Winter Migration Log

[RAGNAR]

Entry One

RAGNAR



The weather is atrocious. Blowing drifting snow conditions... windchill is a serious problem.

The wagons have formed up around the empty encampment and await a break in the storm tomorrow to pull out.

One reported casualty thus far. Time will tell if he survives. Shoko is tending him.

Many have doubled and tripled up in the wagons to share heat and conserve dried dung.

People may eat as they wish... what they may have at hand. Alcohol will be left to the Healers to decide.


ORDERS...

Tend and care for the stock closely when able to see during the day.

Dung wagons will make the rounds. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences. We have a good supply, but not an inexhaustible supply of dried dung.

[RAGNAR]

Entry Two

RAGNAR


Weather conditions have not improved. I have decided to camp during the day when it is warmer and to roll at night when the activity will help maintain body temperature. It seems to be working.

There were no losses or casualties reported to me this night. So far so good. I still await a report on the Rider that took a spill last night. So far no word from Shoko on his condition.

We did not cover as much ground as we usually do due to weather conditions. However we did very well all things considered.

We have halted on the snow flats as there is no other better location at present. I did not wish to push the bosk to exhaustion. As it is the deep snow is causing the teams to work much harder than normal.

Camp suplies have reached the critical stage. I will be relieved when we reach Turia for resupply.



ORDERS...

Tend and care for the stock closely when able to see during the day.

Dung wagons will make the rounds. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences. We have a good supply, but not an inexhaustible supply of dried dung.

Check hands, feet, and noses closely for any sign of frostbite. If frostbite is found, seek out a Healer for treatment.

An oil and grease wagon will make the rounds through the wagons to ensure each wagon has axle grease. oil for their red lamp. and oil for an interior lamp. Those who still have their own stock should use it before taking from the general stores. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences.

[Kimba~]

So this will bring you closest to that Exchange Point on the 28th?

[RAGNAR]

So this will bring you closest to that Exchange Point on the 28th?

That sounds about right. *S*

[Fishy!]

Healers Report:

-so far there have not been any reports of any severe Frostbite, please try to make sure to take a break from riding/Driving every few hours to walk around and get your circulation going.

-The Outrider who took the spill the first night if migration is still hanging in there, his bones have been set, and his wounds stiched, and the swelling is going down, it has yet to be seen if there will be any sort of perminate damage.

--Unrelated note--

should we be using drying baskets? because if everyone grabs a bit of poo to toss into the drying basket in their wagon, [espically if we are all bunking together] a wagon with three or more people should be able to dry enought poo to offset the amout they are using to heat their wagon in the first place.

[RAGNAR]

--Unrelated note--

should we be using drying baskets? because if everyone grabs a bit of poo to toss into the drying basket in their wagon, [espically if we are all bunking together] a wagon with three or more people should be able to dry enought poo to offset the amout they are using to heat their wagon in the first place.

Not really considering the temperatures. The dung is soupy when it hits the ground.... freezes before it dries. If we gather it frozen... it will return to semi-soup before it dries.  Mighty soupy nasty stuff!!! It would have the consistancy of shitty pancake batter.

[Taryn]

**Taryn's Report**
Last night Leda gave the medical wagon 2 canisters of black wine and a case of ka-la-na. I have put an order in that the black wine be used only in an emergency, and only given in a quarter serving, as there isn't that much to last long, this might last at least a hand.

I went to where the outer circle wagons are with Leticia, we did rounds through the wagons, there were some with frost bite, but they were caught early and were easily remedied. We brought back a couple of elderly men and women to stay in my second wagon, which has been set up to keep them warm and comfortable until their wagons can be tended to in Turia, if they make it through the river crossing. We also took extra blankets and furs to those who stayed with their wagons to make sure they will stay warm for now. Leticia and I will be taking turns going back and checking on them until we reach Turia.

I have been making broth and stew, though the stew is light in vegetables, and soon to be light in meat, unless something changes. I will continue to make the stew until there is no more meat left in my stores for all who wish something warm to eat.

**End Report**

[RAGNAR]

Entry Three

RAGNAR



The going became even harder as the snow deepened. We covered alot of ground once again but still not as much as we normally would.

We crossed the small river and should see the lights of Turia during our next leg if the weather is clear. The river, though small, still presented risk. All the stock's hooves and paws had to be checked and the ice cleared from the kaiila paws. The wagon wheels and axles iced up as soon as they pulled from the water. Once we advanced far enough to get all the wagons across we halted to tend to ice issues.

I rode herd duty and learned of Taryn feeding those who were in need of food. I have cut out twenty large bosk and have had them taken to her wagon since she knows best where the needs are. Feed as many as possible. If more is needed, she should inform me.

I was also informed of Leda accidentally finding a buried vacated sleen hole the hard way. She was taken to the med wagon with a twisted ankle. That is all the information I have at this point.

The hole in Raziel's dome is still collecting snow. I have hides being sewn together and when finished they will be lashed over the hole tarp style to at least block falling snow.



ORDERS...

Tend and care for the stock closely when able to see during the day.

Dung wagons will make the rounds. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences. We have a good supply, but not an inexhaustible supply of dried dung.

Check hands, feet, and noses closely for any sign of frostbite. If frostbite is found, seek out a Healer for treatment.

An oil and grease wagon will make the rounds through the wagons to ensure each wagon has axle grease. oil for their red lamp. and oil for an interior lamp. Those who still have their own stock should use it before taking from the general stores. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences.

If food is needed do not be too proud to ask. Bosk will be made available.

[RAGNAR]

Entry Four


RAGNAR



We started out holding our own and in good spirits all things considered. We arrived at Turia as expected, but were turned away. Due to weather conditions Turia has not had any supply caravans in some time and are not sure when any will arrive. They had no goods or food to trade with Tuchuk. Though irritated, I could not blame them for turning us away. Were I in their position I would have done the same.

Many Warriors were angry enough they wished to lay siege to the City until we could breach the walls, and loot all within. This is why they are not Commanders. The City is already cut off from supply. Tuchuk cannot afford to sit and wait. We must keep moving.

I did command and have 100 of our older bosk be cut from the herd and given to Turia as a gift.

I estimate Tuchuk had moved on about fifteen pasang when whiteout conditions hit. We did try to continue onward but it grew more risky to continue and we stopped in place. Old hides were used to try and protect the bosk from the elements. Aside from that and making sure the stock were in fair shape, nothing more could be done until the blizzard let up.

Tuchuk took cover in the wagons to keep warm. Dung, and in some cases wood from crates were burned for heat. The dung wagons will make their rounds as soon as the weather allows safe operations.

It seems the storm is starting to blow itself out as I log this report. Hopefully it will be over in another ahn or two.

I heard Leda was in the med wagon being treated for an ankle injury. I have not seen a report with more detailed information.

I am aware of three losses this leg. One kaiila that was gored by a bosk... one kaiila lost in the storm but the Rider is recovering under Sarant's care until he can be transferred to the med wagon. He was on foot for over a pasang and was at the end of his physical capabilities when he managed to locate a wagon, Sarant's, and made enough noise to get her attention. A thrall was crushed under a wagon wheel after falling in its path while trying to free the wheel of snow. No other losses have been reported.

I am ordering the last of my personal stores to be distributed and used where they will do the most good. It is not much, but it may help. 10 wheels of verr cheese and ten of bosk... a gorean weight of onions... half a weight of suls... three tef of salt... four garlic cloves... a tefa of flour... and one large jar of pickled vulo eggs. It is a drop in the bucket, but it may help those injured and recovering for a short time.


ORDERS...

Tend and care for the stock closely when able to see during the day.

Dung wagons will make the rounds. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences. We have a good supply, but not an inexhaustible supply of dried dung.

Check hands, feet, and noses closely for any sign of frostbite. If frostbite is found, seek out a Healer for treatment.

An oil and grease wagon will make the rounds through the wagons to ensure each wagon has axle grease. oil for their red lamp. and oil for an interior lamp. Those who still have their own stock should use it before taking from the general stores. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences.

If food is needed do not be too proud to ask. Bosk will be made available.

As soon as Tuchuk can see, feed the team bosk a double ration of dried grasses. They will need it... as well as an extra portion of grain. The freight wagons will make their way through the column with these items. Place the kaiila on half rations of innards and the downed kaiila kiah has by her wagon. The same goes for the sleen.

Gather eggs from the vulo wagon, milk the bosk and verr to be used as needed.

Maintain discipline. We have a long way to go.

[Taryn]

**Report from Taryn**

Leda was carried to the medical wagon after she left there to go check on her own wagon earlier in the day. When I found her, I saw that she was having trouble walking and had george come and carry her to the medical wagon, and Boris took her from him and brought her into the wagon, and got her settled onto a cot for treatment. She did have a slight case of frostnip that was quickly remedied by warming up both her exposed foot and toes with moist heated rep cloths, that I have soaking in a pot on one of the braziers in the medical wagon at all times, until we are safely out of the snowbound plains and into warmer weather. I wrapped her toes and upper foot with the cloth, then began to investigate the possible damage Leda might have caused to her ankle when she walked and hopped back to her wagon. All I was able to determine was that it was much more swollen than it should have been a day after the injury, but it was expected, though I was not able to determine how badly her ankle was injured, but I am hoping that by tomorrow afternoon/evening when I go and check on it again. I did make up a snow pack to lay over the swollen area for a short period of time, and her ankle is elevated. I have given orders that she may have one (1) cup of willow bark tea during the day or night, as we are low on that mild pain reliever, in fact, all the supplies are low.

I also treated a young girl for frostnip that was close to mild frostbite, as she didn't want to go back inside when her fingers started to go numb, as she was having too much fun making snowballs and throwing them at her friends. I am not sure what happened to her gloves, as her mother told me she found her daughter near their wagon with bright red fingers and brought her into the wagon instantly and had someone come and find me to come to their wagon to see to her daughter's hands. I explained to the young girl the perils of frostbite, I might have been a bit harsh in my words, but I don't wish to see anyone in my home to find out the hard way what severe frostbite can do to someones hands, feet, ears or even their noses. Though the girl was in tears when I finished my explanation I believe she will now keep her gloves on, as well as making sure that her ears, toes and nose are well covered when she is allowed to go back outside and play with her friends in the snow. I also gave instructions to her mother on how to care for her daughter's hands tonight and if blisters do form, to either send someone for me, or come for me herself and I would return. Though she is also on my list of rounds this night as well before the wagons begin moving again.

Medical supplies are low, but I am trying to ration them as much as possible. The medical kits in the wagon boxes of all the wagons are only minimally supplied. The supplies that Leda gave to the medical wagon when she first arrived, are already being used. When I am able, I will get an inventory done of what we have in stock, and which supplies are critically low.

I still have three (3) wagons with large pots of stew cooking in them at all ahns of the night and day. The outer circle medical wagon, the inner circle wagon and my own wagon are the locations, and I will be doing rounds about the wagons getting orders from those driving who might be in need of something warm and nourishing to eat tonight. My thanks to the Ubar for the extra bosk meat, I am hoping that the meat that was gotten from them will be able to get us through at least the next two hands, if not a third hand. I also have pots of broth going as well for any who wish to have a bota of that, and I will also be making the rounds of the wagons with botas of water that will be wagon temperature.

**End Report**

[Fishy!]

-Healers Report-

-as far as it seems, the accounts of frostbite have not been very severe, there have been several mild cases, but it seems that Taryn and the apprentices she has rounded up are keeping a good eye on it.

-for anyone suffering any runny nose/coldlike symptoms due to the excessive cold, I suggest taking a mug of warm steaming water and trying to breath in the vapors to help ease the congestion before bed, that way a good nights sleep is had.

--aditional notes--

I still have extra warm clothes if anyone needs extra, they are not beautiful by any standard, but they have been patched up well enough to keep you warm.

There are extra socks and gloves at the seamstress clan wagon, please be prepared... they do not come in matching pairs.

[RAGNAR]

Entry Five


RAGNAR




I returned to the wagons about midday and went over reports with Raziel. Overall it is what I expected and in many ways much better than expected. Looking over Healer reports Tuchuk overall is remaining steadfast in health and with the exception of a few incidents, they are keeping their heads and not being overly foolish.

A Kassar Warrior and his mount were found frozen beneath the snow and were marked so they would not be run over and the rider was picked up by the last medical wagon in the column. We also came across a Kassar wagon and team left behind. Team was frozen as were the Man and Woman inside the wagon. It appears they ran out of fuel for the fire as well as food. They were found sitting and kneeling around their cold brazier. Raziel had them gathered and they were given a proper pyre along with the earlier Warrior during the morning ahns. The frozen team was taken by the Butcher's Clan and the meat will be checked to see if it is fit for human consumption. If not, what can be salvaged will be used to feed the kaiila and sleen. The wagon, harness and other gear will become Tuchuk property and utilised to the utmost.

NightStorm's kaiila decided to take a bite of a thrall before last night's leg of the move. The thrall lost his privates and did not survive. His remains went to the sleen.

The next leg may prove difficult at best. Winds are building up and though it is not snowing, snow presents a serious problem from blowing and drifting.

Due to the windchill, it is almost as cold today as it has been during the nights.

Though everyone is sick of the snow, spirits and morale remain very high. I feel as long as Tuchuk retains these qualities half the battle is won.

Our food stores are now down to traditional Tuchuk fare... mostly bosk meat and bosk milk and products, minimal vulo verr and tarsk. If nothing else we do have plenty of water in the form of snow. The grains for feed and the saved dried grasses are holding up well. The dung supply has to be watched closely.



ORDERS...

Tend and care for the stock closely when able to see during the day.

Dung wagons will make the rounds. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences. We have a good supply, but not an inexhaustible supply of dried dung.

Check hands, feet, and noses closely for any sign of frostbite. If frostbite is found, seek out a Healer for treatment.

An oil and grease wagon will make the rounds through the wagons to ensure each wagon has axle grease. oil for their red lamp. and oil for an interior lamp. Those who still have their own stock should use it before taking from the general stores. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences.

If food is needed do not be too proud to ask. Bosk will be made available.

As soon as Tuchuk can see, feed the team bosk a double ration of dried grasses. They will need it... as well as an extra portion of grain. The freight wagons will make their way through the column with these items. Place the sleen on half rations and I have been informed the kaiila should be good for another couple days now give or take.

Gather eggs from the vulo wagon, milk the bosk and verr to be used as needed.

Continue to double up to sleep and for warmth. It conserves the dung supply. My wagon is warm and is filling, but there is always room for more until the weight becomes too great. The med wagons are also good places to warm up but it must be understood if casualties are incurred, they take precedence.

Maintain discipline. We have a long way to go.

[Fishy!]

-Healers Report-

While injuries have been minimal thus far, there have been a ton of mild cases of windburn and people with chapped faces due to the cold, if you are beginning to look a bit tan it is suggested you stop by the med wagon for something to ease the burn.

frostbite is still soemthing we all need to remain vigilant about.

Taryn and her group are still cooking up stew whenever possisable, and she has been having people passing out portions of broth, while the broth is not filling... it is warm and sustaining, it would be a good complement to those who are munching on jerky.

the med wagon thus far as been self sufficent, we have been cooking enough stew and meat on our braziers to keep the people inside the med wagon fed and warm.


--additonal notes-

I have donated every bit of choclate I could find inside my own wagon to the tuchuk supplies, there were a minimal amount of other things, mostly spices and things of that nature. for children that have become irritable in the cold weather, a bit of choclate warmed in some bosk milk might be a treat enought to improve their pint sized morales.

if we manage to find any flour or bread making supplies within our stores it might be a blessing, while we have no ovens for baking at the moment, dumplings might prove a worthwile investment... if anyone would like to donate anything of this nature, please bring it to Taryn... dumplings would serve as a filling part to any stew.

[RAGNAR]

Entry Six

RAGNAR



Where to even begin? I returned to the wagons around midday and unfortunately for them, called a (Oraluman) Commanders meeting. I listened to reports and updates, compiling information for the migration.

FOOD... Aside from a few precious treats held back for the children who may end up hitting the medwagons, Tuchuk is down to nothing but traditional Tuchuk fare for the most part. This means bosk products. There were six tumits taken last night by the hunters Clan as the wagons moved into the rocky ground area. These will be added to the stews in the med wagons for added flavor. The stews are hardly that. Bosk and water. Boiled bosk chunks. There is nothing but spices to be added to bolster taste. The vulo are not laying as they should, but I have decided to make them off limits for slaughter. There is grain to feed them and any eggs will be needed should they begin to lay again when we reach warmer lands. The tarsk as starting to show some weight loss. It is mostly body fat and these have been placed off limits for slaughter also. They may be needed at a later time. The verr do not seem any worse for wear. Only specific verr may be chosen on a limited basis to feed the kaiila in an emergency. In the meantime utilise their milk products in the best ways possible. Right now their milk is extremely rich.

Dried bosk (jerky) is running low. The supply will likely not last more than another day or two at best. The sleen will remain on half rations and the kaiila should be good for another day before they need fed. I have instructed another five bosk be cut from the main herd and tethered to the medical freight wagon for use when they are needed.

DRINK... Bosk milk and verr milk, and plenty of snow for water. Broth from the weak stew as available.

FUEL... Dung supplies are still holding up. We are using large quantities but if continued rationing remains as it has been, we should reach warmer lands before the supply runs out. Oil is maintaining, but will not be sustainable at this rate. Unless specifically ordered, red lamps will not be lit. Those that have candles in their wagons should begin using these for minimal light.

MEDICAL... medical logs enclosed with scrolls.

MORALE... It has come to the Commanders attention tempers are growing short among the Warriors. This is to be expected as they in fact are the first to fight when needed. This is beginning to rise to the surface. Commander Terran reported two of his command were ready to kill over ownership of a fur to be placed over the saddle to keep their asses warm and help shield the saddle from the elements. Other incidents of coming to blows are being noted. Discipline must be maintained. If necessary I will issue orders for an ahn of intense training be performed by all units when not on duty. Though this may sap their strength, it will certainly bring back their focus and enforce discipline. The Women seem to be grumpy, but holding up well. The very young are driving their parents crazy. They have been shut up in wagons more than they care to be. The old are having a hard time of it, but are maintaining as well as anyone. I have suggested the Old that are able rotate wagons, accepting the very young when possible to share their stories. It is my hope the stories will fascinate the young and create diversion. It will hopefully also help keep the Old Ones a bit mentally sharper and take both their minds off the cold and sheer boredom.

WAGON CONDITION... Thus far the wagons are holding up well enough. Minimal damage has been taken but nothing as yet that could not be solved on the move. I do however dread the rocky ground which lay before us. I think the wagons will take a beating. Make certain all wheels, tongues, yokes, and tools that are spares are easily and quickly accessible.

GENERAL... Though any loss of life is upsetting, from a military standpoint our losses to date have been completely insignificant. This weighs on my mind as I expected more casualties and loss of life under such harsh conditions. A Woman was injured in a ire last night and succumbed to her injuries. Her Man has been gone many years and was survived by her Son. He was there for her pyre this morning. He has been granted one day off duty to settle affairs and report back for herd duty. He will take possession of the wagon as her pyre unfortunately consisted of a makeshift mound with fur bedding. It is the best we can offer under these conditions. She will share her Man's wagon in Endless Sky.

Loss thus far of stock is not even worthy of mention.

An abandoned Kassar wagon was cannibalised by Raziel's command and its various parts will be used as best possible.

COMENDATIONS... Malefic for assisting the Woman in the fire related incident without regard to her own personal safety.

Kiah for inadvertently adoping an Or of Outriders and tending to their needs in the wagon she tends above the call of her usual duties.



ORDERS...

Tend and care for the stock closely when able to see during the day. Te bosk can use a good brushing/rubbing to spread their natural oils through their coats to more efficiently ward off the elements.

Dung wagons will make the rounds. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences. We have a good supply, but not an inexhaustible supply of dried dung.

Check hands, feet, and noses closely for any sign of frostbite. If frostbite is found, seek out a Healer for treatment.

An oil and grease wagon will make the rounds through the wagons to ensure each wagon has axle grease. Those who still have their own stock should use it before taking from the general stores. Take only what you will need. Anyone taking more than necessary will face serious consequences.

If food is needed do not be too proud to ask. Bosk will be made available.

The teams may graze wild from the visible grasses around the rocky ground. It is not abundant, but will suffice and will extend our stores.

Milk the bosk and verr to be used as needed.

Continue to double up to sleep and for warmth. It conserves the dung supply. My wagon is warm and is filling, but there is always room for more until the weight becomes too great. The med wagons are also good places to warm up but it must be understood if casualties are incurred, they take precedence.

Maintain discipline. We have a long way to go.

[Taryn]

**Healers Report by Taryn**

Late yesterday afternoon an old woman was brought into the medical wagon with burns on her face, chest, arms and hands, as she caught herself on fire in her wagon, possibly trying to get warmer as the temperatures have been bone chilling cold. I tended to her as best as I could, but when I listened to her lungs, I knew her time was not long, but I did start an IV to help replenish the fluids she was losing, and also gave her a half dose of feverfew to sedate her, though not enough to knock her out, only enough to make her feel as if her pain was distant. I sat with her and talked with her about what was going on with migration, and though she was mildly sedated, she did track me with her eyes and an ever present smile was always there, until the end. I had george go out to see if she had any family and he did return with news that her son is a herder and among the bosk. I then had a recent apprentice to the healer's clan go and give him the news, and was there this morning when the pyre for her.

I have tried to do inventory on the supplies in the medical and surgical wagons, when I have a chance with various injuries and other issues take me away from such duty. Though I have come to a rough estimate on supplies. We are low on willow bark, as this is something that seems to be given out for the mildest of things, and I have put an order out that this will stop. As this can be used when other methods of pain relief are exhausted. We are still good on valerian, as this is kept under lock and key in the First Healer's office. There is no more black wine left from the two (2) canisters that was given to the clan of healers by Leda and any tea that was given to us, is also gone.

I have been trying to add flavor to the broth and stew going in the medical wagons, as well as my own wagon, but the spices are getting very low, and so I am rationing how much goes into each pot, depending on their location. I have also been rationing out the jerky delivered to the medical wagon by NightStorm a few nights ago, but that is beginning to run low.

There have been a few more cases of frostbite, but as those coming in had been told what to look for, these cases have been mild, but there were a few that were moderate and those are still within the medical wagons getting treatment. Two (2) are still on a wait and see if they are going to lose their fingers, I should have a report on that when I do my rounds of the medical wagons.

**End Report**