Mid morning finds the Wandering Rangers deep in Vultures country, winding their way through steep sided gullies one moment, windswept dusty open spaces the next. The area seems to be throwing every form of geographical feature at them, as long as it involves rock, dust and grit.

There's no vegetation to speak of and water is a distant memory in these parts, so they'd  filled every available container back at the camp, watered the beasts and ensured that they were well fed.

Every ravine corner, cliff height and pile of rocks was a potential ambush site and it put everyone on edge...

Tarnessh was relieved that he had Tulox, his eyes in the sky, flying overhead and keeping watch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

Henal keeps a keen watch around the left hand side where he rides relying up the others in the formation to keep watch on their areas.

Rikki alternates between looking around and settling down to nap in the baggage behind Henal.

Akala was pleased to be riding at the front of the group.

To have earned the respect at arms of the party enough to ride at the vanguard made the Brave proud.

Of course, the danger present with such a position did not escape him either, and he kept his eyes, ears and nose open for the slightest sign of trouble.

With Broo, it could be the nose which detected the enemy first.

Akala checked his lance, axe, sword and Javelins to make sure everything was where he needed it, should he need it.  He was once again in his armor, and felt a little more secure, as it was his uniform during his days guarding the Caravan and had always served him well.

Hopefully the armor's legacy would endure.

Once they have settled in to a steady pace, with regular checks behind them, "I'm Melock and this is Nixa" He says to the Blue Llama riders with them, "Have you travelled this way before?"

The two braves nod their heads in the negative, looking down from their high vantage point at the two Bison riders. They're slightly older braves and both have barely concealed looks of amusement on their faces.

"I'm Al and this is Paca, we've travelled all of the western side of Prax, and some of the wastes, but never the Bleak Hills."

Before the group set off, Hoskar did the rounds of the Rangers; having had a thought about their hosts; asking the same question of all. Remembered why blue sparked something off in my mind. We nabbed some indigo dye off that Corflu merchant and these Llama folk use blue a lot. Maybe that would make a nice friendship gift for their care of our mounts. What do you reckon?

Preparing to mount, he mutters his echo of the family's words where once there was a garden we ride to restitution in subdued tone; shifting in the new metal armour he's not worn for real before not that helmet unless I have to: it's like having a bucket on my head then takes a place on the right with Kobal and a Blue Llama brave he discovers is called Merlez; well away from the Sable hostage with reason to hate him.
Out on the trail, he scans about nervously, on new and dangerous territory, fearing surprises behind every rock.

Tarnessh spoke to the others near him. "Personally, this is going to be my first trip to the Giant Finger Holes too. I joined up with the Rangers when they returned from their first big adventure. I can't believe that we're so young and we're already talking about 'first adventures' and such." He said with a chuckle.

Well and weary: nighted hunting fruitful, even Hungry sated. Ride for rest on boon companion: wend my way without the walking.

One eye open, watch the winged one clean Ram rhino, teasing ticks from his strong skin.

"We avoided it on the way to the river. We went south, passed Zebra Graze, though considering what we ran into going that way, its hard to tell if it was a safer way to go."

"What trouble was that, couple of snakes or a Broo" laughs Al.

The first two days pass slowly as the large group winds its way deeper into the inhospitable hills. There's the constant threat of attack and numerous false alarms keep everyone on edge. It's hot too, but at least there are no flies now.

On the whole the children are quiet, subdued by the heat and fear of what lies juts out of sight...Their parents faring little better.

Whilst the Scouts are out looking for a place to camp they spy a glint of sunlight on armour a half kilometre away. With the use of charms they go to ground and zoom in on what turns out to be a large group of men, both on foot and on horseback, making their way to the West. They're travelling parallel to the nomads and will unless something stupid occurs likely pass them by. Bamled and his Blue Llama companion say that the men are armoured, carry long spears and that there are Impala riders with them.

After several close calls with Condors Tulox had been keeping close to his master, but now the hawk enquired whether he should go and investigate.

"Only from a distance, Tulox. Don't do anything to draw attention." Tarnessh said.

Tarnessh's hands subconsciously moved to his pack that contained the Golden Disk he had found when he saw the Yelmalions. "Dammit, why're they after the disk? I took it fair and square! It couldn't have been that Sun Country foreigner we let go, right?"

"Tulox, come back and stay down. The Yelmalions have hawks too." He told his familiar.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

The Big Brave scratched at the non-existent beard he had always hoped would grow on his chin.  Still, he did so, thoughtfully.

Akala had returned to the center of the group at first word, and after having words with the others, would return once again to the vanguard.

"Yelm lovers," He said slowly, recognizing the tell tale signs- partially from his caravan work, partially just because.

He cocked an eye at the others, "Will we seek to trade?  Or try to stay from sight and avoid detection?" he then raised the other eyebrow at Tarnessh, "And what is this disk you speak of?  Do the Yelmalions search for us?  Is it something they might trade for?  Perhaps we can gain much for that which is only a trinket to us..."

Akala let the idea hand in the air.  He was more concerned about being pursued unknowingly by the Yelmalions. Joining the Rangers meant he took on the groups enemies... and he wanted to be sure he knew who those enemies were.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

"I don't think so. We bumped in to some Impala riders who where looking for the disk when we were at the Rhino gorge and found some dead Yelmalions near Grandmother Spider, which is were Amara, Kobal and Hoskar got their scale armour from. I'd guess that this is another group looking for it. I remember Fireborn said it was some sort of map. If they want it that bad, I think we should keep hold of it until we can work it out."

Amara went to the centre of the group as the word was passed of the sightings and joined the others. "My words on the matter are these. We have no cause to be generous or seek to gain the attention of those who aid the Invaders. Let them pass by and continue their search for the disc elsewhere, out of our sight and minds. Let them attract the attention of enemies in the area." Amara bit her lip "If they do come under attack, we can always lend a hand, but not if we do not need to do so." Amara having said her piece left the others to deliberate as she wandered around the edges of the travelers making sure to say hello to the Llama people she recognised and play with the children. Her only other stop to greet Delendra and talk to her some more.

"This is no trinket. It's a map, and it's got powerful magic. It makes charms that involve light twice as powerful, also it looks really good." Tarnessh replied to Akala. "I say we avoid them. We have children and mothers here, and this crossing is dangerous enough as it is."

Yes, avoid the sun worshippers if we can. No need to end up having to parley or fight if we can steer clear of them.

Akala's mouth turned down at the corners, his eyebrows moving upwards at Tarnessh's statement, saying only, "I knew not."

The Large man only nodded at the words of others advising to avoid the Yelmalions.

"Likely a fight as some of us wear armour and carry their bows and arrows taken from their dead. I fear they would detect the disc if we get close. Haratt hinted that there was something important about the disc which would mean that we had to go somewhere in the sun worshippers' lands. We have a pass, signed by one of their leaders don't we?"

Salen had rejoined the others to talk, his eyes watching the sky constantly.

During all this the Blue Llamas listen to what the Rangers have to say. They seem surprised that such a large force of the Sun County people are so far from home and the fact that they have horses riles some of their younger braves who instantly call for a raid to kill the beasts.

It's at this point Bamled Horse Killer speaks up "We have to kill the abominations, they have no place here in our lands." Those turning to look at him see that his magical club is glowing.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Sat 14 Mar 2015.

"I must think of our families, this place is dangerous enough already. I will not allow my people to fight now. We must let them pass."

The Blue Llama elder glares at those of his braves that are suggesting a raid.

The Sable rider greets Amara, perhaps not warmly but at least without hate. She'd been riding with Ohanzee and the High Llama riders for the last day and a half and for the most part had spent it in silence.

"Greetings Amara...There is word that a large group of warriors have been spotted.Are we in danger?"

Ohanzee, like Amara joins the group as they gather to discuss the threat. He had hoped to share the knowledge gleened from Kinope with the Rangers alone, eeven though these people seemed honest enough, but as the others seem intent on sharing secrets then he offers "It is a map and it is important it does not fall into their hands. We must follow it for I know what lies at the end, Kinope told me."

He doesn't elaborate, but he gives Tarnessh a strange look, untrusting perhaps as he remembers the warning in his initiation vision.

"I agree, sun worshippers are nothing but trouble" He smiles at Tarnessh, "and we need to avoid those Agimori as well. So lets stay our course and hope they don't spot us, with a bit of luck they'll run in to something nasty."

So it's decided and the two groups pass each other, one oblivious to the other's existence whilst the other is quietly happy to slip on by...

An old campsite is found, filled with blackened fire pits, but human bones lie about in abundance, the majority smashed open to allow access to the marrow inside. It's an evil place soon left behind.

Another more suitable spot is discovered by the scouts with good views of the surrounding land and some shelter from the fierce hot wind that has been blowing all day.

Looking to the North West Cantalas remarks "I fear tomorrow we will get a chaos filled storm." A fact that Kobal readily agrees with, his uncannily correct weather forecasting saying the same thing.

"It would be wise to find some shelter during the day if we can."

"No luck with hunting today" announces Salen as the scouts get back in. "We've enough dried meat for for today and tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan to me. Do you know when it will strike, maybe we should make use of the shelter available here?" Ohanzee suggests but then as Salen mentions the state of their food store he sighs "Perhaps not, the sooner we are out of this place the better, so if we can make any headway tomorrow then we should make use of the time we have."

The group had passed many caves during the day, some mere overhangs whilst others looked bigger and in some cases deeper. They'd been avoided because of what may live in them and the urgent need to keep on moving.

"We'll need to find something less open than where we are now, preferably with a roof" comments Cantalas.

Several of the Rangers can't help but remember the last time a similar storm hit them and they'd found shelter in a cave filled with something scuttling about in the background.

"We've got the sables to eat, so we wont go hungry." He rubs the back of his neck, "I've had this odd sensation, on and off all day, that someone has been watching us, but every time I look round, I cant see anyone." he looks over his shoulder the way they came, "It could just be this place. Maybe a couple of us should head back the way we came and see if there's any sign of being followed?" He chuckles, "Last time we sheltered from one of these storms the cave we were in had a giant centipede."

"I'm bushed from scouting all day" answers Salen "You go if you want, but be careful."

Salen stops at the mention of the cave "Greeshar killed that dog that day. It is not a good memory."

He heads over to help with getting the camp ready, bending to pat Mordy on the head as he goes.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up." He collects the saddle bag with Taya in, "Hoskar, can you look after Taya. That way if I run in to any problems, she can let you know" He sorts through his gear, wanting to travel light, he takes his kukri, sling and some rope, but leaves his axe and shield on Stinky. "I shouldn't be too long, just going to find a high spot to look back the way we came."

In reply to Delenda Axe Sister (msg # 25):

Amara smiled "This is Prax, Delendra...when are we not in danger?" Amara replied "But yes, a large group of people are moving nearby. We're not in immediate danger, but we're going to delay for a short time and allow them to pass."

*****************

Amara rode near the others "I fear we must look for shelter soon, whether it be occupied or not. Why not pick a cave and have us check it out before moving to take shelter?"

"I'll come with you two as well. Tulox can help keep and eye out, and my magic is always useful." Tarnessh said, taking out his bronze scimitar and making sure his sling stones were ready.

"If you ask me it's asking for trouble to go wandering offin these parts." Ohanzee says as the other three prepare for scouting back down their path. He grins "If there's trouble to be had then I can't let you lot have it alone."

Still dressed in his armour he takes his selfbow rather than the crossbow, together with his shield slung over his back and his sword sheathed at his belt.

"Yup" replies Cantalas.

Whilst the camp gets set up the small band of braves slink off into the coming darkness. After about ten minutes slinking they find a good vantage point to watch along the track they'd just travelled down.

Then it gets dark.

The wind makes hearing things hard and well the darkness makes it pretty difficult to see anything, but the two Ravens put their trust in their limited night vision.

They all hear the Hyenas, their laughs carried from somewhere to the North East, but see nothing for the next half hour.

Those that stay back at the camp must decide whether or not to risk lighting fires....

"How far can you see?" Tarnessh asked the Raven braves. "I don't want to risk putting up a lightwall to see by if there's too many enemies about."

Melock puts his head in his hands and sighs, then whispers, "You wont be putting lightwall up, unless we get attacked. The plan is to sit and watch for a couple of hours and see if anyone comes this way"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Sat 14 Mar 2015.

Amara whispered to the others "From even before we became braves our paths have always been dogged by hyenas. Who sets them on our path? Perhaps one that is set against the return?"

"That's an interesting thought, Amara. However if someone is setting them on our path, they'll be thoroughly disappointed." Tarnessh said.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Sun 15 Mar 2015.

Akala's face had shown surprise at Melock's suggestion at attempting to watch their trail, but he trusted the man's sense that something had been watching them.

"The camp might be more defensible...but there are women and children here. If someone is hunting us, it would be better to engage them out there," he had gestured with his head vaguely towards the way they had come.

To Cantalas he had said, "If something is coming, it would probably be best not to light the fires.  And double the guard."

---

Later, amongst the other Rangers, Akala was quiet.  His golden eyes attempted to penetrate the thick, unnatural darkness, to little avail.

"My only concern is being caught out here in the storm," he said.

His shield and javelin were held loosely, axe at his side, sword sheathed in his back.  His armor felt light and comfortable after a full days wearing.  Rolling the Zana root he was chewing in his mouth from left to right, he forced himself to relax, letting the tension ease so that he could react to the situation as needed.

He checked on Bouncer to make sure the Jerboa was comfortable.

The big man squatted down so as not to make himself more visible, due to his size.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Sat 14 Mar 2015.

Melock rolls his eyes, a gesture that is totally wasted in the dark, "Tarnessh, Akala, the idea of being out here is to watch and listen for people following us, not talk so they can hear us, if you need to say anything please whisper"

Tarnessh frowned at Melock. "Yes, I'm sure we would hate to start a fight that almost gets one of our brothers killed, wouldn't we? Don't worry about us."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Sun 15 Mar 2015.

The rather large scouting party having clanked their way over to the spot chosen to spy on their route, settle down to wait.

Another half hour passes, with nothing sensed or spotted, and it's then that they hear the shouts coming from the camp, some ten minutes walk away....


Henal, having stayed behind with Kobal, Hoskar and Salen, hears a commotion coming from the darkness to the Northern side of the campsite. For the last hour he and his companions had helped corral the mounts, settle the Blue Llama folk and work out watches.

The Thunderbird brave had found himself paired up with Peat, keeping watch on the Eastern approaches. It was dark and windy, but the stars gave some illumination allowing them to see a good thirty metres ahead.

When the shouting starts Peat nudges Henal "That's where Salen and Al are keeping watch, What should we do?"

Henal keeps looking out into the darkness. This is tricky because we need to have watch kept this way so we need a relief before we could go to help. I'll see if my spirit Rikki can communicate with the spirit in Mordy, Salen's dog.

Rikki, what can Mordy see and hear? do you sense any sprits or smell anything out there.

Amara immediately started running back to the camp as fast as she could. Moving as swiftly as she could.

"I'll make sure no one gets us here." Tarnessh told the others.

Melock follows Amara, though not as fast. Making sure of his footing until he is on the level then running at a steady pace.

"Mordy is with the Bisons keeping watch, I and he detect nothing" comes back the prompt reply.

There's another shout, it's Salen for certain, but thanks to the strong wind the words are garbled....
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:17, Sun 15 Mar 2015.

With the sound of shouts coming from the camp that can mean nothing but trouble. Ohanzee can perfectly understand Amara and Melock rushing off. If he wasn't dress in his heavy armour he might have done the same, but that was a recipe for being left behind and exhausted quickly.

Tarnessh seems not to be dashing back and Akala too so he whispers to them "The hyena cries came from that way" he points North East "and the camp lies that way." pointing East. "We've been dogged by hyena's since we left the clan and I don't think it's a coincidence. Let's head for the sound of the hyena's, if they are the same group that's been trailing us all this way then they're being controlled and their master might not expect us if he's got them attacking to the North of the camp."

"And for Raven's sake at lease try to be quiet!"

"I will not let Amara face this threat alone.  I will follow her to camp.  I will call out what happens though, and you will hear me."

With that, Akala was off, casting a movement charm on himself, and moving quickly.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Sun 15 Mar 2015.

"Bloody fine Ranger material there Tarnessh. His cock points the way and he dashes off under a charm to leave out in the darkness with no chance of keeping up with any of them!"

He turns his gaze to the Sun Hawk, likely able to see the brave's features better than Tarnessh can see his "So, with them, with me, or here alone?"

Amara and Akala, who sprinted past Melock in the star lit darkness, arrive at the camp, closely followed by the Raven brave. They're met by spears held by two Blue Llama braves guarding the Western approaches, but are recognised for friends as a detect charm splashes over them.

A light spell has been cast on a shield at the centre of the camp and the three braves are met by Cantalas, Kobal and Hoskar.

"There is a disturbance to the North of the camp, we were just going to investigate, but now you are here we shall stay and guard the families."

Mordy has started barking and then is stilled as he hears his master's whistle coming from the darkness to the North, and without waiting the dog bounds off towards the noise.

Peat looks about them and points back to the camp where a light has appeared "What shall we do Henal?"

Akala, Henal, Kobal, Hoskar and Melock all receive messages from their familiars that Mordy says that Salen is okay, but that he and his companion were attacked in the darkness. The Blue Llama brave with him is unconscious.

The danger is enemies attacking from more than one direction as if we go nobody will be watching this side. I will try my magic to see if anything comes

Henal's charm comes back positive, picking up for the briefest of moments a life form on the very edge of it's range.

There is something out there. Just too far off to see. Henal says pointing in the direction of the life energy. Better get some protective magic up. Salen and the other guard were attacked but whatever it was headed back off rather than keeping going at them.

He then casts a protective charm on himself.

"I caught sight of something to the south of the camp as I came, it was a group of something that walked upright. Maybe that's what your charm picked up?" He turns to the south and finds a spot where the glowing shield is behind him, then, using his hands to block out any other light to his left and right, looks in the direction he saw movement, hoping to get another glimpse.

For his own part, Akala remained prepared, shield and javelin kept in the proper position.

He would fight...as soon as he knew whom and where.

"Keep that charm for the Earth's Might upon your lips, friend Hoskar, we may need it soon," The Big Brave said, not actually looking in Hoskar's direction, but eyes continuing to penetrate the darkness.

Amara nose lifted into the air as she breathed in through it deeply. "This will be a trying night my brothers. Let us prepare, for I fear that soon we shall be put to the test." Amara lifted her javelin, trying to put a brave face on things for the llama people "We must trade at the end of the night for one of those things you make to hold javelins. I always seem to be running out."

For the next while Amara, Akala, Melock, Henal, Hoskar and Kobal stay around the camp, patrolling and keeping guard. Eventually Hoskar goes to see how Salen is.

Not long afterwards the Blue Llama brave, who been on guard with Salen returns, telling how they had been jumped by masked men with nets, somehow managing to fight them off, but not before the Blue Llama brave had been knocked out.

It's nearly an hour since the first shouts came when Tulox gives out a wild squawk, announcing

"Tarnessh has been captured....He is far away from here. He has been unconscious. He and Ohanzee were attacked."

Akala swore under his breath.

"We should go get them.  Cantalas, can the Blue Llama's hold the camp, while we go retrieve out companion?"

The Big Brave addressed Tulox: What of Ohanzee?  How does he fare?

"Tulox says he can not see him, but presumes that he is there. Tarnessh is moving North West he says. He is bound and gagged and thinks they are cannibal cultists"

Comes the reply via Bouncer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:09, Tue 17 Mar 2015.

"Aye...But this must be their ground....We saw the bones earlier at the other camp. Be careful."

I will need to go soon. Two of my comrades have been captured so we must go to free them.Henal uses Rikki to send a message to the others thru their spirits Have them send someone to take my place so I can help rescue Tarnessh.

Melock swore under his breath as he got Taya and her bag. He mounts up and checks his lance is within easy reach. "We'll need some torches so we can travel faster"

Kobal readies Black Hoof, his familiar and Tulox too.

Gathering their mounts Bamled, Nixa and Sand Fox are soon ready for war. Salen is back with Hoskar and the two Condors take the lead following Mordy who begins searching for their companions trail.

As they posse prepare too leave it's found that two of the Blue Llama braves have been taken too.

Thanks to Tulox the Rangers know the rough direction of travel, but for some reason Mordy can't pick up a trail.

Swearing the Condor Brave looks out into the darkness

"They've magic to mask their scent. I have the same charm. Lets fan out, they'll not be able to keep it up for long."

Amara rode on thunderhoofs back a torch high in the air as she looked for signs of where her brothers might have been taken. She wasn't going to let anyone do this with impunity while they were here.

Henal mounts up on Whiteblaze before he takes a lit torch in hand and looks for any signs of tracks. Frustrated by the number of trails from the Rangers and High Llamas beasts he us unable to find anything.

Can Tulox help us by leading us towards Tarnessh?

With a shout Amara finds the trail and soon enough Mordy is able to pick up the scent, and this is how it goes for a while, with the scent vanishing, then being re discovered as are the tracks. It's frustrating work only made sufferable by the fact that Tulox, though not airborne, is able to give them a direction to head in, whether or not they have the trail or not.

"Tarnessh is three, maybe four kilometres away. If he goes much further I will be freed..." adds the hawk.

No one can get the picture out of the heads of the fate that awaits the four prisoners: Killed, then their spirits robbed of their essence and their magic stolen to be reused. Those outlaws that worship the hungry ghosts use their prey to strengthen themselves and take great pleasure in capturing worthy foe...

On the trail goes, slipping through deep canyons and over dusty hills, stopped on occasion by wrong turns, falls and complete confusion.

"They've stopped. Tarnessh says they are underground...Twisting tunnels....Leering, sharp toothed faces...Fires...A painted high domed cavern, a fire at it's back, the smoke escaping up a large chimney....Bones...So many bones.....A shaman comes...Ghosts...Bat shit crazy ghosts.....They're killing one of us, tearing his soul from his body....Strips of bleeding flesh....The Shaman, he hears Tarnessh talking to me....PAIN!!"

The ground ahead of where the Rangers now are is crisscrossed with steep sided gullies, into one of which the faint tracks lead.

So far it has been hard to tell exactly how many people having been carrying the four prisoners, certainly eight plus. The best estimate is twice that or more.

Anyone examining the mouth of the gully sees that it is to narrow for the wide Rhinos and Bisons. The choices are simple: either to continue on foot down the dark canyon or up and over the top, some ten metres above.

Both would have their dangers...Possible ambushers, traps or worse. One thing's for sure any entrance to a lair would most certainly be guarded.

"I am not going to leave Tarrnessh down there for any longer than I have to. One or two should remain here to guard the mounts while we bring our brother back." Amara led Thunderfoot by the reins to a place where she could peg her mount into the ground. "We are going to get him...now" she said, almost daring the others to defy her statement.

"We should not split up.  That was what got us in this pickle to begin with.  We will need someone to check for traps."

Akala moved to nail down a post for his Rhino, unable to remember doing so much fighting on his feet.

Dismounting, he left the lance on Thundercloud, but took the javelin, axe, sword, and shield.

Henal dismounts, secures Whiteblaze and readies his shield and spear. I'll come too, but the beasts will need to be watched here with so many threats in these hills.

Rikki, do you sense spirits close to us here?

In the pursuit Whiteblaze puts a hoof into a hole luckily not hurting the bison, but causing it to lurch over making Henal who was riding with a torch in one hand and a spear in the other to slide off the great beast and need to remount and allow the pursuit to continue.

"I and my brother will mind the mounts" replies Nixa "Do not forget they have Ohanzee and two Blue Llama braves" he adds, whilst watching Bamled secure the Sun Hawk and Raven's own mounts, next to the two High Llamas they had also brought.

"I have a charm for detecting traps" replies Hoskar as he helps Salen remove first the fifty metre length of rope and then a twenty metre length.

"What's the plan, up over the top or through the gullies? Tulox mentioned Tarnessh saying there was a chimney of some sort."

"No, but Tarnessh says there are many ghosts in the caves."

"I can scout and report back what I find....Taya will you go too?"

"Yes we need a plan. It is likely that they know we are here, but if not we must find a way in. We can either fight and perhaps have them kill their hostages or though I hate to say it we follow Raven's way..."

The brave looks to Melock

"Can you find a way?"

Taya pokes her head out of her saddle bag,"Sounds like a plan" she jumps down from the back of Stinky and runs over to Rikki, "Well, at least more of a plan than they have." She glances at the humans, the back to Rikki, Didn't the message that flyboy told us say that there was a chimney and they had a fire going? so if we find somewhere high, we should be able to see the smoke or maybe smell it. Its just us two? Do you think we'll be away long enough to need to eat? If so, shall we ask bouncer to join us?" She giggles and looks at Akala.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:14, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

He looks back at Kobal, "Its always the way, there's too many Ravens when you don't need us, and then when you do, one of them has the bad luck not to be here. You make sure you have a word with him, next time you see him, and tell him, he needs to be here when you need him." He pauses to catch his breath, "As has been mentioned, if we find the smoke we find one way in. With Emesh-Ga's help Amara can get a better sense of which caves are likely to lead to the main chamber. As it looks like we are going on foot from here, I'll go with the scouts. If we are really lucky we might surprise a couple of lookout, kill them, take their clothes, get into the caves and find our lost friends" His tone of voice for the last suggestion, lets everyone who is listening know that he's not even considering trying it. "That shaman being there means we can't get our familiars to scout the caves for us" He sighs, "If we can get to the top of that chimney, it will probably be the quickest way in"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:05, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

Akala's nodded at Melock's plan and proceeded to scale the cliff face.  He would jump up if possible.

The Rhino brave crouches down and leaps six metres up the face of the cliff, the last four climbed with no bother and the rope is soon attached to a suitable spot and lowered down to the others.

Meanwhile Taya and whichever Manul cats plan to accompany her make their way up and then across the rocky top of the cliff.

Not to be left out Mordy slinks off down the gully....

It's not long before reports start coming in.

"There's a guard up here...on the other side of a steep gorge....I can't jump across, but the cats can." Taya

"I saw Mordy below in the main canyon." Four Paws.

"Mordy says that the gully goes through a cave....There's light and two..No three men there....A tunnel runs back underground behind them." Salen

"Jumped across...Avoided the guard...Rikki distracted him....Following a side gorge....We can smell smoke and see light...."Haaro.


"There's chanting...Big hole with smoke coming out. There's ghosts below....Pulling back.....Ah...There's the chimney...no two....There's one straight behind...Dark, but can see light below....Oh oh....Another guard further way keeping guard that way. He's heard me...." Rikki.

"Get out of there Mordy...Quick. One of them is leaving the cave....Close call." Taya

Sounds like the chimneys might be the best way in, but it will work better with a diversion at the gorge to get the guards going that way. Henal says before climbing up the rope taking the 20 metres rope from his bison with him.

He looks around for guards and where the familiars are.

"We can do that" suggests Kobal, looking at Salen and Hoskar. "The rest of you can go up top. Send a message back via either Four Paws of Haaro when you want us too start."

"There are likely a few warriors in here. Some of them are doing a sacrifical ritual right now, but there might be others as guards around entrances and such. I know I sound very calm right now, but that's really the terror talking. TELL THEM TO HURRY!"

Those with familiars soon hear the relayed message from Tulox as it's leap frogged along the line.

"Up it is then" He looks round at those not heading to the chimney, "Be safe and see you soon, my brothers" He follows Henal up the rope. Then quietly and slowly heads towards Taya, making sure he doesnt get closer than a lances length to the edge, all the while keeping a look out for guards.

As those up above begin moving forward to join Melock, not only do they smell smoke, see a not to distant glow where the chimneys are, but also hear the screams of someone in terrible pain.

There's also chanting, shouting and the noise of drums. A ceremony is obviously taking place and all those hearing can't help but shudder at the sounds.

A showers of sparks rise from a hole in the ground to the North, Taya saying that is where the cats are and that there's three holes in all. Also spotted is the glow from where the nearby guard is hiding, pinpointing his position and revealing his silhouette against the sky. He's obviously standing by an opening, perhaps removing it's cover for a moment. Between him and the hidden Rangers is another deep gully a lance length across.

Taya gets sent to see what she can find out about the lone guard to her right, staying out of the gorge. When she has some information for Melock, she will head back to him and whisper it to him, to lessen the chance of being discovered.

It took Amara longer to climb the rock face than the others, a slip causing her to lose some skin on the rocks surface and get tangled in the ropes, but eventually she made it to the top. As she moved towards the chimney, her new found grace showed as she left barely a whisper as she crossed to where the chimney was. The sense of urgency foremost in her mind. The screams of unwilling victims breaking her heart as she knew it was probably too late already for the one screaming. Only a silent vow to herself promising to stop this before another met their fate, crossed her mind as she crouched at the chimney ready to climb down.

Akala pointed the guard out to Amara.

"Can you take him from here?  If you do, it may cause a diversion while we surprise them through the chimney."

The Big Man looked over at Melock as if checking with the Raven that the idea was clever enough.

Amara nodded, reaching for her javelins, taking a quick glance in Melocks direction to make sure he wasn't going to have any problems with her doing this. She took two javelins ready to cast her charms and throw them with MElocks approval.

Henal casts a charm of confusion against the closest guide to buy time and hopefully keep him from raising an alarm while the diversion happens in the gully.

First a spell arcs across, splashing the target with an aura of confusion, causing him or her to stand up just in time to take a well aimed javelin to the head.

Kathunk

The sentry falls  without a sound, enabling the commandoes to leap across the chasm and continue onwards. Grabbing her javelin Amara sees that there is a covered tunnel at the dead warrior's feet.  But deciding, with Emesh-Ga's help that they're too far away for a tunnel to be useful she lopes after the others, bent nearly double to keep her from view.

Taya carried over by Melock scouts ahead...

Zig zag...stumble...Tinkle of metal...hushed swearings...crawl over some rocks...And there it is a large illumined opening in the ground from which comes the sound of torture, chanting, smoke and ceremonial mayhem.

Giving this a wide berth those Rangers on top eventually arrive at what turns out to be two chimneys. Once lit by a column of sparks coming from the fire below, the other dark and immediately behind it. The Manul cats are waiting and immediately point out that there is another guard forty metres to the North, guarding an entrance to the caves below.

Looking down the darkened chimney the Amara, Akala, Henal, Melock and Bamled can see it is 15metres deep and dimly lit through a hole on the bottom which opens into the fire chimney next to it at ground level.

"Enapay is down there, but is being quiet. We must be careful for there are many ghost, luckily their attention is on the sacrifices, but that could change at any moment. There are two people close to the chimney...Who feel like they are Ohanee and Tarnessh" reports Rikki.

Henal looks for where the 20 metre rope he carried can be secured and whispers We need to get the other guard then head down. .

Salen, Kobal and Hoskar slip silently down the gully, their passage magically silenced. Stopping just before the final turn the braves prepare weapons and charms, letting the others know through Haaro that they are in position.

All can hear the thump of drums and the screams...

Which suddenly get cut off.

Who was it? Not one of their companions they hoped.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:41, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Melock nods in agreement to Amara's and Akala's plan for taking out the guard. He tries, but fails to hide the surprised look on his face, caused by them both asking him for permission to do something.

While they are looking down the darken chimney, Melock notices a hole in the wall about 3 meters down and he quietly points it out to the others, "Amara, can you sense where that goes?"
He takes a deep breath, "I know I'll probably regret this, but if I'm lowered down, I can then sneak round the edges of the cave, free our guys and then we climb back up. With the distraction the others will be making they shouldn't notice me"

Akala pointed out that near the bottom there another dark exit in the North Western wall of the chimney about two metres up from the ground.

"Perhaps we can exit there and avoid the fire."

He added, "I've a spirit protection I can speak upon myself, but it is big magic- I don't know how to work it on more people than myself.  I can speak it and go down first.  I will speak some other charms as well.  You guys come in behind me, Amara- kill as many as you can- Henal and Melock, you guys free the others.  I will try and take any kidnappers we see, I will be the distraction in the room while the others are the distraction outside."

When he heard the scream stop, he quickly asked Bouncer, Has someone passed on?  Do their familiars know?

Then to Kobal, Salen and Hoskar via Bouncer and Haaro, Akala announced, Now! Now! Now!

Hoskar, if you see me in battle, speak that charm for might upon me!

Without really waiting for an answer, Akala was down the chimney slowly, checking to see if the room was clearing out, so he would know whom he had to kill...

"No idea...Tulox is with the mounts and there is no way for me to speak to him. He's too far away and all the other familiars are here or in the gully."

He watches Akala take the lead, "I feel safer already," he grins, "Who's going to stay and guard our exit?" He barely waits for a reply as he puts up a couple of charms and follows Akala

Bamled casts spirit block on anyone who wishes it and then volunteers to stand guard.

"I'll watch your backs. Don't get stuck down there..."

Akala lowers his considerable bulk down the chimney, it's not easy work, but at least the noise of the ceremony hides his own noise on the way down.

Dropping to the rocky floor of the vertical cave the immense warrior realises that there's no way he's going to be able to enter the side passage, it being to small for him to climb through. Instead Melock, who'd followed him down lands on it's ledge. He'll fit with ease.

The only way out for Akala would be the hole that leads out to the fire beyond, which at the moment he can't see through thanks to where he's standing on the Western wall.

From some distance away comes the sound of a muted horn, blasting out a warning as Salen, Kobal and Hoskar make their move. From the other side of the hole there's shouting and much movement, some of which is coming right for the chimney he is standing in!

In reply to GM (msg # 111):

Melock taps Akala on the arm then points to the side passage then to himself before heading down the passage.

Henal gets a spirit block from Bamled then casts his own protective spells and prepares to follow Melock. I'll help set the captives free and then fight to get us out of there.

Looking down the pitch black tunnel, Henal can see a faint glow someway down, but no sign of Melock

Henal  keeps moving forward using his spear to test the going before him.

Whilst Henal crawls after Melock, Akala can see that someone is approaching the hole from the other side, from where shouts and a reply of "Com'on!" can be heard.

It's Ohanzee's voice!

While slightly surprised to see the dead cannibal on the floor, he is glad it isn't anyone he knows. When he see's that Tarnessh isn't tied up anymore, but is fighting, he drops down in to the cave and waits until Tarnessh's attacker is on top then hits him with the kukri.

Amara picked up the pouch from the guard she killed as she crossed the grounds leading to the chimney. Trying to remain quiet, Amara followed Akala and Melock into the tunnel system, looking for her brother braves and to kill any who dared cross them.

Finding a hole in the ceiling of the tunnel Henal pops his head down, spying a dead cannibal on the sandy debris filled floor. Looking about he takes in a large totem filled cavern and to one side another small cave where he just catches Melock running into.

What grabs his attention is a large, fat, near naked savage, quite obviously a Shaman pointing at him from within the large cavern.
Surrounding this feral creature is a cloud of ravenous looking ghosts, which as one focus on the Thunder Bird brave...

Pushing into the room beyond the dark chimney Akala and Amara find Ohanzee keeping several cannibals at bay with a jagged blade in the room with fire. To one side is Tarnessh straddled by a headless warrior, Melock standing next to them both, a bloody Kukri in one hand.

Beyond them all is a large domed cavern, it's walls covered with murals painted in what looks dried blood, whilst the floor is filled with dread totems made from wood, stone and skeletons. It stinks of fresh blood, which by the looks of it comes from the two freshly butchered corpses lying on a massive sacrificial slab.

The two Blue Llama braves.

In this cavern stands a near naked savage, covered in gore and waving two carved thigh bones at something out of view. Surrounding him is a cloud of ravenous, screaming ghosts, which at his command rush off to whatever he is pointing at.

Ohanzee and Tarnessh are met with the view of three of their companions geared for combat, rushing past them and laying into the surprised group of cannibals who had thought they only faced tow unarmed main course and desert.

As Akala slams one of the feral killers into the fire and finishes off another who has one of Amara's javelins in his leg, a fresh wave of cannibals flow around the shaman intent on killing the interlopers to they holy place....

Tarnessh looked around desperately to see if he could find his equipment. If he could at least grab a focus, he could help the others with magic.

Akala set to his work, cutting down the Cannibals.

To Amara he said, "A javelin through the Shaman's heart perhaps?"

The Big Brave cut, hacked and threw the twisted men that surged into the room, bellowing an intimidating threat at them.

"MY blade will feast upon YOU'RE bones!"

It wasn't as loud as the call at the pool had been, but it was loud enough for those in the room to hear, even above the ceremony and the battle.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Henal dives back through the hole with a curse on his lips Waha strike you down defiers of the Peaceful Cut. He retreats up the tunnel looking out for any signs of pursuit.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Unbelieving of the sudden appearance of their fellow Wandering Rangers Ohanzee picks up the spear droppedby the cannibal dumped in the ire and hurls it in anger at the shaman who has Enapay hanging about his neck.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Not finding anything to use, Tarnessh decided to just run away with the others instead.

Amara decided to do something about the shaman along with ohanzee. using her javelins she cast them at the shaman hoping to catch him off guard and force him on the defensive to give everyone time to escape. "Always happy to oblige my cousin" Amara said with a welcoming glance to Ohanzee and Salen. She wished they'd time to gather some acacia bark, or thought to obtain some from the blue llama riders....but there would be other times. After causing her distraction Amara took off after the others trusting in Emesh Ga to guide her and her own sift footedness to carry her quickly to an exit.

Akala's intimidating shout causes the tide of cannibals to pull up short, the massive warrior's rage evident for all to see. It's enough to allow the Rangers to run back through the hole into the chimney behind.

Henal is first up, as Amara and Akala form a fighting rear guard. Using her long distance charm the red haired brave hurls a flint javelin at the shimmering shaman, the missile hitting him somewhere in the upper body.

Then the arrows begin to fly, two hitting Akala but failing to cause any considerable damage. Pulling Ohanzee back into the chimney Amara and Akala stand before the hole, weapons drawn.

Up the others go, all but Ohanzee making the climb, falling from near the top he's caught by the quick acting Akala who throwing him back on the rope turns to hold back several cannibals trying to push their way into the cave.

At the top Bamled helps each Ranger up "About time...I was getting worried."

Melock is just helping Ohanzee up over the lip of the chimney when Bamled gives a grunt, straightens and then without another word falls down the hole, several arrows in his side.  Up above, from all directions, there's shouts as cannibals pop up from hidden tunnels in the rock.

The Black Shield warrior falls past Amara as she climbs, bleeding from a nasty cut to her leg, to land next to Akala as he kicks a cannibal in the nuts.

It's time to go and the Rhino rider can see that there's nothing that he can do for the fallen Bison brave, Bamled is dead. Cannibals have appeared now in the two side tunnels and crouching almost to the ground Akala springs up two thirds of the chimney's length, grabs the rope and pulls himself up and over....

A relayed message comes from Kobal

"Salen is down, we're back with the mounts. Nixa and Sand Fox are blocking the gully on their Bisons. where are you lot?"

On our way now Bouncer said leaping into Akala's pouch.

Bamled has fallen.  We would have to return with the Blue Llamas in force If we want to recover his body...or what is left of it."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 10:32, Fri 20 Mar 2015.

Holstering his axe for a moment, Akala pulled out his javelin, muttered a charm over it, and began moving, throwing the Javelin at any Cannibal that seemed a threat.

"To the mounts!" Akala said, stating the obvious.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Fri 20 Mar 2015.

Everyone begins to make their way back to where they'd left the mounts, leaving Bamled to be eaten by the cruel uncaring cannibal cultists.

Detection spells splash across the Rangers as they run, drawing a shower of arrows from the feral man eaters, who pop up from concealed tunnels along the route. Most worrying is the fact that few are chasing the Rangers across the top...Perhaps they're making their way through the gullies....

Melock and Akala both take arrows to the leg, but only Melock is injured, the arrow puncturing his armour with ease.

It's as Melock stumbles that he hears Taya shout "Henal has fallen down the gully behind us!".

By this time everyone was back at the cliff with Tarnessh and Amara having already climbed down.

Grimacing with pain from the arrow, "Henal has fallen down a gully, he turns back and heads to were Henal is, "I'm going to help him"

Without thinking, Akala turned on a dime, his charm for increasing his movement upon his lips.

Bouncer, tell me where he is.  Ask Taya quickly.

"Amara, I may need you back up here to cover me with Javelins.  Melock- any spells, a dark wall perhaps in front of Henal and I once I get down.  I will get Henal.  Hoskar- the strength charm, quickly!"

He threw his javelin at the first cannibal face he saw on his way to retrieve Henal, leaving his hand empty for the climb down.  He would try to run out- or jump out- with the small man after healing whatever wound he could.  A small patch up would have to do.

Thank the gods the man was small. With Emesh-Ga's blessing he might be able to jump up carrying the man around his shoulders, like a deer.  If it were safer simply to sprint out of the gully with the man around his shoulders, Akala would do that instead.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:55, Fri 20 Mar 2015.

Running back to the gully Akala cannot see Henal as it is pitch black. The gully is likely ten metres deep and he'll need a rope, which Henal was carrying....Of course he can just climb down.

Hoskar hears Akala, but he is with Salen down with the mounts casting healing charms whilst trying to revive their friend.

Melock runs to the gully, getting there just after Akala, and climbs down to Henal. Once he gets to him, he starts casting his healing charm.

Whilst the rest of the posse escape to the mounts or run interference, Melock and Akala attempt to rescue Henal.

Thanks to the night being his element Melock shimmies down the gully sides without mishap, though he narrowly misses getting squashed by Akala as the huge brave lands badly next to him, injuring his leg.

Melock had spotted Henal with out a problem and between them they got the small Thunderbird brave to his groggy feet. Suddenly a small gang of four cannibals appear, running full pelt at the Rangers, screaming as they brandish weapons and torches.

From above drops another, deftly landing on the back of Akala as he tries to heal his leg.

Henal shakes off a bewildering fog as Melock takes a disruption to his knee, then the cannibals are on them....

Up above Ohanzee sees the vague outlines of several cannibals trying to flank him and then as one drops down into the gully after his two companions another leaps at him from the darkness.

There's a flash of snarling white, a flurry of exchanged blows and the crack of a breaking leg bone and his attacker totters on the edge of the gully....

From back at the mounts there's the sound of combat as those there try and repel a fresh attack from the mouth of the main Gully.

Akala snarled as the Cannibal fell upon him from behind, trying to make short work of the man with his own hands.

Then, making sure his leg was well enough for the next bit, he loosened his axe- Bladesharp charm upon his lips- and set about hacking the spindly beings into peices their friends could eat later.

A battle clam had settled upon him, and he focused on fighting and killing those before him.

Tarnessh let out a sharp shout as he charged the backs of the Cannibals attempting to harm his brothers, and his literal brother too. Although his weapons weren't long enough to use while mounted, he got close and then leapt off Grumpfy to stab one in the back.

The smile on Melocks face from healing Henal fades as pain flashes through his knee. He readies his kukri and braces himself for the charging cannibals.

Henal draws his bastard sword and swings it at the nearest cannibal, only pausing to add a sharpening enchantment to it.

Furious at the disgusting evil creatures Ohanzee is in no mood to take prisoners, accept ransom or even leave a fallen one with the chance of healing. So rather than leave this one with the chance of survival he kicks out intent on sending the cannibal over the edge before running on.

Amara held Thunderfoots reins lightly in her hand. A thrill running through her body as she realised the situation and how she could turn the fight around. Couching her lance under her arm, she settled on thunderfoots back and touched Thunderfoots back. Her ululating cry sounded down the gully as Amara charged on thunderfoots back towards all the cannnibals n the gulley. Her lance reaching out as muscle, momentum and malicious intent drove her to try to massacre all of the cannibals.

It is just as he kicks the man over the edge that he spots another emerge from an entrance opposite. He moves a pace or two along the edge of the gully before apparently stumbling and going down onto his knees "Argh... shit! Al is that you, I can't move, leg's stuck, broken I think, help me!" he says to the shadowy figure.

Akala finds his attacker harder to shake and has to bit back a shout of pain as the cannibal latches onto exposed flesh with her sharpened teeth. She only comes loose after he slams her into the gully wall repeatedly, her head exploding in a spray of brains and skull shards. By hi side Melock and Henal trade blows for a while, achieving little as both sides fail to to do any damage.

Then a loud horn blast sounds and the cultists run back the way they'd come, leaving their dead behind.

By the mouth of the main gully Amara's Rhino charge scattered the cannibals trying to pull her companions of their mounts, her lance taking one in the side whilst Thunderfoot tramples one to death. Tarnessh perhaps to his surprise kills the cannibal attacking his brother, his knife slipping through the man's ribs and into his heart like a knife into Bison fat.

It's not all good though, for Nixa's bison has fallen forward onto it's knees, several short spears jutting out from it's side. Nixa fares little better, the Red Thorn brave having taken a deep wound to the guts. His brother helps him to the ground as the horn sounds and the remaining cannibals scurry back off towards their caves.


Unfortunately for Ohanzee his ruse doesn't work, instead he's overcome by a magically induced desire to run away, the terror of being eaten clouding his desire to rid the world of the feral eaters of human flesh. Instead of being finished off his attacker drops down into the ground and vanishes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:35, Sun 22 Mar 2015.

Tarnessh looked at the retreating cultists in a sort of delighted shock. "I can't believe we survived that." He looked to the other Rangers. "I know, I say that all the time lately. Thank Waha and the spirits you came when you did."

"I'm glad that you escaped brother" replies Kobal "Where is Ohanzee and the others?"

Tarnessh looked around at his surroundings. "Oh no, in the excitement we must have gotten seperated!"

Ohanzee is suddenly very thankful that the cannibal did vanish below again and not jump the gully. He looks about wide eyed, his gaze confirming that the others have left him behind yet again, even Tarnessh this time. All alone in the darkness atop the hill. "Bloody Thunderbirds, so quick to dash off when they know I can't keep up in this lead!"

"Gotta keepgoing but which way?" Which way doesn't matter too much, not as much asgetting away so he runs.

Amara rode back to Nixa's side, slipping off her mount to drop down beside him. She looked at the wounds the brave had suffered, using her knowledge she tried to close teh wounds placing healing charms on Nixa. "You did well there Nixa, turned the tide of the battle though your bison has sadly joined the great herd." Amara turned to sand fox "Why don't you see what you can do about moving his gear to your bison and I will have Nixa ride behind me....or would you prefer to carry your brother?" she asked as she finished another charm on Nixa. She looked around "We've won the day for now, but we'll need to move soon. They'll come back and be better prepared."

Ohanzee soon finds himself back at the cliff looking down at where some of his companions and all of their mounts are. There's a stout length of rope attached to a rock which he can use to get down the ten metre high rock face.

With his limited night vision and with the help of the stars in the sky, he can see that Amara, Kobal, Tarnessh, Sand Fox and perhaps Nixa are milling about the entrance to a narrow gully, which likely leads to his previous place of imprisonment.

As he decides what to do several Manul cats rush past him and make their way down.

"We'll have to come back some time to get our gear back." Tarnessh noted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:25, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

Moving with fear induced urgency Ohanzee easily climbs down the rope "Where are the others, dead?!" he asks bewtween pants, his lungs burning with the exersion of running in his armour. "We should leave, we only face death or worse here!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:06, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

Tarnessh put a calming hand on Ohanzee's shoulder. "No one died, at least none of our people. Those crazies ran off when this horn sounded from inside there. But we've still lost all of our stuff except the clothes from our backs. Still, at least we have our lives."

Amara looked up from where she'd been treating Nixa, her face filled with a sad expression. "Not all of us. Bamled didn't make it. We lost him inside that cavern. Thankfully he was well and truly dead. They can do nothing to him to prolong his agony." She looked over at Ohanzee who also looked to be in poor condition. "As soon as you are both fit enough to travel, we'll move on."

Amara tended to Ohanzee healing him enough that the trip back to the llama's wouldn't be filled with pain.

Tarnessh's calming words do not have the desired effect on Ohanzee, rather they simply result in a modification of his anxiety "If they aren't dead then they'll be so soon. They had us for dead, the only reason they'd retreat is there's something worse out here!" His words are still laboured,forced out between snatched breaths of air.

Akala swore at the crazed woman's bite on his back.

Rather than heal it now, he wanted Hoskar to take a look at it and make sure it wasn't poisoned somehow. He told his companions as much.  It was doubtful, considering the weapon was technically in the woman's mouth, but still, this lot were bat-sh*t crazy, and anything was possible.

The Big Brave made haste to help the others out of the gully and then climb out himself.

Next, the trio would make the speedy journey to the mounts.

The Rangers could plot their return and revenge later...

Tarnessh's face fell at the news. He hadn't known Bamled as well as the other Rangers, but he had always seemed a good sort, reliable and trustworthy. "You sure they won't be able to take his ghost? He'll be able to go to the Hunting Grounds?"

Can we not get Bamled's body and take it with us for a proper burial rather than leaving it to these beasts? Henal asks.

He takes the chance of healing his injured head further while they climb out of the gully.

Everyone has gathered about the mouth of the narrow gully, healing, resting and taking stock of their situation. It's now early morning, with perhaps three hours until sunrise....

Akala's wound turns out to be okay and is soon healed as is everyone else in the group. The Bisons are restless sensing the death of their comrade and their angry bellows soon echo about the rocks.

Sand Fox clambers back up the cliff and removes the rope there, taking his time to climb back down.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:27, Fri 27 Mar 2015.

Freshly healed Salen joins the others



"We sure it's safe to go get him?...You said there were ghosts. That said he's a Wandering Ranger and we shouldn't leave him."

The ghosts seemed tied to the chambers below so maybe his body is where we can recover it. Maybe best to come back with help as there are many of these cultists left and then we recover any stolen items.

Scratching his head in uncertainty, Hoskar can only ask, not resolve the dilemma. I seem to have spent most of my time healing out here. And nasty wounds too: vicious teeth and the like. Looks to me it was bad in there.

Bamled shouldn't be left to them, but we shouldn't join him either if we can help it. You who were in there - what do you think our chances are?

Apart from the lowing of the Bison and the angry stamps from the Rhino it has gone eerily quiet. All of the familiars are back safe and sound, each one making their way back to their master.

Once he gets back to the group, Melock, though saddened by Bamled's death, is relived to see that they haven't lost anyone else. He catches a bit of Ohanzee's warning, "Could that just be something worse for them and not us?" He shakes his head and answers his own question, "No, we wont be that lucky" He walks over to Hoskar and pats him on the shoulder, "Be thankful you weren't. I agree that if we could get Bamled's body back we should but now they know we are here, I fear more of us would die in the attempt." He looks around at the party and then looks up at the cliff where Sand Fox has just brought down the rope, "If we are going to stay here any longer, a couple of us should go and keep a look out, just in case the cannibals, or whatever else is out there, decides to attack"

"We should return when it's daylight and we can actually see. We could also perhaps request help from the Blue Llamas." Tarnessh noted.

Kobal, Salen, Sand Fox and Nixa all agree to this plan, and begin readying their mounts, with Nixa climbing up on Bamled's Bison.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:07, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

Nodding rueful agreement, Hoskar also prepares for departure; keeping eyes and ears open for anything untoward.
Sounds grim. As I'm relatively intact here, I can scout with Melock unless anyone else prefers the job.

"Ok, lets get out of here." He bends down and with a quick yank and a stifled yelp, pulls out the broken arrow from his leg, and heals the wound. "That's better, didn't have chance before to heal it, so I just snapped off most of what was sticking out of me." He glances at Stinky then to Hoskar, "So, on foot or mounted?"

In reply to Melock (msg # 170):

Winking, Hoskar replies: In the words of Long Grass, I hate walking.

Might as well ride, really.

Tarnessh got back up on Grumpfy and began riding back to camp. He took a moment to turn back to the lair of the Cannibals. "We're not going to leave you there, Bamled." He whispered to himself. "Come on everyone. We need to be well-rested if we're going to succeed tomorrow. No room for making mistakes, this is for Bamled!" He called out.

By the time the Rangers return to their camp it is nearly dawn and once there they find the Blue Llamas preparing to leave.

Riding up Cantalas looks agitated in the predawn light

"You're back, what happened to my braves? We are ready to leave shortly."

"We've got cannibal cultists. They stole from us and...killed Bamled. They need to be rooted out." Tarnessh said simply.

"But what about my two braves who were taken?...Members of my Sept.

Melock shakes his head at Tarnessh's insensitivity, "Cantalas, please forgive Tarnessh's bluntness, Sun Hawks aren't known for their caring ways. When we got in to the caves that they are using, we found that the cannibals had already killed your braves. I am sorry." He pauses briefly as a show of respect, "We plan to regroup and attack them again, you are most welcome to join us"

The elder looks angry at the news, but shrugs it off as is the way of those well used to sudden death in the Wastes.

"They will be avenged, but not now. We must leave immediately and continue our journey as it's too dangerous to tarry any longer here."

The news of the deaths soon passes amongst the extended families of the two braves, the sounds of muted anger and sorrow passing like a wave through the camp.

Their siblings come and take their mounts and meagre possessions and return them to the herd.

Tarnessh apologized to Cantalas for running his mouth when he arrived. "I will go with you. I had said that I would travel with you, after all, and I won't break my word. Although the loss of you and our people sits badly with me, I know that it's no use to throw more bodies into death's embrace." He looked around for a second. "However I would like to request that I be able to get some equipment from your stores, if that is okay with you. For example, I cannot cast any magic, since they took my focus away."

"What about Bamled, I thought we were going to go and get him? We don't need help, just rest and what about your belongings?" asks Salen both exhausted and confused.

"If I die I do not want my body left as carrion."

Cantalas accepts the apology "There is no word to break Sun Hawk, I would not stop you and your friends going off. Your business is not my concern. I have children and elders to worry about."

"I feel terrible about it." Tarnessh said. "But we can't do anything about the ghosts that serve the shaman. I saw them in there, and there was literally nothing I could have done against them even if I had all of my gear. As it is, we have plenty compared to many travellers, I can simply carve a new focus, and we can always return later with more people if we mark it's place on a map. These savages aren't welcome anywhere, where could they go?" Tarnessh pointed out.

Ohanzee had been silent, brooding for the trip back and the breaking of the news to the Blue Llama folk but now he glares at Tarnessh "For one who is training as a shaman you seem not to recognise the blood obvious. The ghosts, like the cannibals are screaming bloody crazy, without the guidance of the shaman they are likely as not to attack the cannibals themselves."

"Besides, the ghosts couldn't leave the main cavern so they'll not need facing until we get that far." he snorts "Or until I get that far if you're too scared to enter by then. Yuor trinkets, my trinkets, they can all be replaced, but they have Enapay and when they discover this then do you think life will be any easier for a spirit than for a living being with them?"

"And if all that is not enough for you to overcome your fear then there is the golden disk. You likely did not even realise that it is a map to the location of a very ancient and powerful spirit. Are you happy to risk them discovering this and following the map, trapping the spirit?"

"And last, but by no means least, they may be crazy but do you think that they'll not be prepared to move their living place now that they know we know where they live?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

Akala looked a little peturbed, but his voice was filled with resignation when finally he spoke.

"We will have to make note of their location and return with a Shaman to remove this...abomination from the world."

He worked his hands around the hilt of his Axe, upset at the thought of having to leave behind the body of a commarade to a grisly fate.

Ohanzee's glare turns to Akala now "So tell me which is the greater Thunderbird trait, to run around like headless wild foul whenever your cock points the way, to ignore it when the bloody obvious is pointed out or to give up and palm a job off onto others?"

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 183):

"And how do you suggest that we attack dozens of them in their territory, which they obviously know better then we do, with less equipment, where our mounts will be useless, to go after a powerful shaman that can control ghosts and is probably guarded in more ways then one." Tarnessh replied.

"And what you've just said to me and Akala is out of line. If you have a problem with me, then I'll duel with whatever you ask, but don't try to act all tough now, because I was in the same situation as you, except my magic doesn't work as well at night. Or is this a pride thing for you? We had to lose an entire day saving your life, and that only because we were incredibly fortunate, are you going to toss it away so lightly now? Because I don't think there's any Kinope around to save us this time."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

The ghosts are tied to the cave they were in or else they would have attacked me. I say go back to see what we can do, now there are all the rangers together. I would not want to leave Bamled's body to them without trying to get it back.

Akala looked at Ohanzee in surprise.  Looking the small man up and down, once, then again.

He let out a small chuckle, finally saying, "It is not my fault you are not so smart as you think you are. You're idea of creeping into the night to battle an unknown force was unwise- and I said so. I do not run from a fight. I stand with my strength.  A lesson you may want to learn, as lest you continue to flirt with death."

Akala then turned his whole, huge body and took a step closer to the Brave with the Blue Arm, letting his size be felt.

"And anytime you want to experience the truth of my bravery or ability to fight, you just let me know, Shappa's little brother and I will be happy to show you.  First hand."

He stood there.  Towering over the smaller man, his face showing no trace of emotion.

The Rangers had all seen Akala "turn on" the intimidation.  This was not that. It was not truly even a challenge. It seemed more of a statement of a boundary.

"Ohanzee, blindly rushing in sounds like something my brother might indulge himself in. We are skilled, we are brave, but we also know when we're outmatched. We can beat any and all of the cannibals, if it were not for their ghosts and spirits. We cannot fight them and now this caravan we travel with has three less to guard it and keep it safe." she motioned to the llama people already packing up. "Would you have us leave them, when they need us to cross this place? We already knew this journey would be dangerous and losing Bamled and the Llama braves was a high enough price. I for one will not leave this caravan. We owe it to them to see them to safety and the paradise we have told them of. They travel this way solely on our word. They have the desire in their hearts to see the garden for themselves." Amara mounted her rhino "Now you might cry for your possessions, but we have enough here to keep you armed and for you to get more on your own. I am Amara regardless of what clothes I have on my back and which weapons I have in my hand and that is the thing that our enemies will be afraid of, in the end. Mount your bison and join us, or not. I know that none in our number are cowardly or unwilling to die for the restoration of the garden and it says more of you that you would accuse us of such behaviour than your insinuations cast a shadow on us."

Ohanzee ignores the man's attempt to intimidate him "What you did was desert Tarnessh and me after I said I couldn't keep up rushing off to battle the unknown cry in the night, unwise by your own words, but with knowing that it was so far off that you could do nothing about it by the time you arrived, you Amara and Melock. That is more than unwise."

He turns to Amara "I think it is a Thunderbird thing not to hear what is said, you are proof of it and not for the first time. Let me repeat then slowly so that there can be no doubt." and this is just how he says it, slow and deliberate "It is my friend Eyota that I care for and it is the disk that I care about which is not even mine."

He continues to speak slowly and clearly for all to hear who want to listen, listing off facts "You did not commune with Kinope so you might not know. The disc is a map to a golden star, a great spirit, perhaps even a god, that fell to the desert to the East when the land was still young. The Yelmalions are looking for this."

"Eyota is a spirit who has served me and my family faithfully and who deserves more than to be consumed by mad ghost."

"You are going to face difficulties at the inititation at the Pairing stone after seeking and accepting powerful magic from the Lunars."

He points at Wihakayda and speaks even sloweras if talking to a child "That is a rhino, not a bison. Yes it has two horns but you will see that they sprout from the center of its head one above the other, not from the sides of its head. If that is not a clear enough difference to remember then try remembering that It has no fur to speak of whereas the bison have rather a lot of fur." He smiles sweetly "There are other differences but I don't want to overload you."

Akala's eyes followed Ohanzee, but his body did not move.

"It is important you understand, Ohanzee, I did not desert you.  I made the correct decision. The decision to stay with the group. You should have made the same decision. Had you made the correct decision, all that you have lost would still be in your possession.  Until you take responsibility for your own failure, you will seek to judge the failure as the fault of others. And you will fail to find the true source of the failure, for it lies with you."

He then added, "If you wish to convince me of the wisdom of returning to retrieve the things from the cannibal compound, please do so.  If you present me with a plan that successfully circumvents the spirits and the powerful shaman, I am all ears. But your search to blame others for your mistake with these cannibals in the first place is a degree of irresponsibility that is dangerous. It could kill us all."

Akala continued to look at Ohanzee, but now there was a tint of concern that haunted them.

"My oath to my God is between me and her. What makes you think she has any problem with me accepting Lunar magic? She promises to keep everyone safe. It would break my covenant with her to follow you on this fools errand. What care I of a powerful spirit that sun worshippers seek? The only thing that could make me diverge from the path I am set upon is if you can prove to me that this will advance our goals to restore the Green." Amara folder her arms across her chest "And I call you a bison rider because you are acting like one. Impetuous and with no self restraint. I am sorry for the loss of your spirit, but a spirit can be replaced, and is it not better for your spirit to be freed after many years of loyal service?"

OOC:Yup, Ohanzee you got me :-) for some reason I keep thinking of you as a bison rider.

Tarnessh cleared his throat at Amara after hearing what she said about Bison riders.

Ohanzee smiles in return "More proof that you are happy to speak with authority on that you know not of and to hear what you want rather than what is said."

"I told you it is what Kinope said, not what I think. I would not presume to know the objections of any great spirits or gods, let alone those of a goddess of women."

"I thank you for pointing out my ignorance in this, something that I do not deny for this reason, and I shall make a point of trying to rectify that ignorance when next I meet Zonta." He nods his head "Yes, Zonta should know if any in our clan do, I'll ask her opinion."

"As for Enapay, do you even know how it works with spirits bound in crystals? Were you there when the Hungry Ghosts devoured the spirits of the dying?"

"No. The mad shaman has the crystal so the only one that can free Enapay is him and if he does so it will not be for loyalty to my family and to me, but to feed his own spirits."

Now turning to Akala again he responds with a question "So if I'd have left with you you would have slowed your pace to one that I could have matched in my armour and let Amara and Melock leave us behind and go on alone?" he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

Amara sat over her saddle looking directly at Ohanzee her eyebrow raised "It might be what Kinope said, but I did not hear that Kinope wanted this map to the powerful spirit kept close, or that it is important to the restoration of the Garden....and yet it seems remarkably convenient that Kinope only spoke to you and that we have only your words to speak for her." Amara shrugged "Kinope might indeed be a powerful spirit, but she is not Vinga. If I face difficulties at my initiation, I will face those difficulties as I do all problems. It was the expedient and pragmatic thing to do. I care not to whom you feel the need to spread word of this. Say your words to Zonta, say them to our Queen even. I am Amara Brightsky and belong to Vinga, if I displease her then it will be revealed in time. You are raven and it suits you to manipulate through word and deed. There is but one word to describe what you and your kin do and that is deceive."

Amara leaned closer. "Of course, if you tell me that this return is to expedite our goal to restore the garden in front of the truthseeker...then we will return, ready or not."

Akala looked confused, "Ofcourse."

A small look passed over his face and he asked, "Did you not go looking for them?  Did they find you?  That is a different thing."

The big brave seemed unsure now of what exactly had happened. He had assumed the pair had attempted to find the cannibals. He realized now that the conclusion might be incorrect.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

"Well the tracks we followed started at where you lot were out keeping watch. So him and Tarnessh were taken there. They'd no time to go look for anyone. Bam! Jumped and bundled off. Probably waiting for everyone to split up, or just targeting small groups like when they tried to jump me and what's his name, the Blue Llama I was with.

I'm for going back, we swore in our oath "To stand with your Brothers and Sisters, through good and bad" that to me says we don't leave our dead to get eaten.

Plus he's lost his spirit, might not be in a dog nor a Manul but it's still the same thing, and our spirits are as much Ranger as I am."

Looking this way and that, increasingly confused at differing views of events in which he had no part from where he stood, the wide-eyed Hoskar has been silent till now, trying to work out the rights and wrongs of it all. He looks up to the sky once, hand half covering his face as he rubs the tips of three fingers down his forehead.

With a last deep breath, he speaks carefully.

We can figure out who did what later, people. What we can't do is heal anything by pulling wounds open.

As I see it, we've got two choices and they might either serve the green: either we try to exterminate a horror from the land which might otherwise work against what we are trying to achieve...or we help good and honest friends who have been true to us and to the land in all respects and have shown us great honour he glances at Cantalas and continues to come to see the green shoots of renewal.

You all know I'm no leader, but I do know we'd need a good plan to make the first one of those options work. I've not heard one yet. What is it?

He turns to Cantalas and mutters something to him before looking back at the rangers for replies.

Melock collects the rest of his gear and packs it on Stinky, while the others are talking.


He turns and looks at Ohanzee, "Don't try and blame me brother Raven, if you couldn't see who was sneaking up on you at night." He chuckles, "I agree that the shaman will be hard to kill, but we have done it before. If the reason for going back is just to retrieve Eyota and that disc, then we don't have to rush in, we could sneak in and steal them back, while the others are distracting them. But I also don't like the idea of leaving the Blue Llama's to travel alone, if they could stay here for a day while we do what Ohanzee needs us to do, then we can travel onwards as a big group tomorrow?"

Sand Fox and Nixa pull up and join the conversation "If we go back I think sneaking in sounds good, it's why we have Ravens and Condors isn't?

If we all go, Blue Llamas included, then they don't need to fight, but could wait at the gully entrance. There's enough braves to scare off anyone trying to attack in force. Then someone  goes in and gets Bamled out. Looks for the stolen gear too."

Working together we must be stronger though those cultists might be crazy enough to fight anyway. But if we stay together with your people Cantalas then we will be able to protect them through the rest of these badlands and avenge those who have fallen to an unworthy foe not in a clean fight against other braves.

Several of the Blue Llama folk ride up to add their voices to the mix "We can't leave our braves there either. Perhaps their souls have been taken but they are our brothers and should not be left as carrion."

Amara rolled her eyes as she could see where this was heading "Catelas, it is much safer to attack the cannibals now in daylight. Could you hold here for a while and send some of your braves with us, to recover those who fell? If your shaman could give us some aid against being possessed by ghosts and let us purchase some weapons from your tribe we'd greatly appreciate it. We should be back before long."

"We have no shaman in our sept. He is with the Khan and his sept. What weapons do you need?

I will not stay here and send braves that I need to guard my families, and they would not desert them whilst we are in these hills. If you wish to go battle cannibals in their tunnels so be it."

He then proceeds to quieten his own people and get ready to continue onwards.

Tarnessh sat down on a nearby rock. "Both make good points. I think that it my mind says that we should go with the Llamas, but my heart feels that we must avenge our comrades, Rangers and Llamas both. I leave it up to the rest of you. You know how I feel, but I will go with whichever we decide." Tarnessh said.

Even without the Blue Llamas let us try it, but make sure we can escape to our mounts and be ready to leave if the battle turns against us.

Looking thoroughly disquieted, Hoskar shakes his head sadly and walks slowly over to Ram, from whose back he fetches a package. Biting his lip, he returns and speaks to Cantalas again; this time so all can hear.

I know I speak for us all because I asked around before we set off with you here. You have been a true friend to us and while we wish we could all work together in this, care for your clan is a decision we respect and honour.
We notice that you use blue in your ceremonies, and we have blue dye among our belongings. I think it's quite a rare sort in these parts. We'd like you to have it as a small token of a great esteem.

With a thin smile, he looks the elder in the eye nervously; adding softly and on my own part, I thank you for the enduring pleasure that mere "sweetener" in trade brought my family. If you see two promising youths with a rhino knife each, they are my cousins and should greet you with joyous friendship when they hear of this meeting.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:34, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

Amara nodded at Cantalas comments. "I understand. Please forgive our departure. I will hope we can catch up with you presently. May I talk to your wife about obtaining some of grandmother thorntrees bark? We are intending to go places where the spirits might be a threat. I hope we can recover all of the fallen, so we can put their spirits to rest." she looked over the others. "We'll need javelins for sure."

Akala watched the groups thoughts flit from mouth to mouth.

He steeled himself to the idea of going back to battle the cannibals.  Recovering a fallen comrades body was a noble thing.

To Ohanzee the Big Brave said, "If you were accosted after I left, you've my apologies.  In the future I will be certain I know your mind in such situations before we part ways.  It was not my intent to leave you two alone. I thought it was your wish to foolishly scout the sounds that you had heard," Akala grinned a little bit, "And I will be sure to make a more forceful attempt to talk you out of your plans when they are such certain folly."

The Stoneface listened but did not speak to Cantalas. He knew his own manner could often be misinterpreted, and could sometimes do more harm that good.

Instead he began checking his armor, adjusting his vambraces, and inspecting his weapons.

Ohanzee confirms Salen's reading of the tracks, calming somewhat, erhaps because of Akala's words and correcting Melock "Who was creeping up on us Melock, they were already there before you all left, they jumped us as soon as Akala was out of sight, at least eight of them netted and clubbed us so quick there wasn't even a chance to shout for help."

He considers the call for a plan and adds his own thoughts on that "Seems to me that they'll likely not expect us to attack after running last night. They have the advantage of knowing their home and likely have traps in their tunnels. But we have Emesh-Ga on our side, he can sense the lay of the tunnels and maybe even even their traps since they seem pretty primative, I should think that pit falls and collapsing tunnels are about the limit of their ability."

"The ghosts are a problem only for those who enter the in chamber and cease to be a problem as soon as you leave. I don't think that more than one ghost can attack a person anyway Amara can Emesh-Ga help with that? Also they did not do anything to any of us until the shaman directed them to attack so if we can prevent him doing that... well."

He frowns in thought "Their teeth were filed sharp but that only showed when they grinned, their faces were blackened and ash used to create a skull effect on them. I think that we can reproduce this and with a cloak to cover armour and a stooped gait we could get in and out without even raising the alarm."

Enapay is my friend and Raven has granted me the ability to bulster myself against spirits so I will go in to the main chamber. We should break out the blade venom and take out any we need to quickly and quietly."

Eight AM Fireday.

Aileen Serpent Walker gifts Amara a small sack of Acacia bark, blessing the red haired brave before she leaves. The Eirithan looks sad, thanks to the violent deaths of her kinsmen and because the Rangers are risking their lives once more.

Cantalas' mood softens at Hoskar's gift, but he doesn't change his mind about his braves, instead he says he will wait here with his people until midday and if the Rangers are not back by then he will be forced out of necessity to keep moving.

Bright Treasure rises above the hills heralding a typical Fireday of blazing heat and cloudless sky. The Rangers have not slept and now face fighting once more....

The journey back to the Cannibal cultists' lair is far easier in daylight and the braves soon find themselves before the narrow gully leading into the craggy, tunnel filled hills. On the way Emesh-Ga had said that he can help detect pits and would do his best to help fight against the ghosts, relying on his possibly superior spiritual power.

Melock climbs the cliff wall and with the help of familiars scouts ahead to see what's what. He soon reports back that he can't see nor hear any life, having both looked down into the main tunnel and in to both chimneys. The fires are out and he can just make out the stripped body of Bamled at the bottom of the second chimney.

Akala nodded at Melock's words.

"With Hoskar's channelling of Emesh-Ga's charm for might, I should be able to climb down and carry Bamled out of the chimney," the big man volunteered.

He pursed his lips around the nub of the Zana root he was still chewing, "But I am not the quietest guy.  It may be better to drop two lengths of rope in the hole, tie Bamled to one, haul him out, and have someone skulk around and see if they can recover our things; perhaps locate the cannibals within."

What of spirits?  Can we sense any activity within the compound? the question directed at Bouncer to relay to the other Familiars.

Spirit wise it's all quiet, and soon, leaving behind Kobal, Salen, Nixa and Sand Fox to guard the mounts and the gully mouth, the remaining Rangers find themselves gathered above the darkened chimney, looking down at Bamled's body below. Two adequate lengths of rope are found and all that is left is to decide who will go down tie the body and then search the complex.

Castings of various detections down through the roof holes, turn up neither a living soul or ghosts, nor enemies or traps for that matter in the vicinity of the main cavern and chimneys.

All is quiet....Perhaps too quiet.

"The Hungry Ghosts are not here" says the guardian of the braves, so that all hear him.

If I use the enchantment to boost my strength I can climb down and get Bamled's body onto the rope.

Akala paused a moment, then said, "Whoever goes down to tie Balmed with the rope, should also do the skulking.  We can pull him up easily."

He asked because he didn't know, "Are you a skulker Henal?"

Looking back and forth between Akala and Henal, Hoskar takes a breath but does not yet engage the charm held in the shield.

So who's doing what? I reckon if we lower someone on a rope ready to pull them back in a hurry, and have two of us up top ready to haul away in case of trouble it might be safest. You're a bit big to haul up in a moment, Akala: how about you and I lower Henal...if that's alright with you, Henal unless there's anyone else who fancies creeping round down there?

Akala and me gifted with the earth's strength should have you back here in a heartbeat if there's trouble and if those of us with rending magics are peering down after you it should be bad news for anyone who tries to grab you as well.

If it looks clear, we can then swarm in maybe.

He looks around tentatively seeking views on the idea.

In reply to Hoskar Feather (msg # 217):

Looking down the chimney, Melock rubs his chin, "It doesn't make sense for them to have left his body, either its a trap or they have left." He shrugs, "Only one way to find out." He pats Henal on the back, "Good luck."

Peering down the chimney, Hoskar smiles at Melock's seeming approval.
I'll just take a couple of obvious precautions first - check there's nothing nasty on the way down.

He mutters a couple of cantrips in quick succession in case they've overlooked anything in the chimney.

Henal soon finds himself down with Bamled, it taking only a moment to tie the spare rope around his dead companion's body and then watch as it's raised rapidly upwards.

A quick scout about the main cavern turns up nothing, as does an even quicker look into the various side caves, each one empty of life, though the Thunderbird brave discovers evidence of the previous inhabitants having made a speedy exit. There's the odd bedroll, discarded fur, a broken spear and everyday living utensils, but nothing that remotely looks like it belonged to either Ohanzee or Tarnessh.

Exiting some of these caves is what looks like a warren of tunnels...

Amara grumbled "We do not have time to waste. Let us just enter the caverns and see if they are around. They probably know we're here in any case and in the caverns Emesh Ga might be able to help us find them."

Tarnessh hoisted a lance and nodded at Amara. "We should use lances and spears for this. That way anyone in here will have a harder time getting to us. They didn't seem to use much other then knives, clubs, teeth, that sort of thing."

Relieved at a lack of ambush, Hoskar nods, hefting his spear.

Agreed. Let's get in there and get this done.

"Lets go then." Melock climbs down the rope and exits the chimney the same way he did last time. He doesn't take a torch with him, but has his kukri ready in case he is attacked.

Even though its day time, Taya will be carried down to the caves by Melock and will scout ahead for him in the dark.

Amara prepared her shield and spear, before entering ahead of everyone, relying on Emesh Ga and her luck to find out where the traps might be. "Keep an eye on me and hold that torch high."

Tarnessh walked down behind the others, casting spells of Protection, sharpening blades, and applying venom to his lance as he walked. He made sure to keep an eye on the areas behind them as they want, knowing that getting hit from behind could be disastrous.

Henal unfastens the rope around him and waits as the others climb down keeping watch. He saves most of his magic only detecting living creatures in the tunnels ahead. His lance is readied to use as a spear and his shield held for rapid defense.

Climbing down Ohanzee is annoyed but not surprised by the dissappearance of the cannibals. At the bottom he concentrates on Enapay trying to determine how strong the bond is with the spirit and in what general direction.

He offers "As Salen is with the mounts maybe you should see which tunnel has the greater traffic leaving recently Hoskar?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Wed 25 Mar 2015.

"How did you stop the other shaman coming back to life?" he asks.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 230):

Short answer is we burned the body whispers Hoskar as he peers about him.

Hoskar leads the Rangers through the tunnels, twisting this way and that, eventually arriving, red faced, back at the main cavern.

As they walk out into the open space, lit by a shaft of bright sunlight coming from the roof hole, a lone cannibal warrior walks in from a side passage, dragging a fur, laden down with gear.

He stops short, looks at the equally surprised Rangers, and then dropping the fur sprints off back the way he came....

Amara didn't even pause, immediately throwing a javelin after him.

Tarnessh immediately shouted a spell of demoralization at the cannibal as they took off after him.

Henal reacts quickly to the cannibal's appearance and is after him like a shot. The small brave is able to close on him seeing him just ahead as the tunnel twists and turns. He tries to ready his spear to plunge into the cannibal if he catches him.

Akala quickly threw a wounding charm at the cannibal, trying to injure him, perhaps lame him.

As he also attempted pursuit, he called over his shoulder, mostly to Ohanzee, "Someone should stay with the gear he dropped, see if some of your items are in there!  I will call out if we are in trouble or need you!"

Akala's javelin was at the ready, his shield comfortably situated on his arm.  His axe and his sword both hung from his person, moving in rhythm with his body as he attempted to move as fast as he could behind the others.

Melock see's that the others are following the cannibal and decides to try and stop him doubling back by heading down a different tunnel. He doesn't take a torch with him, so once any light fades, he draws his kukri and settles his shield on his arm and slows to a walk. He listens out for any sounds approaching him.

Even though they could be attacked by cannibals at any moment, Taya was enjoying exploring the caves. All the new smells were very interesting. When the cannibal appeared and was chased away, she heard Akala's shout and decided that, if any of the cannibal's friends were still around they might come looking for the stuff he had just dropped. So she found a spot to watch from, with a wall behind her, and sat and waited in the shadows.

As Akala calls over his shoulder Ohanzee has already vanished down the tunnel to the West knowing that it heads to the surface, his mind running as fast as his feet He can't get out the gully and the others should catch him if he stays in the tunnels. I'll make sure he doesn't get get away up top!
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Thu 26 Mar 2015.

As the cannibal vanishes back down the tunnel he'd come through, there's a mad excited scramble to catch him. True to form Thunderbird is after him like a shot, whilst the more calculating Ravens branch off in order to catch him in case he doubles back.

Javelins and spells splash off walls as their quarry suddenly puts on a magical burst of speed, quickly leaving his pursuers behind. Amara is just able to see that he's taken a branch to the East, before he's gone into the darkness...

What follows is a mad scramble through dark tunnels, up and down through squeeze holes in the ceiling and floor, until panting and out of breath the Thunderbirds find themselves back in the main cavern once more.

 Tarnessh having heard something, had fallen behind and taken another route, suddenly finding himself in a small cave with a still smouldering torch.

There in the middle of the room is the panting cannibal, staring wide eyed at Melock who is blocking the only other exit, kukri held at the ready, and quite possibly a wide grin on his face.

Those arriving back in the main cavern find that the fur dropped by the cannibal holds what looks like Tarnessh's armour, but nothing else.

The grin on Melocks face gets wider when Tarnessh arrives, "Caught between darkness and light," he comments to the cannibal, "if you want a quick death, tell us where your friends have gone" he nods towards Tarnessh, "Because my friend behind you, probably wants to kill you slowly and painfully."
"Taya, can you let the others know, I've caught him"
Taya lets everyone in the cave know that Melock has caught up with the cannibal and where he is.

The cannibal whirls around to face Tarnessh, snarling like the trapped animal that he is, then turns back to face Melock once more

"Fuck you..I will kill you both."

Whilst drawing a long bladed knife he casts a charm that causes what skin is visible to harden like leather.

Melock sighs, "Well, I tried." He mutters a charm to boost his health, and then attacks.

Melock's blow is easily parried, both bronze blades coming together with a shower of sparks. Both men are eye to eye as they struggle to push their opponent back.

Theres a brief flash of magic and the fire goes out of the now demoralised man, Tarnessh's spiritual power easily overcoming the far weaker man.

Dropping his blade he cries "I yield...Let me go and I will tell you what you want."

He kicks the dropped blade away, "Tell me what I want to know and I'll think about it" He puts his blade to the cannibals throat.

Those in the main cavern receive the message from Taya and can easily find their two companions.

After some tortured deliberation the cannibal spits out "They have gone back to the wilds. Split up in family groups. To avoid destruction like we always do."

"That's not telling me anything is it. Why are you still here? Where do you plan to meet up with them?" He pretends to hear something, "Quickly now, my friends are approaching and they just want to kill you."

"You killed my family when you came back for your friends, my brother and my father...I do not know where the others are. They have gone to the wilds like we always do. Then we will re appear like we always do."

"Where are the bodies and possessions of those you captured" Amara asked.

"Spread amongst my people as it always is. Each family receives something of those taken."

"I think that the rest of them are still hiding in these caves somewhere" He thinks for a moment, "Nothing you have told me so far is worth your life." He applies a bit more pressure with his blade, "Last chance."

Outside Ohanzee sees clouds gathering in the North West, deep within the interior of the Wastes.

The storm will be here either today or tomorrow....Already the wind is starting.

"We lost a golden disk. Where is it? Who took it?" Tarnessh demanded.

Before the cannibal has a chance to answer, a feral grin crosses Melocks face, "What is this place to you?"

Ohanzee shudders at the approaching storm, not because of the storm itself, but because of the difficulty that it will bring in recovering Enapay, to who he feels obligation and without who he feels lessened.

It's been a while, they must either have him or he's escaped by now and the Raven brave heads back down to find the others.

He smiles as he enters the cave and sees the others have the man "Looks like you've caught lunch!" he says in a rather sarcastic way.

Without taking his eyes off of the cannibal, "You read my mind brother. I was thinking Grandmother of Spiders might like him"

Following the tunnels through to the cave Henal stumbles over dried meat which he thankfully recognises as marmot. Entering the chamber he asks Ohanzee: Any trace of what you seek?

Ohanzee shakes his head, not even needing to know what the cannibal has or hasn't said. "No, it is not here. I know which way it is heading though." He looks at the cannibal "The disc, who is it with?"

Akala watched the group interact with the prisoner.

Being new to the group, he wanted to know the limits of acceptability in regards to gathering information through intimidation.

The Big Brave looked around, making sir she was alert and aware of his surroundings, in case any other cannibals popped out of another cave unannounced.

"A place of refuge" replies the man shaking off his demoralisation.





"The shaman has it."

Peering round sleepily, Hoskar has little to say in the interrogation so he starts hunting through the odd corners of the main cavern looking for cracks, fissures, or signs of hasty departure which might give a clue where the cannibals had gone.

In a far corner, he sees some familiar-looking fur at floor level. Cat? Hiding? You're lucky to be alive, puss...oh. As he approaches and bends down tentatively trying not to look threatening, his face drops as he sees that the fur's owner lost its luck some time ago. Along with its insides. What had seemed to be the side of a hiding Manul cat is actually one end of a cloak, bundled up and wedged in a crevice. Someone didn't want to share this with the tribe, did they?

He teases the furry object from its hiding place and casts an appraising eye over its seams. Wonder what you're worth, then.

Amara sighed at the comments from the cannibal. "Enough of the false bravado. I do not care for your kind, but if you help us in this matter, I will neither take you as slave or kill you and I will keep you alive if you assist us. Help us find our possessions and the bodies of those who fell."

Tarnessh glared at Amara. "Do not presume to speak for what we'll do." He whispered to her.

"If needs be, I'll kill you where you stand to keep my promise" Amara hissed in return.

Tarnessh grit his teeth. "If, IF! He helps us, I won't try to kill him, even though he deserves it. But if we see him again or he attacks us then he will die."

Amara chewed her lip mulling over Tarnessh's comments. "Very well, if he provides timely assistance in returning our fallen and in finding the important things that were lost here, then he stays alive. At least until he crosses our path again."

"We ate your dead...And I do not know where my people have gone, so how can I find them? They do not want to be found."

Amara glared at the cannibal "Fair enough, if you choose not to be helpful, then we are done here." she looked at him with pity "You could have tld us where there bones lie. You could have told us where the people you do know that left here went....but you chose to remain silent and in so doing have sealed your fate."

"Agreed, you know nothing worth your life" With that Melock leans forward and twists the blade of the kukri so it slides across his neck and slices his jugular. He steps back to avoid the blood spray.

Tarnessh kicked the body and then sighed. "Well shit, anyone think we have time to track the Shaman?"

Keeping back from the gore, Hoskar sighs.

Oh dear.

Suppose we should get on the trail, whatever he yawns.

I've not lost anything to them. Not my call.

A thought strikes him, and he raises a wearily hopeful smile. We might get lucky - maybe he thinks he'll be safe at the Finger Holes. It used to be his sort of place, I'd imagine. Just think of his expression if he fetches up there expecting it the way it was.

For the first time since everyone, except Tarnessh, entered the room Melock looks round at the others, "Just to be clear, it" he spits at the body, "said it would tell me what I wanted to know if I let it go. I told it, tell me what you know and I'll think about it. Well I thought about and decided not to let it go." He shrugs, "Tarnessh, there's a nice looking blade on the floor"

Melock is right, it's a long bladed dagger, or in some cultures a short sword, made of bronze and in rather good condition.

Amara looked back towards the way they'd entered the tunnels. "If we can follow this thing the shaman took, then others can too. Perhaps we should head back to the mounts and follow the shaman. He's not going to have as many around him any more."

Tarnessh nodded and picked it up. "I don't usually use these, but I'm not going to say no to good bronze." He put it in his belt and agreed with Amara. "Yeah, come on, we're losing time."

"Don't need to track him, he's heading North, I can sense Enapay moving away in that general direction." and he's already off for his mount, the thrill of the chase brushing aside fatigue, for the moment at least.

Akala checked for tracks in the direction Ohanzee indicated, discussing his observations and reasonings with Hoskar whom he had seen excelling with tracking himself.

The Big Brave then nodded, communicating his findings, nudging Thundercloud after Ohanzee.

If the pace was slow enough, he would take a small nap atop his Rhino, telling Bouncer to wake him in twenty minutes, and letting Amara know it was happening.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:41, Fri 27 Mar 2015.

As no one else seems interested, Melock quickly searches the dead cannibal. Once he's done that he picks up Taya and follows the others out and mounts up. "Is someone going to let the Blue Llama's know that we are chasing the shaman?" He squints in the daylight and yawns, then he stashes the iron helm away in one of his bags. Taya takes refuge from the light in her saddle bag and quickly falls asleep.

Nixa and Sand Fox volunteer to return to the Blue Llama folk to pass on the message, knowing that they won't be able to return to the Rangers as it would likely be too dangerous and they may not find their tracks in the rocky terrain.

"We'll see you later or otherwise at the Giant Finger Holes in a weeks time."

The main group of Rangers head off after Ohanzee, with Hoskar taking the lead. The terrain is nasty, consisting of deep twisting gullies, dead end canyons and steep hills. There are plenty of trails, but accessible only for those on foot.

Everyone is tired and thirsty, not to mention the mounts and when exposed everyone can feels the biting, stinging wind coming from the chaos filled interior of the Wastes.

Akala finds several human foot prints early on, but even with that help Hoskar soon finds that he's lost. We'll not truly lost, as he knows what direction everything is, and how far they've travelled, but he just can't find an easy way to follow Enapay, which in the last hour seems to be travelling East, some way to the North of where they now are.

Those not tracking try to get some rest as they ride, but it's hard as every now and again there's the sound of stones falling, or a fleeting glimpse of possible movement...Pursuers? Interested locals? Prospective ambushers? Or fleeing fauna?..Who knows....

Henal tries to get some rest as best he can while they start moving, settling as much as he can on Whiteblaze's back.

Rikki, keep a look out and wake me if anything is happening.

Keeps his eyes to the ground for tracks, raising them periodically to seek new paths east...and not find anything easy.

Damn this chaos wind. It's like something's conspiring against us. Doesn't need saying, I know, but keep your eyes open folks: I'm guessing here.

From a haze of self-built cloud Salen looked over the end of his pipe, as if seeing clearly for the first time in a long time.

"Someone needs to stay with the mounts. I can track the Shaman on foot, with Mordy. It will be dangerous but I move faster than anyone here. Tulox can scout too, so perhaps if I lead the way you could follow behind? I'll leave signs of my path where I can."

"I'd rather we stay on the mounts. It's safer and faster." Tarnessh said.

Melock shakes his head in an effort to wake up, "If you track them, we could stay mounted and find a route that shadows yours. With the help of Tulox that shouldn't be too hard, but it does mean we wont be close to you, if anything goes wrong."

Amara stayed on her mount, she needed to be awake enough to fight when they met the shaman. "We'll move more quickly, even in a storm on our mounts." She started wrapping her shawl around her head as she did when the weather started deteriorating, urging thunderfoot onwards.

"The terrain is tricky here for mounts in good conditions, never mind during a storm. I will make better progress afoot with Mordy, and Tulox can watch our backs. It is risky, but - as usual - time is of the essence."

Salen took another long draw from his pipe to focus his thoughts, and then waited for responses.

Henal is woken from his snoozing by the rising wind. He takes up a cloak from his belongings to wrap around him to keep out what he can of the wind and dust.

If we can catch them better with Salen tracking on foot then let us try it, otherwise will this chaos storm destroy the trail and stop us getting back the things we want.

Rikki finds a pack with space to settle into and hides himself away my turn to sleep.

"Okay, we'll stay behind you and I'll have Tulox follow you overhead."

Salen and Mordy head off without further ado, vanishing up and over a steep escarpment whilst the rest of the Rangers try and make their way along the winding canyon that they now find themselves in. Overhead the biting wind continues to blow, a poisonous tang growing stronger as the afternoon passes.

Overhead Tulox keeps watch, keeping up a running commentary of where the Condor brave and his dog are.