Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 3, 2020 12:49:06 GMT -8
Zed had more meditated through the night than he had slept through it. His death march through the wastes had eaten away wheat little fat had been stored on his slender frame and he had not recovered from it. Despite the scorching temperatures during the day the night had the opposite problem. The sand held no memory of the heat and soon after the last sun had set the frigid temperatures had come. It was more than that though, for during his time in the desert Zed had walked during the night in order to have some semblance of warmth from his exertion and in the few days since encountering Nartaga his body had yet to readjust. As such what sleep he had gotten was scant.
As the village around them began to come alive once more he was drawn out from his meditative trance and saw the first of the twin suns cresting the horizon. Already he could feel the shift in temperature, and had this been any other world he would have expected to see a mist forming but water was rare here, despite the pool present in the village. Fighting the shivers that threatened to overcome him Zed stood and did a handful of jumping jacks and other things to get the blood flowing in his stiff body. Despite the beating he had taken from the chieftain and the fall off Patashu he felt better than he had expected. They may have only happened yesterday but to his body they felt as days old.
Going over to were his companion worked Zed began to assist him in attaching items to the Bantha doing as much of the work as he could on his own while keeping an eye on Nartaga. Despite his injury impeding him he still worked diligently and Zed only intervened when he felt it necessary. His body would heal, and hopefully his mind would too but pride was a difficult thing to heal and after yesterday even he knew that Nartaga was hurting from worse than his broken body.
I think it might be best if you take the lead today Nartaga. I am still a stranger here and you know best. In the meantime would you consider teaching me words in your language? I feel like the more I fit in the easier our time here and on this quest will be.
Despite his stealing the language from the Tuskens mind he still had gaping holes in his knowledge and if he was to be an asset here he would need to work on reducing those gaps sooner rather than later. As he worked when he lifted an item that was unfamiliar to him he spoke as a sandperson would asking for the items name haltingly as his throat struggled to make the sounds it needed.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 3, 2020 21:43:41 GMT -8
Going over the most basic words and pronunciations of the Tusken language was time consuming enough, but Nartaga was a patient teacher. He corrected Zed often, to make sure he understood the differences in the guttural sounds expelled from deep in his throat. Even the slightest mistake in the diction of a word could drastically change its meaning, or the word altogether. What worked in Zed's favor was that he had already pried some of the knowledge of the language from the Tusken when he was unconscious, so it went faster than normal for someone who had not been raised from childhood to speak the difficult tongue of the sand people. Nartaga finished tying the fang to Patashu after some difficulty and then turned back to the waterskin which was on the ground. He raised his left hand to stop Zed as the Stennes man moved to pick up the water and hand to give it to the wounded shaman.
Nartaga lowered his hand and outstretched it to waterskin, trying to focus his energy on it and lift the container of life giving liquid to himself. While at first there was no pain as there had been with his previous attempts to use his abilities, as the waterskin seemed to move ever so slightly, the feeling of something ripping into his mind came upon him with the speed and ferocity a stampeding bantha. Nartaga felt the fire of anger rise up within himself but he stifled it, knowing he was still not healed from his injuries. The Tusken clenched his gloved hand tightly, and without a word tottered over and knelt down on his left knee to pick up the waterskin before taking another long drink. The shaman knew he had no reason to be this impatient about his recovery, especially given his usual patient demeanor. He had time, but he still felt as if something was festering away at his insides and was unable to shake it. Nartaga was unsure if this feeling was clouding his judgment, or if it was the cause of his inability to use Tatooine energies, or even if he would ever recover his shaman powers fully. The Tusken's mind was rapidly switching gears from positive to negative. Even on the outside, his body language through the thin wrappings was slightly more visible and pronounced. If one looked close enough it was easy to see that he was troubled and unsure of his situation, of how his future as a shaman.
"Need get this to weapon maker. Sooner better, less wait. Nartaga packed his cycler rifle and gaderffii onto his sadlle and then moved to Patashu's right side, to grab hold of the bantha's lead to guide her and Zed. The Tusken would lead them deeper into the village, toward the mountain. Smoke billowed higher up, and as they came to a trio of split paths, Nartaga paused as he tried to remember which one was the correct one to the weaponsmiths and crafters. "Last time here. Several seasons ago. Rifle needed fix." After a few moments of recalling the memory of his last visit, the Tusken took the rightmost path, which curled up the side of the mountain. The trio would come to a flattened area partially carved into the rock on the side of the right mountain, where an array of workshops were located; the source of the smoke rising from the mountain, or at the very least some of the hanging cloud of smoke from the fires of the Enclave. Overally, they were not that high up on the mountain, but it was out of the way for what one would think would be better to have in the main village, and there were Tusken guards and warriors all around, and even several Jawas. The weapon crafters were one of the most valuable resources a clan as large as the Or'Rrk'Rkr had. Master craftstuskens that had passed down both tools and techniques to create the deadly weapons and aid those who sought to make their own. "Masters work here. Source, rather than down below, where learners tend to trades, other jobs. Important crafters for clan. Keep secrets of making."
Nartaga pulled out the necklace with the Chieftain's seal, readying it was they caught the attention of several Tusken guards. After some chattering from Nartaga who explained their situation, pointing to the fang they had dragged from down below, Zed, Nartaga and Patashu were allowed to continue closer to the forges and huts where a small crowd was waiting before, awaiting service and to request orders from the clan's master craftstuskens. These Tuskens who had spent many years perfecting their craft were under no obligation to take any orders they did not wish to, unless directly ordered. Even as they approached, the crowd was quickly dissipating as orders deemed too lowly for their abilities were sent back down to the lower Enclave. Everyone wanted a gaderffii or rifle made by a master weaponsmith, but few were worthy. Nartaga turned to Zed and spoke softly as they waited to be seen by the master craftstuskens and asked what they wanted, though they were already getting looks becuase of the large fang. "Zed decide on making handle for weapon of light, or no?"
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 4, 2020 11:37:26 GMT -8
Despite the risk it is best to have it and not use it.
Holding out his hands he showed the rough estimates for what he would need. In truth it was but a small portion of the fang for it was simply too long and too wide for his purposes with only the tip being able to work and even that would take some work. No the hardest part would be the inner workings of the blade. Something to hold the crystal, wires, and other intricacies that few knew how to make work.
I will have to make parts of it myself, there are secrets that they do now know that I do else it wont function. What would be best for the chieftain?
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 4, 2020 23:29:01 GMT -8
Nartaga scratched the back of his head as he looked to and from Zed's hands showing his estimation of the size of the weapon. How something so small would be able to produce such a powerful was beyond his understanding. He was no weaponsmith, nor did he have any knowledge on the construction of lightsabers. Still, he was very interested in the concept and wanted to learn, should he even have the inclination to make a weapon of light for himself. "Small. What about power? Crystal make power, or make work with Force? Or need outside battery to attach?" He had pondered in his sleep on what the Chieftain was expecting as tribute for allowing them use of his seal and master craftstuskens. It was not as if "Thought handle for sword or other weapon. Need ask what possible from crafter."
As they conversed the pool of Tuskens seeking aid from the master craftsmen dissipated, leaving only a few stragglers. The hooting and yelling of the Tusken's vying for the attention of the clan's talented artisans grew more intense as several of them were sidestepped by a trio of the the crafters, moving to get to the fang before the others could. All three of these craftstuskens were covered in soot and grime, their robes more ragged and worn than most; a hint of proof at the amount of work they performed, as well as the time and effort dedicated to their trade. Nartaga took a half step back as one of the Tusken crafters came within a few inches of him. This Tusken was nearly a head shorter than Nartaga and was slightly hunched over either due to age or because of the amount of stooping he did in his work. The other two crafters immediately moved to the fang to inspect it, the third one speaking in his language to Nartaga. "We heard rumor of a couple of outcasts bringing a krayt fang, but I did not believe it until I saw it with my own eyes..." The hunched over Tusken stepped away from Nartaga and came just as close to Zed, speaking again. "It looks like one of the incisors of a greater krayt. A rare boon, though actual bone would have been better..."
The other two craftstuskens moved back and began speaking quietly to the third, who began chattering back. Not much could be understood, as the speed with which they were speaking was too fast and the technical speak of techniques far above Nartaga's head. He heard words such as whittling and carving, and knew what they meant, but there were many other words he could not understand in the context of working with krayt fang. Nartaga looked to Zed, before clearing his throat to get the attention of the trio of artisans jabbering about their techniques and fighting over who would be able to work on the fang. "My friend wished to make a weapon of light using part of the fang. He knows how to make it, but does not have the knowledge to work with fang. It will be small." Nartaga mimicked the size Zed had shown him with his hands. His right remaining still, but using his left to gauge the length for the master Tuskens. "Also we need an offering made from the fang for the Chieftain. Maybe a sword or other weap-" The tallest of the three Tusken artisans abruptly interrupted Nartaga at the mention of a weapon. "Fang will not work for a weapon meant for actual battle. I can craft a glorious sword with a handle carved from the fang, and an inscribed scabbard to hold it within. A weapon fit for our Chieftain, with the strength of a Krayt to contain its power!" Nartaga nodded in agreement, though he was hesitant, unsure how the Chieftain would respond to a sword. Gaderffii were the melee weapon of choice for Tuskens. Sword and blades were not uncommon, but maybe this would be more of a secondary weapon? Or something used for more ceremonial purposes?
The third Tusken smith stepped closer to Zed, addressing him directly. "What is a weapon of light? I know not any means of making a fang producing light, unless one were to make it a lantern; which is no weapon. It is also a waste of such a sacred gift from a dragon. I wish you explain this weapon to me. In detail." The other two Tuskens also were quiet as they awaited an explanation of Zed's explanation on what exactly a weapon of light.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 5, 2020 10:51:05 GMT -8
For a long time yes, it was not until maybe five thousand or so years ago that the power cells could be placed inside.
Before he could continue about the lesson of the master crafters approached them and began speaking to Nartaga. Standing taller than all of them but towering over the one that originally spoke to Nartaga he stood about waiting patiently before one of them spoke to him in their native language. Knowing that he was known as an outsider he proceeded to answer in Basic.
The fang would function as a casing holding a power cell that goes through this crystal he said showing the crystal to the master craftstusken and then it creates something called plasma that can cut through most everything. Once the general idea of how it worked was passed onto the them he proceeded to talk about the technical aspects involved inside that would ensure that the power cell could get its power back. He doubted that the right type could be found here that would allow the blade to function forever but it would still would have lasted a long time.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 5, 2020 21:06:10 GMT -8
The Tusken crafter that had spoken to Zed stepped back abruptly and drew out a hammer like tool from the belt at his waist, raising it in preparation to attack, belting out a declaration to catch the attention of everyone around. "Imposter! You speak the tongue of the Invaders!" While it had been known by the Chieftain and a few others that Zed was an Outsider, the lie that was initially told of him just being a deaf and dumb outcast travelling with the shamed R'Crurak shaman was the one that had worked its way up to the relatively closed off bubble of the Tusken workers overnight, passed along as rumor through the changing guards. Nartaga did his best to jump in between Zed and the Tusken, holding up his hand from which dangled the Chieftain's seal. This gave the aggressive craftstusken pause, and he slightly lowered the hammer he had drawn to bash in the skull of the outsider posing as one of his people. The other two Tuskens had not reacted to the "The Chieftain has given us his seal. He is under the Chieftain's protection, and we both have his blessing to requisition artifacts made from this fang." The shouting had drawn the attention of several of the guards, and the eyes of any not involved crept over to watch with curiosity on what was causing such a commotion. Several of the guards drew their rifles and gaderffii and approached slowly.The Tusken smith simply dropped his hammer and walked off, yelling aloud to himself. Only a few of the words could be understood as he shouted and threw his hands around in frustration. "Traitor.....Chieftain.....Filth.....Family....Clan..." The diminutive hunched Tusken smith spoke up first. "His son was killed in a raid on an outsider water farm that had moved into our lands. He is angry....as are most of us." The second Tusken interjected to add in his perspective as well, throwing a sign to signify he was finished interacting with the group. "I will not make a weapon for an Outsider. It will only be used against us!" He then also walked away, going back to the work he had already taken on for the day. The only Tusken that remained was the stooped over smith. "It is the order of the Chieftain, so it shall be done. I fear that I am but a single being. How long has the Chieftain given you run of the Enclave?""Chieftain Or'Rish insisted we must leave before Ghomrassen wanes in the night sky." The craftstusken put a hand to the chin of his mask and nodded to himself. "Five more nights..." The diminutive Tusken seemed to drift off as his gaze went to the fang that was still attached to the bantha. Muttering could be heard from under his breath as he spoke to himself, though what was said could not be understood. Finally he snapped back to the present and motioned for Nartaga and Zed to follow him to his workshop. "Come. I shall need your help for this undertaking. Explain to me in greater detail what you will need for this weapon of light, and how exactly it functions." The eyes that had been watching the interaction finally started to go back to their own business, and Nartaga motioned for Zed to follow, leading Patashu and the fang slightly behind the master Tusken artisan. "He ask, what all Zed need. Explain how weapon work. In detail."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 6, 2020 12:49:49 GMT -8
Zed watched as the two Tuskens walked away sadness in his eyes. It disgusted him that a culture could exist that would not be accepting of others simply for being different. He understood it, his own kind was essentially wiped out simply for existing. To see others replicating that xenophobia enraged him. The outsiders were not invading. They were people just trying to survive. To eek out an existence on the frontier. They did not provoke nor attack the Tuskens, and any dead occurred in self defense. There would be a continual wave of outsiders coming to the planet, and no amount of bloodshed would stop that. It would just keep coming until they adapted, or they died.
Following the Tusken he continued on before the interruption.
The hardest part, that I would ask to be involved in would be in creating something called an emitter. The emitter possesses a magnetic ring that creates the field that contains the plasma of the blade and puts it back to the lightsaber in order to conserve and reuse the power. The part inside the handle would just be something to case a gem, a few wires, a power source, and a couple pieces of glass to help focus it. I can help in sizing and whatever else is needed.
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 6, 2020 23:42:03 GMT -8
The master artisan exhaled an airy chuckle through his nose as he listened to Zed explain. He seemed to understand Basic just as well as the clan chieftain had, but did not speak it. Nartaga would translate as quickly as he could to Zed. "You will be involved in all of it. I cannot make something I have never seen without instruction. I will also need as many hands as I can conscript." The Tusken smith belted a call out as they approached a decently sized building partially inside the mountainside. On one part of the roof was a chimney that was partially responsible for the smoke creeping up into the air. At his call, two Tuskens and a Jawa ran outside, standing at attention before their master, who began yelling out orders to as he continued past them and headed into the workshop, motioning again for Nartaga and Zed to continue following him.
The two Tuskens would quickly move to detach the fang dragged by Patashu and bring it in through the door of the workshop, though it barely fit through the frame. The Jawa would move to Zed's right side and remain silent, for now, as the Tusken continued to speak to Zed. "Draw me diagrams of the pieces you shall need made and how they fit together. Wekk shall assist you." As Nartaga began to translate, the Jawa simultaneously raised its right arm up in the air and grabbed Zed's own right arm in his left hand. Wekk the Jawa would begin jabbering away in its own native language as the vertically challenged being pulled Zed to a table with drawing tools and paper, tapping the table several times for Zed to utilize what was on it. The Jawa would step onto a stool, and assist the outsider with any of the drawing. Though the being spoke no Basic, he had no trouble understanding anything Zed said.
The inside of the workshop was covered wall to wall with tools and what seemed to be in progress projects. Tables with scrap and spare parts were everywhere. The most organized space of the workshop was near the front where they entered where a blast furnace was built into the wall, and the chimney went up into the ceiling. Directly across from the furnace was a half sphere made out of individual flat metal plates, with a knobbed and levered console at waist level. On the back of each of the plates a cable was attached with led a pair of power cells. Currently only the blast furnace was on, melting down scrap for the day's orders. Next to the sphere was an anvil. The interior was surprisingly cold, chilled by a large standing air conditioner used to counteract the amount of heat in the workshop, as well as several ceiling fans. A container partially filled with what one could assume was water was attached via a hose to the air conditioner, to collect any condensation made in the process of cooling the space.
While Zed and Wekk sketched out diagrams for the lightsaber hilt, the stooped Tusken barked a few more orders to the other two Tuskens under his command and then motioned to Nartaga as he moved in close to the fang, inspecting it carefully. "The size he needs will be miniscule compared to creating a sword and scabbard, but first we must cut what we shall need." The crafter took out a piece of charcoal and a piece of string and began marking on the tooth. Feeling unnecessary in the process, Nartaga took the time to look around more at the inside of the workshop. The last time he was here they had not allowed him inside, and only with him because the chieftain had given him permission then as well. It had only taken them less than an hour to repair the barrel of his cycler rifle before he was shooed away like a bothersome child. Nartaga came back from his thoughts as the older Tusken started speaking to him. "You and that Outsider are lucky to have survived a Greater Krayt Attack." Nartaga nodded without speaking, allowing the Tusken artificer to continue. "By the look of the fang I would say that this Krayt was at least ninety years old. There is much wear, but it should not affect the quality of anything we make from it." The Tusken grabbed a circular saw and began cutting the fang into sections.
A blue liquid was sprayed from a nozzle on the saw to lubricate and keep it cool, and with another it was sucked back up through a tube and into a small container attached to the saw. After a few cuts the Tusken would stop and remove a filter from the tube leading into the blue liquid's container and bang it out to loosen the pieces of tooth and enamel that were stopped from returning into the reservoir of lubricant by the suction. Nartaga continued to watch, still feeling as if he was not being much help, his eyes drifting over to Zed and the Jawa, then to the other two Tuskens in the workshop. The other Tuskens had remained silent to both their master as well as Nartaga and Zed, only speaking to each other as they began hammering out pieces of metal from the blast furnace, then reheating them, them banging away at them again.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 10, 2020 6:40:54 GMT -8
Zed took up a piece of charcoal and paper and began drawing. He was not the most skilled, but thanks to Monte Demici a former Jensaari that had specialized in lightsaber construction he knew how to craft them. He doubted any had been his equal at the temple and doubted there were many who could rival his craftsmanship at the time. Now he did not even know if there were artisans left who knew how to create one. Not bothering to listen to the chattering of the Jawas as he completed one sheet they would run it off the to stooped Tusken.
Each page would show a different layer within the blade, starting with the outside and working its way in. The pages were thin enough that, if held up to a light source they would show the entirety of the construction all the while making it easy to tell which parts were attached first. As an added benefit it would also help ensure its construction was known only to those that contained every page or already had made one in the past.
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 14, 2020 20:21:24 GMT -8
Wekk the Jawa delivered each page of the diagram to the craftstusken, who poured over the details drawn by Zed in between cuts to the Krayt fang. It was more intricate than he had thought, but at the same more simplistic in other ways than he would have guessed. It seemed almost mundane, despite the final product of harnessing light to create a sword having spiritual significance. The Tusken artisan would make his way over to Zed, holding up the layered sheets to the lights overhead to view how they would fit together. The Tusken laid down the page detailing the crystal energy chamber, pointing to the lenses. "Gemstones or crystals would be far more stable than glass to focus the light. I can have Wekk check with his clan. Jawas use precious stones to protect their eyes from the Suns." Nartaga, who had followed slightly behind the older Tusken, translated for Zed. "Say, glass not stable to focus. Jawas use gems to protect eyes. Get Wekk to ask Jawa clan for some. Better."The Jawa that had been aiding Zed hopped from the stool he had been standing upon and ran off to the exit door of the building. The brightness of the world outside the workshop lit up the slightly darker interior as the door was opened. The Tusken smith barked something at the Jawa, giving the diminutive being pause before letting the door close behind him. The stooped Tusken let out an exasperated sigh and shook his head before turning to another of the pages Zed had drawn and tapping a gloved finger to the section dedicated to the power cell. "We do not have power cells this size. Wekk shall check for them as well, but that may be something you must get from an Outsider merchant." Nartaga again translated the older Tusken's words into Basic. "Say, power cell not have. Jawa Wekk look for too. If Jawas not have, will need to get from Outsider trader." Nartaga shifted his feet uncomfortably at the thought of another unplanned trip across the dunes. Their simple journey from the Mospics to the Enclave to simply trade for supplies had turned into a grand adventure that was still unfolding. This was more excitement than the Tusken had experienced in a long time, and he was wary of adding another seemingly innocent and quiet trek to an outsider trading post or moisture farm. A red flag had lit up in the Tusken's mind. "Let us hope the Jawas have what we need, then." Nartaga said in a low tone in his native language.The hunched Tusken set the sketches back down on the desk Zed was at, pointing at the far rear end of the workshop with one hand and tapping at the pile of drawings with the other. "Find what does not need to be made in the back. Take the injured one with you. At least he can still use his eyes." Nartaga started the translation. "Want us find parts so do not have to make as many. In back." He paused and looked at the Tusken artisan, who simply nodded his head and gave the younger Tusken a sign for him to keep translating. "Thinks I will be of more use helping to look."Without another word the Tusken smith flipped through the drawings once more and took several of the pages as reference for what he would need to make. He had started the process for the Chieftain's sword, but for a creative mind like him the lure of producing such a wondrous weapon in comparison was too much of a task not to jump upon as soon as possible. A sword of metal was something he could make easily, but a sword of light? Surely if he was successful his legacy would become even more cemented in the annals of the clan's oral stories.As the craftstusken went to work near the blast furnace and plated sphere to make what was needed there, Nartaga looked at the pages the other Tusken had left them. To the shaman the drawing looked like much of the other writing he had seen done by outsiders: gibberish. He had no idea what to even begin to look for. Nartaga would move with Zed to the rear and follow the outsider's lead and direction in what to look for, though he was very apprehensive and unsure of anything he grabbed, often holding something up to Zed in his working hand for the Stennes to inspect. "Nartaga not much help....sorry." The shaman would bow his head in deep apology to his companion.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 15, 2020 10:55:59 GMT -8
Going into the back Zed hunched down and began sifting through the various parts and pieces in the back of the hut. It seemed like a random assortment of goods that had been just piled back there. The more he dug through it the more he saw that there was a method to the madness. The elder Tusken had a unique system but it was there. Picking up a broken defraculator he placed it down and looked at Nartaga.
Don't worry about it. I have made one before, and the artisan has been building things for presumably a lifetime. Many organizations out there like the Jensaarai and the Jedi consider building a lightsaber a right of passage. It might take someone years to learn how to build their first one and multiple attempts before they make one that works. I had the fortune of someone helping me make mine before I came here. Out there he gestured to the world outside the hut you know a lot more than me, and I am less helpful.
Gesturing to a bunch of wires in a jumble Zed directed Nartaga to look through them showing him with his hands the approximate size that was needed. If the Jawa can not find the power cell needed where should we look for one? Or would it be best to wait until after the job for the chieftain?
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 15, 2020 19:15:32 GMT -8
Nartaga pulled out a set of wires from a box and set them aside to be used for the lightsaber. "One of outsider cities. Would need hide Tusken. Done before. Risk." Nartaga began plotting out the journey out in his mind, trying to determine how long it would take and if it was worth the risk. "Mos Espa closest. Will take a day and a half to get there. Have to leave Patashu outside city and walk some distance. Bantha suspicious." Nartaga frowned underneath his mask and brought his left hand up to his chin, thinking deeply on the logistics of the trip. Coming across "Rather have light weapon ready for during Chieftain's task. We wait for Jawa Wekk, for now. See if have power cell."
By the blast furnace, the master Tusken was melting down metal in a crucible. After getting rid of the impurities at the top, the Tusken took out the container or molten metal and poured it into a flat rectagular mold. As the metal began to cool in the air, he used a set of tongs to grasp it and take the first piece over to the spherical device nearby. He placed the still red hot metal into the center of the sphere, and flipping a switch. A loud hum and vibrations shook the area of the workshop closest to the machine. A jet of air swirled within, and as the metal cooled from the air it slowly lifted up off the center platform, floating. The plates that made up the sphere were powerful magnets, and as the ions of the metal settled down as it cooled they were able to influence the material. Using the console at the front of the machine, the Tusken artisan manipulated the shape, crafting it to a far more precise form far more quickly than by hand. He would repeat this with many of the pieces laid out in the drawings Zed had provided; afterwards making sure each piece slotted together as inscribed by the outsider.
After several hours, most of the pieces were completed, and the crafter took a break to bring what was finished over to Zed. The few parts that were missing from what they had been able to recover were the power cell and the gem that the Jawa had been sent off to get. It was not long after that the Jawa returned, carrying a box of several different sized power cells, as well as a pair of durindfire gems, used by the Jawas to protect their sensitive eyes from the twin suns of their homeworld. The master craftstusken grabbed both of the gems and held them up to the overhead lights of the workshop, eyeing them for a moment before handing them over to Zed. "I can shape these to work as the focusing lenses you need, but it shall take half a day. Will they work?" Nartaga translated. "Want to know if gems will work. Will take half a day to shape."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 16, 2020 10:25:47 GMT -8
As the pieces were brought over to him Zed looked over each piece individually before also slotting them into place. He could see no imperfection with the pieces, unable to run his fingers over the metal due to the clothing he wore Zed instead extended his mind using the Force to run over the objects. Indeed, imperceptible to the human eye he could feel the odd flaw here and there over a few of the parts. Not enough to cause damage or issue when activated, rather they spoke to the rough way they were created. Everything made by hand would inevitably have some sort of difference compared to machine made.
Accepting the gems he held them towards the lightsource trying to gauge how well the light came through them. If there had been the right technology he could have checked the way the mineral was formed. Indeed he could have looked at the various atoms and quarks that made it up. Based on nothing other than his eye though they seemed like they would work well enough. They may cause the beam to be less focused if there was a serious enough issue within them but for scavenged parts they would do. Grunting he handed them back to the Artisan These should do
Taking the various power cells that the Jawa had brought with him Zed immediately discounted several of them. There power output would be too small for what was needed. Some were too long or too wide, but there were three that could function the blade. Not for long, with power ranging from several minutes to several days of use depending on the cell used. They would still need to go to Mos Espa if they wanted to get a power cell that would last them as well as they should but if the Artisan or Nartaga wished a short example of its use then that should be possible.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 16, 2020 17:10:36 GMT -8
The Artisan gave a small nod to the Jawa Wekk, who then took the gems back and headed to the cutting tools to begin the process of shaping the durindfire gems used as eye protection by the Jawas to the focusing lenses needed for a lightsaber. The Artisan folded his arms "I can use the tip of the tooth and add it as a pommel. It would attract attention among our people, but it would also serve as a warning." Nartaga nodded in agreement before translating. "Can use end of fang for end of weapon hilt. Send strong message." Without waiting on an answer the Artisan would return to working on the Krayt fang, restarting the saw he had previously been using and beginning again. He cut below what he would need, to ensure that any damage to the tooth would be below what he would need and he could file away the damaged parts.
Nartaga's gaze followed the Artisan before returning to Zed. "Need find something to eat. Suns getting high. Market open. Zed hungry?" Nartaga moved the box of parts that the pair had picked out to be used down by the newly made parts the craftstusken had made and gestured to the door of the workshop with his good arm. "Have half day until gems ready. Need clean, change wrappings. Both of us. For when see Chieftain again." Nartaga gestured to both of their appearances. While clean was something that was unattainable on a world such as Tatooine, hygiene and cleanliness was important in such cases, as well as not smelling like a week's worth of body musk and sweat. "Both mess."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 17, 2020 10:24:48 GMT -8
In truth his apatite had yet to return. Zed knew that was not a good sign, and that he would force himself to eat but after so long of nothing for hunger and starvation for a companion he hardly felt the pangs in his stomach. Even his own stench could be ignored by him. Compared to how he looked only days earlier Zed was positively shining. Still he would take Nartagas word about needing to clean up. Idly he wondered how that task was completed. Water here was the most valuable commodity, and he doubted they would wash their clothes or themselves with it. Maybe they just beat each other to knock the sand and grit out.
Lead the way my friend.
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 17, 2020 21:57:59 GMT -8
Nartaga slowly led the way back outside, where Patashu was waiting patiently, panting slightly in the heat to keep herself cool. Finding his strength waning from all of the walking and standing, He pulled himself atop his mount to ride slowly back down the way from which they had come to the Tusken crafters' workshops. As they made their way to the western part of the Tusken settlement, the smells of cooking meat wafted through the air, permeating the masks they wore and invading the nostrils of any in the vicinity. The sizzle could be heard first, the source of which was a large, metal flat top grill over a roaring fire. The building it was within was circular and open to the air with a raised roof, much like a very large gazebo. Half-butchered carcasses of several different Tatooine fauna were to the side ready to have pieces cut off and thrown on the grill. Other Tuskens sat on mats laid out in a shaded area, a tarp hanging over them to protect them from the direct sunlight.The Tusken Chef gave an upward nod as Nartaga climbed down from Patashu and approached the counter area to the right of the grill. The cook gestured to what looked like what had previously been a profogg and a dewback. "Fresh kills from this morning. The foragers also brought in some kreetle larvae as well. What do you have for trade?" Nartaga leaned forward to be as discreet as possible as he showed the Tusken chef the chieftain's seal. The cook froze for a moment before nodding slightly. "Some profogg for me. For my companion dewback." Nartaga looked down into the container holding the squirming larvae. ""Larvae for the both of us as well." The Tusken silently went about slicing chunks of meat from the animal carcasses before throwing them on the grill with some chopped Tatooine vegetables.Nartaga spoke a soft command to Patashu, who huffed in response before turning around and heading in the direction of a bantha feeding pen area they had passed on the way there. The Tusken would find some empty mats and slowly sit down to await their food in silence, listening to the surrounding conversations. After ten minutes flat metal plates were brought to Zed and Nartaga. A mix of grilled chopped vegetables and meat with a large thin piece of hubba bread on the side. Larvae the size of one's hand were brought out on metal rods, piercing the finely grilled pupa from end to end, atop a metal tray of their own. The food was placed on the lowered table in between each of the mats, followed by scrap metal cups filled with water. Nartaga began using the bread to scoop the profogg and veggies up and into the mouth hole of his mask, gesturing for Zed to eat. He spoke in a hushed tone. "Eat. Not get meals like this often in Mospics."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 18, 2020 12:33:31 GMT -8
As they sat waiting for their food Zed had been busy observing the Tuskens who were likewise here to eat. It had never occurred to him that the men and the women of the camp may dress differently from one another. Telling the children apart was easy, based on their size. Of course there were some shorter ones dressed like their larger counterparts. He assumed that these were Tuskens that had been appointed as adults but still had growing to do. For all the rumors that they had about them, they sure lived and acted as regular people. Looking amoung them he wondered how they would react if they knew that Zed was not one of them. No doubt rumors had already spread through the camp of the tall Tusken that had accompanied the R'Crurak shaman. Some of how he spoke in the outsider tounge, some that he was deaf and dumb.
Before he could continue his train of thought the food arrived and it made his mouth water in anticipation. He recognized the Kreetle from his time alone and despite the steam wafting off it he cringed. Taking a bite of it pushing the whole of the skewer into his mask hole he eagerly took a second bite before he had finished chewing. They taste a lot better cooked. Very bitter raw. You might not find a meal like this in the Mospics but compared to the food I ate before you rescued me the Mospics is fine dining. This, this is food fit for a king. Taking a drink from the water he tried the ribs finding them tender and the meat falling off the bone. Sliding one of the ribs out of the meat he stuck the chunck of meat into his mouth and did not chew just savouring the flavour of the spices and fat. Does your clan eat in much the same way as here?
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 18, 2020 18:39:15 GMT -8
Nartaga shook his head in response. "No. R'Crurak small tribe. Small village. Most tribe not stay there. Stay moving. Raids. Trade. Hunt." The shaman gestured at the food on the plates and twirled his hand to waft the scents up into the air. "Fancy food smells stand out. Brings creatures, enemies." The number of times Nartaga had survived solely on hubba gourd hardtack and jerky for extended periods of time were innumerable. As soon as he was old enough he was taken out with the rest of the tribe during their migratory patterns to learn everything he would need. In fact, it occurred to him that he had only been to his own tribe's village a handful of times since he had first been taken out to be taught how to survive. "Or'Rrk'Rkr large clan. Has strength to build up one place. Defend one place. Many tribes, many clans come trade. More trade mean more people to build and protect." When it came to the economics of the Tusken people, it was not all that different from early civilizations. The constant movement of smaller clans and tribes was probably all that was keeping them from fully developing into large thriving nation.
Nartaga continued to speak in between eating and drinking. Even with one arm the speed of which he ate was surprising, but it was learned from a life of constantly moving. Taking too much time often got one killed out in the Dunes. The last part of the meal which he ate was the kreetle larvae, which because of the mask appeared as if he swallow whole. The large pupa disappeared into the maw of his mask, the only thing returning being the skewer. He would wait for Zed to finish before standing up and taking the plate cup and skewer over to tray to be cleaned. Nartaga took a few steps away from the Tusken dining establishment and into the sunlight, looking around to get his bearings. "Need find showers next."
The R'Crurak Tusken made sure Zed was following him before setting off. It took some time for Nartaga to remember where the clan's wash area was, as he had only stayed here for short periods before, but he was sure it was nearby. After a few turns he finally came to a longhouse style hut. Heading inside, there were individual fully enclosed stalls with sonic showers inside. Water was far too precious a resource to waste on cleaning one's body. The communal washing area was very worn, and every now and again the sonics would suddenly cut off or be too strong. Wide round stones with finely rough sides were used in place of rags to aid in removing more clingy filth that the old technology could not. The vibrations made the bones in the body vibrate, and even the walls rattled. Still, they would do their job. Separate sonic washers were on the walls for robes, with a bacteria and odor neutralizing powder, and clean wrappings were in bins. Coarse brushes for cleaning hard to reach places were by the wrappings, used for
Nartaga grabbed a brush, clean cloth wrappings and a scoop of the white powder before going into a stall, closing it behind him. Removing his mask carefully before cleaning it out first, lining the inside with a sprinkle of the powder, and brushing it in. The hardest part was undoing his bindings, but eventually he was able to fully undress himself and turn on the sonic shower. He clenched his right hand and winced as a jolt of pain shot up into his shoulder. Grimacing for what was to come, the shaman tossed some of the powder on himself and through his dark hair, closed his eyes, and pressed the button the start the shower. The still healing injuries that showed clearly on his body were wracked by the vibrations. He bit his bottom lip, fighting the pain, only letting out heavy exhalations through his nostrils. What was probably several weeks of dust and dirt vibrated off his skin and onto the floor.
When Nartaga came out, he was once more fully covered wrappings, and he looked around for Zed. He expected he had taken longer than the outsider due to the slowness caused by his injuries, but he had been able to do everything himself. His right arm was no longer tightly bound to his side, but the Tusken still held it close to his body to prevent it from knocking into anything. He was still wearing the same dirty pants, not having a replacement. He would need to get a new set of clothes, as his robes had been cut by the Or'Rrk'Rkr healer. There had been no point in cleaning anything other than his mask.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Oct 19, 2020 12:28:32 GMT -8
In truth Zed had taken far longer cleaning than Nartaga. Due to his unfamiliarity with the wrappings it was still awkward for him to remove them. Once he was stripped down Zed got to work. Nartaga may have had weeks worth of dirt and grit on him but Zed had years worth. As the sonics pounded his flesh it flew off first as a fine dust and as more was stripped away, in large chunks. Creases and wrinkles reappeared where they had been covered in filth before. The gaunt figure looked all the more a corpse for it as his skin appeared shrunken and shriveled than it had before. Taking the brush he scoured his body from head to toe, with more of the finer material being forced out.
Tossing more of the powder on himself he began the process of re-wrapping himself. He had only been wearing them for a few days, and although they were not the best fitting they were still clean. Ish. Figuring that it was a close enough replication of what Nartaga had helped him into before they left the Mospics he dawned the mask and stepped out. It occurred to him that, although he would stand out due to his height his companion looked like every other Tusken. Reaching out in his mind he was able to locate Nartaga without much issue. His mental signature although still new to Zed was more familiar to him than the others that went about their day. I am sorry I took so long, there was a lot of dirt.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Oct 19, 2020 21:26:07 GMT -8
The Tusken tilted his head from side to side to signify that Zed had not inconvenience him. "Time used to clear mind." Nartaga opened the door of the Tusken bathhouse and peered outside. Taking note of the position of the Suns he was able to tell the time, and how much longer they should give the Artisan and the Jawa for their work. "Still time left. Need one more stop." Moving outside and heading back more to the front of the Enclave, closer to where they had come in, were stalls and somewhat shabby looking huts. The marketplace was filled with the hoots and hollers of Tuskens bartering and trading. It did not take but a moment to come across a stall selling the garb that was integral to the identity of his people. Clothing was by far one of the most popular and important forms of trade. The Tusken signed in the direction of the stall to Zed. "Need new robe. Zed check clothing, too. Maybe find taller spare. Better fitting." Nartaga once again discreetly showed the Tusken trader the chieftain's seal, and after an exchange of words in Tusken gave Zed a nod signalling that everything was good to go.Nartaga was quick to grab a set of pants and a top in a similar style he had worn before, but looked much less worn. Overall there was not much variation in the style of the main clothing. Small differences such as size, yes, but what Tusken clothing differ from one another was usually the accessories added by the wearer. Nartaga awaited Zed to find anything that caught his eye, before heading in the direction of the clan workshops. "Zed find anything?" In his left arm he had a rough looking canvas bag with the new set of clothing he had gotten himself.
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