The next two and a half days are spent travelling fast through insanely inhospitable territory, it's only thanks to the Condor Braves and Saxaul's help that they make it through without any serious mishap. Game, fodder and water are scarce and it's a hungry party that begins to make the arduous decent to sea level.

First one set of cliffs and then another, each hundreds of metres high, the way down a tortuous winding path, where a moment of indecision or distraction might end in a fall to certain death.

It's on the morning of Wildday...Raven's holy day....That the Rangers come out of a set of dusty gullies leading to the last cliff, still a half days travel away, when they all spy in the distance a vast expanse of shimmering greeny blue, stretching as far as the eye can see.

It must be the Sea.

No one has prepared them for it's vastness, nor the salty tang carried on the first cooling breeze they've felt for weeks. It spurs them on to tackle the last cliff, it's trail depositing them on the edge of mangrove covered mudflats. The valley floor and indeed to some extent the plateau above had consisted of dwarf pines and flood resistant hardwood forest, choked with tinder dry scrub, thorns and low brush. Open areas can be seen:  mixed grassland, chaparral, and bogs. The grasses look chest high and untouched, since few nomads venture down into the valley during Sea and Fire Season, preferring to keep to the upland pastures instead.

As they descend the braves can see the silvery sparkle of the Zola Fel shining through the expanse of dense vegetation filling the extremely wide valley floor, where it quickly separates into hundreds of channels winding their way to the Sea. Flocks of colourful birds fill the sky and here and there plumes of smoke drift up from the undergrowth, each marking possible villages and camps.

The largest collection of smoke: a greasy looking smudge some 15-20km away to the South West, looks to be a large community, perhaps the rumoured new settlement that had worried their elders back at the Bison Khan Grasslands. A Farsee charm brings the mangroves into sharp focus, showing there to be a collection of high sided rock islands dotting the groves. It's hard to tell thanks to the smudge of smoke and heat haze, but it looks like there's a village on one of them.

Despite the breeze it is still disgustingly hot and every time the wind drops the air fills with clouds of annoying, biting flies and midges. A wind now filled with the stink of rotting vegetation and fish, no doubt coming from the sun cracked mudflats that spread out along the coast.

Looking immediately West the Rangers spy several plumes of smoke, closer than the others, where the river first begins to split, perhaps 8-10km through the daunting tangle of brush, thorns, dwarf pines and tangled hardwoods. The rest rise from deep within the delta, which by the looks of it will need boats or rafts to navigate.

Decision time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:09, Wed 22 Oct 2014.

Ohhh, the good old Zola Fel. He breathes deeply in the breeze, savouring the hint of moisture in the air, as surprised as the next brave by the tang of salt and the sheer vastness of the watery prospect to the south. Think there might even be a boat out there. Too far out to be sure, though. Dormal-traders, I imagine.

Anyway, our brief was to scout so let's check things out. Can't say I'm keen on seeing those dirty buildings here. Lapsing suddenly into Trade after a long break from it, he adds If you are chaining the land, do it right like Pavis and not this sloppy work.

He looks round nervously, realising that any building here is not a welcome idea in present company. Trying to cover the lapse from another part of his life, he adds quickly: Unless we wipe them out, we'll just have them sending for reinforcements if we attack. Don't want Lunar trouble when scouting. At least I assume we're taking a look-see?

Still, first things first, and that means food. Anyone find anything dead and rotting, let me know. Unless Taya nabs it, I might just be able to use it to dredge up some wildlife from a creek if I'm lucky. Want a creek anyway: need a wash if I'm to look respectable enough to talk to anyone passing along here.

"Lets just scout and re-supply. Our work is too important for it to be ruined by a raid gone wrong." Tarnessh suggested

As they reach the bottom of the final cliff and then fan out looking for trails Ohanzee easily discovers one heading West though by the looks of it it is a trail that hasn't been used for at least a season. Still, cutting young growth is easier than cutting old growth.

When they all gather again he tells of the trail he's found and then in answer to Hoskar he says dubiously "I don't like the sound of feeding on carrion eaters dredged up from some river, with luck we'll come across some game before nightfall."

Then to the question of what to do next "Why don't we press on and find somewhere to settle for the night?"

"Do these people stay in one place all the time or would those further out this way visit the bigger settlement at all? If they do we can take slaves from a small settlement with little risk and find out about the larger settlement from them."

"But then we'll have to feed and take care of them." Tarnessh whined.

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 2):

"If I help you find some, whats it worth?" comes her sleepy answer.

At least down here we can find something to hunt, even if it isn't like the game up on the plains. Maybe best to capture lunars to question them about these settlements before we ride in and run into big trouble. Yes, lets find somewhere to camp and hunt from before long.

When he first see's and smells the sea he is momentarily speechless, though he is snapped out of his daze by the swarm of insects buzzing around him. He covers his mouth with his hand, "These bugs are everywhere. We should camp on a rise so there is a breeze to keep them away." He gets a very reluctant Stinky to follow the group down to the bottom of the cliff, "We should press on looking for food and somewhere to camp, then tomorrow raid and get information"

Amara nodded "I agree with Melock. Rest up today and tonight and have a look around and raid the place tomorrow. It will let them know that this is our land and they are not welcome. We will recover things to take home and get information from those that follow the red moon." Amara seems quite bemused by the sea and the boats.

When he hears Amara agree with him he almost falls off his bison in shock, but manages to hang on and tries to make it look like he was trying to swat all the little bugs flying around him.

Tarnessh nodded. "Amara's plan is good. Lets do that." He said simply. "Perhaps we could take some time to scout around the area while we look for a campsite as well."

Shaking his head rather sadly, he hears his friends thinking of raids and glory. Funny way to scout unobtrusively - maybe it's something else I need to re-learn about outside-the-wall.

I still say we're here to look, but if you want to get raiding I reckon I'm in. Just let's not cause too big a mess: if these folks have been planted here, something too deadly will just bring soldiers down the river and put more trouble in the tribe's way when they try and pass through: moon people or their sunny boy allies.

If it is raiding time, I think Amara has nailed it for the plan: need to know exactly where we are and get ourselves fed if we're going to be a dose of trouble for the locals.

Wonder if I can find any food. Coming, Four Paws? Want to bring your friend? Maybe it'll work if you start something from the undergrowth and I bring it down.

Slipping off his noisy hauberk if I wear that, I'll only catch deaf game and horny snakes, he makes to start a sweep for food and trails.

A quick scout about the immediate area turns up several available routes into the deep bush. Ohanzee, Hoskar, Tarnessh and Amara find small individual trails, old but ones that shouldn't be too hard to clear. It's as they investigate and consider these that Salen finds another...

Partially hidden by an old stand of particularly gnarly Cypress, the Condor brave has discovered a fresh trail through the brush. It's huge, with dwarf pines pushed out of the way and the ground churned by the passage of something of enormous size.

A dinosaur or even several, their deep footprints leading off into the mudflats. Scanning the expanse of stinking ooze the braves are thankfully unable to see the creatures, so hopefully they have moved off somewhere else.

Like the other four smaller trails it heads westward into the brush, towards the far off river and plumes of smoke.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:46, Thu 23 Oct 2014.

"Let's take the clearer route. Whatever made it is big enough that we should be able to see it from far away and remain free from danger....also saves us from having to clear the path as we go." Amara said, turning Thunderfoot to the new path Salen discovered.

Sand Fox swats vainly at a cloud of midges that have enveloped his head and swings his Bison in behind Amara

"We need to find a shaman who can sort out these damn flies...A fetish of some sort, though I've no idea how or who."

With a grunt Bamled nudges his mount onwards, scratching at his neck, the wound having opened twice more on the trip, each time healed by Hoskar.

Following along down the large trail Ohanzee speaks up ”I wasn’t joking about the plant, Morocanth’s Piss. It’s a reed that you can find by the river so I don’t think we’ll spot any until we get closer.”

“It smells disgusting but it works so I suppose it depends whether you rather the smell or the bites.”

Riding behind Bamled he notices the re-opened wound and says ”That should have healed by now, at least better than it has. You should get that seen to before it gets really bad, especially in this stinking place!”

The warrior taps the healed wound "It's been fine since Hoskar healed it this morning, just itches. But you're right I should."

Despite the wideness of the trackway it's hard going, with the Rangers having to navigate their way around fallen trees, patches of mud, small streams filled with scuttling things and snakes...lots of snakes.

And always the buzz of flies.... accompanied by the screech of birds and occasional crash deeper within the bush.

It's hard to keep an even temper, what with the heat and insects, but the Rangers keep pushing on and It's not long before they loose sight of the Western cliff.

Somewhere ahead is the river, and thanks to the occasional open patch of grass they keep their bearing, also aided by the thin plumes of smoke that drift up lazily into the sky.

An hour passes, then two and no place to camp has shown up, when somewhere close to hand comes a scream.

It's a girl, young and obviously terrified.

It's coming from somewhere off the track to the left. It's thick bush that a Rhino or Bison could push it's way through for sure, though far easier for someone on foot to scramble through. It looks as if there's an open space of grassland behind and then trees and possibly mangroves.

A loud splash comes as if something has fallen into water and then another scream, this time a boy.

"What?" hisses Nixa as he hears the noise, suspicion written clearly over his face. He's been quiet since wandering into the valley and now reckons his worst fears have come true.

"Could be a trap" he mutters, fingers splaying out towards the noise as he casts a detection charm.

"No way I'm heading in there."

Henal looks intently towards the direction of the screams but is unable to clearly see anything through the bush. He starts trying with detection spells to see if he can find anything out before charging in.

In reply to Nixa (msg # 20):

"Tsk" comes the reply from his brother, who is already sliding down off his Bison "Take my reins then" and without waiting for a reply he looks for a way into the vegetation, sword hacking at vines and branches. Then spying a route he pushes his way through intent on helping who ever had screamed.

"Girls...They'll be the death of me." he mutters just as a spray of magic passes over head, accompanied by the barely heard magical scrap of bone rubbing on bone. The detection spell, cast by Henal, comes back negative...Thank the great spirits!

Amara threw caution to the wind, dismounting before Thunderfoot had stopped, she ran weaving her way through the brush to make her way towards the sounds of the screams. The sharp whistle told thunderfoot to follow Amara even as she quickly left her mount behind. Amara leaped through the brush drawing inspiration from the tales of Vinga as she moved as quickly as she could towards the screams.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:10, Thu 23 Oct 2014.

Nixa grabbed the thrown reins and says to the rest "I'll stay with the mounts"

Oberon was already tied to Sand Fox's Bison and Yado's to his own.

Hearing the scream Ohanzee tries to urge Wihakayda through the thick growth intent on doing what rhino riders know best, namely charging whatever it is that is causing the girl and now boy to scream.

Hearing the screams Salen weighed up his options, and then jumped down from Kohana and activated his Mobility spell. Indicating that Mordy should follow he sped off into the brush in the direction of the screams, weapons in hand.

Tarnessh immediately followed the others into the brush on his Bison, and took a rock and his sling out of his pack, ready to stop whatever was attacking the children.

In reply to Sand Fox (msg # 15):

"If I was given permission" He looks towards Amara, "I could try and ask Grandmother Spider to help."

When he hears the scream, he is still at the back of the group and when most of the group go through the bushes, he follows the track past where they went and waits to see if anything is flushed towards him, sling at the ready.

Hoskar is somewhat preoccupied when the scream occurs. Having missed the best trail and had little luck looking for food so far, he's been scanning the surroundings for a likely looking snake for lunch. Maybe this hauberk will attract them after all. Never seen so many damn snakes. It's only when he hears a hiss from his cat that he sees the constrictor watching from a log. It's not the biggest: probably enough to eat a familiar at a stretch, but not the sort of massive reptile that would make a good fight. It's eyeing Four-Paws hungrily enough to make it a good target though; and a nicely aimed slingtone at least stuns it.

It's just as he's jumped down and beheaded the thing that the screaming begins. Not wanting to lose a meal, he hastily treads on the reflexively coiling serpent, which doesn't quite seem to know it's dead yet, and peers round cautiously for surprises; sling back in hand.

When the deceased snake quietens down, he slings it in a bag on Ram's back, head and all, then mounts back up with a whispered word to Melock and Nixa If they get ambushed, I'll be a little surprise for the ambushers, I reckon and rides cautiously and quietly down the path through the brush Tarnessh's bison has cleared, muttering a cantrip and gesturing to Fourpaws to stay out of trouble.

Henal relieved that his spell detected nothing readies a javelin and prepares to follow the others far enough behind that he can watch for any ambushers.

Those on foot jump, slide and smash their way through the dense vegetation, emerging in chest high grass, whilst behind those on mounts are momentarily stalled by Wihakayda, the Rhino outright refusing to move.

Tarnessh and then Henal surge past, the latter brave holding back slightly to ensure no one attacks from cover.

Out in front Amara and Sand Fox are neck and neck, thrashing at the grass with arms and swords, but barrelling past comes first Mordy and then Salen, his feet pumping magically so that he literally flies past to reach the line of trees and tangled mangroves way ahead of his companions.

Just visible through the trees is the sparkle of water.

Back on the Dinosaur trail Hoskar, Bamled, Melock and Nixa watch and listen anxiously, whilst Ohanzee has to give up on his Rhino going anywhere for the moment...

Meanwhile Salen finds that there's a gap in the trees, with a shallow bank dropping down into a small creek, where there are two small boys waving sticks towards a flailing child in the water. It's a young girl and holding onto her by it's long mouth is some sort of amphibious creature a metre or so long, it's tail splashing the water as it attempts to drag the girl into deeper water.

Riverfolk for sure. There's woven reed baskets filled with shellfish and a trap of some sort half submerged in the water near where the girl struggles. By the feet of the boys are two large mud crabs, pincers tied.

The two boys turn as Salen and then the others arrive, startled looks on their faces

"Help us!" cries one, whilst the other drops his stick and legs it...

In reply to GM (msg # 31):

Tarnessh spun his sling around and tossed a rock at the monstrous predator. After whispering a quick spell to throw multiple stones at once. "Get away from the water!" He called to the children in Praxian.

Amara used her charm to help her javelin and guide it true to the creature. She figured that if nothing else, the big stick in it's side would stop it from taking the girl into the river. "Stay away water. We fight" Amara said in tradetalk to the children. Even as her javelin sped through the air, Amara had drawn her axe moving to get closer to the beast.

Taking but a fraction of a second to assess the situation Salen drops all his weapons bar his spear/javelin and his enchanted dagger. He activates a charm and then hurls his javelin at the creature, and then runs as close to the creature as he can get before diving into the water to fight it, or at least distract it enough that it frees the girl.

Javelin attack
Then close quarters with magic dagger

Mordy will stay on dry ground.

Henal arriving later throws a javelin before the others have closed, then dismounts and takes up Basmol's spiked club to try that against the water beast.

The combat is fast and furious with the sound of zipping stones and whooshing javelins.

Amara's javelin lodges deep in the hindquarter's off the beast just as Salen comes up underneath, enchanted dagger stabbing repeatedly at it's legs. There's splashes from sling shots hitting to either side and then Amara is running through the shallows, axe arcing down to land in the top of the creature's head. It doesn't even have time to thrash.

Dead.

The girl still in it's jaws begins to sob, luckily not badly hurt, or so it seems.

"Barra!...Barra!" it's the remaining young boy shouting as he splashes through the shallows towards them. Of the other there is no sign.

On top of his Bison Tarnessh sees several ripples further down the creek, coming towards those still in the muddy, blood filled water. Fins appear, the same as the one that runs down the dead amphibian's back.

"More Mudsharks!" gasps the boy as Henal arrives"Quick on to the bank, they can come on land!"

Withseveral well placed digs into his rhino's sides Ohanzee finally manages to get himmoving and after pushing through the sh he charges lance down at any targets he observes.

Henal not seeing an immediate target waits till one of the creatures exposes itself from the water before casting a bone javelin at it. Then he stays mounted and uses his lance to strike down at any that come ashore.

Feeling the beast stop struggling Salen makes his way out of the water. Then the shouting begins again. Quickly he tries to carefully prise the girl out of the jaws of the mudshark and onto the relative safety of the bank.

Seeing the others force their way towards the screams, Kobal turns Black Hoof in the same direction.  Unfortunately, the bison seems to have headed for a particularly thick section of the brush.  After trying to kick the animal forward and failing, he has to admit defeat and turn to look for a less overgrown route.

Eventually the brave breaks through the brush, javelin in hand, to see the others at the creek with some children.  Too late, dammit.

Then one of the boys shouts, and Kobal turns to look at the approaching fins.  He readies his javelin and waits for them to get closer.

Tarnessh whispered a spell at the approaching water-beasts, trying to slow their simple minds and distract them.

Hearing the sounds of combat, Melock keeps a look out to make sure nothing gets past him.

Amara wrenched her javelin from the side of the mudshark, pulling the girl away, resting her on her hip as she made her way back to the bank and relative safety. "Don't be foolish. Let the other mudhsarks feast on the body of their brother while we watch from a distance."

The creek bank has become quite crowded, especially with the arrival of Bison and Rhino, and as Amara wades in to shore she sees that the young girl, Barra? is bleeding from multiple small puncture wounds on her sides. Clinging tightly to her saviour she begins to whimper for her "Mama."

Still in the water Sand Fox pushes the dead Mudshark into deeper water, whilst Salen recovers his floating javelin. He''s just turning to go ashore when there's a thrashing in the water by his side where another creature has surfaced, only to be hit by Henal's well placed javelin. Both creature and missile vanish below the surface.

Both braves then join their companions on shore, moving to stand behind those on their mounts, who with lances lowered wait to see what happens next.

Magic both protective and offensive shimmers through the air, as the approaching Mudshark drop beneath the surface...

Suddenly where the dead creature floats an eruption of water occurs and it's dragged beneath the bubbling surface, turning the water red as it's ripped apart. Then a shadow breaks free and approaches the bank only to be targeted by Tarnessh's befuddling charm, and with a flick of it's tail it vanishes back into the depths.

Silence reigns for a long moment until it's broken by the small boy.

"Are you going to kills us?" he asks matter-of-factly.

In the creek the remaining Mudsharks circle for a while and then move away in search of other prey, leaving behind the lone reed fish trap.

And back come the flies....Dark, buzzing, biting clouds of them, covering all but the two children.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:04, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

Sand Fox gives a low whistle to let his brother and the others back on the track now all is well.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

At the sound of the whistle Nixa begins to move through the bush and into the tall grass towards where the other are.

"That's the all clear" he adds for those with him.

He looks over to Nixa and nods, then puts away his sling and gets Stinky to push through the heavy bush to the others. When he sees the children, he looks round at the others, "If their parents heard the screams, they'll be here soon. We should go, or get ready to fight them" He looks at the girl Amara is carrying, ""Are we taking them with us?"

From further up stream comes a shout, followed by another and bursting on the scene comes two armed men, led by the second small boy, behind them a woman, obviously the mother of Barra for she cries out in alarm when she sees her bleeding daughter. Further back still comes another far older woman, puffing and panting as she climbs over Mangrove roots trying to keep up with her family.

The two Rivermen, shocked by the sight of so many nomads, still point their fishing spears at them, the older demanding

"Release our children....Please, I beg you."

He's older than the Rangers by a good ten years, and like his companion dressed in little more than a loincloth, their flesh adorned with intricate tattoos of animals and fish, the Water rune well visible amongst them.

Ignoring everyone the mother of the children runs towards her daughter, and unless stopped, scoops her out of Amara's arms. "Thank you...Thank you...Oh Barra you're bleeding!"

The Black Shield brave spits on the ground as the fishing spears are levelled at them, his own hand tightening on his lance.

Melocks eyes go wide in disbelief, "These river folk are easier to round up than a lame ostrich, I say we kill the men and keep the women and children. They can fish for us and show us how to use their boats" He points his lance at the mother and child and speaks to the men, "Drop your spears or they die" his voice cold and emotionless.

With the danger vanishing beneath the water Ohanzee relaxes and slumps back on his rhino with a humph noise raising his lance, disappointed at missing the excitement.

”Don’t be daft, why would we save you only to kill you?” he says. Then he looks quizzically at the two a moment and is about to speak when the parents and by the looks of it grandparent arrive. No worth slaves here he considers as the children are too young to amount to much and if these are the only adults they are needed to keep the youngsters alive.

He is about to respond to the threat when Melock’s says something in Earth Tongue, not a language that Ohanzee is yet confident with. He moves his rhino slowly between the river-men and Bamled and Melock as he responds to the latter ”The children are too small to last on the plains, likely too small to survive here without their elders, taking slaves here is a waste of effort.”

Then to the men he calls out ”I wouldn’t go pointing those fish stickers around, and threatening folk, it’s liable to get them angry.” He nods at Amara ”And her with your girl, she gets angry real easy.” He smiles. ”Besides, it’s just not polite to threaten those who rescue your children.”

“We just came to see the sea so unless you want to make more out of this than there is then start playing nicer.”

He looks at the old woman ”Granny, come help her, Barra wasn’t it? She’s got bitten and we don’t want Malia visiting her do we! Whilst you are at it you can take a look at our friend here’s neck and tell us how you lot stop the flies bothering you.”

Ambling in a little late on his rhino, his fears of needing to rescue an ambushed pary having been groundless, Hoskar takes in the situation; putting his sling away before anyone can notice he had been going equipped to fight.

Putting on his best Pavic accent, he observes:

I see you've been rescuing people again. Something of a habit, and a good one at that.

He turns to face the riverfolk.

They rescued me from a very bad man, you know. Helpful set of people, but they're not overfond of looking at the sharp end of a spear. He hops down from his mount, trying for all the world to look ineffectually urbane. If you'll trust me, I can do a fair bit towards healing that bite if you'd rather; but I'll wait for your say-so. He looks towards the locals to see if healing for the child is desired.

"Papa, Mama, they saved Barra....Killed the mudshark that got her. She was trying to pull in the eel pot and I told her not to...I did. Said you'd be mad. Look we got two crabs and lots of Num Num Shells..."

The young boy holds up the two crabs and ignoring the assembled braves wanders over to show his father the catch. As he walks past Ohanzee he holds up a small fetish around his neck and in the innocence of youth adds "Need one of these stoopid."
This message was last updated by the player at 11:22, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

Looking confused the older man, the father, shushes his son and raises his spear so that it points skyward.

Then nodding at his wife he indicates that Hoskar can heal his daughter.

"You're not a nomad then, you don't sound like one?" he ventures, before slapping the man next to him so that he raises his own spear. "My Brother. I am Ven of the Shallow Water family. I beg that you do not harm them..."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 54):

Hello, Ven. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm not exactly anything really: part nomad, part trader, part Pavic, and all in favour of not meeting more trouble than I can help. Met these fine people out east on a trading run, and after they got me away from an unpleasant fellow I ended up joining them.

He holds out his hand in greeting.
I'm Hoskar, by the way.

Whether or not his hand is shaken, he then heads over to put his hand on the child's wound. Don't worry: this will buzz a bit, but it heals.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:35, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

Whilst Hoskar talks to Ven the old woman comes closer, unlike the younger woman who is dressed in a short shift, she wears a gaudy woven dress, hoisted high up over her gnarly liver spotted legs.

"My my what have we got here eh? A bunch of troublesome boys...and girl, far from the dusty uplands."

She straightens up as she draws level with Amara, though she turns to answer Ohanzee first. She's tall, towering over many of those present and it's then that the Rangers realise that she's in fact not from the river but like them a nomad.

"Aye" she says seeing the looks "High Llama born and bred, though I've lived here since my 17th year...Love of a good man and of the river too. This is my family now.

Reckon your friend there can handle the healing and as for the fetishes...Why should I help youse lot, when you come to our river decked out for war and threatening my people....

She levels a look at Melock, fearless and proud and then talks to Amara

"You saved my granddaughter though, and I thank thee for that. Why youse here? Strange bunch...Three different clans and a bunch of Rhino braves too. Somethings up and that's for sure."

Bending down once more she pats Mordy "Nice to see a dog again...and a spirit too....Who's a good girl?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:00, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

Henal looks relieved that it was only a flint javelin that ended up under the water. He looks around at the others and the river folk, not getting a chance to say anything before Hoskar starts bartering.

"Reckon saving the child has to be worth the charms to keep off the bugs. he remarks to no one in particular.

Ohanzee states proudly ”We are the Wandering Rangers, a band of brothers drawn together by something bigger than our individual clans, tribes even.”

“We are charged with re-greening the land returning it to its former glory as it was when Tada walked it. Repairing it for all the people to live in.” he then frowns ”All but the Lunar invaders and their lackeys.” and spits on the ground.

"You would have done the same, before you changed" He looks bored of the whole thing now.

"We heard the shouts of the children and came to help. They might be soft river folk, but we are not monsters." Tarnessh added, and to make his point, he dismounted from Grumpfy and stepped in between his fellow Rangers, and the spear-carrying river-folk. "Come now. If we wanted to raid and enslave you, why would we rush out here to save the children? Not to mention that we are far from home, so what would we do with slaves anyway? We'd have to feed and care for you, and it's hard enough for us to catch enough game in the Wastes as it is." He explained further. "As a gesture of goodwill, I will be the first to put away my weapon." He said, and put away his sling and rocks.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

Although he's overhearing the other conversations, Hoskar just looks focussed on his immediate task, face a picture of immediate concern for the injured Barra. When he's laid his hand on her wound, brow furrowed in worry as the vibrations pass from his spirit through the armlet to flow healing to the wound, he breathes deeply and asks Is that better? Feels ticklish, but it seems to work. Can do it again in a while if that's not fully healed.

He chances a shy smile at his patient in the hope he's brought some happiness.

Ignoring the more martial proposals Salen stands at the back and watches, water dripping from him, and soon enough he is batting away the pesky flies. So the Old Woman is High Llama? Perhaps best not to tell her of the previous day's discovery then, though she says she is River people now. Still, she seems taken with Mordy, and so Salen approaches her slowly, smiling, and with weapons lowered or tucked away as best he can. On the way he has a few words for Hoskar.

"Nice one, mate. You can rely on Condor."

Then he looks to the Old Woman.

"This is Mordy, my dog spirit, though I believe you already know that. We are indeed the Wandering Rangers, but although we look ready for war that is but part of our appearance. If we were truly here to threaten you, would we have gone to the trouble of saving the girl from the creatures in the water? It would have made more sense to have waited for you to tackle them, when we could have attacked you when you were at a disadvantage. We mean no trouble.

We are here to scout the mighty Zola Fel for our peoples. Some charms to keep away the flies would help us enormously..."

As he hears the others tell the river folk who they are and why they are here, he barely stops himself from groaning out loud, Smooth move people, now they know more of us are on the way. No doubt there will be a armed welcome waiting for our clan when they arrive

Vern and his brother perk up at this







Barra's mother, a handsome woman in her early thirties, warily watches Hoskar as he heals her daughter. It's enough and the minor wounds seal shut without leaving a blemish, Hoskar being reward by matching smiles from both woman and girl.

"Thank you"

As soon as Hoskar's finished they move backwards to stand closer to their menfolk, who hug the little girl closely.




The Old High Llama woman listens carefully, shrugging at the mention of impending arrivals and smiling at the mention of fly repellant fetishes.

"Well" she starts "Now that you mention it..."

She's interrupted by a shrill, insistent bird trill from down the creek, in the direction of presumably deeper channels or in fact the main river is...

All of the river folk tense at the bird call

"Shit it's the Law!"

 Ven's younger brother grabs his sibling by the shoulder "We must move quickly!" and turning he scoops up Barra and her brother and begins to make his way up stream.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

"Damn...It's a Lunar patrol. They can't find us here"

He looks to the Rangers "We must flee. You saved my daughter today. Come with us, our homes are not far. If the Lunars catch you here with us who knows what will happen."

"Shell, take my mother and go with Sandy and Splash, I'll take this lot up the trail. Hurry...."

He turns back to the Rangers

"Well?"

"Bright Wing, are they telling the truth?" Tarnessh asked the spirit bound to himself.

From the direction of the bird call, a fair way down the creek appears another Riverman, standing on a flat board, a long paddle in his hand. He's propelling himself quickly along and is soon in talking range.

"Two boats....Certainly looking for us. I'll head back and join Yellowfin. We can try and lead them away if they get close. "

Not waiting for a final decision, Hoskar nimbly hops back on Kor, preparing to leave in whatever direction seems necessary; glancing round to check that his cat companion is well under cover.

Turning to Tarnessh, Ven continues "I trust what you said before and I see by your markings that you follow Sun Hawk. I wish no trouble, but if these Lunars find us they will crucify all of us. There is no time to explain but I must leave now. I can lead you along  the Trail made this morning by the Long necks....Either to set you on your way or to come to our camp."

"We could ambush them" suggest Bamled a fire in his eyes at the prospect of fighting Lunars.

Henal mounts whiteblaze and readies himself to head away.

Unless we know how strong the lunars are then it'd be better not to fight them. This isn't the ground for mounted chargers.

Soaking wet Sand Fox turns to Kobal "What do you reckon, go with them or hit the Lunars?"

He gives a look to his brother and then to Amara whom he smiles at "Nice work in there with Salen, you put your axe right through the thing's head!"

"You want those fetishes....Well you'll need to come with us Wandering Rangers." She laughs, not unkindly, but there's obviously something she finds funny about the name. Then she turns and far more sprightly than her wizened frame would suggest possible, begins to head through the mangroves after her family.

"See ya...Maybe, maybe not...Who knows....Who cares....Not me anyways...Ha....Rangers, me arse...."

"I do not like the Mud, nor the way she laughs at us" comes the deep voice of a rather petulant sounding guardian spirit.

Ven quickly gathers in the fish trap, the inside of which writhes with a dozen or more eels.

"Dinner. Now, I must go...Will you come?"

He looks worriedly down the creek as if expecting trouble any second.

Ohanzee turns Wihakayda and legs him on "There'll be plent of time to hit the Lunars, there's plenty of them, almost as many as these flies. Let's get the lay of the land and rid of the flies." and he moves off following at a trot.

Tarnessh nodded at turned to the others. "He's telling the truth. Let's go." He got on Grumpfy and headed with the River Folk. "If we encounter the Lunars now, we'll be at a disadvantage, since they have boats." He pointed out.

Ven points back the way they'd come, across the open grassland and  towards the Dino trail "Get on that track and go in the direction the dinosaurs came from. Your mounts won't make it through the Mangroves here.  I'll come with you."

Before he leaves he has a whispered conversation with the man on the paddling board, who nods once, replying "Be quick, I'll cover your tracks."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:06, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

In reply to Tarnessh Listens-To-Silence (msg # 78):

"As long as your sure he is, lets go" He follows the others, but keeps looking back to check the lunars aren't following.

Amara smiled in thanks to Sand Fox as she mounted her rhino prepared to follow the fisher family, she wasn't especially looking forward to fighting Lunars but the followers of the red moon had a lot to answer for.

She was pleased to hand the girl off to her family, her eyes only showing her disdain for all the plans suggested other than the ones for letting the fisher family go free. They did their own thing and the nomads did theirs. Amara was under the impression that each despised one another, but could tolerate each other. She flashed a smile at the girls and the boys, not feeling especially distrubed by the flies though they were clearly an irritant to some.

"Let's be out of here. This family will keep us safe." She looked puzzled at the old woman as she followed "How often do the Lunars come here?"

As the Rangers move off the creek bank to follow Ven, the remaining Riverman leaps of his paddle board and begins to cast a powerful spell.

As the divine gift pulses out over the ground, mud flattens, smooths and flows as all tracks are removed as if no one had ever stood there.

On the track Ven pushes his way to the front, showing an uncharacteristic familiarity with nomad herd beasts. He's tall too, a trait passed on from his mother no doubt.

"Come on, we must be quick" and he leads them along the smashed trail. Not long after he slips off to the left down another track where the Rangers must dismount and lead their Bisons and Rhino along in single file until they reach another patch of chest high grass totally surrounded by hardwoods. As they enter all notice the odd carved poles that stick up from the rich soil on the edge of the clearing.

Once in the middle of the patch Ven motions everyone to stop

"My home is just beyond the trees, you may leave your animals here, it is safe and protected. My mother's family sometimes come and they leave their High Llamas here."

He looks over to where his house must be "The fires are out, good. We must be quiet, for sound travels far here. Our magic is good, but so is that of the Red Moon sorcerers....Come."

For the first time since arriving on the valley floor there are no insects.

Ven leads the Rangers along another trail, this time through small plots of cultivated soil, where flocks of domesticated birds are eating insects and scratching at the ground. From behind a section of thick river cane comes the grunts and snuffles of animals and finally, there ahead appears a collection of four reed Long houses built on stilts, well hidden amongst the hardwood trees and Cyprus. There's the smell of recently doused fires, freshly cooked fish and other more unrecognisable smells: Odd spices and an almost overbearing smell of rotten fish.

It's hot and muggy, but thankfully clear of flies.

Ven grins

"Home....And safe from those fucking Lunars...By the River they know how to piss a free man off eh? Taxing this, you can't do that...Anyways up you go" and he points to a crude ladder that gives access to the nearest house a good six metres up.

"Leave your muddy footwear here....You can wash your feet with that" and he points to clay jars of water set on a large flat rock "Best keep some weapons with you....Just in case the bastards turn up eh?" and he winks.

Above them the Long house stretches for some twenty metres, the space below strung with nets, pots, small canoes, paddles, drying fish, small scurrying river crabs and thousands of empty shell fish. To the front a small creek juts up to the houses, a collection of boats, both reed and wood, pulled up on it's muddy shore.

Ven points at any of the familiars present "They'll have to stay below, can they keep quiet?"

From out of the vegetation comes Ven's brother Sandy, his face serious but welcoming. Nodding at the assembled braves his face then cracks into a broad smile.

"Who'd have thought we'd be entertaining such an odd bunch eh? You'd come across any of the other families about here and there'd likely have been bloodshed. Someone's watching over us that's for sure" and he winks at Melock, noting the braves Raven feathers.

"It's Trickster's day today isn't it? Well lets hope he's on our side. Now get upside, I'm heading down the creek to keep watch, by the sounds of things Yellow Fin is leading them a merry chase along the creeks and channels."

Henal takes Rikki down from where he is riding on his shoulder and puts him down on the ground.

He can stay quiet, but he'll want fish to eat now its all around us.

He takes off his moccasins and washes his feet ready to climbing the ladder still with his sword and dagger at his belt and the lion bossed shield slung on his back.

He smiles, "She can, but like Henal says, you wont have any fish left. If Rikki doesn't get them Taya will."
Taya sniffs the air, "That smells different, I've gotta try some. I'll chew quietly" and she hurries under the house, and finds a crab to eat.

Sandy:

"It's Trickster's day today isn't it?"

"Yes it is, we have a little show to put on later" Melock seems to have relaxed around them more, since they helped us avoid the lunars. He washes his feet after Henal, and takes his axe, sling and dagger with him into the house.

At the sight of the Rubble Runner both Ven and Sandy's demeanour change immediately, grabbing their spears and Ven hissing "Why is that creature here? It will kill everything....Catch it now and get it out of our camp."

They move to intercept the Rubble Runner, scourge of settled people everywhere.

In reply to Ven (msg # 87):

"She's my familiar, she wont kill everything. She stops when she is full" He draws his axe and steps in between them and Taya, "Taya, go keep an eye on Stinky and the others. I'll get you some fish later"
Taya turns and growls at Ven and Sandy and bares her teeth. She then stands next to Melock until they have calmed down.

Looking at the axe that's been drawn both men level their spears at Melock "You draw a weapon in our camp...You can join the beast too. It is not welcome, familiar or not."

Sandy gives a low whistle, which is repeated from above and several armed men appear, throwing spears at the ready which they immediately aim at those Rangers that they can see below.

Henal already on his way up the ladder comes face to face with a vicious looking three pronged spear, held by a young woman who whispers menacingly "Move and I'll kill you".

From the vegetation about the houses other men appear, all armed and ready for trouble.

Despite the earlier goodwill tensions are high in the camp, thanks to the Lunar patrol in the vicinity and not helped by a large group of heavily armed Nomads in their midst.

"Whoa whoa whoa." Tarnessh said as he dismounted. "Lets remember who the real enemy is here. The Lunars." He put his hands up to show he was unarmed, although he was carrying his gear on his back.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:57, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 89):

He shrugs, "Fair enough." Keeping his axe in hand but lowering it, "We'll keep watch." He walks back to the mounts, "Come on Taya, lets go see to Stinky. When it gets dark I'll have a go at making a few anti-bug fetishes."

Taya quickly looks round at the river folk, then closely follows Melock.

Tarnessh quietly thanked Melock as he left.

In reply to Tarnessh Listens-To-Silence (msg # 92):

He nods his acknowledgement to Tarnessh and once he is a couple of spear lengths away from the river folk he tucks his axe back in his belt.

Ven nods at this, lifts his spear and waves the other men away, just as a voice comes down from above.

"Silly buggers that's what you all are. Now stop your messing and either come up here or feck off and get herself crucified. And if yer do, do it quietly or Grandpa will cut yer winkies off and feed them to the Eels...."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

"She's not joking" adds Sandy, raising an eyebrow and shrugging, trying not to smile.

Nixa snorts as he tries not to laugh.

With the fight that never happened over Ohanzee relaxes again and proceeds to take the gear off of his rhino to let him too relax, stretch and roll. As he does so he takes a few moments to check over the beast for parasites, leeches or the like that might have taken up residence.

He speaks quietly to Melock during the process

Finally he climbs the ladder to jointhe others.

In reply to Nixa (msg # 97):

Tarnessh began to chuckle too.

"Right up you go" adds Ven, obviously happy that everything is okay again. He then steps back and indicates that Kobal should go before him

"After you, I would be honoured if you would sit next to me in my house Kobal of the Prairie Thunder. It is not often we get one of Tarabula Lightfoot's family to grace our home.

Ach don't look surprised, spirits talk. You wear an ancient hero's helm, and that one yonder, he who speaks civilised carries a matching great shield. Great men have proud spirits and your Manul cat is no exception.

I have no future Bison Clan to back me up like you will, but I don't plan to be stuck in this creek the rest of my life. Times are changing and folk need friends in strange places. Any-hows lets be getting up, we can talk there in comfort."

Amara relaxed once the tension had slowly faded. Melock once again being the the fly stuck in the honey. Rolling her eyes at Melock, Amara followed respectfully behind the others. Pleased that they could find out more about the Lunars before they would exact some form of tribute from them for Moonbroth.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 98):

He gets his gear off of Stinky and sets up his own little camp, while talking quietly to Ohanzee and occasionally laughing.

Kobal is surprised by Ven's words.  On the way here, he had been stewing over the others' actions.  Dealing with these River Folk as if they could be trusted.  These folk don't follow the ways of Waha.  They don't know the Peaceful Cut.  Talking about what they were doing here.  Running from the Lunar patrol.  It felt shameful.

To give the River Folk their due, though, they had not yet been false.  And the old woman had some power in her.

Respite from the annoying flies was a profound blessing too.

Now, though, given the way Ven has invited him in, and honoured him, he has no option but to accept.  To do otherwise would be shameful.  Though his caution is doubled.  "Thank you, Ven, to you and your kin, for you hospitality.  Aye, I am Kobal.  This clean shaven one is my brother Tarnessh.  Melock is the one unpacking his bison.  The others of our clan are Henal, there, and Salen, there.  The woman among us is Amara, of the Sky Watcher rhino clan.  Hoskar, who healed Barra, and Ohanzee are also of the same rhino clan.  Sand Fox and Nixa are brothers from the Red Thorn bison clan.  Last but not least is Balmed of the Black Shield bison clan."

"I see that there is more to you and your kin than meets the eye, Ven of the River Folk."  To his spirit he asks, with a bit of irritation, "Haaro, it sounds like you've been busy talking to some new friends...  What have you found out about them?"

"Sand Fox, Nixa, Balmed.  You are the last to join our group.  Can you unload the mounts and look after their needs?"  He turns and gives what he hopes is a meaningful look at the three of them.  And that, with his back turned, the River Folk haven't caught the look.

He turns back to Ven as he starts to climb.  "We have been riding a while and do not have much with us.  But I have some melons and kumiss.  We will drink together."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:52, Sun 26 Oct 2014.

Henal returns the smile as the spear is taken away from him. He continues climbing up the ladder and onto the longhouse floor and looks around, keeping his hands empty.

We come in truce now, this is not time for war when the moon worshippers are there and to be fought.


Rikki what spirits are around us?

Ven watches the three braves do as Kobal asks, and warmed by his words adds "Tell your friend that he is welcome to join us in the Long Hut. I was overly harsh. But his creature must stay with your mounts and must not roam. They are taboo, curs to be killed on sight."

Tarnessh nodded when Kobal named him. "Thank you for the hospitality." He said, not wanting to speak too much when Kobal had been seen as the leader. The River Folk didn't know their ways, and it would be best not to confuse them. He wasn't as hesitant as Kobal was, reasoning that they were stronger then soft settled folk if they tried anything, and in any case, they were far from home and it would be better to have allies against the hated Lunars then make more trouble. Besides, these River Folk must have something to them if Ven's father was able to lure his mother into his arms, and the Llama Riders of her family seem to accept them. Nomad women were like fire, and most settlers who tried to take them ended up burnt or enslaved.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Sun 26 Oct 2014.

It takes a while for eyes to grow accustomed to the smoky gloom of the long House, but those who climb up find themselves in a spacious room, filled with people of all ages, though children are in the majority.

All of them stare, saying nothing at first, either sitting or standing along the sides of the hut. Above them ceiling beams are filled with stores, spare paddles, pots and rolled sleeping mats, whilst running along the centre of the room are a series of large flat stones, each filled with an assortment of metal or clay pots and recently doused fires. One pot, bronze and as big as a bison's head, bubbles and spits, whilst a small girl stirs it with what looks like a paddle. There's no fire beneath it, though it's certainly cooking and next to it are tall, crazy piles of small wooden bowls waiting to be filled.

Fish...Definitely Fish of some sort. It stinks.

"Spirit in the pot" comes the reply to the inevitable question, from the half dozen bound spirits either in the Rangers' possession or below.

Bums are shifted, children moved and spaces for the Rangers are made.

"Sit yerselves down"

It's the old woman, sitting half way down the hut, next to her a man of similar age, nut brown, white bearded and legless. Not drunk but the other kind, the one with no legs.

He waves the Rangers in and points to places to sit.

Several of the younger adults pull on ropes causing shutters to rise from windows, allowing some of the afternoon light to illuminate the gloom, and thankfully clearing the last remnants of smoke.

"Been waiting for the fires to settle, should be alright now...I'm Gramps, least that's what this mob call me" wheezes the old fella.

Ven climbs up the ladder, weaving his way through assorted family members, Rangers and stuff, to find himself and Kobal a spot up close to his gran and gramps.

He claps his hands and immediately everyone begins to talk in low whispers, still cautious about the possibility of Lunars nearby.

There's a clatter of bowls and soon each Ranger has a steaming hot fish stew in front of them.

Henal finds himself being served by the same girl who mere moments before had been threatening to spit him on her spear. She winks and gives him a winsome smile.

"Name's Eddy" she whispers, before moving on to serve someone else. Henal notices as she walks off, that in the back of the wide cloth sash, wound about her mid-drift, sits a long curved dagger.

Amara looked around "Are mudsharks a big problem around here or is this something recent? What's stirred them up?" she asked respectfully.

The Rangers find themselves sat next to children, old women, gnarly uncles and cuddly aunties. It's a strange mix, though no one seems to mind that there's nomads in their midst. Food is more important at the moment, that and keeping a wary ear out for calls of warning from outside.

One group that is missing from the hut are those that are of fighting age, presumably out keeping watch....

Wherever they all choose to sit, each Ranger is close and within hearing of Ven and his Grandparents. Those eating observe that much of the interior wood is carved with water animals, mythic river scenes etc, with one motif that crops up again and again.... Mud Crabs.

Also noticeable are the handful of young and old with missing limbs, mostly legs, but the occasional arm too. Fresh and raw, though healed with care and magic.



"Straight to the point I like that in a woman" answers the Old woman, peering across at Amara. "Mud sharks, aye they're a problem faced down these parts, where we come for the hot time."

She taps Gramps' stumps "Every now and again they get bad, happens so it does over the years...." Then she indicates the newer amputations

"Proper bad this year....getting right cheeky they are. Take a limb, eat it and nothing left to stick back on."

Tarnessh began spooning the fish stew, which tasted really strange to him, but not too bad, especially considering how hungry he was. "Are they usually this bad? It's strange for animals to be that aggressive to people. Hyenas will eat a person, yes, but usually only if the person is alone and foolish, otherwise they go for easier prey."

Henal smiles back at Eddy before he settles down to eat the bowl of fish.

Hearing the Old woman talking about the mud sharks he asks.

Is there any reason why the mud sharks are getting worse?

Taking a seat Ohanzee looks about at the carved scenes and the recurring depictions of Mud Crabs, fascinated to the point that he needs to be dug in the ribs to get his attention when it is his turn to take some of the chowder.

"Mud Crabs the youngsters called them, I see they are important to you, like our beasts are to us." He tastes some of the the stew and swallows it "Good. Not meat or milk, but good even so. Is it more than just a food, do you give thanks to a Mud Crab spirit?"

With talk gelling on the mudsharks it seems to him that the old woman already said they get bad sometimes, but with the questions it does offer him an opportunity to question indirectly about the larger settlement.

"Maybe they've been driven here by the increasing numbers of folks settling at the mouth of the river. When we rode down the cliffs we saw the smoke from a great many fires to the West where the greater part of the Zola Fel meets the sea. Is it the Lunars who are settling in such large numbers there?"

Amara nodded to the old woman. "We can talk and reveal truth without loss of face. I'm curious to know why it is so bad this year. Perhaps those whistles the lunars are using are stirring them up.....in which case, I'd like to get some of those whistles and lead them into a lunar camp." Amara shrugged "But that is besides the point. I would like to thank you and your family for looking after us. While we are here we will defend you as our own."

"Thank you for inviting us into your house, Gramps," says Kobal.  He makes introductions again, though it's plain that these people have already learned much through the spirits.  The formalities must always be followed.

He takes the offered stew and takes a few mouthfuls.  "Ah, a warm soup after a long ride.  My thanks again."  I hope I can have a drink soon to wash this strange taste out of my mouth.

As he eats, he listens to the conversation of the others.  Nevermind the mudsharks.  What about the cursed Lunars?  He's grateful when Ohanzee steers the conversation around.



"Aye," he chips in.  "You folk are clearly masters of the shallows.  This is your land, your waters, the domain of the Mud Crab; you know the paths and ways.  Yet you avoided the Moon Worshipper patrol.  I sense your power, powers from the Water, powers from the Earth, powers even from the Dark.  I would think you could have ambushed the patrol.  Or is this where the others of your folk are at this moment?"

"There's yer answer...I think you have the truth of it lad, too many people in their home and over fishing most like. Then there's Mudshark and Mud crab, always had their differences those two, since before time."

The old woman turns to look at those that are injured, waggling her hand so several of them come closer, one a girl of about 6 crawling into Amara's lap.

"Time they were rooted out of their nest and killed."

"Ach we can't be ambushing them so close to our home...And yes Ohanzee it's the Lunars who have settled that place you mention, though it was river folk who helped built it and settled it first, under the guidance of the Ingilli family. Though it's the Lunars who call the shots now.

Been built for a little over a year and already it attracts our people to it like a well stocked Eel trap." The man looks angry, but turns back to Kobal

"We can't risk them finding our summer home, they'll take our families....You know how they are. It's a miracle that we've not been sold out."

"The settlement is called Corflu, rumour is that the Lunars were searching for an old port that was here a long time ago, but didn't find it. They needed somewhere for their ships to come, so they have Corflu now for trade and supplies for their army."

"Aye, bastards took both my legs nigh on twenty years ago, though I don't reckon it's the settlement that's moved 'em."

There's a groan from many of the nearest fisherfolk, as if it's an old story that's coming

Gramps ignores them

"It's the burners. Found one in the fish trap out on Crystal Creek din't yer Ven....And there's that dead Mudshark we found all burnt and messy.

Burners, I'm telling yer. We had a plague of 'em back in my day, before you young un's were alive. Scores of 'em. Big as a house some of them they were."

"Corflu....Pah....a stinking fly infested hole, not like here. Last time I saw him Tolkazzi was sniffing around trying to find out how we keep our camp free of flies. Cheeky bugger. Though he's our cheeky bugger and won't tell where we are."

"Shell here knows the area, it's where her family spend their summers. Deep Channel family.....Divers. Cormorants we call 'em" she adds not unkindly, nodding at Shell, Ven's wife and mother of Barra.

How many soldiers do the moon worshippers have in Corflu? Is it somewhere we could raid to break up their activity here?

When he gets told by the others he can go back to the Long House, he gently shakes his head, "I think I'll stay here for now, no one will miss me and I dont trust the river folk that much" He finishes checking over Stinky and moves on to the other mounts, making sure they havent picked up any unwanted guests.

Hoskar nods. That would be right: those chappies want their fingers in everyone else's history. Finding an old port would be right up their street. Wish I knew what they're trying now - it's a bad place for building supplies, he muses with a calculating look on his face. With an eye to trade and the part he's playing, he adds: You'll notice I've not got goods with me, but finding out what trade would go well might leave me some profit...and selling expensive to that lot always has a good feel to it.

Come to think of it, traders don't like fly bites much. Is there stuff you chaps need that a proper Issaries caravan could fairly swap for fly protection if one came this way?

"Well if that's the case I'm not hanging out here, I can smell food and I'm starving" Bamled turns round and trots back towards the Longhouses.

Sand Fox and Nixa watch Melock for a while and are just about to help when from out of nowhere come three brightly coloured Dragonflies.

Normal enough except these are between a metre and two metres long. The two Red Thorns hit the deck, vanishing into the chest high grass, as the insects buzz over them, heading directly towards Melock.

Ven shrugs "A hundred plus marines, perhaps more....That's what they call their soldiers who fight on water. Even if we had enough people to fight them, you think they'd let us get away? Isolated ambushes, hit and run is what works for us and besides..." He looks to his mother who nods

"We have a problem. They have a hostage."



"Kill the Mudsharks for us and we'll sort you out" says Gramps, which immediately gets him a slap from his wife.

Ven just sighs.

"Aye that would help us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:02, Mon 27 Oct 2014.

"Watch out" comes a low call of warning and two young lads totter down the hall, a large wooden platter carried between them. It's piled high  with freshly cooked mud crabs, which as they come to a standstill are poured out on to special reed mats on the floor.

The smell of unrecognisable spices fills the air, as each Ranger is handed a small wooden hammer.

One of the boys announces to the room

"Yellow Fin says that the patrols have been led away and are now back in the main channel, confused and bitten raw. Time to eat Muddies!"

There's a chorus of happy responses and then prayers given up to both their guardian spirit and to the river. Hammers are raised, crabs grabbed and the smashing begins...

The boys now free of their burden, head over to one of the windows and pull at some ropes bringing up from below dripping clay amphoras which turn out to be filled with a refreshing wine unlike anything the Rangers have tasted before.

"Ok, see you later Bamled" He carries on with the mounts, when he hears the buzzing he turns, just in time to see the Red Thorns drop in to the grass. Why does everyone run instead of standing with me? "Taya, are these anyone's familiars?"
He runs to Stinky to get his shield, while getting his axe out. He spins round to face them, waiting for them to make the first move.

By the times he's got to Stinky and spun around the field is empty, with just Sand Fox and Nixa popping their heads up over the grass and laughing.

"Nope" comes back the reply.

Both Red Thorns point towards a field of cane "Went that way." "Think they were just curious...Or feeding?"

"Are you staying out here all night?" asks Nixa, looking at where the sun is starting to head down towards the distant valley wall. Also visible is a very full red moon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:34, Mon 27 Oct 2014.

Tarnessh turned to Kobal. "Those protection amulets would be very useful, and I wonder if we could eat the mudsharks. We would need to re-supply anyway." He whispered to him.

"You say that the River Folk had settled it and built it, but now the Lunars live there. What happened to the River Folk?" The River Folk were stupid and witless, present company excluded of course, but tolerable. They stayed by the river, while the Nomads had the grasses. The Lunars, on the other hand, were always looking at their neighbour's land jealously.

In reply to GM (msg # 127):


"I've never seen dragon flies that big before, no point chasing them" He walks over to Sand Fox and Nixa, "I might as well, you two can go get something to eat if you want. Can you ask Ohanzee where he wants to do tonights story telling?"

It seems a little strange having to crack open the crab to get at the meat, but Ohanzee gets the hang of it after watching the others for tips and the taste of the meat is strange but pleasant, all the more so with the spiced wine.

Relaxing a little more he ventures ”Someone mentioned that it’s Trickster’s day today. My friend and I, as followers of Raven are duty bound to celebrate now that it is getting dark.”

“If you would permit us to do so here, it would be more comfortable for us given the lack of flies and would increase the chance that Raven does indeed look favourably on you.”

“Any who wish to watch, or indeed take part are welcome to join us and I have a story in mind, one that feature the river and, albeit in a small part, the people of the river.”

"Tolkazzi built it. He's from Pavis, a member of the Ingilli family. He used our people for labour, paid well in fact. It's a fly infested shit hole though and like Gran says he's looking for ways to make it insect free.

The Lunars have been there from the start, was their money that paid for the work. For his part Tolkazzi got the fishing rights for the whole coast and Landholder's right over both the delta and the river. It that that we're contesting, though we harbour no ill will to the man himself. His family are important and generally good people. The Lunars got involved in the dispute, demanded inflated taxes off my family and then took our uncle as a hostage.

They plan to send him to Pavis soon so we've heard.

But Corflu itself? There's a stockade made from Holy Land timber, inside which there's a stone building housing the Corflu commander, barracks, warehouses and a market. Most folk live in reed houses about the island, though at the moment there's not that many. Most are helping finish the building work, though some have started fishing out to sea."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Mon 27 Oct 2014.

The old man looking annoyed at all the chatter, waves his hands dismissively at Ohanzee's talk of foreign stuff, ravens and stories.

"Yes, yes, yes, whatever you want.....Dammit, yer as bad as my grandkids, minds like gadflies, will you help us with the Mudsharks or not?"

The Old woman levels her hammer at Ohanzee "Clear out the Mudsharks for us and you can worship who the feck yer like, but...There'll be no funny business or the eel pots will have some tasty treats in them by morning...You hear me?

Kids'll love a good story, but they'll love the fat eels we catch more...."

Ohanzee grins at the old woman and raises his hammer free hand palm open ”No funny business from me Granny, honest!” and then to the old man he says ”Sure, clear out the mud sharks. Thing is though I don’t know anything about them, where to find them, how to get to them without swimming, if indeed it’s possible. Tell us what we need to know for such a task?”

"They've a den on the outskirts of our patch, about a kilometre downstream. You don't want to face them in deep water as you'll not stand a chance. They'll be asleep at dawn, best time to kill them would be then."

The old woman looks to her son, who nods in agreement, before turning his attention back to Kobal and some of the others.

The old woman continues "We'd be mighty grateful if you'd clear the den. You can keep the skins, we've no use for them, same with their meat, there's others who swear by it."

Whilst Ohanzee talks to the old woman Ven turns to the others "Like Gran says if you'd clear the Mudsharks out we'd be mighty grateful... So why all the interest in Corflu? You need to go there for something?"

In reply to Ven (msg # 136):

Let's not tell them a migration's coming - obfuscate, man.

He shrugs.

Can't say I want to pay the place a visit by the sound of it, but I'm always keen to know where to turn a profit, and the more my connections know about the Ingillis' business, the better we like it. Interest in the salt fish trade, you know; not to mention that river traffic beats having to change axles to get down here in a wagon. Someone mentioned a hostage, though, and that doesn't smell of river trade: the Ingillis always seemed keen on a quiet life.

Ever tasted a barrel of their Zola Fel special from up north? Salt fish left to marinade a goodish while longer than usual? Acquired taste, makes a lot of people retch, but ye gods it's worth the effort. He sighs mourfully for his lost barrel.

Never fought a mudshark, but if they can be speared why not? Wall of shields and spears a-jabbing will do for most things. If they eat snake, I might even have some bait.

”Sounds to me like hitting them when they are asleep is better Hoskar less risk than waiting until they are awake and trying to bait them.” Ohanzee says and then excuses himself from the meal ”I’ll go let Melock know we’re putting on a show.”

With the mounts

Leaving the hut he climbs down the ladder to find the Raven brave and speaks quietly with him.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Mon 27 Oct 2014.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 138):


When he see Ohanzee, he waves to him, "You missed the biggest dragon flies I have ever seen, they were over half a long spear in length. I thought they were going to attack me" he laughs and lowers his voice.

Whilst Ohanzee and Melock talk several other extra large Dragonflies buzz about the field, just above the long grass. They keep well away from the two men.

First Blamled, then Sand Fox and Nixa join the Rangers in the Longhouse, informing Kobal that Ohanzee and Melock were now with the mounts. They receive their share of wine and food and sit down to one side, wary of the river folk.

Others come and go, including several hard looking men, wiry and scarred. Fishermen, but ones used to a tough and dangerous life on the very edge of civilisation. Sharp three pronged spears, which they name Gijees are stacked by the door, each one barbed and evil looking.

They nod at the Rangers, but on the whole stay silent, concentrating on their food. Every now and again a Ranger feels eyes on them and when looking up they'd oft catch one of the men staring at them. Eyes would lock and then with a shrug they would continue eating.

Once finished long carved pipes come out and soon the air is blue with Tobakeh smoke. Yet still none speak, all seemingly happy to listen to what the strangers have to say. Apart from the similar tattoos all had one thing in common: Height. A gene obviously passed through their shared relative the Old woman.

Ven's brother Sandy has joined the Rangers and as his voice to the discussion about the Mudsharks "I'll bring you there in the morning if you agree to the work, and yes you'd want to fight them when they're sleeping, nasty critters. It'll be tight work, suited to you mob as you're not big lads, excepting you Kobal, no offence meant and neither you Amara"
>

With the mounts

After Melock's warning the sudden appearance of very large dragonflies is no shock, though that doesn't detract from their impressive appearance nor their skill in flight. He watches them intrigued and with a smile on his face.


Another pair of dragonflies buzz past tracked by Ohanzee's gaze as he watches for what they might catch for their supper.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Mon 27 Oct 2014.

So time to wake early then and go with sharpened spears, though the mudsharks already cost me a bone javelin so I want to level that score with them.

Its not always the size of the warrior that matters if his heart is strong and willing. Henal says smiling.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 142):

Now that he's not worried about them attacking him, Melock takes time to study the dragonflies, "They move so strangely, not like birds or bats. Its a pity they only live near water because I'm sure they would make a fine familiar for Tarnessh"

Ah, these homes that can't move.  I didn't think of that.  Praise to the Khan of Khans for teaching us his wisdom to survive the Wastes.



The fish stank, but Kobal has to agree that the crabs are good, though the spices strange.  He takes his skin of kumiss and pours some for Gramps, Gran and Ven.  "You have shared good food and good wine with us.  We have not much, but this is kumiss made by our bison clan.  To your good health.  And confusion to the cursed Lunars."



"Aye," Kobal nods, "I had the same thought."



"How many mudsharks are there?" Kobal asks.  He turns to Gramps.  "And yes, those troll fetishes against insects for our work.  This is good for both our people.  Though... it would be good if you gave us the fetishes before we set off to the den.  Otherwise, the insects will make it harder for us to kill the mudsharks."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

Amara nodded agreeing with Kobal "The flies can descend so quickly it is hard to see and then kill mudsharks. I will go with the others in the early morning to help rid you of the plague of these mudsharks." she smiled at Sandy's comment "There is no offense taken when the meaning behind the words is kind."

The old woman gives Kobal a long look when he mentions Troll magic and is about to reply when another man enters the hut from the ladder at one end. He walks surefooted through the many people, answering the Rangers as he goes, his voice oddly accented

"There'll be no flies in their den, so no need for fetishes."

He's deeply tanned liked the others present, dressed in a loincloth and unarmed. Heron tattoos adorn his body where the other fishermen have mud crabs and his features are rounder than the more sharp faced Shallow Water folk.

He says something in another tongue, which several of you recognise as Boatspeech and the men of the room laugh, not unkindly, but all look at the Rangers.

The man bows to the old woman, her husband and Ven, who nod back in reply.

"Yellow Fin come in and sit. As you see we have guests....The Wandering Rangers. They have shown an interest in helping us with our little problem as you no doubt overheard" says Ven.

"Perhaps you could take them in the morning."

Ven turns to Kobal "Three or so adults and about a half dozen young in all. Enough to cause us problems and lessen our daily catch."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:08, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

"Greetings Rangers...I am Yellow Fin once of the Manimati" says the foreign sounding man "I would be honoured to hunt with these braves, if they do not mind?"

Sitting he points at the Kumiss that had been offered to the others. The old woman and Ven had downed theirs, nomads like the Rangers, whilst Gramps had pulled a face and put his cup down.

"May I?" and without waiting for a reply downs the cup with a contented grin. "Bison, by far the best that is made, I bow to your skills warrior of the Copper Helm."

Turning to Ven he quickly gives a report about his the Lunar patrol had been led away and confused, despite the Moon being full and the boats having a sorcerer with them

"SurEnslib was good to me today, despite being so far away and Zola Fel, may he be blessed with clean waters for eternity, guided me well and true."

"If you kill the Mudsharks I will gift you with fetishes that brings relief from the flies. They work for a limited time depending on your sacrifice, so use wisely.

This would do us a great service, as thanks to deeds done before time, we can not battle the creatures ourselves."

Pausing she looks about the hall, at each of the Rangers present

"As my son mentioned you seem to have an interest in Corflu, do you wish to go there? I must point out it would be dangerous for you as nomads to walk openly in the streets. But for a price we can bring you close to see the place, if that is all you wish."

With the mounts

With a smile Ohanzee replies "I very much doubt that, most all insect spirits that I've heard of are darkness ones and I don't think e'd take to kindly to such a suggestion if these ones are."

He continues to watch the occassional dragonfly pondering You aren't kep away by the fetishes, either because you are too big, which I doubt would be the case. Or perhaps because the spirit in them does not scare you, maybe even attracts you because it is one of your own kind. A whirling dragonfly spirit would scar most flies off!

Melock was right though, you are impressive inflight in your own ways. Maybe you catch birds on the wing instead of insects like your smaller kin. I wonder how much you need to eat to thrive.

He laughs to himself What am I thinking of, you are creatures of the day even if your spirits are associated with darkness, I doubt that you could see so well after dark.

Then a strange thought comes to him and he watches the next one or two as they fly throught the clearing to besure that he can see them come and go outside the confines of the place.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:29, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

Watching the Dragonflies Ohanzee sees that they do not pass the line of carved, wooden poles that jut up here and there amongst the vegetation, three of which he can see from where he sits.

Also whilst watching he counts over a dozen of the beasts, of various colours and sizes (all above one metre) and that they seem to be feeding along the boundary marked by the poles.

In reply to Yellow Fin (msg # 149):

Having been somewhat quiescent, Hoskar raises an eyebrow at the mention of the distant god and the newcomer's strange accent. We might be largely a bunch of nomads, but I imagine you have tales of travel that could beat us all. Glad you like the kumiss: must say that was a nice wine we were given too. Fell off the back of a supply boat, I imagine. He grins contentedly.

That was an impressive piece of work there earlier - thought we might have to spend ages explaining ourselves when those boats happened by. I for one would love to see you in action some more. For now, though, I need to feed a familiar and check on our comrades outside.

Thanking his hosts copiously, he rises to head for the mounts and deal with the snake he killed earlier before it goes off.

The Riverfolk smile at Hoskar, unworried by his departure.

"That does sound agreeable." Tarnessh said. "I wonder, is there anything that you can tell us that will help us to kill them easily? We can kill them the hard way, of course, but the quicker it's done the better. Poison wouldn't work though, because it would taint the meat. I'm sure we could kill one or two before they wake up, but after that...well, we'll figure it out."

With the Mounts

Rising from his sitting place in the grass Ohanzee moves ofer to the edge of the clearing to gain a better view of the flying insects.

...so he ambles over to where Ohanzee and Melock are guarding the mounts; where he sets about carving up the snake.
Looks like we won't be needing to eat this, so it's feeding time. He selects a prime steak, and lobs it to Taya; possibly to everyone's surprise. That rubble runner saved my cat, and saved my old Ram too. Deserves a good reward.

Anyhow...
...after a wrestle with the snake's skin, he lobs a chunk to Four-Paws too; saving the rest for later.

"You deaf or summat?" says Gramps loudly, more from the fact that he's a bit deaf himself than being angry at Tarnessh "We're unable to kill them because it's taboo for us."

He gives a look at his wife that clearly says Are these people stupid...And you're a nomad too...*Rolls eyes*

The old woman pats Gramps on one of his stumps replying "Please excuse him Tarnessh he's a rude bastard at the best of times, though what he says is true. They are Taboo for us to kill, and we do not know how to kill them apart from brute force."




Examining the nearest pole Ohanzee finds that it is made of a dark wood that he doesn't recognise and that it's carved to look like a Dragon fly standing on it's tail. It's surface is oily, cold to the touch and looks like it has been chewed into shape.

It vibrates ever so slightly.



As Hoskar works several flies appear, buzzing around the snake offal, only to be snapped up by a very large red Dragonfly that zooms out of nowhere. Large as in as long as Hoskar's sword....

Flinches and ducks, not caring one whit if anyone calls him scared later.
Holy horn and hide! What in the name of the gods was that thing?!
Cat? Sense any spirit in that? Always worried when I see a red flier.

With the mounts

Looking over at Hoskar as the reacts to the dragon fly Ohanzee laughs and then ckons him over to the post "Look, I reckon they're attracked by these posts, chewed to look like dragon flies they are and I don't know what wood it is but it's dark."

"No great leap then to guess that the fetishes are dedicated to a similar spirit."

Then looking over at Melock he adds "If that's so I wonder if they'll work on him, and even if they do I wonder if you know who will take offence?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

Emerging ruefully, he shrugs at his own startlement. I guess that's alright then - all to do with friends.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

"Very well then. I do have one question though..." Tarnessh looked back and forth. "Don't take this the wrong way, sir and ma'am, but how did you manage to get a Nomad to marry you? What could convince one of us to give up the freedom of being able to go where we wish and stay stuck in one place?" He asked, honestly curious...and maybe from the kumiss and wine.

"Tarnessh often asks questions without listening to what people are saying." Amara paused "I often wonder if it just some people in particular that do that, or if it is common in most men. One might also ask what possesses a woman to leave a rhino tribe to join another. Love."

Amara ate the food with gusto though she wasn't quite sure what to make of it. It tasted funny, though she was sure it represented a great deal of wealth and that the fishermen were trying their best to impress.

"I think we'd like to see Corflu. Perhaps once we help you, you can help us."

The Old Woman gives Tarnessh a look that says it all, but she answers him politely "This is our home for Fire Season only, we like all the river folk of the Zola Fel travel the length of the river, from source to mouth, where ever we wish. We live in our boats or make camps where we will. My life here is little different from my previous, and that being only the means of transport.

I came here for love of a good man. My people are strong with water, like your people are strong in Storm and Rhino strong in Earth. Each of the Five nations as you know has their strength."

She strokes her husbands cheek and smiles, repeating "For love."



"That would be the way of things" and she smiles at Amara, before looking out at the descending sun "Now where are those two rascals of yours, with their promises of stories?"

The Longhouse had emptied somewhat, with folk heading out to do what they must do, whilst those remaining, mostly children and elderly, are fixing nets and watching the strangers avidly.

Gramps smiles wickedly as if remembering good times, with a long drawn out "Phwooooar" being his only reply.

With the mounts

Ohanzee moves over to Melock "Darkness has arrived, we should go into the dwelling and tell our story." Then he leans closer

Once the finish confiring he heads for the ladder and climbs into the longhouse.

The Longhouse

"Good evening folks, give us a moment or two and we shall begin." and he moves to the corner where the shadows are deepest. He looks for the newcomer Hoskar mentioned and as he awaits Melock he asks idly "Whilst we prepare, any chance of another cup of that delicious wine? How far to Corflu, or for that matter to the closest riverman families?"

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 157):

She watches Hoskar carving up the snake, That looks nice, how can I distract him and get some? She's just about to run in and snatch a mouthful, when he throws a lump her way. Taya is so surprised she doesn't manage to catch it, instead she dives after it, into the grass. "Thank you..." she pauses to think, "Hoskar." The sound of chewing can briefly be heard coming from the grass.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 157):


Melock smiles as Hoskar feeds Taya and at her reaction, "I think you've just made a new friend Hoskar."
His eyes follow Ohanzee and Hoskar as they inspect the posts, but he is distracted by the dragonflies. When Ohanzee approaches him, he stands up and rubs his hands together, "Indeed it has, let the entertainment begin" and then he lets rip with a slightly manic laugh.


He hesitantly climbs up into the longhouse. He does a slight bow towards Ven and the other elders, "I thank you for inviting me in to your home, I apologise for being overly defensive earlier. Would it be ok if I lit a small fire in here?" Once the small fire is going, he gets everyone to sit on one side of it, leaving one wall clear for the shadows.
He takes a deep breath, "Gentle river folk, for your entertainment tonight we present a tale from when Raven visited the Great River." He retreats to the back of the room and gets ready for Ohanzee to start the story.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

Skills?  He has seen none of my skills yet.  "This kumiss was made by my family.  I am glad you like it."  Kobal hasn't mentioned Emesh-Ga to date, because the Earth Captain had expressed some unhappiness earlier.

"As for my skills, I will show you tomorrow, against the mudsharks."  He grins at Yellow Fin.



"Thank you, Gran.  Even a warding for a limited time will be a blessing.  It is good that we will be able to help each other."

As with Amara, Kobal nods his interest in getting closer to Corflu.



After the harsh response from Gramps, Kobal leans over to his brother.  "Perhaps some magic will help if they have tough skins."  He gives a slight frown at Amara for talking as she did in front of others, then settles down to watch what the Ravens are about perform.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

Those that still remain in the Longhouse, the elderly, women and children settle down for the show. Of the newcomer there is no sign, as apart from Sandy there are no young male adults present. From the other three Longhouses comes the sounds of people talking, with dim lights seeping through the reed shutters covering the windows.

Ohanzee is given a clay mug of the wine, his questions partially answered "Corflu? A day and a night's travel, depending on the tide." His question about other families is met with polite smiles and an indication that he should mind his business.

A silence broken only by the occasional whisper and child's snigger falls on the crowd.

A pool of darkness appears on the floor between the fire and the wall and Ohanzee starts talking and as he tells the story, shapes rise from the darkness and the shadows they cast on the wall become Raven and the other characters.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

Raven’s Story

After taking a swig from the cup and with Melock ready Ohanzee begins. He speaks words to a story, not of Raven successes, but of a tale that involves the river folk, if only in small part. And as he tells he matches the rhythm to Melock’s show and tries to thrown his voice when the characters talk so that it seems to come from the puppets.

One day Raven flew to the greatest of the serpents, the Zola Fel as he had nothing better to do and he had annoyed one too many of his rivals as well as his friends so it was good to be away from them for a while whilst they all calmed down.

He was looking for somewhere to cool his feet for he had quite literally got them burnt when Sun Hawk noticed him trying to steal one of the birds burning treasures and because Thunderbird was in such a snot over some minor screw-up of Raven’s that rival was keeping the cooling winds away from Raven’s poor feet.

Thunderbird shunned him and Sun Hawk chased him and he could find no cool place with the trolls, neither to the north or in the Rubble as they were narked with him for the unfortunate consequence of his recent romancing of Xentha.

”Go to where Zola Fel meets the big blue” Condor said as he watched Raven get chased down the length of the river ”There’s places down there you can hide out of the sight of Sun Hawk and cool you toes” and then he was gone, rising on the thermal from a patch of burning weed.

Raven flew on as fast as he could and as close to the surface of the water as he dare since Sun Hawk could not risk using his full speed that close to the water. As he flew he saw beautiful flashes of colour, so many bright colours, as the Bright Treasure caught on the scales of the fish in the great river.

Raven desired the flashing treasures of the serpent and resolved to catch himself one, but he had no idea how to go about it. On his flight he saw Huuruahu catching fish with his long sharp beak, but Raven’s beak, though pointed was far too short.

Coming to the mouth of the river he landed in the dense growth and was hidden at last from Sun Hawk’s piercing gaze. He moved silently and unobserved to the river’s edge and there Raven stood with his feet in the shallow water cooling his toes and watching the river people going about the strange ways that make up their strange lives.

As he was watching the river folk his attention was drawn immediately to those folk who carried nets. He saw them throw their nets into the water and then pull them back out filled with the sparkling treasures of the river.

Raven waited for darkness to fall and then crept into the river folk settlement as they all slept. There he took from the poles where they were hanging to dry, one of the nets and crept out of that place with it to go pull his own treasures from the river.

Again and again he cast the net in and drew it out, but every time he did so there were no sparkling treasures in it. Then on his very last try when he pulled the net was heavy, very heavy and he cawed happily to himself as he pulled it in with all his might.

He heaved and he heaved and finally he pulled the net out of the water, but what he found inside was not sparkling treasure, just a rotten old log that the net must have snagged up from the riverbed.

With disgust Raven pecked at the log and giving up he turned to walk away when there was a great snap! Raven jumped and flapped into the shadows but he felt wrong and when he turned to look back at the riverbank he saw Grandmother Crocodilesmiling at him with a mouthful of shimmering black tail feathers.

There is a lesson to be learned here and it is an obvious one. If you want a sparkling treasure then steal it, don’t steal the tools to work for it!

But there are no crocodiles in the Zola Fel you might say. This is true and the reason for it is linked to this tale for Grandmother Crocodile learnt her lesson, one in which Raven played his part, but that is for a different telling.

As Melock intended the darkness charm set the scene, though the hoped for backdrop didn't materialise as planned, no matter for the show goes on. Sacrifices are made and the puppets, though basic, become Raven and the other members of the cast.

Both Ohanzee and Melock experience the touch of their spirit bird, though feel that perhaps he is distracted or warded against today.

All goes relatively well, with folk laughing at the antics of Raven, until the crocodile appears, then many of the children cry out, whilst the elders hiss at the beast. A rain of broken crab shells lands on the nasty creature, followed by loud boos and catcalls. At first they think it's Mudshark, then when they hear the name of Crocodile everyone looks confused.

"Who is crocodile?" "Is it mud shark?"

All in all the show is not a disaster, though it falls short of the splendour planned by the two Raven braves. They are in a strange place far from home, where other spirits hold power.

The old woman cackles "Old Zola Fel always has a surprise for those new to his shores....I hope you remember your own lesson Raven boys. Our thanks for your story and do not worry, Raven knows that he is not welcome here in our camp. He does not rule the darkness here nor makes the tricks.That said you have my blessing to make your ceremonies outside our land, beyond the wooden markers."

She turns to the rest of the Rangers "You may sleep here if you want, the other Longhouses are out of bounds and I suggest that you do not wander far in the dark, Quicksand is a hungry spirit and there are many creatures that roam both swamps and forest. Be wary of the shadows."

The river folk leave, heading for the other three Longhouses, with Gramps being carried down by his son Sandy. Oil lamps are left and one fire burning, with several clay pots of water for drinking spread about the space. Explanations about how to go about personal business are given and then at last the Rangers are left alone, though they can't help feeling that they are being watched on all sides.

Apart from the slap slap of water against boats and the shore, there is little noise, just the barely heard murmur of voices coming from the other huts, which soon peter out.

Familiars find places to rest, either below the hut or back with the mounts, where Melock and Nixa have elected to spend the night, relying on bound spirits to alert them to any trouble.

The Longhouse

With the story over Ohanzee drains the last of his cup of wine and asks ”So, regarding dealing with the Mudshark problem, you mentioned that Kobal would find it difficult because of his size and that they live in a den.”

“I assume that their den is on the water’s edge, but am I right in thinking that it is below ground, a dug thing maybe?”

“If that is the case then swinging an axe or club might be very difficult and longer spears may not fit. We’d need short stabbing weapons I guess?”

With the mounts

Henal takes down some of the last meat that he scoops out of the crab shell to Rikki then settles the familiar down with Whiteblaze the bison for sleep. He takes up his bronze and bone javelins from the bison before he returns to the longhouse.

In the Longhouse

Henal climbs back up with his javelins and sits down again.

I will take my javelins and sword to hunt these mudsharks as I think they would be best fighting in a tight space. Our magics should make it easy enough to kill these creatures as the ones earlier barely troubled us and its a difference to take an unaware fisherman and to fight a prepared brave.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

Melock is a bit disapointed that it didnt go as well as he wanted. He helps himself to a bowl of fish soup and as he tries it, gasps at the unusual flavour. "I guess its an acquired taste" Though he is hungry enough to eat the rest of the bowl. "I'll see you all in the morning, ready to hunt the mudsharks." and he heads back to the mounts and goes to sleep.

Amara considered adding tales of some of the bands own stories, but thought that little off it would translate well to the fishers, even though kiwidinok was urging Amara to take centre stage and relay the stories together with how well they'd all done it. As Amara lay down to rest for the evening she reached out to Sky Bone Blue "Khan, forgive my ignorance here, but I had to ask. Can ostriches swim?"

Before leaving the Longhouse Sandy quickly answers Ohanzee "They dig themselves a home underground, it will be dark, and close dangerous work. But it is better than facing them in the water."

Out in the grassy field Sky Bone Blue goes stiff as he answers Amara "You are joking yes? I as a man never even swam. Water is for fishes not majestic, chaos fighting Ostriches....Pah!"

There's spare oil lamps for those heading out and camping with the mounts. Anyone observing the field can see several odd glowing spots where the braves have flattened the chest high grass to sleep, the rest of the vegetation hiding them from sight.

Several times during the evening dragonflies come to investigate the lamp light, buzzing overhead for a while before vanishing again, and even when extinguished the noise of their buzzing can occasionally be heard.

Night time

Bidding good night Ohanzee climbs back down the ladder to spend the night with the mounts. His head is abuzz with questions that he suspects would find no answer with the river folk. Raven doesn’t rule the Darkness here, well then which spirit does I wonder. And it is not he who performs the tricks. Pah! Maybe not till now. He rolls over in the long grass and then sits up again What keeps the flies out at night, or perhaps they don’t fly here. and almost in answer he sees a massive dragonfly dart in to look about and then out again and he realises that there is an almost constant hum of wings coming and going in the darkness. I’ve got to get me one of those to bind a spirit into!</b> he thinks smiling and laying back with his hands clenched behind his head.

And that’s when he sees it hanging in the sky, the revolting red sphere ”Chaos bedding bitch!” he mutters and then closes his eyes to shut out the vile orb.

His thoughts then turn to the Mudsharks <i>A javelin, it’s short enough with luck to use as in the den. That and my axe in case there is enough room to swing something and knife in case there isn’t room for either. Shield too, though I might have to leave that outside. Lamp or torch I wonder. Torch, can burn the buggers with that at least! Eventually he falls asleep dreaming of dragonflies hawking from Wihakayda’s back to pluck mini red moons from the air and devour them.

It's not even light when there's a whoosh within the Longhouse as someone starts the fire. It's Eddy the young woman who'd served them the afternoon before. She looks tired but smiles at Henal "There's dried fish and bread, be quick all of you, the others are readying the boat and will leave in fifteen minutes. Don't keep them waiting."

From outside comes the sounds of whispers and something being dragged into the water. It's followed by gentle splashing and a contagious laugh, then the ladder is baking as someone else climbs up

"Wakey wakey, nearly time to go" It's Yellow Fin, his wide smile flashing in the pre dawn gloom.

Those camping in the field are greeted similarly by Sandy "There's food in the Longhouse, be quick for we leave in shortly."

He's dressed in a loincloth and sensibly too, for it is already stinking hot...

Going to Bed

Tarnessh nodded. "I will see if I can use my magic against the mudsharks. The spell that makes people confused and unwilling to fight seemed to work well against one of the mudsharks today. It seemed to disorient it." He said, then fell asleep with the other braves...

To suddenly be awakened after what felt like barely any time by the River Folk. Tarnessh grumbled at Yellow Fin's smile. It wasn't even light out, but he was already completely awake. The bastard. Still, they had a job to do, so he walked limply over to get some food while his brain started to wake up fully. He planned to try to hang behind the other Braves and back them up with his spells. "Is it possible for us to wait until Bright Treasure is in the sky?" He asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:31, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

Pre Dawn

As he prepares to leave, before climbing the ladder to the longhouse to grab some food he speaks quietly to the Hoskar and Melock

For anyone looking out of the windows of the Longhouse or for those walking from the field to it, they can see that a boat is being prepared in the creek. Made of reeds and wood, it's big enough to hold all of the Rangers if they wished to go.

Yellow Fin and Sandy are loading on clay pots and eel pots, obviously planning to work whilst the braves raid the Mudsharks.

Tarnesh is reminded by Eddy that the Mudsharks will be active once Bright Treasure is up and that he should "Get a move on."

The young woman, giving Henal an extra portion of breakfast adds "Once yer finished load your gear on the boat, find somewhere to sit and don't get in the way. The lads will need some help with the poles, so those that feel useful let them know and they'll show you what to do."

Bamled, Nixa and Sand Fox elect to stay behind and guard the mounts.

In reply to GM (msg # 181):


Already awake he sees Sandy approaching and gets up to meet him, "Morning, that sounds lovely. I'll just grab my gear and head over there"
He takes his axe, sling and dagger and even though its hot he puts on his armour, but leaves his helm with Stinky. He looks at his shield, thinks briefly then takes it as well. He pats his pouch to check he has his magical sling stones and darkness fetish, then he heads for something to eat.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

Amara turned up dressed in her leathers. The greaves were a bit much for this kind of work. Her javelins, shield, sword and axe completed her preparations, with a sharp knife tucked into her belt. She brought the charms she had, it was wise to be as prepared as she needed to be for this.

When he sees Amara, he walks over to her, "Good morning, how are you? Did you sleep well? What did you think of the story last night?"

Tarnessh marched out dressed in his armour, Basmol cloak, his magical accoutrements and a hunting knife.

"I slept well enough." she said, still suspicious of Melocks motives "The story? It was a store of raven. It does not concern me. I'd have picked something closer to us. The story of how we beat Tripanander, or how we restored the giants finger holes. All Ohanzee was doing was trying to glorify raven, as if you two together have not done enough to glorify him."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 189):

"It was Ravens holy day so it needed to be about him. If we stay tonight and they would like another story, then I will tell the tale of the slaying of Tripanandar. I have the puppets made from the cubs on Stinky, so all I will need is to make some figures to represent us." He thinks for a moment, "Would you help me make them?"

Amara nodded "I concede the point and it was a good story. I just hope that moving forward you choose to assist us rather than hinder us for your own plans." She raised an eyebrow at Melocks suggestion  "Puppets? Why would I? ....ok, very well. I'll help you do this."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 191):

"Thank you, I was thinking of getting some small branches, leaves and grass to make some rough ones, then when there is time, make some more realistic ones that will last longer." he smiles "I normally don't make plans, I just have very bad impulse control, I will try my best to think about things before I do them." He looks over to the boat and lowers his voice so the river folk cant hear, "I hope you've got that fish from the tomb with you, I have a feeling you may need it today"

Ohanzee, listening to Amara and Melock ventures "Glorifying, you think so? The story was that of Raven fleeing from a failed theft from Sun Hawk and fleeing from Thunderbird after a misunderstanding only to suffer another  indignity in the mouth of Grandmother Crocodile. It is Raven's lot in life to be the butt of a joke as often as the joker and we recognize and accept this."

He shrugs in that customary way and says "It is Thunderbird's way always to be prideful and boast, so perhaps you assumed that we Ravens did the same without listening to the details." He smiles "We each are touched by a Rival and it rubs off on us so it is not surprising perhaps."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:11, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

"Okay, all aboard. We'll need two of you to help pole us out. Here..." He hands a pole to Kobal and one to Salen, showing the braves where to stand.

"Push when we tell you, slowly and firmly. Remove the pole like this, hand over hand. Do not panic and we will be fine."

The strangely accented man then switches to Boatspeech, talking to Ven who has just turned up with several other fishermen. After a short conversation Ven and the others wave to the Rangers and then begin pulling various reed and wooden canoes out from under the longhouses, filling them with nets and fishing spears.

"Good luck and thank you, we will pray for your safety and success" and then Ven and the others are gone sliding off down the creeks.

Then it's the turn of the Rangers to clamber aboard, stow their gear and sit tight as Yellow Fin and Sandy coil the last bit of rope and after a short prayer begin poling them off after the canoes...

As they depart the Rangers all spy an Ostrich head pop up from behind a wall of cane, running along the water's edge. It vanishes just as quick, only to pop up again some way down the creek as the bird follows the boat.

Henal has adjusted his armour and made sure his javelins are in easy reach in the boat. He leaves Rikki with the beasts fearing the combat will be too risky for a manul cat and trusting that he will not need so much magic that his powers will be drained.

Ohanzee places his javelin, into the bottom of the boat along with his armour that he choses to take but don only when they land. Also in the boat he places is shield.

He wears his axe and steadying himself offers "Need a hand moving it?"

Melock, remembering the last time he fell in to water and almost died, hesitantly climbs in to the boat and sits as near to the middle as possible. He has gone quite pale and he is repeatedly clenching and unclenching his hands, while glancing around fearfully every time the boat rocks.

Tarnessh gingerly got on the boat too, unnerved by the shakiness of the boat and worried by the depth of the water so close under him.

When he wakes, Kobal remembers the task ahead of them for the day.  Great, caves again.  This is not natural for nomads.

After breakfast, he heads out to the boat.  "Come Haaro", he sends to his familiar.  The cat pads onto the boat with the sure feet that cats always seem to have.

Kobal himself steps warily onto the boat.  The frictionless sensation as the boat bobs in the water is unnerving.  He wears his armour, but has trusted to his lizard skin hauberk this time - though it gives less protection than the scale armour, it makes less noise for the hunt.  Plus this weather is too hot to be encased in metal.  Already, his hair is damp from wear the copper helmet on his head.  His bronze sword hangs from his side, bone knife in his belt, shield in one arm, a couple of javelins in the other.  A couple of fetishes gifted by the baboons hang from his neck.

To Yellow Fin and Sandy, he says "Do you have any torches to use in the den?"

As they push off, he takes the pole offered by Yellow Fin, and starts to push, though he doesn't like the feeling of standing on the boat.  His knees are slightly bent in a slight crouch - if feels safer just to be a bit closer to the floor of the boat.  Hopefully the others don't notice his anxiety.

Amara smiled as the boat made its way down the river, pleased that the Khan had chosen to follow the group. She talked to the fishermen. "We see these mudsharks go after feet and legs. How else do they fight? if it is not against your taboo to say? How many live at the nest?"  she asked hoping for some answers. Part of her wondered if the fishers had made a pact with the mudsharks to sacrifice some of their number for better fishing, but Amara dismissed it and she didn't fear the mudsharks as the fishermen did.

Hoskar too is quite fearful, fairly heavily armoured and less good at swimming than he'd thought. I've got some rope here. How about we have an end each so if either of us ends up in the drink, the other one hauls them out?

"Ven said last night there are about three adults and about six young," Kobal chips in.  "Perhaps you were too drunk on that wine to remember, Amara."

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 202):

Hoskar has barely finish speaking, when Melocks hand darts out and grabs the rope, his knuckles turning white almost instantly, "Cheers" he blurts out.

Under Yellow Fin's expert guidance Kobal and Salen help pole the boat down the creek. It's a relatively short journey following a twisting, winding route through tall fields of cane and rushes, with a backdrop of vine covered river hardwoods.

Kingfishers flit across the surface of the water and every now and again there's a loud splash as a fish jumps after a tasty fly.

Clouds of which hang in the air, as if lying in wait for the fresh blood of the Rangers. Soon hands are swatting, curses spat and tempers raised as the boat glides through the never ending swarms...

Sandy, quietly singing to himself in Boatspeech, drops eel pots, one after the other, over the side, their position marked by brightly coloured floats made from the wood of a local tree.

As the last one goes over he turns to the Rangers "Quiet now, the den is just around the corner, we'll pull up here and you can go the rest of the way on foot."

As he talks Yellow Fin brings the boat into a small muddy beach, and once grounded indicates that they should gather their gear and follow him over a small spur of land

"The den is over this rise, there's a large tree that has fallen into the water, and the entrance is beside that in the river bank."



The brave shakes his head "They'll get wet, you'll need light magic as was mentioned before" and he nods in Tarnessh's direction "There's your man for that.

You'll need to move fast to surprise them, do not tarry. You are brave warriors and I salute you for it is dangerous work. I will sing songs for those that do not return."

Once everyone has disembarked he leads them over the rise....

"There you go, easy does it. Yes you can have this coil of rope. I'll be here, I can bring the boat around if you shout...Okay good luck"

Sandy helps the Rangers on to the shore and waves them goodbye, his lips set in a grim line for he was unsure who would be coming back...

At the top of the rise Yellow Fin follows a downed Hardwood tree and motions those Rangers at the fore to come and observe what lay below.

Pointing down the steep sided bank he whispers

"The entrance is there, under the water. You can drop in from here or from the tree.The water is a man's height in depth, but the tunnel will curve upwards, their den being above water and below where we now sit."

The tree by which they now huddle slopes down in to the water, it's many branches giving lots of hand holds and places to tie ropes to.

He looks over to Sandy when he hears this, What have we let ourselves in for? He climbs quickly out of the boat, almost slipping in the mud. Once he is off of the boat he lets go of the rope and rubs his hand to ease the cramp. He offers his hand to Amara to help her off the boat, then he follows Yellow Fin.
He whispers to the others, "I can help a few people hold their breath longer, but I'm not powerful enough to do everyone"

You aren't joking its dangerous work going in through the water. Better get our spells ready in case we have to start fighting in the passageway.

Henal casts spells of protection and sharpness on himself and his bronze javelin and readies himself for the fight, after taking a rope and tying it onto the tree securely.

Tarnessh gulped. "You mean we have to swim under the water to get there?" He asked. Then he remembered his dignity and straightened himself up. "Uh not that we can't, of course. We're Nomads after all!"

Time to eat. She sniffs around a bit, I suppose I shouldn't leave here to look for food.
When a dragonfly passes over head she watches it keenly, Hmm, I bet they taste good, too fast for me, I'll have to get him to catch one for me when he comes back.
She stops dead when she catches a rich wet smell, Snake! I wonder where Hoskar left it? If I just have a little bit, I'm sure he wont miss it. She follows the smell back to Hoskars gear, and quickly glances around to check no one is watching. Gently nudgeing his blanket and stuff out of the way, she finds the satchel that holds the snake, with another quick look around, she sticks her snout into the bag and grabs the meat, then the rush of the taste and smell makes her throw caution to the wind and she shakes her head violently from side to side to free the meat, which she swallows in 2 gulps. When she realises that she has just eaten all of it, she looks around guiltily then runs and hides in the long grass. I'll just blame the cat
This message was last edited by the player at 16:34, Thu 30 Oct 2014.

Perhaps it is because he hasn’t had a dunking like those who fell through Bigmouth’s lair or perhaps it is because he is overly confident in his own natural agility, but Ohanzee finds it quite comical that some of the others are obviously scared. He resists the urge to laugh though. Still, it is good to be back on firm ground, even if for just a little while before a dunking and then confined fighting.

Working quietly Ohanzee dons his armour but he leaves his shield as trying to swim and crawl with it, let alone fight in a cramped den would be terrible.

As the others prepare, so does he, but without word other than to say to Tarnessh in a whisper ”You better get that light up quick when we start!”

Then he places a hand on the ground and concentrates a moment before saying to all ”Have dagger in one hand in case the mud inside is wet and slippery and the slope steep, you can get purchase with it.”

"yes yes, fine." Tarnessh said to Ohanzee, trying to get himself focused enough to get into the water and swim. He squeezed his eyes closed and stepped into the water and began to swim like he had seen some others do at an oasis once.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Thu 30 Oct 2014.

Looking thoughtful, Hoskar dumps the water from the skin he brought along, then inflates the empty skin, tying it off carefully, before heading off with the team.
Needing every bit of strength he can muster for the task ahead, he places a hand on the shield of Emesh-Ga and sends some of his spirit through its charm.

Glancing at Melock, he mutters I used to like swimming, too. Let's keep hold of this damn rope.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Thu 30 Oct 2014.

Surprisingly Tarnessh keeps afloat, though as his armour, cloak and trousers begin to soak up water he starts to go under. Quickly grabbing a handy branch he's able to duck his head under and see that there is an opening at the base of the bank. It's about 2m wide and just under a metre high. To get through it he'll need to dive down and swim through....

His kicking feet has begun to disturb the muddy floor.

Tarnessh whispered a mantra to the golden disk and spread a wall of light that he used to create a trail towards the den for the others to follow.

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 214):

"I keep forgetting you have strange habits" he whispers back with a grin, while wrapping the rope round his left hand. He will cast charms on those who want them, then he fortifies himself and follows the others into the water.

Amara prepared herself, taking deep breaths. It seemed as though every time she'd been near water in the recent past, things had gone poorly. She let herself over the side of the boat, making her way quietly to where the others were gathering. Amara moved slowly and softly, trying not to disturb anything as she moved towards teh entrance of the mudshark hive.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

From where he stands outside the den, Kobal closes his eyes a moment, focusing on the earth beneath his feet, sensing rocks and dirt, warmth, in places.  In other places, the pressures are different, cooler, and movements of air and changes in altitude before meeting the warmth of earth again.  These must be passages and caverns.

He opens his eyes and says quietly.  "With Emesha-Ga's assistance, I feel that this entrance leads into a cavern.  From that cavern, there are three passages which lead into three caves: one passage on the left, one passage straight ahead, and one passage between those two.  That middle passage leads into a cave with a wall in the middle so that the cave is split somewhat into two.  We should secure the first cavern, then try to clear the other caves one by one.

"Perhaps I should go first, since my senses under the ground are heightened."  And because I feel the need to spear a mudshark.  "Tarnessh, you should be near the front to cast your light forward.

"Yellow Fin, friend, you are joining us, yes?  You said last night at the feast you would fight with us."

To Haaro, he sends his thoughts.  "Stay out here, and out of trouble."  At the same time, with a glance at his shield and vambrace, he channels the spirit of the cat familiar into magicks to harden his skin and sharpen his javelin.  Then takes a deep breath before stepping into the water at the entrance of the den.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Thu 30 Oct 2014.

"Right." Tarnessh said, and swam forward, while moving the lightwall in a line slightly in front of him.

And in the Rangers go...

Yellow Fin just smiles at Kobal and shakes his head, saluting each brave as they take deep breaths, ducking under to follow both the rope and stream of light created by their Sun Hawk worshipper.

Bubbles break the surface as Yellow Fin counts them off in a strange tongue.

At the front are Ohanzee and Amara, pushing their way through the tunnel just ahead of Tarnessh and Kobal. It's a tight squeeze but doable and it must be said that none bar Hoskar feel any enthusiasm about getting wet.

The first two braves rise, breaking the surface into a momentarily dark tunnel, filled with stale air. Silently they clamber up the mud, weapons outstretched, finding that they can only crouch. Then the darkness is expelled by a fast moving wedge of light surging ahead and illuminating first the tunnel and then a wide open space ahead....The first chamber, and from where they are it looks empty.

Unfortunately Kobal and his brother burst out of the water, inhaling loudly and splashing as they try to gain a foothold on the slippery floor.

The same happens with each of those who follow, and it only gets worse as Henal trips and falls, knocking in to those around him. Once the rattle of javelins, muffled curses and thumps to arms in protest peter out, there's an answering noise from up the tunnel.

A woof, almost doglike, which is quickly answered by several more. As mentioned the air is stale, filled with the stink of carrion, both fish and meat and ahead the ceiling of the first chamber is low enough to prevent anyone from standing straight.

Amara and Ohanzee at the fore of the wedge of light see several shadowy forms in the dugout immediately to the left.

Where they and those who follow find themselves is a central chamber with three short tunnels, presumably entering into the other chambers that Kobal had described before diving. Tarmnessh's magical light fully illuminates this central room, it's light going further and lighting the tunnels and parts of the other rooms.

Henal's detection charm flows outwards picking up life in all three of the side chambers and the charm sent in it's wake by Hoskar pings out the expected *Enemies in every direction, but behind...*

Tarnessh began to breath more and more quickly, feeling like he might panic from the stink and the claustrophobic surroundings. This wasn't like anything he had ever had to deal with before. He couldn't stand up straight, and there was just water behind him.

"Lets lets get this over with, okay?" He chattered, too stuck in the moment to be ashamed. He does feel that he can do something useful though, at least. "When we go into a tunnel, I can block off the others with the wall of light, so at least they won't surround us."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:08, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

Gacch! Glad I didn't try eating that snake for breakfast or I'd be meeting it again now. At least there's room to swing a sword.

Hoskar edges his way forward, slipping his bronze sword from its sheath and abstractedly admiring the beuty of the magical light Tarnessh has made playing across its surface. He's suddenly rather glad to have come heavily armoured; although a little puzzled as to how he's going to get out of here afterwards...if he makes it through the fight.
United front and in we go, right?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

Amara smiled feeling the breeze "There is movement of air from the middle one. Perhaps an escape route, just in case...I'm going to see what's in there." Amara crouched low moving forward, almost feline like as she slipped forward into the middle chamber. Javelin and shield at the ready.

"It smells worse than Taya's breath after she ate that cliff toad" he says coughing.
He drops to his knees and shuffles forward, "I'll guard against anything coming from the left hand tunnel"

Tarnessh followed Amara

Ohanzee leaves the javelin in the central chamber deciding to stick with his axe as there is enough space to swing it. With a strange feeling that the creatures will not pass through the light, especially when they can't see through it, which must be so strange to them.

He moves forward with Amara speaking to Tarnessh as he makes sure  that he stays between the Sun Hawk and the way forward just in case anything does charge "Move the light to illuminate the chamber but leave some space. There are two adults and pups aren't there, so the adults will bite hardest."

Then directing this at those behind as well "Use spells to damage them from a distance, I know how to disrupt a body for example. We can damage the from behind the wall of light,if not kill them then at least make them easier to kill when we close."

Then to Tarnessh again he adds "And if this works, if they'll not cross the light then if there are many in a room try to cut them out one at a time with your wall of light. Easier to pick them off if you can do that."

Continuing forward besides Amara he starts to cast disruptions at any mudshark he sees drawing power from Enapay to do so. He resolves that if the things do charge then he'll attack and defend with his axe.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 227):

"Uh sure." Tarnessh said, and moved the lightwall like Ohanzee had instructed. He illuminated the cavern, but left enough space so that they could move around while still funnelling any enemies.

Tarnessh shapes the magical wall of light so that it is the most beneficial to his companions, who move to either block the passages or in the case of Amara and Ohanzee surge forward to investigate one...


Melock, supported by Hoskar, stand behind the glimmering wall by the entrance in to the first chamber, watching as a mob of juvenile Mudsharks come closer to investigate the intrusion into their nest. Though angry, they stop at the wall, it's light partially blinding them and enabling both braves to attack from surprise.

Axe and sword slash downwards, the blows killing one instantly, causing the creatures to recoil and snap at the air. Emboldened by their numbers, one Mudshark moves forward only to be jabbed back by the concerted efforts of the two braves. The creatures then move further back after one of them gets disrupted, causing it to bite it's neighbour in confusion

Whilst Amara and Ohanzee head into the middle den, a mighty roar comes from the third and final chamber. An enraged adult charges out, ignoring the blinding light, snapping this way and that. Salen and Kobal slip and slide on the mud in their haste to meet it, saved by a well aimed beam of dazzling light cast by Tarnessh, desperately trying to save his brother from being bitten. It's all the Two braves need as they close with the blinded creature. A flurry of blows follow, ending in a spray of blood as Kobal staves in the Mudshark's head with his sword.

Henal, crouched with javelin in one hand and a dagger in the other strains to see what Amara and Ohanzee have run into, just as a series of angry shouts, odd barking and then a short cut of scream comes down the middle passage.

Amara, probing ahead with her magically sharpened Javelin, and followed up by Ohanzee, was ready for the Mudshark that she knew was waiting for them, but when it came it still surprised her by it ferocity.

Charging out from a darkened corner it barrelled into the young woman, her javelin biting deep into it's shoulder and getting wrenched free. Slipping on the mud, Amara''s reaching for her axe when the frenzied creature latches on to her left arm, having slipped up beneath the shield.

The pain is excruciating, almost enough to make her faint, but Amara manages to get her axe out and bury it in the beast's back, as a disruption cast by Ohanzee  makes the creature retreat backwards into the dugout.

Whilst Ohanzee steps over her protectively, Amara looks down and sees the stump of her left hand spraying blood across her front and Ohanzee's legs.

From where he stands at the start of the middle passage Henal can see what has happened to Amara.

The offending creature, as big as Kobal, has backed of behind a central pillar of rock, protected from the light and Ohanzee's ready axe. It's then that the Raven brave notices that Amara is missing her left hand.

Henal advances towards the mudshark that is fighting Amara and Ohanzee.

Amara needs more healing than I can manage, I'll help fight this mudshark till she can be healed.

"Hoskar, you go help Amara. I'll deal with this lot" He steps forward, covering Hoskar so he can step back without being attacked.

Tarnessh cast a spell of demoralization on the large hiding mudshark, trying to keep it from being emboldened by the smell of blood so that the others can finish it off. "Get Amara back to the boat. The blood will drive the other beasts mad if she stays!" Tarnessh said.

Ohanzee can't quite understand what has happened until he sees where the blood that keeps landing on him comes from Amara's hand, or at least where Amara's hand should be.

Too shocked to think he acts on instinct holding his ground and protecting her as best he can. Then the words of the others break through, the hand is gone, gone and swallowed and the thing is already pretty mad.

"There's nothing to re-attach and there's blood all around, just staunch the flow quickly before she bleeds out."

Amara groaned as she lay still on the floor, blood pulsing from the place her hand was taken. her eyes unfocussed she could see much beyond the pain of her current circumstances. Her skin grew paler as her blood left her body.

As Henal rushes past, Hoskar arrives at Amara's side, healing matrix glowing brightly as it channels his spirit's power outwards to stem the bleeding and heal the wound.

When and if she's ready he indicates that he'll escort her back into the main chamber, unless she wishes to continue and kill the beast and reclaim her hand...

Melock, suddenly alone finds himself facing five, irate juvenile Mudsharks. Snapping wildly, they're for the moment kept back, more from the light than from the Raven brave's ill aimed axe blows.

The sound of combat echoes from the middle chamber as Henal and the others close in on the last adult, the noise distracting Melock so that he fumbles with his axe, tumbling backwards in the mud. It's all the Mudsharks need and they stream over the hapless brave and into the central chamber.

Melock finds himself wrestling with one on the ground, his hands struggling to keep it's mouth shut, whilst two others fly at Tarnessh, who finds Kobal and Salen coming to his aid as the cave flashes from a hastily cast charm of demoralisation. Seeing it's chance the last one dashes for the exit, missing a hurled javelin cast by Salen to slip into the water and escape.

A string of Praxian curses fills the stinking, fetid space, as magic flows and weapons attempt to slice, stab and hack.The cramped space is totally alien to warriors used to the vast open plains of the Wastes and it's not long before those in the middle chamber spill backwards, with the injured Amara in their midst.

The adult, injured itself, had put up an insane fight, snapping Henal's javelin's bronze tip off and lashing Ohanzee with it's tail, neither brave managing to make contact with any of their weapons. The Raven brave had found two of Amara's fingers in the mud when he'd been knocked over and now held them clutched in his hand.

They find Melock thrashing on the floor, slick with mud, hugging a live Mudshark to his chest, bruised and bloody, whilst Kobal, Salen and Tarnessh are a mass of limbs, hacking weapons and rubbery, teeth filled amphibians. Kobal kills the demoralised one, suffering a small wound to his leg as Salen decapitates another. The final one locking on to Kobal's sword is then killed by multiple blows from a bunch of very pissed off braves.

From the middle cave comes a nasty woofing sound, coming from a just as pissed of Mudshark.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Sun 02 Nov 2014.

Tarnessh began moving back with the others, trying to see if he could keep all three tunnels in sight. He moved the lightwall to put up a barrier in front of the middle cave where what sounded like a very angry and large mudshark was approaching from. "We're no good in here. I think we should fight them outside!" He shouted

"No!" shouts Kobal in response, as he moves to stab the mudshark that Melock is grappling with.  "We can take them.  Plus, once we clear these caves, we can look for Amara's hand."  This fight has been tougher than he'd expected, with Amara sorely injured.

"Haaro, be careful!  One escaped!  Keep away from it!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Mon 03 Nov 2014.

We're better fighting them here than in open water where they have the advantage. Only the one that escaped and the two adults to kill now and the job is done. Let us keep going against them here.

Henal goes to guard the entrance from the chamber that the last mudshark is yet to emerger from.

"Ven said last night that there should be three adults.  The enchantments cast earlier only revealed two adults in these caves.  Salen and I killed one.  Amara and Ohanzee fought another which is still alive.  Either there were only two adults to begin with, or one wasn't in here when we came in, or it wasn't revealed by the enchantments..."

Panting from the fight, Hoskar looks round wildly, his sense of what has happened returning.
Can't heal what we've not got! Hold onto those fingers - I'm going in for the hand. Anyone coming?

Pausing briefly to put an edge back on his blade and to strengthen himself with the power of the earth-shield, he charges for the remaining mudhark; in the hope of still retrieving Amara's hand in time to save it.

As Melock struggles with the young mudshark, Kobal grasps his bastard sword in both hands, waiting for an opportune moment when the two are relatively stationary and side by side.  Then he thrusts his sword down, puncturing the tough rubbery skin of its head, pinning the creature to the earth as it writhes momentarily in its death throes.



"Aye," says Kobal, pulling his sword out.  No time to rest.  He moves forward towards the middle cave, at the same time drawing energy from Haaro to whisper prayers to Waha "Great Khan, watch over me; Great Khan, guide my hand" and focus on the healing of the gash in his left leg.

"Tarnessh, come with us.  We'll need your light!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:00, Mon 03 Nov 2014.

As he grapples with the mudshark, he catches sight of Kobal out of the corner of his eye, so he forces he mudshark's head to one side and holds it there, just as his strength is about to give out, Kobal's sword appears out the bottom of its head, pulling it free from Melocks hands and pinning it to the floor. "Outstanding, Kobal." he exclaims.
He struggles to his feet as the others rush to attack the adult in the other cave, "I'll hang back here in case any more appear from the water"

Moving back out of the way of the others who are already pressing forward to finish the adult Ohanzee clutches his precious hoard. He mumbles something and then spits a mouth full of blood and a tooth onto the mud before trying again ”I can’t give you a hand but I can give you the finger, or two.”

He pulls back to squat next to Melock ”What’s the tally?”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 244):

"Well I think only one has escaped, though I was a bit busy wrestling one of them, so I'm not totally sure" He shakes his head as he looks round the cave, "Why do we always end up fighting in caves?"

”Ha!” Ohanzee snorts despite their situation ”Maybe we should have been born Mostali, they seem to like holes.”

“Keep these safe, I’m getting another rope to haul the corpses.” and whilst the others prepare to push their attack he puts the axe back in his belt and picks up the javelin that he dropped in the central chamber. He then recasts shimmer after hearing that one is out in the water then he moves to the water to duck down and back out using the rope to pull along but watching out for the one that got away.

The middle chamber lights up as Tarnessh sends in one end of the light wall, the other end staying out where he remains, thus ensuring that the other areas of the dugout aren't in total darkness. With him are Salen, Amara and Melock, each with weapons drawn and grim looks on their faces.

And in the others charge, slide and slip; newly cast magic enhancing armour and sharpening weapons. They're met by the remaining Mudshark which slams into the Copper shield of Emesh-Ga wielded by Hoskar, who thankfully buffed stands his ground, slashing down with his sword.

There's not enough room for the others to pass the massive shield, so Henal and Kobal scramble around the other side of the central rock pillar, engaging from behind.

It's dangerous work and Kobal gets smashed by the creature's tail, artfully dodged by Henal who takes a chance and jumps on the Mudshark's back.

Back and forth it goes, until Hoskar pins the creature's head to the ground with the end of the shield, enabling both he and Henal to finish it off...

As the three warriors lie there for a moment regaining their composure, Hoskar sees what looks like a golden eye looking at him from the mud.

The chamber's floor is littered with crunched up bones of all sorts of fish and creatures and Henal quickly finds his bronze javelin head, though there's no sign of Amara's hand. At the back there's a partially eaten creature that Hoskar recognises as a Newtling.


Diving back out Ohanzee follows the rope, spying through the murky water that there's now a boat directly above the hole. It looks the same size as the one that brought them.

"Let's gut the thing," says Kobal, panting, taking out his knife to cut open the belly of the creature with sword and knife.  "Maybe we can find Amara's hand in it.  One of you search the ground as well."  Thank the gods for this metal helmet.  His head throbs with the memory of the whack he received.

Grabbing and pouching the golden eye-stone for later examination, ready to run to Amara and try some healing if Kobal finds her missing hand, Hoskar begins a close search of the chamber's floor just in case he can spy it there.
Agreed. You gut, I'll search round.

As he begins rooting around in old bones and filth, he yells: We need sharp eyes here quick! Time's running out!

With a disgusting slop the Mudshark's insides spill out on to the ground, enabling Kobal to push his way through the remains of the creature's last meal, whilst Henal and Hoskar scan the ground some more.

There's shredded fish, chomped eels and at last the partial remains of Amara's hand. It doesn't look good as it, like the other bits of food, has been smashed, shredded and completely chomped.

The three braves realise that to truly help their friend they'll need to find a healer. Not someone with basic knowledge of the art, but one connected to their god with divine gifts. The only person they knew with their clan was the wife of Harrat's father, but they had left with the other Storm Bull worshippers on their Heroquest to the East.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:21, Mon 03 Nov 2014.

Do you think the river folk would have a healer that could help? Killing these mudsharks must be worth something to them.

Upon seeing what's left of Amara's hand, Hoskar slumps; giving a low and hollow groan. Nothing I can do with that , he observes disconsolately. Maybe the riverfolk can help, but maybe not if their stumps are anything to go by...can't get to Pavis sensibly...oh dear...

Holding his head between his hands, he looks for all the world as if he was the wounded one; but suddenly his eyes go wide with sudden hope. Maybe they've got a healer at that new settlement on the river.

He sags again. Might be a red healer instead of the white robes. A stranger would want payment up front anyway. Wonder if this is worth anything. He fishes out the gold-glinting rock eye to try and appraise it.

Spying the boat and remembering that he said he’d pole over if called Ohanzee assumes treachery or a different boat, either way bad news. So, instead of trying to haul himself up he tries to swim under the boat to take a look from the other side where he would not expect the pilot to be watching.

Pushing off with his feet Ohanzee gets into difficulty, winding up snagged momentarily under the boat. Breaking free in a mild panic, he's just started to swallow water when strong hands reach down and pull him aboard.

Whilst spewing water he comes eye to eye with a very well bound juvenile Mudshark, lying next to him on the deck. Then he's being helped up.

It's a concerned looking Yellow Fin and Sandy.

"Are you okay? Why did you try and swim under the boat?"

Coughing and spluttering Ohanzee takes pushes himself up away from the young pup, bound or not that face is too close! He takes a few moments to recover his breath to also calm his thoughts at least and compose the response. Eventually he manages ”I thought the boat might be another’s.” more coughing and then ”I thought the idea was to keep the boats around the corner unless called for so I wanted to make sure that you weren’t Lunars come to see what was going one.”

His breathing recovering he then adds ”I was trying to take a look and then warn the others if it was.” he flushes ”But I’m glad it was you and not them as I’m about as useful in the water as a fish is on the Plaines!”

He looks back at the hole dark against the murky water ”My friends are just finishing the last of them, at least the last that has made an appearance. It was an adult and took Amara’s hand. I was just coming to get more rope to haul the bodies out when I got spooked by the boat being here.”

He looks at the bound pup ”Are you allowed to do that, what with the taboo?”

"They are not taboo for me my friend. I plan to release this one out in the main channel, where it can start a new life away from the shallow waters" replies Yellow Fin smiling. He looks at Sandy and the smile goes.

"Sandy found another adult on the other side of the beach. It was dead, injured by a spear perhaps. But that wasn't what killed it. It had been badly burned all over and partially digested. Sounds like what Grams was talking about."

Ohanzee frowns at the description of the other adult and responds ”I’ve been thinking on what Grams spoke of last night and with your description of the other adult I have a nasty feeling I recognise the signs.”

“Let me take the rope to the others to haul the carcases out and tell them of the final one and then take me over to take a look at it so I can see for myself.”

As he walks back to Amara, Kobal concentrates on the chewed hand, and channels his power into it, while picturing the healing of the hand.