Please read In Recent Years: Introduction before reading this post.
Year 1480
Neeko and his assistant Pais’ca live for a time with the Cani, a primitive tribe living in the jungles of the Elder Coast. Neeko, an alchemical researcher by profession, is fascinated to learn of the Cani’s kibroot, a natural root that, when added to food, somehow enhances the body’s ability to derive nutrients from the food. Using kibroot, the Cani—and Neeko—are able to eat only a fraction of what would normally be required, while still remaining healthy.
Despite the fascinating discovery, Neeko becomes even more intrigued by the stories the Cani tell of the Field Roamers, another tribe that ranges through the savanna north of the Elder Coast’s rainforests. After all, he is not seeking the concoction to extend his diet.
The Field Roamers have other plans though—they capture Neeko and Pais in distrust, and consult the moon and sun to determine what is to be done with them. Neeko and Pais attempt to persuade the tribespeople to hear them out or to consider a trade, but between language and cultural differences, no understanding is reached. When a hunter from their tribe is stricken ill, Neeko attempts to save him. His failure to do so, combined with the waning moon, is enough reason for the tribe. On the moonless night, they drag Neeko and Pais into the circle of their camp and kill them both.