MIGRATION LOG WINTER 2014

[RAGNAR]

Snow about 6" deep and accumulating. Gusting winds up to 40 MPH off the Thassa. Freezing temperatures during the day dipping down to the teens at night with windchill even lower.

Overcast dark skies with no clearing in sight.

Most Wagons ready to roll and final packing and loading to continue... expecting to pull out in the next day or two tops.

The separate herds have converged to the North of camp and Kataii attempted a raid during the night. The raid failed and the bosk remain safe though casualties were sustained among the Warriors. NO BOSK WERE LOST OR INJURED.

After the Kataii failed to reach their primary target of our bosk, they foolishly turned their attention to the outer perimeter of wagons. The perimeter was breached where they were hit with interlocking fields of arrow fire from the wagons combined with Enveloping maneuvers by Units of Warriors driving the Kataii into a narrowing killing funnel until they broke and fled leaving only isolated pockets to be dealt with.

Totals thus far in casualties are 97 wounded... 17 KIA... and 19 MIA.

Recovered Kataii casualties are 13 wounded...  187 KIA. Much to their credit the Kataii do not view surrendering as a viable option.

Continue making ready to move out, tend to the wounded and the dead. Warriors will attempt to account for our missing.

Repair all damage and recheck the perimeter wagons closely.

Izee, along with our own medical units once again have their hands full. Assist as much as possible.

Our dead will be burned with honors, though due to necessity, strip the Kataii dead of all useful weapons, clothing, etc but leave them enough to be burned respectfully. They died well.

I expect the stock tenders to be extremely busy tending injured mounts as well as replacing those lost to the action. We seem to have an abundance of Kataii mounts to assist in this matter.

[RAGNAR]

Weather conditions are atrocious.

Drifting snow in some areas up to two feet with gusting winds. Midday temperatures with wind chill well below freezing and plummeting during the night.

The wagons moved at first light, breaking camp from the interior outwards. No major incidents reported through some minor accidents occurred due to weather and ground conditions.

It has always been tradition to circle the encampment to make sure all wagons are moving before setting course and leaving our lands. Due to weather conditions this was not done and many are uneasy about this break in tradition as Tuchuk is a superstitious lot. The added strain on the bosk and added risk to the wagons simply did not justify the tradition in this case. Though uneasy with the change, Tuchuk adapted. The carpenters Clan and a repair wagon was held back to bring up the rear in the last grouping of wagons in the formation should they be needed. All wagons are rolling and none were left behind.

The bosk are feeding upon grasses that have been put up during the growing season, cut and bundled and stored in the Gatherers Clan wagons. It is by no means the best, but it is enough to help sustain them.

The column halted during the late to early morn ahns to rest the box and tend to snow removal from the wagons that is adding additional weight. Our supply of dung for wagon braziers is holding up well. Do not waste it, but there is not yet a need to ration it a few chips at a time. When opportunity presents itself to get warm, do so. It will be needed.

Ice buildup between the toes of the kaiila paws and claws is an issue. Keep it from building up to such a degree that it becomes painful or the mount will be taken out of action.

Water barrels must be checked regularly and the ice forming must be broken up.

Single Warriors without families are on field rations. It is enough to survive but not exactly prosperous. For those cooking a bit extra, it will more than likely be appreciated if their rations can be supplemented.

The med wagon has discharged all the Warriors possible and only a handful remain inside... those that were in the most critical condition. These Men are having a rough time with the jostling about. Our Healers will have to stay on their toes and be alert in tending these Men.

What is seen as good time to reach Turia in good weather is now only calculation and theory. The current travel conditions will make that time longer. This will have to be an ongoing adjustment and adaptation leg.

Though I realize there is so much to contend with during a move, it is also imperative that the basic chores also continue. The other stock, vulo, tarsk, verr, sleen, all must still be tended. Eggs must be gathered, bosk must be milked, etc.

The main herd is moving just ahead of the wagons. The column is following, for the most part, along their chosen course. The ground is well trampled beneath their hooves and paws of the kaiila of the Outriders tending them. For the most part, this eliminates most of the deep snow issues, but it also creates packed down areas that make movement difficult. Half dozen of one six of the other it is not easy going.

I intend to be stopped only long enough to tend the stock, inspect the wagons and repair as needed, eat, warm, and then we will move on.

Patrols report Kataii and Kassar are making ready to move as well, though no sightings of Paravaci have been noted. We must be vigilant!!!

I would not be surprised to learn the YearKeepers choose to refer to this year as the Year of Little Summer or something along those lines.


End

Ragnar

[RAGNAR]

Actually had sun this day. Blinding against the snow, but it was still sun.

The bitter cold continues along with blowing and drifting snows.

A few minor wagon repairs were made and one injury reported. The injury was not life threatening though it was what I would view as serious if it happened to me. At any rate, the injured Warrior will still be able to scratch his nuts.

The wagons moved out at first light and continued all day and through the night with only brief periodic stops. It did seem warmer moving through the night rather than sitting but weariness replaced the warmth gained.

The column has paused once again at the edge of Tuchuk territory and when the wagons move once again, we will be moving into open territory.

Stay alert and be prepared for anything, as anything is possible except for broiling hot weather  given current conditions.

Though progress is slowed by weather conditions, all proceeded rather well all things considered.

Follow general orders of tending all stock, the wagons, eat and drink warming food and beverage when possible. Do your best to share with those less fortunate.


End

Ragnar

[Amber]

Healer's Migration Log

After the attempted Kataii raid:

67 presenting injuries dealt with by the medwagon and or various helpers (like Sidona)

24 underwent surgical procedures

Total number of Tuchuk Warriors that are deceased totals 42 as far as we can tell.

For some reason no Kataii were treated for injuries.  162 were found to be deceased and were prepared for their own pyre.

Amber
First Surgeon of Tuchuk

[RAGNAR]

Tuchuk moved out as planned, and kept moving until faced with a Kataii raid as noted by Amber.

The column was forced to stop and tend to the casualties, as well as the teams and mounts. We shall have to see what this day brings for a greater detailed log entry.

The Kataii encouter can be claimed as a victory through casualty figures and by suffering no losses to our bosk or wagons.

We do face a smaller river not far ahead, and that will present its own problems for us that are not present in good weather.

END

Ragnar

[RAGNAR]

The march began again without issue. The first part of the journey went well enough but as Tuchuk neared the small river on course for Turia, the weather again took a downward turn.

The winds picked up blowing icy sleet at ground level up to about 15 feet high without actually dropping additional snow. The temperature plummeted and dark clouds moved in.

Advance Warriors reached the river and found it was iced over, and proceeded with caution. Several feet in the ice gave way dropping them into the icy water. The current was not swift and of itself posed no significant issues. The depth at it's deepest was around the five foot mark.

The resulting breakthrough did soak the Warriors who continued to cross using the mass and strength of their mounts to drive atop the remaining ice breaking it up beneath them.

The wagons followed in close formation, row by row until all wagons successfully crossed. Beneath the weight of the bosk and the wagons, the remaining ice on the banks entering and exiting was broken and became quite slippery making the entry and exit extremely hazardous.

The soaked Warriors were not in good shape by the time the wagons reached them and the Healers Clan addressed the situation. Healer's report(s) to follow.

The plummeting temperature and windchill factor caused the bosk and kaiila to be wiped down as ice was forming on legs, underbellies, and other areas left soaked from the crossing.

When Tuchuk settled in for the night, the stock was tended and a hot meal of roasted bosk and stew was provided for those wishing it.

Those who crossed upon the wagons had no issue with freezing water, but those mounted had to restore feeling to legs and feet, often with assistance from those who fared somewhat better.

The column is stopped and will once again move when the wagons and stock can be checked more thoroughly during daylight.

Now we begin our final leg to Turia. I can only wait and see what other obstacles we shall encounter along the way. We must be prepared for anything at this point.

END

Ragnar

[Amber]

Healer's Migration Log

As reported the Healers and anyone available who fared better during the river crossing immediately set up braziers outside for those who had gotten wet.  Boots and socks were removed, feet and legs were dried and then warmed by the braziers.  Those who received a thorough soaking or spent more time in the river were settled onto the medwagon floor where we had laid down furs and then warmed up by the braziers inside out of the sleet and wind.

The Healers cannot keep an eye on everyone so with that in mind, especially since we still need to cross the River of Tears, keep an eye out for :

Confusion, memory loss or slurred speech
Exhaustion or drowsiness (only if other symptoms are presenting as we are all exhausted and drowsy)
Loss of consciousness
Numb hands or feet
Shallow breathing
Shivering (also in conjunction with any others.  It's cold out there, we are all likely shivering by this point)

It is incredibly important that you warm the person up slowly.  Make sure (especially after river crossings) that the torso is warm before you warm the extremities as it may cause shock to do it backwards.

Keep the person conscious!  Even if you must make them angry to keep them awake.  Do it.

Make sure hot water botas are covered in cloth and not laid directly on the skin.

A warm drink can go a long way.  Try to avoid liquor as it gives a "false" warmth.

Amber
First Surgeon of Tuchuk

[RAGNAR]

Took awhile to get moving. Had to deal with ice buildup on undercarriages of wagons.

Cold. Mighty cold, damn cold, mighty damn cold.

I hate reports.

Could not see. Blizzard conditions.

Very slow progress, almost a crawl. Accumulating snow making it even more difficult.

I hate reports.

Alarms were sounded encountering isolated instances of Kataii patrols. Skirmishes occurred all along the forward positions and right flank. The lack of visibility permitted infiltration of the column and skirmishes did occur, though no heavy action involving entire units took place.

I hate reports.

Casualties were taken, some by friendly fire in the poor visibility. Amount of dead is yet unestablished in certainty. See Healer's report.

15 Warriors are missing in action and given weather conditions, presumed dead. I hope the presumption proves false.

Exact number of wounded will likely never be determined as many were not tended by Healers and many that were have returned to duty. Some remained in the med wagon. See Healers report.

I hate reports.

20 bosk were taken by the Kataii. Though Kataii lost a great many more Warriors than Tuchuk, bosk were taken and by this measure, a Tuchuk loss.

Roan is one seriously HAWT Woman!

I hate reports.

END

Cassius

[Amber]

Healer's Migration Log

Two Warriors are dead from friendly fire.  One of the Healer's Or, Korvah, died during surgery.  One Warrior could not be saved by surgery and was allowed to pass painlessly amongst his brothers.  Three others were dead before arriving at the medwagon by Kataii hands. 

Total number of dead: 7

The wounded were countless as most of them passed in and out of the medwagon to return to duty or were not seen by Healers at all.

Sukh and Raiden were released from the Medwagon during the infiltration and did not return.  I am not surprised.

With the successful surgeries and Sukh's successful escape this leaves us with seven open cots in the medwagon.  More may be opened when I or another Healer do our rounds today.  We will see.

Amber
First Surgeon of Tuchuk

[RAGNAR]

The snow had accumulated quite deep making the going slow and difficult. The sun never really did come out and the sky remained dark and angry.

The column did however continue on its way, making a course change denied before due to the whiteout conditions.

Temperature dropping again. Bosk and tarsk were butchered and made available to any in need, as well as the remainder of the fruit and veggies. It was no feast, but it is still far from nothing.

On duty Warriors received a field ration of a piece of bosk, a pinch of salt, and a hard biscuit. It was up to the individual to cook it, eat it raw, or warm it beneath their saddle.

The slave driving Izee's wagon fell asleep and drifted to the left colliding with the wagon next to it. The wheels scraped and did grind together before they were separated. The wheels are scraped up but no serious damage was noted.

Snow falling from the wheels to land on the axles are removing the grease. When this happens the crystals are grinding against the wood. There is no way to avoid this. Check the wheels and axles often and brush away the snow and replace the grease. Recommend moving the leather grease buckets and pots from beneath the wagons and placing them within so they remain thawed enough to apply the grease without having to wait for it to thaw to be applied.

One accidental death reported. See Healer's Report.

The column halted for the night so all usual general orders can be followed. When the work is complete, eat, drink, rest, and tend to personal hygiene as well as possible.

We move again as soon as possible.

END

Ragnar

[Amber]

Healer's Migration Log

One accidental death as reported.

Chau a member of the Or charged to protect the medical wagon and Healers was riding too close to the medical wagon when his Kaiila stumbled into a sleen hole and went down.  The kaiila broke a leg and was unable to get back up after landing on Chau's left leg.  This and the deeper snow did not allow Chau to move out of the way when the wagon wheel rolled over his right chest and arm presenting with crushing injuries too severe to attempt to save his life.  He was given valerian to ease his pain and a warm place to die within the medical wagon.  Helene prepared his body for pyre.

We are now down two Ormen.

Another cot miraculously opened up leaving us with eight open cots.

On another note, Healer's duty time has been extended as things seem to have settled a bit more.  Four ahn shifts are now in effect for all Healers (barring no emergencies).  Surgeon's duty time remains the same at six ahn shifts with Gheeta remaining within the medwagon while we are moving since she doesn't much like riding in the cold.  I am okay with this as I prefer to be outside during this time.

Amber
First Surgeon of Tuchuk

[RAGNAR]

I HATE REPORTS!

Was slow moving this day but still ground was gained taking us closer to Turia. We are now closer to Turia than to our starting point for certain.

Deep snow is taking a toll on the column. The stock is tired, we are tired, and the wheels and axles are taking a beating. It seems we are almost constantly clearing snow from around the wheels and greasing the axles.

I HATE REPORTS!

I HATE SNOW!

We did see a bit of sun this day, but before nightfall it begins to rain that slushy nasty crap from the skies. This stuff adds a great deal more weight to the wagons and makes progress even more difficult. Grated braziers burning within the wagon helps to keep the dome free of accumulating snow and ice, but the wagon platforms seem to draw the stuff like a magnet.

No contact with Kataii was reported this day. Hopefully we have left them behind unless they seek a head to head confrontation, in which we will gladly oblige. I do not expect it too be so, but I have been wrong before.

I HATE SNOW!

The column continued moving throughout the night with brief periods of rest to tend the stock and the wagons before once again continuing.

I HATE REPORTS!

Ragnar has ridden on ahead to personally scout the lay of the land. He knows the land well, but the weather conditions does pose issues, and he seeks the best route and the most defensible positions along that route should there be need.

Hopefully we will come across another well fed water source that is not frozen. Even though surrounded by water in winter form, the stock does need to be able to drink their fill, and a mouthful of snow and what we are able to thaw and give them by hand in buckets is not adequate.

I HATE SNOW!

The grasses gathered by the Clan is still holding up well enough, and at each stop the stock is given such. Once a day the bosk are also given grain by bucket to supplement their diet since the grass given is no longer rich and green. Even if we can move into a region of lesser snow the bosk can graze through will do wonders for them. I am hoping we will find both grass and some rest in or near Turia.

I HATE REPORTS!

One Warrior recovering from frostbite was reported. See Healers log for additional information.

The temperature dropped during the night and presently we are halted to tend the stock, eat, clear away the ice from the wagons that has formed and hopefully be able to rest. If we do without anything, it will likely be rest.

Took a few moments to watch Roan working her Clan. My, my, my... Mmmm... Mmmm... Good!!!

Though Shoko is not bad either, she is a bit slight in the tit department, though she always seems to have some sort of food for snacking tucked away somewhere on her person.

Observed from a distance Taryn having a crucial crash, faceplanting. It was rather impressive.

I will not divulge what I witnessed happen to Grandmother. Though the view was not bad at all, no bleach exists to rid a Grandson of such sights. Amusing and impressive, but.... yup.

Never did figure out why two Women were chasing Uncle Terran with shovels. I probably do not wish to know.

Izee still plays with her tits where she caught a Kataii arrow. I think soon she will have to beat Lancer with a lance unless he ceases trying to assist.

I HATE SNOW!

I HATE REPORTS!

END


Cassius

[Amber]

Healer's Migration Log

Before we even got moving, a Warrior was escorted to the medwagon having been on duty, and not being able to feel anything from his knee down on his left leg.  He was administered valerian and furs were wrapped around his leg to warm up his sock after his boot removed before I even attempted to remove his sock.  Once I was assured that some warmth and circulation had returned I removed his sock and yup.  Frostbite.  I immediately had a basin of water heated to bathwater temp and we went about rapidly warming his foot and leg after I made sure he wasn't suffering from hypothermia as well.

I hate winter.

Izee tried to be helpful by clonking the Warrior over the head while I tended to him.  She did not succeed in being helpful. She did succeed in braining the Warrior.  It was not helpful at all as I needed him awake to tell me when feeling began to return to his toes, foot and calf.  While he was unconscious, I poked at the exposed skin with a needle for unconscious reaction in the foot and toes.  There was some reaction which gave me some hope I would be able to save his leg and foot.  The toes presented no reaction.

I hate frostbite.

The Warrior awoke from his beaning and immediately began to shout at me, raging with pain.  He may have said some things about my birth Mother.  Oddly, I'm okay with that.  Had to back down Dochin and his Or who heard the shouting and came in bristling with drawn weapons and looking ready to kill.  Awesome.

Have I mentioned that I hate winter?

I explained to the Warrior that I would like to wait for a hand to make sure I didn't have to amputate his toes, that he could definitely keep his leg and foot but the toes were touch and go.  He explained that if I didn't amputate right then, that he would simply chop off his own toes and be back at duty as soon as possible.  I explained that if he did so, he would bleed to death and if by some miracle he didn't, he would lose his lower leg and foot anyway because refreezing already frozen flesh is bad juju. 

I am beginning to hate stubborness.

We came to an agreement which neither of us was happy about.  I would amputate his toes when we stopped as I wouldn't risk amputating within a moving wagon if I didn't have to.  As soon as we stopped to clear the wheels of the wagons, he asked me to amputate. I told him no.  We glared.  We grumbled.  We growled.  I still won.

Next stop, same thing.  No I said.  Growled he did.

On a side note:  The blonde dumbass surgeon has struck again.  I am much better at cutting people open and saving their lives than speaking.  I need to maybe just not talk to the Warriors who surround me and mine as I offend them without meaning to and spend a lot of time removing my very large foot from my even bigger mouth.

There are no Warriors except the Warrior who has amputated toes left within the medwagon.  Yes.... I managed to make every single one of them abandon their cots and get out with a single sentence.  I don't know if this is just a rare talent of mine or what.

I amputated the Warrior's toes at the first opportunity when we stopped long enough to do so.  He's got two days in the medwagon, then if he can walk out without falling on his face, he is gone. 

Not soon enough.

Amber
The Ever Insulting Surgeon

[RAGNAR]

One Or MIA from the right flank. Weather conditions make it impossible to track behind our march.

The column proceeded as intended despite ground conditions. Icy footing with a layer of slushy water on top. Made it difficult for the teams and wagons. The claws of the kaiila assisted in their movements, but I would not say it was easily done.

Periodic halts to rest the teams and check the wagons continues until late afternoon.

Ubar has still not yet returned, though he did leave a marker which the column followed. It involved a slow gardual icy incline, but when crested the slightly higher elevation allowed for runoff and the ice remained below. Tuchuk looked upon a vast expanse of ground with a dusting of snow and grass, with a large pool of water resembling a lake only mush shallower of roughly a foot to a foot and a half deep at most. Definitely cold, but not frozen all the way down. Some surface icing present, but of no concern. This pool of water has been created by the early winter weather, and is not present during the summer march.

There were accidents on the icy grade, as well as some very close calls, but no fatalities reported and only minor wagon damage involving isolated accidents.

The column was halted, and will remain so until the morn. Bosk were butchered and all of Tuchuk ate well, with double rations for the Warriors coming in from the outer perimeters of the column and for those heading out.

The teams are grazing in place, and before moving on all will move through the water and allow the teams to drink well.

The hunters Clan has moved out to check the game situation for releasing the kaiila to hunt. It has been overdue and the mounts are becoming increasingly hostile due to hunger. The sleen are eating, fed from the butchered bosk innards. No feast, but enough to keep them under control.

Tend to the wagons, the teams, and the mounts as well as the other various stock. Clean up, tend to yourselves, eat well, rest, and make ready to move when the command comes to do so.

END

Temujin
Oraluman

[RAGNAR]

The column moved out after accomplishing all that was intended. Spirits high, overall condition is very good.

Good time was made and good ground was covered. There were a few tense moments when Tarnsmen from Turia found it amusing to "buzz" the column crating a degree of havoc with the stock. A small display of force without engagement convinced them to reconsider their course of action and did finally head for home.

The column made a course alteration as Ubar returned and after a brief rest period and sharpening up in appearance, the column proceded to Turia.

Tuchuk has taken up position outside of Turia and will enter as a whole upon Ubar's go ahead.

Until then, tend the stock, wagons, yourselves.

Upon the word to enter, bear in mind the recent conflict between our peoples. Remain armed but do not seek confrontation. This does by no mean allude that Tuchuk will shy away from it either.

Take time to rest and indulge in some of the finer things found within Turia, but do resupply and make sure you are ready to move when the order is given.

The weather is not so much a factor at this time. Outside of Turia's walls there is a dusting of snow but it is still cold and wind is present. Inside the walls, the wind is not so much a factor and the streets and walkways will likely be clear.

END

Temujin
Oraluman