The Rangers find the pool just as they left it, well almost as there are now fresh impala tracks all about. The riders haven't  hung around and once watered they look to have moved deeper into the rocks.

There's roughly three to four hours before sun down.

Kobal, Hoskar and Tarosh simultaneously spot some knot writing hanging from a bush's branch, close to the water.

There's a flutter of wings and the Harpies land in the narrow clearing

"At last somewhere safe. The magic is strong in this Place. I spied a column of smoke rising, not far from here to the south. Perhaps from a campfire."

The harpies look thirsty, but seem to be waiting for the nomads to water their beasts.

"I will take first watch from up there" announces Akala, the brave quickly climbing up the steep slope of the rock behind the pool.

Kobal urges Black Hoof forward to the water first, the bison lowering its head to lap at the water.  He grabs the knotted rope and pulls it closer for inspection.  " 'Fresh water.  Clean and safe.  Thunder Girls.'  Haha, they are the Impala riders ahead of us...?"

He dismounts, cups his hand and take one sip from the water before grabbing a skin off the back of his bison to fill with water from the lake.

Turning to the Harpy Queen, he extends his other hand towards the lake in invitation.  "Erish-El, please refresh yourself."  Then another thought: "How far away was the column of smoke?"  The Thunder Girls, presumably.

"I will take next watch, Akala," he says to the big man.  "Wake me when it is my turn."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:56, Tue 08 Dec 2015.

Ohanzee dismounts and looks about at the ground around the pool, near the rocks, at the bushes "Urrak, he said they would wait for us here. Maybe things got too dangerous or maybe they have gone to graze their beasts and will return."

As his investigations proceed and he passes close to the queen he says to her "If there is anything that you or your people need then please tell me, either yourself or your people. I will be glad to help if I can."

"Did anyone spy any other rhinos from the sky?"

He helps Kinamasi off of Carross and then leads the high llama to the water. After Kobal has read the rope, Tarosh has a look at it, "Thunder Girls, sounds more Rhino than Impala." He looks around the water hole to see if there are any rhino tracks that aren't theirs. "Ohanzee, could Urrak be traveling with these Thunder Girls?"

"I was wondering whether they are a band within the Thunder clan," laughs Kobal.  He looks at Leaper.  "You're from the Thunder clan.  Do you know these Thunder Girls?"

Ohanzee shakes his head "Doubt it. He said they'd wait here and besides he was travelling with the remains of his sept, Tulox would have noticed that and their tracks came here from outside."

He makes a clicking sound with his tongue on the roof of his mouth "No, not that but something else must have happened... unless they are out grazing the rhino grass for now."

Oh at last: a drink to cool me. Padding over, eyes aglow. Ward and 'ware for strange surprises even here where Rangers rove.

Are you drinking, new Two-Feather or just sitting thinking pensive? Water's good for dusty riders.

Standing on Ram's back, Hoskar scans the area, seeing nothing to alarm him for now. Where those riders have gone, then? Guess we'll find out...or not.

Absorbed in watching the skies and horizons he starts when his familiar's meaning comes to him, shakes his head, and heads for the water.

Yes alright. I'm drinking. This time, try and stay away from my helmet afterwards.

He chuckles to himself. Thunder Girls. Impressive name. Wonder if they live up to it he muses.

The smell of the water wakes Hisser up, so he jumps down from the back of Carross and boldly walks to the watering hole, where he proceeds to drink his fill and then explores the trees and rock faces, scent marking as he goes and soon the air around the water is heavy with the smell of tom cat piss.

Tail-erect with pricked-up ears. Scents the other Manul present. Not the season now, but maybe if he wakens one day. Thinking onwards...

"Aye I've heard of them, though they're made up of gals from several clans" replies Leaper as he turns to Amara to continue

"Vingan band they are...Bunch of rebellious Impala girls who follows the red haired one."

"They have a taste for Bisons.....And their riders..."

Kobal laughs at that.  Then settles down to rest again.  They'd ridden long into last night to avoid the morokanth, and watching their water.  And soon he'd have to take over from Akala as sentry.

Amara looked mildly disgusted "Bison riders? It is hard to imagine any woman wishing to have one even for an evenings entertainment. They are impala riders...no doubt that a bison rider is the best they can aspire to. It is not a big thing to ride a bison, or an impala or an antelope." she shrugged "When and if we meet the group, it might be best to let me approach them."

As he searches for signs of the Rhino sept Ohanzee comes across another set of knots at the southern most exit from the camp site.

He grimaces when he see's and smells what Hisser is doing, "Sorry about that everyone, I'm sure, once he's got a spirit in him, he won't do that any more" He perks his ears up when he hears about the Thunder Girls, "More fighters, never a bad thing, shame they're Impalas though." He rummages through the treasure they gained from the harpies lair and holds up a pair of golden armbands, "Can I claim these as my own?"

Ohanzee returns holding the knot "They're holed up South of here in a cave about 1km from here. It's South and so are these Thunder Sisters or whatever they call themselves so it could be trouble for the sept if they come across each other."

He looks at the others "I'd like to go get them before it gets dark. Be good to have you along Amara of course, and others in case we come across that bunch and they decide to try something."

"Maybe tomorrow though, we need rest and the Queen and her people must be protected whilst they rest. Maybe whilst those who want to visit Pellas do so some of the rest of us can fetch the sept?"

Scrubby beard glistening with water droplets from a long deep draught, Hoskar thinks about Ohanzee's proposal a moment.

Why not. Count me in either way: they're rhino folk out there, and I expect the cat will want to stay here so we can all stay in touch.

If they turn out hostile, are we fighting or talking? Don't want us to look too much like a disorganised rabble by doing different things.

"If you're going to meet some Skywatchers there's no way I want to be left behind. Besides if we meet these Thunder Girls then it's probably better for all if I am present...even although they're unlikely to be as unreasonable as any of the Storm Bull worshipeprs we've come across." Amara let her mount drink as much as it needed to as she refilled ehr own skins and drank herself...upstream from the rhino.

Deciding to leave the spirit summoning for the next day a small group of the Rangers head south through the deep sided gorges of the Rocklands.

The vegetation is quite thick in places and small game in abundance giving the braves ample chance to catch some dinner...Jackrabbits, lizards and various ground fowl.

Back at the camp the Harpies roost amongst the trees, with their Queen holding court about the early evening fire.

Those searching for the cave see that the smoke from the fire is in the direction that they're travelling....

As they get closer to the smoke Ohanzee once more pulls the bullroarer from his gear, the mundane one this time of course "This is Rhino land, time to announce our arrival to the sept and to those who might call us enemies cower in fear.

"Let the others hide whilst the Rhinos stomp!"

Then raising the thing over his head he spins it eliciting that distinctive buzzing drone perhaps like a giant bee.

Amara nodded, a smile crossing her face as she agreed with Ohanzee. The bullroarer would announce their presence to all. Those who were expecting them and the Vingan impala riders. The mere sound would be enough to signify that they were not hostile and intent on hunting either the rhino riders or the impalas. "It is right and fitting to let all know that those who ride rhinos are present. Most of us have some inclination towards Orlanth, perhaps it will be enough to coax the Impala riders to visit."

Kobal throws a spare scrap of hide at Amara.



"I will come too," says Kobal, getting up.  If there might be action, he wants to be there.  "Besides, I hear they like bison riders.  Be good to have me along in case we come across that bunch and they decide to try something," he laughs, puffing out his chest.

"If we're late back, someone take my shift on the watch," he says over his shoulder as he readies Black Hoof.

As they ride off, he says quietly to Ohanzee and Amara, "I'm surprised you two rode off without seeking permission from your beloved Queen."  He grins.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:17, Wed 09 Dec 2015.

"She is safer where she is. We're the ones taking the risks. Her travels through these lands might be easier should we deal with any potential issues before they arise." she glanced over at Kobal "She is after all, essential to the restoration, far more than we are."

Almost immediately there is the a reply from up ahead.

BBBBbbbbbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

And Ohanzee recognises it as the Bull roarer of Urrak.

Henal snorts at Amara's words and lets his cats jump down and start hunting for mice in the grass round the water.

"I'll stay here and rest as I still feel drained magically after our battles against chaos".

"That's Urrak!" Ohanzee exclaims excitedly, but then a wave of doubt flows over him driven by previous experiences out in the Wastes "Or at least it's his bullroarer."

He urges Wihakayda forward "Come, let's go!"

The Rangers push through an area of heavy scrub, following a trail which was certainly made by Rhinos not that long ago. It opens out into a grassy spot filled with Impalas, several Rhinos, wooden frames covered with stretched animal skins, three dome Impala tents, running children and two puppies.

Around a smoky fire sit a collection of semi naked impala braves, all female and half a dozen Rhino riders of both sexes. They're all laughing at some joke, passing a wobbling skin from hand to hand.

Urrak is standing in the middle of it all, a bull roarer coming to a slow stop above his head.

"You have returned!" he booms, a smile splitting his much lined face.

In the back ground the Rangers can see that a section of the nearest rock wall has been gorged out, presumably from an ancient serpent that must have once poured through this section of the Rocklands.

Rhinos turn to greet the newcomers, pregnant bellies wobbling and mouths raised as grunts echo this way and that.

Ohanzee returns the smile with his own broad grin "Just as we said we would, and with the hills clear a little more Chaos and for that matter a little greener." His smile turns to a grin to see the rhinos present have full bellies and the youngsters playing.

He looks at the gathered peoples, rhino riders and impala Vingans and he smiles "I see that you have made some new friends, or perhaps met some old ones? Well we have made some new friends too and we should talk about them before you meet them."

"I hope with Waha's good grace you all survived your quest?" asks the gruff old man

"Come I will introduce you all and hen we can talk the talk."

Whilst waiting for the Rangers to dismount he examines each braves' face carefully as if looking for some clue to what has happened.

Ohanzee slips from his mount and lets him go greet the other beasts and eat with them "By the grace of Waha and the actions of Queen Hilimaz Mushen our losses were less than they could have been."

He waits for the others and for Urrak to introduce them to the camp inhabitants. Realisation comes to him as he waits There are far fewer of us here, that is the cause of his concern! "The rest wait at the pool where we camped before, them and our new friends." he offers in a reassuring tone.

"The Morokanth braves of the Black Mud clan are gathering in great numbers at Hoof Crack. Their khan and several of our numbers have a blood grudge and despite our quest he was less than welcoming so we rode through the greater part of the night to put distance between them and us."

"I don't know why they gather but I worry that they mean to take the Earth Temple and the Giant's Finger Holes." He stops now. There is much to tell, but that just flowed from him before the introductions were even made, the urgency with which it was sitting inside him.

"Ah, interesting news indeed. I wonder what Egajia would make of this"



The Rhino elder advances on the campfire, where those sat around it have now stood on mass.

"This is my new wife Brinnak, who has looked after me since poor Unna passed away two years ago" he indicates a young woman in her early twenties who smiles at the Rangers. She's short, and wide and pregnant.

"My son Ukki and his wife Arrana and their two sons Ruck and Shove."

Ukki is a tall man that looks like he'd give Akala a run for his money in the huge stakes. Bright blue eyes stare out from under bushy eyebrows as he takes in the young braves before him. He's perhaps forty years old and covered in scars and runic tattoos. A follower of Waha and one of the empty ones by the looks of it, for nowhere does he carry the spirit rune. By his side his wife looks proud and fierce, and carries a highly polished club in her hands, the smooth ball at one end marked with the rune of Death. She nods her head, friendly but without a smile.

Their sons are both older than the Rangers and are an even physical mix of their parents' genes. That said they both greet the newcomers warmly, especially the Rhino Riders.

All stare at Kobal, wondering what his story is.

Those SkyWatchers present recognise each of Urrak's family members, some more than others.

"And these are the Thunder Girls"

He steps back, obviously waiting for the women to make their introductions.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Wed 09 Dec 2015.

Having little to say with things progressing so well for now, Hoskar raises a hand in greeting. And I wonder what a Prax morokanth of the Paps would find of interest here he murmurs such as to only be heard by the Rangers closest-by.

He inclines his head to his fellow rhino riders, and smiles towards the Thunder Girls. His only words are a brief Well met, as he too is interested in their introductions.

As no one objected to him taking the armbands, Tarosh waits till the others have left and then walks over to Kinamasi, "A gift for you."
She smiles and lets him put them on her arms, "They're beautiful, thank you." She gives him a quick kiss and then pulls away, "Don't spend all night on watch." She winks at him and then gets on with sorting out the camp and cooking food for everyone.
Tarosh blushes as he glances nervously around to see if anyone overheard her. He decides that taking first watch with Akala is probably the best thing to do, so he scrambles up the cliff face opposite the one Akala did.

Amara waved a greeting happy to be amongst kin once more. She smiled, her happiness at seeing others who have survived evident in her eyes. Her curiosity however, was more than piqued at the idea of seeing the Thunder Girls. She'd only met Vingans who were part of their clan before. She wondered how she might be accepted by Vingans who were outside it.

The seven Impala braves have spread out, each woman checking out the Rangers, some with smiles, others with scowls or neutral expressions.

As mentioned each is semi naked with loincloths their only clothing. All of them carry bows and there are neat stacks of javelins close to hand. Most have some hair, red in colour and the Movement rune is in evidence everywhere.

"So you lot be the Wandering Rangers eh? Kinda thought you'd all be taller or summat" says one of them. Stepping forward she greets Amara

"Name's Coppa, I'm the main of this group....Looks like you're on the path. Someone cause you grief in the past eh?"

An arm covered in Verdigris tattoos of snakes is held out in greeting

"Who's the Bison boy? He hitched or what?"

This brings forth a burst of rude laughter and much ribald joking from the other girls, who swarm over to admire Kobal.

"It's easier to remain hidden when you're small....though I don't think we're representative of the rangers as a whole. You should see my cousin, Akala. He's as tall as a rhino and as wide as one too." Amara grinned holding out a bag of khumiss for the women "I do walk the path of Vinga, but in my case, it wasn't for grief caused to me, it was to protect those around me. There were few warriors left in our clan after Moonbroth, at a time when no-one else was available, I stepped up and rescued my brother. It felt good to do that, so I continue to walk this path."

Amara grinned, deciding to allow Kobal to speak for his marital status "I am Amara Brightsky of the Skywatchers."

Tarosh finds Gloaming already there, the Sun Hawk brave humming to himself as he watches Bright Treasure begin it's departure from the land of the Living.

"Hmmmm, Hmmmm, Hm, Hm."

"You are not initiated yet"

This comes from a fierce looking woman with a tattooed nose, who stand looking up at Amara, hands on her wide hips.

"Ohanzee...Hoskar come sit with us..."

Urrak is smiling, happy to see young members of their clan.

"You must tell me where you have been and if there are others of our septs still alive."

The rest of his family make space, indicating that everyone should make themselves comfortable.

Amara shook her head indicating she'd not been initiated "I'm afraid our responsibilities as wandering rangers have gotten in the way of this. I know some day I shall be initiated and I feel I have done much to make Vinga proud, but I've never travelled anywhere close to a Vingan temple in order to be initiated." Amara said, feeling slightly embarrassed, hoping the fact she was still young to be a full brave might provide some form of excuse.

Hega slaps Amara's arm "Don't worry about it, We bin hearing all sorts of stuff about you lot. Sit and meet the other girls. We're on our way to the Pairing stones. Been walking the walk....Following Vinga and her Storm sisters whomp the monsters path."

This elicits a loud cheer from the other braves "And we whomped some and all...."



"You lot got anything to smoke?"

Amara smiled as she joined the Vingans. "Uh, I know we have something to smoke in our band, but I'm not a condor and they tend to hog it and keep it for themselves" Amara sat down, greeting the others with a smile as she took her shawl from her head so she'd have something clean to sit on. "I think Angelika's plan is to take me to the pairing stones next season to have me initiate. We've had some successes against broo and a whole host of other creatures too, but I'm interested in all the stories you might want to share with me."

Ohanzee takes the offered seat around the fire and upon hearing the request for anything to smoke from the Vingan warrior he smiles "Pass me the skin when you have had your fill and I'll pass you my pipe when I have had a drag."

He fishes his pipe out from his pack and stokes the bowl before taking a stick from the edge of the fire and lighting the weed with the burning end.

Whilst doing this he speaks to Urrak of the Skywatchers he knows of, the ones who are back with the Prairie Thunder clan.

Swapping for the kumis skin for his pipe he continues, "I'll tell of the travels of the sept made new from the broken parts, what is now my sept I suppose until we met the other Rangers at Rhino Gouge."

He takes another swig from the skin and passes it on "And of course Hoskar and I can tell you of the travels since then, but there are many adventures to speak of that we have had over a short time."

"Now though, now there are more urgent things to speak of, of the adventures that we have had since last we met you."

He calls out to the Impala braves "Don't hog that pipe now!" and then turns back to Urrak and the other Skywatchers "After we left you we picked up some supplies at Hoofcrack including one Morokanth who was forced along by their shaman."

"Dark Claw was his name and he was taken out by a Jack-o-bears which we eventually killed." he sighs "Mostly. One made it away."

"Anyway, we made it in to the hills proper and were faced with the having to get to the Harpy nest at the top without being seen and attacked on the hillside."

"We were following a serpent who I, we that is, summoned Nathair Sliabh, son of Seolinthur the first. We asked him if there were any secret ways up the hill and told him of our reason for coming. And he told us to seek further along his length."

Ohanzee laughs "We found th way, but it was not what I at least was thinking of. We walked an ancient walk and talked an ancient talk Amara was the Earth and I was Seolinthur and the Rangers were our guests."

"We passed to the Green age and we were wed as we always used to be in the old days. And Daga sought to ruin our union but was overcome and trapped."

He looks over at their own red headed Vingan smiling as she speaks to the other women warriors and he continues "So I was married, for the duration of the ceremony at least. That whole experience changed me."

"We rose up through the hill as Earth and Water once did and we brought life anew to at least some of the hilltop above, to a hidden valley above."

"We awoke an ancient spirit of the trees, Whitewood Dryad a friend of Emesh-Ga from the Green Age and for this and for destroying the Chaos harpies she blessed us with ancient knowledge to honour the plants and tasked us to take a seed to the remaining Aldryami Lords."

He takes another puff on the pipe as it comes around again "And of course there was the fight against the harpies itself."

He looks at the shadows getting very long "Someone with a familiar better let the others know we'll not be returning till tomorrow!"

"Now where was I? Ah yes, the Harpies. I played little part in their deaths I'm afraid. Winged one or two on the way in, but that was about it. I had a helping hand up though when we split, half to come in from above and the rest through the caves. Storm Bull threw me to the top of the cliffs when I asked him not to blow me off them. It was his day, but still I didn't expect that."

"Well once we found the main part of their nest their shaman called an ancient Chaos warped ancestral spirit" he pulls out the spirit bullroarer from around his neck "But with this I drew it to me and away from the others."

"Didn't know it would do that, nor that it would draw the dozen or so disease spirits that the shaman had" he laughs "That really wound her up!"

"It also helped protect me, but with those and then the extra dozen or so disease spirits that their mother released I had my hands full dispatching them all. Too busy to help in the fight proper, but at least I kept the spirits from the others."

"Thank Waha for this" he tucks the bullroarer away again "And thank Raven for the spirit arrowhead I found, that was destroyed in that fight, but it served its purpose that day!"

Urrak and the Thunder Girls

Kobal smiles at all the attention, but first holds Urrak's gaze.  "Urrak, well met.  The Khan of Khans wishes that we meet again, I think."  Kobal had introduced himself last time they crossed paths.  "There was no opportunity at our last meeting, but we ride with the spirit of Emesh-Ga, Earth Captain of the Green Age, whose helm this is."  He motions respectfully with an open palm to the helmet he wears.

Then there is time to turn his attentions to the Girls, looking from one to another with a gap toothed smile.  "I am Kobal of the Prairie Thunder, son of Colnar Three Steps.  We came across your tracks, and are glad to meet as friends.  Our thanks too for the message you left near the lake.  Your tracks suggested that you had a captive, or perhaps one of you was unwell...?"

Turning to Coppa, he says, "I am betrothed, but it is a bargain struck with the Red Thorn clan," he spits the name, "to break an impasse at the Earth Temple, for my father is an elder of our clan, and his father was once khan of the Prairie Thunder."  He looks around again, and straightens back to stand at his full height.  "Another wife, one who won't stick a knife between my ribs would be good, haha."

He looks about to see if any were listening still after his long tale and remembers something "Tarnessh's bird saw seven Thunder Girl, one slumped across the beast. Is there anything we can do to help or has the last gone to Vinga alreaady?"

Urrak and the Thunder Girls

All listen to Ohanzee's tale, though the remaining Vingans introduce themselves when they can

There is Lys All-Thumbs a compact brave, with large hands, what looks like a pair of Iron shears in her belt and a large amount of severed thumbs hanging from necklaces and fetishes.

Golden-Eye, a brave with striking golden irises and a bow that hums with barely suppressed magic.

Keep Low-Rider, a woman short even for a pygmy who gives a cheery wave, pats Kobal on the arse and exhales a huge amount of smoke in his face.





The last Vingan grunts, the brave hasn't cracked a smile since the arrival of the Rangers

"I'm Bubbles....My sister Blossom is over there, she has come down with a fever after our last run in with some Broo. Looking for a shaman so we can get her fixed."

"A fine tale and I am impressed that braves so young and untested have achieved so much. Though it does not surprise me for you are Skywatchers and come from good stock. I knew each of your parents well.

So I believe there might be more to tell as you insinuated as much..."

"You are in luck then, we travel with our Seza, I'm sure she can fix up your companion."

His look turns serious "But before you meet her there is another friend and her people that we met who you should know of."

"But first. there is more as you say Urrak. Do any of you know the tale of the original creation of the Harpies?" and he looks about to see if any present do before continuing for those who don't "They were created by the Earth to as protectors, avengers against those defilers. But they fell from this grace to the depravities and corruptions that we all know them for these day."

Again he looks about ensuring that he has everyone's attention "Most of them that is. The Chaos Harpies we destroyed were readying the sacrifice of the pure-blood queen of the few untainted Harpies, Queen Hilimaz Mushen. We rescued her from this fate and now accompany her and her flock back to the Earth Temple."

He looks at Bubbles "She too is a spirit from the Green Age returned in living form and she is so powerful in Life that she can heal Blossom I'm sure, though I am sure too that Whispers, I mean our Seza can manage it."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 08:57, Thu 10 Dec 2015.

Urrak and the Thunder Girls

Kobal tries not to cough as Keep Low-Rider blows smoke in his face such a lower altitude.  Instead, towering over her, he keeps an unaffected smile on his face.



Kobal reflexively makes a sign to ward against Chaos.  "Curse the foul broo.  We have a Skywatcher Wise One with us, camped with the rest of us near the lake.  Maybe she will be able to help."  He doesn't mention the Harpy Queen since Ohanzee seems to have left her out of his story.  Let one of the Skywatchers mention her.

Haaro, he sends to his manul cat as requested by the short rhino brave, we've met Urrak and the Thunder Girls and look to camp with them for the night.  One of the Thunder Girls has a fever after fighting broo so hopefully Whispers will be able to help.

"You got any Morokanths travelling with you now?"

"Ah...This is good to know" replies Bubbles, the smallest of smiles appearing. She seems suspicious though. It could just be how she is normally.

"Right you are, she's on her way with Greeshar."

"You have a Seza with you? Who is that?"

Kobal cocks his head slightly a moment, as if listening for something.  Then "Whispers from the Sky is coming, with Greeshar.  Whispers recently became a shaman, Urrak."

To All-Thumbs, he replies, "No morokanth traveling with us, although there may be a horde behind us, haha."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 45):

The grinning Hoskar is about to sort out more smokables when Ohanzee begins his tale; at which he stops and listens awhile.

He's being modest here for some reason. Ohanzee, you went and missed the bits where you saved your sept after Moonbroth. You know, without him I'd be missing two cousins and a grandmother, and the Sky Watchers would be a much smaller set of people.

Anyway, I'd best get them some smokables. Can't have myself accused of parsimony. Place your orders, folks.

He ambles over to Ram, and fiddles around in pouches. Okay, Thunder Girls he calls: tobakeh, or something strong enough to send your mind off with the spirits? Or maybe a combination: think I can get you a pleasant buzz out of a mixture.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:20, Thu 10 Dec 2015.

"Something stronger!" comes the loud reply from the pygmies..

The camp fire had become a noisy place, with everyone talking at once and parts of Ohanzee's tale gets drowned out. It's Urrak's daughter in law who makes the connection and begins shushing folk

"Wait, you say you have Harpies with you?..:And they are cleansed...How is this possible?"

"Umm, I don't know all the details..." says Kobal, not as infatuated with the Harpy Queen as the others, "but I think they have not been cleansed.  Rather, these harpies simply never were tainted.  And their Queen is an incarnation of the Queen from the Green Age, not the same Queen."

Humming quietly to himself, Hoskar busily prepares a pipe of the strange foreign mix known as Kafl, and ambles back to the group to light it while lounging round the fire. Taking a couple of puffs to set it alight , he passes the pipe on to Arranna.

Whooff! This is stronger alright. Good dope called Kafl we got downriver. I'd take a puff and pass it on if I were you...unless you really want to soar with the spirits and lose track for a while; in which case knock yourself out with the stuff. Literally.

Sighing happily, he murmurs on Yes - Kobal there seems to have nailed it. I'd have had trouble believing it myself if I'd not seen Condor himself give way to her.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:13, Thu 10 Dec 2015.

"How can you be sure they are not tainted?"

"You are not Storm Bulls nor powerful Khans or shamans."

It's then that Greeshar and Whispers from the Sky arrive and a whole new round of welcomes start.

Greeshar knows both of Ukki's sons well and they sit together and are soon laughing and messing around. It would not be surprising if they all stated to wrestle shortly.

Whispers on the other hand is met with great respect by the other Skywatchers and the Vingans put aside the pipe for a moment and line up to pay their respects.

"No, but we travel with the Seza and with the follower of the Bull, Greeshar. Ah here they are." He rises and bows to Whispers as she enters the camp.

Then sitting again "And if their sense are not honed enough there is Emesh-Ga too."

All eyes swivel to take in the helmet worn by Kobal.

Once Whispers from the Sky has finished greeting everyone, which in it's self take a good half hour, she then heads over to where the sick Vingan has been lain down.

She's accompanied by Bubbles, the pygmy squatting down beside her twin sister with a scowl on her face.

Urrak's family begin to question the Rangers more in depth about the Harpies and what went on...

"So, where do you go now and where are the rest of our people?" asks Brinnak, Urrak's new wife amiably.

"We will head to Rhino Gouge as some of us have obligations or other business there and then from there on to the Earth Temple at the Giant's Finger Holes."

"We will be travelling to Pavis soon as Amara has an appointment at the pairing stones for her initiation and we have other business there. First though to the Earth Temple."

"The rest of the Skywaters are with the Prairie Thunder clan and travelling. We will meet up again at the temple."

At the mention of the Pairing stones the Vingans turn their attention once more to Amara

"Aie...We will be there too....If that is the case we shall stand by you when you face your Priestess and will keep watch when you Heroquest."

"It is good fortune indeed."

"Make sure you find something good in the Rubble to offer to our goddess on that day."

"For sure the Priestess will want donation."

"Who is your priestess?"

<Blue>"Tell us about what has happened at the Giant Finger Holes for that is a dangerous ghost place."

"That story is not my own, it is one for others who were there to fill in the details for I joined after that adventure was had. Broadly though the Rangers, well the bad did not exist then, some braves from the combined Skywatchers and Prairie Thunder chased down a rogue shaman of the Red Thorns who had captured the spirit of the Condor shaman of the Prairie Thunder clan."

"The braves faced and defeated the father if Leaping Bears, killed the rouge shaman twice and he was holed up at the Giant's Finger Holes. There they stumbled on the Earth Temple and persuaded the guardian spirit that they meant no harm. One thing became another an Emesh-Ga reformed the Wandering Rangers with these few as the founders."

"The temple is very much active there again now and the spirits are controlled by the shamen and priestesses. The main problem now is that the Red Thorn have encircled hte land all about and claim it as their own harassing any who try to pay their respects there."

"You should see it, the whole area about is green and vibrant, and it is spreading!"

"Angelika Snowspear. Queen of the SkyWatchers, is my priestess." Amara looked thoughtful as she considered what tribute Vinga might want. She felt she did not have much to offer. "The only thing I need to find in the rubble is the White Lance, which is rumoured to be there...but there are other things I can find I am sure. What makes a fitting tribute to Vinga and her priestess?"

The name seems to mean nothing to the Impalas but that's not that surprising seeing where Angelika is from.

"Something of value and with meaning to you."

"You're hunting for the White Lance?" This comes from the shortest of the pygmies "Where?"

"Like most, I am sure, we are hearing of rumours of it being in the Rubble. I am not sure as the truth of these rumours, but since we're heading to Pavis in any case, I thought it might be worthwhile to see if I can find any truth to the rumour." Amara said "I'd be curious to know anything you may have heard of it."

"Used to be there" comes back the reply "But ain't there now, or so I heard. Been folks looking for that for years."

"So you're from a line of Khans eh Bison boy"

Kobal finds himself cornered by several of the other Vingan girls, seemingly led by Coppa Sandswimmer.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Thu 10 Dec 2015.

"What makes it so special? I mean, we figured it was a giants bone...taken and rehoned as a lance. I don't know very much about the lore behind it.... we just managed to figure it out by happenstance." Amara looked at Keem questioningly "Is it really that special?"

"Well," says Kobal, straightening his back as much as he can, "my father is not yet khan, though maybe he will be in future.  But I will be khan one day, like my grandfather.  I will show everyone, haha!"

He looks around, "So where are you Thunder Girls headed after Blossom is healed?  Or are you heading for the pairing stones now?"

The Skywatchers and those Vingans paying attention, listen in amazement and a fair bit of scepticism if truth be told, though no one comes out and calls Ohanzee a liar.

"We must see this for ourselves. But where are the rest of our people, are they at this new temple?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Fri 11 Dec 2015.

"Special? Well it's the most famous lance in Prax. I heard that it kills giants with a scratch, and can burst into flame and that it holds the hero's spirit...."

The tiny woman's eyes shine with excitement.

"You're not talking about that bloody lance again are you....You know the Humakti have hidden it and there's no way they telling anyone."

"We were on the way to see an Earth Witch who lives here in the Rocklands, on the Southern edge. She might have helped us heal Blossom. Then across to the river and up to the Pairing Stones in time for the High Holy day.

You follow Thunderbird I see and travel with a Raven. That's odd, though not unheard of."

Seeing Tarosh approach the Sun Hawk brave turns "You have come to watch the night come?"

The brave has his sword resting on his lap, a whetstone in one hand.

Watching as Ohanzee tells his story, Kobal smirks as he sees the doubt in the others' eyes.  Who would trust what a Raven says?



"Haha, someone has to keep Ohanzee out of trouble.  I've lost count of the number of times we Thunder Birds and others have had to save his skin.  But do you mean the Earth Witch, Noita?" Kobal says, as if he knows her well.  "It was at her command that we made our way out here to deal with the Chaos harpies.  We are headed back to report to her.  And what Blue Arm says is true (at least this time) - the Earth Temple oasis is so lush and green you would not believe it unless you see it with your own eyes.  I'd wager that it has grown even larger and greener in the time we have been away."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Fri 11 Dec 2015.

Eyes a little unfocussed from another puff of kafl, Hoskar giggles, then coughs.

Yeah. Like, we're a bit odd. Got all four Rivals here. Like we've got hold of four corners of a blanket sometimes - all pulling our own ways, but somehow we never tear it.

Have you ever noticed how your elbows only bend one way? It's weird he adds inconsequentially before lapsing back to a reverie.

"We're meeting them at the Bison grazing to the East after the Earth Temple."

Ohanzee notices the looks of disbelief on the faces of the listeners and senses a chance "Well I see you don't believe me. Prone to exaggerating you reckon, written on your faces. Well any of you so convinced that I'm exaggerating this that they'll put up? Anyone so convinced this Raven is bragging, bluffing?"

"A wager then! I'll wager that any of you would be amazed when you see it with your own eyes, that I'm not exaggerating."

"Well that is where we will be going, though I have an interest to see this Earth Temple with my own eyes. So unless you wish otherwise we will travel with you.

A wager with a Raven? I think not, ha ha.

Who is chieftain of our clan now?"

"Why would a humakti take it? I thought they were only into swords? I wonder fi it is actually still in the Rubble somewhere and the humakti only spread rumours they have it to stop anyone looking for it." Amara listened to Ohanzee "It is a shame our truthspeaker is not here, so all would know the truth. I swear that the Giants Finger Holes has been cleansed and is now a temple where the Earth Witch resides and furthermore that the earth surrounding it is in the process of being restored to the lushness that once was....and that the Red Talons seek to keep it for themselves."

Ohanzee joins the laughter "Can't blame a Raven for trying!"

"Sure, happy for you all to tag along, you and the Thunder Girls of course. It'll give the Red Thorns something more to gawk at too when we return with greater numbers and where their own failed!"

"Our Khan is Barrak Earth Shaker now."

Somewhere in Hoskar's smoky consciousness, words connect and he titters again.

Careful with the Red Thorns, you Thunder Girls. They're bison riders, decent enough mostly, but their gayman's a shi...no...try again...shaman's a git. That's it.

No more of that pipe for me, cheers: enough's enough.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Fri 11 Dec 2015.

"<blue>Nah it's in Tourney altar, left the Rubble a long time ago, so we heard anyway. That said it could be anywhere. Ghost of a thing."

"Yeah we know that mob, had some run ins a few times, our clans have raided them lots over the last year, probably why they came this way to be honest."

Urrak exchanges a look with his son.

"Barra Earth Shaker eh? So he made his move....Well we shall certainly travel with you, we are all family and it will be good to ride in numbers for a while.

So these Red Thorns been giving you grief yes?"

"Didn't mean to disturb whatever you're doing." He looks out across the wastes as darkness approaches, "Not really, I thought someone else should be on watch with Akala and thought this would be a good spot." He stares intently at Gloaming, "We haven't had much chance to talk since you came back, you seem distracted and different. How are you brother?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Fri 11 Dec 2015.

With a shrug Ohanzee replies "Some. It's their shaman in particular. His boys took me as a slave, he's helped the sunny boys from down by the great serpent, he sent his followers to try to steal our quest, for all the good that did him and them."

Noticing the look between Urrak and his son Ohanzee asks "Were you thinking another might have taken the role?"

He shrugs "Anyway, it has become a kind of habit that when we return to the Giant's Finger Holes we do so ritually. We invoke our ties with the place and one of us returns as Tada and the rest as his companions or similar."

"This time I shall come as the great serpent, husband protector of the Earth. With your numbers added to ours it should make for all the greater a display and put those Red Thorns in their place!"

"You're not disturbing me cousin."

As he talks he begins to sharpen his sword

"I am different, since I died...And it is not helped that when I sleep I relieve my fall...Every night. Death walks with me now and I feel it's pull. The only thing keeping me sane is the brightness of Sun Hawk. With out him I would be truly lost.

I'm frightened Tarosh....Because...Because I think I want this..."

"Mmm, sounds like this shaman has it in for you..."



"Perhaps" is all he says about the choice of chieftain.

"Well we shall certainly join you, though we are still small in numbers compared to a whole clan."

Both he and his son have a smile now, with both men looking at the youth quizzically and perhaps with a tiny bit of condescension. More due to age and experience than anything else.

Tarosh does his best to keep a look of horror off of his face, "I can only imagine how terrible that fall must have been. I had noticed that you seemed a bit more eager to fight since you came back. There must be a way of keeping that urge under control until its needed, followers of the Bull seem to manage," he grins, "well most of the time anyway. Maybe your path now is heading that way as well, but I guess Sun Hawk wouldn't be pleased if you did, I wonder if there's a more honourable death cult you could join? We should ask Cantalas for advice when we get back to the Giant Finger Holes." He puts his hand on Gloamings shoulder, "I'll stand with you and help you though this."

This seems to placate Gloaming and for a while there is no sound apart from the sound of stone on bronze.

Conversation continues for a while with Rhino tribe reminiscing and Vingan tales of daring do.

"Will you camp here?" asks Urrak's wife "And when can we meet these Harpies?"

Amara snickered at Ohanzee's comment "You know arriving as the serpent could work for us in many ways. She would be the Earth Queen then....and perhaps be less inclined to favour the Red Thorns than she currently does."

Amara nodded "I think this would be a good place to rest for the night. One of us should let the others know to come forward and rest here for the night before we go to the Earth temple."

With a smile Ohanzee replies "Sure, we'll rest here and then take you to them in the morning."

Then turning to Amara he says "A message can be sent through the spirits I'm sure. The Queen and her followers will feel more dignified flying or roosting than approaching on the back of beasts I should think. There are enough there to protect them till morning and we can take the others there in the morning."

It's decided that everyone should stay where they are as it comes back that the Queen and her followers have gone to sleep.

During the night no one bothers either camp, though everyones' dreams are visited by Rhinos of all shapes and sizes.

It's a beautiful morning and soon both camps are bustling as folk prepare food, water mounts and begin to discuss what the day will bring.

Those wishing to gain Manul spirits for their cats, will accompany Henal to the shrine, though Whispers from the Sky says she will happily call forth spirits for those others that may want them. She's pretty confident that because of the holiness of the Rocklands all spirits summoned would be friendly.

Amara is approached by the Vingans who ask if she would take part in their holy day ceremonies the following day. They plan to climb the highest rock and pay homage to their goddess from there. It would mean staying an extra day....
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:02, Mon 14 Dec 2015.

After their return Ohanzee pays his respects to the Harpy Queen and introduces those who wish to meet the wondrous being.

He later approaches Whispers holding the finer looking of the two bats that he obtained from the marshland around Hoofcrack "Thank you Seza for the offer. I have this which will act as a good vessel to hold a spirit to look over us when it is dark."

The introductions go well and Urrak's family stay with the Harpy queen to talk. The Vingans remain suspicious though and stand guard whilst everyone does their stuff...

"Ai, well if it's a bat we should wait to this evening and summon something from the darkness if that's okay with you?"

The Seza flicks her long hair out of her eyes and gives her old friend a smile.

Ohanzee returns the smile "A good idea, most sensible of course Seza." and he glances about for the ever present Greeshar who seems to have become Whisper's shadow.

He rises and makes to move away "Well I guess we'll be about for some time, what with those away fetching spirits from Pellas and tomorrow is of course the day to give thanks to the air. You'll be leading that of course."

"I'm going to see if I can fetch anything to eat" he finishes and with a respectful nod turns to leave Either for us or something still breathing for her!

To the camp in general he asks "Anyone fancy trying for some fresh meat?" as he fetches his bow and other hunting gear.

Leaper jumps at this as does Salen and the three braves are soon joined by Ukki's son Ruck, who with a big grin on his broad face lopes over with a hunting spear in his hand.

"Whatcha gonna hunt?"

Ohanzee returns the grin "Whatever we can turn up. We saw lizard and jackrabbit tracks, some antelope too maybe on the way through the scrub to find you lot yesterday."

He grins "I need to catch something or things alive too. A friend of mine lost a jackrabbit I was saving to host a familiar in so maybe one of those if there's a chance. But also I need something alive as a gift of a fiend I haven't made yet."

"Oh, and of course if we can track down any honey" he looks at Salen with another grin "I have a standing request with our Condors about that."

Amara readily and eagerly agreed to stay with the Vingans an extra day. She approached the others in her band "I will stay an extra day with the Thunder Girls to pay homage to Vinga. You can leave without me if you like. I will catch up before you reach the Giants finger Holes."

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 108):

Shaking his head to try and clear it, Hoskar still can't stop grinning. Happy to help with the hunt. Not got a good feeling though. About honey, I mean. Generally, I feel great. Bouncy even.

"What are we going to hunt? Anything that moves!"

Salen grins at Ruck, already itching to be off. He then turns and nods at Ohanzee, still smiling.

"Honey is always welcome, despite what Hoskar thinks! Think I'm developing something of a sweet tooth, can almost taste a scent on the air with it..."

Those of you hunting can roll a survival or tracking  dice and if successful you find the tracks of small game. You can try a set trap roll for snares or  use a weapon to kill/stun one.

A special tracking/survival will get you 1d6 herd beasts (either impala, Bison, Sable), a critical will get you what you want (don't be silly, make something unusual).

A fumble and I get to choose.

Then go for your life posting . You lot will be hunting as a team on foot I presume?

Mordy will add 10% to everyones' skill for the initial survival/tracking roll.

It didn't take long for Salen to find tracks, and it seemed a good day for the hunt. He even felt like trying his luck with his bow, but his first shot was way off and he quickly returned to his more familiar javelin - and with immediate dividends.


The Condor brave waited a moment and then went and retrieved his javelin, muttering a quick prayer to Foundchild as he tied his first kill of the day to his belt.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:14, Wed 16 Dec 2015.

With the group hunting on foot so as not to disturb things too much it isn't long before Ohanzee comes across some jackrabbits munching on the undergrowth. Unfortunately the excitement in the air along with the scent of game is too much for Mordy to control and he is off after the brace of animals before Ohanzee can even get his bow loaded!

So, with resignation he tries to set a couple of snares along the route that they seem to be taking by the tracks they have left and time alone will tell if they are correctly and effectively placed, something to return too later.

Out on the edge of the group, Hoskar creeps as stealthily as he knows how; which is maybe not as stealthily as usual thanks to Kafl coursing through his body. The occasional loose stone rolls beneath his feet, and he mutters angrily at himself.

Once, some form of lizard starts up close by, moving swiftly across towards the other hunting Rangers in a flash of sinuously opalescent green. He leaves it be, its dodge too quick for reaction and thoughts of Oglod at the Rhino Gouge half-formed in his mind. Even his scans for bees or the hoped-for honeyguide prove futile: today, the plains for him might as well be dead space.

As a last resort he cirles farther away then moves back noisily, hoping at least to drive something towards the others, but either the scrub is empty or its denizens are sitting tight and better camouflaged than his eyes can spot.

Dusty and thirsty, with nothing to show but a blister, he shrugs to himself then chuckles. At least I've not been jumped by anything he murmurs could be worse. Hope the others have had better luck as he shakes his head and heads back to camp.

Amara's hunt took her running through on the left of the group. Her eyes blinked in surprise as she spotted a group of sables grazing peacefully and to her greater surprise, the animals had managed to find themselves stuck in a blind canyon. She quickly made her way back to attract the attention of the others to help her bring in this group. One or two of them should make a fine gift to Pallas and might mollify the spirit given his indignation at their last attempt to befriend him. "Let's try to capture them alive" she whispered to the others, wondering to herself if the effects of the Earth temple were beginning to have an effect on the rocklands, that herd beasts that were not rhino were starting to graze in the area.

When Amara alerts them to her finding Ohanzee joins her returning her look of amazement at exactly what she has found here in the Rhino Rocklands and in a natural trap. Wanting to take one of these fine beasts alive he shoulders his bow and disdains his sling even, instead picking up a rock Less damage but more hefty. As the beasts pick up their scent and begin to get skittish he casts a charm on the make-do weapon to make it fly more true.

As Amara's bow shot flies wide of her target he picks his own one, a large and fine looking female of this small herd and he hefts the rock in preparation and as the animals bolt he hurls the rock at the female when she tries to pass. It lands with a solid thud sending her to the ground and before she can recover the Raven brave is on her, rope about her neck and two feet hobbled together so that she cannot bolt and pull the makeshift halter from his hands.

Those hunting quickly congregate on the blind canyon, drawn there by Salen's hunting whistles or through their familiars...

As Ohanzee pins down one and the herd's buck stumbles from Amara's javelin, the remaining four turn and charge towards the hunters....

Whilst the Rangers hunt and the Vingans keep watch, Urrak's family busy themselves about camp, the women making grass Rhino dolls for Ukki's grandchildren, whilst the men work on repeating Rhino hide armour and sharpening lances.

All four Rhino riders follow Orlanth and would be joining the next day's religious ceremonies. Without a priest or priestess they would rely on their kin Whispers from the Sky to lead the rituals and ask for favour from the spirits of the air.

The hunt was on, and Salen moved with the easy steps and practiced nuance of The Hunter, his whistles and calls guiding both the prey and his dog, Mordy, as it swept around and to the sides of the pack, urging it on while also drawing it back and keeping it together - it made the hunt so much easier.

When the pack turned and headed right for them the Condor brave did not flinch, a fierce grin crossing his face as he readied himself for a throw at the closest sable. However the pack was coming too close now, and he had to throw quick then duck out of the way.


Despite the miss Salen was back on his feet in an instant, laughing happily, lost in the sheer joy he felt.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:52, Wed 16 Dec 2015.

Praise Great Rhino

Ohanzee returns from their hunt leading an hobbled and bruised but otherwise healthy Sable and a beam of satisfaction on his face as he speaks quietly to the beast he leads "Hush now girl. You are a fine thing. Too fine a thing to sate the thirst of a spider. Don't worry, I'll find something else before then. Hush now." He leads her over to the shade of the bushes and ties her with enough line to allow her to reach the water.

He joins the others at checking over gear, seeing to mounts and the other day to day activities of a nomad camp. Then, as those who intend to obtain familiar spirits bound into cats get their offerings and leave, some with cats already in tow he considers for a moment joining them, but shakes his head "That scruffy furball made his feelings quite clear. Still, his loss." Instead he waves them off "The Wandering Rangers will be known for the stench of cat piss at this rate!" he calls after them with a laugh.

After a few minutes in which he seems to have been contemplating and he starts putting on his full armour speaking to the remaining Rhino Riders as he does so "Well they'll be busy appeasing that furball and we'll be busy with celebrating Little Brother tomorrow and moving on after that."

"We have now though. Hoskar, Urrak, you or your kin want to join meI'm going to ride out on the grasslands and give praise to Great Rhino. You rhino riders who are not off getting pussy want to come with me?" He says grinning at his choice of words.

Hoskar looks up from rubbing his blister and decides to waste a small healing on it to be ready for whatever comes; fumbling over the charm and almost losing his focus at Ohanzee's humour.

I've been away a long time, Ohanzee: following your lead in this will do me a power of good. Although the last few of times I've reverenced Himself, it's gone rather well.

I'm in with thanks he smiles.

Mount up, I assume; or do you have something different in mind?

Amongst the snorts of laughter Ohanzee finds himself surrounded by the Rhino Riders...

Urrak's family, Akala, Greeshar, Whispers and Hoskar, with only Amara missing. It's a good mob and one sure to attract the attention of the ancestor.

"After you Ohanzee Blue Arm, son of Taima"

Joining the laughter Ohanzee responds to Hoskar "Oh mounted Hoskar, definitely mounted and out on the grasslands where we can honour him in the purest way, in a charge. And with a good number too!" he adds realising that this is quite a gathering of Rhino Riders in one group, certainly since Moonbroth.

"Bring lances, bring shield, wear armour, we'll sing his praises out on the prairie as we ride!" he says quite excited by the whole thing.

Finishing donning his own armour he mounts up on Wihakayda who he has left unburdened apart from the riding gear. He takes up his lance "Come then."

When the others are mounted and ready Ohanzee leads them out through the Rhino Rocklands to the edge of the Rhino grasslands. The excitement is palpable and Wihakayda can sense what is to come or perhaps it is just where they are, but the large rhino has a spring in his step and, as he looks back, Ohanzee can see that the other rhinos look equally excited.

He grins at the other Rhino Riders following as they have just reached the edge of the Rhino Rocklands and the rolling expanse of Rhino Grasslands opens up before them. The Raven brave rides out into the grassland and then stops beckoning the others to form up either side in a line.

Ohanzee looks left down the line and then right down the line, the grin on his face courageous and on the faces returning his gaze he seems similar excitement mirrored and mixed with anticipation and a degree of questioning.

The young brave takes plants his lance and takes up his father's rhino horn, the same one he sounded on his approach to Rhino Gouge when first he met the Wandering Rangers. He puts it to his lips blows long and hard on the horn the clear note ringing out across the grassland.

Wihakayda stamps at the earth sending up a small cloud of dust and the rhino shakes his head and drops it to the ground and sniffs the ground with a snorting sound.

Ohanzee drops the horn which falls against his side hanging from the hide strap and grabbing the lance he doesn't even have to urge Wihakayda forward, the rhino sensing the time has come.

He starts at a walk feet stepping surprisingly lightly, breaths coming in gouts of hot air snorted from the excited beast's nostrils an apt accompaniment to Ohanzee's chanting

Great Rhino
Father true
Man and beast
We honour you

Wihakayda moves fron walk straight into a canter

Horn sharp
Head down
Thundering hooves
Shake the ground

Wihakayda begins a galloping charge

When you charge
The ground shakes
When you charge
Your enemies quake

Horn sharp
Head down
Thundering hooves
Shake the ground

Run them through
Send them flying
Pound them down
Hear their crying

Horn sharp
Head down
Thundering hooves
Shake the ground

Spirits come
Charge with us
Ancestor all
Feel the rush

Horn sharp
Head down
Thundering hooves
Shake the ground

Rhinos wild
Charge with us
Rhinos all
Kick up dust

Horn sharp
Head down
Thundering hooves
Shake the ground

Founding Father
Example to all
Watch us ride
Proud and tall

Horn sharp
Head down
Thundering hooves
Shake the ground
This message was last edited by the player at 09:14, Thu 17 Dec 2015.

The sound of the horn reverberates throughout the Rocklands and does not stop for the entirety of the show of Rhino force...

The other Rhinos fall in beside the young Raven, their shouts soon joining his and the chant like the charge grows in strength and power

Flocks of birds explode upwards from the long grass and small game scatters in every direction to avoid the thunderous charge, only to be snapped up by the waiting harpies who have been watching the events from up on high

Having donned his armour - metal in honour of the event and in remembrance of the protective plate of a rhino - Hoskar mounted Ram having nuzzled the horn of the old rhino, who seemed preternaturally frisky and almost at peace. Certianly, this beast was not his usual tetchy self.
To his surprise and pleasure, Four-Paws jumped up behind, digging claws lightly in to keep place.
Where once there was a garden, we ride to worship and to restoration Hoskar murmurs as he sets out to follow Ohanzee's lead.

Invigorated though Ram might be, his age means he'll never again outpace a charge of younger rhinos; at least not without magical assistance. He thunders soundly, though, as the ridden herd gather pace; never losing touch. Hoskar finds himself catching the edges of Ohanzee's chant, the hot wind and dust in his face as it should be. Dismissing a half-recollection of a sadder charge from years past with a thought...as you would have it, father...he speaks a counterpoint to Ohanzee's beat, as if his voice was a drum in time to the rhythm of the charge.

Covenant, covenant, covenant; hearing in his spirit the cat clinging to him join the beat. Covenant, covenant, covenant.

It was the rocklands. Always in the rocklands. When an ostrich gave of its blood for a blessing and new Sky Watchers began their returning journey. When rhinos astray found their covenant partners.

And now when Ram...

...when Ram frisked with a turn of speed Hoskar had not seen since his early boyhood. Not in close formation, but in back-and-forth joy. Still with the group but to his own path scribing strange runes in dust-tracks. Not in the front where Ohanzee leads, but fast and exuberant.

The sense of a great spirit abroad in the thunder on the ground. The sense of a guardian, a presence. The sense of care for all with horn and armoured hide. Hoskar looks up to the skies above the rocklands, heart pouring out silently-eloquent joy to the Great Rhino  as he weeps freely in the elation of the moment and keeps his voice-beat quaveringly in time.

Covenant, covenant, covenant and heart-praise and love, Lord.

Tarnessh, Gloaming, Salen and Leaper watched as the Vingans scaled a particularly high rock formation, most likely preparing a site for the next day's holy celebrations.

Whilst nearer to hand the two young Rhino nation children are feeding the Red Thorn brave roasted tubers from the fire and laughing at his brainless antics...

Hoskar finds that Ukki and Urrak's Rhinos have both gained the same blessing and the three riders find themselves racing neck to neck amongst the tall rock formations as they make their way back to the camp. Those waiting for them receiving ample warning of the coming charge...

Not far behind come the other Skywatchers exultant and shouting out their clan's war cries.

Ohanzee watches the three race ahead and laughs at the sight in particular of Hoskar's old beast which has obviously been smiled upon by Great Rhino As he rides through their dust he ululates with joy, charging on to only slow when he rounds the last bend and comes skidding to a halt within the camp causing the other beasts to stamp and rear, the tethered wild sable in particular.

As Wihakayda skins to a halt he half slides, half leaps from his back with laughter and excitement approaching the three whose beasts were blessed "A great day!"

He sees to his rhino, removing the riding gear and letting him eat and drink, though he too is too excited to do either for a while. Then as the young brave removes his armour he looks about at the camp at the other Skywatchers grinning ear to ear at them all, even Greeshar though his expression takes on a slight hint perhaps of "in your face" at this point.

When his beast is seen to and his armour removed he approaches Whispers again still beaming "Seza, I am spiritually spent after that and it would be foolish to try to best a spirit in this state. I shall have to pass on acquiring a familiar this night."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:07, Wed 23 Dec 2015.

Soon those with new familiars are back, their Manul cats running to join the others, so as to sniff each others arses and chase butterflies...

The Harpies stay aloft all day, on occasion dropping down to inform the Rangers and their friends when they saw other inhabitants of the Wastes going about their business.

Soon Bright Treasures begins to drop towards the ground.

As the camp fires catch under Tarnessh and Gloaming's watchful eyes and the first Rangers head above on watch, the Harpies land on mass.

"A group of Morokanth approach from the north...."

"Are there many of the morokanth approaching?" Henal asks with a look of concern on his face.

His good mood evaporates like the morning dew when Bright Treasure rises in Fire Season, "Surely they wouldn't have chased us all the way from Hoof Crack" He looks towards the others, "Just how bad is the blood between you and this Zakeen Two Thumbs?" As his eyes take in the Vingans and the other Rhino riders, a thin smile appears on his face, "Though if he plans to attack us now, he's going to be in for a shock."

"Thank you for the information my Queen. As well as how many there are , it wouldbe useful to know if their shaman travels with them. He is quite destinctive, he is white!"

"If it is a small band and he is with them then my guess is that he has been expelled or has escaped. There is no love between him and their khan."

"There is a white one, carried by what look like humans or herdmen, and perhaps ten other Morokanth." answers the queen.

Ohanzee nods "Thank you." Then he turns to the others "I'm going to ride out to them, Broken Claw already owes us for the help our Seza gave and for the way we were treated when we returned."

"He'll owe us more if he's trying to get to the Earth Templeand we help him there safely, after all he and the females are friends of the Earth Witch."

"Besides, he would if nothing else know why the Morokanth are massing."

"Who's coming?"

"Thank you my.." he pauses and looks guiltily in Kinamasi's direction, "I mean Hilimaz Mushen." He collects his great axe and mounts up, "I'm with you blue arm. Lets hope he thinks he's in our debt as much as we know he is."
Kinamasi seems not to have heard Tarosh's slip up and carries on with cooking.

Henal relief evident on his face jumps up onto Whiteblaze.

"I'm glad that Broken Claw managed to get away from Two Thumbs, though we will get that dirt grubbing backstabber some time."

The laughter of joy from a successful charge is wiped away from Hoskar with the news of Morokanth, to be replaced first with a worried expression tinged with a clench of the jaw, then with a relieved smile.

I'm up for greeting him too. He's seemed a decent fellow so far, if a bit odd . Wouldn't mind having a Sun Hawk along if anyone's interested: the way I see it, he's either in trouble and needs us, or trying to get back on Two Thumbs's good side - if he has one hidden away somewhere - by keeping an eye on us, and I'd like to be sure which.

Oh, and the blood's very bad indeed Tarosh: he kidnapped one of us, Salen chased him down and wreaked havoc, but Two Thumbs's awakened gern cut our brother's throat for us. No love lost there at all.

Still armoured from the charge, he springs up and heads to Ram to ride and meet the shaman's party.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:50, Mon 21 Dec 2015.

A small welcoming party head out to find the approaching Morokanth, their way led by Mordy whose fine sense of smell had picked them up almost immediately.

Shouts of warning and greetings are soon exchanged and those Rangers present find themselves facing the albino shaman, reclining on a palanquin carried by six sturdy Gern. With him are a score of other Morokanth, mainly female, three of which you all recognise from the journey up here from the Giant Finger Holes.

None from what you can make out are supporters of Zakeen Two Thumb.

"Well met Rangers!" calls out the shaman "Though not under the best circumstances. I have seen fit to leave my clan for now, after...Well, after falling out with my Khan..."

Hoskar glances at Ohanzee should I plant my lance? Hang it. If you're going to be weird, be weird man, then breaks into a welcoming smile; lance staying firmly unplanted.

Well met indeed. We feared for you earlier, but were rather too few of us to do anything under the eyes of all those warriors. There is welcome and water here. And unlike Two-Thumb, I doubt if we'll be charging three silvers a pop for it.

Recalling the shaman's own greeting method, not to mention Greeshar's reaction to Erish-El and her party, he grins and winks. Advance warning: we've got some...ah...flying company since our last meeting. It'll be taken ill if you try attacking them.

Greetings in the darkness

Ohanzee smiles "Yes we are well aware of the fallout. We stopped by Hoofcrack and were not exactly made welcome by your khan. For that matter the treatment of our Seza and her guard was not exactly friendly and after they have been working on your behalf to help your people." He looks over their numbers for the Black Eel woman and sighs.

"Where are you heading, to the Earth Temple? You don't seem to have much in the way of warriors for a journey through the wastes."

Greetings in the darkness

"Perhaps just two silvers, eh Hoskar? One?"

Salen is all smiles for his fellow Condor, and although smiling at Morokanth goes against his grain he is at least pleasant and cordial in Broken Claw's company. For now.

Sitting on the back of Carross, Tarosh takes in the plight of Broken Claw with frown, "So you have been cast out of your clan for doing what all right thinking Nomads do, helping reduce chaos." he shakes his head, "It would seem, no good deed goes unpunished."

I wasn't thinking of charging at all Hoskar chortles. Odd thing to hear from a seller atop a rhino, I know; but there it is.

It's true the shaman only has five braves with him, three of them female Morokanth wielding axes.

He shrugs, then answers the questions aimed at him

"It was not for that reason that I was forced to leave, more for my opposition to certain plans that our Khan has decided on recently....

Yes I intend to ask for sanctuary at the ghost place you recently liberated and i humbly request that we join you. Safety in numbers and all that.

Ah yes...you have Harpies with you. So I have heard and I would be lying if I said this had not sped me on my way to catch up with you..

He sounds excited by the possibilty of meeting the Harpy Queen.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:15, Tue 22 Dec 2015.

Ohanzee no longer feels as potentially "connected" to these creatures of Darkness as he did only a few short days ago, still this one and indeed the females he travels with seem aligned somewhat at least to their cause, or at the very least share some common friends and allies. "Yes, safety in numbers. Come then, we return to our camp then before we attract too much attention out here in the open. I cannot say that My Queen will be as pleased to meet you as it sounds like you are to meet her, but you and those you are with are not like most of your kind." He doesn't say this in a derogatory way.

He turns his rhino and starts back towards the camp riding alongside and speaking to the shaman as they go "Yes, his plans. With so many massing it comes to my mind that he is spoiling for a fight. And the next thing that comes to my mind then is the question as to what he wants to fight over."

"So to answer this question I try to put myself in his place. What would be worth a battle over? Well, if it's hereabouts then the only thing that comes to mind is the recently greened land, the rich area about the Giant's Finger Holes."

He sighs "This would be bad news because... well, for obvious reasons. So I try to think of other targets further afield, but when I do then I keep coming back to why would they gather here then and not nearer such targets?"

As they don't seem to be an immediate threat, Tarosh relaxes slightly and nudges Carross next to Ram and continues the conversation that was started before they left camp, loud enough for their new guests to hear, "How did Zakeen manage to grab one of you?," He calls out to Salen, "How many did you manage to kill?"

"There will be time to explain later...Now I am tired and wish to settle before a fire. You must tell me of your success in clearing the mountains of the chaos harpy threat."  The shaman brushes aside Ohanzee's questions and assumptions with well practised ease and tells his herdmen to carry on into the Rocklands.

Shaking his head sadly, Hoskar acknowledges Tarosh's question. He breathes deeply as if composing himself.

It's an intricate story, and one I wish hadn't happened the way it did. I had travelled to the Rocklands, meeting an old rogue called Krakka Rumble on the way. I trusted him. His clan shaman intitiated me to Condor's ways. Have to acknowledge I'd probably not be here in one piece if I'd not been travelling with him. Almost like a father to me at first.

He sighs.

At the Rocklands, more kin arrived. Greeshar and Amara who I'd known as a child off and on in trader wanderings, Salen and Kobal and Melock who have become my friends, Fireborn a brave Sun Hawk warrior now with his herd or his Rival, the Seza and Long Grass...well, his fetch anyway. And

he pauses, eyes moist ...and Kaonu.

We worshipped the Great Rhino and were blessed -  a sign that brought other Sky Watchers to the Rocklands - but were attacked after the ceremony by Two-Thumb and his men, standing for Dark Eater. We bested them, spared his life. He and Krakka were chatting like old friends after, so I thought it safe to go and check on Gronya - Krakka's wife that is - who was in a cave with she we now know to be the Earth Witch. All but Kaonu came too, and the Rangers bond was first forged with the earth. When we emerged, Krakka had gone with our mounts and Two-Thumb had taken Kaonu.

We chased down our mounts alright he smiles briefly at the thought of Melock bagging Krakka's cat spirit while Salen chased Two-Thumb for Kaonu's sake.

The next part I don't know that well: that's the Dustchaser's story. He bested that morokanth somehow, but before Two-Thumb escaped, they...

...they'd cut Kaonu's throat and that was the end of him.

No-one could drum out Two Horns in a Bag the way he could he mutters plaintively.

He looks down at Ram's broad back, again shaking his head in sorrow; then recalls himself as a Sky Watcher and forces his head erect.

That's why there's so much bad blood. Why I had to explain myself for speaking peace to Zakeen Two-Thumb. It's how I started learning more too: used to ask myself a lot if they'd have ever trusted Krakka if I'd not arrived with him. Over and over in my head it went. Now...well...death seems to teach and take...now I am calmer about that. About many things.

The story of his own credulity told, he inhales deeply again, then flinches at the rememberance of something unsaid. Oh. One important thing. If you ever meet Gronya, don't hold any of this against her. She has a tongue like a new-sharpened sword, but we think she hated what Krakka did and left him. She was straight, that one. Hard, but straight.

Does that help? Salen, have I missed anything big? And I imagine Tarosh will want to know how you bested so many on your own.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Wed 23 Dec 2015.

"I had known Kaonu before as a friend even though this was long before I joined the rangers so I still want to see Zakeen made no thumbs and Krakka to feel a proper punishment." Henal says after Hoskar has finished.

"The harpies are with us, though I think many of our companions have had their heads turned by them. Though they are still of the green Earth so belong with us."

The Morokanths are escorted to the main camp with the pool of water, where they are met by the rest of the Rangers, Skywatchers and Vingans.

Their arrival is met with suspicion by those who are not Rangers and it looks as if they will need some persuading to allow them in....

Released from attention to the past by Henal's interjection, Hoskar looks around, feeling a certin tension. Hello. They're worried. Best say something. Issaries help me spread harmony again.

He puts on his best calm smile, and announces We've been joined for the moment. The morokanth shaman here was of great worth to us in our expedition. We'd not have got to Erish-El to free her without his magics. We might have still won the fight afterwards without him, but we'd probably half of us be struck down by Mallia by now without his gifts.

I imagine you have questions for him, or for us; and I know I have at least one of my own he glances at Broken Claw learn your lesson, man: don't trust too soon again about what precisely that khan back there is up to and your exact intentions. Sorry, to be so  blunt, but one happy meeting doesn't make you my brother or anything.

He looks back round the camp. For the moment, I suggest we all at least hear what's said and make our own minds up peaceably. Sound okay?

Ohanzee doesn't raise his voice in defence of the Morokanth, not yet at least as he is happy to see whether this extra pressure can get a response to his question, now voiced by Hoskar too.

In reply to Hoskar Two-Feather (msg # 152):

As they ride back to the camp, Tarosh nods as he listens to Hoskar recount his tale and as Henal tells of more ripples beyond the Rangers themselves, "I understand now why you want Zakeen dead, but I think it is a challenge beyond us for now as he well protected." He speaks to the others around him, "I hope I did not offend anyone by trying to placate him with my gift, I was just following Hoskar's lead."
At Henal's comment about those under the influence of the Harpy Queen, he smiles as he shakes his head, "I just see more deeply in to her beauty than some, and naturally it has a greater effect on me."

Brought out of his concentration on the path ahead by Tarosh's shout, it takes Salen a moment to realise what the Blue Llama is asking.

Kill? Oh...Kaonu.

The Condor's thoughts drift off once more, back to that dark time, and he is glad that Hoskar fills the silence with the story of what happened, of the betrayal. Salen can lose himself in his own mind for a while, glad of the opportunity to silently reflect. But...

But the tale comes back to him anyway, as it ever would. When Hoskar asks if he has the tale correct Salen nods, at last, slowly and deliberately. Then he looks to Tarosh, his tone matter-of-fact, at least at first.

"I alone went after Zakeen for Kaonu's sake, simply because I am faster on foot than any of the rest of you and we had no mounts, as Hoskar said. I caught them at night, at the Rhino Gorge, loaded up on Copperman's intoxicating spirit. I made deals with all the spirits and allies I could find, and they helped take out the guards before I recovered our mounts. Then the Lizard Lord Oglod, whom Ohanzee now also knows, and his kin helped me fight Zakeen and his followers."

Salen paused and looked away once again, obviously remembering a particular moment. His expression was an odd mix of sadness and anger, and frustration.

"They wanted a herd beast for Kaonu's return. Given all we had just lost and the manner in which we lost it, I refused. With the spirits in my favour and Oglod's kin at hand, I had the upper hand...and they had no way out...but that didn't matter to Two-Thumbs-No-Balls.

He had his spirit in a Gern and it suddenly slit Kaonu's throat, without warning. Zakeen pulled out a piece of Truestone - obviously an Orlanthi gift..."

(And here he paused and looked for Amara, if she was around)

"...And teleported away, leaving his spirit and followers to be cut down like the scum they were. I believe one escaped, but half a dozen or so were killed and the spirit defeated by Oglod. And there you have it.

It all happened so quick. Poor Windspeaker...he never saw it coming...not that I did, either. His eyes just..."

The Condor brave looked away, shaking his head. He didn't speak for a long time, and ignored all around him.

He listens to Salen's story in awe, and bows his head in sympathy at its climax. "The fact that you don't kill all of his clan on sight is a testament to how strongly you believe in uniting the tribes and re-greening the wastes. I can only hope that I have the strength to stay on the path with you all."

Hoskar's words seem to work, though the grumbles are audible to all present.

The Morokanth trail in to the camp, deciding to settle some distance from the others, but near enough to offer assistance in defence should the need arise.

Broken Claw dismounts and instead of answering any questions immediately moves towards the trees where the Harpy Queen is roosting, his two human female slaves in attendance.

Ohanzee feels obligued to move over to the Erish-El roosts in so as not to give the shaman free reign to say what he wishes, especially as the Morokanth has not spoken anything of what has been asked.

Henal returning to the camp walks over to the Thunder Girls while his cats head off into the undergrowth to hunt.

"More joining us, but the Morokanth shaman aided us before so we count them as friends even though they don't ride like true herders".

There's a wave of grumbling from the Impala braves, but they soon turn their interest towards the Bison rider

"Bit small for one of your lot ain't cha?"

"Mebbe not where it counts!"

There's a round of laughter at this and the brave is invited to sit with those not on guard around the fire

"Thunderbird is alright with us..."

The albino Morokanth stops beneath a tree and straight away is joined by the Harpy Queen who glides down to the ground.

"My Queen...You are safe...Waha be praised!"

He bows his large head and both slaves follow suit.

"Ah it is good to see you Broken Claw...We are in your debt. I insist that you accompany us to the Earth Temple...."

The Queen touches him gently on the cheek as she speaks.

Ohanzee frowns at the exchange an edge of jealously tinged with intrigue at how these two seem to know each other.

He ventures "It seems that the Morokanth are preparing for war My Queen. Perhaps even the target of their aggression is the Earth Temple."

"And why would they do that? Is that true Broken Claw?"

"War? First time I've heard mention of war...Who with may I ask?" This is aimed at Ohanzee, who finds himself under close scrutiny from both Queen and shaman.

"It may be the first time I have used the word war, but it is not the first you have heard of it from me, and from Hoskar too in fact. As I said when we met you, your clan braves are massing in great numbers, quite obviously looking for a fight."

"And they are massing near here at Hoofcrack and the most obvius prise within striking distance is the Earth Temple."

"If they are not planning on taking the place then you could say so. Several have asked you already and nowing that the place is safe would put them at peace and raise their trust of you."

"Well that's easy. There is no war planned. The clan has gathered to prepare for the coming Dark Season and the Khans are seeing who they can count on for support since the Tribal Khan was killed recently. A heroquest will likely be performed just like your Khan  did when he battled the Wicked Writher earlier this year. A quest that made this part of the Wastes greener for this year than many others in memory."

Ohanzee breaths an audiable sigh of relief "Well if that is all I don't know why you didn't speak of it before when we asked!"

He turns to the Harpy Queen "Well if there is nothing you need My Queen, I see you are already well aquainted so I shall leave you to catch up?" and he bows to her.

"I can ride longer than any other in my tribe and find useful things in the most barren wastes."

Henal takes up a skin of kumiss and takes a slug before continuing.

"And I can slay chaos like the great Storm Bull. Did you hear how I killed an ancient chaos monstrosity when we quested up into the hills to destroy the chaos harpies?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:15, Tue 29 Dec 2015.

Another thought comes to the young brave and he glances at the Morokanth again You knew some of the Harpies were pure, suspected at the least, yet you said nothing of this. A great risk to take with My Queens' life!

He does not raise this though, he has already made one unproven accusation and another would not now be believed even were it true.

Despite the misgivings on allowing the Morokanth join them the non Rangers soon settle down around the several fires that have sprung up around the pool.

Peals of happy laughter come from the group comprising of Henal and the Impala girls as they are regaled by the Thunderbird's stories of his adventures.

The Skywatchers on the other hand settle down for a more family orientated night of story telling and songs, each revolving around the coming of Orlanth to the Wastes, the adventures he had and the magic he has given to those who follow his way.

Akala, Tarnessh, Nixa and Sand Fox have taken the first watch, allowing for those who wish to prepare for the next day's holy ceremonies to do just that....

As for the Morokanth they also make camp, their own noises adding to those already being made.

And from out of the dark comes the all to recognisable sound of a Hyena laughing, as if mocking the gathering...
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:41, Tue 29 Dec 2015.

Tarosh, having followed Ohanzee's lead in keeping an eye on the Morokanth but choosing to observe rather than comment, heads back to camp once it becomes apparent that not only is the Queen not in danger, but that they already know each other. When he gets back to camp and hears the Impala girls, he decides to stay away from them and so he goes over to the Skywatchers instead and listens to their tales of the strange God from outside the Wastes. He looks sharply round in to the darkness when the hyena laugh echo's around the campsite, trying to workout the direction it came from, "Should we go deal with that foul beast?" he asks the group of rhino riders.

"I suspect they are with the Morokanth" comes back the reply "Wouldn't hurt to ask or go and check though..."

From the top of the nearest high rock, some 50m above the camp comes a blue flash. It's where Whispers from the Sky is preparing for the Holy Day.

Hopefully.

"You're probably right, though I'll ask Broken Claw, just in case." He gets up, stretches and yawns, as he makes his way over to the Morokanth enclave,  he calls Hisser, "Go and check that Whispers from the Sky is ok."
An acknowledging yowl comes from the otherside of the camp and a dark shape emerges from the undergrowth and runs across the open space and in to the scrub below where Whispers is. If anyone carries on watching the rock face, Hisser is spotted making his way to the top.

When Tarosh gets to the Morokanth, he asks the first one he see's, "Does that hyena we've just heard belong to you lot?"

The Morokanth guard, one of the three accompanying Broken Claw, who'd moved to intercept the Blue Llama brave grunts in reply

"Aye, we've a handful with us. They're hunting now. Why...You scared?"

He's a grizzled male, an initiate of Waha and has several large scars running across his hindquarters. As he talks he squints at the tall Ranger as if summing up his worth as a warrior.

From above comes a faint meow.

In reply to GM (msg # 178):

He frowns at the comment about his state of mind, "It takes more than a couple of hyenas to scare me." His eyes loose focus as Hisser tells him what he's seen which causes him to blush, "Better leave her be then." His eyes refocus on the Morokanth, "If you doubt me, I would say ask Dark Claw, but since he died fighting chaos like a true warrior should. You'll either have to believe me or" he looks the guard up and down, "test me." he braces himself as he talks, ready for an immediate fight.

As they sit about the fire sharing stories Ohanzee makes sure that there are no Morokanth within earshot before he shares "The Morokanth shaman, Broken Claw. He knows the Harpy Queen, Hilimaz Mushen and has done some good for her."

"But earlier, when I asked him before her, why his clan gather he told that it was to choose a new khan. This may be true, and I am no Sun Hawk, but I have told enough lies to get a feeling sometimes. He was lying or at the least not telling the whole truth."

"We should not trust him and should engineer a situation with the Sun Hawks about when he can be pressed on the matter, but not by me I have already made things awkward between myself and Hilimaz Mushen over this. It may even need to wait until we are back with the priestess's of the temple."

"He might not be exiled but might be an insider. Perhaps he would not risk the temple and would not risk the Harpies, but there is still the land about the temple. They might think to take that just as the Red Thorns have."

He sighs shaking his head "I don't know what is going on but I know that something is!"

The Morokanth shrugs then laughs "No need, I believe you. So, who is your leader...You're these Wandering Rangers yes?"

"What do you suggest we should do?" asks leaper who has squatted down next to the Raven brave.

A look of disappointment crosses Tarosh's face, as if he was looking forward to the fight, Glad he believed me, I don't fancy fighting another one of these guys. "Yes we are the Wandering Rangers. As we all have things we're better at than the others are, we don't have a single leader, instead we talk things through, which can be a bit slow and painful sometimes as each Feathered Rival has a couple of followers among the group."

"I don't know" Ohanzee admits. "If I raise it again before the Harpies the queen will think me trying to start trouble, which for once I am not." he smiles ironically.

"We'll have to wait for a suitable opportunity and if it does not arise before we reach the Earth Witch then someone will have to have a quiet word with her or another of the priestesses there and get it raised. Maybe even with the Red Thorns instead."

"In fact most definitely with them because it is they who willl be pushed out if the Morokanth are in fact massing to take the temple." He nods at this thought "Nixa or Sand Fox would be listened to there."

Henal finds himself the focus of attention around the fire, with Golden Eye on one side and Keem Low Rider on the other, both Vingans with a wicked look in their eyes.

It seems that they have plans for the Bison rider that night, so obvious that the other girl are soon laughing and making ribald jokes.

"Youse be riding a two headed Impala tonight Bison boy!"

"Four legs is better than two...Whoop!"

Those Rangers sat with him look either scared or delighted at the the prospect and both of Ukki's sons are roaring with laughter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:58, Wed 06 Jan 2016.

"No leader?" This causes the Morokanth to look confused for a long while as he mulls this odd concept over. "This sounds like a recipe for disaster."

Then with a stubby finger he jabs the Blue Llama brave in the chest "Maybe you should be leader...."

He smiles, "Its definitely not the best way to make decisions, but it seems to work." He shakes his head, "If there was need of a leader, there are others who are better qualified than me, because they have been a Ranger longer than I, but I'm sure my time will come. You haven't been to the Giant Finger Holes yet, have you?"

"The Ghost holes you mean? Yes I've been there with Broken Claw before."

"That's the place," he rubs his chin, "I have only been since the temple was reopened and its the greenest place I've seen other than by the great serpent. Its just a pity about the Red Thorns camped out around it."

"Green you say?....Nasty place when I was there, filled with ghosts. Red Thorns are there now, thought that was where their crazy shaman had set up base with his outlaw gang. He's gone now is he? Good riddance to bad rubbish I say. Nothing but trouble that one. Heard he'd been out East...Came back muttering about ruins and statues of old gods and stuff."

He nods, "The other Rangers hunted him down to the Holes and killed that twisted man before I joined them. The ghosts are still there but the Earth Witch has them under control." When he hears about the ruins he looks perplexed, "I wonder where he went and is that what sent him mad or was he like that before he went?"

Henal grins at the Impala girls and plys them with Kumiss as they party by the fire.

"For riding four legs has to be better as otherwise you are making like an ostrich"

"Did we tell you about the broo we killed at the tower where I got this mighty sword, that was a proper fight. They seemed to keep coming at us and it felt like we were nearly going to be overwhelmed before we managed to take them down, praise Thunderbird. Then when we went down into the vaults underneath there was some kind of spirit of darkness that quacked at us, but we managed to escape from that and get back to the light.

Stirring the copper pot on the fire Leaper listens to what Ohanzee has to say "How long we gonna stay at the Holes? You gotta get back to your clans at some stage I take it?"

Ohanzee looks at the diminutive brave "Not long. By the time we get back our service will be up, the couple of weeks due done."

He stares into the flames for a moment "What are ytou going to do after our service is done? Our numbers are growing and so too are the number of different clans that our numbers call their own."

"We have enough numbers or close to for us to split. Will you stay at the temple, come with us or something else?"

Amara sat at the campfire keeping her own counsel. She looked wryly towards Henal as the Impala braves decided to make him their trophy for the evening as she pondered over her decisions. She had a song and a dance to make up for tribute to Vinga for sacrifice on her holy day the next day. She wondered if the Impala girls would take their conquest of Henal in tribute.

Thinking to herself, she wondered what might happen in the days if she was ever approached by anyone for a match. Her eyes slipped towards Kobal. She felt sorry for him. Any match he had to be arranged with had to be for the glory of his tribe. Amara at least had the freedom to pick whoever she would want.

She smiled as the furball at her feet, stretched, lying on top of them purring loudly, even as she knew Spot was doing this only for some more jerky, which she promptly gave him. "One might earn more treats, if one were a little more circumspect and visiting with the Morokanth to keep us informed of what they are up to." she said with a motion of her head over to the camp. Spot sighed with almost human like emotion before heading towards the camp.

Amara focussed her attention towards the rest of the group and the intense happiness at being with more family. She wasn't sure of her exact relationship with the newcomers, but they were Skywatchers and kin. It felt good to be home.

Taking no part in banter, Hoskar muses too; absorbed in working through what has been and where they are now. Idly, he tinkers with some spices and a cube of root from store; rolling it well and trhreading it on a stick to roast in flames.
When a poke tells him it's soft enough he takes an experimental nibble, and his face reddens. He spits expansively into the fire, lobbing what's left of the root in with it; where it burns sharply and briefly with a flash of actinic flame.

Won't be trying that again, he mutters; rapidly swilling his mouth.

Far too hot, he grins sheepishly to anyone watching.

Vingan/Orlanth Holy Day, Windsday, Movement Week, Earth Season

The day starts with a bang, well an almighty roll of thunder to be exact, which emanates from the cloud enshrouded rock 50 metres above the Nomad camp.

A day to celebrate movement, the power that both Orlanth and Vinga are worshipped for this far out in the Wastes.

Having been up since way before the arrival of Bright Treasure the Impala women are somewhere in the summoned cloud, dancing the dances and singing their songs, their wild war cries echoing through the Rocklands as they emulate their goddess.

Also there are the male members of Urrak's sept, the men making sacrifices to the god, so that he will aid them in the following weeks....

Ohanzee wakes with a start at the loud crack of thunder overhead and takes a moment to realise what it is, what is going on. When he does though he grabs his kite from his gear and climbs up into the rocks above before flying the brightly coloured fabric construct in Orlanth's element.

He feels a rush, the exhilarating freedom of the element immediately as the air catches the kite and the burn of the string on his fingers as the kite makes its own bid for that freedom pulling away faster than he can comfortably play out the thread.

Then there is a straining tug on the twine as the last of its length is used and the stick that the end is tied to catches in his fist.

And there he stands giving thanks to the rushing wind singing and making his sacrifice as the morning passes.

For those not joining in the rituals and holy celebrations above, there are chores to do about the camp: Fix worn equipment, soothe ill animals, mend broken arrows or javelins and of course hunt for dinner...

As befits a follower of Issaries, guide to the lord of the winds, Hoskar mounts early; riding the still-blessed and fleet Ram around the base of the rocks.

Staff in hand, he looks afar with the eyes of Condor and casts charms to check for the absence of enemies to the four corners of the winds; chanting as he goes.

Guide and warn, the path is long
Clear sight to aid the strong.
Our road below the winds above
Honour lordship, winds and love.

Faith because the path is long
Harmony that keeps the strong.
The winds above our road, below
the brother's hall we so well know.


As he finishes his circuit, he spies movement in the dust at a distance, and momentarily tucks away his staff for a lance. What he sees is not enemies, though. A meal, maybe. An unusual animal, thick-built and low to the ground; short legs, maybe not fast. Might have a go for that. How best to...?

Wonder why it's alone. Never mind.

Riding quietly now, glad of Long Grass's special magic, he approaches cautiously, sling ready, the lets fly at the creature only to have the stone ricochet away alrmingly from the lizardlike hide. Having none of this, he urges on Ram rhino grabbing up his lance for the charge. The whatever-it-is knows something happened - maybe a stone fall - but not from where as the charm has its desired effect and Ram's mightly speed creates not so much as a ripple of noise or vibration. When it turns, it's too late to avoid a well-placed lance to the eye.

Some sort of lizard. Something like the ones at the Finger holes maybe. Up close, those back legs are bigger. Better luck than last time, anyway.

Grinning happily, he slings a dripping carcase aboard his rhino and heads back to camp. Anyone know any good ways to cook a lizard?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Mon 04 Jan 2016.

Tarosh is woken by the thunder clap and has his axe in his hand before he realises that its not a threat. When he see's that Ohanzee has reacted in the same way, he can't help but smile. He sorts his breakfast out and then decides there needs to be more than just Hoskar guarding the others, so he mounts up and starts slowly patrolling the outskirts of the camp, in case any of Vinga's enemies are drawn to the ceremony.

The wind picks up with gusts swirling down below amongst the steep sided rocks. Dust and small pieces of vegetation fly along, joined by the occasional air spirit, their hoots adding to the already noisy celebrations.

Fires go out, and pots bump along the ground, chased by Ukki's two grandchildren and Mordy, who is having a great old time indeed.

Tarosh comes across Hoskar, the Condor brave having just pinned an adolescent Rock lizard to the ground with his lance. Both braves soon make quick work of skinning the beast after sending off it's soul successfully to the afterlife with the Peaceful Cut.

It's whilst they're bent over that Hoskar swears that he can hear a shout in the near distance. It's Male and not one of their groups' voices.

Can't guard and hunt at the same time: another lesson here, man.
Did you hear that, Tarosh? That shout didn;t sound like anyone we know. Best see what it is.

Hey, cat: tell anyone you can we've got company

Lizard remains slung across his mount he resumes his ride, scanning ahead for strangers with sling at the ready.

Snoozing quiet at the camp; warmth-enfolded in my form. Waken late after exertions, preening fur in freshened light: wind that ruffles is no favour to this cat among the people.

Wonder why they went without me: early up for some excursion. Still, a lazy time before me...

...time passes, fur is smoothed, leg straigt up like some old flagpole as she tends to underneath...

Oh what now?

Eyes widen, then narrow; leg falls and its owner springs erect.

Ho there, Bouncer and the others: Hoskar's heard in his patrolling voices that he cannot place. Tell them arm against surprises. Now where's Spot the new and that dog also? Warn the rock dwellers and warn the wind-lovers.

A cat speeds round to find others to whom he can give the warning; not running, but seeming to any observer to have something like eight legs as she practises the fastest nonchalant walk she knows.

In reply to Hoskar Two-Feather (msg # 204):

He shakes his head, 'Where abouts?" he looks around for any sign of trouble, "Hisser, can you see or hear any strangers?" he rides parallel to Hoskar, but leaves a gap of about 3 spear lengths so he has room to swing his axe safely.

In reply to Tarosh Long Neck (msg # 206):

Fairly near distance; not sure on direction. This might help you see too Hoskar murmurs as they set off; muttering a charm towards his comrade while lightly brushing his arm as he finishes.

In reply to Hoskar Two-Feather (msg # 207):

He nods his thanks, "Lets hope it just more rhino riders and that they're friendly"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:31, Tue 05 Jan 2016.

Tarosh and Hoskar, temporarily alone, press on towards where the Condor Brave supposed the noise came from. The charms due to the winding nature of the ravines between the vast rocks offer no help, especially when on making one turn they come face to face with a small war party of Impala riders.


Both groups rein their beasts in and stare....

In reply to GM (msg # 209):

He gulps loudly as he makes eye contact with them, then while smiling he mutters to Hoskar, "They're the rock leaper clan, looks like they're here to cause a little trouble." Laughing at his own joke, Tarosh then casually draws his lance and throws it in to the ground in front of him.

Cat! Get the others out here now. With caution. Twelve for company, maybe unfriendly.

At least I'm better armoured than them. Outnumbered, though. Not good.

He glances sideways at Tarosh's traditioned response, his hand moving cautiously from sling to lance as he does so; his face composing to bland neutrality.

Now there's a surprise. Thought we were alone. Good and skilful hunting, I see. We've had rather less luck, but maybe our friends behind us have done better than we have.

Dusty work, this: water while we decide what to do next, anyone?

Although his mien remains calm, his eyes rove around the group ahead, looking for likely leaders...who should fall in the first charge if there's trouble.

Henal back in camp recovering from the night before receives the warning from the familiars and prepares to ride out and meet them.

A particularly angry looking brave steps forward "And who the fuck are you lot? Fat arse and skinny arse eh?"

He stares at the lance and sneers

"Rightio...What's your challenge?"

In reply to GM (msg # 213):

Still smiling, but with narrowed eyes, "better than being a short arse." He looks down from Carross, "Well a challenge of wits would be almost as unfair as one of height." He rubs his chin, "as would a butting contest between your mount and Hoskar's." He glances at Hoskar, "Any thoughts?"

Looks their interlocutor up and down. Angry little chap, aren't you? Bitten arse more like. That or you're chewing a wasp. He smiles blandly.

Well, they'll be more nimble than us but we've got the big beasts. Hard to be fair. Hmmm.

He grins more broadly at the Rock Leaper brave.

You seem a bit peevish, friend. If you fancy a scrap, a spot of wrestling is usually fun.

We've got nothing against you, mind: if you'd prefer to stay healthy, and as we're all out here hunting, how about we hunt some more? The two of us against any two of your lot, first ones back here with a new catch enough to feed at least three people wins, loser loses one from their catch too?

In reply to Hoskar Two-Feather (msg # 215):

He raises his eyebrow at Hoskar's friendly comment, speak for yourself. but he nods at the hunting idea.

The diminutive nomad clicks his fingers and two of his braves edge forward, one on a jet black impala the other on a white one.

"Accepted. One hour, back here with the largest animal...."

And without waiting the two hunters spring off back the way they'd come.

Done: let's get to it, Tarosh. Away from them: they'll charge the game away for miles.

Turning Ram, he prepares to set off back too...unless his fellow Ranger has a better plan; muttering fresh magics as he does so.

Change of plan, cat: have the Rangers scare any game they see our way. Not kill - drive. Bigger the better - there's a challenge on.

In reply to Hoskar Two-Feather (msg # 218):

"Take this," he passes him a charm to help him hunt, "I'll slow whatever we find, you get it with your sling." He follows Hoskar back into the Rocklands, "Lets head deeper in to the Rocklands, but not towards the camp as we didn't find much on the way out."

Amara sat at the top of the hill with the vingan woman feeling alive as the winds howled around them. Far from making her cold, she felt revitalised as the winds grew in strength. Amara waited as the other women sang and danced their celebration of Vinga, waiting until they were done before it were her turn. She was nervous about this. This was the first celebration she'd ever been to outside of the Skywatchers. feeling every eye on her, Amara started shuffling her feet, slow in tempo as she made her way to the inner circle on the hilltop, her javelin in her hand. Her voice showed no tinge of fear as she started singing her personal celebration of Vinga.

"Hear my words, Defending Storm
upon the winds we are not torn,
We gather around in your name
singing loud, we have no shame

We sing and dance with crimson hair
that our enemies should beware
To those that would wish us harm
you will be subdued by our charm"

Her steps moved slightly more quickly as she danced in a slow circle around the Vingan warriors, smiling at her new friends. her javelin dipped in respect for all present


To those who do not hear the breeze,
Our love and hearts you will receive,
To all that threaten what is ours
beware our might, for it devours

I am Amara Brightsky, that is my name
I have fought and killed, in love and pain.
A wandering ranger is what I have become
I fight to the beat of my own drum.<blue>

Her footsteps pounding the ground in time to the drumbeat, echoing around the small circle as she moved yet more swiftly. Her javelin whistling around her as she fought imaginary foes.

<blue>"I protect and serve my entire clan,
to bring back the green is our plan,
Always watching and always devout,
We seek to end the eternal drought.

We avenged the end of the Big peckers,
said goodbye to their last spectres,
Killed many broo to end their menace
To end that threat is our premise.

Her arms outstretched, mimicking the proud movements of Thunderbird, Amara turned more swiftly around the circle her feet starting to lift dust from the ground as she danced. The javelin swooped around the circle, speaking almost with the words of of the acacia from which it was grown.

"In our journey, I walked in Tada's path,
Slew Tripanander and killed his wrath,
Freed some women from the twisted thorn
Allowed them both to be reborn.

We rescued river children from mudshark
That was not an easy task, it was no lark
Protected the newtlings from the hunter,
upon them we did visit vile murder

Amaras voice rose to be heard, merging with the wind, her feet kicking up more dust almost creating a vortex as she spun around the circle. Her javelin almost speaking to the ground enticing it to rise around Amara.

"These stories and more rest in the recent past
I am not finished yet, they are not the last
To your good name I will bring pride and joy
Yet to guard is my life, I prefer not to destroy.

To further our goals, I became the Earth Queen
rescuing guardian harpies never before seen,
escorting them to the earth temple are my goals
to rest and protect the giants finger holes"

The vortex continued growing steadily stronger, it started to whistle, mingling and becoming part of the song. From the ground loose pebbles rose with the dirt whirling around Amara and her javelin as her song rose with her dance.

"Strong as I am, I have further to go,
My tale as it is, is not filled with woe
I call out to others, my example is set
My path is in blood, my path is in sweat


In conclusion, I hope that you can see,
My works have brought honor to thee.
My song delivers on my promises to Vinga,
you may hate the song, don't hate the singer."

As Amara finished, she dropped crouching to the ground with her javelin in her hand. She turned slowly to face all of the Vingans as the winds softly and slowly subsided around her.
"I am Amara Brightsky of the Skywatchers. Rhino rider and wandering ranger... and promised and sworn to Vinga."

Kobal rides out of the camp a distance with Haaro, to keep watch in case any should disturb the camp while the Skywatcher men are away celebrating.  Riding out with the Vingans had not been an option.  Even if they need guards while they performed their rituals, he was sure would have been the butt of many jokes, even if he rode a discrete distance behind them.

Besides, this was a day for Orlanth and Vinga.  While the brave respected those gods, they were outsiders to Prax and the ways of Waha.  He had no real wish to get involved, nor any wish to disrupt proceedings.

He scans the rocklands for potential trouble, but also for any prey to hunt for dinner.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:15, Wed 06 Jan 2016.

Henal getting Kobal's message relayed through his familiars starts looking for game he can drive towards the others. He rides with Rikki ahead of him on Whiteblaze looking for prey.

Amara's song is greeted with a roar of approval from the assembled Impala women, several slyphs that had appeared in the shape of great cloud like Rams and a horde of minor air spirits.

Even Whispers from the Sky manages to show some enthusiasm, leaping high in the air with the others.

The Skywatcher males also salute the Wandering Ranger from where they stand making their own celebrations to one side.

There's another clap of thunder and each of the Vingans including Amara are covered in a shining light as their goddess bestows blessings on her worshippers.

Then whilst the other Rangers patrol below, Amara and her new friends spend the rest of the day re-enacing myths of their goddess, which involves much hurling of javelins, combatting darkness foes and moving at amazing speeds over rocks, trees and across precipices....
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:03, Wed 06 Jan 2016.

Hoskar and Tarosh soon meet up with Henal and Kobal, and with absolutely nothing to show for their combined endeavours...

And with the hour now up they return to where they'd left the mob of Impala riders. By this time the Rangers have been joined by Leaper, Gloaming and Greeshar, the latter quite obviously delighted with the prospect of a fight. The remaining Rangers had elected to stay at the camp in case a proper raid was being planned.

Of the Harpies there is no sign, and the Morokanths, despite the warnings and loud ceremonies, have collectively put their heads down for a sleep...

Sat atop their black and white Impalas the two hunters look smug when the Rangers appear empty handed. By the feet of their mounts lies a freshly killed bush deer, hardly impressive in the scheme of things but vastly superior to the nothing that the two Ranger braves have.

"Pah" shouts their leader "Now you must let us pass and fulfil our mission."

In reply to Angry Wasp (msg # 224):

Red-faced in dusty embarrassment, Hoskar nods, then forces his features into a rather sheepish smile.

The best hunters won fair and square. Difficult place to find game, isn't it? I've not forgotten the full terms: here's our lizard too, assuming you want it.

Long as you don't attack us and ours, you'll get no trouble from me he adds pleasantly and I'll even throw you in some information for free. If you've not already spotted it for yourselves, watch out for Two-Thumbs and his morokanth from round Hoofcrack. They're gathering numbers, likely up to something. Don't know what, but the friendly word is watch your backs just in case.

He retreats, happy enough to leave it at that but in no hurry to depart in case others want their say.

The leader of the band of nomads watches Hoskar as he speaks, his face a picture as he listens with barely concealed anger

"Two Thumbs? Hoof Crack!? What are you going on about Rhino-fart? I'm here for my wife and ain't no one gonna stop me!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:55, Wed 06 Jan 2016.

Careful there, mate you'll burst soon.

Hoskar's smile becomes a merry chortle. Good one, he winks. Family's important, I'll not detain you he adds, manoeuvring Ram to one side.

What a splendid chap. Excellent day, this he oberves happily to the Rangers.

Kobal is about to respond to the impala rider's rudeness but Hoskar gets in first, with his usual mollifying manner.

Instead, he regards the impala braves with a level, impassive gaze, taking action only if it looks like the war party intends to disrupt the day's ceremonies.

Without another word the Impala braves ride off towards the Rangers' camp...

I wonder if his wife was one of those vingans that we met? Henal asks as he turns to ride back to camp.

"I didn't think Vingans married," says Kobal, though he doesn't know much about Orlanthi ways.

He too, wheels Black Hoof around, and starts riding back to the camp, keeping an eye on the impala braves, for any sign they intend violence or raiding, instead of meeting an intended bride.

As Hoskar does the talking, Tarosh avoids speaking and does his best to look unaffected by their lack of success. Once the victors have left he adds his own thoughts to Henal and Kobal's conversation, "Lets hope they do," He smiles, "otherwise, that doesn't leave many it could be, maybe he has a thing for Morokanth women." He rides alongside Hoskar, "Can I get my matrix back?" the question comes out bluntly, though its not obvious whether he meant it to be or not as he eyes are fixed on the impala's in the distance.

It's only a matter of minutes before the Impala riders reach the pool camp, below the Vingan holy day rock, causing those Rangers already there to ready weapons and the Rhino nation women to gather up children and get to cover. Even the Morokanth begin to show interest, several of them rousing the others so that they can follow what might now transpire.

Brash and uncaring the Impala braves ride in and let their mouths water at the pool, paint covered faces swinging this way and that as they take in the camp.

Then if unopposed they move over to one side where they dismount and begin to make their own camp.

Having kept quiet and out of sight Leaper whispers to Hoskar, Henal, Tarosh and Hoskar

"I reckon one of the Impala girls is his wife. There will be trouble for sure..."

In reply to Leaper (msg # 234):

He doesn't make any move to stop the Impala riders, but stays mounted to keep an eye on them. He grins at Leapers comment, "Even more so if its one of the ones who took a shine to Henal," He laughs, "though with the darkness that is the Morokanth being with us, I think today will end in a fight, so Greeshar will be happy."

"Aye, I say we kill them all, take their stuff and eat their mounts."

Greeshar does in fact look happy.

"Though we let their leader beat up Henal first!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Thu 07 Jan 2016.

In reply to Greeshar Longhorn (msg # 236):

"I like your thinking, the only problem I can see is your sisters new friends." he scratches behind his left ear, "if his wife is wanting to leave him, we could step in and help her, that would give us all the excuse we need."

Far above the Vingan rock is enshrouded in cloud, whilst the rest of the sky is clear. The Harpies can just be seen wheeling and riding the afternoon thermals.

Suddenly there's a shout...

"GOOOOOOLLLLDDDEEEEEEEN EYEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

It's the leader of the Rock Leaper crew. He's at the base of the rock, red faced with the sinews in his neck standing out as he shouts at the top of his voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Thu 07 Jan 2016.

Caught between trying to decide if its too early for Kumiss or a smoke, though he knows fine well that the answer to both is "no", Salen is shaken from his reverie by some unholy hollering. Annoyed he turns and asks of the others.

"What the heck is up with that short-arse? Someone mistake him for a trollkin?"

Though not heard by Angry Wasp, several of his diminutive braves do

"What did you say?"

"He called our boss a Trollkin!"

"No fucking way he did!"

Three of them swagger off towards the Condor Brave, cracking knuckles and rolling their heads.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:47, Thu 07 Jan 2016.

"Well, whaddya know...some ankle-biters out for trouble? I think my Bison has pooped bigger things than you lot."

Standing now Salen stretches his own back and spits on the ground in front of him.

Hoskar slaps his palm to his head in a sign of annoyance at his own absent-mindedness. Of course. Yes. Here you go.

Shame that baity little fellow didn't bite: thought I'd have driven him wild enough by not rising to him. Looks as if we'll have more chances later, though.

He resumes his amused expression, riding back to camp at an amble on Ram's broad back and humming merrily; arriving behind his fellows thanks to the relaxed pace.

Back at the camp, he waits before dismounting, watching interestedly to see how things will develop. I smell trouble here: they're too acerbic to live, this lot. If they disturb Amara with talk like that...well Issaries guide their benighted souls is all.
Watching with interest, listening intently, he sees some braves head towards his fellow Condor, and overhears...




Here it comes. Even if Enlo are prettier than that guy. If they weigh in, I can keep my promise and deal with them faithfully too.

His grin broadens as he grips his lance firmly, glad he'd not bothered to dismount yet, as he awaits developments.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Thu 07 Jan 2016.

The three braves, unarmed and bristling for a scrap, and oblivious to the fact they're in another clan's camp, begin to circle the lone brave

"Come on then if you fink youse hard enough"

"Dat Dog your girlfriend is it?"

"Nah she probably wants summat that smells nicer!"

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrr."

From his vantage point, he looks on in shock as the brave shouts for his wife, he comments to Greeshar, "He's braver than I'm." When he see's the fun Salen is having he call out to him, "How far do you think you can throw them?"

Up above the ceremony is winding down and all present hear the shout


Golden-Eye immediately moves over to the edge and hollers down

"What are you doing here you big bag of Sable piss!"

"GOLDIE I LUUUUURVE YOU I DO....COME BACK GIRL!"

Those of his braves not advancing on Salen, stand about their leader, heads back waiting for a reply....

A stance now being copied by many of the other spectators about the camp.

Meanwhile the three braves continue circling Salen, throwing the odd taunt and insult at the Bison brave, but not actually starting a fight.

Mordy, nearby, growls menacingly.

Amara looked at Golden Eye with some concern. "Is he bothering you? The time for him to seek your favour is not on Vinga's high holy day. Tell him to go away and return tomorrow."

In reply to Greeshar Longhorn (msg # 236):

You must have only muscles between your ears if you think I can't beat an impala rider. Henal snorts.

Back at the camp he watches the impala riders ready to dismount and fight them if they start on Salen.

Having just stowed his kite Ohanzee looks down over the edge at the source of the shouting. He looks at Golden Eye and listens to her response and then again to the plee from below.

He grins and backs away out of sight from below and then calls down "You're too small for me and I don't mean you're too short!" but the voice is not his normal voice.

Astride Black Hoof, Kobal first watches the leader of the impala braves as he moves to the base of the rock.

But when the three riders start to threaten Salen, Kobal kicks his steed towards them, trying to watch for either Angry Wasp heading up the rock, or the three riders jumping Salen.  In his mind he is already focusing on a charm of binding.

Sighing dramatically she answers Amara

"He's my husband. I ran away...Left him with the kids...and joined the Thunder Girls."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:51, Fri 08 Jan 2016.

"Oh for the love of Waha go home Wasp!" shouts Golden-Eye's best friend.