>>5671645>Art: Thessalonica Ma'ae-Lam Yuen (Lonica Photography & Poly Designs)>Alt-Text: A tanoa (Samoan ‘ava bowl) alongside a trimmed ‘ava root, and ipu tau ʻava (‘ava cup) and a fau (strainer.) “Send me to The Plains.”
Nizax: Send <span class="mu-i">you?</span>
While you folks play diplomat here, I can get involved with the people. Staying low to the ground, getting in touch with the little guys. You handle the big-picture politics, then when you make your move, you’ll have more support.
Nizax: Makana, I appreciate your enthusiasm but I don’t think you’re qualified to-
“When was Kaipo born?”
Nizax: What?
“Kaipo, your navigator. He was born 30 years ago in Third month. Has two kids, only likes one. Has a drinking problem he <span class="mu-i">thinks</span> a secret.”
You look around, pointing at various crew members as they unload the fleet
“Ayai’s the best message runner here, but only cuz her dad kept her from being a musician. Jaya’s dating Vijay, but they haven’t made rain in a year and Vijay keeps sending messenger birds to Dara’s <span class="mu-i">wa’a kalua</span> after hours. Indah bribed their Chief to get this job. Musa has a foot fetish-
Nizax: That’s enou-
“ You and my brother and Ms. Loa-lover of the year here might know politics, but I know people. I know what someone says three cups deep in the middle of the night tells you more than a thousand speeches they’ll give to a chief. I know what folks are like in the dark, where honor and secrets spill out like yesterday’s ti beer.”
Nizax: You’ve made your point. You can take a small squad to The Plains, and gather knowledge, but ONLY gather knowledge. The situation here is sensitive.
“Whatever you say boss-māhū.”
Nizax: And to make sure everything goes smoothly, you’re taking a partner with you.
>The Captain (+River Navigation, + Experience in the Not-Island, -Strict Rulefollower)>The Activist (+Charisma, ?Wildcard)>The Politcian (+Diiplomacy, +Charisma, -Racism)>The Foreigner (+Local Language, + Experience in the Not-Island, + Combat Skills,-Not a Member of the Fleet) 