said, feeling a bit weird briefly at addressing him as such, "might I suggest a travelling arrangement as we make our way north?" After Flocc nodded, GBW continued, "I believe we should have pairs of Rangers riding ahead of us, to the left and to the right and another pair for a rear guard to give us an early warning in case of an attack. The last one will stay with us in the main party to ride out and relay orders from you and I." He watched Flocc consider it for a moment. "Sounds good to me. Make it so, Sergeant." he replied with a small grin. GBW smiled lightly and saluted, then headed off to his own horse.

After he mounted, GBW pushed his fedora more firmly onto his head checked some fastenings on a saddlebag one last time. Satisfied, he looked up and said, "Alright, Rangers, listen up." He explained the arrangement he'd discussed with Flocc and was glad to see that they were all paying attention. After a moment of thought, he detailed each pair their duties. "Got it?" After the men nodded, GBW returned it and raised his voice. "Move out!"

[Doctor What]

OOC: Can Doctor What clarify how likely this sort of attack is in this region?

OOC: It's possible--there's at least one group of hostile natives in the area. If they thought that the homesteaders were the ones that had attacked their friends earlier (scout attack on day three) or they thought that the homesteaders were intruding on their hunting grounds or something like that--lots of opportunities for misunderstanding can occur here. The natives may have felt that they were provoked in attacking.

[Norbert]

Norbert looked over at Dr What, and noticed he didn't have a hat. Bad thing that, even if it is cooler, the sun can still be a bad thing. He reached into the bag at his side, and pulled out a leather oilskin hat, and offered it to the Doc. 'Here, it will keep the sun off your head, and is waterproof besides. Besides which, its never been worn yet, its better than nothing!'

[perdedor99]

09:32hrs

My shoulder still hurts from zeroing yesterday with the 30-06’s and the short PT session we had this morning didn’t help to make me feel any better. Even when we only made some calisthenics and a short run around the compound my body is feeling my age. Then waking up at 3:00 AM to see the scouting party leave also do not help my aching body. Now the NCOs and I are coaching the new recruits thru the zeroing phase of their planned rifle training.

My goal was to try to identify good shooters from this bunch plus trying to identify possible team leaders so I was been kind of an asshole but I wanted to see how they handle an idiot calling you names while you’re trying to familiarize yourself with a weapon. But I’m not stupid; I carry my Thompson in the ready position while walking around to just make sure I’m the newest victim of a murder case in a week. But overall the guys are taking it on stride and that what the NCOs and I wanted to see. Well, at least me.

Need to talk to the CO about the rumors of an attack by hostiles to the homesteaders. If true maybe it’s time we get in contact with the tribe from our “guest”. We will need as many allies as possible in this new world but for now better get back to hassling the recruits, especially that non-shooting bastard to my right.

13:32hrs

After breaking for chow at noon and rest for an hour I decided to have a boxing match between the recruits with the excuse of having some fun. Of course the boxing is serving a purpose; to teach the new recruits to get accustomed to violence, to see how they react to being hit and how to think on their feet.

Overall everyone was having a good time while doing, what many considered to be a game, valuable training. While the recruits fought and the QM sergeant served as referee, the NCOs sat together and discuss the performance of each recruit while the company scribe entered the comments by their names.

[Doctor What]

Mid-day

The scouting mission had stopped for a quick lunch break and rest.

Doctor What noticed Othniel off on one side holding something in his hands.

"Oth--what's that you're holding?"

Oth blushed--he had not seen Doc there--and quickly put his hands behind his back- "Uh--nothing"

Doc smiled "Dude--was that--was that flowers?!"

"Maybe" he said, very hesitantly.

"Come on--let me see those-" said Doc. He clearly was having a very hard time trying not to laugh.

Very sheepishly, Othniel showed the flowers to Doc -"I promised Katty that I'll bring some back--just picking some up to get a better look at them, that's all..."

"What kind of flowers are those?"

Oth looked at them- "I think they're some kind of yellow poppy but I'm not sure"

"I know who would know". Doc called over Ahmick. Doc pointed at the flower with a questioning look on his face. Ahmick looked at the flower and turned to Othniel.

"Onekwenhtaratekontinonniakwaohoseraniiohontesha" he said and walked away.

Othniel stared at the departing Ahmick with his jaw open and then turned to look at Doc.

"Flower-yellow-bright-small-leaf-big-smell-ripe-berry-red" he said "The small bright yellow flower with the big leaves that smells like ripe red berries"

Long pause from Doc and Othniel.

"I'll just say poppies"

"Good call"

**

[Psychomeltdown]

0430

Psycho was up and about, only after three attempts by Nizhoni to wake him up. She on the other hand was getting and extra two hours of sleep, seeing how she was to be a shooter.

He stretched and yawned, chewing on a bit of tortilla and bear meat, while walking toward the Camp.

He paused, watching as the group that was making up the Expedition were gathering. A part of him wished to go, they’d be seeing virgin land, exploring, and he’d be stuck with what? Herding, teaching, and shooting things. Well at least one of the three was good.

He’s pray for them when the sun came up, after all they were going into what could probably be hostile territory. Psycho continued heading toward the Camp, mind not focused on the upcoming Great Hunt.

There was still a lot of work to be done.

0505

“Jesus! It’s damned cold.” A worker muttered, as they shifted the Water pump off the wagon.

“A little hard work will warm you up.” Someone said.

“Alright. Here’s the deal. We need water and a lot of it. Today, tomorrow, the next even. We’ve got a lot of labor tied up in the Great Hunt, so it’s all up to you.” Psycho said to a short stout woman. She nodded sharply, scanning the wagons and horses that had been brought to the river.

“I’ll make sure it all goes well.” She said. “Bring back some meat and we’ll keep the water flowing.”

“Great.” Psycho said. “Gotta start organizing the hunters now. I’ll see you guys at the end of the day, if you’re still standing.” He grinned and headed off back to camp.

“Time to get to work, boys and girls. No slacking.” The stout woman shouted and began grabbing buckets.

0545

Psycho shivered in his jacket as the men and women were beginning to gather. The camp was almost fully awake, and they were making enough noise for two camps.

There was a fleeing in the air, a sense of excitement and readiness. Psycho even felt it, a charge in the air that lifted the weariness and filled him with a slight rush, ready to go out and do what was needed.

Psycho made his way toward the center of Camp, where a series of lamps were out and illuminating a dozen or so men looking at maps and figures.

“Psycho, get your ass over here.” Ward called out and Psycho obeyed.

The faces were mainly those he’d seen over the course of the week. Hendryk, Bulgar, Ward and his sons, MBarry, Weapon M, and others. They were all looking down at a hand drawn map, pointing at things.

“Norbert said they hadn’t manage to get all the fences up, but if we start out early, the shooters and re-loaders can finish it up by time the game comes. “ Bulgar was saying.

“We’ll also take that time to drill some info on gun safety in these people.” Weapon M said. “We can’t all expect hot shots right off the bat. We’re looking at a lot of shitty shooters out today, some will get hurt.”

“It’s a needed risk.” Psycho said.

“I’m not arguing, just telling you how it is.” Weapon M replied.

“Well set up here, Weapon M you take the center and keep the trigger happies from shooting too early. Psycho you take the western flank, you and yours will be the first ot encounter the game from Section A.” Ward said. “Remember to shoot anything that looks anything like a bear or a cat. Just to be sure.”

“Will do.” Every agreed.

“I’ll start prepping for injuries.” Glen sighed.

“Let’s get this show on the road.” Ward said, picking up his rifle.

[Ward]

0430

Psycho was up and about, only after three attempts by Nizhoni to wake him up. She on the other hand was getting and extra two hours of sleep, seeing how she was to be a shooter.

He stretched and yawned, chewing on a bit of tortilla and bear meat, while walking toward the Camp.

He paused, watching as the group that was making up the Expedition were gathering. A part of him wished to go, they’d be seeing virgin land, exploring, and he’d be stuck with what? Herding, teaching, and shooting things. Well at least one of the three was good.

He’s pray for them when the sun came up, after all they were going into what could probably be hostile territory. Psycho continued heading toward the Camp, mind not focused on the upcoming Great Hunt.

There was still a lot of work to be done.

0505

“Jesus! It’s damned cold.” A worker muttered, as they shifted the Water pump off the wagon.

“A little hard work will warm you up.” Someone said.

“Alright. Here’s the deal. We need water and a lot of it. Today, tomorrow, the next even. We’ve got a lot of labor tied up in the Great Hunt, so it’s all up to you.” Psycho said to a short stout woman. She nodded sharply, scanning the wagons and horses that had been brought to the river.

“I’ll make sure it all goes well.” She said. “Bring back some meat and we’ll keep the water flowing.”

“Great.” Psycho said. “Gotta start organizing the hunters now. I’ll see you guys at the end of the day, if you’re still standing.” He grinned and headed off back to camp.

“Time to get to work, boys and girls. No slacking.” The stout woman shouted and began grabbing buckets.

0545

Psycho shivered in his jacket as the men and women were beginning to gather. The camp was almost fully awake, and they were making enough noise for two camps.

There was a fleeing in the air, a sense of excitement and readiness. Psycho even felt it, a charge in the air that lifted the weariness and filled him with a slight rush, ready to go out and do what was needed.

Psycho made his way toward the center of Camp, where a series of lamps were out and illuminating a dozen or so men looking at maps and figures.

“Psycho, get your ass over here.” Ward called out and Psycho obeyed.

The faces were mainly those he’d seen over the course of the week. Hendryk, Bulgar, Ward and his sons, MBarry, Weapon M, and others. They were all looking down at a hand drawn map, pointing at things.

“Norbert said they hadn’t manage to get all the fences up, but if we start out early, the shooters and re-loaders can finish it up by time the game comes. “ Bulgar was saying.

“We’ll also take that time to drill some info on gun safety in these people.” Weapon M said. “We can’t all expect hot shots right off the bat. We’re looking at a lot of shitty shooters out today, some will get hurt.”

“It’s a needed risk.” Psycho said.

“I’m not arguing, just telling you how it is.” Weapon M replied.

“Well set up here, Weapon M you take the center and keep the trigger happies from shooting too early. Psycho you take the western flank, you and yours will be the first ot encounter the game from Section A.” Ward said. “Remember to shoot anything that looks anything like a bear or a cat. Just to be sure.”

“Will do.” Every agreed.

“I’ll start prepping for injuries.” Glen sighed.

“Let’s get this show on the road.” Ward said, picking up his rifle.



Ward looks over at Psycho I have a feeling this is cold to you hell my granddaughter wants to get a suntan . It's Damn hot to us it was runing about 3%F were we came from and over 4 ft of snow .:D

[pisces74]

Actually looking at the teperatures for the last week I can see a flu in the Pisces future, I may be needing to see the doc I think.

[Doctor What]

Early afternoon

The scouting group pushed on. Dr. What looked at Ahmick. He was jogging and keeping up a good pace with them. He had tried to convince him to sit on one of the horses. Ahmick had no problems now stroking and occasionally feeding the horses but actually climbing on top of one and riding it was clearly an idea that still frightened and confused him. He seemed content to just jog beside them. He didn't seem to mind.

Heh...even with the ASBs curing everyone of their diseases, he's probably in better physical shape than 90% of the camp...wouldn't be surprised if he could keep this pace up all day...

Doc looked at Ahmick again. Ahmick had clearly liked the gifts that was presented to him earlier. He had his sunglasses on, a brightly colored bandana wrapped around his head, another one being used to make a ponytail of his long hair and was wearing a necklace of glass beads. His prize possession, however, was a steel knife that he had strapped to his leg with a piece of crude leather that had been used to hold his old flint knfe. Doc had offered him the sheath but he flatly refused, shaking his head vigorously.

Of course he refused--a sheath will cover up the knife--he wants to make sure everyone sees it...

Doc gave a second glance at Ahmick. He had to stifle a giggle.

Ahmick--pimp man. Ye gods...if he starts wearing a feathered boa and a fedora hat...

Earlier in the day, the group had heard--very distantly--the sounds of gunfire from the Hunt. That confused Ahmick for a few minutes--the skies were clear but the gunfire--sounding like very distant thunder--could be heard. Ahmick seemed to have shrugged his shoulders after a while and continued onwards with them.

Good...he probably chalked it up as a minor mystery that doesn't concern him for the moment...probably has a lot on his mind too so he can't be bothered to worry about it too much...God, I hope no other natives heard that....

Ahmick suddenly stopped. The horses did too. There was some confused mutterings from the group then they noticed that the ground was shaking slightly. A few leaves were falling from the trees. Birds erupted from the ground and flew off. Just as suddenly as it started, the shaking stopped.

"Rater-hala" said Ahmick. He looked at their confused faces. "Rater" he said, sweeping his hands around him. "Hala" he said, moving his hands up and down quickly. He looked up at the sky and muttered something quietly in a sing-song flowing voice. He looked down at the ground and muttered something quietly as well. He lifted his eyes off the ground and shut them, muttering some more words for a few seconds, his hands slightly outstretched away from his body. Then he opened his eyes again and looked at the group.

"Waal-ak?" he asked, motioning the group onwards.

They kept moving.

**

[Glen]

Actually looking at the teperatures for the last week I can see a flu in the Pisces future, I may be needing to see the doc I think.

Can't. The ASBs sanitized you. You might feel run down, but there's no reservoir at present for you to contract a virus, unless you've been hanging out with our guest Ahmick, who is now our chief source of disease (not that he necessarily has any, just more likely than us at present).

[GBW]

GBW nodded to himself as he heard hesitant sounding shouts from all four directions and turned to the Ranger riding near him. "I'm assuming this is about the Rater-hala. Ride out and get their reports to make sure." The Ranger saluted and, after GBW returned it, he trotted his horse up towards the pair riding out front.

He steered his horse closer to Doctor What and nodded in greeting to Ahmick as he looked over. "Doc, I'm not quite as big on languages as, say, you or Leo, but I'm guessing that Rater means 'Earth' or 'world', while hala means 'quake' or 'shake'?" Seeing the look he started to give him, he added with a smile, "Well, the hand gestures do help a bit." Doc smiled wryly. "Yeah, they do, don't they? I think it's safe to say that's what it means."

GBW nodded thoughtfully, then hesitated a moment before asking, "Would it be possible to get some sort of list of useful words and phrases when it's possible? I'm getting the sense that Ahmick's language is going to be important to know." "I think we were planning something like that anyway, but you'll go on the list, okay?" "Alright." GBW nodded to the Doc and Ahmick again, then steered back to his order in the small column.

[Flocculencio]

The earthquake had been rather disconcerting but Flocc soon realised that it was just something he'd have to get used to, living in the Bay Area. Glancing at his watch, he signalled the rest that it was time to switch positions. In the interests of keeping the horses fresh, he had instructed his rangers to dismount and walk every other hour. At any one time, half the rangers would be on horseback while the other half would be leading their horses. It had worked on the first mission and he didn't see why they shouldn't make it SOP.

He dropped back to consult with Bruno.

"Doc," he said, "What's the policy on firearms. As far as I know, Ahmick hasn't seen anyone fire a gun yet?"

***

Ahmick:

I was getting started off pretty well learning their language- though Flok and Maat seemed to be busy for most of those three days, I spent much time with the ones called Daktarwat and Lay-o. Looking back on it I am amazed that I could concentrate on learning what with the shock of the encampment.

Too many people, too many. In the evenings when Daktarwat did not need me I slept in a clump of clean forest near their encampment. I could not have done anything else. The sensation of sleeping within that vast mass of humanity would have driven me insane, I am sure of that.

Now, in my old age, I know much about the Uptimers, I know why they came and I am used to their ways. But back then if all their practices had been revealed to me at once I would have surely snapped. We fear what we do not understand and at that point I was nowhere near capable of understanding all their ways.

I must say that I was not displeased when Lay-o and Daktarwat said that they would take me back to my village. Helaku would be pleased to learn more about the strangers and besides- with the gifts they had presented me I would surely be the richest man in the village.

Some of the strangers tried to get me to sit upon the horzes as they did but I am not ashamed to say that at that point there was nothing they could have tried that would have convinced me to do so. Madness- just one shift and a man could be tossed to the ground. And what would happen to the rider if the horz stampeded as I have seen deer do?

In any case I was quite pleased with the outcome of my mission- I had gathered that they were considering a move up North to the regions beyond our tribal grounds. Presumably this expedition was a scouting trip to determine the best route.

Helaku would surely be pleased about that- it is always better to have a powerful friend at arms length rather than close by lest you be crushed within his embrace. We would trade with them, that I was sure, but it would be better for all of us when they moved up North.

All of us Coastal Miwok of course- it would be terrible for the hill tribes. But that inevitable conflict would be one that my tribe could stand to profit from...

[Doctor What]

Flocc moved closer to Doc.

"Doc," he said, "What's the policy on firearms. As far as I know, Ahmick hasn't seen anyone fire a gun yet?"

Doc had to think about that one.

Yeah--he hasn't seen anyone fire one yet--but it's only a matter of time before he does. But I don't want it to be a total surprise to him either. He's probably aware that we've got all kinds of weird tools but suddenly being confronted with the image that we have thunder and lightning at our command might be a bit much even for him. I need the introduction to be done in as controlled manner as possible--for his sake as well as our own.

On the other hand--if he realizes what kind of power we have at our disposal--what will he and his people do with that information?

"I think I'm going to need the use of one of your rangers tonight. I'm going to have to give him a very long lesson and introduction to our 'thunder-sticks'. Hopefully I can explain to him that they're tools just like spears and that we're not gods or anything like that."

Oh God--I hope I'm doing the right thing here.... thought Doc.

[NapoleonXIV]

The pretty girl had just stepped out of the waterfall, a naked vision, when she heard the shots and then the sound of running feet.

Looking at the source of the second sound, which was much closer, she saw two little native boys, pelting away from her at full speed. She smiled through her distress, 'I hope you liked the show' she thought, though it did concern her that she was now being observed, and unawares to boot.

But more shots and shouts brought her attention back to that. 'What in HELL are they doing now?' she thought.

She went over to her campsite and pulled her now dry clothes off the branches she had hung them on. 'What an ASSHOLE,' she thought, shucking back into them, 'he didn't even bring us a change of clothes'. Again, fortunately, she had packed a couple, but it wasn't going to be enough.

'Nothing will,' she thought as she pulled a pair of binoculars she had packed in her personal equipage from the horse. The sounds were increasing now, but not in volume, just frequency. They were still distant and not coming this way.

'My they do make some noise' she thought to herself. This noise, combined with the odors of cooking, burning and...oh, god....excrement, was one of the main reasons she had found it so easy to keep close to them and not be detected, not that she was really worried about that. She had long since resolved herself that her fate lay with them, she just did not want anything to happen that was not on her timetable.

She turned and climbed to the top of a small hill she had selected as one of the reasons for this being a good campsite, along with the nearby hidden dell with the little waterfall she was at now. How she knew to select these places she neither knew nor even thought about, it was just instinctive and so far had served her very well, nothing and noone had bothered her. But now it seemed that was ending.

She turned towards the distant sound as she reached the summit, training the binoculars on the area. Soon, she was able to detect several individuals, some riders, some runners, all moving rapidly in the same direction through the brush, about a mile away

What the HELL were they doing?

She put down the binoculars and sighed, then sat down crosslegged where she was and put the binoculars back in their case. She took out a hairbrush and began to comb out her long hair, the luxuriant locks deep red shimmering in the sun.

She sighed, the strange sort of idyll she had managed to make of this was coming to an end. She was going to have to go in, to present herself and their resources and attempt to make some sort of bargain so they could rejoin the camp they had so precipitately abandoned a week ago.

'They' , she sighed again, yes it would be they. It really wasn't his fault, she thought ruefully. He'd been given no more notice of this than she had hours of existence, and she did owe that existence entirely to him. Besides, he had wanted none of it. She smiled slightly as she remembered how he had been willing to be spontaneously combusted, until he realized that she was part of the bargain.

[Ward]

The hunt was on Ward and his son's were together They were fireing singal shot as the larger animals came out . Frank and Ward were taking head shots and his son doug was taking body shots.
Ward pointed to his son Frank take a look at 3 oclock there are three natives watching the hunt .
Frank I see them are you going to watch them or should I.

Frank your the better shoot you watch them and let me know what they are doing .
Ok Pops I'll do that .

After 10 min's Frank called over Dad there gone .

[Psychomeltdown]

0645

Psycho and Nizhoni walked into the Shooters Area of the Killzone. He looked about. To the east the sun was beginning to rise, a orange that was turning quickly into yellow and then almost suddenly an orb of brightness.

Psycho muttered a quick prayer for those that were going on the Expedition. Nizhoni was watching him, a smile on her lips.

"Big day." She said.

"Yeah. Ready to shoot some animals?" He asked.

"Always." she hefted her own rifle and grinned.

"Shooter! Shooters! Over here." A voice called out. Psycho and Nizhoni headed toward the voice.

"Good day for a hunt, no?"

[Glen]

When the hunt is done, we need to police the field to retrieve as many shells as possible. Reloads may be possible sometime in the near future.

[Dave Howery]

Dave rolled out of bed at first light... with the incredible noise of the local birds greeting the sunrise, there was scarcely another option. After a quick breakfast, he and Michelle made plans for the day. Since Dave was going to the hunt, Michelle was in charge of the herds for the day. They had already drawn up plans for the day, so all they really needed to do was review and confirm them.
Walking over towards the hunting area, Dave hefted his shooting bag that held most of his Sharps ammo and cleaning supplies. He heard someone call out for the shooters to take their place, and fell into line....

[Ward]

As Ward and his sons join in the gutting and skining of the animals after the hunt .

Ward looking over at the bodies of the Animals shaking his head at how some of the people were guting the animals .
Well we should have enough food for about two weeks now if people only have about 1 kg per person .

[Norbert]

Great Hunt Results:

108 Deer
78 Elk
36 Brown Bears
1 Mountain Lion
600 Rabbits
408 Ground Squirrels
18 Skunks
36 Porcupine
18 Racoon
33 Turkeys
48 Grouse
21 Snakes
20 Wolves

Added 5 lbs to my total to round it off: 50,000 lbs Meat

[Psychomeltdown]

Great Hunt Results:

Added 5 lbs to my total to round it off: 50,000 lbs Meat
OOC: Well, that's a whole week's worth of food.

Damn.

I was hoping for more, waaay more. :(

[Norbert]

OOC: Well, that's a whole week's worth of food.

Damn.

I was hoping for more, waaay more. :(

I know, so was I. But thats what came up.

[SionEwig]

Great Hunt Results:

108 Deer
78 Elk
36 Brown Bears
1 Mountain Lion
600 Rabbits
408 Ground Squirrels
18 Skunks
36 Porcupine
18 Racoon
33 Turkeys
48 Grouse
21 Snakes
20 Wolves

Added 5 lbs to my total to round it off: 50,000 lbs Meat

Um, that seems like an awful lot of brown bears unless the beaters were covering tens of square miles. I don't think their population density is that much.

And I don't think that there are turkeys in California. Someone mentioned early on in the game that the California Figh and Game people had not had success introducing them.

And where are the skunks:D ? Someone (or multiple someones) should have run into skunks.

Now, as important. How much ammo was used for this?

[Norbert]

Um, that seems like an awful lot of brown bears unless the beaters were covering tens of square miles. I don't think their population density is that much.

And I don't think that there are turkeys in California. Someone mentioned early on in the game that the California Figh and Game people had not had success introducing them.

And where are the skunks:D ? Someone (or multiple someones) should have run into skunks.

Now, as important. How much ammo was used for this?

As to the turkeys, I guess I am used to the wildlife here in Michigan. They can be changed to an equivalent weight of other animals, same on the bears. The skunks? its hard to say, but someone out there may be a bit unhappy about them, of course anyone around them (ie who found them) may be a bit unhappy!:D

How much ammo? I'd personally figure if we are lucky 1.5 shots of heavier ammo for the bigger stuff, maybe the same amount of lighter ammo for the small stuff. Realisticaly I'd put it at 1.75 to 2 shots per animal.

Maybe an expedition to the bay to hunt seals and the like would net us more with less ammo?

[Psychomeltdown]

Maybe an expedition to the bay to hunt seals and the like would net us more with less ammo?
Possibly we could try and create another Great Hunt, but this time use less manpower and focus more on shooter quality. It'll lessen the amount of ammo wasted and hopefully be able to net a bit more food.

I mean, 4 days of hard work and all we get is 7 days of food?

[Doctor What]

OOC: I posted a big-ass article in the 'Reference thread' that went into a lot of detail about what kind of animals could be found in 3000 BC. You could make some minor changes to the list using that.

Still--50,000 pounds is still a lot of food, even if wasn't quite the amounts we were looking for.

[GBW]

GBW had just finished overseeing Flocc's orders in getting the Rangers to switch positions in being mounted when he saw Flocc drop back alongside Doctor What. "Doc," he said, "what's the policy on firearms? As far as I know, Ahmick hasn't seen anyone fire a gun yet."

Doc seemed to fall into some deep thought over that one. After a bit, he replied, "I think I'm going to need the use of one of your Rangers tonight. I'm going to have to give him a very long lesson and introduction to our 'thunder-sticks'. Hopefully I can explain to him that they're tools just like spears and that we're not gods or anything like that." Despite his decision, he still looked anything but happy with it.

After a moment of thought, GBW headed over himself. "Sir. Doc," he said, nodding to both of them. "I couldn't help overhearing, and I was thinking. Maybe we could save this introduction to our firearms for a demonstration against an attack by an animal or possible Inlander raid? Or someone can go hunting with Ahmick and bring back some meat? For some reason I think that'll go over better than just a random demonstration - it'll show that there's set purposes for them instead of just showing off their power or plainly demystifying them, if you know what I mean."

Doc considered it a moment, then nodded slowly and said, "That's actually a very good idea." Flocc nodded in agreement, "Sounds good. We'll arrange a hunting demonstration when we make camp tonight. Perhaps for tomorrow - today we're basically getting our travelling routine down." "Yes, sir," GBW replied and saluted. Flocc returned the salute and GBW trotted forward to get the reports from the Ranger who had ridden out.

[Norbert]

Possibly we could try and create another Great Hunt, but this time use less manpower and focus more on shooter quality. It'll lessen the amount of ammo wasted and hopefully be able to net a bit more food.

I mean, 4 days of hard work and all we get is 7 days of food?

Of course, using it to supplement and rationing how much of it we use can stretch it up to another week. Yes, we may be hungary, but we wouldn't starve, and there are probably those around with a 'spare tire' around their middle that could benefit from it.

[SionEwig]

As to the turkeys, I guess I am used to the wildlife here in Michigan. They can be changed to an equivalent weight of other animals, same on the bears. The skunks? its hard to say, but someone out there may be a bit unhappy about them, of course anyone around them (ie who found them) may be a bit unhappy!:D

How much ammo? I'd personally figure if we are lucky 1.5 shots of heavier ammo for the bigger stuff, maybe the same amount of lighter ammo for the small stuff. Realisticaly I'd put it at 1.75 to 2 shots per animal.

Maybe an expedition to the bay to hunt seals and the like would net us more with less ammo?

Heck, if Cal Bear (I think that's who it was), hadn't mentioned that about turkeys, I'd have thought they were there. Heck, we've got a flock of them down here in Mississippi that migrates to my families property every year when turkey season opens, smart birds:D .

One problem we will have is trying to go from thinking about the current population densities (which are rather high) to earlier ones before serious enchrochment into the animals habitats was so bad and farming provided such great sources of food for the animals.

I think you have gone light on the ammo, that amount would be realistic if you had mostly experienced disciplined shooters. I can way too easily see many of the animals, especially the larger ones going down with multiple rounds in them (if all the shots hit:D), due primarily to panicked rookies. I think that 3 to 5 times the amount of ammo could be used.

Excellent idea on the seals. That should be done!

[Dave Howery]

Are we in the right time of year to catch the migrating birds? If so, we could probably net lots of them. If not, it's something we can prepare for later....

[Doctor What]

Are we in the right time of year to catch the migrating birds? If so, we could probably net lots of them. If not, it's something we can prepare for later....

The longest and important route of the Pacific Flyway is that originating in northeastern Alaska and passing for most, if not all, of its length through the interior. Most of the waterfowl that travel the United States section of this route come from Alaska and the Mackenzie Valley and other interior areas. Starting in Alaska, Yukon and Mackenzie, this route runs southward through western Alberta. The Pacific Flyway element apparently closely parallels the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Near the international border, the route branches and while large flights continue southeastward into the Central and Mississippi flyways, others turn southwestward across northwestern Montana and the panhandle of Idaho, follow along the Snake and Columbia River valleys and then turn southward across central Oregon to the interior valleys of California. Suitable winter quarters for birds are found in California from the Sacramento Valley south to Salton Sea and in the tidal marshes near San Francisco Bay

I take it that's a 'yes'?

[Ghost 88]

As to the turkeys, I guess I am used to the wildlife here in Michigan. They can be changed to an equivalent weight of other animals, same on the bears. The skunks? its hard to say, but someone out there may be a bit unhappy about them, of course anyone around them (ie who found them) may be a bit unhappy!:D

How much ammo? I'd personally figure if we are lucky 1.5 shots of heavier ammo for the bigger stuff, maybe the same amount of lighter ammo for the small stuff. Realisticaly I'd put it at 1.75 to 2 shots per animal.

Maybe an expedition to the bay to hunt seals and the like would net us more with less ammo?
No ammo on seals them selves as seal hunters OTL used clubs. One of the reasons seal hunting was frowned on even before they became endangered.I would suggest because of our limited resources we use this method sicking as it may be to most of us.

[Dave Howery]

OOC.....uh... pick your targets carefully if you want to go seal clubbing. They club baby seals, not adults. A northern sea lion male can weigh 2400 pounds... club him, and you'll just piss him off. California sea lions are smaller, but the males still weigh 600 lbs. Other species are smaller, but trying to club one to death will still be a chore. Actually, a bullet would be a good investment on a northern sea lion.... they should dress out into a lot of meat...

[jolo]

OOC.....uh... pick your targets carefully if you want to go seal clubbing. They club baby seals, not adults. A northern sea lion male can weigh 2400 pounds... club him, and you'll just piss him off. California sea lions are smaller, but the males still weigh 600 lbs. Other species are smaller, but trying to club one to death will still be a chore. Actually, a bullet would be a good investment on a northern sea lion.... they should dress out into a lot of meat...

A good club doesn't look like a baseball bat - it has a big piece of pointy iron sticking from it's end...

[Ghost 88]

OOC.....uh... pick your targets carefully if you want to go seal clubbing. They club baby seals, not adults. A northern sea lion male can weigh 2400 pounds... club him, and you'll just piss him off. California sea lions are smaller, but the males still weigh 600 lbs. Other species are smaller, but trying to club one to death will still be a chore. Actually, a bullet would be a good investment on a northern sea lion.... they should dress out into a lot of meat...
I stand corrected its been years scince I read anything about it so I guess I misremebered that don't think I would want to try to cart a male Sealion anyway as we need to use every part of these particular animals fat for cooking make oil for lamps skin for clothing ect.

[Dave Howery]

OOC... and yet, they still only club baby seals... natives who hunted the relatively small harbor and ringed seals used harpoons, not clubs. For one thing, an adult seal will be either wary enough to dodge into the sea when you come strolling along, or big enough to fight back. Do you really think you could take down an animal that weighs over a ton with a club with a nail in it? If we're going to hunt seals at all, we'll need guns or harpoons....

[Ghost 88]

OOC... and yet, they still only club baby seals... natives who hunted the relatively small harbor and ringed seals used harpoons, not clubs. For one thing, an adult seal will be either wary enough to dodge into the sea when you come strolling along, or big enough to fight back. Do you really think you could take down an animal that weighs over a ton with a club with a nail in it? If we're going to hunt seals at all, we'll need guns or harpoons....
thought some one mentioned bringing boar spears them bastards are most likely just as good

[Norbert]

OOC... and yet, they still only club baby seals... natives who hunted the relatively small harbor and ringed seals used harpoons, not clubs. For one thing, an adult seal will be either wary enough to dodge into the sea when you come strolling along, or big enough to fight back. Do you really think you could take down an animal that weighs over a ton with a club with a nail in it? If we're going to hunt seals at all, we'll need guns or harpoons....

I've got 2 Boar Spears:D , would they help you out and save a bullet?

(I know the answer, but I thought I'd spell it out!)

[Ghost 88]

I've got 2 Boar Spears:D , would they help you out and save a bullet?

(I know the answer, but I thought I'd spell it out!)
damn that was a quick reply to my post

[jolo]

I admit, spears are even better.

[Dave Howery]

I dunno... a wounded seal is likely to head to the ocean to get away... if we don't kill them quickly, they'll get away from us... a harpoon has the advantage that we can hang onto it and pull them back to shore... of course, it'll take several people to do it. And I'm talking only the smaller seals here... if you tackle a sea lion, it's guns or nothing...

Of course, this is all guesswork at this point, since none of us have any time right now to trek to the ocean and try it...

[Forum Lurker]

If you stick a boar spear into a seal, he's going nowhere. I mean, he's going f*&@ing nowhere. "Where you going? Nowhere". They are, after all, designed to stop animals just as large and considerably more murderous. As long as you don't pull it out, the penetration should be enough to ensure that it can't simply flee, and it's sturdy enough to provide solid leverage if the hit is good. In any event, hunters should definitely work in pairs or trios (one or two to stab the one seal, one to keep an eye out for any other trouble).

[Norbert]

If you stick a boar spear into a seal, he's going nowhere. I mean, he's going f*&@ing nowhere. "Where you going? Nowhere". They are, after all, designed to stop animals just as large and considerably more murderous. As long as you don't pull it out, the penetration should be enough to ensure that it can't simply flee, and it's sturdy enough to provide solid leverage if the hit is good. In any event, hunters should definitely work in pairs or trios (one or two to stab the one seal, one to keep an eye out for any other trouble).

Or one person to stab and immobilize it, and the other hitting it on the head with a sledge hammer would work. And have a person with a .30-06 watching to make sure something else doesn't attack the first two.

[Psychomeltdown]

Seems like Ward's Started Day 8, so...


1800

Covered in dust,mud, blood, and muscles aching from hours of butchering, Psycho and Nizhoni stumbled back into the Herd Camp. They washed using the last of water. Psycho put away the rifles.

"What a damn waste." Psycho muttered. pulling off his boots.

"Why?"

"We didn't get all that much." Psycho muttered.

"A hundred deer, scores of other animals." Nizhoni pointed out. "We got enough food to last us a week, maybe more if we ration it tightly."

"I was hoping for a month's worth of food." Psycho replied, sighing. "Nothing works as we plan it, does it."

"Some do. All we can do is hope, pray, and do the best we can. We're on our own, we're not getting any help, and our own survival is in our own hands." Nizhoni said.

Psycho smiled bitterly. "Putting a good spin on things, aren't you."

"I try my best, husband."

Psycho signed again. "Maybe next time will be better."

"There's the spirit."

"All we can do is do what we can, right?"

"See my optimism spreads."

"But then there's the news of the Attacks upon those that headed out first day." Psycho remarked.

Nizhoni got very quiet. "I heard." she said softly.

"Damn. It's a fucked up thing to know that people are already dying because they headed out into the wrong part of the world."

"It's a dangerous place." Nizhoni said quietly.

"I wonder what they're going to do about it?"

"I don't know."