Stone's Throw

[GamesMaster]

Adonis nods. "Of course we do have a writing system now, but for many generations we did not, and we told all our stories orally. Our kits grow up hearing the Keeper recite the Tribe stories and learn how to tell them right."

[NPCs]

"Yes..." Cadmus murmurs, ears drooping a little as he reminisces over long mornings spent enthralling entire halls of children and the odd adult with naught but his voice, flair and long practiced stories.

[Andreas Amell]

Biting his lip, Andreas asks hesitantly, "have you considered getting an Amulet of Mental Declaration? Or maybe a Speaking Slate?" The later, at least, Adonis is familiar with; no few visitors to the Lantern write Common or Draconic better than they speak it.

[GamesMaster]

Don takes his father's hand and squeezes gently. "Such a thing could be procured, if you wish it, father."

[NPCs]

Cadmus hesitates but shakes his head. "How many meals?" he murmurs, unable to justify the cost. Even the cheapest of magical items is priced in gold, usually with more than one digit as well. In fairness, from what little Adonis knows about enchanting and the like, the Speaking Slates are on the cheaper end of things. He's never heard of the Amulet Andreas mentioned though.

[GamesMaster]

"It could be rented. I have the money, Founders have money. It doesn't have to come from the Tribe." He knows it's futile. He just wants to hear his dad tell a story one more time. Tears prick at his eyes, and he wipes them like a snotty-nosed child. 

[Andreas Amell]

Andreas stares at his father intently, trying to catch his attention without making any noise. Once Adonis glances at him, he mouths 'I can borrow' before speaking, "how does that work, actually? Being a Founder and part of the tribe, I mean."

[GamesMaster]

"Very difficult," he agrees, wiping his eyes again. "I almost gave up my Tribe membership, but instead, we agreed I could tithe forty percent of my trust fund income and do more good than harm that way." Some months it's as much as sixty percent, of course, and the other months it's usually because he's outright financing major projects for the Tribe, but he is humble enough not to mention those. 

[NPCs]

"Cheats," Cadmus announces with clear pride, getting a grin from Andreas. 

[GamesMaster]

Don gives a small headbutt to Cadmus's chest -- an affectionate rebuke, and the most pure cat thing Andreas has seen the man do. Even his tail movements are muted, understated, repressed even.

[Andreas Amell]

"Sounds like Aunt Merrill and her healing work at Unbroken; she's supposed to keep it limited to eight hours a day at most but..." Andreas shakes his head a little. Formally named 'Broken Shells don't Reflect on the Soul.' no-one actually calls the free clinic by the full name.

[GamesMaster]

Don nods. "I do what I can to provide for the Tribe. I personally funded many of those rooftop gardens that are helping in a big way when there's job loss."

[Andreas Amell]

"Do what you can..." Andreas murmurs, brow furrowed. "Do-- what is the Tribe's, ah, view on..." He stalls out a moment, then decides he's not going to find a subtle way to ask. "On art, on entertainment and emotional impact and-- and-- and art as offerings to the Tribe?"

[GamesMaster]

Don hesitates. "It is not.... so, it is not that we do not value art. We do value it very highly. But when people are struggling to put food on the table, art is a luxury most go without. It would be better, I think, to do public performances or paint  murals, so that all can enjoy, than to donate smaller pieces that have to be divvied up."

[NPCs]

"Sale tithes," Cadmus adds, still far more opportunistic than his son is wont to be.