In The Wake of the Hempstead Tsunami ...

[Acacea]

[INDENT]Having lingered for some time after sharing the information she had come by, in case of questions or complaints, she grows at first bemused and then amused... when it is clear there are none forthcoming, or indeed response or action of any kind, she grins to the dog and lifts her hands in a shrug. Later, with clothes blackened from the pyres, she notes an exchange and, audaciously in the middle of the dead, begins to laugh. She nods to someone and then to the dog, saying, "I guess we did not have badges. Tall people." Having worn out her welcome in the spirit-crippling work with the dead in laughter, she is seen a short time later dusting her hands and making her way from the city after speaking with a few people and gesturing in different directions on the way. She palms a few letters to one or two others on the way and then disappears into the refugee camps.[/INDENT]

[merlin34baseball]

*Tyrian picks her way through the wreckage and looks about*

Who needed a demolition expert?

*she spots Jaelle and starts walking to her*

Miss,

*she looks Jaelle up and down*

You need to blow things up? My name is Tyrian Baldu'muur, The Firestarter. I believe I can help with that. Tell me where to go.

[Serissa]

The Angels Guild in the person of Ferrit, donated 2 wands of burning hands, 5 wands of lightning bolt, 2 wands and a gem of fireball, 7 wands of firebrand, 1 wand and 3 gems of bull strength, and 2 wands of cure light wounds to the Hempstead demolition effort.

[mixafix]

A group of mercenary types were seen moving briefly among the camps of the displaced offering gardening and cooking advice, before they were moved on by an over zelous and mud covered guard - concerned that one of their number had been encouraging the kids to play with mud when they should have been working.
 
 The group travelled to Vehl dealing with groups of bandits lurking on the now well trodden aid trails. They then took ship at Vehl and saw off some pirates who had hoped for easier pickings on a return journey to Hempstead. The supplies flowed a little easier for a while.
 
 Argali, Ygraine, Lilli, Sonya, Alandric (I ask you!), Verdin, Frakk, The Gardener, The Ilsarian Sister, and anyone else who knows me (forgive me if I forgot anyone)

[Serissa]

Angels Guild members helped reinforce sandbag barriers around city buildings, donating 100 sandbags to the effort.

[LordCove]

A young druid travels down from the diseased and ruined Palden lake, to the shattered docks at Hempstead.
Bouncing a rubber ball as he goes, he approaches the Druid's stationed by the docks who are preparing and discussing how to hold back the next wave.
His appearance is met with various looks, most surprised and uncertain at his participation, one or two clearly not amused, and still a rarer few giving welcoming smiles.

He holds back a moment, a little akwardly, before he walks over to join them with curt nods to each, the rubber ball going back safely in his pocket, as he amazingly presents himself as a Leaf of Palden, and puts himself at their disposal.

[Pankoki]

Those interested in demolitions are gathered in cleared out section, west of the Crimson Eagle's memorial. Heavy conversation and murmuring of what is to come run around the gathered group of heavy muscled construction workers, mages and the occasional druid. This continues until a wiry middle aged human bangs on some nearby debris with large hammer to get everyone's attention. Those who were listening to conversations near this man or are more familiar with Port Hempstead figures would know him for the city planner and people simply address him as "Ron". With a heavy western Brelin accent of strong consonants and somewhat rapid speech he addresses the people gathered.

"Right lads and lasses. The sewers are ready to pop anytime now, we don't want this. The disease is already bad as it is, if we get all that's under, over, we're going to be looking at a horrible epidemic. Right under us lies an old abandoned sewage system part of an old Hempstead, that's connected by a somewhat thin wall to the newer one. We're going to reopen it and extend it south of the city. There we'll have some freedom and breathing room to burn this stuff up."

He places some large city architectural sketches on a table nearby and continues his explanation. He points a finger in front of him to a number of houses.

"All these houses were built on top of this old sewage system. After the first wave, most of these need a near full reconstruction, so we're going to expedite that process. I want small groups here, here, here, and here. *His fingers following a pattern on the map* Then I want anyone that can dig clearing the path of whatever madness has decided to make home in this old tunnel. We'll reinforce as we go along, and then burst the wall where we stand now to bleed the new sewers into this one."

Another pause, letting the plan sink into everyone. Then he continues once more, pointing to an elf most know as Aerimor and a halfling sorcerer to his side, some might know as Rodi Vaeran, one of Joy Vaeran's sons.

"The elf lad here has a special gift and will be tearing down the large structures. He'll be turning into something scary but Rodi is going to be keeping him invisible, so pay no mind to that. You keep doing your own work and pay heed to where Rodi might be about, and listen to his instruction. That's it then. So unless someone has any clever ideas lets get to it."

Ron remains behind talking with some, answering questions and the like, but the majority move out, grabbing some supplies from the crates that hold all the wands, stones and scrolls of evocation magic and using their own talents to begin demolitions.

[Carillon]

[INDENT]Having lingered for some time after sharing the information she had come by, in case of questions or complaints, she grows at first bemused and then amused... when it is clear there are none forthcoming, or indeed response or action of any kind, she grins to the dog and lifts her hands in a shrug. Later, with clothes blackened from the pyres, she notes an exchange and, audaciously in the middle of the dead, begins to laugh. She nods to someone and then to the dog, saying, "I guess we did not have badges. Tall people." Having worn out her welcome in the spirit-crippling work with the dead in laughter, she is seen a short time later dusting her hands and making her way from the city after speaking with a few people and gesturing in different directions on the way. She palms a few letters to one or two others on the way and then disappears into the refugee camps.[/INDENT]

//I just want to clarify with this--the reason I didn't respond to Acacea's initial post is because I thought she was elsewhere in the city. It sounded like you had gathered people, but I didn't see where from my first (admittedly quick) read of your post. I found it difficult to figure out exactly where she was, and only just now, rereading your post in detail, can I see that I think you brought her back to the Tower.

In that case, apologies for missing this! Rest assured, it was certainly not deliberate, at least not on my part--I just couldn't figure out how to talk to Acacea when she was on the other side of the city. If she came to the Tower to share info and Jaelle was there, I'm sure Jaelle would have greeted her and listened with the others and thanked her for the info. And OOC, I know that I definitely appreciated the sharing. I don't think anyone was deliberately snubbing Acacea, either IC or OOC .. it's just hard to follow so many posts, especially when we kind of lost our rhythm when Pan's appendix decided it wanted some fresh air. Let me know if you want to work together on a retcon! I'd not like to see Acacea feel excluded because of an OOC misunderstanding.

[akata]

*in the various areas around town hit the hardest by looters, a halfling makes her way, every so often she stops and reach into the crate that happily follows in her wake snapping at anyone coming to near. Once gone people who venture close will find a post*

[size=+2] 25 TRUE FOR A MONTH OF HONEST WORK[/size]

The Raven Trading Guild is willing to offer 25 true for any male or female in return for one month of work, either in aiding the wounded or clearing out debris, if interested contact can be made in the merchant district at the Raven Trading

[Pankoki]

As the hour approaches and most non-essential personnel is evacuated, on the docks a group of far too drenched druids, Trouble included amongst the group, gather and word spreads that the underwater coralline wall is finished as a first measure of protection. They worry about upkeep due to low diamond supplies.

Not long after, an equally drenched group of arcane spellcasters gathers nearby saying that their initial system of buoys with the Shield spells have been setup. The design was improved with Andrew's assistance, layering it in a more harmonic manner so that it increased its cushioning.

A massive shipment of Belladonna arrives in the nick of time, a trading group known as the Three Silvers managed the much needed herb in massive amounts. At first there is suspicion due to the normally shady uses such things have, but the healers go over the massive shipment with much care and the herb is just what they need. A representative from the guild simply informs any who question that their products require large amounts of the herb, and their paperwork indeed checks out for this. This comes as a blessing to the many needs the healers have for it.

The Silverguard and a great many volunteers now walk their posts in the city, all assigned careful watching for the storm to come.

[Script Wrecked]

A dwarven lass comes running up to the druids.

"Oo, oo. Argali has diamonds."

She beams somewhat, despite herself, presenting a bag of raw diamonds to the bedraggled druids.

"Do you need them grround, orr cut and polished?"



// Edit: 10 Cut Diamonds donated to the Port Hempstead Tsunami Relief. //

[Pankoki]

One of the druids nods appreciatively to Argali and responds.

"Cut is best. We can work with polished ones with some effort, but the ideal is half way there so that they can be shaped with the spell."

((Feel free to donate those to the Hempstead Relief Effort, we're keeping track))

[Pankoki]

Though from a distance the waves seemed ready to swallow Port Hempstead once more, all the work to protect the city paid off. With the aid of a large group of adventurers, Spellgard mages and the druids, the city was cushioned against the waves.

Tales are being spun of the heroes that stood at the edge of the storm. Of how a group of diverse bards harmonized the efforts of those protecting the docks. Of how spell-gifted formed circles of protection to enhance shielding spells. Of how strongly built fellows kept mages safe with shield and muscles. And even of a powerful wizardress named Amanda that slowed the very passing of time so that all involved had an edge against the weather.

Stranger events are rumored too, of a priestess that for no rhyme or reason began to bleed. Unharmed from the waves itself, yet had to be carried away by her friends as her screams of pain echoed still within the city. Strange too was the sight of a deep sea whale, moored upon the barrier the druids had erected. The creature's presence, quite far from home boggles the mind of sailors and druids alike. It is said that with the aid of one known as Trouble, the creature was made safe.

Now that the city's defenses have been tested against the waves, improvements can be made to it to enhance any future assaults and rebuilding can start in earnest.


     
 OOC Part:
 
The city is now somewhat stable with the barrier placed in case more waves come, so rebuilding can happen in earnest. The Brelin Kingdom's network will provide resources for a lot of the reconstruction of the city, but considering the damage done to other cities and all the nuances of diplomacy, there's plenty of room for the enterprising kind to jump in.
 
So, with that said, not only will player donations be considered for the reconstruction of the city, but aid from other places can be sought as well.
 
Right now the most significant donations are as follows, the explanations in the parenthesis are for the sake of balance/difficulty:
 
- Food (Any type of CNR made food - In Dire Need Of)
- Wood (Oak and above)
- Stone (Which we will use ingots to represent, Iron and above)
- Healing Supplies (Angelica in particular)

In addition, to keep the barrier up and running it will need a constant supply of cut diamonds. The bare minimum will be five diamonds per week, or one diamond per RL day minus weekends. A supply of Shield scrolls or the materials to scribe them as well. At least twenty scrolls per week.
 
Other donations will be appreciated, but donating say for instance a weapon enhancement is not as useful. Consider this an opportunity to make an impact in the world.

[RollinsCat]

*Sporting a finely designed white coat, Andrew Reid strolls the fountain square of the now-bustling Port Hempstead some days after the second wave was thwarted.  He plays his violin to raise spirits, and eventually has a bit of a crowd.*

Ladies, gentlemen, survivors of this fair city!  Gather round while we *he raises his violin* sing to you a song of that long day and longer night when the second storm threatened our city!  A song of fear and hope and resolution, a song of heroes!

*he tunes the violin a little, fussing over the sound, then starts slowly into a tune with bow swinging like building waves, and sings*

Brine to cover brittle skin and salted cross the shore
Men and woman standing in an uneasy rapport
Their fate set hard and jaws and teeth in face of what before
A task unfinished by the furies churn the ocean more

*the tune lightens a bit, an arrogant hammer stroke*

Tempest in a teacup
What’s a wave to me?
Standing on the edge of death and waving merrily
Chaos is a mantle
A gaily waving stole
I’ll chorus with the clouds and rain under which I stroll

*the violin drops again into the wide strokes with tremors across the middle range*

Ten and nine were all that stood storm and city in between
Strangers, friends and lovers mixed in fear inspired mein
Rang gaily as with festival the music started in
Singing back rebellion on the snarling howling wind

*again hammer strokes*

Tempest in a teacup
What’s a wave to me?
Playing to a tsunami’s face and then go home for tea
Chaos is a mantle
A gaily waving stole
I’ll fiddle down the waves and then I’ll sing the waters whole

*sparse now, the melody a thread in an omnious E chord*

A skeleton of lives fled east awaiting epitaph
And each life left to spite the storm set foot upon the path
Soaked inside the typhoon gale of Lady Doom’s own bath
The ten and nine began to fight against the tempest wrath

*here the song gets wild, the notes a battering wind*

Tempest in a teacup
What’s a wave to me?
Cleave the waves to pieces under magic revery
Chaos is a mantle
A gaily waving stole
Heartsong in the shrieking winds and give up all control

*shrieking as the bow is dragged across the strings, then a light touch on the almost feminine-sounding upper strings and the melody moves to a resolute march*

Bluster screaming bloody rage tears words from waiting ear
A gypsy lady with her bells sings quiet in a sphere
And concentrate to form a wedge to cleave the waters clear
At once together wills in synch with faces set austere

Tempest in a teacup
What’s a wave to me?
Minds as one and braces done by those with sturdy feet
Chaos is a mantle
A gaily waving stole
Music in the magic holding fast to simple goal

*deep notes, the bow moving to the lowest strings, hard long strokes bringing out a feeling of monstrous feet ending in a discordant crashing and vibrato*

A mountain range of water march across the churning sea
The motley crew stood fast although shaking at the knee
One heartbeat passed too quickly of an odd quiet reprieve
And the wave crashed down upon them as a thousand ton banshee

Tempest in a teacup
What’s a wave to me?
Swept aside as rubble by a squalling rush of glee
Chaos is a mantle
A gaily waving stole
But live we rise to soldier on in keeping our parole

*the strings are played in wild succession up the violin*

Lightning flashes traced the sky and magic rent the air
Foot by foot the wave was chipped before it hit the square
Rendered less to spend itself against their fervent prayer
And wash them down across the town in rushing current tear

Tempest in a teacup
What’s a wave to me?
My jaunty affect in repose shook by the storm’s decree
Chaos is a mantle
A gaily waving stole
But chaos always knows its own and always takes its toll

*the storming of notes subsides until but a single string, G, is pulled until it screams*

One down among them bleeding fast while still they fight the storm
Another frozen to the sight of Lady Doom’s transform
Music plays down shrilling winds that blend now to perform
The ocean stills to screams of pain in one whose blood runs warm

Tempest in a teacup
What’s a wave to me?
Music soothe the savage storm to dying by degree
Chaos is a mantle
A gaily waving stole
The price was paid to stay the waves but who has lost their soul

*the song ends, and Andrew bows, and continues to stroll with his violin before heading back to those reinforcing the buoys to lend his aid*

[davidhoff]

*A donation of six cut diamonds is made to the center in Lor.  Those that aided in the outing are scribed on the receipt:*

Tralek
Talia
Trenton
Darthirae
Flynn
Fehriel
Vrebel

[Carillon]

Jaelle is seen in Port Hempstead still, at the Tower, though she comes and goes more now. Those who see her might mark a certain look of strain and worry in her eyes. She seems to be quietly making arrangements to hand over any duties she has taken up and to leave the city. She thanks any who step up to take over much of the initiative and keep the current efforts going. She says she does not know how long she will be, and will try and come and go as often as she can afford, but that personal business demands her attention elsewhere.

Jaelle stresses to any potential worried commoners or volunteers who might take her leaving as a sign of retreat and defeat that she has not given up hope for the city--only that she has other matters that need her attention, and that they should of course continue to work with the many skilled and courageous adventurers who have stepped up to ensure the city's safety. She reassures anyone who will listen that her peers are certainly as well or better equipped to deal with the emergency than any aid she has offered to date. Nonetheless, she warns them that she fears the storm has not yet blown itself out, and to be prepared for things to get worse before they get better.

[cbnicholson]

Ben hears the news and frowns.  Rummaging in his pack, he pulls out several wrapped packages of food and leaves them next to Jaelle's things with a note in elvish. "Ya best eat more, Elf..yer nearly a buggered wraith" he leaves the note unsigned.

[ystrday]

A donation given in Hempstead of 8 cut diamonds with more to come in the future as well as planks of wood, and food. When asked who is making the donation, the woman replies "The Orc Bashers".

[thedagda]

Essa is seen milling about the camps set-up in the fields outside Hempstead checking on the general welfare of the refugees.  She takes time to look at any malady they bring to her attention, with lingering touches and a bright smile for those she attends.  As she progresses through the numerous tents, she distributes bottles of wine stuffed with a variety of berries to the mature population, and for the children she passes, she offers a variety of trinkets.  Some, two disks joined in the center by a spindle with a length of leather leading off it, for the some of the girls, dolls, and for others, rough carved figurines of animals. With a smile and a wink "A little something from Uncle Benji and the Angels."

[Pankoki]

A petulant girl in her mid teens huddles with several others around a fire in one of the refugee camps of water logged western Mistone. She and the remains of her family are trying to keep warm on the blustery winter night.

"Its just not fair" she gripes to her younger brother. "Marlis, Sarah and Trey get to go with that woman because they're orphans. They will have a warm hearth, wool cloaks and boots while we freeze. I wish we were orphans so we could leave with her. It's just not fair"

 Up and down the coast in small villages and areas hit hard by the storms there are stories of fortunate young orphans being given warm clothing, food and clothing by a middle aged woman offering passage away from the destruction and chaos.