<31 August 2024, GRAND MESA OF SUMMER, A+> [Theo and Julia] Ordus lead them across the Overlook to the very edge of their claimed land. Waiting outside of it were three very large, very muscular goblins holding spears. In front of them were Kreldar and Harbek. When they got there, Harbek channeled a skill.

>Local Message: Universal Translation Active

The largest of the goblins stepped forward, careful not to cross into their claimed territory. "Greetings, pinkskins; we are glad to see that you did not fall to the corrupted one and weathered the storm."

"Hello," Theo said, somewhat amused at the Goblins. "So what can we do for you?"

"I am Treg Sput, the chief warrior of the tribe of Krax." The Goblin slammed the butt of his spear into the ground, "our elders have asked me to extend to you an offer of peace and cooperation. Our tribe and your Family seem to be destined to exist next to one another. So for today, we offer this."

He extended a hand to one of the other Goblins, and they gave him a scroll, which Treg then offered out. Ordus stepped forward and took the scroll. He then handed it to Theo. Theo unrolled the scroll and saw that it was a short paragraph of System Glyphs.

Theo read them out loud. "The Family Sorrin and the tribe of Krax agree to a year of non-aggression. Both parties will do their best to stay out of the way of the other. If the Family Sorrin needs to meet with the tribe of Krax, they shall light a large bonfire at sunset on the southeasternmost point of their claimed upper mesa. If the tribe of Krax needs to meet with the Family Sorrin, they shall send a messenger who will build a fire at the southwestern end of the claimed territory. If the Family Sorrin needs to travel to the lower valleys, they are free to travel the route they traveled last time. Both parties agree to not expand their claims further into the Grand Mesa of Summer without discussing with the other party."

Theo and Julia looked at each other, and Julia shrugged before nodding. Theo looked back to Treg, "If we both can agree to abide by this, I think this is fine."

Treg nodded and gestured for the third Goblin, who started channeling a skill. Theo and Julia got a message.

>Private Message: The Summer Goblin Blizz Mokk is attempting to use the 'Tribal Diplomat' Skill on you. Do you agree?

Theo and Julia agreed, and Treg spoke when Blizz Mokk nodded. "As a representative of the tribe of Krax, I swear that the tribe shall uphold this agreement."

Theo saw System Runes representing the tribe of Krax appear on the scroll. He looked up at Treg. "As a representative and founder of the Family Sorrin, we both swear that the Family Sorrin will uphold this agreement."

"Agreed," Julia said, and both of their names appeared in System Glyphs next to the glyphs for the tribe.

Treg nodded and whistled; a fourth goblin walked out of a nearby bush and dropped a canvas sack that squirmed. "We offer this one as a symbol of our alliance and as a wish of future strength for you and your Family. Strength and Honor."

With that, the large Goblins turned and jogged away. Harbek sagged, and his skill faded.

>Local Message: Universal Translation Deactivated

Theo and Julia looked at the bag and carefully opened it. The bag fell away from a small woman only two and a half feet tall. Her large silver eyes were without pupils and stood in stark contrast to her arms, face, and legs, which were covered in fine, soft grey fur. As they watched, two feathery antennae unfurled from her head, and a set of patterned wings that seemed to shimmer fluttered on her back. She wore a threadbare dress and small bronze shackles on her ankles.

She burbled something to them and bowed. Ordus, who looked very surprised, translated. "Greetings, masters, I am Luma, and I live to serve."

Theo shook his head, "Nope. Not fucking doing it. Luma, how do we set you free?"

Ordus continued translating for Luma, "I am unable to leave with these shackles on as they are lined with cold iron and weigh me down. If you truly wish to free me, declare me free to the System, and then cut the shackles off."

Theo pulled out his Master Tool and formed it into a set of bolt cutters. Julia spoke as Theo cut the shackles off. "We declare Luma free of any and all obligations to us and free from any and all obligations that we can declare her free from."

A thrum of power coursed down and through Luma, who looked invigorated as the last shackle dropped away. Her wings spread, lifting her into the air with several strokes, holding her at their eye level. "You are kind people. Know that I will not forget this."

With that, Luma rushed off into the sky at a great speed. Theo, Julia, Ordus, Harbek, and Kreldar were all greeted with the same blue box.

Friend of the Mothlings Release a slave of the Mothling Race, and be declared a Friend by that Mothling. All Mothlings instinctively know that you have done right by their people. STR DEX CON INT CHA META 0 0 0 0 0 1

"Well," Kreldar said, "can't say I expected that."

"Me either." Theo said, then stretched, "Let's get this over with, finish Identifying everything, and then see what we have time for."

Julia nodded, and they made their way to the pile of objects that were waiting for them.

They decided to sit down this time and started identifying things once more.

Identification of Target Subject: Sunweave Crystal Bracelet Level: N/A Mana Density: D+ Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description A handmade bracelet woven with enchanted thread and set with a shimmering golden crystal that passively enhances vitality and slightly boosts mana recovery when worn. Both beautiful and functional. Value: 2G_17S_1C Status: N/A

Identification of Target Subject: Verdant Seed Crate Level: N/A Mana Density: A- Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description A sturdy box containing roughly two and a half pounds of magically enhanced seeds, each infused with nature mana to promote rapid germination and robust growth under various conditions. Highly valued by farmers and alchemists alike. Value: 6G_78S_91C Status: N/A

Identification of Target Subject: Grimshard Rune Letter Level: N/A Mana Density: ??? Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description Seek out one who can read the letter. Value: ???? Status: N/A

Theo and Julia paused. Julia spoke after a moment, "Am I the only one who thinks that sounds incredibly ominous?"

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"Nope, it's ominous." Theo agreed. "Let's not worry about it right now. We can ask Kreldar later and see if he knows anything."

Julia nodded, and they continued.

Identification of Target Subject: Harvestgem Bowl Level: N/A Mana Density: A- Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description A reinforced bowl holding small harvestgem crystals, each attuned to improve soil fertility, encourage crop growth, or ward off minor pests when planted around a homestead. Designed for repeated seasonal use, they're a favorite among serious farmers and survivalists. Value: 73G_14S_88C Status: N/A

Identification of Target Subject: Hearthfire Ember Bead Level: N/A Mana Density: A Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description A soft leather pouch holding ten small, smooth ceramic beads etched with faint runes. When placed in a hearth, stove, or under a cooking pot, each bead releases steady warmth for hours — and can be recharged by resting in a live flame overnight. Value: 9G_53S_18C Status: N/A

Identification of Target Subject: Spool of Moonthread Level: N/A Mana Density: A- Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description A spool of incredibly fine, shimmering thread infused with mana. Highly prized for reinforcing garments, weaving enchantments, or stitching delicate magical constructs with flexibility and strength. Value: 4G_39S_92C Status: N/A

Identification of Target Subject: Shimmerlight Gloves Level: N/A Mana Density: A- Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description A finely crafted pair of gloves that glimmer subtly when worn, enhancing the wearer's dexterity, grip, and tactile control. Favored by crafters, thieves, or anyone needing precision under pressure. Value: 13G_22S_13C Status: N/A

Identification of Target Subject: The Way, The Motive, The Path Level: N/A Mana Density: ??? Class: N/A Special: N/A Species: N/A Other: N/A Description The Way reveals The Motive. The Motive teaches The Path. The Path leads The Way. Value: ???? Status: N/A

"Again, this just feels ominous," Julia said.

"Culty." Theo nodded, "Very culty."

"Alright, are we done?" Julia asked.

"Oh? The loot goblin is tired?" Theo teased.

"The loot goblin is tired, hungry, and wants a bath," Julia said.

Theo looked around. "We still have the things from the last bet payout that we got, the crystal orbs that Gurndin gave us, and the cache tokens that we got when we formed the Family. But I am fine with waiting to do those until later."

"Okay," Julia smiled, "food, bath, nap time?"

Theo looked up at the sun; it looked like they had an hour or two of daylight still, so he shrugged. "Let's eat and bathe. Then we can see what the plan is."

Julia nodded, and they packed all their things up and then headed to eat.

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