The Rangers get under way once more, moving through the hot, biting wind, blowing from the South West. The sand and grit smashing into the right hand rear of each of the riders.

There's no sign of game, but Salen points out a small protected area filled with Arrowstalk plants.

With roots looking similar to arrowheads, the plants at this time of year can be cultivated and the roots stored. When mashed they are used as a poultice for arrow wounds, especially when poisoned or infected.

"Shall we stop and harvest some?" suggest the Sun Hawk brave removing his scarf for enough time to speak.

He'd noticed the return of Brinna's Cowpecker and was on the alert for trouble. He manoeuvred himself to be at the front of the group, his lance and shield at the ready.

"We are laden down with loot and I am worried about thieves." he adds to those of his friends close enough to hear.

Sand Fox and Nixa have fallen back to join Amara where they share stories, joke and vie for her attention.

Their Aunt Brinna watches their antics, her face and emotions hidden by her scarf.

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 2):

He pauses telling Shade about how they killed the Chaos Cactus, "though they could come in handy, like you say we are a big target, so it may be best not to." Once he's voiced his thoughts, fully expecting no one to put any value on his opinion, he gets back to tell Shade about the adventures they have had, but he doesn't tell her about the Mostali tomb or Copperman. If she asks about the shields, he'll tell her they found them on the way to Rhino Gorge.

"Yes," replies Salen to Haratt. "These plants are both rare and very useful, so lets quickly gather as many as we can."

And he dismounts from Kohana and sets about doing just that.

Brinna offers up a small prayer as the plants are dug up. It's a reasonable haul considering the size of the patch and the priestess takes 1/10 as tithe.

Amara seemed animated and bright as she chatted, shared jokes and laughed with Nixa and Sand Fox. As the group stopped to collect the roots she dismounted to help. Asking Emesh Ga some of the words as she worked.

She beamed from ear to ear as she stood up after collecting the arrow stalk plants. She looked towards Nixa and Red Fox and said to their mother "I am giving them strong arrows for you." as she passed the tither to them.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:41, Tue 19 Aug 2014.

"And so you are Amara" replies the Priestess taking the proffered roots, which she places in her saddle bags.

As she does there's a warning shout from Haratt and the sound of approaching riders.

Surprisingly it is Zonta and the rest of Ohanzee's sept, with them are a few Red Thorn Riders, led by Red Knee. He greets his Aunt and his cousins and the assembled Wandering Rangers, though he  stays clear of the Black Shields.

"Greetings, my father had word of new pastures to the North so we moved at dawn, he gives his apologies not to see his wife's nephew again and wishes you all good fortune and safe travels."

He and the other brothers then circle Brinna and prepare to move off.

Zonta and the others move over to join their friends, greeting the Black Shields and looking quizzically at the young braves as if to ask What has been going on?

The Rangers can't help but notice the neutral looks on all three Rhino elders, who as one turn and thank their escort. Kimimela looks weirded out.

As they leave, Melock takes Shades hand and kisses it, "I hope to see you soon Shade, hopefully in Earth Season, when we return this way" when they have left, he rides over to Hoskar, leaning towards him because of the driving dust,  "You cant really notice any smell other than your rhino."

"My thanks to your father, my uncle, and may your new pastures be bountiful and blessed. Until we meet again, Aunt Brinna."

Salen rides over to give his aunt one last hug, and then waves the Red Thorns away. Then he lifts his scarf back over his mouth and nose and rides out again.

Ohanzee greets the sept and is pleasant enough to the Red Thorns thanking them for playing host to the sept and for seeing them safely back. Once they have departed though and there is no danger of being overheard he asks ”What has happened?”

Hoskar nods, just the once, face impassive.
Don't talk to me about smells, you. I'll likely remember why we're friends in an hour or two, but right now I'm still full of the smell of flying dung and incontinent jackrabbits. Got hands like a city washerwoman too.
Still, at least you didn't filch the shield. I suppose that's something. We not need anger Emesh-Goo.

There seems to be a bit of an argument taking place between Sand Fox, Nixa and Red Knee as the Red Thorns depart, but whatever is going on is soon hidden by the swirling wind.



And once again the group is under way, this time heading South East to try and find their previous route that had taken them North all those weeks before.



Zonta rides close to Ohanzee, with Kimimela behind. His mother had sat on one of the new Rhinos, that surprisingly despite it's wildness had accepted both numerous saddle bags and a rider. Perhaps it had been the Ranger's previous ceremony at the Rhino Rocklands that had meant the new Rhinos were so docile and happy with their new lot in life....

In between blasts of wind the Vingan informs Ohanzee and through him the others what had occurred

"Everything was fine, that night I sat up with The Lance, retelling old stories, some of which involved hunting in the Rubble for that White Lance that seems to have interested your friends. That and other things we discussed though he was tight lipped when it came to his Clan. They seem to be flexing their muscles at the moment. He and his family are moving South looking for grazing and it wouldn't surprise me if they had their eyes on the Bison grasslands. Sometime in the night there was a disturbance, some news that awoke some of the men and I saw a light on in their tent. Then at Dawn they began packing up and we were told that we had to go straight away."

She rides for a bit

"That Jarga Thorn Hair....His men, they looked ready for trouble and there were several new ones in the morning. Reckon they'd come in late at night , perhaps they had been out somewhere when we first arrived...Who knows?

Trouble's brewing. The Lance was almost apologetic when he said goodbye."

She points to the laden Rhinos  amongst them

"And Brinna and her family saw all these. Quite a haul"



Hoskar finds that both Iye and Maska have decided to ride with him, perched on both Kor and Ram. He can occasionally hear them rooting about his gear, laughing or more worrying going quiet.

"Trouble indeed, but it started brewing before we left perhaps. Jarga sent his son Two Lance off as we prepared to headout, he said for lostbison but he was not telling the truth."

He looks at the laden mounts and suggests "We should hurry, he did not know what the haul was but he must have guessed there would be one after he heard of the death of the shaman. And Darga tried to hide his annoyance that word had already gone to the clan of this."

Amara nodded her assent, waiting until after the group had parted company "We should hurry. I doubt that Brinna would sanction such a raid, after she saw how the other Earth Priestesses deferred to us, but she's unlikely to be happy at events taking place there and her influence may not be strong in this. We should break our route direct home by leading in a different direction."

"Which way do you suggest?" asks Haratt. He points roughly South West "This way will bring us to where you say you killed the Chaos cactus and found the Golden disc."

He looks to Salen and Hoskar knowing that they will find find the quickest and safest route.

Acknowledging his comrade's trust with a smile: I've not been here before, but I think I can find the way here. Give me a few moments.

He turns to his cousins with a quizzical look. And while I'm thinking, you might want to be telling me what's so exciting in my gear. Other people have ears too, you know. If you've found the Horn of Plenty back there, it's time to tell me about it. He suddenly grins hugely, and adds with a ripple of laughter in his voice I knew I had the thing around here somewhere, but clean forgot where I stashed it. Still clowning, he slaps the palm of his hand against his forehead.

Iye returns the laugh "We ain't taking anything, we promised. But I reckon Maska there's got the Horn...Mwaa ha ha."

He points at a clearly embarrassed Maska, who is holding in his hands several thin clay tablets engraved with some of the finer points of Ulerian worship.

"I ....found them in your saddle bags Hoskar...Amongst the Trade goods from Pavis."

With Hoskar leading the way with Salen's help, the group trudges off towards the South East, heading for the camp of the Chaos Cactus, the long dead Yelmalion, Tak Eelaa and Yarbu.....

Much of the surrounding countryside is obscured by clouds of flying sand, small mesas and strange rock formations. It's totally inhospitable with little vegetation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:10, Wed 20 Aug 2014.

"Something else to hurry us along - there are tracks crossing the path here, a group of pack lizards from the look of it, a few days old...perhaps older..."

Salen points out the tracks and passes the information on, but does not slow down.

Ohanzee urges Wihakayda forward to the closest ranger and speaks quietly "There are things keeping track with us on both sides, can't make out what, they're vary good at hiding. Pass it on."

"Sable shit"

Haratt prepares a charm and readies a javelin.

"Should we form up, bring the fight to them or make for safety?"

He looks around at the Mesas and piles of rock trying to see if there's a defensible spot somewhere near.

Directly ahead is some raised ground that might hold the entire group, or beyond it several small mesas side by side with narrow and defensible gaps between.

Long Cast and his men form up and begin to cast spells both protective and detective.

"We are being stalked. What are your plans Rangers? You move slowly with so much weight." Long Cast looks to the sky "We have perhaps an hour of light left."

"I can take my men and try and force their hand."

"No, let us ride on...and lay an ambush. The hoard can be the lure, and if a few stay with it the rest can spring the trap. We have a bunch of capable warriors here, and the advantage of surprise may well sway the odds in our favour.

How does that sound to you, Long Cast?"

Plans, what are our plans? We are being hunted by lizards. Lizards! Ohanzee considers and then beginings of an idea come to him "Salen, did you ever go visit Oglod to get his thanks for sorting out the Grandmother Spider thing?"

"Oglod gave me a gift and also told me that none of his children would attack in the Wastes unless they were attacked first. If we can reach a place where there is only one entrance then we can corral our beasts within and you and I can block the entrance."

"I did not, now that you mention it, Ohanzee. But that is an excellent plan. Perhaps Hoskar and I can hang back a little at first, though, see if we can get a better look at what tails us? We have the spells to do so. At least that way we can determine if it is simply lizards - or if it is something worse."

Salen is specifically thinking of employing Farsee spells to get a better look. Of course, if it's hostile people that is something else altogether.

I agree - let's scout. Maybe we can sharpen our appetites and go quietly too if Melock will give us a go of his bracelet charm. Can't hurt to see what we're getting into.

He turns to Iye and Maska. I didn't give you those knives to get yourselves killed with - you get to go on with the others, including Ram and the cat, and keep out of the way of trouble.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:55, Wed 20 Aug 2014.

The older warrior listens to the discussion and nods "Well we'll not outrun them. Only trouble I see with your plan is that we may force them to attack us all instead of waiting their chance to take on one of us that gets separated."

One of his men, Bamled,  has already cast a charm, his eyes large like a hawk "The Mesas up ahead looks as if they'll do, probably a fair few ways in. I'll take Yado with me and will go check it out whilst the rest of you follow."

The two braves cast charms that see their Bisons charge off at a huge rate of knots.

As the rest of the party moves on towards the Mesas, Salen and Hoskar find themselves at the rear, their Bison and Rhino magically silent and their eyes similar to Bamled's.

They both catch fleeting glimpses of their pursuers and sure enough they are Pack Lizards. Hard to tell how many, but obviously enough not to be scarred of such a large group of warriors.

Those going forward hear the remainder of Long Cast's men talking about how they plan to ride the Lizards down and kill them with their Lances and Bison. They don't look fazed and seem actually quite happy about the prospect.

Urging Wihakayda onwards towards the Mesa following Bamled and calls to his sept "Follow Bamled quick and get the beasts onto the mesa." and to Long Cast he calls "I will hold one of the ways on, do not worry about me, worry about the remaining ways!"

As he nears the mesa his form turns indistinct and begins to shimmer as though he is covered in black feathers that blow and ruffle in the wind.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:36, Wed 20 Aug 2014.

"Ach we're going to fight them in the open ground. They'll be drawn to where you corral the mounts and we'll hit them when they don't expect it."

Bamled returns to describe that the collection of Mesas can be entered through one of several easier slopes and that there is a good space within; it's approaches easily defendable.

Long Cast nods, barks a string of commands to his men and they wheel off and Gallop South, passing on the Western side of the raised ground with the intention of wheeling around it's Southern end.
This message was last updated by the player at 10:47, Thu 21 Aug 2014.

The pack rhinos are soon pushed and cajoled up the gentle slope and in to the shadowy spaces between the tall imposing rock formations. It's cool here and away from the biting wind.

The small herd is just getting in amongst the rocks, with those riding admiring the steep sides with some trepidation, when there is a the start of some bother with the foremost animals.

Those with them see, once their eyes grow accustomed to the gloom, that the central area is covered in the bones of many herd beasts, some even recognisable as humanoid. All of them have been chewed on and in most cases split open to get at the marrow inside.

At the sight before them Salen almost audibly rolls his eyes. He turns to the others quickly.

"This is their lair, and we've stumbled right into it! Ohanzee and I can block two of the entrances, they should not attack us - and if they do then we have the right to retaliate, so be ready."

With that he turned Kohana and went to block the north entrance, calling on Oglod as he did.

Javelins at the ready Haratt moves to the North Western entrance, after successfully helping to get some of the Rhinos into the central spot.

Once there he readies his magic, positioning himself so that he can charge anything that either comes over the steep incline or up the easier slope they had come up.

His two javelins are readied and once he gets a clear target he plans to cast his fire magic on one of them, throw the second after it and then engage with his lance just like Waha would want him to.

Melock climbs up one of the mesa's and gets his sling out ready to strike. more lizard skin armour, I cant wait

Amara was going to climb up a mesa and fire javelins herself, but the fact the Black shields wanted to charge changed her mind. It seemed like she was always having to go a different way because those around her picked the most obvious way to do things, despite the risk.

Amara put on her Yelmalion scale, preparing javelins to throw as they closed and her lance. She cast the charms she knew knowing Thunderfoot would not falter. This was not going to be pleasant.

Checking his weapons are loosened and ready, lance unpacked from his goods and actually close by on Kor, Hoskar hefts his sling; hoping he can do some damage before anything gets too close if the lizards attack. He glances to Salen, with whom he's been riding.
Do you reckon Oglod will keep them back? Don't want to take avoidable risks with so many lives at stake here.
Anyway, shall I take an entrance with you?

Everyone gets to where they're meant to be, it's a hectic and seemingly long ten minutes of frantic pushing, shoving, kicking and sometimes just yelling to sort it out, but eventually the calm before the storm arrives.

There's an occasional Bison bellow, a Rhino fart and Mordy barking for the pure joy of it and then nothing.

Well almost nothing.

There's the huffing and puffing of Melock as he hauls himself up on to the South Easterly Mesa. Then even he goes quiet.

Outside the wind blows.

There's a muffled shout seemingly quite far away.

Now and again the wind stops, only to start again from an entirely different direction, howling in it's ferocity and making all those near the entrances jump from the surprise.

It's worse inside, where the wind moans and whistles.

In reply to GM (msg # 39):

He swallows hard and scans the sky, while shouting to the others, "IT'S NOT A PACK LIZARD NEST, AND I THINK WHATEVER IT IS, FLIES AND IS BIG." If he cant see anything flying towards him, he'll grab an egg and throw it down to the others, then, while glancing skyward quite frequently, he dons his gloves and has a quick look though the remains. If at any point he see anything big flying towards him, he'll run to the edge of the mesa furthest away from it and climb down.

"What?"

Melock's shout comes during one of the very quiet moments and it's followed moments later by a large spherical object that lands on top of one of the pack Rhinos, exploding and covering the immediate area with yolk.

Something dark and twitching falls to the ground between the animals, causing the Rhinos to begin stamping and kicking.

Just then Long Cast rides up with two of his men, pulling up before Hoskar and Salen, close enough for Amara and Haratt to hear what he has to say.

"The Pack Lizards have moved off for some reason. We killed one and reckon there's nearly a dozen all up. A big pack truth be told. What's going on here?"

In reply to GM (msg # 42):

"SORRY, DIDN'T CHECK BELOW BEFORE THROWING"

Weayaya, Talutah and Kimimela get the Rhinos under control due to years experience and a good dose of luck.


Ohanzee and Zonta, who has uncovered her shield and fields what looks like a well used bronze javelin are approached by Attox three fingers and Neferty sable bane. The warriors ride up the slope, dragging behind them the corpse of a large Pack Lizard.

Pulling up Attox waves, a big smile on his face.

"They've moved off. For some reason they didn't want to come this way." He peers over Ohanzee's shoulder at the commotion coming from the pack Rhinos

"Trouble?"

Riding up Haratt answers the Black Shield warrior

"Not sure, Melock is up there" and he points to one of the rock spires "He shouted something about a nest?"

Haratt looks relieved that the Pack Lizards have retreated, but concerned with the new turn of events.

Something about a nest, Haratt? That mess looks like it was an egg too...but at that size? Surely not.

He takes a very deep breath indeed, looking nervously upwards before answering the Black Shields' leader.

I never asked why they call you Long Cast, but I hope it means you're good with a javelin. I've a bad feeling we've either ruined a giant's breakfast or there will be a flying thing the size of a hill along soon to ask about her baby. Either way, this could be an interesting night.

Thinking there's enough people around keeping an eye out for lizards, he carries on scanning the skies with his enhanced vision; his sling still ready for action .

In reply to GM (msg # 45):

"ITS A WYVERN NEST" he holds up a shiny scale between his 2 hands, its almost as wide as his head. He stashes the scale and his old boots, then climbs down to the others. "there are 3 more eggs up there, and what looks like a lot of coins in between the branches."

Melock finds Weayaya, Talutah and Kimimela in amongst the now subdued Rhinos, examining something on the ground.

It's a very trampled dead young reptile.

No one present seems to have any idea what it is

"Is it a Dragon?" asks Kimimela horrified as she stares up at the sky.

The warrior pulls an Iron tipped javelin from his saddle scabbard, which perhaps answers the question. It is marked with glowing runes.



"What? Out here? If this is true we have lost many calves to these creatures."

"It's a Wyvern nest all right." Salen curses and spits on the ground.

"Our Khan fought one of these before - a Lunar was riding it at the time. Question is, do we want to take it on?"

"What do you mean these creatures?" asks Haratt, sat upon Oberon and sending wary glances both out into the Wastes and up in to the blue sky.

"Ride, in the air!" Ohanzee says in wonder and he slips from his rhino guiding it to the middle.

"Melock let me help. We need my shield, a could of blankets and rope."

"Our clan was plagued by two of the beasts about a year ago, further North and too the West. We injured one but they were clever beasts and did not stay for long. They're not from here, so no idea where they came from. Yado the tall swore that one had a saddle on it's back, but to be honest he was drunk that day.

It's because of their nest that the Pack Lizards have pulled back. I suggest we leave now and keep going the way we were, before the Pack Lizards grow some balls and the Wyverns get here."

Iye and Maska join those now in the centre of the Mesas, standing around the dead Wyvern hatchling.

"Ooo can we help Ohanzee?" they both say in unison.

Nodding to Long Cast Sounds the likeliest plan we've got Hoskar's atention is on the skies. Suddenly, he sits yet more upright and peers out into the air.

There's something flying out there - away to the East! he bellows across the mound. Only a speck in the sky - can't see what it is - but have a care!

Although he keeps scanning the skies as a whole, his eyes come back to the spot in the distance again and again to see if it's getting bigger or closer and if he can make out any more details.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 53):
"the more help the better, we can use the ostrich to keep them warm at night, and hopefully Bright Treasure and blankets will keep them warm during the day." he gets a couple of blankets and some rope from his pack, "how do you think we can get them down Ohanzee?" He looks towards Hoskar when he shouts, "LET US KNOW IF IT GETS CLOSER" he bellows back.

To Iye and Maska, Ohanzee replies "Look after Wihakayda and be ready to leave quick. Borrow this in case you need to ttack at a distance, it will make your weapon fly a little straighter and hit a little harder."

Then turning to Melock as he straps his shield to his back he says "I'll explain on the way, let's climb!"

On his way up he explains "We can wrap the eggs in a blanket and put then on the shield then wrap the second blanket over and lower the lot by the rope. The shield will stop them breaking if it hits the rock instead of them."

"If we take all eggs they have no reason to stay and every reason to hunt. If there are some left then they should want to protect them. They've been off for a while so will need to sit on the eggs so maybe will stay put."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 58):

He goes to follow Ohanzee, but cant find a hand hold, he finally manages to climb up, "Good plan, so we take 2 leave 1"

As they formulate their plan the wind stops again, enabling both men to hear a loud, surprised sounding animal snort.

It comes from a nearby Mesa, several metres higher and to the West. There, some 50 metres away, a long necked, rather sleepy looking reptile is looking across at them, realisation slowly showing on it's face that they're stealing it's eggs.

It opens it's mouth, one filled with extremely large teeth, and roars, long and hard as it extends it's wings.

A roar answered soon afterwards from a speck to the East, one now visible to the naked eye and not just Farsee.

Haratt wheels his Bison around and heads back in to the centre shouting up to Melock and Ohanzee

"What is it?"

The Wyvern is distracted as it realises that there are other intruders below.

In fact a huge bunch of them.

Melock and Ohanzee, momentarily stunned, watch as a long stinger tail rises behind the Wyvern's head. It's wings are still stretching out, as it seems that the beast is deciding what to do....

"Let's get out of here whilst it doesn't know what to do!" Ohanzee says as he slips over the edge without waiting for Melock's response, almost hopping down the cliff face like a mountain goat.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Fri 22 Aug 2014.

"What the.. will you stop leaving me by myself to face things." he goes to climb down, but cant remember were he came up and doesnt think he can follow Ohanzee as he cant see any hand holds.

He leans over the side and shouts, "IF YOU CAN DISTRACT HER, I CLIMB DOWN THE OTHER SIDE"  he makes his way to the middle and gets ready to react.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:49, Sat 23 Aug 2014.

The Wyvern's attention flicks from the large amount of movement  down below back towards her eggs, where she spies Melock heading that way.

With a scream of rage she launches herself up in to the air, arcing up and over towards the threat to her unhatched babies!

It's then that those below see her for the first time, she's as big as a Rhino, with long wings, tail and two legs. She's up and over the gap between mesas in a flash, a terrifying roaring shadow.

The women shout in terror, running to stand flat against the rock walls, just as Ohanzee drops down next to them.

In the middle of the Mesa Melock finds himself all alone and the focus of a rather pissed off Wyvern.

The Nest is large and could afford places to hide if Melock was too act quickly, possibly scrambling beneath the uprooted trees and rocks.

At the other side of the Rock formations Amara, Salen and Hoskar see that the other Wyvern is fast approaching, dropping out of the sky and aiming towards where they are.

There's ample time to prepare missiles, magic and formulate plans.

With them is Long Cast and all but two of his men, those two still at the Southern end with a dead pack lizard between them.

With a gasp at the size of the creature Haratt casts the prepared spell that had been sitting on the tip of his tongue and his javelin bursts into magical flame.

"Stay out of sight" he shouts across the backs of the heavily laden Rhinos to the three women, just as Ohanzee comes sliding down amongst them.

"What have you two done now?" he sounds angry because he is, after the debacle of the Giant Finger Holes his feelings have soured somewhat towards the Ravens. Not surprising considering that he's Sun Hawk.

"I'll guard the Rhinos, and where's bloody Melock, don't tell me he's still up there?"

Then looking up to the top of the Mesas it dawns on him that the range is probably to far for his javelin to be effective.

There is trouble approaching all-around, and not all of it friendly (ie. Raven!). Salen casts his spells and prepares his weapons, ready to fight.

Meanwhile to the South Zonta, Attox three fingers and Neferty sable bane charge down the slope there and begin to wheel out towards the East.

Behind them and throwing up a good sized dust cloud is the dead pack lizard, still attached to the two Bisons.

Ohanzee feels bad about leaving Melock alone above, or rather bad about not making sure that his fellow Raven could find his way down so easily. Not bad enough to go poking his head over the top of the same mesa, but bad enough to get closer to at least. Everyone else is concentrating on the one approachin, which is far enough as the wyvern already here is not visible... from here.

Hold on Melock he thinks as he calls to Whispers On The Wind "Whispers take a look above on top of this mesa for a place I can hidebut keep safe!" pointing at the one to the West that the second beast was asleep on. The answer that comes makes him cringe "Safe? So says the Raven who scrambled into a wyvern nest!" as she flutters up the North side of the cliff.

Why didn't I get her to check before?! he chides himself silently as he heads around the South edge of the same mesa to try to climb out of sight of the one appoaching and the one on the nest.

Amara turned to the others, seeing in their eyes that this would be an important fight for all concerned. Having seen the others prepare, Amara drew her bow together with the flint arrows. She dared not risk the bronze ones while we remained so poor at using this weapon. She made sure her javelins were close by for use. Grandmothers tongue almost vibrating with it's readiness to be thrust towards the wyvern.

Amara closed her eyes asking for Vinga's blessing while she strove to keep this beast away from friends and family.

Melock dives for the nearest section of nest comprising of the roots of an old Tamarisk tree, momentarily he gets snagged, but is able to free himself by cutting his belt in two with his knife, then he's under, scrabbling this way and that to get a good view of the massive, angry Wyvern.

It's there right above him, hovering, poison sizzling as it drops from the tip of it's twitching stinger to splash just overhead.

The Raven brave throws a charm up at the creature, preying to Waha that it'd work and as he does he sees a bright speck of light playing over the Wyvern's scaly face.....


Far below Haratt has in his hands the Golden Disc, now blazing bright from the magnified cult spell that he'd just cast on it. He's directing it upwards.

"Come on yer bastard!"


Also flying upwards is the black fluttering form of Whispers the bat, send to scout a place to hide for Ohanzee, who is threatening to overtake his bound spirit in his haste to get to the top and save his friend....


Thundering hooves, three warriors bent low over their mounts, lances held tightly and a  trail of dust, blood and guts in their wake.


Zzzziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipppppppp..........Zzzziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipppppppp..........Zzzziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipppppppp..........

Arrows and slingshot fly, amazingly considering the lack of skill but thanks to well cast spells some hit. Even more surprisingly several even penetrate the heavy armour scale that covers the Wyvern.

Even more pissed than before, the Male dodges the next lot fired and swoops down to kill the intruders...The Egg Stealers...The prey.....

Amara swaps to Grandmother's tongue, a magical Vingan charm running across it's wooden shaft. By her side Salen and Hoskar draw back bow string and twirl a leather throng so the very air whistles.

Behind there's a clatter of Javelins being readied as Long Cast urges on his men  "Steady boys, wait until you see the yellow of his eyes...."


Melock curses as his charm fails, deciding to move further in under the nest, where gold, silver and copper discs beckon....


Making the top Ohanzee spies his bat hovering by a jumble of boulders that might afford both the height and cover he needs. Diving for it he hears a screech from behind him.

The Wyvern!


Zonta and her two Bison warrior accomplices pull up in a shower of grit, letting the dead Pack lizard skid past them. Banging their shields they begin to holler and shout

"Come and get it"


The female drops, grabbing her remaining egg, her head thrashing from Haratt's distracting light spell and a disruption thrown by Ohanzee and then swoops out towards the East, dropping out of view for the moment.


Grandmother's Tongue finds it's mark, as a final flurry of rocks, arrows and then javelins fly upwards. The male Wyvern roars in anger, it's hide penetrated by both magic and flint, causing Long Cast's Bison to rear, throwing the warrior to the ground.

And then the beast is flying through them, and up and away towards the new hullabaloo, made by Zonta and her mob.

There's a moment's madness as mounts are brought under control and then everyone looks around to check that they're okay. They'd been an amazing loud noise of flesh hitting metal and there on the ground lies Hoskar, under his shield, waving weakly that he's okay.

It's followed by a sickening crunch as the body of Di-sen the quiet, a gaping hole in his guts where the poison stinger had buried itself, lands on the ground next to the Condor Brave.....

Injured but nicely distracted the male Wyvern lands in the near distance on top of the dead Pack Lizard, tail stabbing out at Zonta and the two Black shields.

It's a no brainer....As Hoskar is picked up, his shield glows, Strength spells flowing out and over their mounts. Mobility charms are next, quickly followed by lance tips gleaming with extra sharpness.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:11, Sun 24 Aug 2014.

Haratt places the gold disc back in his satchel, wheels Oberon around and charges out to the North with the intention of joining his friends.

Replacing his javelin in it's saddle quiver he pulls out his lance and rides....

Amara reached down to pat Thunderfoot whispering to her. The gleam on her face proud of what they'd managed to accomplish so far. She cast her charms on herself, her rhino and her lance, readying her shield as her rhino started lumbering towards the fallen wyvern. Amara figured that the bison were quicker and she wanted to urge thtem to finish the fallen foe. She started a long ululating cry as she closed on the syvern.

It looks like one is gone and the other will either follow or perish quickly at the end of many lances and there is no way for Ohanzee to help with that. It also looks like Melock has either dug in or perhaps even fund a way down in the mean time!

Ohanzee therefore takes the opportunity whilst up on the higher mesa to look down on to the tops of the shorter ones for anything of interest. He also takes the chance to glance around the top of the mesa he is on. So you were sleeping here, maybe you eat here and if you eat travelers and their beasts maybe there's some useful remains.

Ohanzee finds that the Mesa top is covered in bones from of all types of herd beasts, though there seems to be a large amount of Ostrich remains.

It doesn't take long for him to come across what can only be a saddle for one of the Wyvern. It's of a strange design, certainly foreign and the girth strap has been chewed apart. There's two saddle bags built into it, one open and empty, the other still buckled shut. About it lies the bones of what at first looks like humans but are probably Gern.

As he approaches to investigate, two small armoured creatures scurry out from under the saddle,  mouths filled with razor sharp teeth snapping at empty air, the shock causing Ohanzee to stumble backwards in his attempt to dodge them.

Rubble Runners, likely drawn here by the carrion.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 16:55, Mon 25 Aug 2014.

Salen finds himself powering along in front of his two companions on their Rhinos, each brave thrusting forward their magically charged lances. Beneath them their mounts pound the ground with legs made massive by Emesh-Ga's magic, their bodies rippling with enhanced Iron hard muscle.

Ahead the Wyvern's attention is on Zonta and her companions, it's tail darting almost too fast to see. One of the Bison crumples to it's knees, poison burning it's insides to mush.

Behind, Long Cast and his men are following, spreading out to either side of the Rangers.

Disaster! Salen drops his lance, it's wooden shaft slipping from sweaty palms as he makes his thrust, charging past and dodging to miss Zonta at the last moment.

Amara doesn't falter ramming her lance into the Wyvern's right leg, causing it to buckle right into Hoskar's way. The Condor brave alter's his aim and skewers the reptile through the head killing it instantly.

As it falls the Black Shields ride around and around in a wide circle whooping and hollering praise! Their lances held high, saluting the female Wyvern as she swoops off towards the East, a solitary egg in her claws....

Within moments she's a mere speck, leaving behind the ruins of her nest and her dead partner.

Haratt pulls up just outside the Mesas at the top of the natural ramp down. Seeing Hoskar make the killing blow sends him into raptures of joy, just like the Black Shields. Standing on Oberon's back he adds his voice to those cheering and on seeing the other Wyvern escaping he shouts even louder.

Then regaining his composure he sits down and heads back in to inform the Rhino folk what has happened.

"It's dead! They killed the male and the female has flown away. You're safe."

The three Rhino women begin to ululate, the sound echoing about the rock walls, amplifying them tenfold.

Helped on by the day's wind (which thanks to it's direction had aided the Rangers missiles not hampered them) the sound is thrown out far and wide across the Wastes.

Iye and Maska pile out sitting astride Hoskar's other Rhino, squeezing past Haratt with inches to spare.

They're laughing and hollering, very obviously happy to be alive!

Zonta, looking old and tired waves at the Rangers as she slips to the ground. Attox three fingers is kneeling by his dead Bison, cursing loudly, whilst Neferty sable bane begins singing a healing charm, his left leg torn open to the bone. Zonta waits until he is finished and then begins casting her own magic, a talisman about her neck glowing brightly as it provides the power for the charm.

The wound seals itself, leaving just the torn leather chaps as a reminder of what had transpired.

"Whooosh" There's a final exhalation from the Wyvern as the last of the air in it's lungs is expelled, startling everyone somewhat as they draw closer to examine the magnificent beast.

Protruding from it's armoured hide are several arrows and Grandmother's Tongue, thankfully undamaged. Of interest though is the remains of a saddle attached to the creature, a gold band about it's leg and what looks like writing or tattoos along the top and sides of it's wide neck, close to where the saddle is.

"Rubble runners!" Ohanzee exclaims. Everyone knows about them, nasty vicious mouthful of teeth on legs. As they attack him he doesn't want to let them get their teeth near his flesh as they have a han]bit of never letting go.

He takes up a defensive stance looking for a chance to even the numbers.

when he hears the shouts of joy, he calls down to the others, "SHE TOOK THE LAST EGG AS WELL, I'M GOING TO BE UP HERE FOR A BIT, COLLECTING STUFF" Then he carries on collecting all the coins and searching for any other bits that have been dropped by the wyverns.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:13, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

Amara smiled nodding to Zonta as she walked forward to retrieve her javelin from the dead wyvern. "A strong foe, and one which would have caused much harm to all. the markings and the saddle are curious. I have never heard of anyone..." she paused almost as if disgusted "riding one of these things. It's almost obscene."

Zonta gets back on to her Rhino and moves over to where Amara stands "Lunars" she spits, pointing out the Red Moon motifs on the leather.

There's Death Runes evident too.

"Yanafal Tarnils. The Empire War god."

Long Cast joins the Wandering Rangers around the dead Wyvern, if he's embarrassed by his earlier fumble he doesn't show it. He's leading Di-sen the quiet's Bison, which he gives to Attox three fingers without little ceremony, saying

"Di-sen was Storm Bull, we will place him atop your mount Attox and leave him to guard the Mesas.

Rangers you are indeed fearless braves, many twice your age would have thought twice before facing such a creature. I leave it in it's entirety to you. we make no claim on it's hide or belongings.

I ask that you join us in the farewell ceremony to Di-sen."

He looks at how low Bright Treasure now is and suggests "That we stay the night here. It is defendable and I think if you are quick with removing the wyvern's armour the Pack Lizards will be sated and leave us alone."

Joining the others about the dead Wyvern Haratt shares out his praise amongst his friends and then hearing the suggest ion to stay the night rides back to inform the others still in amongst the Mesa's

Ohanzee, with axe and shield tries his best to either dislodge his two adversaries or cut them in two. It doesn't go well with any attempt to hit them seeing the two Rubble Runners dodging away, using the Saddle as cover.

Every now and again they sally forth to try their luck with Ohanzee, but he like them dodges their bites.

It's a stand off, with Ohanzee in front of the saddle, which has beneath it two growling, spitting, teeth filled armoured beasts, who look like they don't plan either going anywhere nor letting the Raven brave get near their...Nest!

At first, Hoskar beams with fierce delight to see his lance go straight and true through the creature's un-armoured eye and the beast fall. He is taking a painful breath, past possibly cracked ribs from his earlier fall when he took the full impact of the wyvern on his shield, for a whoop of joy when...

...and his smile dies on his lips. That could have been me if I'd taken the stinger instead.
A good and brave man who stood firm against foes: it is a melancholy honour to see such men off on their journey. Di-Sen will stand with the Bull as well and bravely as he stood this day he says; as much to himself as anything, yet audible to any who would hear.

With a solemnly grateful bow of his head to Long Cast, he turns to the downed wyvern. Wonder if I can read those runes...

"Perhaps next time I'll hang back a bit. Kohana was going so fast there I couldn't control him and keep a grip on my lance...not exactly heroic."

Salen rides up looking a little embarrassed, but he soon gets over it and looks to see what everyone else is doing.

Amara lowered her head in respect to Long Cast. "I would stand with you and remember him in the farewell ceremony. He was a good fighter." Amara expresed her sympathy to the others of the black shields as they'd lost a brother. It was unfortunate, but life was tough in the wastelands. She'd already lost brothers to it.

After a few moment, Amara settled down to work. She stepped closer to the wyvern removing everything as she gathered it all near Hoskar. She then went to her mount to get her knives. This skin would make for a grand story when they got back to the others.

The saddle is soon unbuckled after some initial bother. Who ever made it were masters at their job, it's work is unparalleled in any of the nomads' clans.

It's saddle bags contain a collection of fine clothes: A red wool cloak, several pairs of well made trousers and some very fine under garments that none present except Hoskar understand what they are.

There's a pouch with a small gold statue of a warrior, a thumb's length in height. Encased in foreign looking armour and carrying a curved sword.

The Gold band on the Wyvern's leg, fully encloses the creature's ankle, has no obvious means to remove it bar cutting off the foot and looks to be a healing matrix.

Finally the tattoos along the neck also turn out to be matrixes too, though of spells that none examining them can decipher. Amara reckons that with some careful butchery the three separate patches could be removed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

Shaking his head at this obvious material display of Lunar encroachment, Hoskar at least appreciates Amara's butchery skills, and after a while can slide off the gold band; which makes an odd-sounding 'ting' as it comes free. Perhaps it just caught on a scale. Odd-looking thing, for sure.

Although the Wyvern's ankle was vast, he gets a curious feeling that the gold band might fit his arm, as if its size is somehow not all it seems. With a strangely quizzical expression and feeling unusually drawn on, he tries sliding it onto his left arm where it might be snug and mostly hidden under his armour.

When Melock finally makes it down from the mesa, he has a grin on his face, until he realises that Di-Sen was killed, then he just quietly shakes one of his pouches to show that he found some cash and gets on with helping with whatever needs doing.

While he's looking round at what needs doing for setting up that nights camp, he hears the unmistakable sound of rubble runners squeaking from top of one of the mesas, he turns to one of the rhino women, "didn't Ohanzee climb one of those?" when see nods and points to the one the sound is coming from, he goes to climb up but can't find a way up so he shouts "OHANZEE, HOW DID YOU GET UP THERE?" and carries on looking for a route up

Fireday, Truth Week, Sea Season.

During the evening the body of the Black Shield warrior is placed upon the dead Bison and set on the plateau looking out towards the far off Block. Long Cast asks Salen and Amara to help with the ceremony, whilst Bamled horse killer also a follower of Storm Bull calls down his God to preserve his Disen the quite as a guardian of the place.

A fierce wind blows up, near flattening everyone, helped by large amounts of sacrificed power. Disen glows for the rest of the night, eyes a fierce red beneath his helmet.

Further inside the Mesas a camp is set up, wood from the nest being used to fuel a large fire that burns all night, keeping at bay the pack of ferocious lizards that are out feeding on the corpse of the skinned Wyvern. There's the howl of hyenas and just before dawn the sounds of a fight between two groups of competing carrion eaters.

No one took up Melock's suggestion to try and kill a pack lizard, using the darkness, danger and fact there was a large amount of Wyvern hide as excuses.

Ohanzee had made it back down, helped by Haratt and Melock, who with the use of some rope scaled the Mesa, and then scared off the Rubble Runners. The nasty critters had only stopped to remove their young, before scuttling off somewhere in the darkness.

They'd left behind a saddle, similar to the one below, it's bags empty.

Come dawn the Wandering Rangers and their Black Shield companions continue with their journey, waiting only for Haratt, joined by Neferty sable bane another Sun Hawk brave, as they pay homage to their Feathered Rival, it being their Holy Day. Both men travel separately to the group, vanishing completely at Midday only to reappear late that night as the group made camp at the Cactus camp site.

The overhang is much as they'd left it, the space outside just missing the huge chaos cactus that had killed Whispers from the Sky all those weeks before. Totally surrounded by cactus plants the clearing is now a safe place, the previous signs of Pack Lizards long gone, replaced with tracks of Jack rabbit, bush turkey and hundreds of Jerboa footprints.

The presence of both Tak Eeela and Yarbu is strong, felt by all.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:36, Wed 27 Aug 2014.

It seemed like so long ago to Salen that they had last camped here, at the Cactus camp site. Whispers with her skull crushed by the giant chaos cactus. They had come so far since then, achieved so much...lost so much...

Shaking his head Salen dismounted from Kohana and helped him settle for the evening. Then he went out and set some traps for Jerboa, as Yarbu had told him how he taught Foundchild a few tricks and would allow Foundchild to eat whichever of his children were too slow to escape capture. And so it proved, for he caught three in short order, so they would have some meat for supper this evening. In thanks, Salen honoured Yarbu himself.

Coming in late, Haratt is exhausted and goes straight to sleep, asking that he be excused guard duty.

"So Melock, the female flew off with one egg where are the other two?" Ohanzee asks as he deposits his find of cacti.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 99):

He looks up from where he is sitting, a lump if meat in his hand that us just going in to one of the empty saddle bags, there's a little growl from the bag, followed by the sound of chewing, and he quickly removes his hand, "the other eggs?" he looks puzzeled "the first one I dropped, the one we fixed to the shield didnt make it either, I was rushing it before mummy got to me, though if I'd had someone to help me, it might have made it" he smiles and shrugs and puts another bit of meat in to the saddle bag, this time the growling is less.

Hoskar comes back from his cactus hunt grinning all over his face, rendering grateful thanks to Tak Eela .
I've found one that's good for healing here, and warn your tastebuds to expect something mighty good, folks - these things are milk cactus. I'll be busy awhile.

He retreats under the overhang, taking with him a handful of something from his goods  along with sonme vessels and a waterskin. For a while, all the others can hear is pounding and slicing, with the occasional muffled curse. Eventually, he re-emerges; leaving behind a covered pot full of something creamy-looking inside a larger water-filled vessel well in the shade where it will stay as cool as Fire Season permits.

Think you're going to like this - cactus and some little secrets to sweeten it up. Not a full meal in itself, but cooling and nourishing stuff and an excellent little finish to a meal. It's been a while since I could knock out something sweet.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Wed 27 Aug 2014.

Amara returned with a rather meagre stash of cactus. She looked towards the fire but saw that the rhino women had already started cooking. She left her cactus for them to cook or eat they saw fit, before sitting by the fire to learn more Earth tongue from Emesh Ga.

"And if your climbing lessons had been a bit more fruitful then we could have gone back for them later." he returns more quickly than hens have liked, then changing the subject "Why is your saddlebag growling?"

Hoskar looks up briefly from teasing the tangles out of Four-Paws's coat, overhearing Ohanzee's query.
Saddlebag? Whose? Oh for the love of trade I bet Melock's gone and captured a rubble runner. Never a dull minute. Hang on...where's...

He looks around, making sure only the rangers and relatives hear.
Actually, when did anyone last see the Copperman? Wasn't he in someone's saddlebags?

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 103):

he grins, "yeah, I think I've figured out why I was having problems, Grandmother Spider has 8 limbs, I kept going for hand holds I couldn't use." he gently strokes the saddle bag "its a special bag, it growls when you put your hand in it, would you like to try?" He puts another piece of meat in the bag, this time there's only the sound of chewing. "too late, its used to me now"

He looks over to Hoskar, "I haven't looked for him, I'll go and check now." He gets up, taking the saddle bag with him, and goes and checks where Haratt said he put Copperman
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Wed 27 Aug 2014.

Haratt having been on top of the Mesa just shakes his head, though he smiles as he does so.

Ohanzee takes his own collection of cacti fodder to the elders and as he does so tries to impress with his (very poor) knowldege of Earthtongue "I  lick  the  earth's  tongue.  It  mocks  me  a  butter  Wobbling   Ranger."

The food is divine, the Earth Tongue rough and rustic, and Copperman is found to be inert and cold to the touch.

Melock returns with his small body rigid and unmoving, whilst his saddle bag growls even louder than before.

Nothing anyone does can revive the Copperman.

The night passes uneventfully and the next morning arrives with clear blue skies and a scorching sun. It's wildday and the evening will see the Rangers camping at the low depression where Amara had discovered the the old Bow Case once owned by Krakka Rumble's aunt.

It's easy going, as they recognise the way, helped by the Waha rope in Salen's possession.

A small flock of Bush turkeys is discovered by Salen and he and Amara manage to capture four of them by herding them amongst some boulders, with Mordy and Four Paws immobilising them one by one.

The list of names spoken into the darkness grows by one as Ohanzee adds Disen the quite to those for remembrance. Neither Sept, nor clan, nor tribe, nor ranger even, he gave his life for them.

During the days and nights of travel the Black Shield warriors listen to the stories of the Rangers and hear something of their plans. It is easy to see that several of them are impressed and even Long Cast can be seen to every now and again nod his head in respect.

It's not all rosy, for the others are quick to point out that their way of life would be over, and it was not something they wished to see "This greening of the land". "We are men of Waha and have no wish for this promised land or easy life full of bounty and peace."

It's an argument and point of view mirrored by the story that Saqui had told all those weeks ago whilst travelling through these same camps.

It's during their stop over at the Depression that Hoskar and Salen, both taking the middle night watch, hear approaching creatures, coming from the North. It's hard to really tell but it seems that what ever they are they're big and possibly two or more.

Amara listened to the arguments carefully trying to point out that their way of life might be easier, but their children would not die young. That they would see their children grow and have children of their own and that no matter how green the land turned there would still always be hardships and a need for waha and those who followed him as she debated.

during the day Melock can be seen feeding lots of meat to the growling bag, and occasionally rubbing a group of scars on his left hand that run from his wrist to the end of the middle 3 fingers on both sides and anyone looking closer notices that the middle finger on that hand is missing from the last joint.


He listens to the points of view put across by the Black Shields and gently shakes his head while smiling to himself, you try and make peoples life easier and all they do is complain, we will still need Waha and we'll always find someone to fight

The growling bag of Melock's is bound to be a problem at some point, and a talk with the Raven does not comfort Salen one little bit.


At night, guard duty throws up its own problems. Salen calls Mordy and has him ready to alert the others, and casts Farsee to see if he can make anything out.

Shaking his head sadly at Melock's injury, there's little Hoskar can add to their conversation. It's just Raven - no doing anything about that, really.   


Later, on guard, he draws a breath to challenge the newcomers but sees Salen trying to learn more with enhanced vision, and waits to find out what his comrade discerns.

The approaching riders cast a spell, it's ultra violet flash showing up as it flows outwards, a recognisable detection charm of some sort.

It presumably comes back with good news for a whispered greeting quickly follows

"Is that the Rangers?"

"We mean no harm"

It's Nixa and Sand Fox.

"Well come on over, it is the Wandering Rangers indeed. What are you doing out at this time of night?"

Salen makes sure Mordy is alert in any case.

Alone out here at night? Something's wrong, that's for sure Hoskar mutters to Salen.

Peering cautiously into the darkness, he decides to charm up some knowledge of any lurking dangers for himself too.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Fri 29 Aug 2014.

Oblivious Ohanzee lays dreaming that he is astride a great steed not charging across the Wastes, but flying above them. From his high vantage point in >Orlanth's realm he looks down on a scene of fresh growth, greening spread far below at such a rate it appears as a spreading flood.

"Agreed. But if they mean us no harm why should we send them away? Let's see what your charm shows up, if anything."

The charm comes up blank, which is good news at least. Soon enough the two riders arrive at where the two Condor braves have set up their watch post on the edge of the depression. Below, barely visible are the glowing coals of a dung fire, the shapes of the many Rhino's and Bison all around.

It is in deed Nixa and Sand Fox

"Greetings Rangers" Nixa sounds sheepish and perhaps embarrassed "Can we enter your camp?"

"We've....Well we've left our family and have come to ask if we can take the oath and join the Wandering Rangers"

"Plus we need to sleep, we've been riding none stop....Bloody knackered I am"

They certainly sound  sincere.

Back at the camp it quiet with most people asleep or at least trying to get some. There'd been a fair bit of discussion during the night about what might be afflicting the Copperman and it is Weayaya who suggested

"Perhaps he gains his power from the tomb, or from something in it. Or needs to be close to the Mostali? Did you say there was other places near here associated with them? The old ruins to the West of here and a tower by the river?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:17, Sat 30 Aug 2014.

Haratt sits up mumbling to his gold coin and then shakes whomever is next to him until they're awake.

"Got company. I just got warned by my spirit via Mordy"

He stokes the fire, which under his Sun Hawk touch flares up quickly.

Amara was sleeping quietly, enjoying the rest after her muscles ached from butchering the wyvern. It might have taken a long time, but the stories when they returned home would be so worth it. They could almost eat for a week on it, just visiting the other bands and relaying the story. When she woke it wasn't out of alarm. It was on hearing thunderfoot snort. The snort she only made when greeting other mounts she knew. Her curiosity piqued Amara opened an eye to find it was still dark.

Rising from her bed, she picked up grandmothers tongue and went to see what the fuss was about.

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 122):

Melock wakes with a start, when Haratt shakes him awake. "what?" he replies sleepily "visitors, cant be good" he checks his saddle bag is still asleep, "If it wakes up, can you give it this?" and he passes Haratt half a jerboa, "you will probably want to be wearing a glove if you do" he points to his scared left hand. He follows grabs his sword, shield and sling, then follows Amara at a safe distance.

Ohanzee akes his time rising as the others rush off to see who has arrived. He lays there eyes closed and listens to what Melock says then waits a moment before opening them and sitting up.

With Melock headed off into the darkness he says quietly to Haratt "Or if you don't want to loose the end of your finger then you could just ignore it." then pauses before continuing with a wink visible in the roaring firelight "But then that might make it even more... eager for feeding when Melock returns."

"Whispers, would you please go take a look at what the fuss is about?"

The Red Thorn braves are escorted into camp, where they hobble their bison and move to the fire, weaponless and making sure to not appear threatening in any way.

Once settled, they except water and then begin to explain

"We want to join the Rangers" says Nixa excitement in his eyes, his brother nodding enthusiastically and smiling at Amara.

"Yes, screw hanging around at home. You have metal, fame and a name. We want this too and to see Tada walk again."

"It's time we kicked out the Sable fuckers, took back our lands and gave the Lunars what's coming to them."

In the darkness Whispers can be heard fluttering about the camp staying close as she searched for food. Listening to the two youngsters, though in truth they are of around the same age but not initiated of course.

After a moment of consideration he says "We Rangers are sworn to stick by one another through thick and thin. We of course have our differences now and then, but we pull together."

He looks the two over "It is true that the ranks of the Wandering Rangers are growing and since we serve to repair the land for all it's people we should recruit from all tribes. Well, all tribes who are not traitors."

"Are you sure of what you ask though? You see, if you know of anything that would harm the Rangers and this could mean anything that would bring harm to their families and hold it back then you would detract us from the cause and risk breaking. I dare say Emesh-Ga would not accept your requests if he sensed such conflict."

"I ask you this because when we parted company it was obvious that there was conflict within your sept, before that when we left your sept to travel to the Giant's Finger Holes Jarga sent Two Lance off and lied about the reason and later when The Lance sent riders with my sept to meet us Jarga's men left ready for trouble."

He watches their reaction and hopes the others are as he gives this information a moment to sink in. "So, they are your clan, you have your loyalties to them and so long as what they are doing has no impact on us or our clans then it does not matter. If i does harm us or our clan then it harms our cause though unless we can quickly find a way to avert it?"

Amara frowned as she approached Sand Fox and Nixa. "Sand Fox and Nixa. You have both grown close to me in the short time I was with you and your clan. We've grown close. So I will say this to you as your friend. This is not a life you want to live. Many have died already, many more will die before our plans will be complete. MAking this oath, it isn't something to be done in the dead of night after running away from your home. There is little in the way of wealth in this life. All of this metal and wealth you see is not personal, it will all be spent, every shard in pursuit of making prax green and bringing peace back to this land. We will have enemies in every step we take." Amara pointed to a place for them to stake out their bison. "This is not something to be done on the heat of the moment. You need to go back home and tell them what you are doing and why. This is something to be proud of."

She motioned to the two to sit down by the fire and rest for a moment. "Ohanzee is right. If either of you choose this path, it is likely you will not spend much time with your clan, as it is unlikely we will spend time with ours. You are counted as adults in your tribe and as such we must count you as adults. I would ask you to go home and tell the others of your tribe the path you must follow before meeting us again in a season or two where the Earth Witch abides. She can always use more helpers and we'll return there soon enough. If you still wish to make the pledge at that time, when you both see the work and dedication it needs to be a Wandering ranger, I would be happy to welcome you both as brothers."

Salen whispers to Hoskar up on watch, grinning.

"What do you reckon they're saying down there to those two? Bit of a bummer to get Amara going all holier-than-thou on ya when you're tired, eh? Some introduction!"

When he sees who it is, he relaxes. Once they sit down and explain what they want, he smiles, which becomes a chuckle when Amara talks to them, which he quickly turns in to a coughing fit.if they hadn't shown Amara so much attention, she would probably would have let them join

Hoskar nods back; for once without his usual wry smile. I imagine they're getting the circumspect version of "we'll be landed right in the dung if we get a reputation for stealing people from their tribes". It's probably Big Shiny Helmet type thinking. Unable to help himself, he does grin now. Which is odd when it's Amara talking.

Those two seem a decent pair, though: maybe the Rivals will choose them to join us later. At the moment they are probably best staying out of tribe trouble and saying they were just...ah...pissing boo to say good moaning.

Best get back on watch - someone might be out looking for them, and curiosity killed the...oh wait, actually she's asleep again here.

The two braves show a mixture of emotions at what Ohanzee and Amara have to say, varying from looking let down, indignation, anger and resignation. At Ohanzee's mention of Their family's actions they shrug, making it obvious that the actions of other people's Clans are their own business.

After exchanging frustrated glances Nixa replies

"Though I understand your suspicions of us being Red Thorns I do not understand why our oaths would be any different to yours. Our responsibility would to be to our new society...The Wandering Rangers, which would push aside former ties to our Clan. Our loyalties would be too our new brothers."

And here Sand Fox interjects "And I am surprised by you Amara. You talked of uniting tribes and now you patronise us and talk to us if we are mere boys. Us initiates of Waha when none of you are that. We have fought chaos and killed men too. And you tell us we should come back later after talking to our families. I am beholden to no one but my god and do as I please. You talk of uniting Clans but turn away the first who come to you. Another season and you all might be dead. We live for now not tomorrow.

You think we haven't thought about everything you said." He looks quite angry. "But if you do not want us now, well I will go home and tell everyone about the reception we got."

Ohanzee grins at the response of the two, something akin to how he would have responded given the rather condescending way in which Amara’s turn of phrase came across. His own suspicions were plain in his words but understandable and he at least seemed satisfied by their response.

”They’ve got you there Amara, did you talk to your family before taking the oath? In fact did any of the Wandering Rangers speak to their family before taking the oath?”

”We cannot unite the people if we turn away those who come willingly and offer their services knowing what they commit to. That is the prerogative of Emesh-Ga alone as he can see into their souls and judge their worth, he is our patron let him make the decision.”

He stands and looks at the two boys, no young men ”If he accepts your oath I will happily call you brother. If not” he shrugs ”then the matter is out of our hands.”

The Black Shield braves have woken up and all listen to what is going on.

Bamled horse killer and Yado the tall both interject

"I would join you too"

"Aye, we have all spoken about it and I will also take the oath."

Long Cast says nothing, though Leley Chi gives a loud "Pfff" and rolls over, whilst the other two seem to care little either way.

Amaras hands tightened around her javelin, her eyes flashing with danger. "In what possible way do you think they have me there Ohanzee? Perhaps I should wrench my parents and families spirits from the winds to ask permission? Perhaps I should wander the wastes for many more years to come to try to find an aunt or a cousin that lived past Moonbroth. Someone, anyone to whom I should beg permission? When I made the oath it was in the presence of my brother, the only person remaining to me that might have any bearing on my choice and he took it too. So next time you make such callous remarks, remember who you are talking to."

Amara walked out in front of the others. "I am not here to make your decisions for you, Nixa, Sand Fox, Bamled horse killer, Yado the tall. The wandering rangers are few in number and we are too weak to refuse any who might wish to join us. Yet we want the rangers to be welcome at any camp instead of having stones cast at us because we take the brightest and best from the clan. If you still choose to take this path. Then take these words to heart. You are joining a group that is dedicating to making the land green. To fighting chaos in all of its forms. To looking out and forward into the future."

Amara placed the helmet of Emesh Ga out in front of everyone, bowing to it. "Emesh Ga, these people would join our band and be numbered as a wandering ranger....will you have them?"

Melock's eyes flick between Amara and Ohanzee. He opens his mouth to speak, but then closes it, I'm probably the last person she wants to hear from at the moment, but she needs to know she isn't alone anymore. Instead he gets up and walks so he is standing next to her as a sign of support.

”I can hardly forget who I talk to with that ringing constant in my ear.” Ohanzee replies his smile gone ”I said who did you talk to, not who did you ask, nor beg permission of. When there are none others to be affected a life changing decision is easy but either way adults need not ask permission to follow their chosen path was my point.”

“We have all lost close ones, some more than others but you are not the only one and perhaps if you did wander the wastes for many years you would have time to consider that you are not the old one hurt, that people do not mean to rub your nose in sable dung with every word uttered.”

At a distance, overhearing some of what passes but not by any means every word, Hoskar's expression becomes increasingly worried, then hopeful, then worried again as he thinks through the implications of the talk he can catch while watching for signs of movement away from the camp. What are we getting into here? Emesh-Ga says yes, and we're not just those chosen by the Rivals any longer; Emesh-Ga says no and we could have a nasty little standoff to sort out...and what will the clans think of us afterwards either way...and Long Cast if he loses some of his men?

Oh dear.
Issaries conciliator, bring them some soft words to turn from anger.

"Better pray a little louder, Hoskar, sounds like it's getting quite heated down there - no surprise with that lot, and a bunch of headstrong newcomers."

Salen sighs and looks out toward the horizon.

There's a disturbance in the air around the helmet and the temperature drops, not uncomfortably so, but enough to notice.

The Earth Guardian's deep bass voice rings out so all present hear it

"Emesh-Ga serves the Wandering Rangers. I am not here to decide who joins. That is yours or your captain's choice. I will determine if they are self serving, liars or chaos, that is all."

Calming slightly Ohanzee says "Well we have no captain so let's vote and I say yes. Hoskar, Salen" he calls "Yay or nay to these four braves joining our ranks? And you Melock?" then looking at Amara "And you Amara?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Mon 01 Sept 2014.

Amara watched the four applicants carefully. Her eyes looking at each of them in turn. "I say yes. Allow them to take the oath."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Mon 01 Sept 2014.

"I say yes as I detect no lies from anyone.

Strength in numbers and diversity can only be a good thing.

That said I think we should see what Greeshar and Kobal have to say. I and Ohanzee have been known to you all since birth, so you knew us already, but let us ride with these braves, ensure that their feelings are true, reach the grasslands and then take the oaths."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 04:34, Tue 02 Sept 2014.

Amara glared at Haratt.

"And yet that, I disagree with. Are we to run every new one wishing to join our cause by the others? If that would be the case then our numbers would dwindle to nothing."

Amara shook her head. "We were the ones chosen for this. There are anough of us here that the others should abide by our decisions. I say yes. Let them take the oath here and now and be bound into our number. All of them are of sound heart."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 141):

he shrugs, "I'm easy, I'll go with what the group decides."  after what I've done, I cant see my views holding much weight. Seeing that Amara is a bit calmer, he retakes his seat and relaxes whilst listening to the others.

"You argue for the sake of arguing Thunderbird. I value Kobal's judgement for he like his Grandfather will likely lead us in the future and i thought you would like your brother's opinion and perhaps there will be more who wish to join us when we return.

We will be home the day after tomorrow and two days after that will be Clayday. I suggest we make our Oaths on that auspicious day considering that our Guardian's magic is strongest then.

But if you wish to rush into things so be it, at least it is the way of your Feathered Rival."

At an opportune moment Long Cast says

"My men are free agents, able to do as they wish. If they plan to join you so be it. It can only bring greater glory for both clans. I feel that over time you may find many others joining your banner, especially if you strive to rid our lands of the Lunars. That said you will find just as many opposing you. And so it goes."

Won't be long, Salen - need to have a word down there. Cat - wakey wakey - let me know if you see anything coming out there.

Hoskar leaves his comrade on watch for a moment to join the group below and have his say. He smiles at Long Cast's words. Now there is a brave and true man if ever I saw one.

I've heard a lot of sense talked here, and not all of it agrees with each other.

If pressed to do something now, I'd say yes. Healing between clans is welcome, and I don't think we should ever be a one-clan faction, but - sorry Amara - I'm with Harratt about timings.

It's partly for you who would join us: you've seen us at our best recently. Some of you have even tasted my cooking and lived he grins briefly but we're an odd set, and maybe even how we're discussing things now might put a doubt in someone's mind. A quick but binding decision can cause a lifetime's sorrow. Riding with us a few more days and checking us out completely won't hurt.

It's partly for me as well: I too would like to hear what Kobal and Greeshar say; and maybe our shamans as well. For me, Amara speaks justly that we trust one another's judgement and can accept honest people like you are for ourselves, but we're on the verge of new things here. You would be the first to join us who the Rivals hadn't called first. That's special and different: I'd not like to have been left out of that moment if I'd been elsewhere.

Things to think about. I would welcome you all for myself, but what's a couple of days? A decision that can be unmade in two days was never a good one.

That's my say. All of it. Join us now and I'll rejoice. Join us in a few days and I'll rejoice doubly. Change your minds in the meantime and I'll be relieved you can live without regret.

He waits to see if anyone wants to challenge what he's said. If not, he'll rejoin Salen on watch.

Smiling at Haratt’s mention of arguing for its own sake this quickly turns to a frown as he goes on to say Kobal will likely lead them.  He is about to answer when Salen speaks and remains silent.

He considers what has been said and then adds ”It seems to me that if this Kobal and Greesha have been with the clan for some time then they will perhaps have been trying to find others to join. Maybe we should wait and see if there are more yet to take the oath, for which they will have had to wait because Emesh-Ga is with us. That way we can make a great celebration of it with many joining at once.”

His features turn more serious as he adds “We should also think about how others will join in the future. As now a time may come where the Wandering Rangers are in more than one place and as things stand at the moment if something happened to all of us and Emesh-Ga is lost then that is an end to recruiting.”

Then he turns to look at Haratt’s ”You say this Kobal’s grandfather lead us the past and he will likely lead us in the future. I assume you mean lead your Clan, for there has been no discussion about leading the Wandering Rangers, none that I have been party to.”

Amara made a dismissive gesture, looking at the men. "If I am arguing with myself then why are the words coming from your mouth? Am I not a wandering ranger? My voice is equally as valid as yours, save with one respect." she looked at Haratt "I see no need to have my choices approved of by someone who may one day be Khan of an allied tribe. I am a wandering ranger and I do not care whether Haratt, Kobal or indeed Greeshar might rise to one day be Khans, for they don't decide the fate of the wandering rangers. In this band, they are only our equals."

Amara walked away <Blue>"But I understand if you wish to have your choices approved by them, but I will always choose to walk on my own two feet."

"Of course I meant the clan and the 'us' did not include the Sky Watchers" says the Sun Hawk brave as if Ohanzee was daft. But then Ohanzee's a Rhino rider so what would he know of Prairie Thunder history, so he eases his frown and gives an apologetic smile.

"His family are from a long line of Khans of our clan. They have the support of many, are wealthy and well liked. It's an easy presumption.

Though as you and Emesh-Ga both mentioned a leader of the Rangers let us talk of that, you are correct it has not been discussed, but after seeing what you and Melock get up to, it should never be a Raven."

"And given all of your talk amounting to nothing, it should also never a Sunhawk, and I'm sure someone will say something about it never being a thunderbird too. Get over your petty prejudices. We don't need a leader. You only say that, because you see yourself in that position." Amara argued.

He returns the dismissive gesture with one of his own adding before she walks off  <Blue>"I do not dispute the validity of your voice nor do I seek approval, I wish my friend to have his say before we add strangers to our band. We were all chosen by the rivals and this must sit right with all of us.

That said if one of us or more are Khans, well this will have great implications for us as the Wandering Rangers. For our influence will be greater than just us and we would have the strength of all our people behind us" adds

"I make no claim to leadership and i have no petty prejudices. I speak only the truth and am bound by law to do so. Sun Hawk sees through all that Raven does and it is in the nature to undermine.

Disorder and Illusion governs them as Truth governs me and emotions govern Thunderbird."

"The truth that Sunhawk sees is the truth it wants to see. Not the truth as it is. There are many forms of truth and you pick whichever one suits you best. Sycophant." Amara retorted "If we had a Khan in our midst, our band would not be the wandering rangers, we would merely be skywatcher or prairie thunder. For us to do what we must we must be free of that. Apart from the clans, yet part of them, and for that, we need to bring these others in now. So that there's no debate at home over who or what the rangers are."

"No Amara. I am bound by my rune and therefore ruled by it and my spirit society's taboos and laws, and now you insult me. Do not insult me anymore. Take a walk if you can not."

He points to the darkness

"It is our way not to agree and has been since our spirits were created first, I accept that. Thunderbird, Sun Hawk, Raven and then Condor. But we do not need to insult each other. You imply that I am an arse licker in front of my Clansmen, our guests, our fellow Rangers. In front of people I have grown up with."

There is a rustle of interest amongst both the Black Shield warriors and the two Red Thorns braves.

Melock sighs and stands up, "Right, we can all agree that the other rivals do things that wind the others up, which is why a group like ours is unusual but its the fact we are all together makes us stronger than if we were just Raven, Thunderbird, Condor or Sunhawk. So enough disagreeing for tonight, lets just relax and talk about it once Bright Treasure has risen" He turns and heads back to his bed roll and stuffs the half a Jerboa in to the saddlebag.

Amara's eyes narrowed as she watched Haratt.

"You do not scare me, Haratt. I am an accomplished brave." she said calmly "I too am part of a spirit society. One with laws and taboos, and it would have me prove its ascendancy over you." Amara relaxed before heading back to where she was sleeping. "We shall talk later."

She looked towards Nixa and Sand Fox "Find somewhere to sleep. You will not have much rest for we will be moving in the morning."

Ohanzee watches Amara move off and whilst she might have had enough of the conversation he has not.

Then turning back to Haratt he says ”Unlike you Haratt I have not spent time mixing with foreigners just as I have not spent time learning the intricacies of the histories of other tribes. It seems obvious though that this word word captain means the same as khan.”

“You are right that it is unlikely that we will settle on one captain as we are as has been said all toughed by one of the Rivals or by Condor. And though she puts her case in such a way as to risk making enemies among friends Amara is right that we do not need a khan of the rangers.”

He sighs rubbing his temples ”I doubt that we will resolve this now, but something to think on is if we cannot agree on a captain from between the Rivals then the obvious choices are a leader from outside the rivals. I think this even less likely to fly as all members are currently members of the one of the societies.”

His line of concentration is suddenly broken and he looks at the four braves requesting membership ”Have any of you been visited by visions from one of the Rivals?”

Then continuing with his original line of thought as though he had not diverged ”Or we have four captains, one from each of the rivals or we continue with no leaders, captains.”

"Pah" Haratt walks off to relieve Salen and Hoskar from guard duty, taking the late to dawn shift as is Sun Hawk's want.

"Aye and they all say shut up" comes a tired retort from Leley Chi, who still wrapped in his blanket gives the group his tired and I'm about to strangle one of you in a minute looks

Ohanzee receives four nods in the negative from the Ranger wannabes.

With thanks to Haratt for relieving him at last, Salen climbs down from guard duty and makes his way back to camp. He has overheard all manner of heated argument - and worse - during the night, some of it enough to awaken the drowsiest dragon, and he has no wish to hear any more, not when he might actually catch a few moments of shut-eye. He looks around at the rest of the Wandering Rangers and at those who would join them.

"If this lot want to join us then let them take the oath now. Some of us have already fallen, others will fall in our mission in future. We are beholden only to our cause, so let us get on with it and without all this bickering. We will need them, it is that simple."

And with that he goes to check on Kohana and Mordy before finding his bedroll, and turning in.

Ohanzee looks at the helmet that Amara left laying on the ground when she went to her bed and then at the four ”Since we cannot decide you will. Do you wish to join here and now quietly in the dark of the Wastes or in a celebration when we reach the clans?” He snorts ”After hearing that do you even want to join still?”

Amara paused on her walk to her bed, returning to be at the helmet. "I will gladly bear witness to any who wish to join us after that." trying to inject some humour into events.

Shaking his head ruefully, but seeing there's nothing more useful to be said, Hoskar holds his peace for a change and wearily prepares to sleep through what's left of the night; glancing suspiciously at Melock's saddlebg as he goes.
Maybe stay awake, cat - you got plenty of sleep while we were on watch. Keep a careful eye on that thing from a safe distance and scream out if it shows itself is my advice.

The ancient spirit is still there, watching and listening. Before the newest recruits can speak and it must be said they look slightly bemused by what just went down, his bass voice booms out once more

"For the oaths to be taken, all Rangers present must be awake and participate, as they did with Haratt before the Basmoli attack and then afterwards with Ohanzee. Now some go to sleep and others keep watch. Next clayday will be the day of Oaths for no other reason than we shall all be present and my powers stronger. I suggest we make all future oaths on this day."

Amara picked up the helmet "As you say Emesh Ga." She turned to the newcomers "You heard him. Go sleep. There will soon be time enough for oath taking. In the meantime, welcome to our band. Find somewhere warm to sleep. Bright treasure will soon be rising." Amara shuffled off to her bed with the helmet.

The night, the next day and the following night are uneventful. The party find themselves by the massive Sand dune where they'd fought the ambushing Broo so long ago. Not that far away they would find the Broo's underground lair, perhaps still filled with it's Rubble Runners...

For the moment the campsite is empty, though it looks like Bison riders were here a few days ago, Amara finding the tracks as she rides in at last light.

During the day a lone Zebra had been spotted by Melock and then run down by both him and Salen. They'd captured the beast, which turned out to be an old female. She had a nasty wound on her right flank, likely Hyenas and was about ready to drop from fatigue.

Perhaps a stray from the herd they'd captured on their first patrol?

On arrival at the camp Mordy bounds off having scared up a large monitor lizard and it's soon dug out of it's burrow, gutted, skinned and sizzling on the hot coals of a fire under Hoskar's supervision.

Ohanzee finds himself surrounded by his sept, who excited about the prospect of seeing other members of the Sky Watchers begin to play drums and sing old Rhino songs. The women stand as one, and whilst bobbing up and down rhythmically sing in perfect harmony, young Iye and Maska beating out the tune. The song tells of their ancestors riding against Pavis, courage filling their hearts, lust in their groins and Kumiss in their bellies.

It doesn't take long for the Black Shields, who sitting at their own fire begin to sing, this one is about the Darkness and how Waha found them, showing them the fire that was Oakfed and bringing light and warmth to their lives once more.

Compared to the night before the air is filled with laughter, especially when Nixa and Sand Fox begin a ridiculous dance, one Jack Rabbit and the other Tada, who having lost his tooth to the trickster is chasing him here and there about the Wastes.

Mordy joins in, taking the part of the Unsleeping Dog and soon everyone is crying at their antics. Only stopping when far out in the darkness comes the sound of Hyenas.

Called by their part in the myth...

But the fires are high and there are many hardened warriors sat around them, so the last of the kumiss is drained and the zebra is praised despite her toughness and everyone cheers at the ostrich who has survived for so long with out being eaten.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:35, Wed 03 Sept 2014.

And then....


In keeping with the date it's a mess of a morning, dark far later than usual and frosty cold during the night. When at last Bright Treasure pokes it's way up in to the sky the camp is already filled with hustle and bustle.

But it's a nightmare of twisted and knotted reins, piles of steaming slippery dung under foot and a sudden wave of heat that is pushed this way and that in competition with the shadows that just don't want to go away. There's Disorder everywhere with gnarly riding beasts kicking shins, dropping loads, breakfast fires suddenly extinguished by a fleeing shadow, only to flare up as Haratt takes a seat, the brave overly happy that Fire Season has arrived.

People looking for gear find it in other people's saddle bags and soon the camp is awash with shouting, cursing and in some cases hysterical laughter.

Ah...Freezeday, Disorder Week, Fire Season, one more day of travelling to arrive back at home in time for sun set.

Stretching out from a decent night's sleep Salen slowly opens his eyes, and sees all the mess around him.

"It's Fire Season all right," he says, more to himself than anything.

He takes a few moments to look around, see if anyone else is up already - Haratt is - and notices that the herd beasts look a little irked, wonder who'll see to...

Wait a sec. My bedroll just growled.

With a shouted curse Salen leaps from his bedroll, scrambling to his feet and falling over in his desperation to get out, get away from whatever is back there. A moment later, when he realises he has escaped danger for now as his bedroll isn't following him, he visibly relaxes. Then he turns and shouts across the camp.

"Melock! Your latest little friend is in my bedroll!"

The bed roll suddenly takes off towards the sand dune, scattering people, pots, lances and one flustered Ostrich in every direction.

zzzz

zzzz

zz..kzptchh

Wha? Ach. That damn animal. Must have napped. Look busy.

Walks quickly, appearing to the casual observer to have grown extra legs as she does so in the manner of cats everywhere, away from the commotion and out of Hoskar's range of vision before he can realise that her watch had been less than vigilant.

Blearing awake at the sound of Salen's yell, Hoskar's hand gropes first for his sword as his eyes rove round to check on the safety of his cat. He winces as he sees a fast-disappearing feline. Think I didn't see that? Ohh we'll be having a word later missy.

Somewhat on edge having tried but largely failed to be a calming voice last night, he looks to see where Melock might be. That's not exactly the way to mollify people, you know. Want me to cook you that thing for breakfast, or what?

As his master's bedroll goes running off, Mordy lifts his sleep head and springs to his paws, head instantly twisting in the direction of the fleeing bedroll. His every instinct has him ready to take off after it at a dead run, but His Master's Voice is all he can hear, loud and clear.

"Don't. Even. Think. About it."

Mordy whines in resigned protest, and lies back down.

He leaps to his feet when he hears Salens shout, when he sees the speeding bed roll, he curses under his breath and charges after it, "KEEP CLEAR, ITS GOT NASTY TEETH!" he shouts as a general warning.

Ohanzee just watches and laughs as he sings an impromptu song

” The runaway bedroll ran round the camp
And it growled Grrrrrrr, rrrrrrr!

The runaway bedroll ran round the camp
And it growled Grrrrrrr, rrrrrrr!

The runaway bedroll ran round the camp
Pots and pans flying clackety crack
And it growled, growled, growled, growled, growled Grrrrrrr, rrrrrrr!”

He manages to close the distance by dodging the other way round the ostrich and leaping over the scattered cooking pots. With a mighty jump he lands on top of the bedroll and quickly wraps it round its occupant, he runs back to his bed roll and with the aid of the last jerboa half and accompanied by lots more growling, he gets it back in its saddlebag. He picks up Salens bedroll, "Thanks for babysitting Salen, you can have your bedroll back" and hands it back to him.

Whilst readying his bison Haratt asks "Does that thing have a name yet Melock?"

Maybe we should take a vote: I'm sure Salen and I would have some interesting suggestions, he mutters sourly while preparing for the ride ahead.

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 180):

"Name?" he smiles at the Sunhawk and holds up his left hand "I dont even know what sex it is, I'm too scared to check. If I manage to get a spirit in it, then I'll name it, until then I dont want to get too attached in case I have to kill it"

Haratt nods his head in reply and continues to fix the girth belt on his Bison. Once done he mounts up.

"I'll stay at the back today. Worried we'll get hit just before we get home." He points at the chaotic camp "be just the right day for it too."

The Wandering Rangers set forth once more, this time on the final leg of the journey. For many of them this is a familiar patch of desert as they'd now travelled along it several times, it being where their original patrol had ended too.

It's not long before they come to the boulder field, where in it's centre they'd first met the Big Pecker Clan and it's welcoming Khan Sky Bone Blue.

His people were either dead, slaves or worse, though Ohanzee had found signs that a few at escaped....Hopefully. The sole survivor that they new about was the lone ostrich tied to the back of Oberon, Haratt's Bison.

But the rocks had held a different group on their return North on the way to the Rhino Rocklands.

Zakeen Two Thumb and the Black Mud Clan. Little did they know what evil that Rune Lord would get up to....

And now, here they were again. On the other side a few hours away they would find their families, lovers, rulers and fellow clan members.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:09, Wed 03 Sept 2014.

"I think we should go through, like we did last time. A couple of us can go ahead as scouts to check out the centre area first." he looks round to check for agreement, "I'll go, who wants to come with me?"

"I'll go. You'll mess things up if you go on your own." Amara stated from her mount.

Amara and Melock lead the party into the boulder field which under a constant barrage of detect spells and inquisitive spirit questioning seems empty of any threats.

The two scouts are someway ahead when they reach the empty clearing and are the only ones to see the strange swirling at it's centre. A localised wind picks up, spiralling about the space, picking up grit and sand, which begins to coalesce into a rough ghostly humanoid figure.

It begins to move quickly towards them.

Looking back no one else from the mounted party can be seen, hidden by the many jumbled rocks and boulders.

In reply to GM (msg # 187):

Still recovering from the shock that Amara had spoken to him and volunteered to go with him, "Air spirits are Thunder Bird's domain, any ideas?" Then he starts backing towards the boulders, whilst keeping the spirit in view

Amara shook her head. "No, and my arrowhead that can hurt spirits is melted. This is not something we can defeat." Amara watched the spirit, wondering if she did have anything that could keep it at bay, regretting the fact they'd not collected more acacia wood.

Ohanzee urges his mount forward with some urgency to see if his help is needed.

The spirit rushes forward and in a giant leap lands on Amara's Bison, it's ever moving face inches from her own. Melock backtracking  and Ohanzee rushing in behind see this, but are unable to intervene.

Amara's face changed to an expression of emotional pain and empathy as she faced the spirit. "I'm sorry. We saw signs of your valiant fight, but we never saw anything that we could act on. How can I help you?" she asked, trying in spirit speech.

As Amara speaks the rest of the group begin to file into the clearing, giving the Thunderbird brave a wide berth due to the terrifying apparition in front of her.

Those close by can hear it's voice, though only Melock recognises it.

"My people are dead. You must avenge us. We made pacts. Avenge us. Hunt down our killers."

Amara answered cautiously "Tell us more of what happened here and to your tribe. What happened? So far we've not met any still alive that can recount the tale, though there may be some still alive from your tribe."

The ghost shakes his head as if to clear it "Ambushed by Broo, they must have been trailing us. Didn't see the signs, we'd lost a few braves hunting...Took us by surprise...Disgusting...Killed us...ALL!"

He shouts the last word, his face filled with rage, spectral hands grabbing Amara by her shoulders, their icy touch almost burning her despite the armour.

"AVENGE US!....YOU MUST!"


His voice returns to a normal level

"Went to the West. Heard one say the River, as he cut my throat...."

Amara nodded "We are due to head to the river after we've been home and we are sworn to destroy chaos in all of its forms Sky Bone Blue. We will try to avenge your tribe Khan. We have deep regret in your loss. Hopefully, one day your clan's name will rise again."

"I place you and your companions under a geas to avenge my people...To track down the Broo who killed us. Fail and you will be cursed...."

And without further ado the ghost backflips, turns into a thin spiral of air and rushes up Thunderfoot's nostrils.

The Bison snorts several times, does and odd dance and then calms down.

Salen rides up, his face a grimace from catching a glimpse of a ghost baboon.

"What have you gotten us into now, Amara?"

Moving on the group soon clear the boulder field, the sense of anticipation now palpable, filling the air with an excited buzz, overshadowing the recent appearance of the ghost and his placement  of a binding geas on the group.

Just another happening to add to the list of things to do

On the other side they run into a small group of Bison riders from the Praire Thunder Clan, they're out rounding up strays and on seeing the party ride up quickly shouting their greetings, remarking that a search party had been gathered, slated to leave on the morrow, lead by Kobal and Greeshar.

One of them immediately rides off ahead to alert the two clans of the news, a charm of mobility speeding the youth on his way. The others, with strays in tow, join the Rangers sharing news of their families and pressing question after question on the returning braves. The well laden rhinos and strangers amongst the group draw special attention, Kimimela blushing at the compliments.

General news seems ot be good, though Melock hears that his ageing grandmother passed away several weeks ago and that Juhoon has been linked to Nausyas the Iron Bull and there is talk of marriage. Salen's learns that his older brother's wife has had a boy. It's also mentioned that the few Rhinos in camp are all in great health and the females pregnant, a fact attributed to the party's visit to the Rhino Grasslands.

And there ahead is the camp.... A sea of tents covering the plain ahead and smoke from a hundred fires filling the sky. And the sounds! A thousand head of Bison, dogs and herd beasts from all the nations, each bellowing, barking and mooing.

To one side Bright Treasure's evening rays sparkle off the thin ribbons of water that still remain from when the Wicked Writher was defeated, ensuring lasting water for the year; bull rushes and plants vibrant along it's banks, it's water filled with fish, frogs and wading birds. An idyllic scene and one much needed after the harshness of their travels.

Now visible amongst the nearest tents is a throng of people, their voices heard shearing the news of the approaching Rangers. Warriors mount up and ride out, sent on their way on a wave of ululations.

There's Greeshar riding next to Kobal, with Tarnessh, Henal and half a dozen others surrounding them....

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