Morning

Another quiet night, a rare thing indeed for the Wandering Rangers…

Those sleeping are woken by the gentle sounds of their mounts and the noises of the kettle boiling. There's a welcome brew and some piping hot bread baked by Long Grass, better than any other bread the braves had tasted before.

"Condor secret" is all the Shaman says before moving to ready the mounts.

Sitting up, those not on guard duty find that the Earth Witch is crouched by the embers of the fire, bare legged and with a smile splitting her broad face.

It seems that she has been there a while.

"Morning, I came to say farewell…'Till later in the year, and to thank you once more for what you have done here. Word has been sent out and there will be others coming soon enough. Your people will be most proud of your achievements."

Amara stretched having enjoyed on of the better nights sleeps she's had in a long time. Amara yawned taking her time to raise to consciousness and the beckoning day. Last night was very comfortable. The warmth of a fire followed by the warmth of a bed. Amara took the time to wash her arms and face to clear off the dust before dressing in her armour for the day. When she was ready she joined Noita at the circle, eating the bread long Grass had prepared. She smiled, trying to decipher the secret to the bread, she could tell almost every ingredient, but there was something she couldn't place. She smiled in appreciation for the feast.

"You might see some of us a little earlier than that, but not for long." Amara said to the Witch. "We have a proposal for you."

Save for a grateful nod to Melock as he is handed the shield, Hoskar has spent a quiet night; often pacing on watch alone. The look of his eyes suggests he may not have slept, has been thinking hard, and has found his thoughts about himself unpalatable.

Seeing the Earth Witch, he winces; but he still approaches the fire; nervously, as if unsure of his welcome.

Glancing round then averting his gaze to the embers, he speaks in a low voice to no-one in particular. Yesterday I was shown a part of my true face, as it were reflected in polished copper. It was not a happy sight, but I am grateful to have seen it so clearly. His head drops further still.

After the passage of three or four heartbeats, he glances around the company. Has there been a decision? What next?

The Earth witch gives Hoskar a wide smile "Well you acted in true Rhino style so don't worry. Your Father would more than likely have been proud…Of the intentions at any rate.

It…It is good that you are amongst your people again. Life with the settled people makes one over think, addles the mind of a true Rhino. You need the open plains, a lance in your hand and blood at your feet. Your skin needs to harden like your Rhino, impervious to barbs of both bone and tongue.

Raise your head. Your Father didn't wallow in self pity so neither should you. You are a Sky Watcher…So look to the Sky, not the ground.

Now….."

She turns to Amara and the others

"I'm all ears."

after he passes Hoskar the shield, he sees Fireborn's glance, but carries on with what he was doing. Before he settles in for the night he'll make sure he has a moment alone with Fireborn I saw that look earlier, if you wanted the shield you should of said something, bit late now though

While he's on watch he'll get Niemba to go a little distance and tell him what she can see, so he can get used to her descriptions of things. He'll watch her hunt as well, making a note of what she likes.

He awakes to the smell of Long Grasses bread cooking, which instantly makes him feel hungry, and he is delighted to discover that it tastes even better than it smells Long Grass, this bread is so tasty. A condor secret? well if that's the case, I think either Salen or Hoskar will be cooking this for breakfast everyday he says with a cheeky grin on his face, before taking another bite.

Hearing Amara start to tell the Earth Witch about the plan, he turns to listen

Amara spoke, feeling enthusiastic "On our way to visit the great rhino, we came across a well cared for place of rest only a day away. The problem is that there's a water spirit and a spirit of another kind there. Since it's on a direct travelling route to the rhino high lands, and the water spirit seems to be fond of seducing travellers, we were wondering if we could persuade them to come here, would you be willing to have them stay here."

The Earth Witch interrogates the braves until she is satisfied that she has gathered all the relevant information and then sits for a while, poking the coals of the fire with a long stick.

"The water is dirty, contaminated by unclean waste, algae and by it seems a large creature of some sort. I had given it some thought myself as it like the caves needs to be cleansed.

But first let us deal with Oglod….He is a spirit not dealt with much anymore, but he like all of nature deserve his worship. I have no problem if this becomes a place for him. Go talk to him and ask that he keeps the lizards in line. You may be surprised and find that he is already tied to this place.

Now for your seductive water nymph. That would be up to her if she wants to come here and why she would leave her present place I do not know.

As for the water…There is a way, one that involves a journey to the West and the Zola Fel. He has a daughter. Kinope is her name. You should go see her, she has a shrine deep within the New Bog."

"That's a fair long way…..Though there's been whispers at home that we're heading that way once the grazing has gone. I heard my father say that it was time for us to be testing the waters once more."

Fireborn seems excited at the prospective. For that means pushing against the invaders and their allies and ultimately wealth and prestige.

Amara hoped it would be easier. It might be a long time before the braves reached the Zola Fel and she wanted to do this now. They needed to go home and rest up and spend time with family, before they did the rest of these things. "It would mean the waters might take longer than expected to clear, Noita. We only offer her this place, as to keep her where she is there's a risk that most travellers to the rhino lands might fall under her spell. We need every rhino rider there is."

"This is where I may be off some help"

It's the shaman, who sits down cross-legged by the fire.

"Tis true that the clan has been thinking about returning to the valley, not immediately, but in the near future. The river valley will of course need to be scouted beforehand….I can of course suggest to the Khan who I think might be best suited to this job….."

Hooking the copper kettle out of the fire he asks

"Another brew before we go?
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:22, Tue 06 May 2014.

Amara nodded rapidly handing over a cup to be filled "Yes please." she considered the course of action the shaman was suggesting. "It would be wise for the clan to scout the area before we move there. The potential for conflict with the invaders is high."

"Rumours that there's a new settlement at the mouth of the Zola Fel  too and that the settlers are moving further south. Given our land to build their houses" Long Grass spits "and dig the soil."

All can see that the shaman is angry.

"So, if there were some braves up for some scouting it would be an opportunity to see this daughter of the river."

Greeshar tends to his new mount Hidden Strength, one ear on the conversation, the other listening to Whispers from the Sky who is discussing their route back home.

Long Grass rising slowly turns to Hoskar

"Make sure you come and see me on your return, we have much to discuss. Your future. What you can do for Condor."

He pats the brave on his shoulder and then heads across to his Bison.

"Time to go"

And up he jumps, no ceremony here…..

"Going to be a hot one."

Salen, just remembered something, your probably going to have to deal with that lizard spirit with only Hoskar to help, because while we were out on our first patrol we killed a big female and her clutch of eggs. I'm guessing he'll know about it some how and wont deal with the rest of us he finishes off his breakfast and packs his things away if anyone catches a small animal today and I don't, could I have it as I need a sacrifice for Grandmother Spider tomorrow

Smiling yet thoughful still, Hoskar raises his hand in acknowledgement and salute to the Shaman, then turns to those that remain.
Lizard spirit? Well it can't be worse than the spider, can it? I'm up for it if you are, Salen.

I'm not the most accomplished hunter, Melock, but I'll have a try. I belong here: might as well start acting like it. Let's see if Four-paws and I can flush something out.

Amara fetched her shawl back from Whispers hugging the shaman as she set off with the others. She felt nervous about being apart from her brother, saving a long hug for him for his trip home. She tried not to cry, but it was difficult to say goodbye. "Take care my brother. We'll be not far behind you. Safe journeys."

Amara nodded, although grandmother spider disgusted her, it was important to Melock. "If I catch anything I would be happy for you to take it. We have quite a lot of food."

thank you my friends he says with a smile I know she is an unusual one for someone like me to follow, but I reckon that the wider the range of allies we can call on in times of need, the better chance we have of surviving. He waves goodbye to the others as they leave Safe travels he calls after them
He turns to Hoskar there's always the chance, that when I get back, Feather Wait wont let me carry on worshipping Grandmother Spider, for all I know he might hate spiders. he groans and I've just realised I don't know if Wild Pastures likes them either he puts his head in his hands and mutters if she's anything like Amara, its going to be an interesting time when I get back he lifts his head back up, sighs and finishes getting ready

After delicious Condor-made bread and tea for breakfast, Salen and Mordy indulge in a little hunting, bringing back a fair size lizard as a reward. Which is sure to bring the brave a few odd looks, to say the least.

"It's for food, a necessity...I doubt Oglod will mind, not like it was wanton slaughter. As long as we eat it before we see him he should be fine.

And of course you can come along, Hoskar. Be an interesting experience for sure, but perhaps better he knows more than just me from among all of us."

Salen mounts up and rides out with the others when everyone is ready.

The hunting had been good during the day as they rode towards the pool. It seemed like everyone had managed to catch something. Grimalkin had managed to pounce on an unsuspecting bustard and had brought it back. From the feathers around his mouth, she could see that he'd already eaten his share before bringing this whole one back for her. Perhaps the restoration of the giants finger holes had already caused a big a impact in the surrounding area. Amara felt proud of the accomplishments of the band, even as she felt resentment towards the Storm Bulls for spoiling it. She rode wide and to the left of the rest of the band, hoping the others were doing well on the ride back to the tribe.

As Bright Treasure lowered towards the horizon, Amara couldn't find a good place to stay for the night. She frowned in anger mainly because she'd been lost in thought for the day and felt she might have missed somewhere better to rest for the evening. For tonight it looked to be open land with no water or scrub for the mounts. The only thing that it had going for it was that no-one would be able to sneak up on them, although their fire would tell everyone where they were.

"Do you think it's worth continuing on, or should we rest here for the evening." Amara scratched Thunderfoots ears, just where she liked it, watching her ears flick in happiness.

Hoskar had spent the journey becoming increasingly frustrated: every hint of game that he half-glimpsed through tired eyes had seemed to feel his gaze and make off across the plains in terror. Eventually, though, he seems to see the funny side. Looks like I can't catch the sniffles today, let alone game.

What have I gone in for now, I wonder. Being a supporting character when Salen meets a lizard? Strange stuff.

Standing up briefly on Kor's back for a better view, he scratches his head as he turns to reply to Amara. Well I can't see anything better than here. I've a vague tingling instinct there might be a gully off to the right, but I really don't know why I feel that way. Might be Condor's guidance again. Might be too much char, though.

Happy with whatever people think, but I'll not be able to keep watch tonight. He yawns extravagantly. Didn't get much rest yesterday what with one thing and another.

Amara smiled, nudging Thunderfoot over to the right as Hoskar suggested, keeping her eyes open as she looked for anything that might suit as a resting place for the night. Anything was better than flat open plain. She put grimalkin down to help them find a place to rest for the night directing him to follow Hoskars suspicions and look to the right.

Eventually, as the sun was dipping below the horizon grimalkin found the spot. A gully, with no water. Amara watched the sky looking for clouds bearing rain and seeing none, she dismounted and led Thunderfoot into it. "It's better than nothing. We'll have some shelter from the wind and I'm too tired to ride on during the night."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:37, Wed 07 May 2014.

once they're underway, Melock heads to the right flank, but he doesn't see any possible sacrifices, maybe because his mind is too busy trying to work out what to do tonight.
By the time Bright Treasure is approaching the gates of dusk, he seems to have relaxed a bit and when Amara, with Hoskar's aid, finds a gully for their camp site, he even grins a little. Once he has found some scrub for Stinky to eat and given him a rub down, he gets some chard bits of wood, his bone rattle, a small bowl and a skin of kumiss from his pack. He then collects the bustard from Amara and puts his hand gently on her shoulder thank you sister. How has your day been? It must of been a strange day without Greeshar around, I don't think I've seen you two apart for this long before. Later, when I start to pray to Grandmother Spider could you keep time for me with a slow drum beat, you wont have to be anywhere near, as I think this gully will echo nicely.
He walks back towards Stinky and Niemba runs out of the darkness and up his leg and on to his shoulder and heads away from the others, until he finds a slight overhang with a smooth stone slab under it to act as an altar and starts his preparations for his first holy day sacrifice to Grandmother Spider...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Wed 07 May 2014.

spending the day traveling in the little dark place Melock has made for her, Niemba rests up. As the hated enemies influence final fades, she climbs out and enjoys the fresh air flowing across her hairs. As Melock climbs off and starts tending to the big horned beast they have been sitting on all day, she can hardly contain her excitement, Tonight is Her night, and I get to see Her. Lets hope my new companion is up to the challenge. Before he heads off Melock speaks into her mind please wait here, I need to talk to Amara and though she puts on a brave face, she doesn't like spiders. but given time she may come round
She runs backwards and forwards along the back of the horned one, when it gets a bit upset and starts to shake its self, she runs quickly down one of its legs 4 legs? why? what's wrong with 8 and heads in to the bushes and finds a sleepy cricket which doesn't last long, as she comes back out of the bushes, she see Melock walking back towards her, so she runs over to him and goes straight up his leg and on to his shoulder, her favourite spot

While waiting for all traces of Bright Treasure to vanish from the sky, he sits on the stone slab and gently strokes Niemba, and speaking in a low soft voice I am here because of my bond with you, you are here because of your bond with me. Together we are here because of our bond with Grandmother Spider he starts to clear his mind and focus his senses on Niemba, looking at her, appreciating all the little patterns that seem to appear and disappear in her glossy hairs, listening to the rustling noise she makes when she moves, feeling the tickling sensations on his finger tips as he gently runs them along her back, breathing deeply he takes in her smell, one that before the bond started would have sent him in to a state of total panic, but now helps him focus his entire being on her. he will continue this until it is dark.

when the sky is dark, he will call out Amara, please start your drumming, once she does, he starts.
He places Niemba on the stone slab, then he picks up a lump of chard wood and, starting by the overhang, draws a circle 2 spear lengths across. Once the circle is complete he moves to where Niemba is and draws the runes of Darkness and Beast on the back of his right hand and then a spider on the back of his left hand. Starting next to her, he draws Darkness and Beast over and over again in long lines that join up and form a web that is two thirds of a spear across, as he is drawing it, he puts part of his spirit in to it, and visualises the web expanding and joining up with Grandmother Spiders web and she is watching them.
walking round the edge of the web he leans in and places the bustard behind Niemba, the bowl of kumiss to her right and the ostrich feather to her left, he then kneels in front of her and using his darkness fetish surrounds them in a dome of darkness that follows the outer edge of the circle.
Shaking the bone rattle in time with Amaras drum beats  Niemba,  I reaffirm our bond on this holy night, and ask you as one of Grandmother Spiders children, please help me contact her all the while keeping the image of Grandmother Spider on her web watching them in his mind

He raises his voice and sings
   Grandmother spider what will you do...
   When no ones there for you......
   Great killer of Chaos we are here for you
   When no others come to you....

   I hear spiders crawling
   Dying by others hands
   I hear spiders crawling
   Please Grandmother Spider help me
   Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me
   Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me

   Please help us Great spider
   I will help defend your children when they are threatened
   Please let us help each other
   In your mighty web...Deep in the dark
   Grandmother spider  ...please let us approach
   Grandmother spider  ...please let us approach

   I see your children, but I can't find you
   So please crawl out so I can see you
   I know your close but I can't find you
   So please crawl out so I can feed you

   I hear spiders crawling
   Dying by others hands
   I hear spiders crawling
   Please Grandmother Spider help me
   Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me
   Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me

He pauses briefly to refresh the dark dome.
Oh, Grandmother Spider, protector of her children.
I call to you, surrounded by the darkness that is your domain.
the darkness is alive with your children and rustles with whispers of your wisdom carried on their eight legs.
I give to you these offerings, food, drink, part of the fire tribe's own beast and parts of me he draws his dagger and cuts his hand and lets the blood fall on to the web for five seconds and then he quickly raps it in a bit of cloth to stop the bleeding while he is doing this he is giving her some of his spirit may these offerings pleases you and prove to you my devotion Mistress of all who have eight legs

she lets Melock stroke her back, enjoying the strange sensation. As he speaks to her, she repeats it in her mind I am here because of my bond with you, you are here because of your bond with me. Together we are here because of our bond with Grandmother Spider she watches him as he stares at her, all the while trembling with anticipation at what is to come. Then, as she is carried to the centre of the stone slab, she feels a strange vibration in her hairs, momentarily baffled she turns this way and that way looking for its source. She then realises it must be that drum thing her two legs mentioned. She watches as he goes round her dragging a lump of wood on the floor and then comes right up to her and hits the stone in lots of places with the wood. this looks promising he starts placing things round her, that bird looks tasty, what's that liquid? a feather? what's that for? her eyes follow him back to in front of her that's right, kneel before me! it goes totally dark I can still feel where you are, can you see me?
when he asks her help, she whispers in to his mind of course and while he sings his song, she sings out in high pitched spider speech Grandmother, I am Niemba, one of your many, many children. there is with me a two legs, who has gifts for you on your holy day
she sense the rattle stop and Melock move what's he doing now? then she feels the warmth from the blood as it splashes down in front of her that should get Grandmothers attention and she waits to see if he has managed to get Grandmother Spiders attention...

Amara wasn't really an instrument player, she sang or danced, but it was important to Melock so she tried not to think of who Melock was actually sacrificing to. Grandmother spider seemed to be unwelcoming. Despite her distaste, she kept rhythm as best she can, focussing instead on keeping steady time with Melocks words. She vowed that some day she would have Melock do some equally onerous and distasteful task for her.

As the ceremony takes place the night becomes darker and colder, the camp fire barely flickering despite the attentions of Fireborn, who is probably the only reason it remains alight at all.

Shadows pool in recesses and seem to drip down the side of the dry gully and each of the braves are sure that they see movement at the very extremes of their vision.

The mounts are unhappy, stamping and snorting where they have gathered and even the familiars, though spirits themselves, hide beneath blankets or behind rocks.

Power is sacrificed, blood spilt and offerings made and then all present feel it….

Grandmother Spider.

A doorway to the spirit world has opened and though not here physically she is here spiritually.

At Melock's feet the Bustard shrivels, emptied of its juicy innards, indentations appearing on the ground as if some great beast is walking there.

The ancient spirit does not speak, but her presence is enough to let the Raven brave know that his first holy day was a success.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:51, Thu 08 May 2014.

Fireborn can't keep the distaste from showing on his face and does nothing to help, cursing the failing fire and darkness in general.

He's nervous and every now and again swivels around to make sure nothing is creeping up on him from behind.

When Grandmother Spider makes herself known, Melock cant help the small tremor of fear that runs through his body.
Once she is gone, he heads back to the camp with Niemba running along next to him, he goes to check on Stinky first and spends a few moments reasuring and calming him. He gets his self heating canteen and some dried tea. Niemba stays with Stinky.
He walks back to the group thank you all for your help, Grandmother Spider was very happy. he holds up his canteen anyone fancy a nice cup of tea?

Later thst night, while on watch, he'll go back to the altar and see which gifts she didnt like.

Amara nodded rapidly to the suggestion of tea, her skin feeling as though it were still crawling. "Niemba...she doesn't hide in the kettle does she?" Amara asked saying the question everyone else wanted to know the answer to. "I'll be happy to get to the pool again."

As much as he had dealt with some powerful spirits, of often differing ideals, Salen could not suppress a shiver when Grandmother Spider appeared to accept the sacrifice and worship made to her. He watched the whole ceremony from a distance away, Mordy at his side, all the better to keep the dog settled - and perhaps himself too. Every now and again he felt like he had an itch somewhere on his person, and felt compelled to scratch it, though he already knew there was nothing there. Later, there was nothing he could think of that he wanted more right then.

"A cup of tea would be most welcome, Melock. This could take some getting used to."

Having sat close to the fire watching Melock, nervously curious, from a distance while Four-paws hid her face in his lap Hoskar seems relieved when the spider spirit's tangible presence departs.

A cuppa would be great, Melock. Thankyou. I can see why you like the spider idea, and I hope I have better hunting the next time you need something for a rite, but rather you than me - that sort of dark spirit isn't really my thing.

He looks briefly worried at Amara's words but then smiles sleepily. A trader once told me there were places they eat spiders. Don't know if I believe him - I rather hope it was just a tall tale - but I bet an intelligent spider wouldn't risk becoming a new sort of tea.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 31):

He grins at Amara's comment, no she doesn't like the kettle, it gets too warm. She sitting on Stinkys back at the moment  He boils the canteen and starts passing round the tea, I didnt think it would effect such a big area, next time I'll choose somewhere further away

The night passes more or less uneventfully, but just before dawn there's a commotion amongst the mounts and then Mordy is barking, waking those not asleep .

Fireborn throws some more fuel on the fire enabling the braves to see that something is amongst their Bison and Rhino. Whatever it is it's small and on the ground, somewhere in amongst the kicking and stomping beasts.

The noise travels up and down the gully, magnified by it's close walls.

Amara sent Grimalkin in to find whatever it was and let her know what he saw. Drawing her javelin she prepared to use it as a spear to hunt whatever it was that was lurking and causing the mounts to stir. She creeped forward, placing her hands on the mounts to steady them as she hunted whatever it was that was disturbing the mounts.

Grimalkin declines to go too close as the mounts are spooked and are angrily stamping the ground, throwing up dust and stones.

Amara manages to get hold of her Rhino and yanks him out of the group, but is unable to see what it is that is bothering them.

Fireborn grabs a brand and is up next to Amara in a flash, the flames do little to help casting long shadows on the earthen wall behind.

He yanks Cloudkiller out, nearly being trampled in the process.

"By the great spirits everything for miles will have heard us…Reckon it's a snake?" the last is aimed at Amara, whom he nudges out of the way of a nasty kick from one of Hoskar's Rhinos.

"Melock, Salen come get your Bison."
This message was last updated by the player at 18:20, Thu 08 May 2014.

Amara nodded "A snake indeed. Difficult to spot in this light." She took Thunderfoot to one side, calming him down before staking him to the ground, before grabbing another brand from the fire to help her look for the creature.

Melock is woken up by Mordy's barking what's all that noise? he sits up and sees the spooked mounts. Niemba, is that you scaring our rides?
there's a rustling from a near by bush and he hears in his head its not me scaring the four legs and she runs out and climbs on to his shoulder.



be there shortly he gets up and leaves Niemba on his bedroll.
Right Stinky he rubs his hands together lets get you away from the snake he runs in to the crush of beasts, dodges past Kor and side steps a swipe of Ram's horn, just misses getting stepped on by Kohana and then jumps on to Stinky's back... Just as Stinky bucks, sending Melock flying for a couple of spear lengths in to a bush, where, after a few moments, he raises his left hand and says faintly I'm ok Once he's got his breath back, he slowly rolls over and stands up I meant to do that
he slowly approaches Stinky again, making eye contact and soothing noises. When he gets close enough he gently strokes Stinky's head as he walks along side him. He quickly gets in to the saddle and urges him forward, away from whatever is spooking him. He'll ride him round to the other side of the camp, dismount and hobble him next to a patch of grass.

Any sign of what it is?

It turns out to be several snakes, who had been sleeping in a hole underneath where the mounts had been. Several now very flat snakes…

The mounts are soon brought under control, the fire nudged into life and breakfast made.

It's decided to make a move as quickly as possible as clouds have begun to form indicating that a storm would likely hit sometime later in the day.

Once more the land is barren, with little vegetation. The path they were taking was not one ever travelled as they were cutting across country, aiming with a bit of skill…and a bit of luck to hit the pool before sundown.

Hoskar seems to have the knack of finding the right path and between him and Salen they make good time, despite several box canyons and odd winding gullies.

They come across tracks of a pack of jackals just after midday, but apart from those no other fresh tracks are seen.

Then by late afternoon they recognise the rock outcrops and gullies that hold the pilgrims pool at their centre, picking up Salen's old trail from when he returned with their stolen Bison's a week previously.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:31, Fri 09 May 2014.

Having reacted slowly to the troubled mounts, bleary from sleep after extended wakefulness, Hoskar threw himself into the press; wincing as he saw Ram take a swipe at Melock. Kor is quickly quieted by his master's touch, and Hoskar makes a strange low rumbling sound in his throat that at least makes Ram look at him instead of running amok. Sighing with relief, he calls back the frightened Four-Paws; who had leapt atop a rock for safety with a yowl fit to curdle water.

Sorry about that, Melock. Afraid Ram's a bit tetchy sometimes. Not bad for his age, but there it is. Glad to see you're alright though.

As they pick up Salen's trail, he falls back among the group, scouting work accomplished. I don't know the lie of the land here as well as the rest of us - don't want to ride into anything unexpected just because I don't know the place, and I guess we need cover quick by the look of that sky.

The party are soon into familiar territory recognising the long winding ravine that leads to the pool, though for Hoskar it is all new. He spies the many markers, cairns and scratches on the rock walls and gravel covered floor, showing that many had passed this way Northwards towards the Rhino Rocklands.

Krakka and his betrayal….

It's Amara who spies it first, a lone set of Bison tracks followed closely by an Ostrich. Hoskar agrees, though it's Melock who recognises that it was from their clan.

when Amara spots the track, Melock heads over and has a look. He leans out of the saddle to have a closer look, odd pairing, a bison and an ostrich. but then again anyone following our tracks up here would have seen Stoneskin's followed by an ostrich. Those bison tracks look familiar, that little indent on the rear left track he scans the top of the ravine while he thinks if I didn't know better I'd say Haratt Goldhand's bison, made them. You weren't out with us, Amara, the day he put his hoof down a jack rabbit hole while hunting, we all thought he'd go lame, but luckily all he ended up with was that nick out of his pad. But Haratt shouldn't be out here, last I saw of him was when he left with the Storm Khan to visit the Block. I think we need to find him quickly He takes point and carries on following the ravine, every watchful for any signs of trouble

You all remember Haratt well, he's a year or so older having become an adult the year before you all. That said you'd grown up together and been firm friends.

The only child of the Storm Khan's third wife, he'd had plenty of time to run amok with all of you and had bonded well with both Amara and Greeshar when the Rhino riders had joined forces with the Prairie Thunder clan.

Of course it could be that someone has stolen his Bison…..

"Haratt? Are you sure?" Fireborn looks astonished at the news, then he smiles

"Another Sun Hawk….Ha! That'll keep you on your toes won't it Melock?"

He nudges Cloudkiller forward at a trot, lance and shield at the ready.

"Best be ready in case there's trouble…."

There's a cloud of dust from which elbows, fists and legs appear, followed by the thud of blows and spat out curses….

Whispers from the Sky is shouting, Long Grass is face palming and a large collection of heavily laden Bison and Rhinos look on whilst chewing methodically.

Kobal and Greeshar.

Toe to toe, Rhino to Bison….

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 46):

Hoskar urges Kor into faster motion to follow Fireborn, readying his arms just in case. I'm with you - wouldn't want to be too late if there might be bother for a friend. But it would be nice to ride in on someone who's pleased to see us for a change. Cat - you stay out of this till we know what's what.

"I know Harratt, don't I? He's the brave that did those tricks with the metal coin. We should go see what's happened to his mount and see if he's still on it. I'm surprised he's this far away from the clan.." Amara used the goad, Thunderfoot responding, heading in the direction of the tracks, as she drew one of her javelins out just in case.

There were mixed emotions for Salen as he found himself on this familiar trail once more. There had been extreme highs and times of wonder, all followed by an extreme low - the death of Kaonu. But there was further business to which attend now, and he would have to press on.

Just as soon, of course, as the scramble up ahead was sorted out. What was up now? Salen just hoped it wasn't dog related, after the last incident.

He winces at the thought of another Sun Hawk, I'll just have to be more creative  a sly smile slowly forms. He slows down slightly so Fireborn can get in front you better go first in case he's in trouble. I doubt a Sun Hawk would be happy to be saved by a lowly Raven a light smile playing across his lips. He makes sure that he's no more than half a bison length behind Fireborn, shield in his left hand, lance ready to use

As Fireborn proceeds down the twisting ravine it comes back to him that the pool is where Kaonu fell. Killed by the Gern, an allied spirit of the Morokanth Khan Zakeen Two Thumb.

"Bastard, Mud drinking, two timing, slave taking bastard" shouts the brave to the sky, whilst waving his lance and shield at the approaching clouds .

"And it's going to rain….."

The fire takes a bit to get going despite the dry wood and a charm cast. It's Waterday, so not surprising and Haratt can feel that there will be a short shower in an hour or so. Surprising as Summer is already on it's way.

There's a crackle as twigs burst into flame, and then the brave's attention is grabbed by the flicker of movement just out of view.

"Camp spirit…best leave it an offering son" comes Grandpa Nick's voice, sounding just like the fire.

Then there's voices, the sound of Bison and Rhinos, and coming in the through the Southern exit, weapons at the ready, are Fireborn, Melock, Salen….Amara on her Rhino, wearing a heavy looking Ga-Metal Helmet and finally another Rhino rider carrying a large square Ga-Metal shield, whom he doesn't recognise, with a second pack rhino following.





The braves enter the pool filled ravine cautiously, sending several detection charms ahead just in case.

No enemies, but certainly life.

By the glittering pool's edge is Oberon the Bison and a scrawny looking Ostrich, whilst amongst the lush vegetation are scores of birds of all different shapes and sizes. Several herons are standing in the shallows spearing fish amongst the flowering Lily pads, whilst about their heads buzz colourful dragonflies flitting this way and that.

And there up under the main overhang is a shadowy form, rising from a blazing fire.

Amara catches the briefest of movement from one of the caves on the Western side, which is now in shadow. It's where Salen and Long Grass had encountered the strange Mostali copper and earth construct the last time she'd been here. They'd got plastered…..As usual.

Salen's eyes are of course drawn to the site of his fateful fight……And where their friend had fallen, throat cut by the vengeful Gern sidekick of Zakeen Two Thumb.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Fri 09 May 2014.

Once he hears the voices of his friends, Haratt gets up and moves forward to greet them with raised open palms.

"Hail, clan-mates. I have started a fire and set stakes for the mounts. Come, once we take care of the beasts we can share the warmth and you can tell me what minor things you accomplished, and I will speak of the wonders I seen and heroic deeds of Haratt Goldhand." Haratt smiles and double hits his chest with his right hand to emphasize the point.

Amara climbed down the side of Thunderfoot leading him towards Haratt. Her face showed a small smile, but her eyes were filled with sadness, glistening with tears, as she walked closer, Thunderfoot lagging behind her. "Hello Haratt. I'm afraid our stories are not filled with warmth. Koanu no longer walks with us." Amara found herself wincing at that pain. She remembered Koanu as being the most level headed of all of the braves in the band. She tied Thunderfoot to a stake before somberly walking towards the fire. "It is good to see you though. I have some metal now, though I still don't know the trick with your hands."

Keeping well clear of the inviting water Fireborn jumps off Cloudkiller and runs up to the overhang, where with a shout he hurls himself at his friend, enveloping him in a bear hug.

Then holding him at arms length his face turns somber

"Well met Haratt it is good to see you after so long, you must excuse our long faces though as it is here our good friend Kaonu fell as Amara said. Salen was here and knows the whole of it.

And Hacha Lor, though he fell to the East, far from here.

But why and how are you here?"

Fireborn is wearing new looking armour made from the skin of a Rock Lizard and has in his hand a short stabbing spear, it's head Bronze. Importantly in his hair sits a golden feather, matching the one Haratt has.

"See I am Sun Hawk too!"

In fact Haratt can see that each of the braves has a coloured feather, assorted bronze weapons and in some case metal armour. The last few weeks have been good to them, despite the loss of two good friends.

Kobal and Greeshar are also missing…..

Early evening.

The shadows are already growing longer as the braves dismount and the sky is darkening with the promise of rain. It seems that the Rangers are good luck for the ravine, for their last visit had brought a heavy downpour and a thunderous storm.

The overhang is immaculate as always, with neat piles of wood and this time the clay jars are all filled with cool water, ready for the dry season. Herbs and roots hang from the low ceiling, and Amara can see that her mural of Greeshar and the water spirit is still there.

From across the pool there's a loud scuffling and a large rock lizard drops from the wall and scurries out the  Western exit and vanishes.

when he sees Haratt, he turns to Hoskar See, told you it was him
he tethers Stinky to a stake and get Niemba on to his shoulder and walks up to greet Haratt Glad to see a friendly face out here, but also surprised. I thought you were with your dad at the block? as he talks a hairy, glossy black spider, about as wide as a spread hand, climbs down Melocks left arm, he briefly smiles this is Niemba, don't worry she doesn't bite she lifts her front legs, waves them side to side in greeting, then turns and climbs back up to his shoulder. A weary look settles on his face well, Fireborn and Amara have caught you up on the important bits he turns and finds a nice shadowy spot, near enough to the fire to be socialble

"The Spirit we came to see is impatient. I suggest we pay him a visit and then settle down to talk and catch up." Amara pointed towards the cave where she'd spotted the motion. "We have many stories to tell, but we have some things to do first before we all get caught up with one another."

Amara looked at the pool enviously, it looked so inviting. Ready to swim and get clean. She hoped she'd be able to use it safely after Salen had a talk with the water spirit.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 59):

Melocks voice drifts out from the shadows if that's the lizard one, I'll wait here. I don't think I'll be any help as I was one of the ones that kill that other one

"He's shifting about as if impatient. One or more of us should go see." Amara looked stuck in indecision. "Some of us could stay here and talk to Haratt, while rest go to see the spirit or we could just ignore the spirit until we're ready."

Glancing over Fireborn adds "That was the cave Salen and Long Grass got drunk in"

Outside the first drops of rain begin to fall, slowly at first, big fat drops that hit the ground and pool noisily. Increasing dramatically until the noise fills the space below the rock overhang. The temperature drops immediately easing the day's discomfort and causing Mordy the dog to run about the ledge barking happily.

Then the heavy shower slows down to a light drizzle, enabling those under cover to talk, catch up and plan their evening.

Comfortable now that the fire is roaring and the worst of the rain is past Fireborn looks to his old friend

"We have much to tell you Haratt, things good and bad, why we're up here in the wilds. Half of it you'd not believe unless you saw it with your very own eyes."

He looks to his companions for confirmation

"You must have heard we were up here, otherwise you wouldn't have come this way. How is everyone back at the Clan, are they well…Our families? No raids or worse I hope?"

Amara dropped down beside the fire leaving her weapons close by, just in case. "Many things have passed since our last meeting, Haratt. As Fireborn has said, good and bad. We have many things to tell you. Too much to reveal in the course of one evening. We have made alliances and friendships, healed the earth itself. If I were sitting around a campfire with us and heard our stories I'd think they were all blowhards, but each and every thing we say is true."

Fireborn nods at Amara's words

"I think we need Kumiss and perhaps something stronger to wash the story down with.

You obviously knew we were coming this way, heading to the Rhino Rocklands…A clever ploy thought up by Melock and Greeshar to hide the true fact that we were coming after the Red Thorn Shaman that had been causing grief for our Clan. That and the fact he'd stolen Long Grass our Condor shaman.

Well we found him all right, with the guidance of the Feathered rivals, an Earth witch and our strength of arms. He was shacked up at a Ghost Place near here, the Giant Finger Holes. Turns out it was some place from the time of Genert that had been destroyed just before the First battle. He'd hidden up there with his gang, and they were butchered by our Khan's war party.

But we knew he'd comeback, so we walked the walk and talked the talk and followed Tada's path."

Whilst he talks the brave skins the jackrabbit he'd caught the day before.

"First went up to the Rhino Rocklands….And..Well that's where stuff started to go wrong….."

He looks to one of the others to continue.

from the shadows, but not the same place as before,
On the way to the Rocklands, on the third night we made camp, we were attacked by chaos it was in the form of a walking cactus, 2 spear lengths high. It managed to kill Whispers from the Sky before we killed it. With the help of a spirit called Tak Eeela, we got Whispers back. When we got to the Rocklands, we met a rhino rider called Krakka, his wife and Hoskar Feather he gestures towards Hoskar We were attack by some Morokanth, we killed most of them there is a mixture of anger and regret in his voice but, we let their leader live so we could ransom him, that it turns out was our biggest mistake of the whole trip he takes a deep swig of kumiss we went after a couple of Morokanth that had run in to a cave, leaving Kaonu with Krakka to help guard the prisoner, but we didn't find them, instead we met an Earth Witch. When she found out where we planned to go, she offered to help us, with some magic stored in runes painted on in earth. It was when we had finished talking to her and left the cave that we found we had been betrayed by Krakka, of who there was no sign. He had gone one way with our mounts and the Morokanth had gone another with Kaonu. Salen being either very brave or mad, or possibly both, says he track down the Morokanth while we get our mounts back and we'll meet up afterwards
he stops talking and after a while it becomes apparent that someone else should continue the story

Memories...like the corner of my mind...

"It is good to see you once again, Harratt Goldhand - it has been far too long."

Salen embraces his fellow brave, one long not seen. Given his most recent memories of this place, it is obviously pleasing for Salen to have some positive emotions this time around. He sees something off to the side, a zebra skin gourd holding some kumiss, perhaps Morokanth made, and goes to collect it. Then he sits cross-legged by the fire as the rain pours down, and drinks, passing the skin around as he tells his tale.

"I tracked and caught the Morokanth here, purely because I move faster than they do. I found the little Copperman we had met previously - it was Long Grass's fetch and Melock that got plastered with that fellow, actually, I only found them later and brought Melock back to this ledge. He's a Mostali Earth Spirit, or something...I need to talk to him again, properly this time.

So Copperman got the Morokanth drunk on his firewater, while I made deals with the Water Spirit - the Nymph in the pool - and Oglod, a Lizard Spirit, very old, and something of a guardian of this ravine. Between us all, we overcame most of the Morokanth...the Gern never slept though, and he slit Kaonu's throat while I attempted to bargain for his freedom. Zakeen teleported away, and we killed the rest. Oglod's kin took the bodies for themselves, food, while I took our mounts and left to join the others."

Salen paused for a moment, indicating he needed another gulp of kumiss. Then he stood up, indicating he was done, and someone else could fill in the rest.

"Looks like Copperman has been cleaning up since we were last here. I better go see if I can find him, bring him over. And I'll need to speak with Aquamerina and Oglod soon.

Anyone coming along?"

Salen heads for the cave in which Copperman is usually to be found, hoping to bring him over.

Amara decided it was her turn to tell the story. "With the bison stolen, and most of our rhino by the cowardly hearthbreaker Krakka, we chose to follow him. To recover our mounts and teach him a lesson. It was the time of the Storm Bulls No wound Day and while they were out screaming in the sand, we sneaked into the camp and uprooted most of the bison, and stole back all of our rhinos and all of Krakka's." She smiled "After that we travelled to the Giants finger holes."

"No I will stay with Haratt " replies Fireborn warming to the story telling. He's finished skinning the rabbit and butchers it expertly, sharing it out with those that remain….

"Well we stole the Rhinos back from right under Krakka's thieving nose, just like Amara said, whilst Salen got back our Bison like a true hero. We hightailed out of there and made for the Giant Finger Holes.

The Red Thorn Shaman had cursed our clan, why we don't know. He put Tripanandar and his Leaping Bears on our herd and his allies the Spring Bucks were raiding us all the time. Then kidnapping our Shaman was the final insult.

So we tracked him to the Ghost place: deep pits made by the hand of a giant back when the world was green. We crept in avoiding ghosts and rock Lizards, wary of the ancient Earth Guardian we'd been forewarned about. Deep underground we found an ancient place, half in this world and half in the past…."

As Salen makes to head ou,t he's met by the very creature that he's off to see. There hopping up over the lip of the ledge is the Knee high earth and copper construct.

It waves it's short stubby arms at the brave

"Moi…Want drink?" it asks in its metallic voice, a smile splitting it's crude face.

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 70):

Having grinned at Melock's introduction of the new brave, murmuring something to the follower of the Raven the others can't quite catch  Hoskar listens with interest as their own story unfolds. When Fireborn pauses, he takes up the tale.

We've not met before, but I'm Hoskar, as Melock said. He smiles openly, extending a hand in friendship to what he hopes will be a new comrade. Melock kindly missed the bit about my having been played for a fool by Krakka blasted Rumble for months before meeting this band, but I'm a quick study: there's no worry I might fall for that sort of thing twice.

What went down at the Finger Holes was nothing like what my past prepared me for - I spent the last few years inside the wall learning bits of the way of Trade before meeting these braves - lots of eerie stuff down there and a one-way door to an old earth temple, then we got jumped by ghouls. I was stuck at the back - could only get a couple of slingshots in - but you should have seen Sun Hawk Fireborn here tear through them. One downed with a javelin neat as you please, then hacking at them despite a wound that would have felled many a lesser man.
We got the best of them, but the Red Thorn shaman wasn't there and Long Grass was still trapped somehow, so that's when we had to split into groups. I could keep us in touch - just a one-off thing - but that meant I wasn't at the forefront, so I'll leave those stories to the leaders.

"As Hoskar says we were attacked by creatures that had once been braves, twisted in to eaters of the flesh and with howls that would make a normal warrior run."

He turns to his friends and smiles

"But we are not normal braves are we…We have the name once used by warriors of old….The Wandering Rangers, and we have in our company an ancient spirit, the guardian of our band. Emesh-Ga."

He points to the Copper helmet worn by Amara and the massive copper shield next to Hoskar. Haratt can see that both braves are wearing what is obviously Sun Country cuirboilli armour and that the short spear by Fireborn's side is definitely from there too.

"But first we fought the ghouls, met and won over the protective earth Guardian with Melock's help and then finally freed our shaman with the death of the Red Thorn Shaman, killed by all of us after a fierce fight amongst the spirit filled caverns.

Now we are here, to try and persuade two spirits to come and live at the Holes to offer their protection to a place that will be holy once more. The earth witch is there now, waiting for kin and other priestesses to arrive, so that the healing of the earth might begin."

He takes a breather, spitting a piece of rabbit on a stick and holding it over the fire.

"We saw many strange things there Haratt…An odd thing that moved across the sands, with wheels like you see on the wagons that the invaders carry their belongings from over the mountains. But this was once pulled by snakes or so the stories say."

Stepping out of the shadows, Melock has a grin on his face, You make it sound so easy Fireborn. Gadesha, the temple guardian, was difficult to deal with, if it hadnt been for the magic we got from the Earth Witch I'd have been a flat as a knife blade. he helps himself to a bit of cooked rabbit. Nice rabbit, my thanks and steps back in to the shadows

Fireborn clicks his tongue at Melock "Aye you're right it was damnable hard, but Haratt here doesn't need to know that does he. I might not be able to lie, but there's nothing that says I cannot make us out to be the best warriors in the clan"

He smiles, juices from the rabbit running down his chin.

"Well Haratt that's the gist of it, whilst you've been lazying about we've saved the clan twice, rescued a shaman, battled chaos and got more loot than we can carry."

He points in the general direction of the Ostrich.

"Where'd you steal that from? We met some good folk a few days South of here but haven't seen them since. We were worried that they were attacked by Broo."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:57, Mon 12 May 2014.

"You also neglected to mention our run-in with Well 'Ard 'Arry and how we almost lost everything, but ended up losing only one rhino." Amara laughed. "And our promise and pledge to Emesh-Ga has united us with purpose."

Haratt smiles and nods at his friends tales. They were impressive indeed and he did not doubt them, for Sun Hawk blessed him with the ability to tell when someone did not tell the truth. Little embellishments were understood to be needed for a better story, but the gist of the matter was solid.

"I am impressed with your deeds. You have grown and experienced much. You have grown as warriors our people will be proud off. And tales of of your deeds will be retold at the clan's campfires.

I will now tell my tale. As you know my father Conrad Redhelm is a strong leader. He belief in the power of the Bull is even stronger than his faith in Waha Storm Bullson. So strong is his faith that he is willing to recruit across clan and tribe boundaries. I have seen even Sable riders and Adgimori follow him. Even strangers from the West, who follow Storm Bull in a different way and call him Urox pay their respects to Conrad.

My father was disappointed that I did not chose to follow the Bull, but he understood that my heart was not in it. But, I chose to ride with him when the pain which he called Ogre ache came upon him. My father says that the Bull warns him of the presence of Chaos by sending pain into his body. Different Chaos causes different pain in his body, some he now recognizes. This was Ogre ache.

He gathered his band and others who wished to travel and headed out. He chose the direction by the amount of pain. The greater the ache, the closer he got to the source. It was not a straight path, for the source was moving as well. Many a time we came across signs of its passage. The dead bodies. Desecrated watering holes. Broo spore. We went all the way to the forests of disease in the South East and visited the Dead Place and back. We traveled to the Block and came across and befriended Dark Troll who proved to be even crazier in battle than my father. I think that is why they got along so well. We fought Scorpionmen and and things that walk like man but have a head of a creature with eight tentacles. Broo we slayed and other things of chaos until we finally caught up to the band of Ogres.

These things were foul. Not in their appearance, but in their spirit. They traveled from place to place a caravan pretending to be followers Issaries. Those who believed them soon became their victims. I do not know how, but their leader even possessed Issaries magic and was able to somehow trade with Chaos tribes. Our battle against them  .... I have heard of ancient battles from prior age. This will sound like one of those stories. Magics were released that split the earth and the Devil walk the land in one of his lesser children. My father and Varrah the Zorak Zorani Troll killed their leader three times before he came back no more. The Devil incarnate destroyed many where even my step mother could not bring them back. She said that their souls were destroyed and just removed from their bodies.

I am proud to say that it was one of my javelins, with the heat of Sun Hawk, which finally slowed the thing enough where we could destroy the foul thing. In the end less than handful of my father's Two Strike band and others were left. We burned the bodies of the ogres and their possession despite the riches that they carried. My step mother said that all they owned was tainted with Chaos and the smallest thing had a Chaos spirit bound to it. We took no chances.

When we returned to the clan, I had premonition to seek you out. I think, and my grandfather concurs, that it was sent to me by Sun Hawk, so I have been following your tracks. This animal, I found wandering and by Waha's covenant we are bound to take care of his children and they take care of us, so I brought him along. I call him Little Peck."

At the end of his tale, Haratt stirs the embers of the fire while scenes from those past events once more play out in his mind.

As the little figure leaps up before him, Salen is all smiles, and spreads his arms wide in greeting.

"Huomena! Good to see you again, my friend! You have Kippis, yes? You must come meet my friends, share drinky with them. Perhaps you have story for us, yes?"

If Copperman had a story, or a reason for being here, better to get it out soon, before the firewater takes hold...

Hoskar's face registers interest, then anger, then respect as Haratt's tale develops.

It seems that you also have done a great service to our peoples: without trust in Issaries there is no trust in the goods of strangers, no way for plenty to meet with scarcity in honest trade. Chaos is always to be resisted, of course; and you seem to have had more than your share of that task. The scum impersonated traders too. Foulness. Plain foulness.

You have impressive deeds to your credit this season. We are well met indeed.

Snagging a gulp of kumiss and a little rabbit with a nod of thanks, he sits  stretching himself, ironing out the aches of riding after sudden wakefulness.

Amara nodded "Indeed. Well done Haratt. We still have some things to do before we rejoin the others back with the tribe. My Brother Greeshar and Melock rode with Whispers and Long Grass to return to the tribe ahead of us with some sable women and a large portion of the things we found."

Amara helped herself to a strip of rabbit "Needs more seasoning." as she ate it she looked to Haratt. "Does that mean you plan to travel with us? If so you'll need to pledge an oath to Emesh Ga."

Haratt considers Amara's words "Sun Hawk deems that it is the proper thing to do. I may have knowledge and skills that you will soon need. Tell me more of Emesh Ga. What oaths does it seek?"

"You have met a troll, what are they like?" there is a strong note of curiosity in his voice "In your fights with chaos, did you ever encounter a walking cactus, like we did? I wonder if your father has? it was just so unexpected, I'd never heard any stories of such a thing while growing up" he pauses and there is the sound of drinking from the dark
"As you found Little Peck wondering, I fear for the rest of his clan, chaos was stalking them when we last saw their tracks"

Amara smiled leaning forward. "Emesh Ga is one of the Copper man. One who swore to Tada. He is a protector of the Earth and his wife Gadesha. He has been asleep for a long time, only waking when we arrived. To swear to him you must hate chaos and protect the Earth with a view to restoring this place to what once was. You must use square shields only. He helps us fight all that is chaotic. There's more to it, but we've not really had to invoke him as yet. Suffice it to say, that all of us have decided Emesh Ga is worthy enough to have our pledge and the goal of restoring the Garden is one we've already made strides towards achieving." Amara said, before nodding in agreement with Melock. "We should see if we can see any sign of the Ostrich clan. They are good friends and good friends help each other. Tell us more about the ogre, Haratt."

"The Troll was like a man in may things, but like a demon in some. He eats and drinks, but I once seen him eat rocks without too much trouble, although he said that he could not live off it. He seemed never to get drunk. Kumiss to him as diluted milk and he told tales of Troll drinks that would kill a man.

I have never seem or heard of a Walking cactus, but Chaos does not follow the rules of normal things. I have seen how Broos are able to mate with beast, be they male or female and my father told me that he knows of rituals that some Broo can do that they could mate with even rock. If rock can bare forth Chaos things, then why not a Cactus?

I fear you are right about the Ostrich clan. Perhaps we need to make a greater effort to track them down.

Oh!, I almost forgot. I have been carrying this since the Block. While there I traded Kumiss with a Morocanth. This is Kumiss is made from Herdmen milk. The taste is much different from what we make of Bison or Rhino. Give it a try." Haratt lifts up a skin for others to take.

Fireborn tuts and mutters "If you want to ruin it yes." His attention is on Haratt though he notices that Salen seems to be talking to someone on the ledge.

Amara kicked Fireborn leg. "I'd like to see you cook well. Everything you try is charred to a crisp." Amara looked suspiciously at the gerd kumiss. "I think I might pass on that."

The construct taps his chest and smiles, replying in his strangely archaic Tradetalk

"Full head of steam…..We get mashed now…Friends too…Or we kill them like last time?"

He waddles in towards the fire, which under the hands of two Sun Hawks and Fireborn's natural talent is blazing high.

At the last moment he stops and turns, nodding back towards the pool

"You need see Missus in morning. She been wait for you. Big news."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Mon 12 May 2014.

The brave laughs, rubbing his leg and also indicating that he'll pass too, whilst pointing at where they sat "A Gern killed Kaonu here, we need something stronger I reckon….Time we drank his health, and to old friends united….And to tales of heroics both here and far away."

He gives Haratt a look of admiration and respect.

"Tough times and by the sounds of it you certainly talked the talk and walked the walk. Your family must be proud."

A smile spread across Salen's face, but he paused a moment and thought better of it - who knew if Copperman understood humour? Best not risk it.

"Yes, we get mashed now, and friends too...but not kill them, not like last time...these my best friends, we like drinky...come."

Copperman was already on his way to the fire, and Salen smiled as he watched him. His smile didn't last though, as the little man had some news for him - he had expected to talk with Aquamerina again, but this...this was something else entirely. Big news? Salen looked taken aback, but tried to recover quickly.

"Of course. In the morning. Now - drinky."

The rest of the evening moves along nicely, with the strange little construct dispensing fiery shots of amber liquid, that soon have the braves laughing and sharing the funnier sides of their various exploits.

Fireborn as usual offers to take the last watch so as to welcome Bright Treasure back into the world, leaving the rest of the night up for grabs.

With the fire blazing so strongly Melock finds that he is forced further and further from his friends towards the lip of the overhang, if he wishes to stay in the shadows.

Manul cats and dog sit contently by the fire, ignoring each other, occasionally raising a head to watch something unseen to the braves pass by. Enquires to what it is reveal that the Hearth Spirit is keeping an eye on the proceedings, happy that there is no violence this time…

With the fire getting bigger and brighter, he gives up the shadows and finds a new spot to sit, next to Hoskar. "A toast" he raises his cup "To Kaonu and Hacha, with the ancestors before they should have been" he takes a mouthful of drink "to finding an old friend in the strangest of places" he raises his cup to Haratt "and to new friends and allies" he gestures towards Hoskar and Emesh-Ga

Hoskar bows his head briefly, looks to the skies, and joins the toast. Aye, Melock. To brave spirits departed from us, to the great spirit that joins us together, and to the healing given freely in new friendships.

He takes a drink, and his eyes widen in astonishment.

Wow this stuff is powerful. Could easily drink too much of this. I'm well rested - I'd best take the first watch unless anyone else is keen.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Tue 13 May 2014.

Hoskar steps outside the overhang glad that the rain has eased, though it's now cool enough to make him shiver. The noise of the others still drinking echoes out across the pool to rebound back and forth, filling the ravine with the sounds of laughter and ribald jokes.

Frogs croak and the flames of the fire reflect off the water below.

There's a flicker of movement beneath the surface.

A flash of silver.

A fish or perhaps the seductive Nereid that had caused them bother before?

Hoskar isn't sure, but before he can work it out there's a noise from above….A not so distant cough of alarm.

Baboons!



The firewater is flowing liberally, the little creature giving off bouts of steam and cracking rude jokes that seem jumbled and lose something in the translation from whatever language it really speaks.

Occasionally runes glow deep within him making his round belly rumble ominously.

Mordy has given up chasing it as getting scalded just wasn't worth the hassle…….

Trying not to react too obviously, Hoskar continues his prowling. Glancing around where he thinks the noise might have come from, he makes for Kor to find the Fetish of bone and feather the Walkabout Troupe once gifted; thinking as he goes to Four-Paws: tell the others' spirits we have company. Baboons.

Hearing his comrades beneath the overhang still awake and talking, he edges with the Fetish closer in to them, then says loudly enough to carry the area but not in an aggressive shout; in Praxian, then in Trade: We're friends unless you attack us - got tokens of friendship too. Let's parley.

There's no reply from up above so Hoskar sends up a detection charm, which flows up the rock face in a wave of ultra violet.

Nothing, but that could because what ever made the noise is too far away….Or not an enemy.

It's too dark to make out much up there and the fire is playing havoc with any night vision  that Hoskar may have regained since taking up his watch.

Fireborn shushes everyone, hearing Hoskar's call.

"What's going on Hoskar?…Trouble?"

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 96):

Heard a cough out there above us. Sounded like Baboons. Can't see anything though, and my charm didn't find any enemies. We've got company of some sort for sure - maybe like we had in camp before. Perhaps they're shy.

Anyone got good night vision?

As the braves talk there's another cough closer this time and it's instantly followed by a reply. They seem to be moving towards the ravine….Fast.

Then there's another noise further still….A snarl of sorts, also immediately echoed by several more in the distance.

Both Manul cats lie flat on the ground hissing, whilst Mordy heads straight out onto the ledge, hair rising and letting out a snarl of his own….

Then up above the cliff face is suddenly covered with bounding, leaping forms.

It's raining Baboons!

Raining baboons? By The Hunter, this stuff is stronger than I anticipated...

But then Salen can see that the baboons are fleeing from something, terrified, not here to attack the Wandering Rangers. What could be driving them so? Oglod? The brave stood and readied his weapons, but made no move as yet.

Caught among the rain of Baboon bodies, Hoskar tries to wade towards his friends but has difficulty making headway; occupied with not getting landed on. Careful there, you Baboons! We can't help if you're stampeding us!

Struggling to be heard over the rumpus, he tries to yell to his friends. Whatever's terrifying them might well be bad. Form a square, if you can! I'll try and get over to you!

Seeing Mordy's reaction and that of the cats to the growls behind the baboons could be hyenas! he scrabbles for his shield, then gets close to the front of the overhang, ready to fight.

Amara stumbled awake from slumber putting her scale on, and preparing for a fight. "What's going on?" Seeing the situation, Amara pushed back against the crowd with her shield. When she spoke it was in a commanding tone rather surprising from Amara "Shield wall on me."

on hearing and seeing all the two legs running around and the furry four legs falling from the sky, she runs to the back of the overhang and climbs up to the roof and finds a little ledge from which to watch

Traveling with his fathers band, Haratt was not a novice at either drinking or fighting at a moments notice. Whatever spooked a bunch of baboons to the point that they were running blind was not something Haratt was willing to face unprepared. He grabbed his shield and a javelin. Calling upon Sun Hawk, Haratt caused the point of the Javelin to glow red hot and little fizzles of steam came of it as drops of rain were turned into steam.

"Hai Amara, I got your right."

Within seconds the ledge and overhang is covered with screeching, snarling Baboons. It's a family group, with mothers and their clinging new borns, terrified young uns and defensive youths who beat their chests at the humans.

For the most part the troop barges in under the overhang, scattering stacks of firewood, sloshing water and preventing poor Hoskar from going anywhere.

Those forming up defensively, some pulling on armour, others casting spells, find themselves surrounded by the mob.

Into all this stalks an old male, his fur patchy and covered by scars, one eye missing and clutching an oiled and well kept cudgel. He eyes Haratt's flaming spear and nods at the rest of the humans, taking in certain fetishes worn about necks….

"Wotcha…Bit of trouble up above…SHUT IT!" The last is at his mob and the majority do just that, cowering at the back of the overhang.

With all the females and pups about, it does not look like the troop is looking to attack. Not that they could not, but it was not likely. Haratt speaks

"Peace Strong One. What chases you? What trouble?"

In reply to GM (msg # 105):

He stays in the defensive formation, waiting for whatever is chasing the baboons to jump down and make itself known.

He sends a quick thought to Niemba "keep an eye on the baboons, they like to steal things"

The male turns to Haratt, one eye flicking about the brave's neck as if looking for something and is about to answer when from somewhere above there's a loud roar

The other Baboons cower at the noise, falling into a terrified silence….

"Lion men" comes the reply the old male seemingly unworried.

He can mean only one thing: Basmoli Berserkers on the hunt.

Amara turned to face the old male "Which tribe are you?" as she continued fastening the straps.

Relieved to see his Manul cat safe with Grimalkin, Hoskar allows himself a brief smile before his wariness reasserts itself, his eyes scanning the rocks around them for signs of pursuing movement as his hand fumbles back to his sling and he edges back towards his friends and joins their defensive formation.

Hearing the Baboon's comment about lion men, he winces. Great. Berserkers. What a lovely evening. Stay behind us, cat.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Tue 13 May 2014.

Amara turned quickly to Haratt. "Swear the oath to Emesh Ga, before they arrive."

"I have no issues with the spirit of Tada and Sun Hawk lead me to this path. I will swear an oath to Emesh Ga."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Tue 13 May 2014.

The old Baboon, seeing that his troop are in no immediate danger has begun to head outside

"We seen the Sea….Who you mob?" he replies over his shoulder "We have truce yes? No harm 'till hungry lot up there go away…Okay?"

He picks up a skin of Kumiss and empties it in a well practised move

"Name's Ghost Eye..See you know Walkabout Troop…. Snikka still running them or is the old fool dead?"

There's a roar from directly above and the clatter of a spear bouncing off the ledge outside, causing the young male Baboon it was aimed at to run inside.

Amara nodded "Snikka is still amongst them. We can talk after those above are gone. Truce until they've gone, provided you don't steal our stuff now and after they are dealt with." she turned to Haratt. "Touch the helmet and make your pledge. Emesh Ga will hear."

"keep a eye on the lower parts of the cliff and the paths in, the lot above could be keeping us trapped while others climb down." he keeps his voice low "they might not realise we are with them" he points to the baboons "which could give us the edge, when they first attack. If they manage to get level with us and start throwing javelins, I call up some darkness to help hide us"

The Ga-metal helmet glows in Amara's hands and Haratt is aware of a ghosty presence filling the space around him.

It is warm and welcoming, smelling of fresh loam on a summer's day and then a strong bass voice fills his head.

"Welcome child of the sun, warrior, both brave and just. I am Emesh-Ga guardian and one time Captain of the Wandering Rangers, warriors of the Earth who served great Tada himself.

Do you promise to not let chaos live?

To nurture the land we stand on?

And to strive to make it whole once more?

To stand with your Brothers and Sisters, through good and bad?

If so you are Us. You walk the walk and talk the talk and shall be protected by me in times of strife and peace…."

Ghost Eye nods and barks some commands at his family who immediately put down everything that they have already picked up…Maybe…

He then heads out into the darkness, two young male Baboons tailing him

"I go scout….You stay here with children if afraid…."

And then he's gone.

"How about sending that eight legged blood sucker out to see what's up?" suggests Fireborn, perhaps a little unkindly

Answering in the speech of the spirits Haratt replies

"I will not suffer Chaos.

I will preserve the land.

I will heal.

I will protect.

We are brothers."

Harrat immediately feels a closer bond with his clansmen and with those of the two Rhino braves Amara and Hoskar.

A magical bonding that promises to grow in strength as time passes and the braves grow themselves.

Emesh-Ga acknowledges the oath, his voice changing subtly, growing deeper, speaking in the ancient tongue of the Earth and now Haratt is aware of the rock beneath his feet, a living force to be protected and to draw strength from.

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 118):

"i think Mordy and the cats can see better and further than Niemba. its a pity its dark otherwise you could send you hawk to have a look" he takes a small step away from Fireborn "Oops, I forgot, its dead isn't it." not a glimmer of humor is in his voice "I tell you what why don't you and me go and have a look. You take a torch and walk 10 paces in front and then when they attack you, I'll kill them" he pauses, then a muffled laugh is heard  "I cant keep a straight face, that look" he goes a bit serious "she harmless, well mostly. Grandmother Spider on the other hand, well lets just say I wouldnt want to be the person who killed one of her special children" he smiles pleasantly at Fireborn

Baboons all about, Basmoli berserkers up above...what would it take to get a quiet drink around here?

Salen tried to focus, and reached out for Oglod with his thoughts. If all else failed, he could make a run for it. Or...

"Copperman! You get Oglod here to help? We need to stop men up top."

Gently pushing several baboons away from his gear with the butt end of his spear Fireborn slaps Haratt on the shoulder

"Welcome Ranger…Shall we go outside and see what's what, It can't be said that Sun Hawks will cower in a cave when there's a fight to be had?"

He picks up his shield  "Might be time to test out those fancy yellow feathered arrows of yours Amara."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:29, Wed 14 May 2014.

There's no reply, contacting Oglod would perhaps need to take place in his home down the western exit.

The little Copper man on the other hand stops pouring his firewater into the open mouths of several young Baboons and hops over to join Salen

"Yes, yes, Oglod, Oglod! Who where, when?"

The Baboons boo in unison at the departure of the little man, source of their new found courage, which at another roar from outside sends them scampering off to hide behind piles of dry wood.

It's begun to smell, of wet fur and carrion and there's a constant flow of urine splashing over floor and belongings. Some of the Baboons had been carrying  stoppered gourds, bundled furs and hides, several freshly killed snakes and strings of wild onions. These are flung down and guarded by some of the older female Baboons.

A small Baboon tugs at Melock's elbow, he's eating something that looks like it has come from one of the party's packs. With gulp it's gone, leaving a wide, tooth filled mouth doing it's best to impersonate a human smile.

"You want trade?"

Bloodshot eyes roam over the brave's gear and belongings, pushing two terrified young Baboons roughly out of the way.

He points outside

"Angry cats…Want eat us….But Cheata no worried…See you and see kindred spirit…We trade, die later."

In reply to Cheata. (msg # 125):

He smiles at Cheata thats if I've got anything left when I get back "once we've killed those cats, I'll trade. two conditions though, first, the only things missing from my bison" he points to Stinky "and the rest of my stuff is food and drink, secondly" he points to Niemba "She isn't food, Niemba is an awakened spider, who Grandmother Spider personally gave me ,  so no one is to hurt her. Understand?"  he stares at him briefly, then making a show of checking his pockets, smiles again and turns back to the others

"Wot you gonna fight them?" the small baboon looks genuinely shocked.

"You crazy. Why fight? Safe here….Plenty fish, tasty yams. If you fight can I have stuff, coz you be dead? "

Whilst talking his eyes follow Niemba as if working out whether Melock is telling the truth or not.

In reply to Cheata. (msg # 127):

She rasises her front legs and waves them side to side in greeting, and then moves a bit further along the underside.

Watching the interplay between them, he chuckles softly to himself, "She says hello. If they want to fight us, then yes we will, though they might back off once they know we're here. Afraid not, all my gear will go to the others, on the other hand, if you help us fight them I'm sure I can find something to reward you with"

The heavily scarred old male ambles back in, cudgel over his shoulder. His colourful arse is held high and he seems to be pleased with himself.

"Feckers won't come down, So safe for now."

He clicks his fingers at one of his 'wives' and waits while she hurries off to bring him one of the snakes.

"Mebbe come down when rest of them catch up….But we be gone den…"

His one good eye takes in the braves, sweeping over their weapons and armour

"Youse be okay….Dem scared of youse…Mebbe…" and he laughs his baboon laugh, whilst scratching his unmentionables.

The snake arrives and he tucks in, whilst the others of his troop look on, with occasional scared looks outside.

In reply to Ghost Eye (msg # 130):

Hoskar nods. You're right of course - we do all seem to be safe awhile. Can see you deserve respect - that was a nice escape job. It's good to see you as well: we've met too many enemies and not enough friends lately.

He scratches his chin thoughtfully.

But won't they just keep after you later if there's more of them coming? It's a bad season for chases round the wastes. Wonder if this can be sorted out - why the hell are they after you to begin with?

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 131):

The old baboon fixes Hoskar with his one good eye whilst the brave talks, then putting down his snake he says

"Eh?"

In reply to Ghost Eye (msg # 132):

Hoskar's brow furrows a moment. Sounds like he didn't hear me right. Try again. We're glad you're safe. Afraid they might chase you later. Want to help if we can. Do you know why the feckers are chasing you?

The old Baboon flicks a greasy paw towards his lady Baboons as if to say Wouldn't you?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Wed 14 May 2014.

Amara shrugged "Let's go see what they want." It was her only suggestion and the only way she could see the situation being resolved.

Hoskar smiles and nods.

Fair enough. Guess we'd best see what we can do about them then.

With a respectful inclining of his head to Ghost Eye, he moves to back up Amara.

There's a barely concealed snort of pleasure from Ghost Eye and then the old fella tucks into his snake again

"Oh, I have a good idea why they may be after this troop. Ghost Eye, why don't you tell us about that animal skin with a bushy mane your people have there." Haratt points to the item he spotted amongst the Baboon gear.

"What skin?" answers the old Baboon unconcerned by the new line of questioning….

"That one." Haratt moves forward until he is practically touching the item and points to it with the butt of his javelin. "I am sure its an old family heirloom and been in your clan for generations, but why don't you tell us in who's possession it has been recently, that is before your clan found it and the Lion men started chasing you."

"No idea…Think was my Granny's…"

Continuing to eat the snake the old Baboon doesn't meet the Sun Hawk brave's gaze.

Several of the female Baboons draw closer to their mate….Whilst the young males begin to bear their teeth.

"Well, Granny seems to have been rather a hefty gal to lug this around. Since you don't seem to have any attachment to it, then you won't mind if we take a closer look right?"

Assuming no baboon gets in the way, Haratt unrolls the skin. While doing so he speaks to his grandfather spirit in Spirit Speech, aware that some of the baboons are likely to understand, and looking into Ghost Eye's eyes for a reaction.

"What can you tell me about this thing Grandfather? Is there a spirit bound to it? Is it a piece of Basmol, or one of his children?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Wed 14 May 2014.

While making sure none of his stuff gets stolen, Salen sits with Mordy beside him and watches the baboons cavorting around. At this moment he has no argument with anyone, and he decides that Oglod can wait.

The Baboons start scurrying this way and that as the skin is unrolled and Ghost Eye licks his large canines, his one good eye matching Haratt's stare….

As soon as it's fully unrolled the air changes under the rock over hang, becoming charged with an animal ferocity that the braves haven't met since facing Tripanandar. Familiars run for cover as do all of the young Baboons, leaving just a handful of males and females about Ghost Eye.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:46, Wed 14 May 2014.

"It is not yours Ghost Eye and you know the Lion men will not stop hunting it. The question now it seems, what shall we do about it. We are not your enemies and we are sworn to Tada. I am not too sure, we want the Basmoli to get this thing.

Let us talk. No more lies and deceptions. What was your plan?"

Fireborn his Sun Hawk senses on overdrive goes to stand next to Haratt, guarding the brave as he speaks with his spirit. With the change of air he realises that the skin contains a spirit of sorts and looks about with only the slightest tinge of panic showing on his face….

"Plan?" the Baboon looks confused "I saw I took…There no plan."

All present can see that he is relieved that there's not going to be a fight. Muscles un-tense….Slightly.

"It mine now…But it angry all time and now Lion men eat our shaman so we right buggered."

"What you gonna do?"

"We could act as a go between. Seek to end the feud by returning the skin to it's rightful owners." Amara suggested.

"since you've unrolled it, the spirit that is bound with in, is talking to the Basmoli above. they're going to hunt you down until either they or you are dead. I've heard stories about such hunts, it rarely ends well for the hunted" he looks at Ghost Eye's cudgel making sure Ghost Eye knows, he knows "So do you want to fight them or run?"

"Ate your shaman? That complicates things. First thing we need to do is talk to them. Get them to agree to truce. Then we can come to an agreement."

Haratt turns to the skin and speaks to the spirit there.

"Is there one amongst the Lion people who can speak for you all. I ask him to come and talk. No harm will come to him. I would swear by the Gods."

Ghost Eye seems confused with having so many options….

"Erm….Was Eat option?"

He knows Melock knows and that Haratt and Fireborns knows that he knows that they know.

His one good eye begins to spin

"Ook?"

From above come several loud feline roars.

They sound both angry and hungry.

In reply to Ghost Eye (msg # 151):

Oh hang it. I've had enough of this nonsense. What an exasperating fellow this is.

He fixes the Baboon with an earnest stare.

Quit messing with us. You've got a simple choice. Either run now and for the rest of your short life, or negotiate and find a way to give the skin back. Those brave and fierce fighters up there do not give up. Ever.

Personally, I think you should parley with them; but it's your call.

The stare is returned, one a beady eye that's seen it's fair share of life, the other a nasty scar.

He points to it

"This Lion man did. He eat my wife and kids. So I no like. You want talk you go talk, mebbe they take your dingly danglies…Mebbe they give you cat milk..."

Pointing to the unrolled skin Fireborn speaks "I think we should roll it up again."

His unsheathed sword swipes at the angry air about them "Might stop this spirit from being so violent."

"These clans have been enemies for a long time. Their totems are at odds."

"Haratt, can you get the spirit to tell the Basmoli, that we are Wandering Rangers, Tada's followers. So if they want the skin back, send someone to talk, but if they wish to die, then attack us and we'll gladly carry on what Tada started" he heads towards the northern end of the overhang "in case they want to talk, someone should keep a look out over the south entrance, I've got the northern one" he'll find a spot that looks across the ravine, while still being under the overhang. Niemba will follow him along the top of the cave and find a ledge so she too can look out over the ravine

In reply to Ghost Eye (msg # 153):

That's more like it - no more evasions.

Good point. Here's the thing, though. If you thought you could take them, you'd not have been running. And you think more of them are coming. Do you hate them enough to die for a skin? Enough to have your gang die for a skin? Just a thought.

Not going to get in your way. I don't want to see any more dead baboons than I can help though.

Shaking his head, he backs off; hoping to allow the idea to sink in.

"I'll give you options," says Salen, getting to the point. "You either give the skin back, or you die. This is your problem, not ours. If you want our help, you say so now.

Can we get one of those bloodthirsty buggers down here without having him fight everyone?
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:38, Thu 15 May 2014.

"Ghost eye. You've already lost important people in your tribe due to having this. You will lose all the rest and the We seen the sea name will be lost to the winds, unless you return this to the men above. They need to get it back, much more than any concern they have for you and your tribe and they'll do anything to get it. You need to return it for the sake of your tribe. This is something you should be doing yourself, but to keep peace, we're willing to act as a go between to try to make sure the matter ends. Are you willing to return it?" Amara asked.

"Aye I'll guard the southern entrance Melock. Be careful my friend" and the Sun Hawk brave does just that.

The old Baboon deflates considerably under the flow of words coming from every direction. He knows when he's beaten and it was time to stop avoiding the inevitable.

He points to the skin

"You take…I trust friends of Walkabout Troop...Give back….They kill me if I go…Mebbe that good thing…."

His shoulders sag even further, causing several of his females to coo and begin searching through his fur for ticks. His young sons on the other hand look confused and several of them give the Rangers angry looks as if they are to blame for all of what has transpired.

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 160):

"you to brother"

Once he has found his spot, his voice drifts back to them "If we want to destroy that skin, I could contact Grandmother Spider and see if she likes to eat spirits and if she does, then see if she will help us with the lion men"

From up above another voice comes drifting down

"You think we can't hear you speak Bison men? We see your mounts, hear your voices, we smell your fat….Our Totem spirit sees you.

Give us back what is ours."

"Destroy it? We don't need the trouble it would cause, to be frank."

Salen shakes his head, and then shouts up to above the overhang.

"Your skin is here waiting for you. ONE of you come down and take it, and be on your way. We have no arguments with you - but we'll end any that you start."

"Put the skin out on the ledge and one will come" comes back the same gruff voice. A voice sounding as if speaking through large teeth.

He shifts around so he can better see the rest of the ravine. i think this is a bad idea

With his limited night vision Melock can see that the ravine is empty of anything moving, apart from their mounts.

Haratt did not like the way this was going. The Lion men were being to arrogant, too sure of themselves, and he certainly did not like to hear them talking about 'fat'. They viewed viewed everyone here as prey and that had to change before they would bargain in good faith. Without another thought, Haratt took his javelin and stuck the red hot tip into the Basmoli skin.

"No good Long Tooth, you come down, we talk face to face. You make demands, and we'll burn it and send the spirit to your dead God, as was done to Basmol himself."

Nodding sympathetically, Hoskar briefly takes his eyes away from searching for attacks from above...and light fingers close by...and threats to his cat...to address the Baboon. Glad you're not wanting lots of trouble - said you were a good leader for your people, and so you are.

Anyhow, think we need to keep an eye on what goes on. If that bunch up there decide to attack, we'll need to fight them together.

With a wry smile, he loosens his sword, readying himself for action while hoping it won't be needed and moves back to join any defence.

Once he has Niemba on his shoulder, he quietly heads back to the group, gestures for Hoskar and in a low voice, away from the lion skin"There's a lot of spirits with them, so I'm guessing maybe a shaman, let the others know but try not to say it near the skin" he then returns to his look out

There's a roar from both under the overhang and above, scattering the majority of Baboons in terror, and then the Basmoli react, the sounds of their scrambling down the cliff face echoing across the ravine.

Familiars shout warnings as the spirit within the hide roars in defiance, more felt than actually heard. Ghost Eye hoists his cudgel, barking orders at the few males remaining at his side, who cast a quick flurry of protective and offensive spells.

Fur stiffens and claws visibly sharpen.

And then dark forms begin to drop to the ledge outside…..

At the Southern end of the ledge Fireborn curses and immediately pulls back to join with his companions about the fire, kicking a baboon out of the way as he runs.

Casting as he goes his skin hardens beneath his lizard armour and he readies a javelin with his shield held high.

"Well that sorted that out. Always hated talking myself" and he laughs grimly winking at his friends.

"Fuck 'em…Let them come."

"Looks like we die tonight" snarls the old Baboon, who with his four males charges out into the night, cudgel swinging and screeching out his war cry.

The rest of his troop have scattered, fleeing for their lives, some in their terror bouncing off the nearest Rangers and scrabbling blindly up the back wall to fall into piles of wood and knock over several of the stoppered clay water containers.

The fire hisses and then flares brightly.

Hearth Spirit come to protect it's home.

Over the screeching Baboons, cursing braves and avalanche of hsunchen, the Lion spirit rages, it's roar of anger spilling over from the spirit plane...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Thu 15 May 2014.

"Yeap, not a patient, talkative bunch are they. Lets form a shield wall and meet them with fire. Step near me and Sun Hawk will provide."

"Grandfather light up the area. Let there be no doubt who fights here!"

Haratt readies his javelins and starts casting spells. His first one set Fireborn javelin tip glowing with heat.

Melock gives a shout of warning as two dark shapes separate from some bushes by the Northern exit, then running back towards his companions he narrowly misses getting skewered by two arrows shot in reply to his hastily fired slingshots.

As he arrives a wall of impenetrable darkness shuts off that end of the overhang.

About the fire Javelins burst into flame as Haratt's spirit fuelled spells ripple along the defensive square. A square that binds the Wandering Rangers together magically, strengthening shield arms as an earth rich voice begins to chant.

Emesh-Ga.

Two other fire pits burst into flame as Fireborn clicks his soot black fingers at them adding light to an already well lit space.

Outside two bodies crash to the ground having fallen from the cliff above, one tries to struggle to his feet, but is killed by a well aimed flaming javelin throw from Amara . The other is dispatched by one of Ghost Eye's sons.
Then the others arrive, dropping into snarling crouches on the edge of the firelight, eyes white in the darkness, their small lithe bodies glistening in the fire light. Bodies that shimmer, one moment human, the next lions. Smaller than the nomads the Basmoli Berserkers nevertheless look strong, with long hair and wearing little more than hide loincloths. Spears and Bows seem to be weapons of choice, though most seem to be only armed with their natural and in some cases glowing claws.

The Baboons go down under a pack of screaming lion braves, as javelins flare across the small space, some wide, others slamming into flesh, pitching their targets back over the ledge and down amongst the now bellowing Bisons and Rhinos.

There's a bark and Mordy is streaking out, zig zagging madly at twice normal speed and then he's gone leaping off the ledge and vanishing into the darkness…Followed by a feline foe….

With a full complement of spells cast the Wandering Rangers are ready, Haratt sending one last flaming Javelin into the heaving throng, joined by zinging slingshots from Hoskar and Melock….

And then they come, a leaping, bounding wave of fanatical warriors.

Watching his fiery javelin sail out into the darkness Fireborn raises his shield and locks his lance tight above it's rim ready to take the charge.

His eyes flick over the snarling throng

"Lots to kill."

And then he shouts "For Tada Earthson" and gets ready to die.

As his sling follows a sling stone in to the darkness, Melock sighs "that's going to be a pain to find later" he draws his sword and sets his shield with the others "looks like its down to us to save the weak from the basmoli, just like Tada did"

Oh bugger. Didn't want this.

Unsheathing his loosened sword, spells cast with the help of Four-Paws; who is now now worming her way into the safety of a hidden crack in the rocks; he comes into formation beside Melock, slingers together.

Form that Square! Shove them in the pool if you can!

For Tada and with Emesh-Ga we bring you doom!!

The Basmoli smash into the defensive shield wall, three going down under well executed knock backs  from Salen, Haratt and Amara.

The Square ambles forward into the space cleared, but the remaining Basmoli surge over them immediately. Claws fall and swords slash, blood spraying into the air

Amara takes a claw across the face, opening her cheek, as Salen parrying and dodging this way and that puts down her attacker, just as his head is enveloped in an unsuccessful  befuddling magical fog.

Fireborn impales a snarling brave, one of Haratt's burning javelins still in his side. Uncaring frenzied eyes only widen slightly and then the Sun Hawk's lance is pulled roughly out of his hands, the Basmoli replaced by two more, one leaping high, up and over to engage Hoskar behind.

The condor brave takes the attack on his massive copper shield standing firm against the knock back and countering with a flurry of slashing blows. His leg gets torn by a raking claw, just as a bunch of arrows come zipping in, two hitting Salen's shield, one an unfortunate Basmoli and the last one slamming into Amara's chest armour.

Then its a mad melee of cutting, stabbing, frenzied attacks and defending shield parries backed up by the ancient power of the Green Age spirit Emesh-Ga and the magical strength boosting each brave.

A basmoli goes down from a slash across his chest, his head immediately shining bright as a light charm takes hold, illuminating the room even more it causes those Basmoli next to him to falter, allowing the braves to kill one and incapacitate another.

But there's too many and spells have begun to fly in from outside, where enraged Bisons and Rhino bellow. Melock bleeding lightly having just killed a young Basmoli brave with a slashing blow, suddenly goes blank, staring about him with a demoralised look and then he's grappled by an enraged berserker.  Salen steps back to turn and kick the Raven's attacker off him, only to take a spear in his side. Turning he slams his shield down crushing the Basmoli's head.

On the other side of the fire it's toe to toe, claw to shield fury with Fireborn and Haratt side by side and supported from behind by Hoskar. All three are bleeding from numerous scratches and cuts, though the Shield magic seems to be working. But the Basmoli' shimmer spells are off putting too, meaning many attacks go wide…Though those that hit more often than not either kill or incapacitate.

Then Haratt fumbles after head butting one Basmoli, over reaching his mark with his next sword thrust, perhaps stumbling on the hide beneath his feet and it's all his frenzied attackers need: Two leap, grappling him furiously, one with matching magical strength getting a secure hold about his neck, teeth snapping at his ear.

Hoskar steps forward slipping his sword fatally into the side of one of Haratt's foes and then the Rangers' magics begin to falter, the Basmolis' too. Hoskar steps back and is about to hit the other lion man when the Condor brave's eyes glaze over, a look of fear replacing his previous look of rage.

There's loud cursing, snarling, ripping and an awe inspiring headbutt from Amara, and then as the various spells and charms run their course, from outside comes a spear thrown with god gifted aid. Sure and true, like a leaping Lion it skims over bent backs, through gaps and thuds into Fireborn's right arm, slaming the brave in to the back wall.

Following it comes a lion headed warrior, pulling a limp and very dead Ghost Eye along by his arm, backed up by several more hardened braves, shimmering and heavily tattooed with runes of Beast and Death.

The ground is littered with injured and dead berserkers, though with the new arrivals the lion men still outnumber the Rangers two to one. Melock and Hoskar step back demoralised as Haratt flicks off his grappler, Fireborn at his feet, his arm destroyed by the mighty throw. On the other side Amara and Salen stand firm, protecting Melock, though both braves are injured.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:20, Fri 16 May 2014.

"Haratt, now would be the time to give them their skin back. Kick it over to them, before we're all dead!"

If the Sun Hawk doesn't do so then Salen will, whatever it takes.

"Take your skin, we want nothing of it! You have already slain the thief and his kin, let us shed no more blood this day!"

As Salen speaks the Basmoli braves edge backwards ever so slightly, healing charms rippling over torn flesh and other more offensive spells resting on ready tongues.

 Advancing straight at the Rangers, his bodyguard about him, the Lion Headed warrior makes for the holy skin at Haratt's feet. There is no fear in his feline eyes, though perhaps a grudging respect for the warriors who have killed so many of his own.

The baboons, those that still live, have fled, and several of the Basmoli begin feasting on the carcasses, tearing at the flesh with sharp teeth. The tearing noise adding to the already unsettling stink of fresh blood and the air of sudden repressed violence, is unsettling to say the least.

When he sees the lion headed warrior, he backs up until his back is against the wall. His sword shaking ever so slightly and his eyes following the warrior.

Amara watched the warrior carefully, her eyes not moving from the man, her hands relaxed but on her weapon, ready to use it in case the worst should happen. Her shield ready to intervene at any moment. She was going to have to teach Grimalkin how to cast her healing spell, something she'd rectify before the next time she was in battle. "I am Amara Brightsky of the SkyWatcher rhino clan." she said as the chief approached.

All Hoskar can do is pant nervously, hand on his chest as his charm puts a little extra life back into it; the wound still dripping.
Hope they're impressed enough to take the skin and go - don't think I'm up to a second round of that.

Haratt looks over his friends as thoughts race through his head. 'I have been hanging out with Storm Bulls for too long. Sometimes ... you let things be.'

Haratt takes a step back from the skin and smiles, without showing his teeth. He  lets go of his sword and tilts his head slightly to the right, exposing the left side of his unprotected neck. The Basmoli won, there was no need to make this a suicidal last stand.

The Lion Headed Basmoli pushes his way through his braves, golden eyes taking in each of the wounded nomads before him, before reverently picking the ancient hide up. Placing it over his shoulder he looks up at Haratt and then foot on the recumbent Fireborn he pulls his spear free with a wet sucking sound.

He looks like he's about to say something when from outside there's shouting and the sound of a large quantity of water hitting rock.

There's other shouts and from out of the darkness comes an older Basmoli, festooned in fetishes and religious gewgaws.

Shaman.

The air ripples with the passing of his many spirits.

"Let us leave Khan, this place is protected. It is senseless to lose more braves."

The old man doesn't even deign to look at the nomads arrayed about him, instead taking the Lion skin and ordering the uninjured braves to remove the dead and injured.

This they begin to do, quickly and efficiently, treating the old man with great respect.

The Lion Khan fixes the nomads with one more look, before turning on his heel and walking out.

More shouts, but receding now.

Lying at their feet is the corpse of Ghost Eye, heart and other organs ripped out. His cudgel still gripped tightly in his hand.

Fireborn groans loudly as the spear comes free, his hand fluttering weakly about the wound as a gout of dark blood flows across his chest.

With the Lion men gone, the only sign of them being here is the dark splashes of blood, spilt camp gear and the  heavy stink of predators and sweat.

The Lion Spirit is gone too and one by one familiars creep out from their hiding places. All that is except for Mordy, of whom there is no sign.

Outside in the darkness there is sounds of angry riding beasts, several in pain, and the fierce lapping of waves upon the pool.

Amara was concerned for the mounts, without them, it would be a long walk home. She headed down to where they'd been put to see if they were all good. She wanted to talk more to the Basmoli. She was sure it would not be the last they would see of the lion men.

Fireborn groans in pain, leaking blood on to the floor of the overhang.

Watching everyone else bleeding from all their cuts and wounds.

"Urrrrrrrrrgh" is all he manages.

Having grabbed a burning brand from the fire Amara can see that the Basmoli are leaving by the Southern exit, keeping well away from the angry looking waters of the pool. A pool filled with a long wave that is surging up and down.

Below her the mounts are agitated and it looks like several Bison are wounded. To there North there is movement in the darkness, over by where the western exit is.

Amara went down to where the mounts were, to see if any were seriously injured enough to need immediate medical attention. She had faith the others would take care of Fireborn as she knew there wasn't much she could do for him. She moved towards the source of the agitation. Something strange in the pen would make it more difficult to tend to the mounts. They were used to her presence someone else must be disturbing them. Amara thrust the brand into the air. "Whoever you are you better come out. I'm armed and you're scaring the mounts. Whatever you wish to talk about we can do it at an open fire."

Nothing left to do but clean up the place. Haratt retrieves javelins if he can and helps to gather bodies. Ghost Eye especially needs to be taken care of. Haratt starts gathering fuel for a funeral pyre.

With the crisis averted Salen sheathes his sword and puts down his shield beside his pack, then immediately begins digging through it. A moment or two later he brings out a pot, with what is soon revealed to be a black, foul-smelling river mud, or something similar. He moves across to Fireborn and then begans removing the muck with his fingers, and spreads all of it over the wound in his fellow brave's arm. There appear to be mushroom fragments in it, and it smells awful.

"You're going to smell like the foulest broo you ever met, my friend, at least for a while...but this will save your arm. Better to be Stinky Two Arms than Fireborn One Arm, eh?"

When he is done Salen returns the empty pot to his pack and then looks for something to wipe or rinse the much off his hand. That done, he follows Amara.

"Let me take a look. My dog is out here somewhere - he went to fetch Oglod, so hopefully it's the lizards, which should leave me alone.

And whatever you do stay away from the pool. Something's bothering her, but I'll find that out after I see about Mordy."

And with that he heads off to the western exit. If he sees anything unusual he will go back to the others.

As Haratt works he notices out of the corner of his eye wood moving as it is stacked by an invisible hand. As soon as he looks directly it stops, but continues when ignored.

Hearth Spirit doing her thing.

Fireborn made comfortable by Salen, sits propped up by the back wall, firelight playing across his pale features as his arm magically heals. A close run thing…

Javelins are recovered when possible and with the help of Hoskar the corpses of Baboons stacked carefully ready to be burnt. The Hearth spirit would likely help with that.

There's several Basmoli flint spears amongst the wreckage.

Whilst removing the cudgel from Ghost Eye's torn body Haratt finds that it has been imbued with Baboon magic, enabling it to be more useful in smashing things.


Amara finds nothing amongst the mounts apart from the trampled body of a dead Basmoli, missed by his comrades.  None of the mounts have life threatening wounds but al will require some healing. They immediately quieten down at her approach, though they are unnerved by the wave in the pool.

Salen slips off through the darkness and makes his way up towards the Northern exit. There's a fair bit of activity which he soon sees are several large rock lizards uncharacteristically out at night. On closer inspection they are tearing apart what looks like the sorry remains of a once proud Basmoli brave.

The lizards ignore the Condor brave who is able to slip past and up the Western gully. He soon finds himself in the familiar box canyon, sides honeycombed with caves, tunnels and niches. He feels the presence of the ancient reptile spirit permeating the enclosed space. Meaty and at odds with his own human soul.

Then from one of the caves comes excited barks as Mordy, front leg held high, limps over to his master, to fill him in on what happened.

Swearing that as soon as he's back with the clan he'd learn a healing charm Fireborn sits up straighter, edging nearer to the fire.

"Close run thing, let's not rile that lot up again, least until we can whoop their furry arses." He stares at Ghost Eye for a moment before continuing. "Well that was a short, sharp lesson in not to steal things that are out of your league, poor buggers."

He points to the Baboon's other rolled hides, gourds and accumulated roots and wild onions. "Suppose that's all ours now or shall we leave them here?"

Then

"Who's that you talk too Haratt? A spirit?"

"Shh keep it down" mutters Kobal, receiving a Rhino tut in return from Greeshar. It's the middle of the night and the braves are just about to crest a large sand dune.

From over the top comes the glow of many fires and the sounds of a camp not yet at sleep.

"The outriders will be back in a moment, we must be quick"  and slowly, edging up, the two braves peer down the other side….

Thankfully the mounts were fine, only slightly injured, and Salen made sure to cast the only Healing he could on Kohana, to stem his wound. He would be sure to give another later, and more until the wound was healed. Then he set off to find Mordy. Sure enough, the lizards were out enjoying a late night feast, one of the berserkers. Salen slipped by them easily and made for the box canyon, where he soon found an injured Mordy. He knelt down and healed him, but like his Bison the dog would need more healing.

"You did good, my friend. We have overcome the problem and the camp is safe now, so let's go back. We can see Oglod tomorrow."

As they return to the ravine Salen cannot help but look at the pool, and he comes to a decision.

"Mordy, go back to the camp, or go join Kohana. The Water Spirit is angry at something, and I don't want to leave her thrashing about until morning. Go...it will be fine."

Salen hopes he sounds more convincing than he feels. But he heads to the pool and kneels beside it, then runs one hand through the water...

*Splash*

Salen is suddenly pulled under water, vanishing without even a chance to shout out.



Melock just at that moment on the ledge above the pool, sees Mordy streaking along the side of the water, and then behind the dog the noise of  splashing as if something has fallen in. Mordy stops and immediately starts barking alerting the others that something is wrong.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:04, Sun 18 May 2014.

once the Basmoli have gone and the demoralise has run its course, he looks round at the mess and shakes his head "I cant believe we survived that with just scratches." he'll pick up Niemba and follow Amara to check on Stinky. Seeing Stinky is wounded, but not too badly, he gives him a hearty pat on the shoulder "Good boy, that'll teach them" he tries to patch Stinky up, but as usual he just cant seem to get the hang of bandaging. while he's doing so he sees the body of the dead Basmoli and smiles "I've got a use for that body, don't burn it" Once his finished his rubbish attempt at healing Stinky and made sure he's settled, he heads back to the overhang to collect some bits. As he's on the ledge he hears a splash followed by Mordy's barking, he turns, but cant see anything apart from Mordy "What is it Mordy? where's Salen?" he'll climb back down towards the pool "Guys something has just gone in to the pool, anyone seen Salen?" he wont get closer than a spears length to the pool.  "Salen!" he shouts, hoping for a reply

Once the clean up is completed, Haratt goes around healing as much as he can, making sure to heal his Bison even for a little if more is not possible. Showing Ghost Eye's club to his friends "There is a matrix in this thing."

---

Normally Haratt would not reveal this, but Fireborn being a fellow Sun Hawk worshiper, he decides it would not hurt to tell "Yes Fireborn. It is something my mother gave to me before I set out with my father. Apparently when my parents ... met, it was not a such happy occasion. Dad being dad was raiding Sun County as you may know. My mothers father, my grandfather was too old to fight, but he was a priest of strong spirit and some power. He petitioned his God and had his spirit placed into a sacred item which my mother has carried with her since that time." Haratt takes a gold wheel and shows it to Fireborn "Fireborn, meet my grandfather Nikodisious Apanotoricu Pananacoconoss, priest of Lokarnos. I call him Nick."

---

"What the heck is that?" Haratt says at hearing the commotion at the pool. With out a second thought, he grabs a javelin and heads in that direction.

Showing the cudgel to his friends Haratt can see that there's no living Baboons about, those still alive having scarpered as soon as they could. Perhaps them might be found somewhere out in the gullies, if not now at least when Bright Treasure is up and shining.

"Not my kind of weapon to be honest" replies Fireborn, having perked up somewhat now that the magical mud poultice was starting to work. His wound had begun to steam and to be honest was burning rather a lot. But the Sun Hawk brave was a Prairie Thunder clansman and not one to cry over things like that.



Fireborn doesn't really know what to say. Since his initiations the wonderful, magic rich world that he lived in had steadily got stranger, more magical and seemingly filled with an endless supply of odd spirits.

There was no way he'd even try and pronounce the foreign Sun Country name, but manages a polite greeting of sorts. Instead ever practical he asks Haratt "Can you read? You know that scratching the invaders do?"



Interrupted by the barking and his friend's question Fireborn eases himself up and follows. "Be careful there's a water spirit in the pool…It's well, seductive to say the least…Made Greeshar all starry eyed last time we were here. Think it wanted to ….Eat him.

Hey Melock! What's going on?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Sun 18 May 2014.

"Yes, my mother has taught me what she called Firespeach. You can make such markings using a hot piece of coal on a skin or what not. If you want I can show you how, once we have some time."

---

For now Haratt puts the club with his belongings. It may prove to be useful later.

Illuminated by several lit brands, held aloft by concerned rangers, the surface of the pool is shown to be not it's normal placid self. Close to the shore, in a particularly deep section, the water is rippling and churning as if something or someone is just below.

Bubbles of air rise to pop violently on the surface.

Standing in the water nearly fully submerged is Mordy, with just her head above water, barking loudly. She passes on the message to those with bound spirits.

"She's got him…Bitch."

There seems to be some jealousy going on….

In an instant Salen is pulled under the water...

PM

And then there is Salen floating to the surface, body and arms limp…..

Loathe to go anywhere near the water Fireborn encourages his friends loudly

"Pull him out quick.

Go on."

...and then he kicks, and waves his arms, and a moment later he breaks the surface, his lungs taking in great breaths of air. Salen coughs a little and then wipes his eyes and nose, and only then does he see he has an audience, which is a little surprising to him. He turns and looks at Mordy, a little cross.

"I thought I told you to go wait with the others? I said it would be fine, and it was."

Shaking his head Salen moved to the side of the pool and pulled himself out, requiring no assistance. As the water ran off him he turned his head side on to the ground, and slapped the opposite ear to get the water out. Then he looked at everyone else (and comforted Mordy, if she would come near him).

"She's fine, if a little tired. She helped take out some of the berserkers. I'll have another swim with her in the morning, and talk more then.

Let's get back to the fire, it's late."

"She didn't....well...no never mind." Amara went back to her mount healing it. She needed Thunderfoot to be healthy for the journey "Did dhse say anything about perhaps going to the fingerholes?"

After healing herself, Amara decided to go see if she could find the copper man, now that events for the evening seemed settled.

seeing that Salen is ok, Melock heads back to collect the dead Basmoli, and before he heads towards the southern entrance with it "Guys, I'm just going to erm.." he pauses while trying to think of a polite term to use "make the most of having a dead body no one wants. I'll be in the cave over there" he points in to the darkness, roughly where he remembers a cave, to the left of the southern entrance.
When he gets over to the cave, he'll check to make sure nothing else is already in there. As long as there isn't, he'll use the same ritual and song as he did on Grandmother Spiders holy day to offer her the dead Basmoli

After the fight, clean up and possible near drowning it is now a little before midnight.

The Copper man seems to have vanished, so taking a brand and joined by who ever wants to help Amara searches the Western two caves, known to be his hang out from time to time.

Empty.

Though she does find a small fissure in the back of one cave, big enough for the little construct to fit in. It slopes gently upwards towards the West.

Both caves smell of alcohol, sweat and urine.

Fireborn offers to stand watch whilst Melock is busy, though from his face he seems not to be happy.

"I hope this will not become the norm….I mean the giving of those that fall in battle to that dark creature you now follow."

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 214):

"I hadn't realised that was the time Fireborn, I'll stand my watch first then speak to Grandmother Spider. If they are enemies of Waha, then I don't see any problem with it" he points to the dead Basmoli "they are not part of Waha's covenant, so they do not deserve our respect"
He'll leave the body away from the camp while he is on watch

Fireborn nods, holding his tongue. He returns to the overhang to rest, brewing up the last of Kaonu's healing herbs in the party's copper kettle.

Soon the space is filled with their pungent but reassuring fumes.

"I miss Kaonu. He was a voice of reason out here in the Wastes, plus he played a mean drum." The brave takes out his own and begins to play for a while, singing the Three Horns in a Bag song that his friend loved so much.

Once finished he asks Salen "So..What's the story? Don't tell me you swim now? And yeah like Amara says will the water spirit come to the Pool?"

At the next opportunity he makes sure to thank Haratt for the offer to learn to read, but declines politely, but points out that there are several objects in the possession of others that are covered in the heathen sorcery that is called writing. Namely Melock and Hoskar.

"Found some stuff on dead Yelmalions South and West of here. Long way from home for sure."

Sitting back by the fire to dry off, Salen finds himself having to face some questions from Fireborn.

"Swim? Well...uh...I guess I do, to some extent. I made a deal with the Nymph last time, back when...back when I came here for Kaonu...and I had to check in with her again. Like I said down at the pool, I shall take another swim with her in the morning, and see what she says. She was tired and not up for much talking tonight. Any tea going spare?"

He turns his gaze back to the fire.

The Sun Hawk brave fixes Salen with his penetrative gaze….You know the one he uses when dissimulating information and sifting through the Bison shit.

"Mmm okay. Yes of course" and he pulls the kettle off the coals and offers to pour a healing draft.

"What happened up the other gully….Where Mordy went."
This message was last updated by the player at 10:14, Mon 19 May 2014.

Back in the cave hunting for copper man Amara guesses that the fissure, if it doesn't turn off randomly, probably comes up somewhere above the pool ravine.

It's big enough for her Manul cat to traverse.

Amara called for Grimalkin, sending him up the narrow passage. She left Grimalkin with few words, but to play nice with the copper man and see if he is willing to come visit.

Talk of Firespeech writing picks up Haratt's spirits. "Sure, I will be more than happy to look at it. Sometime such writing tells of very useful things."

"The other gully?"

Although he looked a bit annoyed at all the questions, Salen knew he had better provide some explanations, otherwise everyone would only get more suspicious. Right now all he wanted to do was sleep.

"Oh. I sent Mordy off there to get Oglod, the ancient lizard spirit, to come to our aid when the berserkers attacked. One of the Basmoli followed her though, and cut her, but Oglod's family - the lizards promptly ripped him to shreds. We didn't see the lizards after that because the fighting ended quickly.

I will have to see Oglod at midday tomorrow."

Coming to very slowly from his demoralised state maybe I need a better preventative - should be able to clear my mind quicker than that, Hoskar shakes his head to and fro, trying to knock the fog from his brain and work out what matters most.

He grins when he feels Four-Paws twine round his leg and then sees Salen safe, his mind finally resolving into some priorities.

We were worried there, Salen. I'd hoped I might get a swim here, but I'll give it a miss if that's what happens.

Glad to hear you can read the sun signs, Haratt. I've got a clay tablet we think is sun writing we'd like to know more about. It's on a rhino somewhere. Speaking of which, I think I heard Kor in a bit of distress - need to see if he's wounded.

Ignoring his hurts, he prises himself off the stone against which he had been resting and heads to check on his mounts.

"Well I did tell Mordy it would be okay...I guess she took it as a slight, or didn't quite believe me. But no matter, it needed to be done, though I am sorry you all felt I was in danger."

Taking another sip of his tea and gradually feeling the warmth return to his body, Salen looked at Hoskar, then at everyone else.

"But I would advise against any of you going anywhere near that pool. The Nymph - Aquamerina - is very protective of her pool. She might get the wrong idea, no matter if I ask her to leave you all alone. Best err on the side of caution."

As folk stand watch, heal wounds and prepare for sleep, Amara waits for her Manul cat to complete his underground scouting trip.

It's not long before he returns, stopping to lick his fur clean.

"The crack goes up and then the rock changes. Smells funny. Dry and Old. Not natural anymore. I detect no spirits. Big space, sounds echo like in a cave. You want me to go and look more? I can smell the Copper man inside."


Under the overhang

Hoskar returns with the clay tablet and hands it to Haratt. Some bedtime reading.

It's a set of orders issued in the script of those that live in Sun Country.

Fireborn, lying on his bedroll, watches the tablet getting passed over.

"Melock's got some sort of gold disc and a flask that heats up water. Found it on a dead un not that far south from here. Been dead a fair bit."

when he hears Fireborn mention his name and the gold disc, he changes his patrol route so he can get the disc and canteen from Stinky, then next time he's passing Haratt "here's the gold disc Fireborn mentioned, and this canteen heats water once a day but seems to need to be out in the open all day to do it"

At the end of his watch, he collects his bone rattle, some charred wood and the dead Basmoli, then heads towards the cave.


After checking that there isn't something already in there, he gets Niemba to go in to the cave. He draws a spider on the back of his left hand and the runes of Darkness and Beast on the back of his right then follows her in to the darkness dragging the Basmoli. He places the body in the centre of the cave and starts drawing the Darkness and Beast runes to  make a web, hoping that in the darkness he is drawing it ok, all the time visualising his little web joining up with Grandmother Spider's web and her seeing the gift he has for her.
He starts to shake the rattle "Niemba, help me call your Grandmother, I have a gift for her"

he gets the rattle shaking a regular beat and then starts to sing

"Grandmother spider what will you do...
    When no ones there for you......
    Great killer of Chaos we are here for you
    When no others come to you....

    I hear spiders crawling
    Dying by others hands
    I hear spiders crawling
    Please Grandmother Spider help me
    Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me
    Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me

    Please help us Great spider
    I will help defend your children when they are threatened
    Please let us help each other
    In your mighty web...Deep in the dark
    Grandmother spider  ...please let us approach
    Grandmother spider  ...please let us approach

    I see your children, but I can't find you
    So please crawl out so I can see you
    I know your close but I can't find you
    So please crawl out so I can feed you

    I hear spiders crawling
    Dying by others hands
    I hear spiders crawling
    Please Grandmother Spider help me
    Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me
    Grandmother Spider ...Please don't eat me"
he pauses to catch his breath
"Grandmother Spider, surrounded by Darkness,I have a gift for you, a freshly killed Basmoli warrior. Mistress of all who have eight legs I hope you like my gift"

The canteen, though foreign looking to the braves looks comfortably familiar to Haratt, the design reminding him of his mothers leather work. It's bronze below the hide and has several Light Runes worked into it.


The Gold disc is as big as a large outstretched hand and contains around it's rim prayers to Yelm and his children.

One side is a representation of the sun, it's centre filled with dense writing.  Turning it over Haratt and whoever else is looking can see that it is filled with small pictures and more script. It shows a man leaving a domed building by a river and going on a journey towards the East. Bits are scratched to be unreadable, but it shows him discovering a large rock, with the Sky rune on it. He seems to be praying. There's various creatures depicted of the nasty variety and finally it shows him going back to the domed building and talking to many people and pointing to the East. Finally he is shown being buried.

As Melock sacrifices part of his spiritual essence to the darkness entity the power opens a door to the other side….

In the furthest corner of the cave, almost impossibly, a section of darkness becomes even darker. Melock feels his breath begin to freeze.

There's the sound of something being dragged and then the voice comes.

Amara smiled at her cat. She thought it was important they talk to the copper spirit. She suspected he might speak in the Earth tongue and now they had Emesh Ga they could communicate. She nodded to her cat. "Grimalkin, I know it is much to ask, but if you could go back through and find a way for me to enter, or persuade him to even grant a small audience to us, I'd appreciate it." with that she sent Grimalkin back through the crack to find the man.

The cat gives a feline nod and heads back up the fissure. Time passes, then some ten minutes later there's a muffled BOOM heard by all those in the ravine….And felt too as the ground shudders.

In the cave Amara, knocked to the ground, is covered by a cloud of dust issuing from the gap in the wall and her torch goes out.

Those under the overhang are jolted awake if sleeping or otherwise alarmed by the strange sound, reminiscent of Thunder, but in this case coming from below ground.

As she lies on the ground Amara feels a sudden disconnection with her bound spirit. It's gone.

Amara sat up, upset and despondent that she'd lost her spirit on something that she thought would not be risky. She sat, sighing heavily, wondering how she'd explain to the otehrs that she'd lost Grimalkin.

Haratt ponders the items and the symbols on them. "I can make this out." he says of the clay tablet. "These are orders for three of their men to scout North ... North being from where they were at that time ... and they are to use guides from the Fire Feather Impala Clan. They are to remain hidden, and to be seen, but can take a lone prisoner ... I would fear for such a one if they did. I am sure they would kill him afterwards ... They are to keep the secret and Quin ... Quintas Pelorias is the man who sent them.

This is important. Can you tell more more of how you came upon this where and when?" The name seemed to have peeked Haratt's interest.

---

Taking up the medallion Haratt brings it up to the light, making sure to reflect it a bit. He then casts a Light spell as well, directly at the Golden disk. The light appears to be much brighter than normal.

"This is old. I will need to take a look at it again when the Yelm's chariot is at its peak. Sometimes this writing can say different things in different light, but it will reveal all at that time.

This is hard to make out, but it's a map of some sort, made by a man or about a man called Lassiter, born of the Sun Dome but a wanderer of the desert wastes. There are directions that make little sense and something about a reef."

Haratt takes out his coin and proceeds to talk to it in Spirit Speech "Ok, grandpa what do you know of this thing, and have you heard the name Lassiter before?"

He's brought back some meat from his pack as well and threads it on sticks, hanging them over the flames of the fire...where they promptly ignite, charring the exteriors black.

Hmph. So much for a late supper. Burnt offerings it is. They'll still be nourishing enough inside if anyone likes soot seasoning. Burnt offerings in ten minutes or so, folks.

Nothing's going right for me tonight. Only thing I could do for Kor was a charm too.

Just glad you can read that stuff, Haratt. We found the tablet with...some... his speech tails off and his eyes widen, his head cocked to one side as if listening to an inner voice. Briefly, he looks worried as he glances out into the night.

Be nice, people. Best sympathetic manners if you please. Think Amara's cat just had a terminally unpleasant experience.

While still on watch Melock, will listen in to Haratt explaining whats on the tablet. Then he feels and hears the boom, "is Amara ok?" and he runs round the pool to the cave where she was exploring, Amara! he shouts in to the cave, once the dust has cleared a bit, he'll  head in to find her. "Amara, are you alright? what happened?"

Melock finds Amara sitting next to a small fissure at the back of the cave, his torch illuminating the small cave. She's not hurt but it's obvious something is wrong. There's a strange burning smell in the air.

Sleepily Fireborn replies"We were West of the Giant Finger Holes searching for some Spider venom….Long Story, but we needed to make some antidote for Ghoul poison. Anyway we'd been told that there was a place holy for Grandmother Spider and off we went. Of course it got complicated and we ended up clearing a scorpion nest and we found the bodies of these scouts mentioned on that tablet. We'd been fired on in the dark by some Impala riders. Must have been their guides. We've had run ins with them before. The Fire Feather Clan that is, even had a slave from them. He's dead. Greeshar killed him.

So they came North." Fireborn looks puzzled "Not much South from there, though that's the way the others have gone home. Greeshar and Kobal that is. And all our loot."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Wed 21 May 2014.

Old Nick replies in Firespeech

As the last reverberations echo about the dark ravine, birds return to their night time roosts, still squawking agitatedly. By the fire Hoskar's Manul cat meows plaintively, staring off into the darkness towards the cave where Amara is.

Mordy finishes barking and the Bison and Rhinos settle.

An odd smell of burning wafts across the pool.

Under the overhang the fires dim, caused most likely by the hearth spirit, who has now put everything back in it's place. Though at the very edge of hearing the Rangers can hear the occasional TSK TSK coming from where they'd stacked the dead Baboons.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 08:56, Wed 21 May 2014.

Amara was distracted, barely registering when the others came looking for her. When Melock arrived Amara was wiping the tears from her eyes. "I lost Grimalkin. I sent him in there to look for the copper one and he's gone."

when she sees Amara, Niemba climbs down Melocks back and then climbs half way up the edge of the cave mouth. she's lost Grimalkin, I dont think she'll want to see me

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 240):

Seeing Amara crying, Melock gives her a brief hug, what happened in there? I thought the copper man was friendly

Gone so soon from form, my litter-mate? Sleep well until we meet again. I glance from the dark out there to a stack of Baboon corpses. I hear that noise in there. I am not going near you, whatever you are. I like this form. You can look if you like, Hoskar. I have lost much this night already. Mraaao.

Sniffing suspiciously, Hoskar pulls charred lumps of meat off sticks and tastes one. Whatever that burning smell is, it's not these things. They're edible, but I won't be winning prizes for them.  He munches one moodily; gesturing to the others as much as to say 'they're there if you're hungry but I don't recommend it'. Either of you Sun Hawks know what sort of fire might be causing that burning smell out there?

He cocks his head at a sound he can barely hear; straining to make sense of it. I assume we're sure all those Baboons were thoroughly dead? Unless there's any doubt, I agree with the cat here he rests his hand comfortingly on Four-Paws's back had more than enough excitement for one night and I'll be bothered if I'm poking around that lot on the strength of something going tsk.

Casting occasional concerned glances across the ravine towards where Amara went, he eyes the corpse pile warily.

Speaking to Fireborn "It would be a good idea to check that out. Anything Quintas is involved with, we do not want to succeed. The man is as slimy and slippery as a snake broo dipped in rhino fat and thrown into swamp mud. Unfortunately, I am kind off related to him." Haratt stirs the fire which gets the embers glowing.

Half asleep on his bed roll the Sun Hawk Brave sits up "Eh, related, what?? But yes we should check it out. I'll be telling our Khan. Best thing is to get a war party together and send them back to the river where they belong…No offence."



Fireborn waves away the offered meat, answering kindly "No idea Hoskar Feather. I'm presuming that as no one is screaming that Amara is okay. I'm too tired and hurting to go see. I reckon she knocked the copper man into the fire and he flared up."

"So did I. He always seemed cheerful, but maybe he does not want company. We can't go in in any case. We need to wait for him to come out." Amara looked forlornly towards the crack "There's a place behind there. Grimalkin said he couldn't find the copper one, but the place smelled of him. So I sent him back in to look again.....and he won't be coming back." Amara tried hard not to cry at the loss of someone close to her. This trip wasn't going well for her. She had Grimalkin to talk to when her brother wasn't around, and now, there wasn't anyone except Emesh Ga.

The voice of the Earth Guardian is heard by both Melock and Amara, emanating from the Copper Helmet

"Place your hands upon the rock and concentrate on what is beyond this cave…."

Doing so Amara feels the ancient spirit filling her head and then she senses it… A picture forms in her mind of the fissure snaking up through the rock, coming to several larges spaces, not natural, but rectangular and square. Up above, near the top of cliff and someway to the West.

"Aye…These were made by hands, not by water, wind or time" says the spirit releasing her from his Earth Sense. "When it is light I suggest searching for another way in."

He sounds interested in their find.

Blue skies, with little cloud.

Amara wakes up under the overhang, eyes taking in the soot stained ceiling and a spider hanging by a silken thread just above her nose.

The others also wake, having enjoyed a sleep in. Fireborn is by the fire, the copper kettle gently whistling as it begins to boil. in his hand the first flat bread of the day.

Down amongst the rushes Mordy hunts frogs, splashing happily in the shadows and Four Paws can be seen prowling for mice.

"Going to be a hot one. Thought I'd let you all sleep. I plan to take one of the caves and sleep till midday. The Mounts are watered and fed and there's bread for everyone."

He points across the ravine, where Bright Treasure's first rays are hitting the top of the Western wall. There's several large Rock Lizards already sunning themselves there. "When it first turned light there was the faintest bit of smoke up there, above where Amara was in the cave last night. Coming from somewhere up top…."

The Baboons have begun to smell and there's still the odd burning smell lingering from the night before.

Those getting up to make their ablutions and break their fast can't help but notice the webs that have appeared where none where before. Small ones mind, made by common varieties.

Suddenly there's a commotion on the water as several birds land, splashing a trail along it's length. None bar the Condor Braves recognise them, a variety normally seen far away on the banks of the Zola Fel.

They're of the tasty variety….

All can feel the presence of Emesh-Ga emanating from the Copper Helmet resting next to Amara. His powers feel stronger today. His shield shines that bit brighter too and as Hoskar strokes it's surface it hums ever so slightly.

Four Paws plops a small mouse in Hoskar's lap and then sits washing his arse in full view of everyone. Despite the loss of his sibling the cat seems puurfectly happy.

And then Mordy is here shaking his wet pelt and giving everyone an unwanted morning muddy shower.

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 250):

he slowly wakes up, the smell of freshly cooked bread making his stomach rumble as he gets up. "Fresh bread, that's one of the best way to be woken up" he stretches and notices the small webs "I didn't notice those yesterday, must have been because of everything that was going on, I should pay more attention to my surroundings " crap, I didn't think they would start so soon
He gets up and helps himself to some bread "I'd avoid the cave I used last night if I was you Fireborn, it'll be a bit too dark for you. Good bread, though we still need to work out what was in Long Grasses bread, maybe Salen knows as he's spent time with him"

Fireborn fixes the Raven brave with one of his gazes, then shakes his head ever so slightly "Okay I'll sleep in that one" and he indicates the Southern one next to the overhang.

Standing he picks up his shield and weapons, a water skin and some bread.

"Someone wake me at midday then" and off he goes "We should burn these Baboons too."

"Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwfhfhggfgfhh!"

Water is splashing all over Salen, waking him up, and when he finally gets his senses in order he can see that Mordy is the culprit, though the dog grins inanely at him.

"Thanks. Next time you're asleep I'll set your tail on fire, see how you like it."

His foul mood is soon lifted though by the aroma of newly-baked bread, for surely there is no better smell to bring the morning in. It helps make up for the predominance of spider webs, which weren't there last night.

A morning swim is required now, but...perhaps a little hunting before that. Ducks?

"Ready for some early morning duck shooting, Hoskar? Amara? We could have ourselves a feast for lunch and supper, with some luck!"

Salen grabs his javelins and his bow and arrows, and heads for the pool. Hopefully Aquamerina won't mind the disturbance.

Using all the innate instincts of The Hunter, Salen made his way to the pool. first he crept slowly and quietly as he could...only to kick a stone he didn't see, which promptly bounced across the ground and disturbed more stones. Then he tried to blend in with his surroundings...but he couldn't quite manage this day, no spot seemed to be the correct shape for him to slide into, or his head would stick up above the rim of the nearest boulder.

In his frustration he stood up and hefted one of his javelins at the ducks, even going so far as to cast a spell upon it (OOC: cast Speedart)...but to no avail. It was a decent throw, but the ducks were already well aware of him and in the process of flying to the other end of the pool.

The pool. You idiot!

Setting down all of his equipment Salen moved over to the pool and slipped into the water. Might as well get that swim in now, kill two birds...well, six...in one go...

Not long after Salen vanishes below the water, the Ducks now happily down the other end of the pool, suddenly vanish below the surface, one by one.

Plop…Plop…Plop…Plop…Plop…Plop...

In reply to Fireborn (msg # 253):

He smiles back at Fireborn "at least I warned you. your right about the baboons, they're starting to smell worse than when they are alive. I'll leave the burning to you or Haratt." his smile disappears "One of them was a Raven, I didnt get to talk much to him" he says mournfully

"In that case I'll do it now" and the brave, watching Salen with some amusement with one eye, proceeds to stack the dead Baboons on the back of Cloud Killer. Once done he takes an axe and some of the Skull Bush oil.

"I'll burn them down the South gully, there was an easy way up top there. Best be on the look out today as the smoke'll likely draw some interest. No need to help Haratt if you've other things to do."

And without further ado he sets off
This message was last updated by the player at 11:52, Thu 22 May 2014.

Amara woke up in a sombre mood after having lost her grimalkin just after she was getting know him. It took a moment for her eyes to focus before she screamed as loud as she could. "Get it off me!" she shrank back from it fearing its touch more than anything.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:03, Thu 22 May 2014.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 259):

Melock winces when he hears Amara's scream, he gets up and hurries over and gently collects the offending spider, "I've got it Amara, I'll take it away" and he places it on the back wall of the overhang, then returns to his breakfast

A few moments after the ducks disappear Salen appears briefly at the water's edge. One by one he places the dead ducks well away from the edge of the pool, and then takes another lungfull of air and slips back below the surface.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Thu 22 May 2014.

Smiling broadly at his cat's doings Thank you. I don't know any good mouse recipes for us, Four-Paws; but if I can find its liver I can maybe spice it up something lovely for your trouble. What the...? Ohh deary me - you'll be doing that a lot, won't you? Maybe I should have called you "flagpole" if you're going to keep licking that particular item with a leg in the air, missy. Hoskar headed out with Salen to hunt ducks from the far side of the pool.

Trying to be stealthy but faring no better than his comrade; unfortunately managing to bang his shin against a rock oww which grates and shifts; he glances back to see the ducks' attention is otherwise engaged, and they are coming his way thanks to a noise made by Salen. Hoskar takes careful aim with his sling and lets fly with deadly accuracy at a fine drake; only to see it sucked underwater before his stone can hit home. Fine shot wasted, but I'd never have got all six. Nice thinking, brother Condor.

Shaking his head ruefully but smiling broadly too, he heads back to where Amara and Melock await, hoping to be of more use back there than he's been in the hunt.

While he finishes his breakfast he watches Salen and Hoskar hunting and the unhappy look on his face fades in to a smile. Once he's done, "Fireborn has got a point about the smoke, I'll find a look out point on the cliffs and keep watch, if someone can come and swap with me before midday" he looks up at the cliff edge, sighs and gets some food, water,  his tent and Niemba and heads up the northen gully to find the easiest way up the cliff. He sets up above the overhang about 2 spear lengths from the edge, using his tent to make some shade, while leaving a clear view all around

Haratt woke up with the first light. His thoughts were mostly on the Gold disc which he planned to examine under different lighting conditions especially in the light of the Midday Sun. Everything else was secondary and Haratt paid little attention to matters, unless an emergency came up. he did take the time to take care of the campsite and took the opportunity to talk to the hearth spirit in Spirit Speech. "I thank you spirit for the comfort and shelter. What may I do to make you more comfortable and thank you for your aid?"

There's an immediate flicker around the Sun Hawk brave's feet….An almost seen presence, radiating warmth and gratitude.

"Tidy, tidy, tidy…Keep tidy….Feed me with love, keep fire burning, water filled, be happy, no fight, take away spiders, too much web, tidy, tidy, light not darkness….."

'Well, that's something that I can do' Haratt cleans the area making sure to clear out spider webs around the site. He also casts a few Light spells to help with the cleaning.

Whiles he's on watch, Melock will have a look around to see if the baboons or Basmoli dropped anything in the confusion last night

"So, how long are we staying here? And where are we heading to next?" Haratt asks others on watch.

Not long after he's gone a large plume of black smoke appears to the South. Burning Baboons.



Returning covered in soot and sweating profusely, Fireborn takes a moment to sit down with Haratt.

"I'm not sure, it all depends on what the Lizard and water spirits say. We're asking will they move to the Giant Finger Holes. After that? I'm not sure, suppose we'd better find out what happened to Amara's cat and then there's a couple of days of worship coming up."


He counts on his fingers "Tomorrows Thunderbird, then Condor and then Raven. Reckon that's an excuse to hole up somewhere safe for a while. Though after the Basmoli I'm not sure of what's safe anymore."

He flicks back his long red hair and smiles tiredly "I'm exhausted, reckon I'll get some sleep till midday, then help with keeping watch or helping you Amara."

Some time later Salen emerges from the water once more. He wipes and shakes himself down, finding it much more familiar now - and remembering how he had felt the first time he had come out from the pool...there were so many extremes of emotion and feeling, and for so many reasons. It was best not to dwell...there was so much to be getting on with. He went and retrieved the ducks and headed back to the overhang.

"Lunch, supper, and a better meal you will not find away from the tribe! Zola Fel ducks, really tasty," he said, looking around. "Seems a buys morning - Fireborn and Melock are where?"

Salen will get his stuff in order and dry off, then will go look for Hoskar as midday approaches.

"You ready to meet Oglod?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:03, Thu 22 May 2014.

During the day when ever a chance arose Haratt studied the Golden disc.

He was right about Bright Treasure's influence, or in this case Yelm. Several times the map changed, showing intricate representations of three different buildings.

]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:43, Tue 27 May 2014.

Amara eyes held gratitude and a little disgust at Melock for taking care of the spider for her. "I'm going to go up and see if I can find a way in." she took some water and food with her as she walked away from the others to go look for whatever it was that killed her spirit, her heart slowly starting to beat normally after meeting the eight legged monster.

From where they are Melock and Haratt watch Salen and Hoskar vanish up the western exit, just as Fireborn re appears from his nap to take over from the Raven Brave.

Throughout the morning they'd spied Amara appearing now and again far above, or in Melock's case across the ravine, as she walks back and forth searching for the source of the explosion.

Fireborn takes over from Melock and settles down, legs hanging over the side of the ravine wall, keeping an eye out for Amara and anything else that may be creeping up on them.

Every now and again he'd throw a rock in to the water below.

The smoke of the Baboons had turned from black to white, the fire's job done.