[X] Talk To Them ("Natives. Perhaps we can overawe them with our guns, as men once did to the inhabitants of Africa? They might know something useful, or we can simply claim tribute from them. Either way, let's try talking first.")
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The Wilderness
Captain's Log ; Entry 15
Well, that could
have gone better... but it also could have gone a lot worse. The natives were quiet untrusting and generally hostile, but given the evidence that that rapscallion Captain Johnny had already made a hostile first contact that is quite understandable. It's a good thing that Lady Jane was along with us, as the natives seem matriarchal in culture, so having a female along allowed us to make a
better first impression.
Still, while we may have convinced them not to attack us (or other white wo/men) on sight, they were still pretty clear about not liking us. Given the visible blunderbuss and stab wounds on some of them, I decided not to test their patience by hanging around and after the mutually inconclusive arm waving and charades were done, decided to lead my men onwards into this sunless world.
Before we left, however, we managed to get a
bit of trading in. The natives seemed very interested in our steel weapons, and given that the thugs who had perished earlier had no more need of their metal daggers, I found it wise to exchange said daggers for a collection of golden coinage and small gems. The trade was quite profitable, and I do not think these natives really understand how valuable such materials are to men of civilization. Otherwise, I doubt they would have given us
such valuables in return for three measly daggers.
Note to self, bring more trading goods next year before they wise up about the relative values.
After we left the native's campsite, we moved deeper into the wilderness, and the men can smell salt, and other signs of the sea air. We must be very close to the Skeleton Coast. Hopefully, we'll be able to find some of the ruins that were reported there, so we can fulfill our charge from the King of England soon, and get on with searching for more treasure.
Though our pack horse's pack is already becoming full of treasure, and soon the men will have to start help carrying it. Hum.
Note to self. Look into better treasure transportation next time. It matters not how much our ship can carry if we can't carry enough to fill it up.
Or perhaps once we find the automaton and return it to the ship, we can return to these sunless lands for a second expedition this year before leaving? Either way, there is certainly enough value in this land to make it worth returning too.
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(Week 3 Part 3, Month 1, Expedition 1)
[ ] Continue onwards towards the Skeleton Coast. ("The smell of sea air is upon us. We should reach the coast by next week, baring any monster attacks or other setbacks, and hopefully will be able to find some of the ancient cities reported by Captain Brewer.")
[ ] Divert towards the mountains. ("We can see them in the distance now, rising from the fog and glowing air like titans. Great mountains, reaching towards the roof of this forsaken land. Who knows what treasures we might be able to wrest from their stony grips?")
[ ] Explore the area for Treasure. ("To stay here is to risk picking a fight with the natives, and I see no reason to risk our lives over what few treasures they have left that those pirates did not rip from their grasp.")
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Suprise! This isn't actually dead yet! Now let's see people are still interested in it.
