[Video] UN: alistair

[nobroth]

So, hello. My name's Alistair. And I need to talk about a little thing? Nothing bad. Just. Kind of a 'this is happening' notice and a question.

First of all.

[The picture shows Alistair's face from mostly underneath with a vaguely rocking motion, his breath fogging every exhale - he's outside, and it's blasted cold.]

I'd like to thank Foggy for teaching me more about how to use this thing. It's a little easier with my little fingers, so thank you.

Second of all--

[The picture shifts, swinging around to show a pile of limbs to one side, and a few logs to the other side, bark partially removed.]

I've been working on starting some kind of lumber production up. Because with one house burnt down and I've heard about a barn, well, building a log barn is possible, but heavy, and a little stupid for a building as large as a barn. And I happened to spend some time with a logging group in the Free Marches, so I know what I'm doing. If you're out in the woods and you see a tree with a ring of bark cut away from it, it's not something creepy. It's me, marking which trees are suitable for harvest. They're either dying, in a crowded area, or are big enough to be a threat if they fall. Some of them are healthy, but for the projects I've heard of, we need some big trees for beams. Anyway.

[He points to each pile in turn as he talks about them.]

These branches here are too small to use for much. If you have a project that needs smaller pieces of wood, these are ready for some kind of something. The smaller limbs are probably best for kindling or whittling. The larger ones might be able to be turned into small plank lumber.

These logs over here, though, are going to become real lumber, but here's the hitch. I've been trying to get the bark off these things with this.

[He hefts an axe up into frame alongside his face.]

And it's been damned hard. I've heard there are some people around here with a forge, and I would've found it by now, but I've been uh.

....Dealing. With some things.

So I've not looked around much.

What this comes down to is - forge people. I have no idea who you are, but I'll trade lumber for supplies to make lumber. Let's talk? My first projects are the ones that'll make all this easier. After that, full production with anyone who's willing to listen to my instructions as they're learning, because I'm not stupid enough to think I can do this by myself forever.

But right now, it's damned cold, and my fingers are starting to do that burny-achy thing so I'm going back in a house. Andraste's armpit, where did my gloves go-- Oh right--

[And that's where the video ends.]

Comments

[whipshots]

[ The voice post is appreciated, since she can listen to it while walking (congrats, Alistair, you're now her podcast). And it leads to Brigitte doing the textual equivalent of glancing to the side, lobbing the hot potato over to someone else: @starking exhausted to loop Tony in and get his attention. ]

What do you think? It sounds reasonable. We always need a lot of firewood for the fires anyway.

[nobroth]

[Alistair doesn't answer this - he'll wait for whoever 'starking exhausted' is.]

UN: ReforgedWings | Audio

[skyward_eyes]

Well this is going to save me some effort in finding suitable wood to make practice swords with. I guess my question is roughly where you've got this stuff situated? I could stand for a bit of a walk if it's for a good end.

Also, I've heard there is a guy that is, like, planning to so some building. Seen him around the network some. Maybe you could talk to him about barn stuff. Think he's got a house near the forge if you ever find where it is.

Audio, because typing is for people with smaller fingers.

[nobroth]

If you mean Reeve, we're acquainted. [And he doesn't sound thrilled about it but not particularly miffed, either.] If it's not Reeve, I have no idea. But I'll see what I can figure out. Got to get equipment first, though. It's one of those vicious cycles? Got to have stuff to build stuff, blah blah... You get the idea.

Which is fair, Nida isn't big on it either, gets in the way of working

[skyward_eyes]

Is that his name? I don't know, I've just taken some paper from him before.

[Requisitioned. He left a note. Which was an ironic waste of paper.]

Sounds like some drama there, where I don't really thing I am going to touch. So, where is the wood exactly? I need more training weapons for the dojo.

Good point there.

[nobroth]

Southwest side of the village, for now at least. I might move it somewhere different once I get more equipment, but for now, this seems like a pretty good place to process. You're welcome to whatever branches you want. And depending on things, I might be able to help you carry.

UN: Skateboard Sniper | Audio

[duel_wielding]

[He'd be happy to return your video message, but well, he's busy sweeping up the dojo like he promised the kid he could, so that would be dizzying. But it does mean the sound quality is not consistent.]

Lumber production sounds really useful. I'd be more than happy to see if I can assist if you'd like. I've never done it myself, but I'm a quick student these days. If it's going to be a while until people can help, I suppose I'll swing by the schoolhouse and read up on the process a bit.

Audio!

[nobroth]

Right now, it depends on when I can get a draw knife. I can make do without some of the other things - uncomfortable, but it's still possible - but the draw knife has become a big sticking point. I'd ask if you've ever tried to take bark off a log with an axe, but I'm betting I already know the answer. I'd not until the other day. It's ridiculous.

Re: Audio!

[duel_wielding]

Yeah, you've definitely already got the answer. If nothing else I'm a bit of an extra sort of strong arms, right? So if you need those, they're yours for the using.

[nobroth]

I appreciate it. If you want to come by sometime-- Um.

Probably not today because I'm going to be helping somebody else. Or two somebodies.

Anyway, I'll teach you what there is to know about logging and then you'll have a head start.

Voice, UN: Leonardo

[capturetheworld]

This is wonderful, Alistair! You know I will use whatever you can give me, and give back whatever I can.

Voice - little too happy, maybe.

[nobroth]

I never had any doubts, Leonardo. I'm taking the rest of the day off, besides - do you want me to help you get your forge burning up north?

[capturetheworld]

I could use the help, I am afraid I am not the strongest person I know, and you are of course a giant in comparison. But perhaps you should rest? I would hate for you to strain yourself!

[nobroth]

I think I'm helping one person carry some of this wood to where they're going to work on it, but after that, I can help you out, no problem. No strain at all, I promise.

un: black knight

[lifeofadeathseeker]

If you're looking for help in the form of a warm body, that I can offer. But I don't know anything about trees, lumber, or milling planks.

[ See this is the problem with coming from a world where magic is common. You've got fuck all for marketable skills. ]

Audio too. 'Cause.

[nobroth]

I can teach as long as you're willing to learn. It's not really hard, just... make sure you've got some endurance. Your arms will ache for weeks until you get used to it.

[lifeofadeathseeker]

I can deal with pain and I thought I already said I'd need to learn?

[nobroth]

Yeeesss, and what I said was a version of 'yes, you can learn, so I will teach you,' unless there was some kind of fundamental misunderstanding?

text | UN: Spark Plug

[assemble_the_lovbacken]

Dear: Alistair!

I know that I need not address you formally like a letter, but I cannot help but do so. I am one of these "Forge People" you've mentioned, but I'd be happy to assist you without any kind of trade! I'm often cutting down firewood for the Forge's needs, but I will be sure to cut down extra from the trees you've marked and any that seem to be suitable for your needs of building a barn.

Where would you like me to bring them once I've gotten them chopped?

Fondly: Thor

Audio!

[nobroth]

Thor - nice to hear from another warrior. I've set up down here on the southwest edge of the village. It's closer to the trees, got some open area, but right now, it's pretty mobile. I figure I'll eventually build a roof over somewhere and use that, but for now, it's open-air logging.

[....Pause....]

That sounded horrible.

[assemble_the_lovbacken]

Dear: Alistair

I will bring all of the excess wood to this southwest edge of the village of which you speak. I can also assist you when it comes to erecting the barn itself, if you'd like! Between the two of us, it should be erected in no time, and it shall be erected firmly!

Fondly: Thor

[Thor is leaning heavily into the innuendo, just because it makes him giggle.]

[nobroth]

[Oh Maker's breath.]

We won't be the only ones working on it, but I'll definitely be glad of your help. A few more strong hands and we should be able to get it up pretty quickly.

[And he has no. Idea. What he just said.]

un: aqua

[aguidingkey]

I don't know anything about making lumber, but if you need help, I would be happy to try.

Audio!

[nobroth]

Anyone's welcome. It's not hard to understand, but I told somebody else, it'll make you damned sore for a few weeks until you get used to it, especially where I'm building the stuff that'll eventually make it easier.

Audio!

[aguidingkey]

I'm a warrior, so I should be able to handle it.

[ and even if she can't, she's willing to train more and build up those muscles. ]

Just tell me when and where to be. I'm happy to help.