James noted Cleon’s slight look of anxiety when he let them know there was no open-air market. “Syka isn’t big enough for that kind of market yet. Maybe someday. But we do have Tenday Celebrations, young man, that people gather and trade at much in the way cities have an open-air market in other places. Also, we have a dovecote that has access to the largest bazaar anywhere and you can buy just about anything there. Trade-in The Outpost, where the Open Sky Bazaar is, really sustains us when I can’t sail The Veronica. We absolutely have no steady source of things like flour because we can’t grow wheat.” He explained, hoping to ease the youth’s surprise.
The tour progressed, but James did his best to answer all their questions. “You’ll find a lot about Syka runs on the barter system. We don’t actually use a whole lot of money here. A strong back and a willingness to help out often does wonders and gains you more than the actual purchase in coins would be.” He added a little later to their conversation. “So if you’re willing to help... the community will embrace you quickly.” He assured them.
The tour lead them back to the Commons and James pointed out Randal making beds for the kid's pavilion. Randal nodded to them, stopped long enough to walk over and introduce himself as Randal Zor, then shook Cleon’s hand as Cleon volunteered to help build beds. “I’m not one to turn down help at any time. We’re just doing simple constructs, nothing fancy, and another pair or two of hands would be more than welcome. Just come by any time you want and I should be here the next few days until these kids all have something to sleep in above ground.” He added, kicking the sand.
“You can spread ashes over the ground and sleep above the thick layer and ants and spiders won’t cross it. But other things will… snakes namely. But you are still safer lofted than on the ground. Remember that if you are tent camping. Keep all your campfire ashes and put all your gear on them once you spread them out.” He said firmly. Randal was the resident Wilderness Survival teacher and he never hesitated to throw in a lesson, either asked or unasked for.
“Tazrae will take care of you,” Randal said, nodding at James as both men agreed the youngsters actually shouldn’t be out on their own, not at first, not until they got used to the jungle and a little bit more prepared. The day then continued until they found themselves back where they started and James had some parting advice.
“If either of you two wants to start a business, we do offer business loans to help Syka build up its resources. And like these children here, you are welcome to pick up an apprenticeship with someone already working a business here as well. They are fully paid positions, so no slave labor is involved for training. And if there is anything else I can do for you.. just ask. I can teach you to hunt, Randal can, or just about anyone in the colony. We go hunting often and share what we kill because it's mostly too much for one person… so you are welcome to join in. Just ask anyone anytime. The only requirement is that you keep quiet and listen to their commands if they ask you to do something. Sometimes what we hunt is as dangerous as ourselves.” He added. Then James seemed to have an idea too.
“If you are worried about finding food, if you trail your Innkeeper a bit too, she’ll teach you about catching lobsters, clams, crabs, and general foraging around Syka for fruits and other things. Each person here has a slightly different skillset, and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t help. Go visit Mathias of the evenings, and he’ll be fishing and automatically put a pole in your hands. Trust me on that one.” The man said with a wink. “And half the odd males roaming around here are Svefra. Each one of them has a boat and a knowledge of sailing. They’ll give lessons for trade or coin as well. It’s never a bad idea to forage for extra food, trade it to the Svefra who put in, and get lessons in return.” He suggested.
“And watch out for your little sister. It's nice to have a family situation here again. We have so few of that.” He added. Then remembered Faye’s question. “Mathias is a priest so he has books on almost everything. He even has rare tomes. I have heard a rumor there is an ancient library in the rainforest too… something the denizens have been calling Reclaimed Knowledge. It’s haunted, but I’m sure someone could take you. If you want books on specific things, The Outpost book dealers are a good source, or I could always look for one in Syliras or Riverfall if you give me a list.” He added, smiling at the little girl. He liked her. She was going to grow up to be a real beauty. And he was suddenly glad they had children in the Settlement that was about her own age now, so she wouldn’t grow up alone without others to play with.
“I mean it. If either of you need anything, just ask. Ask me. Ask anyone. They will help. Now, is there anything else I can do for you before I finish seeing to my ship?” He asked, then if there wasn’t anything, he’d depart feeling he’d given some effort into helping the two new people learn the layout of the land and a few of the Sykan customs.
.
The tour progressed, but James did his best to answer all their questions. “You’ll find a lot about Syka runs on the barter system. We don’t actually use a whole lot of money here. A strong back and a willingness to help out often does wonders and gains you more than the actual purchase in coins would be.” He added a little later to their conversation. “So if you’re willing to help... the community will embrace you quickly.” He assured them.
The tour lead them back to the Commons and James pointed out Randal making beds for the kid's pavilion. Randal nodded to them, stopped long enough to walk over and introduce himself as Randal Zor, then shook Cleon’s hand as Cleon volunteered to help build beds. “I’m not one to turn down help at any time. We’re just doing simple constructs, nothing fancy, and another pair or two of hands would be more than welcome. Just come by any time you want and I should be here the next few days until these kids all have something to sleep in above ground.” He added, kicking the sand.
“You can spread ashes over the ground and sleep above the thick layer and ants and spiders won’t cross it. But other things will… snakes namely. But you are still safer lofted than on the ground. Remember that if you are tent camping. Keep all your campfire ashes and put all your gear on them once you spread them out.” He said firmly. Randal was the resident Wilderness Survival teacher and he never hesitated to throw in a lesson, either asked or unasked for.
“Tazrae will take care of you,” Randal said, nodding at James as both men agreed the youngsters actually shouldn’t be out on their own, not at first, not until they got used to the jungle and a little bit more prepared. The day then continued until they found themselves back where they started and James had some parting advice.
“If either of you two wants to start a business, we do offer business loans to help Syka build up its resources. And like these children here, you are welcome to pick up an apprenticeship with someone already working a business here as well. They are fully paid positions, so no slave labor is involved for training. And if there is anything else I can do for you.. just ask. I can teach you to hunt, Randal can, or just about anyone in the colony. We go hunting often and share what we kill because it's mostly too much for one person… so you are welcome to join in. Just ask anyone anytime. The only requirement is that you keep quiet and listen to their commands if they ask you to do something. Sometimes what we hunt is as dangerous as ourselves.” He added. Then James seemed to have an idea too.
“If you are worried about finding food, if you trail your Innkeeper a bit too, she’ll teach you about catching lobsters, clams, crabs, and general foraging around Syka for fruits and other things. Each person here has a slightly different skillset, and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t help. Go visit Mathias of the evenings, and he’ll be fishing and automatically put a pole in your hands. Trust me on that one.” The man said with a wink. “And half the odd males roaming around here are Svefra. Each one of them has a boat and a knowledge of sailing. They’ll give lessons for trade or coin as well. It’s never a bad idea to forage for extra food, trade it to the Svefra who put in, and get lessons in return.” He suggested.
“And watch out for your little sister. It's nice to have a family situation here again. We have so few of that.” He added. Then remembered Faye’s question. “Mathias is a priest so he has books on almost everything. He even has rare tomes. I have heard a rumor there is an ancient library in the rainforest too… something the denizens have been calling Reclaimed Knowledge. It’s haunted, but I’m sure someone could take you. If you want books on specific things, The Outpost book dealers are a good source, or I could always look for one in Syliras or Riverfall if you give me a list.” He added, smiling at the little girl. He liked her. She was going to grow up to be a real beauty. And he was suddenly glad they had children in the Settlement that was about her own age now, so she wouldn’t grow up alone without others to play with.
“I mean it. If either of you need anything, just ask. Ask me. Ask anyone. They will help. Now, is there anything else I can do for you before I finish seeing to my ship?” He asked, then if there wasn’t anything, he’d depart feeling he’d given some effort into helping the two new people learn the layout of the land and a few of the Sykan customs.
.
