The Art of Warfare Blogs: TAW Blogs

VG Chronicles September 2017 - Ark & Blackwake

 Ark: Survival Evolved

In  the early days it was just a few, but slowly the TAW tribe grew.

As it grew so began the building of a base, a stronghold, a place the tribe could all call home and a place where they could be safe.

Soon word spread of this new tribe. Others looked to join and whilst some wanted to make a contribution and be part of something good, some that we called nomads were only out for themselves and were only intent on mischief, theft and looking out for themselves.

After various issues including instances of dinos being let loose, the decision was made get rid of the nomads and to close the gates.

Those left were now able to focus on farming resources, the taming of dinosaurs and development of the stronghold.

Whilst everything seemed to be finally working, another storm cloud was on the horizon that would test the resolve of the Ark TAW tribe…..

Kingcheese had heard the reports but he needed to know himself.

Therefore it was a damp early morning when he finally arrived at the entrance of the camp.

A few moments of confusion while he was identified as a friend or foe by the guard on the wall before Zenmire was sent out to greet him.

As he was led through the main gate he could see the camp was a hive of activity.

“So Zen, what has been going on here?” asked Kingcheese.

Zenmire followed Kingcheese’s gaze as he was taking in the scene before him. Wagons and sledges that were being loaded, dinos being fed and saddled.  It appeared anyone not on the wall was here helping to pack.

“It has been a tough few months KC,” replies zen.  “It was all so promising to start with.  We found a good spot to settle.  We all got to work farming resources and taming dinos, then the issue with the nomads put us back but we got that fixed.”

“Yeah, heard about that.  Some people are just buttheads and not cut out for what we have to offer” said Kingcheese.

Zen nodded in agreement.

Kingcheese followed Zen as he walked over to the dino pens.  Anything that could be salvaged was being gathered up.

As he got closer to another couple of the pens Kingcheese exclaimed “Holy cow, what is that smell?”

Zen chuckled.  “A couple of the baby dinos have not been well recently, but they are on the med now.

“I am not surprised, smells like they left the bad stuff here” answered Kingcheese trying not to gag. “Jezz, that is really rough.”

Zen and Kingcheese walked past more pens which had already been cleaned out. Ahead of them was a large fire which looked like it had burned most of the night.  Next to the fire were a couple of long tables.  

“So,” said Kingcheese.  “What’s this I hear about a council of war?”

“Zenmire sighed.  “Yes…. you hungry?” he asked and motioned him to  the table nearest the fire.

Kingcheese sat down at the centre of the table and Zenmire did likewise on the opposite side.

“Some food would be good, maybe some hot water and dash of milk as well if you have it ” replied Kingcheese taking out a pouch with some tea leaves in it.

“Really?” said Zen grinning.

“Oh yes, helps me reflect and think” answered Kingcheese.

“Well, we have water,” said Zenmire. “but may be out of milk unless you want to…. ”

“Milk a dino.” said Kingcheese finishing the sentence.  “ Noooo thank you.  You see how big those things are?  I mean, that sits on me and you can rename me  squishedcheese.  Hell, probably deadcheese.  Tell you what, safer all round if I just take it black.”

“Ivleth,” called out Zenmire to a man overseeing the packing. “Come and join us.”

The young man in his late twenties, early thirties acknowledged Zen as he  spoke to a couple of other members of the tribe giving out instructions.  

There seems to be some urgency here thought Kingcheese to himself.

As Ivleth walked over, a platter of cold meats, bread, cheese and fruit was brought out.

“This is the leftovers from our War council” stated Zenmire as Ivleth sat next to Zen opposite Kingcheese.

“Ah yes, the War council” said Kingcheese as he put some tea leaves in small cloth which he tied and left to stew in the hot water.

He looked to Zen and then Ivtleth expectantly as he took a couple pieces of meat.

“Well Kingcheese” said Ivleth.  “It’s like this, another tribe has told us to leave or they will make us leave.   Therefore last night we had our little war council to discuss our options.”

“And the outcome of that was?” asked Kingcheese as he finished off the pieces of meat.

“Some wanted to fight” replied Ivleth.  It was agreed however that this was not viable. The rival tribe is big, lots of numbers and much more technically advanced.  If we fought we would be wiped out and lose all we have now. As such we have another plan which is a multi migration to different worlds.

Kingcheese stood up reaching for his tea as he did so.  

“Okay, I think it is time to talk to the tribe” said Kingcheese sipping his tea.

“Whilst is has been a tough time I think what has happened has been a reality check and has focused everyone's mind.” stated Zenmire.  “They know we have to work together for the benefit of the TAW tribe.”

Kingcheese nodded in agreement as he reached for another piece of cheese.

Zenmire and Ivleth both stood and together the three men  walked towards the main gate.

As they did, both Zenmire and Ivleth motioned for everyone to gather round.

“Ladies, gentlemen,” said Kingcheese.  “I won’t take up much of your time as I know the urgency of your task.   Zen and Ivleth have informed me on the current predicament that we find ourselves in.  Despite any setbacks we as a tribe have suffered, together we have dealt with them and become stronger for it.  I am proud to call you brothers and sisters and proud to be part of the TAW tribe.  Now is the time of the migration, go forth, do what needs to be done and be proud and resolute in the task that is before you.”

The small gathered crowd cheered as Kingcheese then stepped away.  He drained the rest of the tea and wandered over to a nearby brazier.  His fingers were tingling from the increasing cold and it had actually started to snow. As he warmed them by the brazier, his mind wandered and for a second he thought he saw a ship in the flames….

Blackwake

The latest  battle with the DDOS had decimated the Blackwake.    

Fires were still raging across the ship, the sails had been shredded, the mast toppled and most of the cannon damaged or toppled from their trucks. Bodies of dead and dieing crewmen lay strewn across the upper and lower decks.   If this was not bad enough the Blackwake had been holed so badly that she was taking in water and sitting deeper in the sea by the minute.

It was only the thick mist that had stealthly crept across the two ships during the battle that saved the Blackwake from total obliteration.

The Vanguard was closing on the Blackwake’s starboard  side ready to offer support as TCael observed the destruction done to his ship.  

As the damage reports came in, he knew that the Blackwake was fatally injured and that he should give the order to abandon ship.

This was not the outcome he had hoped for when he was stepped up as the Captain.  The Blackwake crew were his family and the ship herself, she was their home. Therefore it felt wrong, so very wrong  when with a heavy heart TCael finally gave the order to abandon ship.

TCael shuddered and it was not from the cold.  The Blackwake was dieing and he as the Captain was betraying her by deserting her in her hour of need.

As the order was passed around, Zuki could be heard calling for TCael.

“Captain,” he shouted running across deck jumping over debris as he went. “Captain”

“What’s the problem Zuki?” asked TCael concerned as he approached.

“You can’t abandon the Blackwake” he answered leaning forward, hands on his legs  trying to catch his breath.

Before TCael could reply Xxylox had joined them.

“Captain, you can't do this, you just can't” he stated matter of fact.

“But she is sinking” said TCael. “It’s not an order I wanted to give but you both are aware of the damage she has taken.”

“We do but maybe we can still save her” said Zuki almost pleading, looking to Xxylox for support.

“And if it turns out we can’t then we stay till the end but we have to try” said Xxylox passionately.

“Are you both sure?” asked TCael. “What about the rest of the crew? You know we can’t do this on our own?

Both Zuki and Xxylox nodded.

So engrossed were these three on their discussion that they did not register the silence on the ship as the crew stopped what they were doing and gathered to listen.

“Captain,” called out HafniumG.  “I agree with Zuki and Xxylox.  “The Vanguard is here so we take what we need and we try to make repairs needed to get us to safe harbour.

He then turned to face the rest of the crew.  “Everyone agrees don’t they?  The Blackwake has been there for us and so now we will be there for her... whatever the outcome. ”

There were murmurs of agreement and then a chant which was led by Brocken which got louder and louder.

“Blackwake, Blackwake, Blackwake, Blackwake.”

TCael could not help himself but smile as he looked up to the darkening sky.

“Blessed am I for such a crew but then cursed with such bad luck that our voyage has been tough..”