All of the mounts are ready, either bearing riders or equipment, spare feed and other odds and ends. Cloudkiller stamps his feet having become bad tempered since losing his master, and has been put in the care of the Rhino elders, women experienced with far more dangerous animals in their lifetimes.

Amongst it all, possibly the last of it's line, stands the Ostrich found by Haratt all those weeks ago as he made his way alone in search of his friends. It's become attached to it's new masters, is good natured and for some strange reason has avoided being eaten.

The ravine is full of noise, bustle and the smell of fresh bread , a commotion added to by the Rhino youths who are here, there and everywhere, excited to be on the move again, a feeling mirrored by Mordy who as usual is barking at everyone and getting in the way.

At last it's time to go, with those at the front urging their mounts down the steep exit to the South, setting off at a good pace to act as scouts and warners of ambush. The rest soon spread out with the elders in the centre, helped by Iye, Maska and Kimimela to watch over the new additions to the herd.

Finally at the back rides Haratt, rear guard and for the moment joined by Copperman, who standing on the back of Oberon waves happily at the ravine until a spur of rock hides it from view.

The intention is to ride out of the gullies and the Boulder fields and swing West, following their previous route when they'd come from the home of Emesh-Ga fourteen days ago.

Their first nights camping would be at the dry gully found by Amara, where Melock had celebrated Grandmother Spider's Holy day...

With the ravine behind them Salen turned his attention to the route ahead. He was in good spirits, and alternately teased and comforted Mordy, who seemed even more animated than usual, the silly dog.

"Hey Melock!" he shouted to his friend. "What cosy critter are you going to find for an ally this time? A snake? Perhaps a dragonsnail, or a broo?!"

Amara rode to the finger holes with her javelins ready to use across her lap as they travelled. She was wary that the FireFeathers they'd freed might just try to get the rest of the warband to attack them, even though she hoped that the gesture of allowing them to be freed would generate some goodwill among the Impala tribe.

She hoped that there might be some visible signs of the return of the Earth to the area. That Gadesha would be more stable and enjoy the brief reunion with her husband. They had much yet to do and it seemed as though on every trip they lost one of the rangers. The task they'd set out to do was not without dangers, but they'd already paid a large price for it. Amara thought it would be worth it to see the return of the garden, hoping it would be in her lifetime. She hoped to see the Earth Witch healthy and happy. She had a lot to do and the finger holes still needed a lot of work to be safe for her, but with Gadesha at her side, Amara was confident that the finger holes would some day be a strong testament to the Earth.

Amara's gaze scanned the horizon looking for any signs of life as she rode. With the others having joined their group it was important to keep them safe. Life here was dangerous, but she still felt the pang of loss at Fireborn and Mina, in a place where they thought they were safe. Amara kept herself vigilant as the group moved towards the Giant Finger Holes.

In reply to Salen Dustchaser (msg # 2):

He grins at Salen "feeling brave now she's not around? I think if I get the chance it'll be another spider, maybe a leaping one, that'll keep you on your toes"  looking at the open expanse around the group, Melock feels more relaxed than he has all week and puts it down to the fact that they are moving again

It is good to be moving on again, not only because of the promise of good grazing and the rest of the tribe at the end of this journey, but because there are things that Ohanzee still needs to do to fulfil his commitments to Dowenhowee, things that she told him to do and for which he needs to find a true shaman, a shaman of Raven. And of course there was the incident between Frog Woman and the spirit in the pool. That embarrassment could do with time and distance between him and Rhino Gouge for a while.

Ohanzee feels good too that he is now one of a band, that the pressure to protect the Sept is spread now between more shoulders than just his own and as they ride out of Rhino Gouge he is far more relaxed than on the trek to it. Mounted on Wihakayda he is so confident in the combined abilities of his fellow Wandering Rangers and his Sept that he allows himself to doze, rocked by the rolling motion of Wihakayda.

His newly acquired skullbat hangs in a box like device that he has fashioned from a strips of wood tied together and which hangs from his saddle. The box like structure offers protection from the elements and danger. It has an opening so that she can leave and exercise, but about her foot is bound a fine ‘rope’ made of several bison tail hairs joined together so that she can still fly but cannot fly away. She is still unnamed for the name will come with the spirit bound into her.

When night comes he and his bat will keep Melock company on watch through the hours of Raven’s darkness.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Tue 29 July 2014.

At the back of the group Haratt keeps vigilant, though it doesn't take long before Copperman's incessant tooting and venting steam begins to drive him mad.

He nudges Oberon hard with the butt of his lance and trots forward to draw up next to Salen

"Here you go Condor, you seem to be the things friend. You can look after him" and he swings the copper construct over and on to Kohana's back.

Then whilst admiring the Clan's fastest Bison up close, he salutes his friend and wheels away, returning to the rear.

Every now and again he talks to the spirit in the gold coin, though never talking his eyes off the surroundings.

Hoskar has had a busy morning, one way or another; checking his trade goods are well secured again on Ram, inspecting the new rhinos to check their health now they've had the water and salt he had promised, attaching combative loot around him where it will be handy on Kor, filling all those excess waterskins he's collected still can't be too careful with Fire Season almost upon us, and of course feeding the growing Four-Paws what with hunting in the wastes being a dangerous thing for what is, after all, still quite a small Manul cat; who's now curled up, snoring gently as only a cat can, amongst the goods on Ram.

At first, he sets off towards the front of the group so the new rhinos can have a strong lead from the one who brought them to their new herd but, as they relax into the pace of the trek, he moves round somewhat to keep a lookout for trouble; both ahead and in any rocks they pass close to. For someone who's added to the Rangers' wealth, he seems unusually pensive.

It's getting on by the time the Rangers find Amara's dry gully. To be honest it's not hard to miss for it's full of cobwebs, with the entrance entirely covered by the sticky strands.

It's where Melock had worshipped Grandmother Spider on her Holy day all those days ago.

Mordy drops to the ground growling and behind her the assembled beasts stamp the ground.

Their campsite it taken....

To the West Bright Treasure begins to vanish.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:14, Tue 29 July 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 9):

Melock looks around, sheepishly. "I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I?" he sighs, "We'll have to find somewhere else tonight. If I can persuade Grandmother Spider to let us stay safely here, they'll never go in" he points to the animals

Amara rolled her eyes at Melock "I swear if you so much as mention her name when we get back I'm going to......" Amaras hand clenched tighter around her javelin. "Never mind. I think we're going to have to make it a rule for you not to sacrifice anything to her anywhere important. So are we going to clear this area by fire or move on?"

"They're not alone. I think you're the only one who would even dare try it, Melock. Let's move on quickly."

Salen looks around from confirmation, and if he gets it will head out with the rest. He looks to Copperman with a smile. "Drinky later?"

Ohanzee grins at the exchange and adds his words to the mix "Or you could find yourself another spirit to talk to, one that doesn't tend to take over a place. I'm sure she's used to people coming to her when in need and then leaving her alone, just like many other spirits."

Haratt stops before the webs and stares for a bit. He's never seen anything like it having joined the party recently.

"Where did you meet this spirit first? Is this what you were worried would happen in the Ravine?"

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 14):

"we needed some spider venom to make a cure for a ghoul bite and I suggested we ask" he pauses and looks at Amara "she who I cant name, for some instead of killing a spider for it" he looks at the web filled gully "well, it didn't even cross my mind that this may happen to the ravine, but others, including Oglod pointed it out to me, which is why we reached an agreement" he smiles at the memory of the 'agreement'

With a sigh and in a more serious tone Ohanzee says "If you are going to keep on worshipping her Melock then perhaps you should not find somewhere where it does not matter that her children come because others may have different ideas than you about such a place."

"Maybe you should go somewhere where she already is, somewhere here in our world  or even learn to move to the spirit world and go visiting her there rather than bringing there to here."

He looks at Amara "It'll take a lot of burning by the looks of it and with it getting dark soon we'd likely miss some and anger those remainng." He shakes his head "We have to put some distance between our herd and those blood suckers."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 16):

"I'll stay here and keep an eye on them, while you guys go and make camp away from here, we can meet up at dawn" he dismounts and grabs his bed roll, some dried meat and other bits and bobs "I think its best if Stinky goes with you guys"

"We asked for venom and made a bargain to get some. That's not the same as offering service to her. Grandmother Spider has no friends, Melock, only victims... when you serve her you are choosing her over the rest of us. One day, it will leave you without any friends." Amara glowered in anger at Melock as she rode onwards.

Hoskar has been in a reverie, sad eyes on the surroundings in mechanical caution, but he seems to come back to some focus on seeing the gully.
I cannot say if this is good or ill but know, friend Melock, you have shown me a new thing here; not just my shadow rising to greet me as we re-tread a path full of lost times and lost companions towards happy meetings and sad remembrances. If I could only trace back some of the paths now lost in the Great Spider's weaving...

His words peter out, and shakes his head vigorously as if to clear cobwebs from his mind.

I'm uneasy around this darkness, but would you like company in your watching? I could tell you the twin tales of the Wasted Khan and of Ogar the Unstung, of which I am minded by this place, while you keep guard.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 18):

Smiling he shouts after her "Dont forget, you helped as well"
He turns to Hoskar still smiling "your most welcome to join me. Just bring cold food as I wont be lighting a fire tonight and some snacks for the little ones" he points to the webs

Camp is made using the nearby pile of boulders as shelter. But first the young Rhino lads give the rocks a once over to ensure nothing is hiding and when the all clear is given beasts are hobbled, fed and unloaded, whilst the nomads prepare food and settle down for the night.

Haratt takes first watch until midnight, sat atop the highest boulder, hidden from the glow of the fire below.

Salen and Mordy take second watch after Haratt, as being this close to Web Gully they'll likely be unable to settle for long anyway.

When the others have left, Melock gets close to the webs and shreds the jerky in to small bits, then throws them next to the webs, "please except these offerings from us and leave our party in peace tonight" he also offers up a part of his spirit to Grandmother Spider as part of the request.
As long as they dont get attacked or see any spiders heading towards the others, he'll spend the night chatting to Hoskar and every so often giving any spiders he can see more jerky.

Melock and Hoskar can see several small spiders, though none approach the jerky.

All is quiet.

For now.

As usual Ohanzee says the names of the fallen into the coming darkness and then thanks Raven for helping them through another day and into his welcoming darkness. This evening though it is a quieter more subdued affair as it was so often on the journey to Rhino Gouge, being out in the Wilderness again and the proximity of Grandmother Spider’s children adding to this. The low chanting is not accompanied by drumming tonight.

As the darkness deepens Ohanzee feels more at home, more alive in the cooler air than the soporific warmer air of the day through which he’d dozed on and off atop his mount. Ohanzee takes a turn at watch through the darkest time, overlapping his hours with those of the watchers before and after him. Besides him is the bat box and his new friend who he does not want accidentally sucked dry by a wayward spider.

After awhile, when none of the spiders show any interest in the jerky, "they dont seem to like jerky, can I try some of your fresh meat?", once he's agreed, Melock will chop it in to small bits and throw it to the spiders

The night passes peacefully, with several spiders the size of a human hand coming out to try the proffered meat. They don't seem impressed and soon scuttle back into the darkness.

At one point during the night those on watch spot far away to the West what must be a campfire or two. It's hard to be sure how many even with a farsee spell. It's likely other nomads eking out their existence, the same as the Sky Watchers and the Prairie Thunder Clan. The Ranger's own fire is hidden by the pile of boulders that they huddle before.

The same thought crosses each of the Braves' minds simultaneously.

Herd Beasts. The chance to raid for added wealth.

Dawn comes and it's hot straight away now that there are no tall ravine walls offering their protection. Waterday. Now that's a joke for there'll be none until they reach the Giant Finger Holes later on that evening.

Skullbush seed bread is made and the Copper Kettle sings forlornly as if missing the steady hand of both Long Grass and Fireborn...

The old red headed woman brushes down her clothes and stands

"Let's make a move, You say there were fires last night? Best be on your guard, for there's no knowing how many folk may be out there."

Then helping to clear up she heads to the mounts.

Bleary-eyed after a wakeful night of staring into the darkness and straining his ears to catch any sound of scuttling while telling tales as best he can bread and nothing: what a meal...and those spiders turned up their...do they have noses?...and didn't even say thankyou, Hoskar is glad of the dawn. Time to rejoin the others, I reckon. Hope there's some food: right now I could almost eat a Bison.

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 29):

yawning and glancing around their little camp, Melock nods his head in agreement, "there's always that ostrich, though I haven't the energy to chase or prep it. Lets hope someone's made some of that lovely bread. Cheers for the company last night" he looks at the left offerings "It would appear that they want even fresher food" he heads back to the others. When they get closer he smells the fresh skullbush bread and smiles. He greets those who ate already up "Morning, did you have any problems last night?"

Ohanzee voices what everyone else must surely have thought as he responds to Melock</> ”No, a quiet night but there were a couple of fires visible to the West. <b>Zonta is right to suggest caution, but it might also be a chance to pick up some more herd beasts.”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 31):

"That would be good, though I guess we're quite a tempting target now" he gestures to the extra rhinos "Are we going looking for others to raid or avoiding them on the way to the Finger Holes?"

Grinning Ohanzee responds ”How about both? The difference is their fires were visible so we know about them. Our fire was hidden so they don’t know about us. Let’s stay hidden and use whatever situation we come across to our advantage hey?”

"Lets head for the Finger Holes, I say, as that is our priority and we already have quite a haul. Still, should the opportunity present...then lets take it as it comes."

Salen finishes his tea and mounts up.

Once again the Wandering Rangers saddle up and move out, Salen and Hoskar at the fore pathfinding a safe and hidden route.

Behind comes the rest, with outriders and a rear guard, spirits keeping everyone connected.

Taking up the rear again Haratt makes sure he keeps the rest of the group in view at all times, though every now and again he stops to hide behind a handy pile of rocks to make sure that they are not followed.

He does not trust the Impalas that they set free.

Way out in front as they negotiate a tricky set of gullies, Salen and Hoskar simultaneously smell dung smoke and hear voices from some where up ahead.

Faint, but speaking Praxian, both male and female.


Mordy, sat on Kohana's back stiffens, but being well trained doesn't make a sound.

The sand beneath them shows no signs of tracks, so whoever it is has come from another direction.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:50, Thu 31 July 2014.

It's hard going thanks to the heat and the necessity of being hidden, with the trek using all available cover, gullies, ravine and outcrops to keep the mounted party from sight.

There's little or no vegetation and certainly no ground water to be found and soon everyone is getting tired. There's tracks of Jack rabbit and even wild pig on occasion so there is game to be run down if wanted.

Just before midday Weayaya gives a low hoot like the Cactus owl and points off to the West. There in the sky is a beautiful multicoloured arch.

"Rainbow girl...Messenger of the Gods. She has been called for some reason. Today is a good day for it I suppose, Last chance in Sea season too...."

It is in the direction that they travel, and likely originating at the Giant Finger Holes.


This message was last edited by the GM at 11:00, Thu 31 July 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 38):

sounding a bit concerned "isn't she called when people need help?"

"Not necessarily Raven" answers Ohanzee's mother "Perhaps it is the Spirit herself or someone using her magic to speak over a great distance."

"But you could also be right Brave." she adds throwing Melock a quick glance.

"Should we ride more quickly to see?" Amara suggested. "Or should we take our time so when we do arrive we'll be ready?"

Looking too at the indicated rainbow and listening to the remarks Ohanzee considers a moment before shrugging ”Well, speculating cannot help, we either go there for our own purposes and to find out what is going on too or not.”

“It is still considered taboo by almost all I should think so there can’t be too many who would go there except perhaps some of the tribe members who know about the Wandering Rangers?” He asks this of those who know, the other rangers but keeps on anyway his rhino covering the ground lazily with its long stride.

To Amara’s question he suggests ”We know from the fires that others are about. If we move on faster we raise dust and they will know we are around.”

The smell in the air is distinct, one Salen knows as well as any other. He turns to Hoskar.

"Bison dung. Do you want to go back and get the others, or shall we move up and investigate first?"

Within some twisty turn gullies.

It's not long before the main group of the party, following markers left by the scouts, spy Salen and Hoskar not far ahead.

There is the faintest reek of dung smoke in the air as they approach....

Hoskar shrugs, not knowing much about what Bison clans might be around and how likely they are to be enemies - he's been away too long for that.
Let's not risk turning into captives for ransom...oh hallo - that solves the problem - there's our lot. If you get Mordy to let the cat know we're here, they can probably be a bit quiet coming in to meet us, and then we can see what's what with more strength behind us.

Unless you want us to be heroes in front of an audience, maybe?

In any event, he checks his sling and stones in case things turn nasty even while hoping this proves to be a happy meeting.

as he listens to the others debate what seeing Rainbow Girl could mean, he keeps from adding his opinion and just heads to the front of the main group.

when he sees Hoskar and Salen, he smells the faint aroma of burning dung, just like home. He does his best to ride quietly up to them "what's up guys?"

"Bison," says Salen simply in reply to Melock. "Let's mount up, and go see who it is. Mordy, keep a lookout for other spirits, just to be safe."

That said Salen leaps back up onto Kohana's back, and rides forward to see who or what lies ahead. He sits up high, a javelin held out wide in one hand, the proud expression of a Bison warrior upon his face.

The decision on approach seems to have been made so holding his lance upright in the same fashion as Salen he looks back at the Sept and then follows along with his Wandering Ranger brother. Staying behind whilst they are in the narrow gully he moves Wihakayda up along side if it opens before they reach the bison.

Haratt rides up quickly, interposing himself between those at the front and the gully if possible

"Whoa, whoa, Not wanting to put a dampener on all this but shouldn't we have a quick scout first. We're not friends with every Bison Clan out there and we have no idea how many of them there are."

He sniffs the air

"Bison dung for sure, but who ever it is might just have some Bison in their herd, just like our clan has animals from every nation."

Haratt has a point and Ohanzee agrees with it "Ravens can go unseen, take a look at the markings and mix of critters and come back to tell you." he volenteers.

Haratt nods, though he looks to the Condors as they're desert scouts, to see what they say.

he dismounts Stinky and adjusts his gear ready for sneaking "if anyone would like not to make any noise they are welcome to use this" he points to a bone bracelet, "though you will feel a bit hungry while using it"

Zonta, atop of one of her sept's Rhinos comes forward to ask softly

"What is occurring? Is there a problem"

She too sniffs "Ah a campfire or two. Bison by the smell. What are your plans?"
This message was last updated by the player at 10:24, Fri 01 Aug 2014.

”We were just discussing taking a look before striding in. Anyone can burn bison dung, anyone who can get it, even outsiders, or worse.” the memory of the remains of the ostrich clan taken by the broo springs to mind.

”My thinking skinning up and over the sides and taking a look from above. If they have any sense whoever they are then they’ve posted guards to watch the approaches and the best place to watch from is up high. It’s a shame we don’t have someone with a familiar that could fly up and take a look.”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 54):

Hoskar winces momentarily at Ohanzee's mention of flying familiars a flash of memory of Fireborn and his beloved Sun Chaser but it's gone in a passing instant.

If Ohanzee's going up and it looks like Salen's riding in, reckon I'll sneak along behind Salen in case anyone tries to scrag him and needs a stern rock in the face.

Think I might take you up on the loan, Melock - can't be too quiet on a stalk - how does that thing work, then?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:28, Fri 01 Aug 2014.

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 55):

"just touch to use, it helps cover up those annoying little noises like the rattle of your armour" he holds the bracelet up for Hoskar and anyone else to use "I'll go up the other side to Ohanzee"

"When we are ready I'll take a shot at it before you take it away though Hoskar. Climbing can be noisy and every little might help."

Amara had rode up with Zonta staying by her side as she listened to the plan. "Anyone can burn bison dung, but only bison riders have a large amount of it that can be smelled for a great distance. We should not let any bison riders that might be there think that we are afraid of them. We should ride strong, especially if we want to get to the finger holes by tonight."

"It looks like they are going to scout ahead Amara. I shall stay here with the herd. I do not think any of us should ride through the Gully until we have an idea what is up there. For all we know it is a trap, the dung to lure us in."

Haratt positions himself to guard those that remain.

When everybody who wants to use the bone bracelet has, Melock uses it, bracing himself for the hunger pains that invariably accompany its use. He then heads over to the right side of the gully and puts in to practice what he has been learning every night for the past week with Grandmother Spider. When he gets within a javelin's length from the top he pauses and listens for any noise coming from above.

Throwing his leg over the saddle in front of him Ohanzee slides down off of the side of his Rhino. He hands the reins to Zonta and leaving his shield strapped to the rhino he slips the bat box underneith it for added protection.

Then moving off to the left side of the gully he looks for the easiest way up and begins climbing careful not to make any noise.

Almost straight away those advancing with spirits are warned "Spirits ahead and many people, the spirits have detected us too. They are forewarned."

This is passed backwards to those at the rear via their own spirits.

Salen and Hoskar, slightly behind, find that they are in a tight twisting gully with no signs of tracks, with Kohana's passage and occasional grunts echoing ahead.

Above, on either side, Melock and Ohanzee slink from shadow to shadow, silent and feeling increasingly hungry from the magical charm cast by Melock's bone matrix. It's rocky up there with an abundance of cover.

From ahead comes several shouts and then a sharp blast on a Bison Horn.

Salen turns a corner and finds himself facing a wide space, a junction of sorts, where several gullies come together, centre spot being a large depression, it's western side sloping upwards and  allowing easy access to the area.

There's the familiar tang of freshly cast magic in the air, also noticed by both Melock and Ohanzee as they arrive to stare down on the scene. The reek of Bison and quickly extinguished fires is strong, most likely one of the targets of cast magic.

About the churned sand are several campfires, several discarded hides, a lone waterskin and the footprints of both humans and Bison.

Partially obscuring the Western slope is a cloud of dust, the merest hint of flicking tails barely glimpsed and filled with the sound of retreating herd beasts.

Hoskar using the side of the gully he is in as cover fires a detection charm up towards the dust but it comes back indecisive and he senses no ambush.

From their vantage point neither Ohanzee nor Melock can see anything out of the ordinary, with Enapay and Mordy both saying that all sources of life have just crested the rise.

The old woman seems to be listening to someone and then with a curt nod she turns to those who remained behind

"Our companions were detected and what looks like Bison riders have left the scene, though it would  seem they are only just gone.
If you wish to go forward to aid your friends we shall be okay here, it does not sound like a trap."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:12, Sat 02 Aug 2014.

"Hi-ya! After them Kohana!"

Salen urges his Bison forward at a charge, attempting to catch those who have just run off.

"Mordy - give chase, if you can sense some spirits tell them we are friends!"

The young brave then draws out his own horn, in a moment of inspiration, and sounds it as loudly as he can.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:22, Sat 02 Aug 2014.

Salen's horn rings out loudly as Mordy leaps off the fast moving Kohana's back to rush up the slope, just as over the lip comes five Bison, ridden by heavily armed braves, their lances pointed down hill, shields held high.

Red Thorns, a rival clan, not enemies but certainly not friends either.

And the clan from which the evil Shaman had once been a member.

Three of the braves look to be a good ten-fifteen years older than Salen whilst the remaining two a year or so younger.

They don't look welcoming at all.

Amara nodded to Zonta acknoledging her words. She used her knees to tell Thunderfoot it was time to go and join the others.... after she checked to see she had some kumiss at hand. She rode up to join the others with no weapons drawn.

In reply to GM (msg # 65):

When he sees the Red Thorn braves he gets his sling ready, making sure he has some cover in front of him to duck behind, but doesn't do anything aggressive unless they do first. He quickly glances to his right to check no one is coming from that direction

Ohanzee doesn't know the intricacies of Bison clans yet, but he doesn't have to know them to see that this is no meeting of long lost friends. Still, the braves on the hill have not charged straight away, using their height and room to build up speed and the fact that Salen is outnumbered.

So whilst they are not friends they are not sworn enemies at least and this could be a start, something to work from. They also carry lances in hand so Ohanzee feels safe enough to stand. First though he concentrates a moment on the lead pipe held in his left hand and he suddenly feels more confident, his presence in the world that little more strong.

Standing straight his presence is strong despite his stature "Braves of the Bison, people of Waha I am Ohanzee Shappa of the The Skywatchers clan, Rhino Tribe."

"There is no need for blood to be shed here today, for strangers to become enemies. There is no need for you to leave behind your hides and water skin, come fetch them and share with us tobacco and kumiss. Today is a good day for strangers to become friends."

With a concerned look on his face Haratt follows Amara, though he is armed and ready for trouble.

Letting his horn fall Salen spreads his hands wide and brings Kohana to a halt. He then shouts out his greeting to the warriors of the rival Bison tribe before him.

"Brothers of the Red Thorn clan, I am Salen Dustchaser of the Prairie Thunder clan! My father is Tamarisk Soft Foot.."

And here he paused, and looked directly at one of the older braves facing him.

"..Whose sister you married some five years ago, Jarga Thorn Hair. You are a fine warrior indeed, and you gave a javelin to a young boy back then...and I have never forgotten. Come sit with us, and drink kumiss and share a pipe, and let us talk as friends and comrades."

Salen throws his javelin into the sand next to Kohana, and spreads his arms wide in peace while he waits for the Red Thorn's reaction.

At Ohanzee's magically charm filled words the Red Thorn braves lances dropped slightly as they took in what he said. All knew who the Skywatchers rode with

Prairie Thunder! Rivals of their clan, but as Salen was about to prove this was not to be the case this time.



The Brave who is Jarga Thorn Hair nudges his Bison forward, stabbing his lance into the ground, before drawing up next to Salen.

His serious face breaks in to a broad smile.

"I must admit that I did not expect to see Tamarisk Soft Foot's son today of all days! Truth be told I expected raiders after our herd."

He reaches across giving Salen his arm in greeting "You are not the small boy anymore I see, Your father is well I hope? He was always a sane voice amongst the angry. Come, gather your friends and join my people, we will return here now that there is no threat. You must meet my sons and daughters....Your cousins. We shall share salt and bread."

He sits straight and calls out to the other Red Thorns who look on slightly confused.

"We have met family today...Two Lance go get your Mother and the rest. Tell them it is safe to return"

One of the younger braves wheels away and rushes off after the dust cloud, whilst the others slowly approach, lances held high....Though ready to drop at a moments notice if their leader commanded them to fight.

Jarga looks up at the nearby by cliff face and Eastern Gully observing those that stand there, before turning his broad and scarred face towards his nephew

"Come lets us start the fires, you interrupted our lunch and setting up of tents. We plan to stay here tonight"

With a hefty kick his pale Bison heads down further in to the depression towards the cold fireplaces, just as Amara and Haratt appear.

His Red Thorn companions pass Salen slowly, each brave studying the Ranger intently, some curious, some hostile, but all unthreatening.

Reaching across Salen clasped the arm of his...uncle?..Jarga, in return.

"And I had not expected to meet a friendly face out here, let alone family! Father is very well, although these times are hard for us all. Still, it would be good to sit and talk and meet your family, my relatives."

He turned Kohana around as the other Red Thorn braves rode past him, and he returned their gazes with a proud, even smile. Then he nudged his Bison forward and waved for the rest of the Rangers to join him.

Riding alongside Amara, Haratt mutters out of the side of his mouth

"How lucky was that? A sept from a rival clan and one of us is related. Thank Waha for I didn't want to fight today."

Then riding forward he greets the approaching braves

"I am Haratt Goldhand of the Prairie Thunder clan. I ask permission to enter your camp with peace in my heart and offers of gifts and news.

There are more of us beyond the gullies, women and children. I shall go and fetch them."

When he hears the exchange between Salen and Jarga Thorn Hair, he shakes his head in mild disbelief and smiles, Well that's a good bit of luck, thought we'd have to fight them. he tucks his sling away and sits on the cliff edge and watches the Red Thorns until Haratt brings the others. Once the others have arrived, he walks up to Jarga Thorn Hair  "I am Melock of the Prairie Thunder Clan, friend of Salen. Thank you for inviting us to your camp"  lets hope Amara keeps her mouth shut and we don't have to fight our way out, again

Jarga Thorn Hair acknowledges each Ranger as they arrive, whilst his sons and brothers relight the fires and prepare camp. They are tough looking men as those that live in the Wastes are, scarred, tattooed and bedecked in runes, trophies and weapons. Bearded and broad of chest they could be friends from back home were it not the Red Thorn markings on their gear.

The two older braves, both initiates of Waha and marked as having killed more than five men each in raids, carry themselves with pride and do not waste  anymore time ogling the new comers. They are introduced as Wanesh and Darga No Nose, obviously because he is missing most of his nose. In his and Jarga's hair are the feathers showing that they have been to the Devils  Marsh to fight chaos.

The younger one, Wanesh's son, is Red Knee and he shows great interest in the strangers in their midst, checking out the Rangers weapons and equipment unashamedly. His cousin and Jarga's son Two-Lance soon returns leading a small host of Bison and their owners back down into the depression.

Two other young bachelor braves appear Nixa and Sand Fox, Darga's eldest, both with far from friendly looks on their faces, looks tempered but not dismissed by stern words from their father.

A gaggle of children scatter about the camp, six young uns led by four older youths similar in age to Iye and Maska, armed and competent looking, giving orders to the three Sable slaves who begin to set up the travel tents.

And there coming towards them is Salen's aunt, flanked by Darga and Wanesh's wives and three unmarried girls. A handsome lot indeed.

Stepping down from her Bison, Brinna  goes to greet her nephew. The Rangers can see that she is an Eirithan Priestess now, and those that are Bison riders remember her fondly from their childhood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:59, Sun 03 Aug 2014.

"Salen it is good and unexpected to see you here today. Auspicious you may say even. Come, come, sit with me in the shade of our tent."

The Priestess, an inquisitive cow pecker bird upon her shoulder, looks up as the Rhinos and spare Bison exit the gully, led by the Rhino elders and their young helpers.

"A strange group you make this far from home" She pauses "Home being the Bison Khan grasslands I hear?"

Then she stops, eyes taking in Amara and then Hoskar, before she bows, eyes wide is shock

"And greetings to you Emesh-Ga, Earth Knight....."

There is a shimmer in the air as Emesh-Ga replies, heard only by spirits or the Rangers

"It is an honour to walk these lands and meet it's people once more Priestess. I vouch for those that carry me. The Wandering Rangers they are called. Fair and without bias for they care naught but to green the lands once more. To protect and support all who live here."

The Red Thorn men indicate that everyone should make themselves comfortable in the largest of the tents, where they are joined by the three brothers and Salen's Aunt.

The Rhino elders and youths are made comfortable in another tent.

All the while youngsters come and peer around the hide sides, laughing when ever they catch an eye.

The Rangers mounts are visible at all times.

Amara watched the bison riders as they rode towards their camp. "I am Amara Brightsky of the Skywatcher clan. I have no relation to anyone here, but Salen is my brother brave and his kin are my kin. I will not steal from you, and will protect this place as if it were my own."

Amara followed the others towards the camp wondering if they had much in the way to trade and good stories to share.

Amara let Emesh Ga do his own talking through her voice.

Fresh Bison milk is offered in a decorative cup made from a gourd.

Everyone is silent until each has sated their thirst...

It's cool under the shade of the tent and those looking outwards glimpse the three unwed women glide past, surreptitiously taking in the view of the strange braves in their midst.

The moment is not lost on their fathers...

Haratt sits in the tent accepting the proffered gourd and taking his fill.

Before coming in he'd been sure to hide Copperman deep within his saddle bags, explaining whilst they had ridden through the gully that it was very important that he stay quiet.

His hosts are offered polite words and a winning smile.

Ohanzee notices the three young unwed women, it would take blindness or a dulled mind not to and the slightest of smiles forms on his lips as he turns his gaze away looking down at his tobacco pouch. He removes some leafs unrolling them and placing several of the dried but still supple items before him on the hide he is sitting on.

He inspects them sniffing one or two and selects a few of the best ones, worth of a meeting between those who so easily might have been enemies but with luck might become friends.

The selection he prepares it filling the bowl of the lead pipe and then takes a stick from the freshly re-lit fire to light it puffing strongly until the top of the tobacco glows and smoke flows.

He takes several puffs on the pipe saying into the burning tobacco a quiet prayer of understanding before passing it on, making sure that it goes to one of the Red Thorn next.

Turning to Brinna he says "Any day that friends can be made is a good day, but maybe there is more reason that this day could be described as auspicious. Have your people seen Rainbow Girl this day, do you know why she might be about?"

Melock sits in the tent, making sure he can see at least Stinky. He drinks his fill from the gourd, taking a moment to admire the decoration on it before passing it on. When he sees the women glide past, he smiles at them, though once they have left his sight, his thoughts turn to Wild Pastures and how long its been since he has seen her.
When the pipe gets to him, he has a small puff and, while coughing, passes it on. I don't think I'll ever get used to smoking. Though he wants to ask about the shaman they killed, he decides to wait until everyone is more relaxed around each other

These Red Thorns are a tough bunch, proven warriors for the most part, and worthy of the respect that Salen hoped he would have one day. There are more gazes in the direction of the Wandering Rangers, but he lets them look without query or even notice, focused as he is on the arrival of the rest of the Red Thorn host.

When his aunt Brinna arrives with the other women Salen bows in deference to her rank as an Eirithan Priestess, then hugs her warmly. The unmarried women catch his eye but only briefly, though their image will live longer in his mind's eye.

"Aunt Brinna! Fortune smiles on us this day, most auspiciously as you say. Friends are few and far between out in the wastes, as we have found several times over.

But yes, the Bison grasslands are still home, though given our group we have spent much time in the Rhino Rocklands recently. Home calls us though, and we hope to return there soon. Just one more stop to make first..."

He pauses as Brinna recognises the presence of Emesh-Ga, and after they greet each other he follows her into the main tent of the Red Thorns. He sits away from the door, and takes care to glance that way no more than once, out of respect to their hosts. He takes just enough fresh Bison milk to slake his thirst before passing it on, though he makes sure to take several long draws on the pipe when it comes his way (it has been way too long). He has a question to follow Ohanzee's.

"Where have you been recently? Our travels have taken in much, and we have trouble with Impalas, Scorpion Men, Broos and much more besides."

The tobacco pipe is accepted readily by the Red Thorns who seem stunned with the presence of Emesh-Ga. Politeness means that they do not press the matter, waiting for the Rangers to elaborate at their own speed.

Basic news is shared- The health of herd beasts, weather and how certain relatives are faring and then the three unmarried women appear carrying platters of food. Each has obviously changed into the best attire, kohl rimmed eyes sending glances at all present, Amara included.

Their fathers sit back, pride on their faces, whilst outside brothers circle the tent, projecting mixed feelings of with anger and interest.



"Aye we saw it" answers the priestess "And wondered like you who it may be. For in that direction there is nothing but a Ghost Place, visited by none but shamans."

She turns to Salen "You mentioned one more stop.....And you are travelling in that direction, is this where you are headed"

All the Red Thorns present visibly lean forward, obviously very interested in the answer....
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:59, Mon 04 Aug 2014.

"We have come down from the North, looking for feed for our herd. There is much competition as you know" replies Brinna

"It seems that you have been very busy for ones not initiated in Waha yet" says Jarga with no disrespect in his voice "though I see that you are each a follower of a Feathered Rival. So many, mixed in one group is...Unusual.

Please you must tell us what you have been doing"

He nods his head at the three young women and they sit between the Rangers offering mouthfuls of food with their hands

An honour indeed.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:50, Mon 04 Aug 2014.

"Hello Raven my name is Shade, please except this morsel of food, I picked them yesterday in the cool of the evening"

The young woman hands Melock some Spice berries, a rare treat this late in the season.

The unmarried women returned, in all their finery this time, and now they offered handfulls of food to the gathered braves. The significance was not lost on Salen, who regarded them more closely now, but he was still on his guard to some extent. He spoke freely of his tribe and his people and of those that both parties would know.

Aunt Brinna of course, would want more...and so would her tribemates, from the way they all eyed him keenly to hear what he would say, if anything at all. Salen decided to take that risk.

"Yes, we return to the Giant Finger Holes."

He paused then, to take another turn of the pipe (Salen never met a pipe he didn't like). He closed his eyes when done and after a long moment blew a slow, steady line of smoke into the air overhead, letting the significance of the word 'return' wash over his aunt and the other Red Thorns.

"We cleared the Giant Finger Holes of ghosts. A renegade Shaman had captured one of our own, and we went to bring him back...which we did. We gained our revenge, righted the wrongs done to us. And...

And we released Emesh-Ga, who now walks with us.

We are the Wandering Rangers, returned."

It was no idle boast, and not given proudly either, merely stated as fact. The Red Thorns could all see that Emesh-Ga rode with them, they could draw their own conclusions from there.

This news is met with several meaningful glances, exchanged between all three brothers, though it is Jagar who speaks

"We had heard that the Banished One had been killed. Our ancestor spirits rejoiced and our Bison's milk grew sweet again. So it was you that killed the outlaw?"

He seems slightly incredulous at this, but does his best to hide it.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:49, Mon 04 Aug 2014.

"We did not know where the bastard kin killer had gone to ground, with his nband of murderous outlaws. So it was near here was it?

I would like to see the place that he fell.

If this is true...Well you have my respect."

He stops and takes in the assembled braves "Though I am not sure you have earned the moniker that you have chosen...Yet."

Slapping his thigh Wanesh calls to the boys outside "Bring some of your mother's beer, no more of this weak kumiss shall we drink. It is time for us to celebrate the news!"

Several of the young 'ins scarper to do as their father commands.

The new drink is brought forth and it turns out to be a brew made by the Oasis people, richly flavoured with spice grass.

Salen finds himself being offered a gourd full by one of the young women "Shaman killer accept this drink, my name is Rianna, daughter of Darga, second brother of Jarga Thorn Hair."

She positions herself next to the Condor Brave, neatly cutting off Amara from everyone's view.

The Vingan receives a flashing, white teethed smile and then the back of Rianna's head.

Hoskar, Ohanzee and Amara are not scorned, but they are certainly not the centre of attention. Each Rhino brave can see what is going on and that it has nothing and everything to do with who and what they are.

Nevertheless they are fed and watered with politeness, but the better bits are carefully manoeuvred towards Haratt, Melock and Salen.

Listening to all that is said Ohanzee awaits his turn again with the pipe breathing the fumes deeply and holding the smoke long. The others had spoken some of what Salen said now in their times together about their own fire, but it had all happened before he joined the Wandering Rangers and some was new to Ohanzee also, this renegade shaman for example. He made a note to ask about it if there were still questions after the discussions here.

Whilst Salen was not trying to be prideful or boastful, Ohanzee it was obvious that the three bison riders were being favoured because of course herd will stay with type and these three bison riders would be good catches for these girls.

With nothing to lose Ohanzee decides to relate some of his own tales, not as exciting likely as the other’s tales from before they met, but important to him. So unlike Salen there is some pride in his voice as he speaks, though not overly so, pride but not boasting ”For my part I am only recently joined to the Wandering Rangers.After the betrayal our Raven shaman Dowenhowee guided the remains of our group through the Wastes with me at her side. She was old though and moved on to Raven’s nest to I finished her task. Thanks to the guile of Great Ravenwe survived the journey and met with the others in Rhino Gouge. Where we were broken I knitted us together so we are a new sept made from many pieces.”

“With some help I fashioned a compromise between Oglod Father of Lizards and Grandmother Spider. Many other spirits I have spoken to.” He looks at the others ”We have all spoken to.”

”I have called to, spoken  to Tobakeh, Saxaul, Huuruahu and called away from their homes Oglod and Frog Woman.”

“There is so much that is needed to be done to make good this land again but together a good band can accomplish much.”
This message was last edited by the player at 11:36, Mon 04 Aug 2014.

In reply to Shade (msg # 89):

"It is a pleasure to meet you" he smiles and then takes one of the spice berries from her and eats it, "Delicious, my I ask where you managed to find these, so late in the season?" he takes another berry and offers it to Shade. While he is talking to Shade, he is listening to what the others say in case he needs to add anything

As they'd entered the tent, Amara had wondered why they were being treated so well. As the three young women entered dressed in their finery she understood. She wasn't quite sure how this particular thing proceeded in bison society. It seemed very awkward and contrived to her, but she wondered if the boys even knew what was going on. She left it to Salen to describe their exploits fearing her own voice would be dismissed as she was not a bison rider.

Amara ate the food and drank so her hosts would know she accepted their hospitality and held no resentment. She rolled her eyes at Rianna as she was cut off from everything else going on in the tent. "My accomplishments are not so bold as the others. Thank you for your hospitality and kindness. If you could excuse me, I think I need to tend to my mount." she said as she stood up to leave.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Mon 04 Aug 2014.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 98):

When he sees Amara stand, he looks over to her and does his best to subtly catch her eye, if he does, he raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Expression full of conciliation and respect, Hoskar thanks the Bison clan for food and hospitality; carefully seeming not to notice any distinctions over who is offered the choicest morsels. As Amara stands, he's quick to try to move along the civil conversation.

You are of course correct, Darga; if I may call you thus. We are indeed young as yet, with much to see and learn and our Waha initiations in the future though the Rivals have called to us. You see we are pleased with what we've accomplished, and I can see we have brought you some welcome news... he affects an ingratiating smile...not to mention better fare if that renegade had soured even your herd's milk. Yet we are honoured to meet with welcome and hospitality here.

It occurs to me we could learn more from you all, me especially for I've been long away until meeting this band, having been driven far by the outland invaders. Your trophies speak of many a proud act well accomplished: what news of the wastes would you share?

"Well, yes...myself and another of our number, now returned to the tribe, dealt the blow that finally killed the renegade forever...but we fight together and we strive together, and the victory was all of ours."

Salen paused and smiled sweetly as the girl Rianna offered him...what turned out to be some of the finest beer he had ever tasted.

"My thanks Rianna, daughter of Darga, second brother of Jarga Thorn Hair - my uncle."

He turned back to face the older men, smiling inwardly for he could see both Rianna's intent, and the fact that she had cut Amara off from the rest of the group. Someone might be in for a headbutt, if they're not careful!

For now he says no more, waiting to gauge the reaction of the Red Thorns, and his aunt and uncle particularly.

Moments after he raised his eyebrow, Melocks brain catches up with what Amara said, because even though he was trying to listen to what was being talked about, Shade was too distracting. Dont sell your self short sister, you forget I was there when you landed the killing blow to the first leaping bear we encountered, not to mention the broo, walking cactus, Tripanandar, the banished one and all the other enemies of the clan you've helped kill"

The Eirithan Priestess listens with great interest to what Ohanzee has to say "It seems that you have great skill Raven brave and for one that is not apprenticed to a shaman is quite amazing. I am stunned to say the least and would ask how this is so. Is it to do with this Emesh-Ga who travels with you?"

Here she turns to the rest of the group "I would ask that you recount to me all that goes on in the Ghost place."




Jarga smiles "All in good time Skywatcher, all in good time" he indicates that he wishes too hear about the Giant Finger Holes too.






Amara's announcement that she plans to leave is met with polite nods and gestures of peace....


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:16, Mon 04 Aug 2014.

Shaking his head Ohanzee responds ”I do not think that it is because of Emesh-Ga for most of that happened before I met him. When I was initiated into the Raven Society that great spirit paid particular attention to me I think. I returned from my dreaming with a black feather and I am told that it is not often that something physical is brought back from initiations. I don’t know whether Raven saw the ability in me or put it in me. As for the Ghost place, I have not been yet and am as interested in the rest of you.” and he turns his attention to the Rangers who have been there already.

Amara smirked with a hint of amusement in her eyes at Melock as she left. While the negotiations were ongoing she thought she might have a better time talking to and playing with the young ones in the camp. Amara smiled amused at the antics of the little ones as they ran about the camp while she groomed Thunderfoot, wondering which if any would actually dare talk to her.

Whilst grooming Thunderfoot and watching several of the children play nearby, Amara is aware of others approaching as their shadows mix with her own.

The children vanish.

"What we got here Brothers?"

"Looks like a Rhino to me"

"Don't often see a red one mind."

"Ungainly beasts by all accounts...Slow and often stupid."

It's three of the bachelor braves Red Knee, Nix and  Sand Fox, the last two sons of Darga. It's they who pass comment, whilst Red Knee, Wanesh's son, looks on embarrassed.

Those in the tent see that the braves have approached Amara but due to the amount of animals can not see nor hear any exchange.

Taking the pipe, Haratt examines it carefully, noting it's workmanship and obvious Raven attachments. He savours the taste and makes himself comfortable for he too is curious to hear the tale once more. He like Ohanzee had not been there and though having heard the story before was intrigued by it's nuances.

Amara paused for a moment wondering if she should rise to the challenge. Almost unable to help herself she found herself responding. "Bison also seem to suffer from the same issue and be unnecessarily belligerent in the presence of females. Rhinos will leave others alone unless provoked." Amara studied the braves "Unlike bison, rhinos have no need to compete to see who has the longest horn." Amara looked at Thunderfoots nose scratching her skin. "Even the most diminutive female rhino has a longer horn than the tallest of bison." Amara stepped back ready for what might come, but not liking the approach of those who might be her peers.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 105):

He smiles back at Amara and slightly shrugs his shoulders. He then turns his attention back to Shade, "sorry about that" and he has another berry. out of the corner of his eye he sees the 3 braves approach Amara Please Raven,  let them just want to talk and not wind her up.  When he's finished the berry he addresses the rest of the group "now let me tell you all about how we killed the banished one" he will start the tale from when they arrived at the Giant Finger holes, playing up his part in freeing Emesh-Ga and prompting Salen to fill in what happened while he was doing so.

Nix and Sand Fox both look at each other for a long moment....And then both burst out laughing, slapping each others shoulders and fixing Amara with looks of respect

"Ha...Good comeback. Respect Rhino sister, you Skywatchers live up to your reputation."

Nix and then Sand Fox offer their arms in the greeting of warriors, with Red Knee visibly relaxing by their side and adding his own relieved grin to the mix.

"Come hang with us, you certainly won't be missing anything sitting in there with that lot....Come on" Nix indicates that she should follow them, just as several young 'uns turn up to see what the laughing was all about.


Those in the main tent hear a loud roar of laughter from behind their mounts, but can't see what is happening apart from the sudden arrival of several small worried looking children

Amara raised an eyebrow not expecting this kind of conversation not to come to blows. It was unexpected, she visibly relaxed as the others did. Stepping back from being ready to fight. She glanced towards the tent. "I am sure they will be negotiating into the night." she lifted a bag of kumiss from her pack. "It's only kumiss and not anything more exotic, but you might enjoy the differences in the way we make it."

She smirked repeating the greeting of warriors before setting off with the others. "I'm sure we have many stories to share. I'd love to hear yours."

Continuing on from Melock's recounting of the tale, Salen adds in what went on whilst Emesh-Ga was being freed, and goes on to tell of the ghouls and associates of the renegade shaman they had to deal with, and of the slaying of the shaman himself, with Salen and Greeshar Longhorn dealing the telling blows. He will tell then of the recovery of their own shaman, Long Grass, and the closing of the portal that brought the ghosts to the Giant Finger Holes. Finally he will tell of the Earth Witch and meeting her, which should impress an Eirithan Priestess if nothing else does. He leaves out their haul.

The Red Thorns are suitably impressed and ask several pertinent questions to do with both the Holes and the Shaman. For a while after the telling all four of them are quiet, smoking or just staring out of the tent.

Eventually the Priestess, Salen's aunt, speaks

"I would like to meet the Earth Witch for this is momentous in many ways. It seems this will be once more an Earth Temple and in that case I would like very much to be involved."

She smiles benignly at the Rangers "You have done great service to our people....Both our peoples" she adds including the Rhino riders in her praise.

"So why do you go back now?"

"Have you sent word back to your Clan about what has transpired?" asks Jarga's brother.

As Amara walks across the camp towards the bachelor tent, in the company of Nix, Sand Fox and Red Knee, they are joined by Two Lance who mentions that he needs Red Knee to join him on watch.

Just at that moment over the lip of the depression comes another bunch of Bison Riders.

"The rest of our Sept"

An old man atop a great Bison leads a procession of Red Thorn folk. Several more warriors and youths  and behind their wives and children. Herd beasts cram into the area with many more pushing into the side gullies.

Altogether it's a big herd, one hundred plus strong, including High llamas, Impalas and Sable.

Salen's Aunt is wealthy as befits an Eirithan Priestess.

The youths wheel their Bison and start to separate the herd, moving some back out in to the plain behind to feed.

Saying goodbye Red Knee and Two Lance go to join them, leaving Amara to watch with her two new companions.

"That's our Grandfather....Come and meet him. "
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:21, Tue 05 Aug 2014.

Ohanzee is aware that the others have a stash of wealth there that they wish to recover and that they may not wish to spread such information, even to family given the links of the family.

He ventures an answer that is quite truthful none of the loot is his by right as it was gained before his arrival ”I spoke to Ehawee and she gifted me one of her children to have bind a spirit into. It is a good place to find spirits and it would be good to check all is still well there.”

The Priestess accepts this with a smile, just as the sound of the rest of the Sept arriving fills the tent.

"Ah my husband's father has arrived with the rest of the family. Will you all stay the night here with us?"

Her husband nods at this, as do his brothers. Their daughters bow their heads shyly.
This message was last updated by the player at 08:42, Tue 05 Aug 2014.

In reply to Brinna (msg # 113):

He feeds Shade another berry as he answers, "We are heading back, because we encountered rock lizards there and so we contacted Oglod and asked him if he will come to the Finger Holes and help us. There are other spirits we need help from, but they wont be as easy to contact as he was"

quote:

Have you sent word back to your Clan about what has transpired?" asks Jarga's brother.

"Yes, a few of our party, including a couple of our shamans have headed back to tell our clan the good news"

He turns back to Shade "You should see the earth temple, it has moving pictures on the walls, if you all come with us, I'll be happy to show you"

Using the distraction of the new arrivals outside, Haratt puts his mouth to Melock's ear

"I would love to Melock" purrs the Red Thorn woman.

"Ah very sensible" replies the Warrior "So will you stay with us tonight?".
This message was last edited by the player at 09:08, Tue 05 Aug 2014.

"Yes you must stay" cries Shade clapping her hands in excitement "Melock here has said he will show us the moving pictures in the Temple. How glorious."

"Melock you are striving hard to make the Holes a safe place, that is responsible and so rare amongst those so young. I am proud of all of you.

Husband I must journey to the Holes, I wish to meet the Earth Witch and pay my respects. I will accompany my nephew and his friends. They will be protection enough I'm sure."

"As you wish my wife, though I shall send Darga' sons with you . It will do them good to learn the ways of the other clans."

Darga shows compliance with this.

An extremely tall man with a shock of grey hair dismounts and when finished giving orders to the other braves comes over, obviously on his way to the main tent

"We have visitors I see, Sky Watchers and Prairie Thunder...Huum.... And who is this Red Head I see? The only Red Head I knew was old Zonta back in the day. Wonderful fighter and a heart breaker for that matter. Married to her Goddess as I'm sure you'll be too."

He exudes good humour, which is in contrast to his heavily scarred body and the weapons of war that he carries.

"I am Shontar, though most know me as The Lance.

”It is a greceous offer, but my sept has been moving for over a year, ever since the battle we have been looking for others of our tribe and now that we are so close the urge to join them is all the stronger. Delay, no matter how pleasant the delay, eats at our very bones.”


He looks in the direction of the Holes though his sight is blocked by the tent wall ”And the news that Rainbow Girl was not called by you is concerning. That needs investigating and soon for perhaps all is not still as well there as we had hoped.”

He is interupted by the welcoming shouts of what must be the grandfather.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 126):

He sighs, "My brother Raven is right, we need to find out why Rainbow Girl was called" he leans towards Shade, "You are welcome to accompany us, if you would like to. I will make sure nothing bad happens to you" he pops another berry in to his mouth

Amara lowered her head in respect. "I am Amara Brightsky of the Skywatchers. Thank you for inviting my brother braves and I into your camp, Shontar the Lance. I too follow the Redheaded great spirit. Zonta still walks under the skies and will be pleased I am sure to know you think of her. She is also a guest here in your camp. You and your kin have shown us great hospitality and welcome. I'm sure you'll want to catch up with all of the news that we have. My brave brothers are in the tent sharing their news."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Tue 05 Aug 2014.

"Well, I suppose we should investigate Rainbow Girl, but after that...we would be honoured to be your guests.

And I will gladly take you to the Earth Witch, Aunt Brinna."

Salen continued to lightly enjoy the hospitality, allowing himself to give Rianna a small smile every once in a while. When the noise outside became louder he too could tell the rest of the Red Thorns had arrived, and he waited to see what happened next.

Listening to the exchanges around him, nodding respectfully when it seems prudent to engage, Hoskar drinks in the courtesies of the camp: one day, they might serve him well to remember. For now, he is happy not to need to be alert for dangers from the wastes and simply testing the skills he learned from the sage's scroll watching the people in the tent; although he's careful to make sure his eyes do not linger on the maidens. Mustn't be thought of as leering here.
Every now and again, he casts his mind to Four-Paws, who is once again at rest with her unexpected friend the rhino Ram; but in the main, for him it's a time of simple good manners and pleasantries unless the mood changes.

The Lance gives Amara a look, smiles widely and then turns towards the Women's tent hollering as he goes "Zonta! Are you truly here in my camp!"

There's a commotion, shouts of surprise and joy, but Amara is steered off by her male escorts and sat down outside their tent to share Kumiss and stories of their lives...

Inside the tent the pleasantries continue, with it being made quite obvious that the daughters are being shown off to Melock, Haratt and Salen as prospective brides.

Soon The Lance makes his entrance all grins, respect and eager to hear what the Rangers have to tell. During the conversation Jarga's son Two Lance comes to the door of the tent and is swiftly joined by his father who after a quick whispered conversation pats his son on the back and returns to sit down. Two lance can be seen jumping on to a Bison and riding out of the rocky depression.

"Off too search for some missing Bison, he'll be alright, he's a Red Thorn and my son...." is the answer given to any enquiries.

After a while Brinna rises to get ready, joined by her daughter Shade. Jarga says that the Rangers should go and prepare their mounts too.

"Salen it is good to have seen you once again and I hope you will find time to relax with us when you are finished at the Ghost place. I wish you and your companions well and place your Aunt and my daughter under your protection. See that they are kept safe and returned quickly."

Outside Zonta is seen to be talking animatedly with The Lance and says to Ohanzee "We shall stay here until you return if you don't mind. Two Lance has offered us his hospitality and protection until then. The children will be safe here. Your mother and Weayaya too."

She looks relaxed and happy to see her old friend and explains "Shontar and I used to adventure together back in the day. The old rogue chased me for years until I knocked him off his Bison three times."

Ohanzee smiles at the old warrioress as he rises to more to his mount "Of course Zonta, it seems that you have much to catch up with your old friend and if that is what the rest of the sept want that is fine. "

In reply to GM (msg # 131):



He inclines his head, in respect, as Brinna gets up and gently takes Shade's hand as she gets up "I am glad that you are coming as well" he says smiling.
When Jarga says they can leave as well, he gets up "My thanks Jarga Thorn Hair, for the hospitality you have shown us and for letting Brinna and Shade accompany us, so they too can see what we have accomplished at the Giant Finger Holes."

"Emesh-Ga, could you let Amara know that we are getting ready to continue to the Earth temple. Thank you"
He then leaves and readies Stinky

Salen clasps the arm of his uncle one more, this time in parting.

"It was my honour to sit with you again, Jarga Thorn Hair. I will guard my aunt and cousin with my life, and may we all meet again in more relaxed circumstances."

He goes to ready Kohana and check Mordy isn't barking after everything, has a last wink for Rianna, checks Amara hasn't started another war, then is ready to move out.

The Rangers find themselves back on track after the unexpected midday meeting, but this time with new travelling companions.

Brinna rides with Shade at the centre of the group, taking the place of the now missing Rhino Elders and Kimimela, though both Iye and Maska insisted on coming too. Also with them are Nixa and Sand Fox, Darga's sons, who ride with Amara, sharing jokes and competing with each other for her attention.

It's hot and thanks to the unexpected stopover it will be well after sun down by the time they arrive at the Giant Finger Holes
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:10, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

Haratt bides his time, but as soon as he can he passes amongst the Rangers, making sure that only they heard what he had to say

"Jarga's explanation for what his son was doing was a lie. Believe me I know the truth and he was not speaking it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:01, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 136):

"well, he cant be planning to 'Krakka' us, because of those two" he glances towards Brinna and Shade, while starting to feel like he may have been used. "Maybe he went to let a bigger group of Red Thorns know we are here, well time will tell"

As the group draws closer to the Holes they find that there is fair grazing to be had, something everyone's mounts takes advantage of.

Stands of Tamarisk and Acacia seem healthy and full of leaves, and all in all it is apparent that all the beasts of the Great Nations and Small could find fodder for their beasts.

Brinna notices this out aloud, with wonder in her eyes and soon she is singing a song of praise, charged with both power and passion.

Hoskar nods, speaking quietly after a swift look around to ensure that non-one but the Rangers can hear. Thank you: I'm glad for the confirmation - had a feeling that that explanation smelled to the skies as a pile of bison shit. I imagine we need to be ready for anything...as usual.

Moving place in the procession, he backs up to ride with Iye and Maska. I've been waiting for a good time to do this, cousins, but we always seem to get distracted when we camp. Been thinking about how those new Rhinos were won: something to remember, for sure. I'd like you to have these tools, one each if you'd like them. The elders might want to keep them in trust for you till you're initiated, mind - that's not my decision to make. From a bag on Kor's back, he pulls a matched pair of bonesmithed hunting knives, nicely worked with incised rhinos on the hilts; each with its own plain leather sheath to keep the blade safe from causing hurt by accident. My hope is you might look at them in years to come and recall where we were and what was done there. And maybe if danger has taken me far away, you might even say a word to the Spirits for cousin Hoskar perhaps.

His eyes seem to mist up, and he looks away to cover his emotion; which is in any case soon covered by the song of Brinna.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:06, Thu 07 Aug 2014.

Ohanzee quietly passes on his own observations and thoughts without alerting their new companions ”I thought it strange that Darga No Nose should ask if word had been sent to the clan. The only time that information would matter is if the answer was no and that meant that he could alert his clan before word spread to ours.”

“I hoped I was wrong, but I saw the briefest flash of disappointment at the answer though he hid it quickly. Still, I trust Zonta’s judgement. And the intention of most of their sept, the ones with power are friendly enough I believe, though that does not mean that I do not think that they will try to win an advantage for their own clan.”

As they come closer to the Holes Ohanzee is filled with wonder,  he had expected rhino grazing, but as Brinna says this is a re-greening of everything, trees looking far healthier than he had thought, fodder for all beasts and from the smell on the wind more than he had expected further ahead. ”Amazing!” he manages.

Coming somewhat to his senses he remembers their planned celebration ”Wait, we should prepare.” and then explains to their guests of the plan to turn the arrival into a ceremony. Finally he concludes ”But we need to decide who will take which part. Tada was a leader and as has been pointed out to me the Wandering Rangers have no leader but make decisions together. I have and do lead a sept so have experience so I believe I should take the role this time but I think that because the Wandering Rangers make decisions as a group we should take turns at the suitable roles each time we perform the celebration and I think this should be done every time we return so we should call it the homecoming celebration.”
This message was last edited by the player at 10:12, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

Perhaps it was the pipe, and although that has never troubled him in the past it seems that Salen cannot quite focus on his skills in the wild this day. Perhaps it is the sudden lushness around them? But there are other matters to distract him anyway.

When Haratt reveals that he knows Jarga was speaking falsely, and Hoskar and Ohanzee back him up with their suspicions, Salen smiles ruefully.

"But that's my uncle! We're family...by marriage."

His objections are quiet though, and he nods his head.

"But that is my point - we are related by marriage alone, and even Aunt Brinna is a Red Thorn now, albeit an Eirithan Priestess too. I do not trust Jarga one bit, which was why I'm glad we made pains to point out that our clan knows all about the Giant Finger Holes.

Hoskar is right, we must be ready for trouble as usual."

Nixa and his brother listen to this with great interest, though they make sure not to interfere in what is being discussed it is obvious that they wish to take part.

"Truth be told I think we were wrong to mention the Giant Finger Holes, but no sense crying over spilt Kumiss" says Haratt resignedly.

He points at the land about them.

"Whatever you did here has made this valuable land."

Behind them Iye and Maksa can be seen following the various tracks of game, erupting into a sudden burst of speed, loud shouts, cries of disappointment and then boyish laughter.

They come and join the rest, empty handed but cheerful, each youth sporting a new dagger on his belt.

"Hoskar we spotted some High Llama spore, came from the North East and runs parallel to us. Half dozen beasts in all."

Earlier the two lads had exploded in to an over excited bout of happiness when they received Hoskar's gifts, proclaiming everlasting love, companionship and promises not to steal from his supplies anymore....Honest Guv.

Senses keen, back on the trail after some refreshing time not needing to scan the wastes for trouble, Hoskar nods at Ohanzee's words. Now there's the confidence of a leader alright. You'll hear no objections from me: I'm more of a backup man and I know it. At least for now, anyway: maybe my time will come.

He raises an eyebrow at his cousins' tales of High Llama tracks before breaking into a broad smile. Well I'll not be charming them to follow us along with my winning personality and prayers. Anyone fancy a Llama hunt?

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 143):

"I think they may have thought this greening would happen and he's just gone to get the rest of his Sept and when we come out of the Earth Temple we will be surrounded by Red Thorns" he starts grinning "On the subject as to who plays Tada and his consort, if it wasn't for this puzzle, I would suggest, and please understand I only suggest it to help unite the tribes, not with any thought of personal gain, that I play Tada and Shade plays my consort" he laughs loudly, "but in all seriousness, I have had a turn being Tada, when I freed Emesh-Ga, so I will leave it to the rest of you to choose, though don't forget that who ever is chosen will have Amara as his consort"

When he hears about the High Llama's he gets a bit more serious "The only High Llama's we've met, were those Storm Bulls that were with Krakka" he spits "if it is them lets hope they don't hold a grudge"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

"Well I'll put my hand up to be Tada, though I reckon those who have been to the Holes and killed the Shaman deserve the chance more than me. Seems fitting that they should show us their place of glory" Haratt cricks his tired neck and looks to Salen and Amara to see what they have to say about it.

"I like your idea of a home coming ceremony Ohanzee."



"Were they carrying riders or wild ones?"

"Or me" suggests Brinna "For did not Tada hide Eiritha under the Earth to protect her from Death. I could walk the walk with whomever you chose"

she smiles at Salen, her nephew.

"Err...."

"Dunno" comes the other reply, given with a look that says "Sheesh you expect me to know everything?"

Amara arched an eyebrow as she talked amongst the rangers "Did you see the size of the red thorns? His son is probably out doing something he doesn't want us to know about. The question is whether they have abandoned the old ways and seek the light of the Moon or if it's something more innocuous. Given that they treated us well, when they could have tried to kill us...to the extent some of their number are riding with us? I'm inclined to beleive it's a competition thing, not a enemy thing"

Amara looked at Melock. "That you would even consider acting the part of a husband to an Earth initiate at an Earth temple.....Melock, they take those things seriously. I'd suggest myself and someone else. I won't get all doe eyed and think I landed myself a husband. It's just a part and will strengthen the temple."

With a notable sigh, Salen finally speaks up on the subject.

"I would rather anyone else do it under normal circumstance - would that Greeshar or Kobal, or poor lost Kaonu even, were still here. Melock has already done it. It is not Condor's way to stand out in the open and take charge...

...Except when he must.

With all due respect Ohanzee, you were not there, you are still new to us. Your time will come, of that I have no doubt. But for now, I will play Tada, and walk with Amara at my side. We will play our parts to the utmost, and honour all with our greatest respect, those that are here and those that once were."

"And my apologies Aunt Brinna, we mean no disrespect. But some things we do our way, and sometimes without thought, for we are young. You would have been perfect for the part, but...this is what we have planned all along, and this is what we shall do."

Ohanzee can see the logic in what has been pointed out by two of his fellow Rangers now, though he does not show this and does not push the point further because he does not want to show any rifts to the representatives of the Red Thorn members.

Instead then he nods ”Very well then, next time. So you two shall play Tada and Eiritha, Melock will play Emesh-Ga and the rest of us should have roles, our guests included.”

Turning to Brinna he suggests ”As Eiritha is taken, maybe you wouldn’t mind taking that role? What of the rest of us?”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 154):
Glad to see some agreement, if not total satisfaction for all, over roles Hoskar muses aloud to his fellow Rangers.

We're here to bring harmony and seek to restore the Garden: wonder if I might be Issaries the Conciliator. After all, he did reconcile the Long-Noses and the Big-Teeth. His word that people must learn to only fight their real foes may be valuable if the tribes get to squablling over the grazing here; and, if Iye and Maska are agreeable, the three of us could maybe retell the deed anew for this place and give them roles to fulfil. Not sure how that meshes with Tada, though...perhaps as he was the Khan of the place...hmmm...

...or maybe four of us Rangers could represent the Rivals that brought us to this calling, maybe?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:56, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

Amara raised an eyebrow at Ohanzee's suggestion "The Earth Witch is the Earth priestess  staying there. She might take exception to another taking her rightful place as Eiritha in this."

Brinna looks as if she's been slapped, her face registering the shock of being an Eirithan Priestess who not only gets her way but expects all those of lesser station to follow what is the norm and obey the Elders of the clans.

Her daughter's face goes red with shame and she begins to shout at the Rangers "How dare y...."

But she is cut short by her mother "Ssh, ssh my dear, Do not be angry"

The priestess has regained her composure magnificently and even manages to smile

"This is for the Wandering Rangers to decide, for they are the ones who helped awaken the hurt Earth. We are your servants today Rangers. Lets us as maidens of the Earth anoint you with the colours of the land. We will find fresh garlands for your heads and for the beasts that carry you."

And she bows, with her daughter standing looking on, her mouth wide open in shock. Behind her Nixa and Sand Fox suppress smiles and try to look serious.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:06, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

"Emesh-Ga, can you make yourself visible, so you can take your place in the ceremony? or may I have the honour of walking in your shadow?"

He winces and tenses up at Brinna's initial reaction, but relaxes when she agrees with the party, and he does his best not to react to Nixa's and Sand Foxes suppressed smiles "Garlands would be most welcome Priestess, but please do not wonder too far as there are High Llamas near by"

"I shall inhabit whoever wears my helmet Raven Tada" replies the ancient spirit "It is good that you make your return to my home....Our home...A special event. It binds us. Makes us stronger. The land will remember us this way."

The spirit sounds excited

"I shall see my wife tonight. I can feel her happiness in the soil."

Whilst the braves prepare themselves, Brinna and her daughter slip into the nearest stand of Tamarisks and soon the sound of chanting can be heard as they connect with their goddess and her friends.

It's not long before they return with handfuls of flowers which they place on heads of both men and beast. Shade unlike her smiling mother is tight lipped and uncommunicative.

Using the gourds of ochres, dyes and paints in the possession of the Rangers Haratt adorns himself in the Runes of Fire, Beast and Truth.

Then ensuring he is fully armed and armoured he remounts Oberon, announcing to all those present in a clear voice

"I am Sun Hawk. Haratt Tada. Today I return to our home, where we met our guardian and host Emesh-Ga, Captain of Tada, Earth Knight and Wandering Ranger.

Here and now i repeat my pledge to my brothers and sisters:

As a Wandering Ranger I promise not to let Chaos live

To nurture the land we stand on.

To strive to make it whole once more.

To stand with my Brothers and Sisters, through good and bad.

I am Us. I walk the walk and talk the talk, protected by each of you  in times of strife and peace…."

From the sidelines Nixa and Sand Fox look on fascinated as the Rangers prepare themselves. They like the Rangers are only lay members of Waha and have not taken part in many of the more elaborate 'secret' ceremonies of their faith.

What the Rangers are doing seems both exciting and different and the fact shows on their youthful faces.

likewise Iye and Maska can not mask their own interest in the proceedings, but unlike the Red Thorn braves they make sure to get underfoot.

In reply to GM (msg # 160):

He collects Emesh-Ga's shield off of Hoskar, and his helm from Amara. It takes a few moments for him to get used to the weight of both items. When Brinna and Shade come round with the garlands, "My thanks Priestess, and thank you too Shade" he takes one of Shade's hands to stop her walking away, "I'm sorry that the way we do things has upset you, but this is important to us as a group and will help make our job of bringing the Garden back easier"

Conscious that the weapons he holds are not the mythic tools of Issaries, Hoskar sheathes his sword firmly and relinquishes the shield of Emesh-Ga he who forms Emesh-Ga should bear both helm and shield today: I know you will carry them well, friend Melock and casts about until he finds a reasonably straight fallen bough to stand in for the staff of Issaries in his hands; carving the god's rune and the straight lines of harmony upon it as best he can.
From his bags, he pulls out the little statue of Issaries he received when becoming a lay member of the cult to carry prominently with the staff.

Pausing to murmur to Iye and Maska Be careful how you run here: if you take the part of disharmony now, it may follow you through life. Remember your roles, my cousins: it seems you'll be following my lead again. and having fumbled in a small pouch and handed them two small coins each, keeping the last two for himself one who has a trader's part to play should always have two Copper Clacks to rub together. I want those back later, mind you. he too reaffirms his pledge as did Harratt; but with his own preface.

Called by Condor not to fight forever against Rivals too great to meet, but to guide truly and slip between the cracks; filling them with harmony; I stand in the protection of Tada to have the part of Issaries who is Guide and Lightbringer and Conciliator; helper of khans.

As a Wandering Ranger, I promise...

Falling silent in thought at the end of his oath, he paints the square rune of earth on his throat I shall speak to and for and with the Earth as he waits for the time to be right to act his part.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

Iye and Maska, serious looks upon their faces, nod at Hoskar's words, mount up and fall in behind their cousin.

"We are the sons of Issaries" they announce.

As soon as Melock places the helmet on his head and takes hold of the large square shield a transformation takes place with the air shimmering about the Raven's body.

He seems to grow in statue, both in height and girth, and there atop Stinky is a heavily armoured Earth Knight.

"I am ready"

Amara prepared herself for the journey. She needed to take care of her rhino first, painted white, the runes for Earth, Beast and Mobility painted on her with Amara's hand print on her rear quarter, laced with the garlands provided by Salens aunt.

When it came to preparing herself, Amara dressed in her finest. All the things she carefully packed away and normally never wore except on formal occasions. The fine cloth only ever worn when the clan felt safe, the earrings made of metal, the belt made from rhino hide with hours of work in embroidery. The beaded necklace. She painted her skin with ochre, turning it the coppery sheen of the warriors that protected Tada, wearing the garlands provided by Salen's aunt asking for their assistance in making her hair presentable. On her forehead, she painted Earth, Mobility and Spirit, putting some of herself into the meeting with the runes the shamans gave her as she was born with Earth to show where she came from. To complete her dress, she placed one of the Copper Axes in her belt. Only when she was completely changed did she rejoin the others in her guise as Tada's wife.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Thu 07 Aug 2014.

Like the others, Salen takes a great deal of time preparing himself and making sure he is ready for the ceremony. His skin is the colour of the earth, and painted in greens and whites and decorated with flowers and garlands. The runes of Earth, Spirit and Man predominate upon him, though Sky is there also. He finds a pipe to smoke deeply, and before long it is clear he is not his usual self. He seems to carry himself taller, fuller, bigger, and his eyes seem to stare off into the distance for the most part. He stands with his arms spread wide and breathes deeply, before letting out an exultant roar.

"I...am...TADA!"

He clearly means it.

Since he is not Tada and as Tada in the form of Salen has not given any direction as to who should take what other roles he thinks on it a while as the others start their preparations.


Then with a smile Ohanzee strips to his loincloth and busies himself with the ochre and paints available. Enlisting the aid of Iye and Maska to help in painting his back he covers himself on the left side with soot black paint and on the right side with the copper coloured ochre. On each side of he then paints runes in contrasting colours, on the black left side he and the two lads paints the runes of Darkness and Movement, on the copper right side Earth and Disorder, and across the join between the two sides Beast and Spirit.

Finally he is finished and having no square shield and no copper armour or copper weapons he instead holds his bronze headed axe in his right hand and his lead pipe in his left. Where the others have mounted their animals he remains on the ground feeling the earth beneath him as he chooses to walk directly on the earth rather than ride. He leads Wihakayda who has been decorated with hand prints of black and ochre and draped in flowers. And as he walks on the Earth he fancies that he feels the power more keenly, more directly than those atop their mounts and announces

I am the Raven. I am Ohanzee The Shadow, there in the darkest night, there in the brightest day.

I am a Wandering Ranger moving through the land healing the Earth and mending what is broken, and now come to the home I have never seen but my soul has always known.

I spread disorder amongst the enemies of the earth and abide no chaos.

I stand always with my brother and sister Rangers through good times and bad.

I walk the walk and talk the talk.

He dismounts Stinky and leans towards Shade and whispers in her ear.

He steps away smiling and then collects some ochre and charcoal so he can draw runes on Stinky, he draws an Earth, Spirit and Illusion rune on each side in ochre with a charcoal outline and then a Darkness rune on each side in charcoal outlined with ochre, and on Stinky's forehead he draws the rune of Beast in charcoal, again outlined in ochre. When he goes to draw the runes on himself he looks down at the armour and pauses, loath to blemish the seemingly glowing armour, so instead he draws, in ochre, the same runes as he did on Stinky, apart from Beast, on his cheeks and a Fate rune on his forehead.

"I now reaffirm my pledge to Emesh-Ga and my fellow Wandering Rangers.

While I draw breath I vow to always kill chaos either with the help of others or by myself,

I also vow to help make this land green and fertile again, and in doing so help unite all the people of Waha and either kill the outsiders or force them to leave our land.

And finally I vow to defend my fellow Rangers, even if I have to die in the process, because that is also part of talking the talk and walking the walk"

When he hears Salen's shout, he smiles to himself, I remember the rush when I became Tada

He then mounts Stinky, being careful not to smudge the runes and waits to follow Tada and his consorts lead

Amara listened to the words. The Wandering Rangers had suffered much in time. Lost some too vlauable that the words could not be said as to how badly they would be missed. Yet this was a special time. One for renewal. Amara thought she should add her own words. It felt right.

"I am a Wandering Ranger, sworn to ThunderBird. Born to this place I have been chosen for a purpose that we only see the edges of. We are here to restore the garden to the way it once was. To restore to all of the tribes the lush lverdant landscape that once was our right. To keep striving for it and never give up. To rid this place of all of the abominations of chaos and bring things bakc such that no tribe needs to compete for food. I pledge to one and all, to all of the Wandering Rangers, past present and future, that I will work to restore the garden until my dying breath."

And off they set.

Led by Tada in all his glory, at his side his consort and surrounded by cohorts of every kind, armed and armoured in Copper hues.

Bright Treasure's descent gives them a golden pathway to follow, leading across the dry Wastes towards the waiting Earth Complex of the Earth Knight Emesh-Ga.

Those that can bang their drums, announcing that they come.

At the rear comes Brinna and her daughter, guarded by their family members Nixa and Sand Fox.

About them all is a magical glow, growing stronger the closer they get and the more power lent to it by the Rangers.

A new ceremony is being made.

A return of heroes.

Soon dark shapes can be made out in the gloom. Gargantuan building blocks scattered in great piles amongst sweet smelling stands of trees.

From ahead comes the sound of pipes and cymbals and there just visible amongst the rock and vegetation are the glow of numerous fires and torches, illuminating slowly moving humanoid figures.

Sweet smelling incense fills the approaching Ranger's nostrils, that and the acrid smelling bark of Acacia....

Acacia High Lama Spore. Either we have walked into the spirit world and back through the ages or the Holes have High Lama visitors. he thinks as he walks on gifting more essence still such that the axe he holds glows brightly

Slowing slightly to allow Wihakayda to come alongside he hangs the axe over his shoulder and takes Taima’s rhino horn from his saddle, the one taken from his dead father’s rhino by his mother and handed to him when he reached Rhino Gouge with the sept.

He takes a deep breath and blows a long clear not on it as they keep on towards the Holes walking with the horn in his right hand and the pipe in his left announcing the return home of the Wandering Rangers.

Amara raised her arm waving, hoping that whomever was watching might be aware they were trying to be friendly. She knew the rangers had to win everyone they met over to their side if they wanted to restore the garden. Taking the part the returning heroes, Tada and his entourage, Amara hoped that the Copper Man would be smiling enjoying reliving this moment. The pride, the happiness, the feelings were infectious. It was only to Amaras sorrow that some of the rangers had already fallen and couldn't be there.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

Feeling a little vulnerable with nothing but a rough staff in his grasp, Hoskar is nonetheless glad there might be people here who were also tasting the healing of this place in peace.
Maybe this is a forerunner of what we seek to accomplish. Issaries Conciliator. Be ready with your words if there's people out there.
For now, he merely follows Amara's lead and spreads his arms as if in welcome; demonstrating he has no weapon in hand to betoken peaceful intent.

As they get closer Ohanzee gets more swept into the evolving ceremony, but also experiences a greater and great sense of awe. Not just because of the greening of the place, the wonderful smells and the welcoming sounds that he hadn’t expected, but at the massive blocks dotted here and there in piles. Nature and crafted things that seem somehow in harmony despite, or perhaps because the latter is broken. The size of the blocks though, truly giants must have moved them!

As he follows Tada and his consort, Emesh-Ga is slightly behind and to their right, ready to give the order to attack, if the people at the Earth Temple proved to be enemies. Being aware they might be facing superior numbers, he tries to work out the best way to use the massive blocks to their advantage. When he hears Ohanzee blow his horn, I hope your guess that they are friendly is right my friend. He nudges Stinky so he speeds up, until his is level with Tada "My Lord, please allow us to go first, in case they are hostile" He signals to Issaries, his two sons and two Copper knights to come forward "though it will be good if they are friends, they could just as easily be enemies of Tada. Issaries, can you and your sons come with me and the knights to help make our entrance to the Earth temple bloodless. My Lord, if you and your consort could wait here until we have found out if they are friends or foes"

In reply to Melock (msg # 177):
We will come right willingly, Emesh-Ga. It is not for nothing that Issaries and two sons are here: we stand under the Khan's protection, side by side and upright like the symbol of harmony I bear. If we meet anger, let us still try to make something from nothing with words of conciliation: little is served by fighting among Khan Tada's own people when true enemies lie elsewhere.

He stretches out his arms, and to his delight Iye and Maska now the Sons of Issaries take the cue unbidden and raise one arm each to touch his; fingertip to fingertip. And so they move forward, three upright bodies for harmony connected across to also be two runes of communication in their very persons.

Drawing nearer it is obvious that there is no threat, for this is a welcome committee for Tada and his companions. A group of a dozen women stand or sway before the five massive holes in the Earth. It is they who play the instruments and are the source of the sweet song that fills the air.

Surrounded by the piles of massive blocks, and trees and shrubs of all descriptions, the Holes are dark pools almost floating in the background. Light comes from the half a dozen small bonfires scattered about and from small fat lamps suspended in the boughs of trees.

It's a beautiful sight, made more so by the sudden appearance of light deep within the largest pit. Somewhere far below other fires have been lit, seemingly by magic....

Despite the heat there's a chill in the air, coming from the closeness of the spirit world encroaching on that of the living. And there on the very edge of vision, can be seen formless shifting shapes, spirits and ghosts drawn by the ceremony. They're kept at bay by the fires, each made with sanctified bark, gifted by Grandmother Acacia.

As Tada draws closer other forms appear out of the darkness from either side. Five tall and armoured women, heads shaved except for long top knots, in their hands long axes bedecked in grisly trophies.

Llama riders and followers of the dread goddess Babeester Gor herself, they are adorned with Runes of Death and Earth and are a most fearsome sight indeed.

But each warrior bows to Tada and her consort, indicating that they will take the Rangers mounts and guard them, adding them to the others now visible under nearby trees: High Llama, Impala and Bison.

It's then too that the Rangers spy others watching from within the protective circle of fires. Partially hidden by boulders and vegetation. It's hard to tell exactly but there seems to be some Bison Riders who on seeing Tada bow their heads in respect.

Then there before them stands the Earth Witch....Noita....She is near naked, her muscly frame covered in tribal scars and painted runes, her pale snake hanging about her neck. On either side two strangers stand, both elderly women and obviously priestesses in their own right, one tall the other a pygmy. Their copper adornments crackle with magic, green gouts of power arcing between them.

All three bow deeply, clashing copper cymbals in their fingers.

"Welcome Tada....Consort....Emesh-Ga and companions. We have awaited your return on this auspicious day of the Earth" they intone using first the tongue of the Earth and then Praxian, so all may understand.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:01, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

Ohanzee is in awe, he hadn't expected a welcoming other than perhaps from the Earth Witch who the others had spoken of. Certainly nothing like this, the dread warrior women deferring to the Wandering Rangers, peoples from other tribes, these two other mighty priestesses.

He is in fact so awestruck that he is almost struck dumb, speechless. Almost but not quite, however he is not Tada this evening so he will not speak, Salen must lead in this ceremony.

He is relived to see that it is friends that await them, but when the Babeester Gor followers step out of the shadows and he sees what decorates their axes, his blood runs cold. The fact that they bow to the Rangers does little to warm his blood and unsettles him even more. Recently, because of the things he has seen and done, he has stopped feeling like a child and more like a man, but the sight of the 5 axe maidens reminds him that he is but a child compared to them.
As they approach the 3 priestesses and they bow, he wants to tell them not to, that he is not worthy, but then the feeling of the shield in his left hand and the helm on his head pierces his self doubt, like Bright Treasure pierces the dark. We have help the earth and hopefully started to bring it back to life, but even so this honour they show us is staggering. He then smiles when he realises that he can understand what they are saying before they repeat themselves in Praxian. I must remember later to ask Emesh-Ga if he can teach me to speak Earth tongue when I'm not wearing his helm.
He dismounts and waits for Tada to greet the Earth Witch before he does.

Brinna dismounts and with her daughter moves around the group, Shade joining the younger women behind, whilst the Eirithan priestess joins her peers, standing before Tada.

The air sparkles from the magical activity taking place and shimmers as two planes begin to merge.

The Golden Age is here, the Godtime, before Death was unleashed on the World and Chaos had yet to rear it's head.

The Earth Witch and her accomplices grow in stature as do the Rangers facing them.

Heroes, gods and goddesses meeting as they met before.

On every side, in slow motion, giant blocks begin to spin and tumble, returning to their ancient positions.

Holes begin to reknit as a ghostly image of a giant flows backwards and out of sight....

Haratt dismounts handing his reins to a waiting Axe maiden. He too shudders at the women's closeness, their association with death flowing heavily over him.

Then he strides forward, now a massive warrior, sheathed in copper fire, to take his place next to his Lord.

Ohanzee of the Rhino nation, of the Sky Watchers Clan, of Raven, here now in the Godtime and treated so by these far greater beings than he. And then as he watches Haratt stride forward it dawns on him, here and now he is an Earth Knight and it is not Ohanzee who they bow to, not the Wandering Rangers and Salen as Tada, but Tada himself and his followers as they were back then, or rather as they are now, in Godtime.


Smiling broadly Ohanzee as the Earth Knight steps forward gaining stature as he moves but subtly different to the way Haratt looks and bowing in return to the priestesses he says "For the Earth, for Tada we have returned, all of Tada's friends." and his smile is knowing a broad.

The consort dropped off her mount. Looking around she was well pleased at what the priestesses had done. She inclined her head gracefully towards the gathering functionaries. "My husband and I are proud of you and your accomplishments at this place. We hope that this place will stand forever as a testament to you and those you serve. A place of peace and rest for all that require it. An oasis of true tranquility for all. How did you accomplish so much in so little time? I am sure my Lord Tada will be eager to hear it." she handed the reins of her mount to one of the women, batting not an eyelid at the threat they posed, as they too would know by the Axe at her belt that she carried out the will of the Earth gods herself and would interpose herself between any that might threaten her husband.

Behind the Priestesses...Goddesses.... The massive stones have joined to form a huge construction above the now closed over holes.

Nothing has prepared the braves for such a vision.

Gigantic, with pillars larger than any tree, the palace, for that is what it is, straddles where once the largest of the holes sat. It dwarfs anything still standing in the Big Rubble bar perhaps the Real City and it's temple to Pavis

A colonnaded pathway leads from behind the Earth Witch curving around to the North to where an entrance surely waits.


Ghostly trees now surround the area, trunks vanishing up in to the dark sky, their foliage obscuring the stars.

In reply to GM (msg # 179):

Replying in Earth tongue, "Thank you for the welcome, you honour us" he bows his head briefly. As he watches the palace rebuild itself, Melock is in awe at its size and it is all he can do to stop himself staring at it. Now I can see how amazing the time before death was. No one who describe it to me, ever did it justice, I now truly understand why everyone wants it back. He looks at the people behind the Goddesses, as if searching for someone "Is Gadesha, my consort here?"

There is a beat of wings and a shadow passes over the ceremony momentarily, causing Haratt to stare at  Ohanzee and the three priestesses to alternatively giggle, break wind and shift awkwardly, before continuing if nothing happened.





The three women bow to Tada's consort




"She awaits you below my Lord" answers one of the daughters of the Earth, who as one indicate that the arrivals should make their way down the path o the entrance of the palace.

The scene before them almost defies belief, and for a moment Salen-as-Tada falters. But almost immediately he gathers himself anew, the courage of his convictions taking hold, and he does not falter. Now he appears before them all as tall as a giant himself, riding a massive Bison, his copper skin incandescent, one arm wide while the other holds the hand of his Consort.

Tada has smiles for all: the Avenging Daughters of Babeester Gor, the Earth Witch Noita, and the three priestesses-come-goddesses...them, and all those people gathered around. His People. Above them all towers the Palace, magnificent to behold. As Amara dismounted Tada stood tall in his seat and spread his arms wide. Tada smiled and spoke, and his voice boomed like the loudest thunder across the lands.

"My people! We have come together once again! Today we see the Golden Age, the Godtime, before Death came and before the accursed Moon-Chasers came to take that which was not theirs to take.

And we shall return the Golden Age to these lands anew!

I come with my consort, with one of my champions mighty Emesh-ga, to this sacred place, so that we may all sit and gather and become one. Only together shall we reclaim our sacred land for all its peoples! Only together can we overcome our foes! United we shall stand, and our enemies will fall!

It will be so, for it must be so.

Come! Join me in the Palace, and we will celebrate that which went before, and that which will come to pass!"

And with that he turned and led the way.

The Consort walked at Tadas side. Radiating grace, confidence and appreciation. Her fingers intertwined with her loves as she walked at his side. Grateful nods to show appreciation to those that watched them as the walked to the palace.

With a suppressed snicker at the three priestesses Ohanzee looks at Haratt and gives a shrug and mouths 'What', but in a way that suggests he knows exactly what and he grins mischievously at the Sun Hawk brave.

Then, with a tremendous amount of self control he straightens his features as though donning a mask of seriousness and follows behind Tada and his consort, just like the priestesses continuing as though nothing had happened.

His work for now done; guidance having been given by hidden ways towards this place and protective harmony being served well by its keepers; Issaries and his sons follow their Khan as directed, bowing gravely to the avengers of the earth.

Melock cant help chuckling when he sees Raven and the effect he has on the Priestesses, and silently offers up a prayer of thanks to Raven and gifts him a part of his essence. He looks briefly at Ohanzee and smiles, Good thinking, my fellow Raven.



He nods his head in acknowledgement and taking his place just behind and to the right of Tada, follows them to the palace

The procession snakes it's way along the path, joined now by the other women, still playing pipes and cymbals, who look to be one moment nymphs and the next the Priestesses' attendants.

Onlookers, previously partially hidden, also join the company...

Bison riders, Impalas and finally High lamas, mainly men and more than likely guards. The Bison Riders remain near the back and it is hard to see their clan thanks to the soft illumination, magical interference and encroaching darkness.

All to soon two immense Copper doors swing open, revealing an opulent garden filled with burbling fountains and sweet smelling night blossoms. Centre place is an earthen stairway, which the youngest worn present skip downwards covering the steps with flower petals.

Dismounted from his massive Bison, Salen-as-Tada led the way to the Palace, his hand in that of his Consort. He glanced her way, his expression full of serenity, pride, and love. Behind them came the Peoples of Prax and their mighty beasts, all bathed in the Copper luminescence from the Divine Pair.

At the Palace the huge Copper doors swung open by their own volition. Beyond lay the Garden of Heaven, unseen since the Godtime. Such lush vegetation and wondrous fountains. Some youngsters laid the way before them with flower petals, and Tada walked with his love down the steps and into the heart of the Garden, before turning to face his People, his Consort right beside him.

"Welcome to the Garden of Tada. All Prax will one day look like this. Come my People, enjoy, and rejoice!"

Descending the stairs brings the Rangers and their entourage down into a wide reception hall, familiar to those who had been before, when Greeshar and Whispers had played the part of Tada and his consort.

Those returning can't help slowing slightly, for in another time it had been the scene of a battle with ferocious ghouls, knee deep in stinking water.

Now there is a table heavily laden with food, fruits and roots from the garden and plates of steaming meat: Impala, Bison and High Llama. Enough to feed everyone.

Only two things are missing

"My drinking horn, gifted to me by Tada himself, and....Where is my wife?" asks Emesh-Ga.

Then the crowd separates and there standing in all her glory is Gadesha, copper hued, a nymph without comparison. A sigh ripples through both crowd and the living ceiling, the leaves of the trees rustling in appreciation.

"My Lord husband you have returned"

She bows then glides forward, arms out stretched. On her face is a smile as radiant as the sun, her eyes though are the same bat shit cray that Melock remembers.

This is all so amazing, Ohanzee not having been before is not haunted by the ghosts of the memories of the battle and Emesh-Ga calls for his horn and his wife, the brave responds to the first part "My lord, you should not be separated but a moment so soon from your bride, please allow me to get it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:30, Tue 12 Aug 2014.

In reply to Gadesha (msg # 198):

"Yes, my love I am back. I have missed you" he turns his head to Ohanzee "Here's the key, go and get my drinking horn" and he throws the key to him. He then opens his arms and steps in to Gaesha's embrace and hugs her. I dont want to get too carried away, Emesh-Ga might be the jealous type

The key is a fair representation of Gadesha, though her head is square, which if you look too long at the woman now being embraced by Emesh-Ga turns out to be the case.

It fits snuggly in Ohanzee's hand, too snugly perhaps, for as his fingers wrap around the earthen body the real Gadesha turns her ferocious smile on the Raven brave and winks.

Ohanzee suddenly realises he has no idea where to go.



Melock suddenly feels a strange detachment as the Ghostly, armoured form of Emesh-Ga separates from him, leaving him now as an Earth Knight companion like his friends.

Ohanzee isn't quite ready for the key to be thrown, but has enough wits about him to catch it before it falls and the crystal risks shattering.

He bows to Emesh-Ga "Yes my lord." and jogs of somehow knowing, perhaps because of the magic of the ceremony or from the tales told around the fire, where the tomb is.

He returns the smile of Gadesha, the Earth goddess, quite literally the Earth goddess with her head the Earth rune. He is filled with emotions and these show in the cheeky smile he returns with his hand feeling the smooth curves of the key he is clutching.

His eyes flicking all about the place taking in the wonder of the place somehow strange and familiar at the same time. He moves off through the doors.

As Emesh-Ga leaves him, Melock shudders slightly at the sensation and feels a momentary sense of loss. He bows to Emesh-Ga and Gadesha, "My lord, my lady" and steps away from them.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:02, Tue 12 Aug 2014.

As Melock steps away from the reuniting couple to inspect the table and it's tantalising feast, the rest of the entourage arrive and begin to find places around the table, waiting for Tada and his consort to sit.

Meanwhile Ohanzee follows the long, tree edged passage arriving soon enough at the doors to a large square room. It is filled with beautifully woven carpets, reclining sofas and intricately carved tables. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting life in the wonders of Genert's garden.

A small niche awaits the statuette and once placed there the Key glows brightly for a second before centre spot a section of the floor vanishes to reveal a stairway heading deeper into the Earth....

It takes but a moment for the Raven Brave to descend and to reappear, his face pale in the light of the many lamps.

Something was wrong.

The table was full, the banquet laid, Emesh-Ga had been joined by his wife Gadesha, and thus everything was in place. Salen-as-Tada turned to his Consort and invited her to sit first, next to where he would place himself. Everything was as it should be...

Haratt resplendent in his golden armour and copper fire is suddenly at Melock's side. A fixed smile on his face.

"Come sit with me Raven" is all he says, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

A flight of multi coloured birds flies across the groaning table as nubile nymphs dance around the happy throng. The smells are outstanding as is the look of the dozens of different dishes.

The Earth Witch helps shepherd people to their seats and benches, absentmindedly moving the many small animals that hop and run across the grass covered floor, the majority being hungry and lascivious looking jackrabbits.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:48, Tue 12 Aug 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 209):

He smiles sweetly at Harett, "Well, I plan to sit next to Shade, so you can sit on the other side as long as you don't mind me ignoring you." He looks round to find Shade and goes and sits next to her.

Smiling broadly at these signs of fertility and the earth's bounty, Hoskar-Issaries and his cousin-sons are ushered to their places unassumingly; Hoskar revelling in the harmony of the place despite the sons of Issaries quiet murmur of told you so to one another.

He looks quizzically at the swiftly re-emerging form, but will begin nothing to break the earth-harmony of himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:06, Wed 13 Aug 2014.

"I shall sit opposite you Raven" comes back the reply as the brave taps his nose in warning.

"Your right Haratt, it does smell good." He turns to face Shade and takes her hand and kisses it in greeting "Are you glad you came along?" He looks down at something by his feet "do you know I've never seen so many Jack Rabbits in one place, and they are so tame" he reaches down to stroke it. "there have been times in my life, little one, when you would be in the cooking pot by now. I hope for your sake your not always this tame"

Still smiling at his cousin-sons; turning to address them but speaking clear that all who want might hear, Hoskar-Issaries feels the gentle breeze of a bird brushing by his cheek; the welcome air fanning his thoughts and words, blowing away any worries that remain in the dance of the air.

This does my spirit good. I know you my sons "told one another so", and I know why too. You are both right, but only together. Apart, disputing who is the most, you would diminish yourselves. Harst, my lad, here lies the fruit of the tribe, magnified in your way; and, Goldentongue, here it joins with the fruits of your way of wandering: you are both best, but only in harmony. He takes his two coppers and places them before him on the table.

Iye-Harst and Maska-Goldentongue look signigicantly at one another; each rubbing two copper coins together thoughtfully before replying as one. Father Issaries, you are right: together we shall prosper for the tribes. Copper is of the earth for the Khan. They add their coins to those on the table.

Issaries nods. Well done. It is as it should be. May your deeds multiply coin for the tribes in harmony: six coins for the Khan to use buys more than many small coins used in different ways.

He inclines his head in respect towards Tada and his wife. So shall your friends bring the fruits of their labours in harmony for the good of all. A small beginning, perhaps, but every sojourning begins with one step.

The Consort glanced out of the corner of her eyes at Tada, she leaned closer to him whispering in his ear. "I think I'd like to dance for them and you, my Lord Tada, to show our gratitude to our hosts." Leaning forward she wrapped her arm around his neck and kissed him softly, before making her way to the area in front of the audience.

The audience stilled, the murmur and talk fading slowly as the Consort started to dance. Without music at first, each movement in and of itself graceful. Usign only her hands to start, she weaved the intricate patterns reminiscent of the dance to call and bring Grandmother Thorntree to watch. As her dance continued, it proved to be only the start of a much more elaborate dance. The consort invited the audience, person and spirit alike to come closer and watch. Then the drums started, and as they did, the consort moved her feet sweeping across the floor, veering from one side of the hall to other, inviting, enticing each person watching to come closer, binding them in the spell of her dance. Her dance steps changed each step somehow familiar yet not as she called the spirits, Melon Boy, Grandmother thorntree, Tamarisk Man, Saxual, Manul, Jerboa. The Consorts steps brought them, leaving a glowing nimbus behind her as she danced. As other instruments grew louder the dance became more passionate, the Consort losing herself to the dance, seducing the audience with her movements, bringing them in, making them part of the dance as she moved. The Earth rumbled, rain fell, the fires grew brighter as the Consort danced to unite them all. Bind them in the pact of her dance to protect this place. To keep it for all. To remember it for all time.

The as the music rose to a crescendo, the pact was complete. The dance over. The Consort breathing harder than she'd ever done before. Coated from head to toe in sweat, barely able to stand. Her soul exhausted from everything she'd put into her dance to bring everyone together for the palace.

Reaching the surface he has the shocked look on his face "The horn is gone, there is nothing in the alcove where it was, it's gone!"

He takes a moment to compose himself before "I knew where it should be, the alcove below. But where the horn should have been just now there was not even a wooden bowl!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:41, Wed 13 Aug 2014.

At the end of Amara's dance everyone stops still, mouths filled with food and drink, won over by the beauty of the piece and then just as they are about to erupt in shouts of praise and joy

Ohanzee arrives with his announcement.....

"What?" sputters Haratt, suspicion written all over his face. He stands as he listens to the Raven Brave

"He speaks the truth" and with that sits down, taking a long draft of a drink handed to him from across the table.

Quizzical; but his expression still full of the harmonious joy of Amara-consort's dance as if he has not taken in that Ohanzee's news may prove serious, Hoskar stoops to stroke a rabbit; picking it up to better give it attention.
Looking in its face, he murmurs whimsically: something's missing, my lad; and your kin have been everywhere, haven't you? Got anything helpful to share with us, perhaps?

He carries on gently and comfortingly scratching at the rabbit's ears with his free hand, while Iye and Maska look at him as if he's gone silly; shaking their bemused heads at one another.

"Eeek" goes the jackrabbit in a surprisingly human sounding voice. It rolls it's eyes in the direction of Amara and then squirts a warm jet of pee all over Hoskar.

"It was her"

And then it squirms out of his hands, biting if necessary.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:09, Wed 13 Aug 2014.

A babble of voices begins to spread over the table as Ohanzee's words sink in, worried looks are shared and in one case two of the nymphs embrace each other and fall behind a suddenly appearing bush that begins to flower as their clothing flies in every direction.

The Earth Witch looks at Tada and opens her mouth to say something, but instead of words out comes a loud braying laugh. She closes her mouth with her hand, eyes wide in shock as above her the flock of birds pop out of existence to be replaced with a shower of dung.

Dung that bounces off Amara, where she stands still recovering from her dance.....

He gets up and walks over to Ohanzee, carefully stepping over jack rabbits and dodging flying clothes and dung. "Are you sure you looked in the right place?" he glances round the room "I don't think they need it now any way, but if we can find it I'm sure they'll appreciate it"

Letting the rabbit run before getting bitten, Hoskar wrinkles his nose at the rabbit's incontinence. I'm glad Issaries doesn't dress up for these occasions. Recovering a little mental composure, he winks at the retreating rabbit. Thanks, friend !HIC!: just don't !HIC! go thinking !HIC! you own !HIC! me !HIC! now.

Hiccups? Bubbles? What the...?

!HIC! Any idea what the !HIC! bunny meant, !HIC HIC! Amara? Oh !HIC! drat this.

!HIC!

Amid a flurry of curious pink bubbles which, to his amazement, emerge from his mouth with each resounding !HIC! and float upward caught in little eddies of air, he tries to hold his breath and gestures at his cousins to whack him on the back in an effort to end his fit of hiccups.

Kicking back his chair Haratt stands, almost tripping on a jackrabbit. His hands flap about his head as if warding something off, then stumbling he goes after Melock

"Oi where d'you think you're going? This stinks of Raven"

He's momentarily distracted by one of the Earth Priestesses chasing a naked Bison rider, who in turn is chasing a gaggle of crying impala braves. They all turn into Ravens, then rabbits and finally herd beasts.

"This has to be your doing....Ohanzee what's going on down there, what do you mean it's been stolen?"

He looks down to see his leather chaps are inside out and covered in black Feathers.

"Grrrrr"

Angrily he jabs several of the passing bubbles with his dagger, realising a foul eggy smell into the room.

"Tada! Help us!"

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 224):



He looks Haratt up and down, "Nice trousers. Well Raven is here somewhere, if I see him would you like me to tell him you want a word?" he laughs until the smell from the bubbles reaches him, when it turns in to coughing "You think I'm responsible?" he laughs a bit more

"Are you?"

A kiss from his Consort...and none were ever sweeter.

Feelings and emotions stirred within Salen-as-Tada, despite his best efforts. He sat transfixed as Amara/Consort began her dance, unable to take his eyes off her, his image shimmering between Salen/Tada as his concentration wandered all over the place. Only when she finally finished her stunning exhibition did he regain some semblance of control, and barely at that. He stood with the others and applauded her heartily...

...Until it started raining dung.

Now he raged like Tada, and the thunder of his voice roared across the scene.

"What is this? Who dares to cross Tada?!"

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 226):

"oh come on Haratt, I've got to be one of the most irresponsible people you know, come to think of it, I think I'm the the most irresponsible person I know" he turns to Ohanzee, Sorry Ohanzee, I don't know you well enough to say if your more irresponsible than me or not" he thinks for a moment, "Well as Ravens here we could go and ask him what he thinks."

Ohanzee tries his best not to laugh at Haratt, but his best is no where near good enough on this occasion and it is between bouts of laughter that he manages to reply to both Melock and Haratt, "Honestly I do not know where the horn is, but it certainly is not in the alcove where it should have been."
Reaining a little self control he says to all who can still comprehend "I'm happy to return with whoever can still walk to look for it but does it matter now? It was mean to be used to start the feast and this party is well and truly started already!"

Then to Haratt he says "Haratt, could you stop talking please before those hiccups turn into verbal diarrhea!" and bursts into another bout of tear inducing laughter.

Amara's eyes streamed with tears as she floated from the floor into the air. Big silvery crescent nimbuses appeared in her hands. She looked around the room, a glint of cool amusement in her eyes even as she scanned everyone in attendance. She saw through the guises of each person in turn, seeing the very core of their being. The voice when it spoke was a cool soprano in pitch. "Little children playing in games you do not and can not understand. Tada is gone, his empire crumbled to dust and ashes. When you emulate him, you too will crumble to dust and ashes"

A javelin made of light, shining in the reddish metal hue of copper speared the Consort. Amaras voice when it spoke was a warmer contralto "This one isn't yours, witch. She is mine and one day, when you're at your most confident and feel that none can stop you. This one will, with a mere javelin and the power of her voice."

Amara dropped from the sky to hit the ground hard, the slap sickening as she fell to the floor, where she started vomiting copiously.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 229):

"Lets go look for it then, where's they key?" he just about to leave the room, when Amara hits the ground, he spins round "Amara!" he runs over to her to check she's ok, nearly tripping over a jack rabbit and doing his best to avoid stepping in the vomit

It's mayhem within Emesh-Ga's reception hall, with all sorts of strangeness taking place. Rabbits sprout wings and benches begin to walk up walls as those sitting on them sing away on hanging vines to explode into showers of alternating flower petals and dung.

There's odd islands of calm, as those resisting the effects try to bring back some semblance of normality to the proceedings.

One such island is centred on Tada himself, helped by Condor's occasional resistance to all things hallucinatory.

Another is Emesh-Ga, who begins to look this way and that, bare feet braced on the earthen floor as if searching for something. At his side, eyes flashing red, is his wife Gadesha. she begins to sniff the air, fists clenching.

Brinna, batting away the rabbits trying to plait her hair, seems to be trying to reach the stairs, as behind her her two nephews roll about laughing hysterically.

Looking about the place Ohanzee is filled such a wash of emotions, it is both funny, strange and at times somewhat scary, especially when Amara seems to be taken by some spirit, one with a habit of association with cresents and with a shudder Ohanzee can think of only one.

He rushes over to her and Melock to check on her and to say to him "Tada, Salen doesn't look too happy, nor does Emesh-Ga's lady and Emesh-Ga is definitely looking for something, my guess the horn. I think we should go check that it wasn't just moved somewhere in the tomb or that I didn't get the wrong place."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 233):

"Your right, they don't look too happy" a note of worry creeps in to his voice. Once he sees that Amara is still breathing, he steps away from the growing puddle of sick. "We need to find that horn, quickly. Lets go" and with that he heads to the tomb as quickly as he can

Ohanzee leads off towards the right door again "I left the key in place in my rush to return and say what had happened." he explains on the way.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 235):

"It'll be safe there, no one could get in to the palace past those Babeester Gor women"

The whole place in uproar, his Consort throwing wrath down upon the foolish and then falling to the floor in anguish, Tada stood where he was. There was calmness in his presence and immediate surroundings, and he let those who wished to join him do so. He did not let loose his anger again, and instead chose to watch proceedings calmly.

But someone had played a trick, for whatever reason, and Tada was not happy. Worse, Salen knew his horn was missing. There would be...repercussions.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Wed 13 Aug 2014.

Those still able to talk begin beseeching their Lord for help. A fight has begun at one end of the table, between quarrelling members of his entourage, blinded by the Tricksters magic.


"Make it stop!"


Time for Tada to step in.


Gadesha lets out a snarl.

Tricksters. Madmen. Fools. Disorder reigned all around. It was time to end it.

Tada smiled, even as a single tear fell from each of his eyes. As they slid down his face he lifted up a single finger on each hand and flicked them high into the air...

...and it started to rain.

All the dung and darkness and madness was washed away in Tada's Divine Rain. The banquet was washed clean but not away, all lush ripeness and freshness restored, and cups and gourds and drinking horns were refilled with fresh liquids. All around His People had their hallucinations and fears washed away, and soon normality had returned.

The Khan had restored order. All was calm. Everyone could relax.

Well...almost everyone...

Tada looked for Melock and Ohanzee, who had brought the Raven and created this mess.

"YOU!

The balance has been restored, order renewed, and the banquet may re-commence.
But not for you.

You two can wait outside, for the duration of the evening, and patrol the area around. If you dare invoke my wrath again, I shall have the Babeester Gor priestesses flay you alive. Go."

Tada walked across to his Consort and carefully lifted her from the floor. Her sickness had washed away and she now radiated beauty once more. He led her back to the table and resumed their seats.

The banquet could continue.

And order is restored...Just as Gadesha vanishes into the ground with a low growl.

With deft use of his Man Rune Salen has cured everyone of the malady affecting them and slowly they pick themselves up and return to the table to finish the feast.

Music starts up again and soon Tada is approached by each person present. One by one they come to pay their respects to their lord, his consort and their host Emesh-Ga.

"Thank you my lord, but I am sorry that your Horn has been stolen. We shall hunt for it do not worry"

Emesh-Ga is noticeably embarrassed.

Having tried and failed to bring peace to the quarrellers, their urgings to respect harmony or else the Trickster will just be laughing somewhere all the more having been in vain, Hoskar-Issaries and his cousins breathe a great sigh of relief at the display of Tada's commanding power. Thankful, his throat raw from his hiccups, Hoskar pauses to take a draught from a nearby cup.

And that, friends, is why we are glad to serve under Tada's leadership: the khan protects when others cannot, and makes good things anew.

They join in paying their respects; remembering to gather and present their symbolic coppers.

From the middle of the floor appears Gadesha, holding in each hand an upside down and slightly battered Raven brave.

She grins maniacally at the onlookers, bows to her lover and to Tada and then fluidly proceeds up through the roof with both men still firmly held.


Ohanzee and Melock find themselves being unceremoniously flung through the gates of the palace on to the hard, chilly ground, just as Bright Treasure appears in the East, heralding another day.

As they let it's rays wash over them, they are aware of being watched.

Something moves to block out the light and through battered eyelids the two men see several humanoid forms standing above them.

"Hello boys.....Been a bit naughty have we?"

High Llama accent.

Shit!

In reply to GM (msg # 243):

When he emerges in to banquet hall, he has his eyes closed, but when he realises were he is he opens his eyes and smiles weakly at everyone, then as Gadesha flows up towards roof he closes his eyes and covers his face.


As he tumbles though the gates, "Thanks for the ride Gadesha" the smile that was forming on his lips disappears when he reconises who is talking to him. He quickly gets to his feet and while dusting himself off, "It was decided that we'd had enough of the party and needed some fresh air. Well time to get some shut eye" he yawns and starts to walk towards Stinky to get his camping gear.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:38, Fri 15 Aug 2014.

Unlick Melock, Ohanzee was unprepared for the ride and didn't cover his mouth and ears so was spitting dirt between levels.

Whe they reach the surface he manages "Well you can't blame a Raven for jealousy. Mear baubles you are the real treasure!

Then the voices, women's voices, High Llama accent. He sighs "Raven how long will this day last?!" he mumbles. Then sitting up "Good morning ladies. What my friend means is the party has had too much of us. More than they can handle you might say.

Covering his bruised eyes and looking up at the bright treasure he smiles and says <blue>"The night is gone but the day is barely begun."<blue> He spits more dirt aside and then continues <blue>"And I've not had a bite or a drink. When do you fine ladies get relieved of your duties?"

Back at the ceremony, everything begins to slow down as final rituals are completed, thanks given and welcomes finished with.

The Earth Witch approaches the remainder of the Rangers.

"It is good to see you again, though I must admit I did not expect the proceedings to get hijacked by Wimoweh today."

She uses the local name for Trickster.

"No matter for his thieving ways are well known and perhaps Raven had a reason for what went on. The Horn has been taken, as it was before. I can think of no other worthier folk than you to find it again one day.

Why have you returned, i did not expect to see you so soon?"

The party are aware of the other participants of the ceremony drawing closer. At their fore is a group of Bison Riders.

They each carry black shields, denoting their clan, a close ally of the Prairie Thunders!

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 245):

When he hears Ohanzee say he's hungry, he reaches in to a pocket, "I've got some jerky, if you want some and I think there's a skin of Kumis on Stinky"

In reply to Earth Witch (msg # 246):

Looking around the company, Hoskar bows his head to the Earth Witch in respect.

Several things brought us back. At least two more tribes have come to know of the healing of this place so we wanted to know if they had passed by, and we saw Rainbow in the distance towards here as we were returning to our clan: we feared some harm might have befallen. Seeing this place, it appears our fears were groundless; but I for one was also pleased for the chance to return early. Your word to me, to look to the sky, has brought me great benefit: it is never too soon to render gratitude for the gift of wise direction.

Looking rather shy he briefly ducks his head as if examining his chest, then catches himself in the old bad habit and raises his eyes again.

As their eyes adjust they see that it is indeed the five Axe Sisters.

They aren't smiling and two hands shoot out to grab Melock roughly by his arms

"Not so fast sunshine."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk"

"What have we got here? Two naughty Ravens been causing trouble down below eh?"

"Orders are to see that you stay out of trouble for the rest of your stay. We've got our eyes on you" This speaker forks her fingers, points at her eyes and then at the two braves and then makes a cutting motion in her groin area.

"Or it's snip snip time."

One of them hands two hide buckets on long ropes and points to one of the smaller holes, which as Melock remembers is about forty metres deep.

"There's a pool in there, the water is good enough for our mounts. You'll be watering all of them."

She points at the large amount of animals spread out under the trees, Impalas, High Llamas, Bison, Rhino.....
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:40, Fri 15 Aug 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 249):

He visably blanches and manages to stutter a reply, in a high pitch voice "Thats a bit harsh" he grabs one of the buckets and heads towards the well, "I'm glad I grabbed something to eat earlier" he mutters to Ohanzee

"We have been visited by only who you see here. Ashfoot Earth Healer from the Bright Tail Impala Clan, Serpent Tamer and her Axe sisters from the Blue Hide clan and Long Cast and his braves from the Black Shield Bison Clan.

The rainbow you saw was a message sent to Ashfoot who was nearby to return as we realised you were returning. She was on her way back to her Clan to inform them of what had occurred here."

The pygmy priestess smiles at the Rangers "It was a trip worth making, despite the attentions of Raven...."

On hearing his name mentioned an older man approaches

"I am Long Cast, warrior of the Black Shield Clan. I greet you once more, this time in our world. To be honest I am shocked to find you all so young, but no matter for I do not judge on age but on achievements. "

As he talks the world about them begins to shimmer and fade and the braves find themselves once more in the cramped and ruined room where they'd fought the ghouls. It is lit by spluttering lamps and the foul water is still ankle deep.

Walls and ceilings, covered in mould tumble this way and that, evidence of the mighty battle that took place above, resulting in the destruction of the once perfect palace.

It is hard to hide the shudders of revulsion, but at least the chaos runes are gone...

Coughing slightly the warrior watches as many of those present begin to file out, bowing to the priestesses, and heading up the tunnel that leads to the cavern system and the way to the surface.

"It is fortuitous that we have met you, as we are on our way South to pay our respects to your Khan, for it is our own Khan's wish to have a meeting of the Clans. To share our magic, trade our beasts and to make marriage arrangements for our youths.

Do you intend to go that way soon, for I and my men would accompany you home."

Behind him stand six tough looking braves, who nod their greetings.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Fri 15 Aug 2014.

Ohanzee reflexively puts a hand across his groin "No, no need for that, the party is over, what more trouble could we get into watering the beast."

He sighs and then picking up a bucket can't resist as he walks off towards the pool "Besides, why refuse enjoyment to my wives to come?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 10:56, Fri 15 Aug 2014.

Their departure is met with loud laughter and many remarks about the likely size of their manhood.

Arriving at the Hole they find that a stone-lined depression has been made nearby for the water to be poured in. Both braves realise that they'll have to bring the mounts over in batches and that it was going to take most of the morning if not all day.

And to make things worse, as Melock peers down in to the pit he remembers that it was the one that the large snake like creature had been spotted in.

"Snake like creature you say?" Ohanzee says as he gathers up a handful of reins to lead the first batch over "Well in that case I'm going to bring my axe and put my armour on. I call Oglod Father of Lizards, but in truth he is the power behind more than just lizards, all manner of reptiles. If this thing is spotted then get behind me and don't attack it, I may be able to persuade it to move on if there is no violence towards it."

Leaving the beasts secured at the depression he grabs his armour and axe before heading down. "It was one hell of a party though wasn't it?" he grins at Melock "If you see any more of those mushrooms point them out to me won't you?"

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 255):

He'll make sure Stinky is in the first group, so he can get his last skin of kumiss and takes a swig, "Do you want some? chuck us one of you empty skins and I'll give you half" he checks the rope is long enough and that there is a weight attached so it sinks "I wouldn't go down there it was massive" he holds his hands as wide as he can, "about this wide, if its a snake, it might be a temple guardian or the one that pulls Emesh-Ga's chariot, but on the plus side the Storm Khan said it wasn't chaos" he walks to edge of the hole and lowers the bucket down, making sure he can let go quickly if the snake thing grabs the bucket.

Amara finds at her side the very tall Eirithan priestess Serpent Tamer

"Are you okay Tada Consort? We saw you fall and speak the words of two."

There is genuine concern in the woman's eyes.

"I think we should move back in to the caverns away from here. There is still much work to be done."

Ignoring his gear after the explanation he hands Melock his empty skin "Thanks. So, have you or anyone else been down there?" and he throws his bucket over holding the end of the rope tight.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 258):

"me and Hoskar, when we were checking for any more followers of the banished one, which is when we saw it" he hauls up the first of many buckets and pours it for the animals, "what a night" he says with a big smile on his face "the others are going to be so angry with us when they next see us" he holds his skin of kumiss up "worth it though, cheers!" and takes a big swig

As they pull buckets up both braves spy movement in tunnel entrance and out come Nixa and Sand Fox, pushing their way through the foliage.

Perhaps they'd heard the buckets, which are now in both Raven's hands. what ever the reason they were now moving to examine the pool.

Amara paused trying not to show how sick she really felt. She'd no idea what the priestess was talking about, but she didn't feel good. "I'm not at my best and my name is Amara Brightsky." Amara skin paled as she tried to stand on her own, swaying as she wiped the beads of vomit from her face. She looked up to the tall Priestess, not flinching, her eyes flashing with respect but not deference. "While there remains much work to be done here, my brother braves and I will not be here for long. We're here to pick up what remains of our goods and head back to our tribe. While we'll be returning here later in the year to assist this place, there are other things needing to be done before the garden is restored. Before we leave I'd like to have the blessings of all of the priestesses here."

As the ceremony winds down Salen-as-Tada begins to feel rather tired - playing a God is no easy task. Yet he smiles upon seeing Noita again, the Earth Witch coming to address the rest of the Wandering Rangers. Fortunately for him Hoskar is able to tell her why they are back, even as Salen nods and smiles and bids farewell to all those who have gathered here. Once he is eventually done he has some time to gather his thoughts.

He nods in greeting to Ashfoot Earth Healer, Serpent Tamer and Long Cast. Salen could see the world around them return to it's (sadly) normal state, and the grandiose settings of the world beyond fade away. When Long Cast approaches and addresses them, Salen bows in deference to the older warrior, then looks at him with a strong, proud expression.

"Well met, Long Cast of the Black Shield clan. Not only a warrior of renown, but an ally indeed. We should be leaving here fairly soon, and it would be an honour to have the company of you and your braves on the way back."

Salen could see his Aunt Brinna visibly stiffen at this news, and although he smiled inwardly he gave no outward show. The Red Thorns would be put in their place now!

He looked around then and regarded the broken room that was still filled with water, with clear distaste. The chaos runes were gone, but it would take much more hard work to return the place to some semblance of its former glory.

He looks around for Amara, who had been badly affected by Raven's shenanigans. The Eirithan priestess Serpent Tamer was already at her side, but Salen had to find out for himself.

"How are you, Red? You looked to get it pretty bad there. Come, let us move back to the caverns, as the priestess suggests."

Salen offered his hand, or arm and shoulder, depending on what she needed (if anything) to move away.

"Look, isn't that Nixaand Sand Fox?" he said pointing. "Do they know about the snake thing? And for that matter, does the snake thing know not to attack visitors? Because we're bound to protect them and it would not be good for relations if anything happened to them here."

"MOVE AWAY!" he calls down as he ties off the end of the rope if there is anywhere for it to tie to.

Amara watched Salen saying nothing to him as she stood up on her own. "I can look after myself Salen." Amara winced as she used eh fingers to explore her skin where she fell. "I'll use some water to clean and freshen up and then we can be on our way."