The Balikin Return

After a frightening introduction, Revilan the scholar was eager to find out more about the strange creatures that arrived so suddenly, but just as glad it wasn’t for nefarious purposes. Keeping the two visitors secret for the moment, they exchange notes until the dawn and the first inkling of study has begun.

Sootrot proving his best abridged knowledge of the Balikin, and will continue to help the observatory document every detail about the species he can.

With the arrival of the third Balikin, Boffa and her cargo the seriousness of visit is finally dropped. While promising to provide even more information to the kind scholars of the space they occupy, Sootrot begins to explain a bit more.

“We actually left our home to need of aid, two things..but we can start with the most pressing now that Boffa has arrived. Things have been tumultuous back in the Night Forest, the three of us gathered up the rookeries as best we could, and bought our young to somewhere we felt was safe from the danger there. We had no idea if the world here is ready, but it’s the only option we have right now.

We have eggs we need to keep safe, and maybe help out a little. If you can find those trustworthy enough to help care for them, we can help show you more of the diversity of our kind.

After the eggs are taken care of, we can start to discuss the second matter…”

With their secret arrival now made public, at least for the small settlement around the Grand Observatory, the three Balikin begin some explanation about their kind, and how to care for one of their eggs.

“Balikin chicks growing within eggs and are quite capable of hearing and sensing things around them. During the first months of life within an egg enjoy different environments and experiences, but they’re also really temperamental babies, we sometimes have to pry them out, sorry! Each egg will be bonded once picked up, and can’t be swapped once an owner takes up to care for it until it hatches, so everyone should be ready to deal with a bit of work…”

While Sootrot is busy helping take notes, Holios spends their time getting some space ready for the eggs. Taking over the main courtyard of the Observatory, they quickly come up with some temporary nests to house eggs yet to be claimed, ones that need a little break, and ones getting ready to hatch.

The setup is lacking, and Holios laments the choice to arrive at a place with few trees to help build up nests with. Already overwhelmed by the job of watching and handing out eggs, Holios has tasked anyone to help out, in exchange they will provide their special gift of listening to eggs. The residents help create nests and gather gems for the ready to hatch eggs.

With their secret arrival now made public, at least for the small settlement around the Grand Observatory, the three Balikin begin some explanation about their kind, and how to care for one of their eggs.

“Balikin chicks growing within eggs and are quite capable of hearing and sensing things around them. During the first months of life within an egg enjoy different environments and experiences, but they’re also really temperamental babies, we sometimes have to pry them out, sorry! Each egg will be bonded once picked up, and can’t be swapped once an owner takes up to care for it until it hatches, so everyone should be ready to deal with a bit of work…”

Just before sunrise, a Balikin unknown to the expedition and the town that took them in, finally makes a defeated appearance at the Observatory under the cover of dark.

Sootrot and Holios try to hash out the situation as best they can, the stranger seems unconvinced, but at least the pressing status of ‘stolen eggs’ has been explained away for the moment.

After some time talking, the Balikin collectively agree, it’s time to move on to the next matter…

Long into the morning the group keeps busy within the study, plans laid into place, and final agreements made.

Midday, Holios makes an appearance in the Courtyard to explain what’s going on.

“Now that we can assure the eggs are safe and being given care, we can continue on with the other matter, seeking out other Balikin flocks to ask for their assistance in calming the Overseer of the Night Forest. He has grown too wild and unpredictable to maintain on our own, and we fear he could turn to other lands if left to his own devices in this state. While the journey will be dangerous, I won’t ask for help, but I also won’t turn down aid from those willing to take the risk.”

After they finish, Holios begins to help Boffa and Sootrot gather up supplies for the trip, and a few brave adventurers throw in their own aid, getting ready for the trek ahead.