I figured so much. Now, I praise God and instead of only praying for Qormlach I pray for all the new believers. But every day I pray for Qormlach specifically too. I praise God that a child explains the greatest truths to the others. I'll try to get some extra time with Qormlach and share Paul's letter to Timothy with him.
Nikolaj Rising
(470 posts) (3 voices)-
The orc church continues to grow through the summer; many of the orc women are also involved, although because of the restrictions on orc religious practices the groups meet separately in their barracks. Healings continue among them.
I need to know what you hope to accomplish in this time, apart from continuing to learn your leathercraft and produce more in that area.
--M. J. Young
Wed Apr 1 2009 6:22 am # -
I'd like to
1) Learn Qormlach the Bible stories. I ask him if their oral tradition relies on rhyme or more on storytelling or on song. If so I try to set the biblical stories to rhyme (if they use rhyme), or to some simple melody (A7,D,G ... the simple chords) (using my free time)
2) Make paintings to illustrate these. Preferably on wood or stone slabs, so it can stand up to be studied or viewed by multiple people at the same time. (using my free time)
3) Make several more wordless books. I try to get each orc family 2 (as far as there are families), so the women and men have the booklets. (they are seperated, right?) (using the free time)
4) Try to teach Qormlach on relevant issues, so he can take it to the barrack-groups. Reading what Christ and Paul says the behavior of slaves should be. I'd try to teach him the basics of marriage. I only have theoretical knowledge on it though. Stuff like that.
But I also encourage him to often return to the basics. Since those are most important and the basics for all else.5) Try to get the Lord's supper being introduced. I'll try to get as much to the original as I am possible. So not to much ritual, more real faith and representation. I'm NOT getting into a debate about whether Christ is the bread, is present in the bread or whether it is only symbolic. If asked I'll say I believe the second.
6) My hart burns in my chest to visit the congregation. So I'll try to think of a way to do this without risking the others. I would really like to share the bread and the Bread with fellow Christians once more. Maybe there is time for that on the day the others take rest.
7) I make more time for discipleship with Qormlach, taking from my own free time for that.
8) I pray for a breakthrough with the humans. Maybe Qormlach could find one in need and help him or something. Or I could actually get a connection through the games or the songs while I'm playing on the Uke.
9) Work at the leathershop (but that's just work.)
10) Look out for a way to make paint and what could be pigments for it. As far as I see now, I could use eggs or wax as an emulgator, but for the pigments I could use earth for brown (what color is the earth?), blood for red (as they slaughter the sheep and cows etc. I'm pretty sure they could spare a bucket from time to time), but for the others, I don't know. So I'm keeping an eye out for traders. My paints won't last forever. I've got gouache, clothing paint, aquarelle paints (waterbased) and then would have to switch to coloring pencils and oil pastels. I'll ask master Robert where he gets his pigments.
I'll start the day with prayer alone and end it with prayer alone, as I'm seeing a lot of scripture while educating Qormlach. I pray for protection for all the Christians, but also seperate for the new church, Qormlach and myself.
I think this is it. Can you work with this?
Wed Apr 1 2009 11:22 am # -
Orc oral tradition is by storytelling. Qormlach learns the stories fairly easily, and passes them on to the others.
Give me a list of twenty-five stories which you would teach him. The first of those would be the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Presumably the Last Supper is #2. That leaves you twenty-three more.
No pigments are used on this ranch for any of the crafts. The leatherwork uses compression imaging. It is hoped that you will figure out how to bring color to some of the work, but it has been done by other ranches working with leather and with cloth.
The dirt is brown, a rich loam where the gardening is done (due to composting), a lighter tan color away from there. Blood makes for a dark red-brown pigment when it dries.
There are a few berries whose juices stain your skin and clothes in various colors--red, purple, and blue. These are seasonal, but most are out in late summer and early fall.
One of the traders passing through has a metal knife designed for carving wood. The back is heavy and the blade angles in to a sharp point; the handle can be gripped comfortably for whittling/carving, and there is a wide flat back that can be tapped with a hammer or other striking tool. It is far from an X-acto kit, but with practice you could do some serious wood carving. It could be used, for example, to make wooden blocks for imprinting leather.
--M. J. Young
Thu Apr 2 2009 2:03 am # -
1) Birth, dead and resurrection of Christ
2) The Last Supper
3) Pentecost
4) Parable of the prodigal son
5) The sermon on the mount
6-12) The Kingdom parables (Matthew 13, with explanation when given in scripture. If not given (the precious pearl, the mustard seed, the buried treasure), I will teach him possibilities for that after that, but not as a story to be remembered. I will explain it in both ways I have found them possible. Two perspectives. One is the focus on the believer, the other has the focus on God. The mustard seed could be us or it could be Jesus. The buried treasure and the pearl of great price could have alternating roles, where we and Jesus can possibly switch place. Christ being the treasure and we giving our all for Him or We being the treasure for which God gave all.)
13) Parable of the vine
14) Parable of the laborers in the vineyard
15) Parable of the talents
16) Parable of the lost sheep
17) Parable of the Good Samaritan
18) Parable of the Pharisee and the publican
19) Parable of Pharisee and the publican
20) Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21) Parable of the two sons
22) The return of Christ (Apocalypse/Revelations + other relevant parts said by Christ)
23) The rich man and the beggar Lazarus
24) The deliverance of the possessed man in the lands of the Garazenes (aka Legion)
25) Faith that moves mountains, including the walking on water.I see if I can get some transparent oil and if that is not available, I'll need to see if I can tackle egg (or at the worst wax) tempura.
The woodworking knife makes my day. I look for something to trade for it. Maybe one of the colorful shirts or a ballpoint pen or something. If I can get the knife I'll be looking for slabs of wood to carve. It will take longer, but the pictures will be reproducible and it will be easier to spread them around. Another detail pops into my mind. What will I print it on? I guess there will be no paper here. I'll have to ask Robert if our next project could be making parchment.
Thu Apr 2 2009 2:49 pm # -
18 and 19 are the same, so you have one more slot.
Any of your shirts would be acceptable in trade for the knife. They are of a remarkable quality of fabric and stitching, and despite being somewhat used will make excellent trade items. Looking over your equipment sheet, I find these shirts listed:
- Red short-sleeved T-shirt
Light blue long-sleeved T-shirt
blue, short sleeved, wide shirt with grungy black print
longsleeved dark brown T-shirt
3 multi-colored Hawaiian shirts
Pastel blue dress shirtVegetable oil is available, as is lard from the meat. The vegetable oil is purer, but available in smaller quantities. The lard is lighter in color (closer to clear) but congeals at room temperature.
Parchment exists. Robert knows how to make it. It will take some time and work to get the tools and equipment. He asks why you want to do it.
I know how to make paper from wood or cloth or old paper; I don't know with any certainty how parchment is made. If you've got any information on this it will save me a lot of time and work, so I'm bouncing that question to you: how is parchment made?
--M. J. Young
Thu Apr 2 2009 10:44 pm # -
Ah, I slipped there. Hmmm... The healing of the ten lepers.
For the trade: longsleeved dark brown T-shirt
For the oil, vegetable oil. That's how the old masters did it.About parchement. It takes a while indeed (I saw a documentary on it, but they substituted some stuff with mechanical stuff.
It's actually rather nasty. Skinning the animal, purifying the skin (including removing zits the size of big grapes or small apples. But I don't remember much about it. It had something to do with chalk and letting it stay over night, putting it on a frame and sanding it. Eventually even coloring if needed.
I tell master Robert that I'd like to make my own parchment afterward, so that I can print on it. I show some sketches that I already made, which I want to transfer to the woodblock (mirror image). The sketch shows a couple in a stable under a rock, holding a radiant baby while shepherds are coming to great it and a big star is seen above the place.
Thu Apr 2 2009 11:00 pm # -
Master Robert says that parchment is very difficult and time consuming, but it would probably be a good product to add to the work there. He will have to build some of the equipment, and pick some up on the next trip to the village.
It strikes me to ask: most of the men with whom you live are "shepherds". They ride the range, herding the sheep. They look like cowboys, in the main. Most of the nativity pictures I have seen have "shepherds" dressed in traditional Middle Eastern garb, draped headware secured by cords, long robes, crooked staves in hand. What do the "shepherds" look like in your picture?
Your leatherworking skills are improving gradually.
It is late in the summer when the trip to the village is being organized. You are on the list of travelers, because it is hoped you will be able to find what you need for pigments for the leatherwork.
On the day of departure, you find that Qormlach is also in the group. It seems he, and several other of the Christian orcs, are being sold.
--M. J. Young
Sat Apr 4 2009 12:21 am # -
Hey Mark,
I just returned from the Ukraine. I'm going to have to quit gaming again. I'm not condemning the game, nor the gamers. It's just that God made it clear to me (again) that it is not for me to play this game. He wants me to have adventures for real ;)
I wish you all much luck and blessing. I'm probably not returning, but my e-mail is always available. (denolaj@gmail.com)
Mon Apr 13 2009 2:22 pm # -
There will always be a seat for you at our table, Nikolaj. The Lord be with you.
--M. J. Young
Tue Apr 14 2009 6:01 am # -
Hi Mark,
I've had some real adventures since the last time, and my conscience doesn't seem to mind me picking this back up, so if you have the time for it, I can take my chair at the table again. Please do not feel pressured to take me. I know you are a busy man.
Getting back into the game, the nativity picture would portray shepherds as I see them here. Some sheep and some shepherds, maybe also their horses (if I remember correctly they rode horses). They would have a humble posture, dismounted, hat in hand, probably kneeling.
On the day of departure I have a double feeling. I am thrilled about seeing more of this world. Maybe I'll meet elves and dwarves! And also I will meet people who will be different from the almost only shepherd population at the ranch. This will be interesting.
Yet, knowing that Qormlach will be sold, is really bitter. He has been a good disciple, and even more, a good friend. It seems like I will have to start over again entirely. I realize the opportunity of spreading the gospel. "But does he know enough? Is he ready to go?"
For certainty's sake, I make sure to take enough trading material with me, so that if needed or wanted, I could buy him for myself. Ideally it makes me have to take some stuff with me that is too much for me to carry. So I will seperate everything in two of my boxes requiring two people to carry it, which would be Qormlach and a friend he can choose for himself.
That way, I am sure that he's with me on the way. I will pray for clearness in this matter. I doubt that I can buy everyone, nor that I should. This message (the gospel) needs to be spread out to more than the ranch.
I talk about this with Qormlach, seeing what he thinks about this.
P.S.: is the preview function gone?
Tue Sep 1 2009 7:16 pm # -
It is good to have you back in action, Nikolaj; I was really excited about this story, and looking forward to continuing it.
This forum software did not have a preview function; you can edit after posting, though, within about a week.
In your discussions with Qormlach, he recalls your stories from the Book of Acts, and how God scattered the church from its home so that the gospel could be carried to the rest of the world. He does not know if he knows enough, but apparently it is time for the message to spread, and he knows as much as any orc alive. It is kind of you to offer to buy him; but there are still believers at the ranch, and that he has been chosen to carry the message to the world thus is an honor and a thrill.
What he does not know, God will have to tell him. It seems a simple enough message, though: God loves people of all kinds so much that He was willing to live and die as one of us, to bring us to Himself and to each other. The rest follows fairly simply from that.
--M. J. Young
Tue Sep 1 2009 9:37 pm # -
Glad to be back. This story indeed is thrilling. And thought provoking. How necessary do I deem evangelism in real life? What should I be doing with it? ...
Talking with Qormlach reassured me. Still, it's losing a friend, so it is a bittersweet parting. Bitter for his leaving, sweet for him being able to tell the world about Christ. And as with the early church, I'll have to trust that God 'fills in the gaps' and that eventually maybe even something of a canon might be formed in this world so that it would be clearer for people to test things.
I decide to pray with Qormlach, asking God's blessing over this new chapter in his life and to protect and keep him, as well as to give him wisdom, insight and love. A holy courage and hope. I pray that the fire of love for God in his hearth may keep on burning and spread through this world, setting other harts ablaze. (while praying for somebody I usually also open my heart for visions, prophetic images or clues if I have to pray further. I also pray that one of the Christians might be the new slave in the workshop, if there would come a new slave. And after praying I tell him to love and serve his new masters as best as he could, as if he would be serving Christ. I repeat (I think I would have told them this already) how the bible asks for slaves to treat their masters.
As for the prayer, this system requires a set time right? I'd say somewhere between 5 minutes or half an hour. Also depending on what God would be revealing me, if anything. Maybe a prophecy about his new masters or about his new ministry as an evangelist. Also while waiting for the prophetic part I'd probably be praying in tongues and if Qormlach agrees, which I take for granted, I will have my hand on his shoulder while praying.(so that's touch willing subject or something probably)
Do I need to specify the stuff I took for trading now, or can I leave it nondescript and decide at the moment of the eventual trading? Did I get trading stuff from master Robert to get the pigments or other stuff?
Nikolaj
Tue Sep 1 2009 10:10 pm # -
It is not impossible that Qormlach might return to you at some point in the future; this world may still be just getting started.
Concerning the mechanics of prayer, such details are required when specific observable results are desired. From what I am reading, you are praying a rather general blessing and empowerment on Qormlach; this is distinct from conferring the Holy Spirit (which you did previously, and I believe it was confirmed with a gift of visions or something similar at the time, if memory serves). You receive visions at times, but this is not because you pray for them but because sometimes God grants them--not exactly randomly, but sometimes when you pray. This time you do not get such a vision.
I remind that Qormlach is not the only believing orc being sold on this trip. In transit, the segregation of orcs from humans is less practiced, and it is easier for you to interact with them. They do have a sort of reverent gratitude toward you as the apostle who brought the message to them.
Concerning your own things, is there any reason you would not have brought everything you own with you? You don't own that much, but if you are leaving some things back at the ranch, give me a list (either of what you are taking or of what you are not, whichever is easier for you). (If you need your most recent equipment sheet, I can post it, but it probably does not include objects obtained in this world.)
Concerning goods to trade, the caravan chief has these secured in several wagons, and will be responsible for them. He has been instructed to make every reasonable effort to provide you with the pigments you need, if these are available.
--M. J. Young
Thu Sep 3 2009 2:31 am # -
Aha! I expected high segragation still, but if that is not, I do get to know the other orcs as well. Bless them all and share the word with them, have prayertime with them and if possible, even 'communion'/last supper.
I pray that they may find good masters and read/translate Col 3:22-24.
"Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve."Browsing through my concordance I will try to go through all the slave themed parables and examples Christ gives to teach the people. One in the morning, one in the evening and if they want more, one at midday too. Depending on how much work they have to do. I do not want to keep them from their work, but give them the possibility to learn/pray/come to rest in their spare time.
I don't leave anything behind. It's easier just to have everything at hand indeed.
Thu Sep 3 2009 8:48 am # -
It's a bit difficult to be highly segregated in a wagon train....
It takes five days to reach the village, a bustling community in which something near a thousand people live within a mile of the center of town. There are butchers, bakers, tailors, traders in various goods, a Gaian chapel, restaurants, inns, and taverns, livestock dealers, and the slave auction. The caravan head makes arrangements for everyone to stay in a local inn, room and board for three nights, during which time he hopes to accomplish everything. The segregation is restored, as the orcs are housed in a cheap barracks near the slave auction. It begins with tonight's dinner, and you will sleep here three nights, have breakfast the last morning, and hit the road to return.
--M. J. Young
Fri Sep 4 2009 2:01 am # -
So in those five days travel I pray with the slaves, do studies, teach them, bless them and just get to know them. I'll try to be there for pastoral care too.
The last day of travel, with segregation getting back in action, I give them all a short blessing before seeing them off and bidding them goodbye and good luck.After first helping getting the right pigments for the leather and getting pigments for the paints I'll browse the markets and the shops. Window-shopping. I'll take a look at the slave auctions. Which strikes me as odd since there is no currency being used.
Fri Sep 4 2009 9:09 am # -
Indeed, the slave auctions are not open affairs but rather quiet sorts of events. The slaves are identified along with their sellers and lists of goods the sellers are hoping to obtain, and potential buyers submit offers of goods and/or services to be rendered in exchange for individual slaves. A slave might be traded for a horse, or a particularly good slave for two horses or two poor slaves for a good horse. Blacksmithing services, baked goods, cloth, trade goods from other parts of the world, and even dwarfish coins (the dwarfs trade in precious metals and so have developed coinage; among humans and elves these are interesting bits of metal, but most of their use is trading them with dwarfs and with others who trade with dwarfs).
So there is no block and open bidding, but more a private assessment of what each potential buyer is willing to offer for a slave. It is a relatively slow process, taking a few days to move them, except that there are a few who make a living trading in slaves who will make offers on scores of them and then transport these to other villages to trade elsewhere. Thus you can be guaranteed some offer on nearly any slave, but if you have more time you are more likely to get a better offer.
Qormlach's skills in leatherwork get him picked up by a local tanner very quickly. A few of the others have been picked up for household work. Those with mostly herding and husbandry experience are bought by traveling slavers to take elsewhere.
You get to meet Qormlach's new owner, who thinks you and your people have done wonders with the boy's training. He asks if there's some particular reason why he is being sold. He also helps you with pigments, showing you what he uses and how he compounds it. Some of which is vegetable matter which you can get at the ranch, but he also uses some ingredients imported from the dwarf mines. These are a bit expensive but very beautiful and durable if you use them right, so a well-printed bit of work with these strong colors can fetch a handsome price.
--M. J. Young
Sat Sep 5 2009 1:03 am # -
Qormlach
I am glad to meet Qormlach's new owner. I thank him for the compliment. I ask him where it shows, in the general attitude or in the tanning? I explain that I can only speak for myself. I tell him that I've treated him as an actual person. He has become a friend.If that is a bit much to take I explain that positive motivation also does much. I never whipped or hurt him in any way, but encouraged him when he did something good. I also have spent fun times with him, telling jokes, which he understands and can laugh about. "Isn't it, Quormlach," I say, sniffing my nose and smiling as I look to him. (Alluding to the very first joke I told him. "What's green and goes upward really fast?")
The greatest factor though, is that he got to know my God. "He came to live in the boy with His Spirit, just like in me. In our hart.", I explain. But if you allow him, he can explain it to you as well. And when you are ill or hurt, I encourage you to ask him to pray for you. God seems to work in him that way. I've taught him the most important stories about my God. You people don't know Him, but he knows you, and loves you. He wants to adopt you in His family.
I tell him that Qormlach is a clever boy. He might just be able to learn to read and write if it would be taught to him. I don't know why they sold him. Maybe they were finding me getting to familiar with him. But I don't make the call. I'm not his real master.
I also write down everything I learn about the pigments. Taking care to what he uses as emulsion. Is it oil or water-based? I suspect oil based. It could be egg-based. What gives best quality?
Shopping
I will look for wood-carving implements if I don't have them yet. (I cant recall if the traveling trader had some or not.) I look for a couple bowls good for mixing the pigments in. I think I'll go for pottery, if it's carefully packed (in cloth or something, to protect it). If there are wooden bowls, they should be coated to not take the pigments too much I think.I will visit dwarven traders (the new master of Qormlach's recommendation) and buy some of the pigments that can't be made from the vegetable matter. I'll have mechanical stuff to trade with them. My camera, ballpoint pens, ...
I also look for some kind of local clothing that's not leather. Like linen or something. I'll trade some of my own (undoubtedly exotic here) clothing.
Sat Sep 5 2009 6:36 am # -
The man raises an eyebrow at your mention of Qormlach's relationship to God. "So, he's not Gaian, but he worships some god that is not an Orc god? That's very odd. Well, as long as he's not disruptive. I don't force my orcs to embrace Gaian faith. But it's odd that you would teach orcs some other religion. Orc religions are one of the leading reasons for selling them."
Pigments are usually oil-based, as it soaks into the leather better. There are also ways to use the pigments while tanning the leather which give different results from using them on leather that's already been tanned, but of course the stretching that is part of tanning distorts images so mostly this is used for a base color.
Just to be clear, the "dwarven traders" in town are not dwarfs but humans who travel to the dwarf regions to trade for dwarf goods.
The only pens I see are listed as "Loose papers, a pen a pencil a coloured pen (green or red)". If you wish, you can trade both of those for a very nice knife set, because the trader has seen nothing like those and is certain his dwarf customers would be interested in such a thing.
You can trade your clothes one-for-one for comparable new items. Yours are certainly exotic, but they are also a bit worn. These clothes come in cotton, linen, and various grades of wool; warm coats come quilted. Blended fabrics are unknown, but quilting will often have one fabric inside and an different one outside (most commonly cotton shell with wool fill), although down linings are also available. Colors are limited, rarely bright, always solid. Tell me what items you are trading and what you are getting for them.
--M. J. Young
Sun Sep 6 2009 10:26 pm # -
Concerning Qormlach
As I talk with Qormlach's new owner I silently and quickly pray that my words about God will reach his hart somewhere. I tell him how I believe my God has sent me to this place to tell about Him. "He is above Gaia, and I have seen Gaia submitting to Him in the Spiritworld. She seems to serve Him." He is the one true God to which spirit-beings as Gaia should be pointing. Gaia shows us the nature that our God created and designed. She may have helped Him execute it, but it comes from Him. All life comes from Him. And even though He is so powerful and supreme, He still wants to get to know us and be our Father, our Friend, our Comforter, our Teacher, and so much more.He wants to walk close to us. Normally we can't come to Him because He is perfect, and face it, we are not. We've all done things wrong. That's what we call sin. He wanted to be with us so much that a part of Him came down from the heavens to earth and became human. He became one of us. Lived like us, but without doing things wrong. And then He died for all that we have done wrong, so that if we want to get close to God, we can, because He loved us so much, that He carried our punishment so that we can be with Him.
But we still have the choice. If we don't want to be with Him, and we don't try to live like He wants us too, there is only one other alternative. And that is not being with the Source of all life. The All-Father. Our souls, our life would be condemned to live on after this life in a lifeless, barren, cold, dark, evil place, instead of with Him, in paradise.
(I suspect Qormlach to be in prayer during this conversation (if Q. is present), interceding and pleading that the message finds a place in the man's heart)
Trading
I'll trade the pens for the knife set. I'll trade my clothes for a winter and a summer outfit in the local garb. If they have a leather trench coat (?) I'll also try to trade something for that. I've got the rings and rubies but plan to use them as last measure because stuff that seem ordinary for me are strange and exotic here and might be worth a lot. I'll also try to trade some pigments for my own use (printing). (and those bowls)I browse around, looking to see if I find some kind of type, maybe even dictionaries of English-Elvish, English-Orc, English-Dwarvish... I look around and try to get an impression of the cultures. My focus will mainly go to art (in all forms) and mechanical gadgetry, the attitude of the traders, toys and if there are children around I'll notice them right away and watch them play and see how the parents treat their children.
Sun Sep 6 2009 10:52 pm # -
English appears to be the common language of the "free" peoples--elves, dwarfs, and men. The culture here is not much different from the ranch, but a bit less structured. (At the ranch, everyone is part of one communal group; here there are multiple groups interacting with each other, most of them smaller.)
Here is your current equipment list:
- Laptop bag, used as luggage
- 2 Bibles, Dutch
- Several Christian tracts, English
- 5 Gospel booklets, English
- Loose papers, a pen a pencil a coloured pen (green or red)
- Brightly colored blue boots (Like Docter Martin’s)
- A notebook containing muses and sketches.
- A lunchbox (before lunch it will be filled and afterwards it will be empty)
- Keys
- 2 memorysticks (1 Gb and 128 Mb) Mac and Pc compatible
- Wallet (ID, social security card, other membership and customercards (like Captain's Kebab wink.gif) and used bustickets
- Laptop (Microsoft)
- Red short-sleeved T-shirt
- Light blue long-sleeved T-shirt
- Worn costume vest (black)
- Light blue jeans
- Brown belt
- Black boxershorts
- grey sportsocks
- Sneakers patterned with blue and red versions of the all-star/converse logo made in different kinds of numberplate-like images. The laces are white (or they were at least)
- Bank card in wallet
- 50 eurocents change
- Keys of my appartment and my sister's apartement (including one key that doesn't work because it's from a changed lock, I've got the new one though) and a key from my fathers barbershop.
- Some graphic design books
- Concordance
- Cell Phone
- jeans jacket (dark blue) with a patch sewn on it (A black rectangular patch with the statement 'FIRST JESUS FIRST' embroided in white upon it)
- black boxers
- blue, short sleeved, wide shirt with grungy black print
- Darkgreen Shorts (jeans, with big pockets)
- pair of white socks
- Ukulele (Soprano) in bag with booklet for singing and plectrum and sheets with chords notifications.
- Art trunk, small, contains charcoal, black ink, dried walnut powder (Bister), paper tape, goache, acrylics, ecoline, aquarelle and colouring pencils
- Markers, several colors
- Camera, still photography
- Photographic developing gear with chemicals (black & white)
- Tripod for camera
- $70,000 B Monster Movie World money from the Architect
- Book, Dante's Divine Comedy, paperback
- First Aid Kit (bandages, salves, et cetera)
- Flashlight, recharging by physical motion
- Magnesium Flint & Steel fire starter block
- 6" blade sheath knife
- Portable water filtration system with sealable bottle
- Field Book survival manual, paperback
- Tent, nylon two-man pup tent with staves, stakes, and lines
- 50' nylon 1/2" climbing rope
- Folding camp shovel
- Sleeping bag, arctic protection
- 10 pairs underwear
- 10 pairs socks
- 3 multi-colored Hawaiian shirts
- Bright Purple knickers (mid-calf length pants)
- Bright Yellow slacks
- Dark red jeans
- Navy pin-striped suit with vest
- Pastel blue dress shirt
- Black dress shoes, tie
- Aluminum packing case, padded, 2.5' cube with side handles and wheels, to contain photographic equipment
- Aluminum packing case, padded, 2.5' cube with side handles and wheels, to contain art supplies
- Aluminum packing case, padded, 2.5' cube with side handles and wheels, for personal gear
- Aluminum packing case, padded, 2.5'x1.5'x9" suitcase style, for clothing
- Padlocks, combination style, 4, for packing cases
- $1445 B Monster Movie value in gold and silver coins, rings, necklaces
- metal knife designed for carving wood, heavy back, edge angles to sharp point, handle gripp for whittling/carving, wide flat back for chiseling.
The caravan head will cover the trades for the bowls and pigments; it is expected that you will need extra for experimentation, since you are developing this line, so some will be expected to go to you. Pottery bowls are available, and they are nicely glazed to keep them from being porous.
Your preaching to the leatherman is very effective, and soon he is praying with you, meeting this God about Gaia of whom you have spoken. Qormlach is rejoicing with you.
--M. J. Young
Tue Sep 8 2009 5:04 am # -
Wow! Qormlach really found his place! I am very pleased! I will take at least one of the days I am there to spend with him and go over the basics with him, confident that Qormlach can take care of it when I am gone. I ask Qormlach to take out the wordless book and start explaining it to the guy. In the prayer indeed I ask that he may Meet God and that His Spirit may come to dwell in this life as he lays his old life down to receive the new life.
I'll also touch baptism and if he wants we can search out a pond or something and get him baptized.
--------------------
Meanwhile at the market I'll trade the light blue jeans (for the heavy pants), darkgreen shorts (jeans, with big pockets) (for the light pants), a Hawaiian shirt (for a light shirt) and then I realize that I don't seem to have any sweaters. So I choose the ... navy pin-striped suit with vest to get the heavy shirt and if possible the jacket with it. I don't want to lose my jeans jacket and the worn vest is just awfull, I wont give it to them. If they want something else for the jacket I consider the bright blue boots.
Tue Sep 8 2009 8:04 am # -
I think this guy might need a name, just so we can refer to the church in his house in the future; any thoughts on your end? I was considering Cornelius, for its mnemonic value, but Simon might be easier on that count.
The town draws its water from a central well, and it takes quite a bit of work to fill the tub for bathing (which might just be big enough for a baptistry); otherwise, there's a livestock watering hole about half a mile or so outside town that would do.
Your trades are acceptable. You give up the light blue jeans, dark green shorts, one Hawaiian shirt, and the navy pin-striped suit, and in exchange you get heavy wool pants, light cotton pants, light cotton shirt, heavy wool shirt, and leather long coat (that's right, isn't it? trench coat style).
--M. J. Young
Sat Sep 12 2009 3:03 am # -
Simon is nice enough :) I could make it more difficult by letting him choose a new name after his baptism, but I would be meta-gaming then, I would not normally do that. :)
Simon
I let Simon choose where he wants to be baptized. I tell him that baptizing is a choise that you show. First to God, but oten also to people, that you will follow Jezus. The bible has an example of there being no other people present (just on the road to, with the guy Philip baptized), while on other occasions it would have been normal to assume other people being there, it even being just in public. It would give a chance to tell other people about it as they will no doubt be curious.Market
Did I find any interesting cultural trinkets? Musical instruments, statues, woven tapestries/cloth...OOC:
Trenchcoat is right.My posting rate will be slower, since I moved and only have internet access at the library. I intend to keep it that way, since otherwise I tend to procrastinate too much due to internet.
Mon Sep 14 2009 11:28 am # -
The baptism takes place at the watering hole, since it doesn't matter and that's easier.
There are several shops that handle jewelry, obviously made by dwarfs, including buckles, clasps, brooches (which are designed to secure a cloak), but also necklaces, bracelets, and rings. These are made of various metals sometimes with gemstones. There are also a few quilts and woven blankets for sale in clothing stores, although it seems that these are among the things the women make back at the ranch, so there's not too much sense in buying one here.
--M. J. Young
Tue Sep 15 2009 12:45 am # -
Simon
There is celebration and thanksgiving. I ask him if he can read and write. I'm fairly sure of it, but better to ask. If so, I'll be trying to write him letters from the ranch and will attempt to translate my copy from the bible in English. I tell him this. If he knows someone he trust that would like to read for him if he's not able that might be cool too. (I did not use the term 'cool' with him.)I've seen enough at the market. I'm ready to move on, it seems like this is concluded.
Tue Sep 15 2009 12:39 pm # -
The return journey is much as the outgoing one, but of course that you have fewer orcs and none of the believers. It will be five days of camping along the route, eating food cooked on a campfire, and sleeping in blankets on the ground. The weather holds, and (if you've nothing else you want to address on the journey) you are soon back at the ranch.
You have pigments, a sulfur yellow, a clay red, a mint green, a dark green, a cobalt blue, and a nearly black earthy dark brown.
--M. J. Young
Tue Sep 15 2009 11:58 pm # -
I don't adress anything on the journey. If Simon confirmed that he can read or write or has a friend who can read for him I might be trying to translate one of Paul's letters in English. I will do it in prayer though, petitioning God to keep me from errors and to use me as a way to get His Word out to this people. To make sure I'm not blotting, I'll use a ballpoint pen.
Wed Sep 16 2009 1:35 pm # -
As I sit upon the cart, slowly being hustled and bustled as I think. I review all that's happened as I look upon the setting sun. The sleepy orange disk is lazily hanging over the horizon, ready to fall asleep in that bed of soft clouds.
I think on my arrival, falling right into an ambush of wild orcs who were trying to kill the ranchers who were working with the wood there. I nearly got killed on the spot. God saved me though, He had a plan. It must be very special if he allowed me to die two times before arriving here.
Funny thing, as soon as I arrived at the ranch I saw the slavery. I could understand the ambush attempt of the orcs. I do not agree with it. But I can understand, only in part of course, what they must be feeling. And it is them who I've now reached. Isn't that like God? Using the smallest and most feeble things to show us His greatness and strength and beauty and splendour? He's so great.
Now the Word of God has been accepted here and I can find a way to keep it here. My purpose is clear. The gospel is already spreading and revival might be coming soon!
There will be opposition in the spiritual realm though. Yet God is greater. I need to stay on His side, fight temptation and keep in contact with Him.My thoughts are disturbed as Zeke calls out for me.
"Nik, I need your hands, we're setting up camp for the night."
The sun is almost gone, but I rest assured that it will rise again tomorrow. It show's the faithfulness of God.
"Coming!"
Wed Sep 16 2009 2:16 pm # -
Which epistle were you translating?
In five days you are back home; the next morning returns you to the leather shop. There is a new orc boy, this one about nine by his appearance, assigned to help. He was born here on the ranch, and his father works with the sheep while his mother works in the house. They are pleased that their son was chosen to learn leatherwork, even though they know it will probably mean he will be sold when he has learned enough.
His name is Bredd.
Before lunch, the head of the shop (name slips my mind at the moment) says that he'd love to see the pigments after lunch.
--M. J. Young
Thu Sep 17 2009 1:40 am # -
Translation
I would probably translate Galatians. You asking me, probably means that Simon can read.
I will also keep a paper besides it to explain stuff they would not know because of the difference of worlds. Now, I would explain in there also that the text is true, 100% correct and the inspired word of God. I would also explain that this commentary is just my words, meant to help, but not as absolute as the letters.The workshop
They are pleased that their son was chosen to learn leatherwork, even though they know it will probably mean he will be sold when he has learned enough.
Does this mean that I talked to their parents or has master Robert told me?
As I see the boy I walk straight to him and offer him my hand for a handshake. "Hi there ... Bredd was it, right? Nice to meet you! I see we'll be working togheter! Cool! It will be fun!"
I arrange with master Robert to show him the pigments after lunch. I will also bring my notes and explain that we have rescources here to make our own. So I did not buy those pigments. I suggest I'll go collect some ingredients with Bredd so we can try to make some of our own. I am excited.
I also tell him that I bought me that jacket there. I hope he does not mind, since he's in the same buisness. Maybe we could make a trenchcoat toghether some day. We made a normal jacket toghether I remember.
Thu Sep 17 2009 12:14 pm # -
Sorry--Yes, Simon can read.
I'm assuming that Bredd told you his parents' feelings. There would be little reason for you to have contact with either of the parents, and less for them to be together if you did. I was pretty much thumbnailing basic info you would gather in the first day or two of working with him (trying to anticipate what you would ask and what he would volunteer).
Your coat is made of cow's leather, which is of a different quality than the leathers used in the shop, most of which are from the sheep (it is a sheep ranch, as I recall) and some from wild animals which wander in from the jungle seeking an easy meal. Master Robert is not upset that you got a good cow's leather coat, noting that it would be more difficult to make something in that length from sheep's leather without a lot of seams.
My impression is that you did get some pigments--dry powders to be mixed with oils--in addition to learning something about them. But making your own is also good.
Robert asks whether you'll need an escort to watch your back, if you're going to be too near the jungle. Otherwise, he's fine with you taking Bredd hunting for ingredients for pigments.
You won't have Galatians translated in time to leave it in the village, but you can send or take it back on the next trip, probably in a few months.
--M. J. Young
Fri Sep 18 2009 5:13 am # -
I'm assuming that Bredd told you his parents' feelings. There would be little reason for you to have contact with either of the parents, and less for them to be together if you did. I was pretty much thumbnailing basic info you would gather in the first day or two of working with him (trying to anticipate what you would ask and what he would volunteer).
I suspected that, but was not sure. If I would have had a chance on getting to the parents I would have taken it :)
My impression is that you did get some pigments--dry powders to be mixed with oils--in addition to learning something about them. But making your own is also good.
I thought that I noted down what ingredients were needed and which we had here at K-Ranch. I would not know ofcourse whether the merchant would share how to process them to get the pigment powder. But if he did, then I would have written it down.
Robert asks whether you'll need an escort to watch your back, if you're going to be too near the jungle. Otherwise, he's fine with you taking Bredd hunting for ingredients for pigments.
"That might be smart, I guess.", I tell him. This is an unexpected turn of events. If I would have gathered with Bredd alone, I could have good talks with him and share about Christ. But maybe if there would be protection... Well, it could hamper or it could turn out a blessing (like with Simon!). I agree with master Robert to have protection, and tonight I pray that the man guarding us will be open to me handling the orc boy as a normal person. "Even better if He would also come to accept you.", I told the Lord.
You won't have Galatians translated in time to leave it in the village, but you can send or take it back on the next trip, probably in a few months.
I was counting on that.
Fri Sep 18 2009 9:16 am # -
You find that the task of translating Galatians has had a significant impact on your understanding of the text. Part of that is simply that you had to think more about what each word in Dutch meant to find the right word in English; part of it was that you had to read it rather thoroughly and make sense of it to be certain that the English meant what the Dutch meant.
You are now becoming a Bible Translator. Translating Galatians will take you only a few weeks, I think, but this is a very intensive program of study, and in a few months you will reach 2@1 as a professional in your religion if you continue translating other books.
Early the next day there is an armed herdsman waiting at the leather shop. "I was told," he says, "that you needed protection for some sort of exploration near the jungle? Anyway, that's why I'm here."
He's a large man, powerfully built, and is carrying a wood axe.
--M. J. Young
Sun Sep 20 2009 2:16 am # -
Cool! I chose Galations because it was fairly short and somewhat more practical then say Romans. Yet I would think that afterwards I would choose Romans unless I don't feel comfortable enough about it, then I would choose one of John's letters. I expected the raise of Religion. Remember that I also make some kind of 'reader's guide'/commentary about it to go with Galatians. Also remember that my translation is preceded by a prayer for guidance and inspiration. I might at times be praying in tongues while reading the text and/or while thinking about it.
"Hello! Yes. I'm Nikolaj and", I look around, "there is Bredd. We're going to hunt for some herbs and other materials so we can make some pigments. That would bring more variety to the leatherwork. I understood from master Robert that it is fairly dangerous when close to the jungle, and that's why we have your help."
Once Bredd comes closer, I take my list of materials. And face my two companions. "Now, before we go, I'd like to pray for protection over us. Is that okay with you guys?" I look both of them in the eye while waiting for answer. (Just making eye-contact, not intimidating or anything)
If not, I pray it for myself (and if one of them wants and another doesn't I'll pray it for the one who wants too.) and then we're off. First on the list ...
You can just give a summarry of how it went, we don't need to go off item by item on the list, unless a certain important discision has to be made.
Mon Sep 21 2009 1:19 pm # -
The man says, "I am always eager to have the protection of the Lady Gaia in my work, and would gladly join you in this prayer."
Bredd says nothing either way.
--M. J. Young
Tue Sep 22 2009 5:25 am # -
I look at the man with a smile. I expected that. Or should've anyway. "I'll be praying to her boss", I tell him, and then I lead them into a prayer for protection and guidance, with laying on of hands, if allowed. (Is permission needed on laying on of hands another bonus or benifit? Anyway, I am used to asking permission first.)
Wed Sep 23 2009 12:36 pm # -
Contact itself gives the bonus; if contact is resisted, you have to roll for it.
"Her boss, huh? Well, that sounds like the way to do it. Never heard before that she had a boss--creator of the world and all--but I suppose it makes sense."
I find that you have one protection prayer listed, which reads:
- 1@1 Protection against Spirit Powers M+1@6 pray 15:00 for protection, gives RS=SM against attacks by spirits for 80:00, duration tolls from first such attack, +9SMThat does not cover attacks by orcs or wild beasts from the jungle. Are you creating a new prayer at this time, and if so can you give me details?
--M. J. Young
Thu Sep 24 2009 1:14 am # -
"Well, while she may have made this world, her boss made the universe, and I suspect her having helped creating stuff, like this world or parts of this world, but all by order of God."
Then I explain that I want to put my hands on their shoulders. If they don't want that I'll do it without contact. I close my eyes and pray. "Lord pleace protect us on this journey. Protect us from possible attacks from orcs or wild beasts as we look for the things we need. Thank you Lord. Amen." This will be about one minute I think, maximum.
Thu Sep 24 2009 3:21 pm # -
You have a strong assurance of protection.
The man says, "Thank you."
After an awkward moment, he says, "Well, if we're ready?"
--M. J. Young
Thu Sep 24 2009 11:04 pm # -
Do you have any skill or experience that might be relevant to this hunt--foraging for edible plants, or rock hunting for specific geologic samples?
--M. J. Young
Mon Sep 28 2009 12:33 am #
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