Melock will smile back at the fellow Raven, and when the shade is offered he will dismount and make his way over and introduce himself to Sky Bone Blue i am Melock, thank you for the offer of shade and water, both are welcome out here
 He will then go and sit by the Raven brave and offer him some kumiss

Fireborn lowers his head to the Khan of the Big Pecker Clan..."With great honor I accept your gift. I am glad you found the bison...otherwise it would have fed another leaping bear, better to be found and used than left to rot. I apologize for doubting this when I first saw the bison."

Greeshar's eyes widen, and a grin splits his face, at the khan's words.

"The Howler?! Aye, he lives, and a fine uncle to me!" Marching up to the leader, Greeshar kneels and says, "As you stood with my clan, so I shall remember you as an uncle. Great Khan, let us talk of enemies and vengeance, for this is what fills my head!"

As the others speak in turn, and prepare to eat, the tall brave keeps the diminutive khan in his gaze, painting the warrior with the aura of a hero.

Whilst they wait for a pipe to appear, grins are exchanged, shy smiles made and water passed about. Though in one case the skin contains Kumiss which is shared between two black feathered youths.

There's movement all the time in amongst the rocks and for a brief moment there are three nut brown women, smiling over the heads of their men folk. Harsh fringes and nose bones above bare chests are all the party really see, before the women turn showing that each carries on their back a woven basket, hanging from a cord suspended from their heads. Just showing are the tops of a large white egg, wrapped in feathers.

Noticing the stares, Sky Bone Blue calls one of the women back, who after a short exchange goes off to prepare one of the eggs for lunch.

"I don't doubt that you've tried our eggs before, but believe me they are best when cooked by one of our own…."


Amongst the happy stares is one that is decidedly different….Aimed at Amara is a hostile look, one full of sneers and disrespect. A young brave sitting just behind his Khan. His look says it all.

You should be with the Eirithans, not with the warriors....

The young Red headed woman has faced it a dozen times before, from young braves amongst the Prairie Thunder Clan and even from her own men in the days before her clan was annihilated….

The Khan smiles at the youth

"You are walking the path of the Sun Hawk young man, in speaking truth and seeing clearly as your spirit guide does….

My son here will show you the basics of controlling the bird and what to feed it, but be sure not to let it go free for a while."

The Khan's son gets up and sits next to Fireborn, proceeding to show him the Hawk, and when the opportunity arises to bind his left arm with leather, for the bird to sit on.

"He will sit on your saddle if you make room, for your arm will get tired before long" whispers the brave.



Sky Bone Blue's eye twinkle at this, his grim facade dropping for a moment as he accepts the young man under the shade.

"Sit nephew of the Howler and your sister. We shall leave talk of war for another time, for now we must talk of peace between us, here and now. My people are struggling and hounded where ever we go. It has not been an easy time for any of us….."

Melock is eager to chat to his fellow raven, but will wait until Sky Bone Blue has finished talking before striking up a conversation. When he sees the hostile look directed at Amara he has to stop himself smiling too much If he had seen how she handles herself, he would not be acting like that
you honour us with this delicacy, I look forward to trying an egg that has been cooked the correct way  Probably best not to let him know that we have two of his people who are our slaves

Amara dismounted glaring defiance at all the ostrich tribes braves, before taking a warriors place on the mat. "Thank you for your generosity. We of the Skywatchers know and sing of the bravery of the big peckers. It has not been the easiest of times for our own clan. Khan, we've seen and done much this time apart from our tribe. Perhaps we can share some stories and kumiss together."

Greeshar sits gratefully, but his eyes are on fire. When he has a chance, he speaks his heart -- and his voice is filled with the fire of his blood.

"Great Khan, while it is our way to fight amongst ourselves, should this not be minor activity? We should save our strength, for the struggle against our enemies."

He takes a deep breath, his passion apparent. "But those who fought and died at Moonbroth, to free us all -- they have earned honor and respect! The Prairie Thunder clan is one who knows what honor is! Those of the Sky Thunder could not have asked for more noble brothers to stand with. And I know they would do the same for the Big Peckers! Amara and I could speak to our elders; such an alliance is not only wise, it is right! Who is it who preys upon a brother when their people are struggling? There is no honor, no bravery in that!"

Now the red-faced youth is pacing, "Who is it who preys upon the family of the noble Sky Bone Blue, veteran of Moonbroth?!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Mon 28 Oct 2013.

Kobal produces the pipe that he found and places it on the ground before Sky Bone Blue, who looks surprised, bending over to pick it up in a much calloused hand, his fingers black as if burnt.

Whilst holding it up for perusal the Khan gives the patrol an appraising look.

"You are a strange bunch, that's for sure. Each with a feather from the Rivals, but none initiated in their society by the looks of it. Fighting Tripanandar and more by the sounds of it, and all on your first patrol too. And carrying a sacred meeting pipe…..."

He looks around at his own braves as if to say Look at these men and women long and hard and pay attention... and  notices the angry looks being given to Amara, sharply cuffing the youth about the head before continuing.

"You are welcome in my tent Vingan, do not worry about this idiot….He will learn."



"A wonderful idea, though I am unable to drink it because of a geas given by my god. No matter for we have this pipe and shall share the smoke of Tobakeh instead."

The Khan begins to pack the pipe, all the while watching the members of the patrol…..



The Khan waits for Greeshar to finish, lighting the pipe with a click of his fingers and then taking a long satisfying pull. All of those present see that he places a part of his spiritual power into the ritual of the inhalation and then leaning his head back he exhales deeply, his booming voice ringing about the shady space.

"Praise to Tobakeh, the Forty Eight wise ones and the wisdom they bring."

Then holding the pipe out to the Rhino rider brave he adds "Smoke and cool your ardour Greeshar of the Skywatcher clan. You of course speak the truth, but there are many reasons why we are not united. Religious differences, Cultural differences, the fact that we steal, kill and take slaves from each other. My people used to be strong and powerful, filling this land from one end to the other, but now look at us….A mere speck.

I do not think your Elders would be interested in helping us, thieves who steal your herd beasts….."

He laughs a slightly bitter laugh.

"But speak to your elders, if you in fact have any after Moonbroth to talk to.

As for who harasses us now? Well we have left the Great River to the West, forced out by invaders who now dig the sacred earth and build their abominations of wood and stone. Now forced here we have been robbed and murdered by Impala braves. A band roaming this area, strong with magic have assaulted our women, taken slaves and killed my braves."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:06, Mon 28 Oct 2013.

A large woven platter arrives, containing a mass of cooked egg, heavily spiced and smelling heavenly. It's placed before the guests and the Ostrich braves indicate that the patrol should dig in.



"My name is Hide in Cover, what is yours Raven who rides a Bison?" asks the Ostrich brave next to Melock, passing back the Kumiss.

"Is good….You have more to trade?"

In reply to GM (msg # 342):

i am Melock,  it is good to meet an other raven out here. I have a couple of skins i can trade with you, what are you offering? he will have some of the egg you are right Sky Bone Blue they are definatly better when cooked by your ladies

Accepting the pipe carefully, Greeshar also contributes power, and draws of the rich smoke while concentrating on alliances. “Praise to Tobakeh, and praise Waha, patron of wise leaders.” He passes the pipe to Amara, then focuses on the khan once again.

“I do not suggest we become 'united,' as the barbarians from the west do with their kingdoms. It is not our way. And I do not question the wisdom of Waha, who taught us how to live. We skirmish and raid with each other to gain strength! And we all differ, with different skills, different knowledge. This is good!”

He pauses for breath, his mind a bit dizzy with the fumes. “But I say, it is bad to prey upon other clans when they need to regain their strength. A hunter does not kill off an entire herd! Where will the little ones come from, to replenish and grow anew? That is idiocy. Also we must remember those who have fought for us all! Are we not men? It is wrong to prey upon the Big Peckers, as it would be wrong to pray upon Sky Thunder. For our lesser numbers are the result of Moonbroth, where we tried to preserve our way of life for all the tribes of Prax. Men can remember, they must act accordingly.”

Calmer now, the ringing of war cries fades from his head, and he adds, “Great Khan, those same Impalas have marked themselves our enemies, too. As we strive against them, so it will benefit you. And that knowledge makes me glad, for I will contribute in some small part to the benefit of one who fought the invaders and their Chaos, fought beside my clan.”

Shifting position, he smiles. “And I will speak to the elders that remain. We should remain allies, whose warriors fought and died together against a common enemy. Will we not fight Lunars again, when our strength is returned? And will we not gain greater strength through alliances, both old and new? This is the wisdom of the peace pipe; so good of you to suggest it, Uncle.” And he inclines his head.

"I'm not interested in skins, just more kumiss" whispers the brave.

"I'll swap you some ostrich meat jerky and a bundle of ostrich feathers for a skin. Mates rates. And some of these."

And he shows Melock a handful of purple black mushrooms.

"Picked them last night. Lovely."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:32, Mon 28 Oct 2013.

As the pipe is passed the shaded area is filled with the presence of the spirit of the tobacco plant….Tobakeh. Summoned by the expenditure of power….

A sense of well being falls on all who partake, as the spirit swirls amongst the smokers, filling their minds with peaceful thoughts and bringing understanding to all.

For the first time in days the patrol feels rested, alert and happy.

The Khan listens to the Rhino youth before him, poking him gently in the chest for emphasis.

"I say talk to your elders and see what they say. We are moving North once more, but shall be nearby for a while. We were forced back by the Impala braves as we approached the Giant's Finger Holes to the North.

The best course of action for us now, is to pass further to the West so as not to come close to where they are camped.

They were too much for us, but they would run at the sight of mighty Rhino and Bison."


Finished the Khan helps himself to some egg and eases his thirst with water, before turning to Fireborn and Amara.

"Two red heads in one patrol….In all my years I have never seen that colour amongst our people and here there are two of you sitting before me….

Tell me more about what has happened to you these last few days and why you have the colour of fire about your heads?"

In reply to GM (msg # 345):

I meant a couple of skins of kumiss smiles Melock that sounds like a good trade, I'll just get them off of my bison Melock will get a couple of skins of kumiss off of Stinky and give them to Hide in Cover

As Melock returns there is an almost audible happy sigh that comes from Hide in Cover and the nearest braves. Happy looks are exchanged and backs slapped.

All done behind their Khan's back of course.

Melock finds himself the proud owner of a large sack of Ostrich jerky, a bundle of Ostrich feathers and a double handful of mushrooms.

"Sorted…Thanks for that Melock."

Greeshar looks thoughtful, quiet as the pipe's smoke takes its full effect. When there is another lull, he asks the ostrich leader, "So the band was camped to the north of us here? How far, might I ask? And what were their numbers?"

"They raided us when we approached the Giant's Finger holes, four days to the North East of here. We came immediately South and are swinging around to the West and then North again.

As for how many? I am not sure to be honest, they have hit us twice since we left the Zola Fel. Each time small raiding parties of a dozen or so braves.

 It was night when they attacked us by the Finger Holes, that was when they killed several of us and took captives. They shouted for us to leave then or they would kill us all.

A shameful day, but I had my people to think of, all our children and our elders."

No worries, come find me when we meet again and we'll trade Melock hears the talk about the Impala's raid and starts paying more attention to the main conversation We should get Hacha back to the tribe, then go after these impala as not only have they desecrated one of our shrines, they have raided Sky Bone Blues people and they also seemed to have the bastard who called Tripanandar with them and I would very much like to kill him

In reply to Sky Bone Blue (msg # 346):

Amara smirked "Now that's two questions, Khan Big Pecker. One of which is quick and easy to answer, the other question much more complicated and difficult." she looked slyly to the warrior who seemed to denigrate her. "So let us start with the complex question first. It goes back to the times of old. Like myself, the God I worship did not start with red hair."<blue>

OOC:This is copy pasted, too tired to redo it.

<blue>"It was in the time after Vinga Redhair had taken up her sword and spear but before she had the torc and arm-rings of a weaponthane. She came to the hall of Orlanth, her father, as he feasted after raiding the Sun Tribe and demanded to know: "Why am I left behind when you go on raids? Why can I not be a warrior like my brothers? Even those who are not Storm folk," and here she gestured to Elmal. "Fight as thanes in your war band! Why should I be the only one to be left out?"

Orlanth heaved a great sigh that set the torches in the hall to dancing. "Daughter, I love you and would give much to see you happy. But this I cannot allow, and there are three reasons why it should be so." Orlanth stood, and addressed all the folk of the Storm Tribe who were here for this celebration.

"Everyone knows that women are the caring folk and men are the fighting folk. If I let you take up weapons, then all the women will follow you. Nobody will know who is who, and who does what, among men and women. It will be the end of our tribe!"

But Vinga laughed. "With respect, my dear father, this is a foolish answer. First, you cannot stop me taking up weapons, for I already have." And the folk in the hall saw it was true, for she had a warrior's calluses on her hands. "Second, your prediction will never come true. Women are too wise for all the leaping around and shouting that men enjoy so much. Many of them will never want to wield a sword or throw a spear, except in dire need. If you make me a warrior, I will be there to show the way to those women who would walk the warrior's path."

Orlanth saw that this was true, but still he did not want Vinga to be a warrior. "There are still more reasons, my daughter," he said. "Even if you have taken up weapons, you are small and weak compared to my warriors. How will you stand against our foes?" At this, the men of the war band grinned and showed off their muscles and scars.

But Vinga laughed. "With respect, my dear father, this is a foolish answer. I fight with speed and cleverness, not brawn and boasting. I am brave. And I am clever. And I am determined. Every one of you warriors has thought that he could teach me a lesson about weapons. And there is not one, save perhaps Humakt who wields Death itself, who has not been shown how empty his boasts were." At this, the men of the war band shuffled their feet and faced the floor, for they could not deny Vinga's skill at arms.

Orlanth saw that this too was true, but he still did not want Vinga to be a warrior. "There is yet another reason, my daughter," he said. "These are hard times for the Storm Tribe. You are a beautiful woman and I have seen the admiring glances you draw from the young men of the tribe. Sooner or later, one of them will get you with child. You cannot go to war for me when your belly is swollen, and I cannot afford to feed a warrior who does not fight."

This time Vinga could not laugh, for she saw that this was true, and she left the feasting hall, almost crying at the unfairness of the world. She went to speak with Voria, who she knew did not become pregnant. "How can I be sure that I will not become pregnant, my sister," she asked. Voria pulled a face. "Ugh!" she said. "I will never lie with men - they're loud and smelly and too hairy. They are just like the horrid boys who pull my hair! If you don't lie with a man, you will not become pregnant." But Vinga did not like this solution; she was fond of the admiring glances of the young men, and of their whispered endearments and loving caresses in the bedchamber. She thanked her sister for her advice, and went on her way.

Vinga next spoke with Eurmal, who was drunkenly wooing his own reflection in a puddle. When she asked him how she might avoid becoming pregnant, but still be able to lie with men, Eurmal turned from praising himself and cackled suggestively. "I have heard of certain practices, said to be common in the Sun Tribe," he told Vinga. But when he described them, they did not appeal to her, despite Eurmal's generous offer to demonstrate them. "This all sounds most unlikely, and even uncomfortable," she told him. She did not thank him for his advice when she went on her way.

Vinga next came to see her mother, Ernalda, who could not at first see why this should be a problem. She told her daughter of the joys of children and advised her to be content with this. But Vinga had made up her mind that, though she might have children one day, she wanted to be a warrior first. She asked Ernalda if there was any way that she could think of avoiding pregnancy without having to follow the loveless path of Babeester Gor. Ernalda shuddered at the thought of her terrible avenging daughter, and promised to do what she could.

After Vinga had gone away, Ernalda gathered her women around her and asked them to help. They asked the stones of the earth, the animals of the forest and the abundant plants of the fields and hills. But none of them could help.

Ernalda came to see her daughter, who had gone to sit on a hillside and bemoan her fate. She told her that she had found no plant or animal that could help. Not even the stones of the earth knew the solution to this problem. Vinga heaved a sigh that set the long grass of the hillside to dancing. In the silence that followed, Ernalda heard a tiny voice, almost inaudible. It was a flower, red like Vinga's hair, that was hiding among the bushes. "I know," said Camphire, for it was she. "A secret that will help Vinga." And Camphire showed Ernalda how together they could make a preparation that would stop the making of babies.

After this secret had been learned, Vinga returned to her father's hall to demand once again her rightful place as a warrior. Orlanth raised the same objections again, but Vinga laughed as she once more assured him that the Storm Tribe women were mostly too sensible to rush off and become warriors just because of her. And she once more showed how she was a match for any of his warriors. Then Orlanth raised his third objection, that she would become pregnant, sure that Vinga would not be able to laugh at this.

But Vinga laughed a third time. "With respect, my dear father, this is a foolish answer. For my mother has shown me the secret of lying with men but making no baby. And I will have no children until times are better for the Storm Tribe and my warrior skills are needed no more."

Orlanth could not deny the wisdom and truth in her answer, and was proud of his daughter who would not give up. He gladly gifted her the torc and arm-rings due to a warrior. He ordered Drogarsi the skald to compose staves praising her cleverness, bravery and determination. And he made her one of his weaponthanes. Humakt honoured her, allowing her the Champion's Portion at the feast, and all the warriors made room for her at their table.

This is how Vinga persuaded her father to make her part of his war band, and this is why Vingans can lie with men but still not get with child unless they wish it. And this is why Vingans have red hair, for their hair being red honours not only Vinga but also Camphire, who we also sometimes call Henna."

Amara watched the braves disdaining their presence. "I was not born with red hair like my brother brave Fireborn. I was blessed with it on the day I chose to follow Vinga, and learn to fight those who have hurt my clan. I respect the women who chose Eiritha, but that path is not for me, and this hair marks the path I follow."

Realising that a story is about to be told everyone settles down for the duration, with Sky Bone Blue every now and again offering some form of translation for the very foreign tale….

"Orlanth is who we know as Rain Man….Ah ha that must be Jack Rabbit she talks of now…Ha…..See I was right….."

They're an appreciative bunch, even the ones who doubted Amara's worth to begin with.

During the story Fireborn gains some simple instructions about caring for his Hawk. What to feed it, how often and a few words of command.

"Speak to any that follow Sun Hawk and they should be able to help" suggests the Khan's son Farro.

The newly acquired Kumiss is passed back and forth, and if he notices the Khan does not deign to show it.

At last the tale is done and though most certainly one from another place and rather confusing for their heads to digest, the men show their respect by banging fists upon the sand.

"A worthy tale Red Head. I had heard a woman from across the mountains had joined your Clan many years ago and this must be who you learned this story from. We do not know this spirit you mention…Camphire. I thank you for the telling."



The Khan hears this and replies

"They desecrated a shrine and what is this about someone calling Tripanandar on your people? Do you have proof and who are they? It is a serious crime."

In reply to GM (msg # 353):

Khan, my story telling skills are not as good as Amaras so please forgive the clumsyness of my tale. we found one of our offerings to appease Tripanandar fouled the day we begain our 3 day scouting and near by Impala tracks, then later that day we found one of our bison slain by a leaping bear, just like that one Melock points to the remains of the bison near them we then followed the tracks back to a cave where, after a hard fight we killed a leaping bear, which Amara noticed, had a disorder rune carved in its head. After meeting with some baboons we learnt where a holy place for Tripanandar was so, taking on the role of Tada we went hunting him, after a great battle in which our brother Hacha died, we managed to kill Tripanandar and force his spirit to tell us what we wanted to know and he informed us that he had been called to attack our tribe by one of our enemies, which after noticing a lone riden bison joining the impala tracks makes us think it might be the red thorn tribe as we had been given a warning to beware the bloody thorn he will take a swig of water and a bite of egg and a deep breath any questions? he asks with a smile
This message was last edited by the player at 12:29, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

In reply to Melock (msg # 354):

"So you six…Sorry, I means seven, not only fought and killed a Leaping Bear but also went on to defeat Tripanandar himself….At I'm presuming his place of birth, not that far from here?"

The Khan's face is a picture and the braves about him break into a babble of voices, which draws several other braves and women folk from the rocks behind, come to see what the commotion is all about.

"Forgive me for I do not doubt you, but I'm amazed that ones so young accomplished this. And you went as Tada?

Who told you how to do this?"

In reply to Sky Bone Blue (msg # 355):

it wasnt just tripanandar at his birth place it was also his mate and 2 yearling cubs, in fact i think if it wasnt for them we might not have lost Hacha, but your right it does seem like a tall tale and if i hadnt been there i would have a hard time believing it myself, but we we have the loss of a brother, lots of scars and he smiles3 adult, 2 yearling and 6 young cub skins to prove it at this point he will go and fetch a skin to show the Khan as to who told us about his birth place and how to go as Tada, that was a baboon troop at the singing safe place

The meeting winds down as the pipe is finished and the food eaten.

What started out as an awkward misunderstanding has turned out to be a successful meeting, that may lead on to a better understanding between three Tribes.

The awning is rolled up, and after a round of goodbyes the Ostrich Riders melt away into the rocks, the dead Bison having been butchered during the talks.

Sky Bone Blue waves once from atop his impressive war bird, waiting until the Bison and Rhino riders have departed before he too trots off into the Wastes.

New acquaintances, a gifted bird, some trade goods and the name of where the patrol might find the Impala Braves and the dastardly Shaman….

Not a bad way to spend the middle of the day.