Night…..

The sudden shower of rain vanished as quick as it had arrived and those huddled beneath hastily erected hides appeared, grinning and shaking themselves dry….Laughing at those who'd brazened the deluge and were now soaking wet.

Sea Season…..A time of renewal, the tail end of Winter Fertile and heralding the arrival of fresh pastures, thanks to the much needed water it brought.

With the sky crystal clear once more, the cold seeped in and those about the campfire edged forward,  just as a large handful of dung was thrown on to the embers…. A muttered charm causing it to flare with a sudden loud whoosh.

"Mahome be blessed" goes the reply, and then the chatter begins again, young voices quickly drowning out the ever present noises of the clan's Bison Herd….. A thousand head strong, they filled the nearby canyons and gullies with their incessant lowing and bellowing.

A week since initiation….. And now one special group of those young adults sat huddled amongst a copse of Skull bushes, under the watchful eye of their Shaman Feather Wait, and Tokar Eight Sable, a hardened brave and respected initiate of Waha.

Feather Wait drew on his pipe, blowing a long stream of smoke into the brisk night air, as two small forms came scurrying into sight. It was Yasha and Dust flies high, an elderly couple, once of the Ostrich clan and for as long as anyone present could remember, slaves.

Between them they carried a spited impala, which they lowered to the ground in front of their masters, immediately smacking at any grasping hands and letting fly with friendly curses.

"It's okay" grunts Tokar, "let the youngsters eat…They've earned it after today…."

The warrior seems happy for once and he waves the old man and his wife to one side, where they sit on the edge of the fire's glare, threadbare blankets pulled about their shoulders.

Sitting down next to the Shaman, Tokar indicates the roast  "Off looking for strays again and this mob surprised a small herd of unguarded impala. Against the odds they ran three of them down, Only Foundchild himself knows how."

Feather Wait just nods and exhales, eyes watching the group over his birdlike nose, as a flurry of Skull bats launch themselves out of the nearest bush.

"Mmmm...."

For each of those present it had been a hard week, as they were adults now and expected to pull their weight even more so than before. Endless chores, weapon training, reciting of stories, learning of knots and riding until sun down; Looking for strays and keeping watch for the ever present raiders.

Storm Season had passed and at the start of Sacred time they'd each been launched along the path to adulthood. Separated from their families, they'd been brought to the hidden sacred camp to enact ancient rituals and ceremonies, designed to reveal their natural strengths and weaknesses, before entering the Godtime and walking with the Great Spirits themselves.

There Darkness was bested or embraced, new trails walked and secrets revealed, each experiencing their own special path, before returning to the real world to receive their Clan's marking and tattoos.

As Adults!

This happened every few years….As regular as regular could be, except this time something strange had happened. Each of those who'd returned, came clutching a single large feather, either black, golden or orange, and speaking of being guarded on their journey by one of the Three Feathered Rivals…..

"Mmmm..."

Greeshar stood alone, the picture of an awkward, forced nonchalance. Where the other youths talked and laughed and boasted, Greeshar's gaze was turned inward. Thinking about what had transpired at the ceremony, and during the subsequent week, he pondered what the future held for him.

He smiled at Amara when he noticed her nearby, but the bison people remained strangers. If they talked behind his back, then so be it. He would have strong comrades of the Storm Bull.

Yet he still unconsciously brushed the orange feather at his waist, and thought.

Amara beamed with pride at both her and her brothers accomplishments. Only a week ago they were children underfoot and in the way and now they were adults among the people. She smiled at those of the Bison clan that she knew. She was thankful for the Bison clan, even though they had strange ways, they were close to her heart. They had provided for the Sky Watchers in their time of need and soon it would be time to pay in kind for what the Bison people had done. She had tied her orange feather into her hair, part of the braid that told of her status in the riders, firmly secured there, to tell all she had met the Thunder bird.

She watched the others around the fire, waiting for the heat of the fire to warm her bones, the smell of the cooking meat filling her nose and senses waking the desire to taste the food. She wrapped herself tighter in her shawl, anticipating the sense of community that the evening had in store for them.

Kobal's chest filled with pride on hearing the words of Eight Sable, though he tried not to let it show.  So long he had waited to stay in the bachelor's camp, to be an adult.  With his height, he had long towered over some adults in the clan, and it had stuck in his craw many a time when he'd been reminded of his place.  But now he was a Man!

He knew what he must do, to show his maturity.  Unfolding his long legs, he moved to the impala, drew out his knife and cut the backstraps out of the carcass, offering those choicest parts to Feather Wait and Eight Sable.  He was pleased that his hand was firm and his strokes confident has he displayed his butchery to those in the tent, and to Waha.  At least he hoped he'd looked like a Man who'd done this many times before...

That done, he took his place back in the ring about the Mahome's warmth.  A hearth fire like any other, except this was one for adults.

Yet amongst all his happiness, he felt a streak of uncertainty as he looked about his brothers and sisters in the circle, and his gaze fell upon Amara and Greeshar.  Many of his real brothers and sisters had returned from the ceremony with black or golden feathers.  But like him these rhino riders had an orange feather...  Even the smallest things that these rhino riders did seemed different, like how they crossed their arms.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

Melock takes his turn selecting his part of the sable, and as he walks back to the fire smiles at Amara and promptly trips over his own feet narrowly missing the fire. he picks himself up, dust off the meat and sits down by the fire not making eye contact with anyone else and starts eating.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:17, Thu 22 Aug 2013.

Tokar accepts the food from Kobal with a wink and gets stuck in straight away, grunting with satisfaction. Reaching behind him, he pulls from the ground a wobbling skin and throws it to Kobal

"Kumiss, made by my Mother...Drink and pass it around. You and the other's have earned it today. Not seen Impala caught like that in many a year....Was good work and fine lance work from you Amara. Not bad, not bad at all."

You could tell that he nearly added For a girl, but a look from the Shaman cut him short.

To cover this, he turned his attention to Amara's twin brother Greeshar.

"Oi, big fellah, come over here and sit, there's food...Eat....Or do you not eat meat we're you're from?"

Though sat as close to the fire as the others, Feather Wait is enveloped in darkness, his face only becoming fully visible as he darts forward to peck at the food held in his claw like hands.

As he shifts to get more comfortable, so the darkness shifts too, almost as if alive, and those closest could swear that they hear the rustling of hundreds of feathers.

"Melock"

His voice caws loudly across the fire

"Tell me what you see?"

In reply to Feather Wait (msg # 7):

"i see a cloak of living raven feathers, Feather Wait" replies Melock in an awstruck voice "where do i get one he thinks

In reply to Melock (msg # 8):

The Shaman nods once and then returns to eating his food.

Amara smiled at the compliment "It might have been my lance which speared the impala, but it was quick twist of the head that you taught me that made it tender and tasty for our stomachs." she inclined her head to Tokar in thanks for the lesson, before nudging her brother not a little unkindly to go forward to drink with him with a glare suggesting he not dare back down.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Thu 22 Aug 2013.

Fireborn sat looking into the fire, the feather in his hand as much of a focus to him as the dancing flames. Breaking his own self imposed trance he partakes of both the roasted impala and the kumiss.

He smiles at Tokar and says..."Great honor to Amara and also to your mother who made this kumiss...a better batch I have never tasted."

Again he is drawn to the fire, always the fire. He sits too close just to feel the heats intensity.

In reply to Feather Wait (msg # 9):

Melock glances around briefly, smiles and then tries the Kumiss. "I agree with Fireborn, this is indeed fine kumiss. Tokar, you honour us with this".
and then he offers the kumiss to Greeshar Longhorn with a smile

"Aye but you took down the second" replied the warrior "It was a fine group effort, rare to see ones as young as you work so well together, especially so as two of you are Sky Watchers and all...Makes me proud so it does...."

Tokar stands up and excuses himself to pass water, pushing his way past a Skull bush and sending another flurry of bats skywards. It's fully dark now and the red glow of a dozen nearby fires can be seen through the high bushes, and if one was to look further they'd find a score more past those, and the same again if one was to go the other way.

Drums began to play, low and slow, mixing in with the sounds of the herd, as over head the smoke from all the cooking began to hide the Stars.

All in all, a typical night deep within the Wastes....

Kaonu seats and looks nowhere, as if he was not really present. He’s wet from having spent his time at the entrance of his tent during the rain, looking outside, sometimes whispering like for himself. He holds an orange feather, which he slowly caresses. When the kumiss flask comes to him, he suddenly wakes up from his dreaminess. “Ow, excellent ! Even better than the one my mother Inta-talks-fast makes. Whatever Tokar bring us, it is always good. He seems to be happy with us. Hey, the drums are playing, let’s sing and dance!” He attaches his feather to his belt and starts lousily the “Three Horns in a Bag” song.

In reply to Kaonu Windspeaker (msg # 14):

Melock joins in, badly out of key

Greeshar, standing silently, studiously looked down and avoided any gazes that might mock him. In spite of that, he began to notice that there were other orange feathers like those he and his sister carried.

Maybe there were a few here who might not mock... he thought to himself. He looked up and saw Kobal looking at him. He started to bristle, then saw that the youth held an orange feather himself. He could be thinking the same thing that I am.

Just then Melock tripped while giving his sister cow-eyes, and he couldn't help but smile. He included both Kobal and Melock in his gaze, watching them to see how they reacted. He looked up with a start when he realized Tokar was talking to him. Should I go over? Or will they laugh? Maybe I should throw my knife...

Amara's nudge and glare spurred him to action, but he rethought his reply. “Yes, we eat meat and savor it,” he said with an attempt at bravado.  Greeshar stepped forward, tension in his muscles as the firelight reflected from his dark eyes. He took the kumiss skin from Melock with a brief smile, then sprayed a well-aimed stream into his mouth.

Wiping his lips with his forearm, he handed the bag on to Kaonu and joined Tokar. He inclined his head with all the gravity a young man could muster, and said, “My clan taught us to work together at need, though we will go forth alone as well. But I see the folk of Prairie Thunder have skill too.”

Greeshar stopped speaking as the singing began. He cut meat and shared with Amara, letting the juices run down his chest. He made a point of trying to note all those whose feathers were orange.

Fireborn beams with pride at Tokar's compliment. If may have not been the first impala brought down but it was still something to be proud of.

When Kaonu starts his song, Fireborn joins in right after Melock and does not sound much better.

Amara enjoyed the food her brother brought her. Unlike him, she took care eating it, making sure none of the juices spilled over her clothing. She smiled in greeting and empathy to poor Melock as he stumbled around the campfire. When the kumiss arrived for her to drink, she stood holding the bag in a way that one of the men might, her eyes screwed tightly shut as her throat filled with the fire of the drink. She passed the skin quickly to another trying not to let her tears show at the potency of the drink.

Amara sat back down quickly after the drink. Whether it was the drink or the company that gave her the courage, she joined the song. Her voice quite in contrast to that of the men. It joined the mens song, singing in harmony, weaving the mens voices into a true song as it joined the wind.

Kobal wipes the slightly sweet yet sour kumiss from his lips as he savours a cut of the impala.  But he stops and listens when Feather Wait addresses Melock.  Kobal knows that there are spirits everywhere, but the power of Feather Wait is apparent and when the wise one is around, the sense of the presence of spirits is more immediate.

He nods inwardly in approval when he hears Greeshar talk to Eight Sable.  The man honours us with his words.  Man.  Yes.  We are all Men now.

The other sounds and activity in the tent invade his thoughts.  "Three Horns in a Bag" is addictive, even the way Kaonu sings it.  Kobal stands up and joins in, though if he's honest with himself, he doesn't sound any better.  He clasps a hand on Melock's shoulder and says into his ear with a grin, "These Rhino People have been with us only a few seasons, but I think she is our sister now.  I am no lawspeaker, but I think you must look elsewhere for your bride, haha."

Singing, he works his way among his fellow braves, in the general direction of Greeshar.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Fri 23 Aug 2013.

Hacha sloped around the fire, darted in a for slab of impala meat, and then continued to circle, until he reached the two elders. He muttered a polite greeting, then squatted on the ground next to the Shaman to eat and watch the play of his fellows. When the Shaman finished eating, Hacha asked "Feather Wait? What is the  meaning of the feathers we brought back with us: one black, one gold, one orange?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Fri 23 Aug 2013.

Greeshar finds the kumiss and drinks. He meets Amara's gaze, fierce pride for his sister plain to read on his face. Watching the spirit-talkers uneasily, he moves away and finds himself nearing Kobal.

"Will you drink with me?" he says with a note of challenge.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:13, Mon 26 Aug 2013.

As Kaonu Windspeaker's rendition of Three Horns in a Bag gains strength it spreads to the other fires dotted about the plains, and hidden within the gullies and ravines of the nearby Mesas.

Tokar Eight Sable returns, bringing several older bachelors with him, drums in hand, and they sit amongst the younger men, keeping time to the song and adding their strong voices to the mix.

Magic is being weaved tonight, as Clansmen add their spiritual essence to the mix, making the very music tangible.

Feather Wait has begun swaying, muttering to the sky, his darkness spreading outwards and upwards to form a swirling patch of darkness above the fire.

The flames rise, combatting the sudden cold brought on by the nearing of the spirit world.

The Shaman turns his now bright eyes towards the young brave

"Ah my little Raven....You Know when to ask the right question."

The drumming continues, but drops in tempo, encouraging those still singing to stop and listen to the Shaman's words.

"Each of you here, as you know returned from your initiation holding a feather. For some it was Orange, the feather of Thunder Bird, or Gold for Sun Hawk and in yours and Melock's case a Black feather, that of Raven. They walked with you whilst you were on the other side....They chose you.... An honour and one, not in living memory, given to so many at once."

His pipe is raised and filled from a pouch at his belt, silvery powder that catches the firelight as he pushes it into the bowl.

A flick of a finger and it ignites, the fragrant smell drifting amongst the braves.

"The Feathered Rivals....That's who..... I shall tell you the story of who they are. Three spirits who protect and guide the Clans who worship them. Rivals each."

Feather Wait looks across at the collected youths and inhales

"Mmmmm"

More braves have joined the group now and other things, flitting half seen about the edge of the fire's reach.

"Once, along time ago, two mighty Spirits engaged in a series of contests which ended up with the world going mad and everything nearly being destroyed.

They travelled the world and performed one contest in each of the places they met. One place was near Genert's Garden in a clearing in the forests of Prax.

Yes, do not look surprised...all this land was filled with forests...

The two Great spirits wanted a contest of Animals and looked for a judge. Canny Trickster was a friend of one and had been banished by the other and wanted revenge.

 He took a bundle of feathers and spat on it, making a new deity he called Raven. The two Great Spirits said they would ask the first spirit they saw in the clearing to be their Judge, so Trickster hid Raven where no-one could see him. As the Great Spirits approached Raven appeared and became Judge for this contest.

The Great Sun Spirit produced the Sun Hawk, an osprey, a chicken and a winged horse. Great Rain Man made the mighty Thunder Bird, a sheep, a great deer and a mountain tiger. The playful Raven judged in favour of the Rain Man even though The Great Sun Spirit was clearly the winner. Sun Hawk saw through the deception and chased raven from the field. Afterwards, Thunderbird always defeated Sun Hawk who defeated Raven who defeated Thunderbird."

Feather Wait passes the pipe to Hacha

"Smoke....And pass it on."

"Finally Trickster tried to take back his feathers, but Raven liked being real and flew away. The sheep and tiger went West, the deer leapt over the mountains to the north, the winged horse flew north, the osprey and chicken stayed in Prax.

And so it goes....."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:09, Fri 23 Aug 2013.

"Ah....Story time....."

From out of the bushes clomps Cloud Walker, his stout near naked form in sharp contrast to that of the thin Feather Wait.

The Shaman's Cloud tattoos have bunched about his shoulders, black and moody, filled with Sea Season rain, an indication of what was in store for the next day.

He comes to a halt next to Amara and drops like a rock to the ground.

"Pass me the skin....Thirsty work living... eh Lass?"

He glugs deep , wobbles himself into the sand and once comfortable, begins....

"When the world was dark, after the two great spirits had fought and brought god things to an end, the forest of Prax stood firm. It reached from the Earth to the Sky. Among its branches sat four nests. The lowest was hidden in the darkness of the forest, away from the canopy, the next was in the windy branches, the next was in the Lower Sky and the highest was near to where the Sun used to live.

In those nest lived Raven, Thunderbird, Condor and Sun Hawk. Condor was a son of Vrimak, son of the Sun Spirit and had fought in the Gods' War until his rider fell and was consumed by Chaos. He saw the power of the Three Rivals and challenged each in turn. First he challenged Sun Hawk who was the Highest, but Sun Hawk was a Son of the Sun Spirit and Condor was only a grandson so was forced into retreat.

Next he challenged Thunderbird who deafened him with a Thunderclap and chased him away. Finally, he faced Raven who had been defeated by Sun Hawk, but Condor had no Clearsight and was tricked by his opponent's illusions. Defeated, Condor retreated to his nest high above the land where he sat and brooded.

And broods still.

And so it goes...."

The Shaman nods sagely and then laughs out loud.

"And they've chosen you mob....What a hoot...."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:22, Fri 23 Aug 2013.

The crowd of older men murmur amongst themselves and clap their thighs in respect to the stories.

Some of them can be seen looking about as if expecting someone else.

And as if on cue the Fire flares upwards....

As the flames die down it reveals the Shaman Smokey Jojo, sitting next to Fireborn and Sitting Deer

Smoke rises from his unruly patch of hair and the beads about his neck burn as if red hot.

"Ha....A party is it? Truth be told I'd thought there'd be one tonight....Time to set things straight for these young braves, for there's a testing coming ... For each and every one of you feather grabbers.

Do I'd best give you a story then....."

His fixes his gaze on the dung fuelled fire and just when folk begin to fidget he starts

"A mighty and wild deity came to Prax in the Darkness and was welcomed by the frightened people.

He was the son of Lodril and was called Oakfed. A spirit of fire, he was not lofty and aloof like Sun Hawk and gave his help freely. The people gave him food and he tore through the forests of Prax.

 First he reached the tree which held Raven's nest and was attacked by that demigod. Raven swooped down and was scorched black by the Wild Fire. He fled to his nest and hid it from view so that Oakfed could not find it.

Next was Thunderbird who flew to Zola Fel who was his friend and took water into his wings, dropping it onto Oakfed's head. However, this was not enough and Thunderbird had to take his nest and carry it through the Air where it can still be seen.

Next was Sun Hawk who saw Oakfed coming and knew that he could not defeat his cousin, so he took his nest and carried it to the Sky where it became a Star.

Finally, Oakfed reached Condor's Nest where the bird sulked and brooded, not caring what was happening. The fires brought down Condor's tree and his Nest was shattered, becoming a pile of rocks, now known as Condor's Crags where Condor is still known to live.

And so it goes...."

The Shaman pats the braves to either side of him with hands that burn to the touch, and produces another skin from within his hide cloak.

"Firewater. Drink boys and girl..... Feathered Rivals you are.....But why so many I have no idea? We shall have to find out what they have in store for you...."

The drums grow louder as the Shamans finish their three tales, enabling those present to socialise for a while, ask questions, smoke, drink or sing....

Fireborn accepts the skin filled with firewater from Smokey Jojo. Without a further though he raises it to his lips and takes a long pull. Liquid fire shot down his throat and warmed his belly to the point of almost boiling. It was a good feeling but harsh and surprising.

With a half smile grimace he passed the skin along.

He turns back to Smokey Jojo and says..."I would learn more of Oakfed when you have the chance. All the tales told tonight moved me in some way but the story of Oakfed seems to have awakened something inside me."

H takes his gold feather and begins to braid it into his hair as he speaks.

"That does not surprise me Fireborn, not in the slightest, for you could say that your path has been marked since birth.

But....It is a dangerous path you wish to tread. I can not lie about that and eventually you must journey to Monkey Ruins. A mighty trek in itself. There you may come face to face with the Great Spirit himself.

First we must see if you are truly worthy to carry the feather of the Sun Hawk, and then I shall gladly guide you to Oakfed's warm embrace."

The Shaman winks at the young Brave

"But first we get drunk yes?"

Foreborn returns the smile and nods his head full of fiery red hair..."Yes drunk!" he exclaims already feeling the warmth of the firewater flowing to his extremities.

Before we get too drunk, Smokey Jojo, can you explain us Melok's vision of a "cloak of living raven feathers" ? Or may be you, Melok ?

In reply to Kobal (msg # 19):

grins at Kobal as he walks away. he wonders over to sit next to Hacha and when he's ready to pass the smoke on, takes a deep lung full and starts coughing and his eyes water, then pass it on to whom every wants it next while trying not to make eye contact.
When he gets his breath back and can speak a bit better he replies to Kaonu when I look at the darkness cough, around Feather Wait I see what cough looks like 2 raven wings covering him and always moving over him
he looks round for the Kumiss Greeshar could you pass cough the kumiss cough, cough thank you cough
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:08, Fri 23 Aug 2013.

Amara was bemused by the Bison shaman and handed over what she was drinking to him, expecting to have him surprised by the fresh water stream the skin contained. "Living is gift, Cloud walker, one to be relished every day to the fullest."

She glared at her brother for holding on to the khumiss "Stop being a sable rider, pass the good drink around."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:23, Sat 24 Aug 2013.

"Aye, thanks".  Kobal takes the proffered skin and takes another mouthful of the kumiss.  "I saw the way you handled the lance today on your rhino, it was a bit different to how we Bison People bring down the tip before we strike."

But then he hears Hacha Lor question Feather Wait about the feathers, and turns his head (partway and politely, so as not to offend Greeshar), to listen to that conversation.  Why didn't I think to ask that?

When the wise ones have finished with their stories, Kobal turns back to Greeshar.  "How do you come by the name Longhorn?"  A mischevious thought enters his mind Is it named after what's on your rhino?  Or what's in your trousers?  But he knows better than to voice the thought.

Hacha takes the proffered pipe, and puffs slowly at it before passing it on, with a nod, to Melock. He gazes into the darkness as the Shamans tell their stories, smiling at the antics of the Raven. He takes a drink of the kumiss, listens with interest to Melock's report, and asks the shaman "Feather Wait? You say few have met the bird spirits. Do you know of others who have met them? Have you met the Raven, yourself?"

The area of the Camp fire is now a hot bed of talk, fragrant smoke, songs and occasional bouts of dancing.

A pretty normal night intact, though one charged with questions and the nearness of the spirit world. Three shamans in close proximity are causing all sorts of havoc with the local plane of existence...spirits zip through the air, visible without the help of charms, causing shadows to expand, flames to dance and the wind to whistle.

Yasha and Dust flies high, the Ostrich Tribe slaves, move amongst the men, handing out full skins and keeping the fire stoked. Children of the Sun, they are bright and happy, despite their old age and long years of servitude. They swap good natured jibes with their masters and accept titbits of food and occasional swigs of grog.

By the fire Greeshar is aware of the hulking form of Micklebran the Howler, drawn here by the smell of alcohol and the prospect of a party. The Storm Bull nods at his fellow Rhino Clansman, whilst accepting a skin from a Bison Brave, which he raises in salute to Greeshar's Twin Amara , mouthing "Sky Watchers" at them both, before drinking his fill.

Bull's Eye Rakas, Wild Buck, Kicks all day and Wahan Yellow Bull, four stout braves and friends since childhood, begin a playful wrestling bout  to one side, drawing many of the younger bachelors from other fires to watch. The air crackles with testosterone and spent charms, cast by each of the four on one another....

Whether by design or natural occurrence, each of the young newly initiated braves find themselves next to a certain Shaman.

Smokey Jojo with Sitting Deer and Fireborn, small flames dancing along his fingers and a spiral of smoke rising from his head. Melock and Hacha Lor enveloped by the ever shifting darkness of Feather Wait and finally the jolly Cloudwalker telling bawdy jokes to his group of four: Amara Brightsky, Greeshar Longhorn, Kobal and Kaonu Windspeaker....

Three distinct groups, but all sitting within earshot of each other..... Joined by their shared initiation rites and the interest of the Feathered Rivals....

The Shaman studies the brave for a while before answering, taking in his wiry build and black hair, perhaps wondering what his father must think.... Darnik Sharp Lance, the clan's Bison Khan, Rune Lord of Waha.

"Aye, few have met Raven in their initiation rites" and he continues, voice rising so that each of the new adults would hear

"Same goes for Sun Hawk and Thunder Bird too. But it happens enough."

He pauses

"Just never a whole bunch of you at once.....And Aye, I have met him....On the spirit plane and here on ours....Once, a long time ago."

His eyes, dark pools, flick sideways to look at the other two Shamans.

"Those who have met them, or been guarded on their rites, will often go on to join their spirit society. Often I say, because you must first pass a dangerous test before acceptance.

Next week on either Freezeday, Windsday or Fireday, those of you who feel the urge can attempt the rite and join their Society.

Every clan and Tribe has members, some many, some few and you will find brothers and sisters in Pavis and it's ruins, Shadows Dance and even in the land of our enemies over the Mountains.... And it does not matter who your Tribe worships, for you will find Sun Hawk amongst the Orlanthi and Darkness amongst the Sun.

Is that not so Dust flies high?"

Caws the Shaman at the passing slave.

The slave stops, his bald head bobbing this way and that as he takes in the group as if for the first time, though he has known most of them for all of their lives.

A source of comfort when fingers were sliced or eyes blackened, a giver of sweets, a scolder of liars and a thrasher of young thieves, he was both respected, loved and sometimes feared by everyone about the fire.

"Yip...S'true.....My folks are in debt to Raven and know his worth, despite us being children of the Sun"

At the mention of their God , both he and his wife stretch out their palms, fingers like the rays of the sun.

He nods once at Yasha, who pulls a small flute from her loincloth and begins to play, quickly silencing all but those wrestling to one side.

Dust flies high begins to strut like a proud bird, whilst reciting a tale of his people.....

"A long time ago.... When Mother Ostrich was with The People, she laid a new clutch of eggs, hatched them and began rearing the chicks. One day, Mother Eiritha saw the chicks and, feeling broody and jealous, stole the chicks away.

When Mother Ostrich found out she followed the thief and demanded her chicks be returned, but Mother Eiritha refused saying that all on the Plains were her children.

Mother Ostrich called a Council of the local godlings, but all were friends of Mother Eiritha and would not oppose her. In desperation, Mother Ostrich appealed to her friends, but Sun Hawk refused to become involved and Thunder Bird said he had more important things to do. Raven, however, said "I have never seen fur beget feathers, think what you are saying, the chicks belong to the Ostrich."

When they heard this, the Council were shamed at their actions and made Mother Eiritha return the chicks to Mother Ostrich. They also gave Mother Ostrich dominion over some of Mother Eiritha’s children as compensation.

Since time, we have been able to keep Bison, Impala, Sable, High Llama and Rhino to sustain us and we have accepted Raven as a Friend.... Even though he is of Darkness."

In reply to Hacha Lor (msg # 35):

in a low voice, when Dust Flies high has finished, so the sound doesn't travel too far So Hacha what do you see when you look at Feather Wait?

Amara, Greeshar, we were stangers to each other and have been together since the exile only, but it seems that we have something more in common today. Don't you think so, Kobal? Cloudwalker, what do the Three Rivals want from us ? What brought Thunder Bird to mark people as different as us four ? I feel honoured to have been granted an orange feather, but I guess this gift has a purpose and that we shall prove in anyway that we deserve it

Hacha ponders the question for a moment, and then replies "There is darkness around him, and it takes form, but sometimes the form changes: a cloak of feathers, a flock of birds...sometimes it's like the shadow of some being, standing guard over him."

"It'd be fun if, in the same way, the demands of our rite, next week, changed as we attempted it, eh Melock?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Sun 25 Aug 2013.

In reply to Hacha Lor (msg # 41):

yes, it'll definitely make it more of a challenge looks towards smokey jojo at least we wont be playing with fire

The Shaman wipes Kumis froth from his lips, belches loudly and throws the now empty skin behind him.

"Why did Thunder Bird mark the four of you? Simple....You are warriors!" he bellows in mock rage, before slapping his meaty thighs and laughing.

He then continues, a more serious look on his round face.

"The four of your's initiation awoke the Storm within you....Your link to the Spirit world too....And something else that marks you as the individual that you each are.  Just like the others found their Fire or Darkness.

Thunder Bird for some reason, has decided that you four are worthy of his attention."

Here he leans closer so that only the four Orange feather holders can hear him.

"And it seems that our rivals, Raven and Sun Hawk have chosen the others for some purpose too."

He leans back, opening a pouch to take a pinch of its contents, which gets snorted in one swift action.

One that turns his face bright red, and then with a roar, he lets forth a great explosive sneeze.

"Rain Man be praised...He'd have been proud of that himself eh?

So Amara, Greeshar, Kobal and Kaonu.... It is up to you lot to find out what is what. Are you to compete with your brothers as usual or join forces to combat some unexplained foe?"

"A time of strife it is" puffs Smokey Jojo.

"A time when heroes are needed."

The ash covered man gives the group a critical stare, his tongue pushing out his top upper lip, before sucking in some disdainful air....

"Well time will tell......Though whether our enemies will give us time will have to be seen. The Bastard Sable Clans forever push our people away from water and our access to the Holy places are limited.

Taxes! What form of devilry is that? Moon's arse licking scum."

He spits in the fire making it's flames darken, matching the Shaman's anger.....
This message was last edited by the player at 09:11, Sun 25 Aug 2013.

"S'right" replies Tokar, who comes over to join his wards, swaying slightly, a new bruise forming around his left eye.

"Time of strife it is for sure..... Been loosing far to many Bison recently.... Specially since Sacred Time.....There's rumours that there's to be a gathering of the Elders once we hit Bison Khan and Rainman's Grasslands in the next few days.

Talk of heading to the River and seeing what's what.

Plenty of time for youse lot to prove yourselves I should think" and the warrior mimes stabbing with a spear.

"You'll love that won't you lads" and at the word of Lads he elbows Amara. "You too...One of the lads from now on. Seen how you can handle yourself, so no worries there.

Same goes for all of you for that matter.....You'll do alright...Long as youse do what I says, when i sez it.

Right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:22, Sun 25 Aug 2013.

In reply to Tokar Eight Sable (msg # 45):

i'm ready, i wont let the clan down as long as i dont have so smoke anything

...competition between us may push us to acomplish great deeds, for the sake of everybody, if we're all aiming at the same goal...
A last question, Cloud Walker: can these Spirit Societies help us in any way what Thunder Bird expects from us ? And are you yourself a member of one of them ?
[note : are shaman automaticaly members of a spirit society and is it known ?]

In reply to Melock (msg # 46):

Yes ! We are now warriors and we'll be glad to drink the blood of our ennemies in their skulls and to ornate our saddles with their scalps ! and, as Cloud Walker did, Kaonu growls in mock rage and laughs.
Hey, give some more of this Kumiss, I'm thiststy!

"I am a member yes....A spirit talker of your Clan.... Easing drought.... Healing those that break bones or have taken a Sable arrow to the gut....and calming wayward spirits of the Air.

The Thunder Bird society is filled with warriors....Men of action...Not afraid to die.

You will know the ways of the Storm... It's mysteries...Magics.... And dangers too. Your companions will be followers of Waha...Orlanth....and the great Storm Bull himself."

The Shaman bangs his chest with both hands to emphasise his points. Each slap sounding like a mini thunder clap.

And then looking at the nearby Smokey Jojo he adds with a grin

"We always best the Sun Hawk! We smother his glow with our mighty clouds!"

"Mmmmm.

And your are always befuddled by the Raven, you soft headed bull" retorts a cackling Feather Wait.

"Too full of yourselves that's what you are...All blustery wind, and swinging your clubs for all to see"

He swings a bony hand between his legs for his own emphasis.

"We are the masters of guile and shadow....The wisest of the three....Controlling the night and keeping the rest of you safe...Hiding things that need to be hidden....Tricking those that need to be tricked....Despised by some, but needed by all."

Melock and Hachar Lor find themselves drawn closer, two boney arms slung about their shoulders, pulled in to the Shaman's cold embrace.

"You will see....."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Sun 25 Aug 2013.

"Pffff....The only ones that see anything here is us....The followers of Sun Hawk.

Clear sighted we are.....Law speakers of the clan.....Truth seekers....And friends of all things fiery. Oakfed....Mahome...and all their lesser minions do our bidding.

Raven.... You are nothing but a dream...."

Smokey Jojo flicks his thumb at Feather Wait, following the gesture with a quick succession of smoke rings that burst upon the other shaman's head, scattering his darkness for the briefest of moments.

"Ha."

Though still friendly the atmosphere about the fire has changed somewhat.

Ancient rivalries are now evident....

Rivalries that not only effect clans, but tribes and whole nations too.

A moment of clarity....

Broken by the distant call of a hyena, sniggering somewhere on the outskirts of the Prairie Thunder camp.

Amara tried to talk to all of her fellows at the camp. Although the spirits were rivals, they worked together and that should be how things were in their camp too. "We are more than warriors. We shared a vision, all of us, one of the great feathered rivals. Each of us was chosen by one of them. Each has a place, and a time. All are needed. I am pleased to have you as my brothers." She tilted her head as she looked at Cloud walker. "But for you, I have this question. As all in the Sky Watchers know, I do not get lost. I know where I am always. My question is this, I am now an adult, and when I was a child, I did not feelt he need to be anywhere, so why do I feel the need to go to the west?"

Greeshar doesn't let himself be distracted by the others as he assesses Kobal. Seeing nothing escape the young man's eyes, he remains in readiness until the reaching hand takes the proffered skin. Kobal takes the drink with due ceremony, and Greeshar is taken aback by the compliment on his lance work.

This brave treats me as a clan-brother, he thinks quietly to himself. Then a small voice in his head asks simply, Why? He doesn't even notice his friend Micklebran enter, or Cloudwalker's joke.

He is jarred back to the present as the brave chooses the well-trod path, and mocks his name! Without thinking, he replies, “It is what your mother always called me,” and then he laughs uproariously as at an innocent joke. I will take him down at his first move, Greeshar thinks to himself, ready for a fight.

"The West you say?" The Shaman looks down at the young woman, taking in her red hair, rare amongst the nomads of the plains.

"Well....Let us see what is in the West..... Your traditional Clan lands for one. Then there are the myriad of Holy places of our people. Then there are our enemies: the Sable and their lords....The Red Moon Worshippers, who are said to come from far away, past the prey we raid in Dragons Pass. Reason enough perhaps and enough to motivate any warrior."

Here he nudges Amara indicating her brother and his rising ire.

"A true Storm is brewing...."

Then continuing, he lifts a long strand of her hair.

"I suspect that this is the true answer and one that your Priestess would explain far better than I."

At the sound of the hyena, several of the older braves get up and run off into the darkness, grabbing nearby weapons as they go.

In reply to GM (msg # 56):

Melock runs after the braves, pausing only to grab a sword and to check he has his sling and a few stones.

Amara watched her brother get angrier, she knew she could defuse it with a touch, but it might be better for him to get it out and men always became friends after hitting one another in her experience....so long as it wasn't taken too far. "Yes it is, wise one. The storm has been brewing inside him for a very long time."

Deciding she needed to intervene this time, she walked forward to place a hand on her brothers shoulder. "Greeshar, let this be the time for new friendships. There will be much time in the days to come for you to shed blood beside our new friends."

At hearing the hyena, Fireborn also leaps to his feet. Too many bison go missing to sit and swill kumiss while the hyena feast. Time for drink later.

He snatches up two of the javelins and runs after the older warriors. As he runs his mind goes over the ideas of drinking from skulls and collecting the scalps and skins of the clans enemies. A glorious blanket of Sable skin for his bison, sound good.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:14, Mon 26 Aug 2013.

Hacha smiles as he gets to his feet. He runs over to his javelins, and grabbing them up, leaves the light of the camp fires. He lopes quickly in the direction of the hyena call.

Greeshar starts slightly at Amara's touch, but his eyes do not leave Kobal, a potential opponent.

“Now sister, we were only jesting, as men do. And we are friends, Kobal, are we not?”

He cocks his head to one side. “But what is this, the braves are chasing the hyenas in the night? Shall we join them for some sport?” he asks. “I'll wager you my collection of smooth stones, Kobal, that I can  bring one down before you do. What do you say?”

As the youths begin to get up and grab weapons, Tokar hollers after them

"Make sure you get some sleep! We leave at dawn....."

The warrior then waves a hand in their direction, shrugging at the three Shamans

"Pah...They'll be red eyed, hung over and bad humoured....."

But with a laugh he adds

"Just like us back in the day eh?"

The Shamans grin to a man.

"Oi and you two cut it out! Take your aggression off somewhere else...." Greeshar and Kobal receive his famous snarl, though both see that he is smiling too.

"Enough posturing...Either hit each other or go chase some Hyenas. Remember they are part of Genert. No taking hunting tokens....Bury those you kill."

Koanu stands up and shouts "ok, the Thunder guys, let's stop palaver and let's show how we love the excitement of action !" And he runs to his tent to grab his javelins.

Kobal's eyes widen first in surprise, then narrow dangerously.  You would insult my mother?!  He sizes up Greeshar.  Solid, but I can take him.  He's about to teach this rhino rider a lesson, when Greeshar's flame-haired sister steps in.





Friends?  This guy insults my mother and I'm just supposed to pretend it's nothing?!



Not taking his eyes off Greeshar, he says "Aye, Eight Sable, I'm coming.  There'll be plenty of time to deal with this later."  He turns and goes to collect his sword and javelins.  "Let's go, Kaonu, brother, let's catch us a hyena or two."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Wed 28 Aug 2013.

"That one will bear watching, sister," says Greeshar quietly to Amara as he watches the youth out. "The sooner we establish that I am the stronger, the better." He sighs, then adds, "But Melock, that one has eyes for you. You be wary of him, and I shall watch Kobal.  Now I must get my weapons and be after the hyena. Do you hunt too? Then come, let us be off!"

Amra gave an exasperated sigh, speaking in a low voice with her brother. "I do not need you to watch over me, brother. I am an adult, affirmed as such in front of all of our clan. You should not worry though. He is merely a bison rider. He will never be rhino rider." she waved her brother off to go hunt. "Go hunt hyena, some of us have greater responsibilities than chasing after every snort in the wilderness. I'll stay and help around here."

This message was deleted by the player at 16:19, Wed 28 Aug 2013.

It's early evening and the party, having said goodbye to the Baboons who have vanished into the Wastes once more, are sitting outside their tents around the Bachelor's fire.

The sky is clear, no rain for now, and from all around comes the sound of herd beasts, drums and singing.

Fireborn sits entirely too close to the fire letting the heat scorch his skin as he ponders the events of the last couple of days. It seemed that no matter where he and his fellow Rivals were, there was adventure of some sort, adventure and scars.

Kaono watches Fireborn, marvelling that his friend doesn't burn. It used to unnerve him, but now, especially after the last few weeks, nothing really surprises him.

He takes a quick look upwards, noticing that the Blue Streak has returned to the night sky, where it has begun it's slow movement towards the East and Dead Bottom. The Wicked Writher on it's perpetual journey across the sky dome…

Slowly he begins to beat the large drum between his legs, an easy beat, a low bass note to accompany those starting up elsewhere about other fires.

They'd speed up soon enough.

"Well that was an odd time for us all" he states matter of factly to no one in particular.

"And tomorrow we must go and face our totem birds, and find out what they have in store for us…

I must admit that I do not like the unfinished business we have with the Impala braves and that Shaman. Especially the Shaman….And I suspect that was he who spirited Long Grass away today."

Boom…Badda….Boom goes the drum.

"

Melock will sit at the edge of the fire light, happy to be in the shadows. So Salen, do you have any news about Long Grass?

Camp fires have sprung up everywhere,  with Mahome spreading her love amongst her worshippers, though if anyone bothered to check they would have found that the bachelor's fire burnt the brightest of them all.

On the rare occasion that Fireborn moved away, the blaze would lower noticeably, only returning to it's former glory as he sat back down.

On the other hand where Melock sat, the shadows seemed to have pooled about the young man, chilling the air and making it hard to see beyond.

Yasha and Dust flies high, the elderly Ostrich rider slaves, greet their young wards, and ask how they had fared during the last few days, both saying that they had heard snippets of this and that, and that the braves were the talk of the camp, especially after the visit of the baboons.

Neither pay any attention to Saqui if and when he arrives, not sure of what his situation is yet.

There's also a handful of older bachelors sitting about the fire, talking about the days events and their part in the ritual, with Tokar Eight Sable, the brave's tutor, sitting in their midst nursing a fat skin of Kumiss….

Greeshar returns to the fire at the bachelor's tents, collecting Saqui on his way. He introduces the slave to Yasha and Dust Flies High. “This is Saqui, taken in battle today. I want him to work with you two here at the Bachelor's Tents, and for you to make sure he knows what is expected of him. He will also assist the Sky Watchers when we have no need of him here.”

While the firelight plays over his face, it is evident that the young brave is exhausted. He is the worse for wear, and hopes to sleep well tonight.

“Tomorrow we begin the trials,” he says to no one in particular. He looks down at the fetish, frowning at it. “I will need my rest,” and he seems to be addressing the bone.

Sitting, he helps himself to some kumiss, and remarks, “Our friends the Walkabout troupe have proved to be good friends. When they call upon us some day, I shall answer gladly.”

In reply to Greeshar Longhorn (msg # 73):

From the shadows, your right, they have. Whos blood are you going to feed it?

Greeshar's grin is all teeth as he replies to Melock, “Why, the blood of my enemies, of course.”

He manages to hold the pose for a few beats of the drum, then laughs loudly. “And the occasional animal destined for the spit, as I did tonight.” Abruptly he looks sober, and adds quietly, “But the thing is angry, this is sure. It makes the Devil's noise.” And his knuckles grow white as he clenches his hands into fists.

In reply to Greeshar Longhorn (msg # 75):

Melock laughs as well, we sure seem to have a lot of those at the moment He listens for a bit just make sure you keep it fed, i don't fancy trying to put it back if it escapes

"No, that would not be my first choice either," he adds with a real smile now.

"It was a great time for us," says Kobal, as he folds his legs to sit next to his childhood friend, slapping him on the shoulder.  "Do you not hear?  There is much talk in the clan about our deeds!  Now a war party is preparing, in part because of the news we brought back."



"I cannot wait!  The elders still see us as almost children.  But already we're showing what we can do!  I want to learn of the Thunderbird society.  Then hopefully, they'll let us join the next war party!"  He takes a mouthful of kumiss.



He smiles at Kaonu, "Something tells me that we will have our part to play with the Spring Bucks (at least I assume it's the Spring Bucks) and that shaman."  But the mention of Long Grass dampens his mood...  What has happened to that wise one?



Kobal turns and gets up as he sees Yasha and Dust Flies High.  "Ha!  You heard we came across the Big Pecker clan?  I didn't realise until then, but you're ostrich riders, aren't you?  Which clan were you from?  We ate and smoked with them.  They cooked us egg - not as good as the way you cook it, of course, ha ha!"



He makes his way to the older braves.  "Eight Sable, you should have seen us!" Kobal re-tells his story again, complete with all the actions.  At least the parts with him in them.  "It's thanks to your teachings that we made it back again!"

Hacha Lor.



That bloody fetish again.  The Great Khan has the Death Rune, but He showed us how to kill in need, and to protect.  Not this bloodthirst, this anger and frenzy.  Kobal makes a note to sleep far from Greeshar. And Melock, he seems to have changed since the initiation and his marking by Raven.  The shadows seem to envelop him where he sits.  And this talk of blood.  At least Kaonu is the same.  At least I will have a brother with me in the Thunderbird society.

His thoughts turn to Salen.  Marked by Condor?  Salen was never a weak one among us.  But Condor is bested by each of the Three Feathered Rivals.  What does this mean?

"Hey, Fireborn," he calls out across the tent, "how are you going with that hawk of yours?  A great gift it was!  What have you named it again?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Fri 15 Nov 2013.

Amara sat apart from the others not wishing to disturb the revelry of the boys. Wrapped up tight in her red shawl, she pondered what her initiation might entail the next day. She pondered over what her future might hold. She'd already proven her worth. Many times over, yet somehow she didn't feel as if she'd done enough, or what anyone wanted from her.

Yasha, as is her way, keeps silent looking at Dust Flies High to answer.

The old man looks sad at the mention of the Ostrich people, but manages a smile for the young brave

"That is nice master Kobal, I am glad that you enjoyed their cooking. Talking of food would you like us to bring you something to eat now? There is the Bison you brought back, we killed it this morning and have begun to cure it."

Kaonu's drumming speeds up ever so slightly as one of the older braves Kicks all day pulls out two polished rib bones, beginning to play them by holding them in one hand and knocking them together on his thighs.

It's a familiar tune and the remaining older men begin to sing…..A song about a raid against an enemy clan, in which their chieftain's daughter is stolen and the resulting love that happens between the hero and the girl…

There'll be dancing soon, and invariably a fight or two, head butting without a doubt….
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:20, Sat 16 Nov 2013.

Fireborn smiles at the question about his hawk..."I have named him SUn Chaser...soon he will have a spirit bound to him but for now I am still trying tot rain him. He was trained before but is not yet used to being with me."

Melock will sit and watch the singing and dancing and try and avoid getting involved in the fights

Greeshar eats and drinks, but not to excess. He appears unfocused and preoccupied, and after a while, he gets up without a word and heads off to his tent, presumably to get some rest.

The old Ostrich rider replies " We were from the Amber yolk clan, captured by your grandfather young Kobal, before you were born. Neither I nor my wife have seen our people since then."

Tokar Eight Sable and the other men listen attentively to Kobal's rendition of their adventure and a space is cleared for him to join them as the song starts up.

The fire blazes high and the shadows deepen…. Two conflicting elements battling for supremacy…

As for the air, it is quiet tonight, with little or no wind, perhaps exhausted after the day's fierce storm battle between Orlanth and Gagarth.

From the bushes behind there are rustles and an occasional giggle.

And the drums beat stronger about the camp, filling the surrounding area with magic.

"An apt name for one who will follow Sun Hawk" replies Kaonu. "I wonder what will happen to us when we are initiated in the our Rival's society. Will we still be close like we are now?"

"Ah, yes, that would be good.  After three days scouting, I miss your cooking!"  Kobal tries to sound upbeat, but he senses that by bringing up the Big Pecker clan he's opened old wounds for the couple.

He settles down to watch the others capering about, joining the singing from time to time.  He too many thoughts with him tonight to let himself go completely.  As he downs another mouthful of kumiss, he thinks of Hash Fa'Kash and Knuckles, praying that their spirits will find the Happy Herding Grounds.



At Kaonu's words, he looks up from his thoughts.  "However we might change, we'll still always be brothers," he smiles.

It was much later before Salen re-joined the others, his time having been spent with his father, and others. Now there was much to impart. He smiled as he sat down cross-legged beside his friends.

"Good evening," he said with a smile. He nodded as they asked him questions, and pleaded for a moment to gather his thoughts. Then he spoke.

"I went with my father to meet Chieftain Nausyas the Iron Bull. He was in with the Rhino Chieftain Barrak Earth Shaker and the three other shamans - Cloud Walker, Feather Wait and Smokey Jojo. Long Grass lay on the ground before them, unmoving, his eyes rolled back on his head. He..."

He stopped, his gaze fixed on the flames of the campfire before him. It was a long moment before he spoke again, and his eyes did not move from the flame.

"A ghostly condor sat on his chest. I could see it, and the shamans seemed pleased that I could, though no others could. They asked me of our trip, but that doesn't seem to matter now. Long Grass is trapped on the Spirit Plane, protected by his fetch. The other shamans will try to retrieve him this night. If they fail...

If they fail, we will lose a shaman, and no-one will be able to initiate me into the Condor Spirit."

He looked up, at all his friends in turn, and then returned to staring into the fire.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:24, Tue 19 Nov 2013.

The Bachelor fire burns brightly, it's light illuminating the faces of the two score braves sat about it, eating and drinking their fill. The Ostrich rider slave Dust Flies High and his diminutive wife Yasha glide between them, ensuring they have what they need, admonishing anyone who is out of order and slapping those who need slapping.

The attention of the rowdy group, which includes unwed men of all ages, is on two braves in particular: Kobal and Greeshar Longhorn. They had arrived back in camp two days previously at the head of a small collection of Rhino and Bison, in the company of Whispers from the Sky, Long Grass and two scared looking Sable women. All their mounts and those spare were laden down with Trade Goods.

All noticed how Kobal and Greeshar rode....As men sure of their worth... As men with a story to tell.

"Wandering Rangers" went the whispers, some jealous, others with the intent of petitioning the braves to join as soon as possible.

They were greeted by the Bison Elders, some with angry faces demanding to know where they had been and why they had taken so long. Hostility was smoothed by kind words from Angelika Snowspear and her husband the Rhino Khan Barrak Earth Shaker. A Clan moot was held and here the tale was told.

The Red Thorn Shaman had not been killed as thought! And for some reason this fact had been known by the Rangers, who under the pretence of going on a pilgrimage to the Rhino Rocklands had in fact gone North to finish the job.

But first they had fought Broo, killed a chaos cactus, encountered nature spirits of every type imaginable and also reached the Rocklands, where, and here the story is greeted by cheers from the few Sky Watchers present, they completed a successful ceremony ensuring the health of the Rhinos for a year.

This the Sky Watchers left behind had known, for miraculously each of their Rhinos had improved in health and in two cases fallen pregnant. Thus it had been assumed that the Rangers had made it to the their destination...

Kobal, with his magical staff held aloft told their tale, the whole clan hanging on his every word.

The death of Kaonu at the hands of Morokanth is met with great anger, especially from his murderous brothers Barosh Long Knife and Fear Not, but even they quieten down at their Khan's command and a promise of revenge. They make it clear though that they expect their brother's share of wealth.

The finding of the long lost Earth Complex and freeing of Emesh-Ga stuns everyone to silence, with disbelief showing on most faces until Long Grass, Shaman of the Clan, vows that it is true and that the Earth Knight is now guardian of the band. The silence then changes to shouts of approval at the death of the enemy Shaman and his band of fiendish Ghouls.

Greedy eyes turn to the nearby mounts covered in wealth and at the two Sable women who kneel, bound before them.

But before anyone touches the loot Nausyas the Iron Bull determines that after a contribution to his family the wealth of the Rangers is theirs in reward for what they have done for the Clan, well knowing that it would soon be spent amongst the people in exchange for training, magic and gear....

The returnees are cross examined by the Elders and thanked especially for their rescue of the Shaman Long Grass. The fact that his soul had been stolen by the Gagarthi had been kept secret from the Clan so as not to alarm anyone. Once more eyes filled with wonder fall upon the Braves and two Shaman.

Finally they are asked where the rest of the party are and on finding that they were making a short detour the matter is laid to rest as it is then announced that a festival would be held. Bison to be killed, fires lit and the best kumiss to be opened.

And here we now are on the tail end of the party, the bachelors sat about firing off questions, jibes and the occasional insult at Greeshar and Kobal who sit surrounded by their closest friends and allies, amongst who are Tarnessh Listens-To-Silence, Gagnar Three Lives and Henal Longgrass.

Also present are the Four Shamans: Long Grass (Condor), Cloud Walker (Thunderbird), Smokey Jojo (Sun Hawk) and Feather Wait (Raven).

It is nighttime and from all around comes the sounds of partying, music and the never ending calls of the Bison.

Tarrnesh took a swig from his water-skin and grinned at his friends. "Did you see me out there? Those bastards didn't stand a chance! Not when I have the spirits of the Sun Hawk behind me! " He boasted.

Tarnessh's brother slaps him on his shoulder "I do not doubt that for a moment brother, by all accounts all those at the battle of the Giant Finger Holes accounted well for themselves."

The Thunderbird brave looks about him, stands and raises his horn of Kumiss

"The Wandering Rangers salute your valour!" and he downs the fermented milk in one go.

"When we arrived there, there was not a sign of anything left living, the mist only filled with hungry ghosts. We would not have prevailed against the Shaman had you all not killed his allies."

There's a growl from next to Kobal as Greeshar adds "Well they weren't all dead as we found out. Some had taken to eating their dead comrades down in the pits.

Ghouls."

With a nod of his serious, long face, the Condor Shaman agrees

"Aye, once men, twisted by the Red Thorn shaman, himself turned from his path first by Gagarth and then....." he trails off, glancing at the other shamans present, each nodding their head in the negative.

"I was at the time held prisoner, my body inhabited by my Fetch and accompanying the Rangers on their quest. He was bitten...I was bitten....And the Ghouls' poison paralysed my body."

"But what I don't understand is how the Shaman...The Red Thorn one that is....Was still alive? I and half the braves here saw Micklebran the Howler cut his throat and throw his blasted body down into one of the pits. He was dead. Sure as Jaldon was a Bison Rider."

Interrupting Long Grass, Tokar Eight Sable looks confused to say the least..

Cloud Walker, Bare chested, his skin devoid of the usual Sea Season Cloud tattoos, sits forward to answer the accomplished warrior and guardian of the younger Braves

"Well" he chuckles "There are secrets that some of us Spirit Talkers have that would amaze you Tokar. Rumours you have all heard no doubt. Shaman that return from the dead, others who can cure diseases with their hands. It would seem that our wily foe was one of the former.

For some it takes hours, others days or weeks. Depends on their powers, strengths and the way they died.

But in this case no matter for he was unlucky enough to meet the Rangers, who have foiled him at every turn."

The shaman looks proud, possibly doubly so as both Kobal and Greeshar are followers of Thunderbird.

Right next to the large fire sits the Sun Hawk Shaman, almost hidden by the permanent pall of smoke that surrounds him where ever he goes.

At Tarnessh's words a hand snakes out, holding a long thin pipe, it's cup filled with smouldering Tobacco.

"Smoke deeply Tarnessh and listen well, then pass to your brother when you have had your fill....."

Just before the return of the Rangers Tarnessh had been deep within the desert on a trip with his Shaman Smokey Jojo, where they'd tended a holy patch of the Tobacco, summoning it's spirit Tobakeh

A quiet and friendly spirit, well liked because of his ability to bring together people in easy communication.

There's a bit of grumbling from one part of the Bachelors and up stands young Uroxin, whom everyone knows is a brash bully.

"Pah, we've just these two's word for it" he says loudly, whilst avoiding Long Grass's gaze. "They're just trying to take our thunder away by saying that they killed the Red Thorn. We fought and killed the Impalas and him too, no doubt about it."

He then moves to stand before Kobal, both braves eye to eye and toe to toe.

"You're a liar, you and your Rhino buddy."

Tarnessh's boastful teenage smirk was wiped off his face when Smokey Jojo addressed him, and it became a look of respect mixed with awe and a bit of fear. The shamanic hopeful did as he was instructed and pulled deeply from the tobacco pipe, too focused to rise to Uroxin's insult.

The smoke is calming, which is a good thing due to the sudden rise in testosterone within a half dozen paces. There's supportive jeering coming from both sides of the fire.

Some for the Wandering Rangers and some against, whilst the majority sit smiling, waiting to see what happens next.

Even the Shamans are quiet on the matter, eyes staring above their pipes or through deep shadows in Feather Wait's case.

The Raven Shaman though close to the fire, is wreathed in a cloak of darkness, which as he moves rustles like feathers from a giant bird.

Greeshar is up in a flash, massive forehead arcing towards Uroxin for a traditional headbutt.... As usual the bully pulling exactly the right tail.

There's been enough Kumiss and some Oasis date wine drunk to make what comes next inevitable.

Even the Shamans aren't surprised and to be honest it's almost as if they want it to happen.

It's not a good start...

Greeshar's headbutt goes wide, causing Uroxin's follow up punch to miss Kobal and hit the bully in his own face sending him, to the sounds of laughter, downwards and into Gagnar Three Live's lap. Kobal slightly slower had also attempted to hit Uroxin but misses by a mile to tumble into Greeshar.

Pure comedy.

Both Wandering Rangers collapse to roars of derision from the other Bachelors, some who start throwing empty Kumiss skins at the braves and their supporters.

One hits Henal Longgrass in the face, thrown by one of Uroxin's grinning cronies.

"Ha yer big ninnies" he roars.

Henal shakes his fist looking willing to fight despite his scrawny size compared to many of the other braves.

"Are you calling a follower of Sun Hawk a liar?" Tarrnesh said quietly.

 Uroxin, picking himself up fixes Tarnesh with a stare filled with anger, but tinged with confusion.


He does what Uroxin does best and plants a balled fist deep within the Sun Hawk's gut.

"Shut up Smart arse."

It's what half the braves have been waiting for and a handful of braves rush from the other side of the fire to aid Uroxin and show the Rangers up....
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Sun 03 Aug 2014.

Tarrnesh winced at the pain of the punch and for a red split-second considered calling on his familiar to use one of the elementary spells he had already learned on this bastard, but then discarded the thought just as quickly. Uroxin was a bully, but he was still one of the people, and this was just a brawl, not a battle to the death. Instead, he bared his teeth and swung his forehead at Uroxin's chin, then tried to follow it up with an upper-cut.

Greeshar and Kobal pick themselves up just in time to meet the first rush of braves, Kobal neatly head butting Uroxin causing the bully to spin around and take a neat uppercut on the chin from Kobal's half brother Tarnessh.

Eyes rolling back in his head Uroxin slumps to the ground.

Kobal turns to smile at Tarnessh only to go down in a tumble of limbs.


Henal, mid fist shake, finds himself facing Big Vern, one of Uroxin's meathead sidekicks. He charges straight at the small brave, hands outstretched intending to pick him up and throw him by the looks of it.

Watching all this is Gagnar Three Lives, sitting sprawled from when Uroxin had landed on him.

In reply to GM (msg # 107):

Henal Longgrass looks to dodge Big Vern then punch him as he goes past.

Henal, unable to either dodge or hit the massive slab of meat that is Big Vern finds himself enveloped by two massive hands that fling him over Greeshar to land heavily in the nearest Skull Bush.

It could have been worse and the added height gives the brave a birds eye view of the developing scrap. It's pretty short and sweet and ends with a win for the Rangers and their supporters, as the elder braves present pull the bruised and battered youngsters apart.

"Alright, alright, enough now" hollers Tokar Eight Sable, a wide grin on his face "Looks like you and your mates need to shut up now doesn't it Uroxin. You lot have just pulled extra chores tomorrow" and he winks at the winners, slapping Kobal and Greeshar on the backs and offering a hand to both Gagnar and Tarnessh.

By the time Henal clambers down the Bachelor camp is back to normal, with even the assailants having forgotten the original cause of their anger and once again sitting amongst their rivals. All except Uroxin, who slinks off to nurse his pride and heal his wounds.

Big Vern tussles Henal's hair with a "No hard feelings little fella" and passes him a half full kumiss skin.

It looks like the rest of the evening will be more settled.

Time to talk, make new allegiances and find out what's been going on.

"Thanks for the support, it's good to know where we stand. I can't tell you enough how much I was worried about coming back. I expected this sort of reception from some of the lads. Not everyone likes a success story."

Kobal grins at Henal, Gagnar and his half brother Tarnessh, before turning to the handful of other supporters sat about and thanking them. He ignores Big Vern, who returns the compliment good-naturedly by farting and then moving across to the other side of the fire.

Acknowledging the nearby Shamans with a respectful bow he finally calls over the two Ostrich rider slaves to ask for food for them all.

When they've gone he sighs, relaxing for the first time in days....Or weeks even.

"So how are you three faring? Have you been busy? I see each of you made your initiations into a Feathered Rival society. And I'm glad two of you are Thunder Birds for we were starting to be in the minority for a while. Though Tarnessh do not worry for we always need Truth seers and workers of fire amongst us. I am proud of you, truly."

As he spoke Kobal rubbed the many new scars that covered his arms and legs, healed by magical charms, but not ones powerful enough to remove all trace of the damage. No matter for they were worn with pride, for he was a warrior and from a family steeped in honour.

"Thank you, Kobal" Tarrnesh said. "I know that a lot of braves don't see much glory in the path of the truth-seer, but it is a very vital duty. Speaking of glory, though, I hear that you and your band have been covering yourselves with it, going on all manner of adventures, right? Tell me about them!" He asked eagerly.

Kobal looks to Greeshar and laughs

"Where to begin brother? We have seen so much recently. Our group has a guardian spirit that resides in an ancient copper helmet. His own from when he walked the land far back in time. When all this" and here Kobal sweeps his hand to encompass the darkness and all the desert held within "was green, a land filled with trees that stretched to the sky, under which strode giants, great spirits and gods.

We, the Wandering Rangers wish to see that so again. To wake others of his kind. Earth Knights, the warriors of Tada, so that they may aid us in this task. To rebuild Genert himself.

Unite the Tribes and throw out the invaders, so that we may retake our ancestral  grasslands and be free."

He pauses

"Aye I can see it in all your eyes. How will we do this? I don't know, but we were all brought together for a reason. A reason that the Feathered Rivals know. We are here to make a bad thing good. To forget our common rivalries and become strong again.

I have seen an ancient place, with Greeshar and Long Grass our shaman over there. A place built by the giants long ago. A temple to the Earth.

 And we have walked the walk, trod in Tada's footsteps himself and seen what we have done and what we can do. Everything is possible....

Ronance we must find and help regain his fertility , so that he can teach us how to use his chariots and find his secret paths. His people know the secrets.

Then gather Tada's grisly portions, the medicine bundles and the Seven great Magics of our lands. These we need. Not just us but all the people of our Land.

Even if we accomplish a fraction of this we will have set something mighty in motion. An unstoppable White Bull like the stories say....

It will not be easy, death will wait around every ravine, stone mesa and under every rock, for have we not lost Hacha Lor and Kaonu in one season? But we will find allies, here" and Kobal fixes his eyes upon his companions "and further out there amongst the other Nations."

The background chatter has grown less as Kobal speaks, his hand resting on his wooden staff, which glows ever so slightly as it  draws upon his inner self to add strength to his words.

Charismatic at the best of times Kobal is showing his ancient lineage now, Khan after Khan after Khan....

All eyes are on him.

Four shamans smile and nod.

"So, who will join us? Become a Wandering Ranger, take the Oath and free our lands from tyranny?"

Henal looks around then speaks I would, follow the trails till there is nothing left to find.

"That's what I like to hear" growls Greeshar, his attention still on several braves he'd just fought. He'd managed to control his anger but only just.

Tarrnesh stepped forward. "I would take part in this, once I have completed my Apprenticeship in the way of the Sun Hawk, for Truth and light are needed everywhere." He declared.

"I knew I could count on you brother. As for our apprenticeships, I think we should speak to our shamans for now is the time to apply. Fire Season is nearly upon us and I and my companions have decided to spend it learning new magical charms, training in our skills and hopefully being taken on as shaman apprentices.

The rest of our band were not far behind us, making a short detour on the way home. Once they are back we can introduce you to Emesh-Ga and you and Henal can take the oath to join the Wandering Rangers.

Is anyone interested in joining us?"

The Rhino rider extends his arm to both Henal and Tarnesh in the warriors greeting "It is good to have you both with us, despite your size Henal..."

He laughs good naturally to show that he is not intending to insult, just joking between friends.

Several other braves join them, including Gagnar Three Lives. All young, and apart from Gagnar not yet initiated in one of the Feathered Rivals.

As the friends speak amongst themselves the other braves slip off to sleep, leaving just them and the shamans.

Who move closer...

A gust of cold, smokey wind, sounding like the rustling of a thousand feathers blows across the young men.

"We have been listening to what you say" comments Feather Wait, Raven shaman, his beak like nose poking through the cloak of darkness that permanently envelops him.

"Aye, it pleases us to see so many, and so different, braves working together for a common good" coughs Smokey Jojo, Sun Hawk.

Cloud Walker shakes his head, suppressing a cutting remark perhaps "For some reason the Feathered Rivals wish that for once we all get on, though it must have been Thunder Bird's idea."

He chuckles at this, especially when he sees that he has annoyed Jojo.

"It has been decided that once the rest of the Rangers return that we shall offer apprenticeships to those that want to learn the secret ways.

Are there ones amongst you who wish to walk the walk?" asks Long Grass, The Condor shaman's long face showing no emotion as he speaks.

"I do." Said Tarrnesh.

Smokey Jojo taps Tarnessh on the knee with his incredibly hot pipe.

"That is good to hear, Fireborn will be joining you as perhaps will Haratt. Time will tell."

He blows several large smoke rings at the Raven shaman Feather Wait who bats them away unsurprisingly annoyed, before continuing

"Never before have multiple apprentices been taken. We break convention with you and those others that decide to walk the path."

"Will the spirits allow that?" Tarrnesh asked, unsure about this alteration of tradition.

Here all four Shamans look at each other before Long Grass, the Condor Shaman answers "It seems that it is the wish of each of our Spirits so yes. There is no law against it, no taboo as such. There has just been no need before. And it looks as if there is a need now."

The Condor Shaman pulls out his own pipe, packing the bowl with a darker, more pungent herb

"Are you worried about going against convention Tarnessh Listens-to-Silence?"

"I will not accept your offer shamans, thank you. I am a man of the knife. Storm Bull and fighting chaos is my path, not one talking with spirits."

The Warrior's dislike of the spirit world is well known.

"For once I agree with you Greeshar, the path of shamanhood is not mine either, for I wish to lead our people, but there are others" and here he looks to his companions sat about him "who will walk that path I'm sure. Melock spoke about how he wished to be a shaman, Fireborn too. Kaonu....." His voice trails off.

Kaonu Windspeaker, like Hacha Lor before him, was dead. Killed by the Morokanth of the Black Mud Clan.

The other braves, yet to be initiated into a Feathered Rival society shake their heads in the negative, though they are undeniably eager to join the band as soon as possible. The promise of fame, loot and the prestige that brings is a great draw, more so than the promises of re greening the land.

"Once the others have returned and you have completed your training, there is something that you can do for me. I spoke of it before when a we left the Giant Finger Holes, but shall mention it again for the newer members.

The Zola Fel was scouted recently by myself and Salen as you well know, but we need it to be done again in greater detail. There are rumours of foreigners settling along it's banks and a settlement being built at it's bank.

You also have your own reasons to visit, visions of towers along it's bank and the need to find Zola Fel's daughter Kinope to aid you in cleansing the waters of the Finger Holes.

I and the Khans would ask you to do this for us. I know that you must return to the Earth Witch in Earth Season, but if you move fast this could be accomplished."

Kobal explains to those present how at the bottom of each of the five pits comprising the Giant Finger Holes is a pool of water. Rainwater or perhaps even a spring, but filled with waste, algae and worse and it was imperative that they cleansed it as soon as possible.

This was part of the reason that the rest of the Rangers had made a detour, for they had found a water spirit of sorts elsewhere and were trying to see if they could convince her to relocate once the water was clean.

"Worry isn't quite the word I would use." Tarrnesh responded. "More that our fathers and forefathers have used these ways for a long time and it seems to have worked for them. But if you feel that it is wise to do things a little differently, then I am sure that it is the correct thing to do."

"Spoken like a true Sun Hawk" replies Smokey Jojo "Change is not always good, but in this case we feel that the time is right for us to expand our Clan's spiritual power.

We are already unusual in having so many shamans in one Clan, but it has been our strength in times of strife."

Laughing the Thunderbird shaman agrees "Yes spoken like a conservative Sun Hawk. But Jojo is right about the need for strength. But it should also be pointed out that in times of peace we have done nothing but squabble and fight amongst ourselves. Rivals in everything."

And here he stares hard at the Raven Shaman, Feather Wait

"And I am not sure that we have stopped even now....."

Then turning to Henal he asks "And you, will you become a shaman, like your Uncle here, to study under me. The greets of the Rivals. Warriors, healers and leaders."

A lone cloud blows across his hairless chest.

Henal unusually looks pensive for a while before he replies to Cloud Walker.

"If the spirits seem to will it that more than one apprentice is taken then this may be my path".

"I see that the Rangers need to see more strength if they are to clear the finger holes and I would ride with them now in aid".

"The rest of the Rangers should be back here any day, so no need to go anywhere for the moment. We shall all be returning to the Finger Holes after Fire Season, as we promised the Earth Witch we met, to serve her for several weeks in payment for her magical aid."

Now seems a good time to head for bed. Henal and Tarnessh both had an early appointment to see their Elders.

Word amongst the braves was that rewards were being doled out....

link to a message in this game

Evening. Freezeday, Disorder week,  Fire season.

After the meeting tent and dinner with your families you find yourselves sat around the familiar fire pits in the bachelor area.

Apart from the Rangers and friends, there are a score other bachelors, the two scared looking Red Thorns and Long Cast's men.

Spying the bison brave who made known his intention to follow Thunderbird’s path Ohanzee moves over ”Greetings Henal isn’t it, soon to be apprenticed to Cloud Walker and to take your oath to the Wandering Rangers?”

He offers his greeting and awaits a response before continuing ”To a Prairie Thunder brave bison are of greater value and status than rhino, just as to Sky Watchers the reverse is true. Since I have two bison and you have a rhino I propose we trade with each other to the betterment of both. What say you?”

As he approaches the camp fire, with a smile on his lips from Wild Pastures welcome, he sees how scared Sand Fox and Nixa look so he goes and sits with them, "Hi guys, how have you been treated?" He looks over to Long Cast and his men, "how are you guys settling in?"

Then he looks at Tarnessh "And you, Tarnessh to be be apprenticed to become a Sun Hawk shaman to keep us Ravens on the straight and narrow isn't it?" he smiles "We we have two bison braves with a rhino each. I wouldn't want to deprive either of you so maybe a bison each for your rhinos?"

"I'll take you up on that offer, Ohanzee. You can have my rhino for one of your bison."

Salen looks at the Raven with a smile and then turns his gaze back to the fire.

Kobal looks at the Red Thorn braves.  When he happens to catch their glance, he gives them a hard stare.  Let them shit themselves a while, haha.  They may be Red Thorns, but if the others vouch for them, he will give them the benefit of the doubt.  For now.  Doesn't mean they have to be best friends.

"Tarnessh," he leans over to address his brother, "what is with this hairless head and chin?"  Even though his own beard (if it can be called that, more like a stubble) is just starting to grow.  "How will you find a wife later if you look so ugly, haha?  No beads in your hair or beard..."

He watches as Ohanzee bargains with Salen.  Good idea.  "Oi, Longhorn, how about we trade?  Two bison for one of your beloved rhinos?"  Maybe if I wait til he's drunk I can get three bison out of him.  Does he even have three bison?

In reply to Salen Dustchaser (msg # 140):

Ohanzee looks over at Salen and nods "You have a deal Salen" he says with a smile and a nod of his head then turning back to the other two "They are going quick, either of you interested in the remaining bison?"

Ohanzee stays clear of the conversation starting perhaps between Greeshar and Kobal but glances at his fellow clansman. He didn’t like him before their clan was torn asunder at Moonbroth and now that they are reunited his opinion was not changed, yet at least. No doubt he is all the more a warrior since we last met and now that we are committed to the same cause maybe his attitude has softened to fellow Rangers at least. But there is something going on between him and Whispers I think and that is not good.

Amara was pleased to be back at home, even if it was only temporary. She'd not spent enough time with the elders of the Skywatchers, but it was good that they now had elders, and that she and Greeshar had found old friends and rivals. She hoped they would find more of the clan as they wandered the wastelands.

Amara kept to herself as she sat at the fire enjoying the warmth of the blaze. While there would be many celebrations tonight she'd watch over them all. She could see Melock was trying to help Sand Fox and Nixa adjust to the new environment. Whether it was legitimate or a trick to gain some advantage for himself, Amara was unsure. She hoped the former, otherwise she'd find a way to make him pay. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Melock before turning back to the fire.

"Amara? Haratt sits next to the red headed brave "I sense that you have something to ask me?

Greeshar fixes Kobal with a long look " let us wager for them. I will have a butting contest. You lose you give me your Rhino, I lose and I give you my Bison.

The one who does the best hit and the most damage wins. No dodging and no armour."

Both braves looks up happily at Melock's approach, with Sand Fox answering " We are okay, it is intimidating to be amongst your people, I did not realise that the animosity would be so strong"

He can't help giving a furtive glance towards Uroxin and his cronies who are not hiding their feelings, making loud comments about the two men, their people and lack of courage in all things.

Amara nodded, standing up from the fire she turned to face Haratt. "Come with me." she started walking towards where the animals were. "Sky Bone Blue, the Khan of the Big pecker clan, is staying inside Thunderfoot at the moment. I would ask you for the ostrich which we are taking everywhere with us so that he might reside within one of his own clan animals. Thunderfoot is much bigger than anything he is used to. I fear that might make him think he is stronger than he actually is and put my poor Thunderfoot at needless risk. Can we come to some arrangement by which I could have the ostrich?" she asked as she walked.

"You can have the ostrich for sure Amara, that is not a problem. I will go get it now. It is a good plan. If you feel the need to make an exchange then I will leave that up to you."

In reply to Sand Fox (msg # 147):

"I think the fact that the banished one was once a Red Thorn hasn't helped" He turns to look at Uroxin, "Uroxin, have you forgotten what happen last time you started on one of us? To refresh your memory, Amara" he nods in her direction, " saved your life, after your face was caved in by Salen." he glances back to Sand Fox and Nixa, whilist keeping half an eye on Uroxin, "though personal I think between Salen's headbutt and Amara's healing his looks have improved" he returns his gaze to Uroxin and smiles sweetly

Salen smiles as Melock tries to sooth Sand Fox's (understandable) nerves, and he turns to look at Uroxin with a contemptuous sneer. Slowly he lifts a hand and taps his forehead gently a few times, a reminder of that headbutt, his sneer turning into a mocking grin.

"Haha, fine.  A contest it is.  I will best you this time!"  He jumps to his feet.  "Let's do this now.  But you must wager your two bison, not just one."

I don’t know this Kobal and I don’t know how Greeshar has got on, but this is a matter of clan pride and perhaps a chance to patch things a little with Greeshar

”Tarnessh, have you the confidence in your kin to put your rhino up against my remaining bison? How about you Henal, I’ll bet on the rhino over a bison in this contest, will either of you?”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Tue 09 Sept 2014.

Tarrnesh nodded at Ohanzee, not quite sure what this was all about, but not wanting to appear unsupportive of his own kin.

"I will make it up to you some day. Haratt. For the time being if you need help in any matter, I will help where I can." Amara promised. She waited until Haratt returned with the ostrich, leading the ostrich to the front of her Thunderfoot. "Khan Bone sky blue. We have one survivor from your clan. I would have you live through it until it is time for you to leave. Thunderfoot is not appropriate for you. You can show us the strength and value of your clan by using the ostrich."

Kobal warms up his neck in preparation for the headbutt contest.  The two braves square up against each other.

With a roar, Greeshar is on him, hands around his neck, head smashing into him with the force of a charging rhino.  Kobal crumples to the ground, momentarily blacking out.  Somehow he comes to, shakes his head in an effort to clear his mind, gets up groggily, and rushes at Greeshar.

Hands on the brave's shoulders, he brings his forehead down on Greeshar's head.  Whether because of his own weakened state or bad technique, his forehead strikes a blow which fails to land square on Greeshar's head but glances off to the side.

The rhino brave straggers back from the impact, but annoyingly he remains on his feet and howls in triumph, beating his chest.

Kobal falls back onto his butt, and lays down.  It's all he can do to remain conscious.  Waha's Teeth!  Not again!

"HA!" Ohanzee shouts for joy at the victory "There you go Tarnessh, never bet against a rhino brave in a butting contest. Well done Greeshar you bring pride to our clan, pride and wealth!"

Then turning to Henal he says "Too slow off the mark to back your clansman, but you saved yourself a rhino at least." and turning back to Tarnessh "I'm sure you'll have another chance to back Kobal and next time perhaps luck will be on your side."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Tue 09 Sept 2014.

Tarrnesh nodded and shrugged, somewhat bemused by the whole thing. Rhinos were dumb beasts anyway, not nearly as good as a Bison.

Kobal raises his head slightly "Rhino braves... thick heads..."  He slumps back into oblivion.

With a satisfied smile on his face Ohanzee moves over to sit with his fellow Raven and Sand Fox and Nixa. ”Well that was fun.” His expression then turns a little more serious as he looks at the two Red Thorn braves ”It may not have been made clear to you, but the formation of the Wandering Rangers, of the greening of the land and of the ousting of the invaders, it was all foreseen by the Feathered Rivals and shown to each of us who are already Rangers in visions sent by them.”

He looks at the two Black Shield braves and then continues ”So you four are different, not just because you are outside of our clans, but more so because you have not been visited by one of the Rivals before.”

“The Rivals are most rarely acting as one in this and they as we all represent them in the ranks of the Wandering Rangers they bring many strengths and abilities to the Rangers through us.”

“If you truly want to commit to the Rangers then I believe that you should also commit to one of the Rivals to continue to grow our band in the strongest way.”

He shrugs ”Of course the decision is yours, but the Rivals sponsored if you like our band and I believe that it is the right way.”

“Should you agree then I think that you two should consider petitioning Raven. Your display of the theft of Tada’s tooth was excellent, good enough to bring the hyenas and certainly good enough to impress Raven”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 160):

he returns the smile, "Nicely done, an extra rhino and you still have two bison. Even though Kobal is a fellow bison rider, I'd never bet against Greeshar in a butting contest, well unless it was against one of Khan Harry's lot."

Grinning back at Melock h replies ”Only one bison, I traded one with Salen for his rhino. He can have the pick of the two beasts when he is ready to paint it with his mark.”

“So I have three rhino, though I think I shall gift one to my family. Even so, two rhino makes me quite the catch for a wife” his grin broadens ”Or two even.”

And then the serious look reappears on his face ”Though there are few of my clan left. I think I might have to travel to find a rhino woman suitable.”

Trying not to sound like what he says next is linked he asks Melock ”It has been a long time since I last saw Whispers from the Sky. We had fun back in the old days. How is she getting on?”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 162):

"Even better, you have been busy. I'm surprised he didn't want two bison in trade, I guess he didn't catch wind of my arrangement with Amara. I gave my parents two bison and the other two are the start of Wild Pastures bride price." he quickly glances towards Uroxin to check what his group are up to. "I didn't realise you knew each other, but I guess a lots changed since then. She is a very capable lady, she saved my life on the trip out when I caught something nasty off of a broo, unfortunately, for her, a few nights later Amara, Greeshar and I had to return the favour when we encountered a giant walking cactus."

Ohanzee glances at Greeshar briefly and then back to Melock ”Greeshar, yes. Is there anything more than that going on between the two of them? His mood changed all too suddenly during the welcome when I recognised Whispers and he looked at us funny like.”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 164):

he laughs, "what, funnier than usual?" It suddenly clicks what Ohanzee is trying to find out, "Well, they did seem to get fairly close on the trip, but I didn't want to ask them about it and now they have had all this time together while we've been away, who knows, maybe we will be raiding for two lots of bride prices"

Shaking his head at the whole situation, Hoskar is dismayed to see Kobal go down so hard; even against a man he's known off and on since childhood; yet simultaneously impressed at the power of the rhino brave's headbutt. At least I get to do something right for Kobal...and not before time.
Stooping, he puts a hand on Kobal's head and focusses his attention on the armlet with its healing charm. To his surprise, it vibrates slightly on his wrist as his spirit channels through it; but to his great relief, Kobal's features knit back together.
Concerned, he stares in Kobal's eyes, waiting for signs of returning consciousness before doing anything else; muttering to himself Hmpf. Half of me's not too thick-headed to help, at least.

Henal laughs then replies "Yes, but that at least means I'll be able to wager it on something else Ohanzee". Then he waits seeing Hoskar healing Kobal before he goes to see if the stunned brave is ready to move away.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:21, Wed 10 Sept 2014.

Ohanzee looks up at Henal and nods his agreement ”Very true. If you want to trade it I have one bison left?”

While they were talking, Tarrnesh noticed something interesting in the loot. It was a bent stick with a string tied to either end as well as some sticks with sharpened metal tied to them. "What is this thing?" He asked, holding it up.

In reply to Tarnessh Listens-To-Silence (msg # 169):

 Without looking up for more than a glance at the stick, waiting for signs of returning consciousness in Kobal, he casts out a reply to Tarnessh.

It's some sort of sling on a stick, I think. Never used it, but I imagine it's got a bit more whizz than the standard ones. We picked it up back at Rhino Gouge. Best guess, it used to belong to a dead sage: he certainly had a scroll explaining an interesting grip for something like this among his possessions. The scroll's only useful if you read Tally, though.

He turns briefly to catch the eyes of Henal and Ohanzee. If I've counted right, I think I've somehow snagged a couple of Bison I've no real idea how to care for too.

More concerned about his comrade's wellbeing than trade right now, he turns back to check on Kobal's recovery.

Kobal opens his eyes, sees Hoskar leaning over him.  He puts a hand to his head.  Everything seems in place.  He sits up, with groan, awake at least, but still somewhat groggy.  I lost!  Again!  Well, I can at least hope Greeshar's headache is as bad as mine.

He turns to the Condor brave, and extends a hand to him.  "My thanks, Hoskar.  You're all right."

”He means the bows Hoskar” Ohanzee says with a grin ”Remember I ermmm... let us say adjusted that sling on a stick.” and he taps the bit of wood that hangs from his belt, about the length of his forearm and with a matrix visible on its surface.

Looking back to Tarnessh he explains ”The sticks with strings are called bows and they are use to throw the other sticks, the tiny spears with feathers that are called arrows. They shoot as far as a sling, much further than you can throw a javelin and you can shoot the arrows more quickly than either of those and you do not need the space about you that you do to use a sling. Come, I’ll show you.”

He gets up and leaves the tent grabbing his bow and quiver. Once outside and eager to impress he concentrates on the charm he had previously pointed out and the arrow he is holding seems just a little more straight and smooth, the flint tip a little keener at the edge.

”Grab a melon and put it out there, by that fire is about as far away as you would want to use a sling.” then when Tarnessh returns he puts the arrow to the string as he has seen others do, pulls back and lets it fly at the target. Then the melon explodes as the projectile hits a sweet spot on its surface and Ohanzee whoops at the success of his first ever bow shot!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Thu 11 Sept 2014.

"That's amazing!" Tarrnesh exclaimed. "Why don't we use these?" He asked

"Simple answer? Superstition and tradition. I've not long had one of these 'bows', and if I ever figure it out I'll be delighted, but they seem like a very useful weapon - and it beats hefting around huge javelins, too."

Salen smiles, but then quickly looks around to see who is watching, and listening.

Ohanzee shrugs "Like Salen said. And of course because we never use them swe don't know how to make them, I guess you need the right wood and that sort of thing. We'll need to learn how to make the arrows unless we catch someone who can or raid for them as well as beasts."

"Take one if you like but be ready for a ribbing. Ravens are always ready for that." and he grins again.

Relieved to see Kobal recovering, Hoskar smiles hugely, taking his hand with relief as he gets back to his feet.

Just glad to see you're conscious and thinking straight. Last time Greeshar wrestled me, I was half my current size and got flung right over a boulder. He was the only one who pretended to take me seriously and would wrestle at all, but it wasn't nice coming back to earth.

The others seem to be testing bows. Not for me - I'm odd enough as it is, and can't help associating the damn things with Sables - but reckon it'll be amusing to see them try the things.

Unless Kobal has more to say, he heads after the experimenters to watch the fun.

"We are already trying to do something unprecedented. I think using a bow will only be another grain of sand in a desert." Tarrnesh said with a smile as he took one.

"Oi what the feck are you doing?"

It's the bachelor's master Tokar and several of the  other older bachelors who've left the fire and come to stand by Ohanzee

"Are you trying to impersonate an Impala rider or summat?" He doesn't look happy at all as he towers over the Rhino brave.

"It's what happens when you let others in the camp" sneers Fear Not, one of Kaonu's elder brothers and the most dangerous warrior in the camp.

Other braves begin to gather, laughing and jeering.

"They're frightened of getting to close" adds another. "Children" jeers someone else.

Up close and personal, it's been the Bison and Rhino way since the Darkness.

In reply to Tokar Eight Sable (msg # 178):

Greeshar, blood dripping from a cut above his eye, finishes his victory swagger about the fire and goes to see what the commotion is.

"They are right, it is the weapon of the Impala, not ours. I will not shame myself by touching them" He turns, elbowing Uroxin out of the way

"Stay clear of my companions or you will be on your arse like Kobal, only worse. You will not get up so easily."

Then nodding at Kobal, he grabs a skin of Kumiss out of someone's hand and empties it.

Tarrnesh said nothing, and glumly sat still, knowing that trying to stand up to Toskar would likely do no good.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Fri 12 Sept 2014.

Thunderfoot stares at Amara as she speaks, goes cross eyed and sneezes. From out of the Bison's nostrils comes twin plumes of freezing smoke, which forms slowly into the spectral form of Sky Bone Blue.

"I accept. An ostrich will make a fine host for me on my mission to kill all of the goat bastards that live in the wastes. Bronze Treasure will guide us to our joint destiny..."

He laughs far too long and hard, before drifting over to the Ostrich with no name. The bird shudders once, it's feathers puffing out so that it's twice it's normal size.

"Ahhhh" it sighs before pecking the air in a frenzy of jabs and stabs.

Amara nodded satisfied at the Khans response. "Come to the fireside and share in the stories and warmth. We are due to go to the river and will defeat the broo on the way." Amara led the ostrich back to the camp fire shared with the other braves of her sept introducing the Khan to the other wandering rangers.

She wandered the camp leading the ostrich to the part of the fire she'd reserved for herself, raising an eyebrow only to see her brother had managed to knock out Kobal. "Welcome to the hearth of the wandering rangers Sky Bone Blue. I would hear of your stories and legends." she looked at the impending argument between Tarnesh and the others including her brother. Saying nothing she drew her own bow from her saddle, polishing the bow to keep it in good condition as the argument continued.

"And get that bloody bird out of here and with the other beasts" roars Tokar at Amara, he turns to Dust Flies High the Ostrich rider slave, snapping his fingers "You look after it NOW"

THe Rangers can see the much scarred warrior is about to explode in anger, emotions that can be seen rising in the other older warriors present

"This isn't a coral, it's our bloody sleeping quarters!"

His fists clench and unclench as he looks from bachelor to bachelor

"First bows and now great big ugly birds by my fire, what the feck is going on?"

Ohanzee isn't sure himself why Amara has brought the by now recognisable ostritch to their sleeping area. He's sure that there must be a good reason, but he doesn't know what it is and decides to just remain quiet and see what she says.

In reply to Tokar Eight Sable (msg # 183):

by now Melock has got up to see what's going on with the others, "Erm, Tokar, sir, the only reason I can think that Amara has brought him to the fire is that the ostrich is currently possessed by the spirit of Sky Bone Blue, a Khan of the Ostrich people. He was in Thunderfoot, but it would make more sense if he's now in that bird." he looks over to the ostrich "Is that you Sky Bone Blue?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Thu 11 Sept 2014.

"This is Khan Sky Bone Blue of the big pecker clan." Amara said coolly in response to Eight Sable.

Henal hefts a javelin. "How good is a bow if you can charge at your enemy, a javelin you can throw at them or spear them with it".

In reply to Henal Longgrass (msg # 187):

Ohanee glances at Henal and replies "No where near as good and in those cases I would stick with our ways. But as a Ranger I may face new enemies for which I cannot use proper weapons or old enemies in situations in which the propper ways will not work. In these cases I would use whatever means is necessary to get the job done."

"I couldn't care if it was Foundchild himself, get the thing out of here. Nausyas does not keep his Bison in his tent, nor Darnik, nor any of those with awakened mounts. And since when do you not do what I say? I have trained all of you, you sit in the bachelor tent you are mine to command. Mere lay members of our gods...."

Tokar is backed up now by the other older warriors and they watch as Dust flies high takes the ostrich and begins leading it back towards where it had come from.

The bird bobs it's head in an affirmative.

Getting up with Hoskar's help, Kobal slaps the rhino brave on the back.



Kobal nods back in acknowledgment.  "I'll bring you the rhino in the morning," he promises.

He follows Hoskar out to the next centre of attention.  Just in time to see Eight Sable chew out the braves playing with bows and arrows.



Kobal walks over and squats next to Tarnessh.  With a sudden insight, he realises what Tarnessh said is true - they are trying to do something new.  I guess that is why Sun Hawk has chosen him.

He claps him on the shoulder.  "Little brother, try the bow and arrow if you want.  You're right.  This is something new.  We Wandering Rangers want to bring all together, to renew this land.  Maybe if we learn the ways of other clans, they will be willing to join us, as they will see we are not only Prairie Thunder.  Or Sky Watchers."  He nods towards Ohanzee, standing there with a bow.

"But!"  He crooks his arm around his brother's neck, drawing him closer.  "But do not forget you are Prairie Thunder too.  The javelin is our way.  This is how other tribes and clans know us.  We fight with sword, lance and javelin.  To feel the tension in your muscles as you pull back you arm and hurl it deep, deep! into a beast.  To know it is by the strength of your arm that you defeat your enemies.  This is what it means to be a Prairie Thunder brave.  Not to pull strings.  Our clan ancestor Kertak:  When he was ambushed by sable riders and without a weapon, he did not pick up a sable rider's weapons and fight with them.  He picked up a sable rider and hurled him into the enemies, then used his own weapons to kill them.

"Try the bow and arrow if you want.  Though you will find no one here who will teach you.  But do not forget who you are."  He jabs a finger into Tarnessh's chest.  "Where you come from.  Learn the javelin too.  Master it.  Or you will shame us."

He releases his brother and gets up.  Then bows to the ostrich (This is strange.) when Amara tells them that it now houses the spirit of the Big Pecker Khan.



Kobal waits a moment.  He does not want challenge Eight Sable's order.  But when attention in the tent has shifted to something else, he gets up to go out to the ostrich.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Fri 12 Sept 2014.

Amara looked quizically at Tokar. "This is no mere awakened mount. This is Sky Bone Blue Khan of the Big Pecker clan. He has much to teach of us the band of broo that put waste to his tribe."

Amara tilted her head to one side as she listened to the arguments of the others over using the bow. "I intend to learn this weapon so I can see when it is best used. We are to unite all tribes, Tokar, not just Bison and Rhino. All of them. In order to understand the tribes and how we might use them in the battles against chaos that remain to be fought, we need to understand their weapons. I know axe, sword, lance, javelin and shield. I do not know bow, or mace. I need to learn enough of these weapons to be taken seriously by the other clans we might meet. I do not deny the value of your teachings Tokar, but these are new times in which we must leanr new ways." Amra picked herself up from the fire and dusted herself off. "Come Khan, I would learn more from you should you wish to teach."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Fri 12 Sept 2014.

Tarrnesh perked up a bit when Kobal spoke to him. "Of course I know that our weapons are best. I just didn't see what was wrong with trying a new thing. Just because I wish to see how something works doesn't mean I want to abandon what I've grown up with, after all." He explained.

"That's good brother, haha.  It's just that lately you've been doing strange things.  Playing with bows, shaving your head and chin.  I was just a bit concerned."

Ohanzee falls in with the others, returning to the fire without another word.

Out in the darkness there is a chittering sound circling the group on soft wings just on the edge of hearing, a sound almost like laughter.

Whispers then follows the newly inhabited ostrich to the pen ”Hey Blue, that was some mighty impressive pecking moves. Are you really the last of your clan?”

Sat by the fire Salen ignores the arguments and discussions going on all around him. Tokar was not someone to be trifled with, whether he was right or wrong, and usually it was simply easier to let him rage. This was not the time to argue about weapons, though likely there never would be a good time. Let them rant, let them shout...their eyes are open but they do not see.

Looking around at his friends and the tension they seem to have walked into again, the newly-arrived Hoskar winces. Hope they've not upset my training hopes - that guy's a legend. Although...maybe I can spread a little harmony here.

Diffidently, he approaches Tokar. Don't know if you even know me, sir - I've not seen my tribe for a while - but I certainly remember hearing much about your prowess. I've kept to my tribe's weapons, but have probably picked up bad habits with them along the way: too much time with foreigners, I reckon. He risks a rueful smile. Would it be possible for me to come and learn some of the right fighting way for our clans while I'm here?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Mon 15 Sept 2014.

"Oh! I got lice and had to shave. You know, get rid of the disgusting bloodsuckers." Tarrnesh explained.

As the fun seems to be over, Melock follows Amara and Sky Bone Blue, "So, Sky Bone Blue, first of all, I'm sorry we were not there to help you and your people when you most needed help." he pauses for a moment or two, as a mark of respect. "Now, so we can be certain we have avenged your and their deaths can you tell us what the broo looked like and how many there were?" he stops talking, a puzzled look on his face, "though how I'm expecting an answer from you, I don't know, though you seem to be able to talk to Amara" He smiles at Amara, "looks like your going to have to speak to me again, twice in one week, how will you cope?"

Amara lifted one of the skins she was carrying to show Melock "Kumiss. Much kumiss, and I shall not be sharing with you. If you wish some, find your own."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 201):

"That's ok, I have plans this evening" he gently pats the saddle bag, which starts growling, and so he quickly stuffs some more meat in to it. "Would it even be worth asking how I can get back on your good side?" with a note of sadness in his voice and no smile on his lips.

"You work against us for your own benefit, Melock. Our ritual would have protected the Earth Witch, made it much harder for the sun followers to hurt her. You follow your own path. Even now you hide a monster in your pack and to what end? Does it provide any benefit to the rest of us to have it around? No, it is merely and only to suit your own purpose. Show me that you have our best interests at heart instead of your own and then maybe I'll consider you a friend again." Amara said taking a long swallow from the bag. "Until then I will only reluctantly share a fire with you."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:40, Sun 14 Sept 2014.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 203):

"I gained no benefit from that prank and I am truly sorry you got hurt. Raven's influence was too strong for me to resist that night and just to be clear, I had no hand in that horn going missing."
He feeds the bag another lump of jack rabbit, "This monster, once bound will be another set of eyes and ears at night, for it has very good night vision. To prove I have at least you best interests at heart, its not another spider, though I'm not going to show it to anyone until its bound as it has a nasty bite." He holds up his left hand. I suppose now isn't the right time to point out how she managed to mess a few things up

"Melock, it is small and even at such a size, you cannot control or hope to control it. Once it has a spirit in it, do you think that it will be more malleable? It will not, the only spirit wishing to live in such a thing is one of its own kind. It as an act without thought. There are so many creatures out here that you could pick. Raven is in many animals, why pick it? What about it is so special? Is it the large teeth? No, it is only because it piqued your fancy." Amara shook her head taking a longer swig from the kumiss "You do not bind an animal to you. You bind a spirit to it. It will not change one bit of it's nature, and look at yourself, was it so worth it to lose a finger? what if it takes a hand when it grows as surely it will after eating all of the food you are giving it. What if it is not bent to your needs?"

Henal looks over at Melock feeding the bag. "What creature is so fierce that you have to put it into a bag to restrain it before you can try binding a spirit to it? A manual cat is good enough for me and it can still hunt vermin with the cats' instincts and keep company without taking my fingers".

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 205):

"Of course it pique my fancy, what other reason is there for choosing a host for a spirit? As for your worry of it still being hostil once it is bound, well I dont have any problems with killing it if I need to." he glances at Henal, "why would I want such an ordinary animal for a host?" turning back to Amara, "I bet your glad I didn't get that wyvern egg then, at least it would have been trainable" he smiles "and if it turned on us, we would of had more heavy armour"

The ostrich looks skywards and glares at the darkness.




The Ostrich just looks at Melock and then Amara.

Now that the Ostrich is gone Tokar seems to be mollified and the Bison Rider turns to Hoskar, giving him an appraising stare

"I can do that Rhino brave, though I have no idea what you're called. We can come to some arrangement and you can join with some of the others over the next few weeks. Micklebran isn't here and he usually trained Amara and Greeshar, but I shall be able to cover your weapons okay. You might want to speak to your Khan though, Barrak would make a better teacher in some respects and I've seen him watching us whilst we trained. Reckon he'd like the chance to get involved to tell the truth."

The warrior grins, his previous good humour returning.

Whispers continues to flutter about the

"No" Amara said to the ostrich "despite his many flaws he is still a brother of sorts."

"Melock, there are many creatures that could be just as compelling or unusual to have bound to you. Whatever that is...it's bound by mindless hunger. I told you before your path is one which you walk alone. Nothing has changed. I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to give their daughter to you. Live your own life Melock. You're good at it."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 211):

"I'm impressed Amara, you don't even know whats in the bag, and yet you disapprove. I thought I walked with my brothers and sister, while taking the odd trail or two by myself. Who's life do you expect me to live?" he pauses to think, "well as much fun as this chat is dear sister, I have things to do. I'll see you in the morning", with that he heads off in to the night, the darkness quickly swallowing him.

Thank you - it will be welcome to have some of my weaknesses sorted out by an expert. I'll do as you say and have a word with Khan Barrack too. Again, my thanks - I didn't know he'd been taking such an interest and a Khan has so many calls on his time. I'm known as Hoskar, by the way. Not surprised you don't know me: I was an insignificant little feather of a trader boy last time I was on the plaines with he gulps my parents. And that was back before the fight in Prax and the Sable treachery.

Think I'd best get a good rest in. Hard work coming up.

With a respectful incline of his head, he makes to settle in, drinking nothing but clear water tonight. And you, cat - since you can't be trusted to stay awake, stay with me. I trust Melock's "thingy in a saddlebag" not one whit.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:23, Mon 15 Sept 2014.

Slightly bemused by the whole interaction between Melock and Amara, Ohanzee considers telling her what the creature in the bag is but decides that if Melock has his reasons to keep it secret for the moment then he should decide when to let the cat out of the bag as it were so he remains quiet.

He looks out into the darkness beyond the light of the fire and feels a yearning, a desire to leave the fire behind and wander out where he can easily vanish into the darkness where even now Whispers flies free.  But he has no desire to raise Tokar’s anger again and so stays put by the fire.

Staring into the flames, the warmth on his face he drifts off into thought If you were here Oglod then you would choose the heat and light over the welcome cool and the darkness. Still, there are some of your herd, some reptiles that are out and about by night rather than day, granted, not as many but some.

He quirks his brows as in thought as his musings move off at a tangent I wonder, is there such a thing as fire that gives no light, but rather darkness? Or for that matter such a thing as fire that burns cold rather than hot? That would be welcome in the heat of fireseason!

"Do I really need to know? Obviously it's vicious and aggressive and dangerous enough you are keeping it hidden. Which means you know we're likely to kill it if we see it." Amara nodded back to the camp "I expect you to live your own life raven, but I also expect you not to put us in jeopardy for your own ends. Your glory is sought at the expanse of all around you." Amara sat down near the ostrich, her nostril flaring white with anger. "Do as you wish, Melock.... like you always do."

The majority of bachelors drift off to sleep, either under one of the many open tents or under the stars.

It's only then that the Rangers and their new companions notice that Long Grass the Condor shaman is sat amongst them, having arrived silently as is Condor's way.

He nods at those still awake, one eye brow raised quizzically.

Kobal bows to the shaman "Wise One, I seek your wisdom.  The khan Sky Bone Blue is our guest, but it is hard to give him the honour he deserves when he is housed in the body of an ostrich.  I-I have thought perhaps the body of a morokanth's herdman might be better (though I have not raised this with the khan myself).  Is there anything else we can do to restore him to the body of a human?"

"Mmmm" says the shaman

"He seems to have voluntarily chosen an animal to reside in. He could have quite easily chosen one of you. Would you want to be trapped in a hairy Gern's body? I know I would not and to be honest I did not particularly enjoy my four legged prison back in the Giant Finger Holes."

He looks out in to the darkness in the direction where the ostrich had been taken and Amara now sat.

"Sky Bone Blue resides in the body of an Ostrich. I can think of no better honour to one of his clan. I would ask him yourself, our Amara as he seems to have chosen her to aid him."

The shaman's reply raises questions, but Kobal merely nods his head.  I'll ask the khan as Long Grass says.

Later, with the ostrich and Amara, he addresses Sky Bone Blue.  "Khan, I have not yet heard the full story of what happened to your clan or what happened to you.  So I wonder whether you would prefer to be housed in the body of a herdman.  Both ostriches and herdmen are beasts, and while you are now housed in your clan beast,  I wonder whether perhaps a more human form would be more... comfortable... and familiar, and allow you to use skills better as a khan...?"

The large bird cocks it's head, the better to see Kobal, his voice firm but tinged with a madness not there whilst he still lived.

"I am happy with my new home. I am now Ostrich, filled with vengeance. I have no wish to sully myself by living in the body of a Gern, when I have the magnificence that is Ostrich. Sleek....Fast....without equal. "

But without arms, Kobal thinks, though he keeps this thought to himself.  A herdman would be no great host, but at least Sky Blue Bone would have arms he could use.  "As you wish, khan," is he all he says as he bows again.

This message was deleted by the player at 09:55, Thu 18 Sept 2014.

Early evening, Freezeday, Dark season.

There's a fire, and in a deep hole in the ground sits a wobbling pile of skins filled with kumiss, the first of which is being pulled out by Dust Flies High, the elderly Ostrich rider slave. Dragging it over to where the gnarly old brave Tokar Eight Sable sits tending a barbecuing side of Impala, the old pygmy jokes with his equally elderly wife Yasha as she throws several handfuls of dried dung on to the coals.

Behind then is a large open sided Bison wool tent, filled with hungry bachelors, the noise of their feasting and boasting nearly drowning out the sounds of a thousand head of Bison that surrounds the camp of two whole Bison Clans.

Voices lower at the entrance of the Wandering Rangers, come to eat before their audience with their elders....

As the voices drop, he looks round the tent and smiles, "Its good to be home." As he turns, Melock catches sight of Amara and his smile waivers, "Amara, I've apologised and said I'll do my best to put things right, so cheer up, we're home safe."

"There is no true way to apologise enough for what you have done. You've torn a bond asunder by a mere moments desire. I wonder if it always be like this for you. You have no self control Melock. There is no pause between your desire for something and the reaching out of your hands to grasp it. It speaks only of your selfishness." Amara responded, scowling at Melock as she entered the tent. She paused, looking around daring anyone to comment at her presence before finally relaxing "Though, as you say, it is good to be home among family."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 225):

"I'll happily agree with you that I have little self-control and I have a nasty habit of not thinking things through, but I'm not selfish, I have done more things for the good of the Rangers than against." He thinks briefly and nods to himself, "you just remember the worst."

Amara turned sharply towards Melock "I have not denied that you are a Ranger, but that you have... perverted the course of our goals to your own.... that your actions might very well prevent us from doing what we have set out to do as Rangers?" Amara's voice trailed off as she didn't especially wish to show how angry she was in front of all of the other braves "You've done some good as a ranger Melock, but I think your harm has outweighed all your good. How are we to unite the tribes now?"

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 227):

Melocks eye glimmer in the firelight, "I never said you claimed I wasn't a Ranger," He rubs the parallel scars on his neck, "At least one thing I've done was to build friendship between foes, and I did it well enough that no one realised how bad it would have been without me," The smoke in the tent causes him to cough, "but enough talk about my many many faults, I need a drink." Melock grabs a skin of kumiss and finds a fire with some space around it and sits down.

From outside comes a gruff shout of welcome and staggering over to them comes Tokar Eight Sable, the gnarly old brave smiling his gap toothed smile at the sight of his former wards

"You're back" he shouts, clapping Melock hard on the shoulder and giving Amara an arm to shake.

The flap of the tent is pulled back allowing the Darkness of the darkest day of the darkest season to press in against the light of the fires within the bachelor's tent and from that Darkness steps the young Raven brave.

Most know Ohanzee but most would not recognised this figure as him and likely were it not for the blue Water rune marked arm even fewer. As the once handsome brave steps in, his flesh, scarred top to toe moves and creases in disturbing ways.

He grins and the same gap in his teeth is still there, a memento of the encounter with the mudsharks. In his hair is the familiar black Raven feather hanging to the left, but on the right now is another feather, a brown one.

Amara grinned as she shook Tokars hand. "We're back and once more with many stories to share." Amara paused for a moment for dramatic effect "And of course, some nice things to spread amongst the clans."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

He winces at the force of Tokar's greeting and stands back up,"I'm glad your eyes haven't failed you yet Tokar." he smiles and offers Amara the skin of kumiss he's been drinking from. He beckons Ohanzee over, "Ohanzee, come see Tokar." He runs his free hand through his blonde hair, "It seems like everyone is happy to see us back."

A small man gets up at the outer edge of the circle, he would be barely visible over the heads of the seated braves, but the cloth wrapped around his head catches the light. Tokar notices him and shrugs, in the slight pause the small man speaks. “I too, am glad to see you come in. Your band was well thought of by my folk and most of them had clear sight. You may not know me, but I have seen some of you. I am one of those that ride the earth bird. I have come to ask for a place in your camp and a stake in your game. I am not as strong as most of you, but I share your link to the ghost way (Sun Hawk lights my path now that my guide is no more). I had gone off to the wild to find a quiet place where the ghosts might treat with me as a friend, and when I found the trail of my clan again it came to a bad end. I saw no sign that there might have been a break out. All I saw was a lot of death. I railed at the gods for a while. I searched, and I checked a cache or two that I knew of. I found none of them. I hear that Death stalks in your dust, Death stalks in mine too, I am Temush Cloud - last of the Big Peckers“ He sits again and is lost behind the heads turning towards him.

Amara's eyes showed warmth as she reached to her side, to hand over a bone to Temush "Sky Bone Blue has been a great friend to us, and the deaths of the others in your clan have been avenged. Sky Bone Blue gave us this bone to call on him once in a time of need. I think he would be very pleased to know that the Big Peckers yet exist." Amara tilted her head to one side, frowning as she watched Temush. "So you are the Khan of the Big Peckers, perhaps Sky Bone Blue will talk to you and guide you as you regrow your clan."

Temush rubs his eyebrows face downcast before replying. "Thank you for your good word. I have my doubts that one man and three birds can bring back a clan, but it may be that fate will prove me wrong. If you will have me, your band may draw on the few things I have brought in. If some of my folk find me then I shall give back what I can. I will be pleased to hold the bone until you need to call on Sky Bone Blue". He smiles at Amara and examines the bone, working out what it is.

Temush finds himself the centre of attention, all eyes now on the diminutive brave, as if many of the  bachelors hadn't even noticed him before. In an act of solidarity the two ancient Ostrich slaves come over to offer their fellow tribesman roast impala and a flask of kumiss.







"Well eat your fill and whilst you do regale all of us with what has been happening, or is it to be kept for the ears of the Elders and no one else?"



"Aye this fella came in a week or so ago, brought in by some of our outriders. What with the feather in his hair and me remembering that you'd met his kinfolk and that his Khan had been in this very tent...Well he's been treated well and has caused no trouble...."

Having had an uncomfortable talk with his family, Kobal tended to his bison Black Hoof.  Haaro was probably off somewhere hunting, as manul cats do.  I've got some cured sable for you later, he sent to his familiar.

Entering the bachelor's camp, his spirits can't help to lift.  A chance to boast to the others of their deeds.



"Some we can tell, Eight Sable," Kobal says, gripping the man's arm in welcome.  Somehow the Thunder Bird brave manages to speak loudly for the whole tent to hear, yet lower his voice conspiratorially, as if sharing a secret with the bachelors.  "Some of it will shock and surprise you all!"



"Our thanks.  Certainly, he'll be welcome among us Wandering Rangers."  He turns to the short man.



Kobal steps up to Temush, and waits for the man to stand, before clasping the other's arm in greeting.  The bison brave towered over the sitting ostrich brave, but even when Temush stands, Kobal still towers over him.

"Be welcome, Temush Cloud," he says.  "I am Kobal, son of Colnar Three Steps.  Your khan was a wise and determined man.  It was an honour for we Wandering Rangers to ride with him.  Death has followed us, but many times we have beat it off.  And at times perhaps even cheated it, haha!"  He thinks of Hoskar, now Two-Feather.  "Besides," he continues, "this is Prax.  Waha Khan of Khans taught us that Death is no stranger here, at times a bitter enemy, but at times a friend."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Mon 05 Sept 2016.

Voras watches the exchange between the newcomers and the other Rangers and when Kobal finishes he speaks "Greetings Temush Blinking-cloud. It is good to have another follower of Sun Hawk about and perhaps together we can keep the antics of the Ravens in the light." and the light from his forehead shines brightly pushing the Darkness outside the tent back, keeping it at bay.

As Voras speaks, Temush's head tilts slightly to the left and a small grey blob on his shoulder opens its eyes and tilts its head almost upside down, and back again.
"Ooooh" it says. "This ought to be good"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:44, Sun 04 Sept 2016.

"I shall be proud to ride with you, and all of the Wandering Rangers" the small man says, hoarsely. Nodding to the old Ostrich slave, he takes a swig from the flask of kumiss.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Sun 04 Sept 2016.

Melock can't help but laugh at Voras's words, "I look forward to the challenge of sneaking things past both of you." He winces at the light Voras gives out, "At least I can tell when you're close." When he sees the owl on Temush's shoulder, he grins at it, "I like your familiar, did you raise it from a chick?"

Ohanzee approaches the old warrior "Greetings Tokar. I hear you've been having problems with raids by Impala riders taking beasts? It'll be a little dick called Angry Wasp who blames us, well Henal to be precise, for enticing his wife away from him. She left him way before she bumped into us."

"Anyway, the prat raided us on the way home and got Scorpionmen to fight his battle for him, tricked us into their nest instead of fighting them with his braves himself. Scared of loosing that battle like he lost his wife I expect, but using Chaos... well start of a slippery slope that if you ask me."

"Some escaped and we've to report their nest site to the elders."

Temush is joined by Tarnessh Listens to Silence, another Sun Hawk follower, who introduces himself as the brother of Kobal, both braves of the Prairie Thunder Bison clan.

The pygmy had heard of this Kobal, grandson of a previous chieftain who was to be wed to the daughter of the Khan of the Black Shield Bison clan. From what he had gathered both they and the Prairie Thunder clans had come together to make an alliance.

Amara growled, glaring darkly at both Melock and Ohanzee "Raven runs riot over our group. No-one keeps them in check." Her eyes narrowed on Melock as the initiator of the most recent raven escapade.

He smiles sweetly at Amara, "I try my best." Melock's smile fades as her gaze doesn't and he looks at the floor instead of Amara. There's a pause before he speaks and when he does, there's a note of uncertainty in his voice, "What's done has been done and we've spoken already about how I plan to try to make amends, what else would you have me do?"

Amara sighed "Not do it again. This isn't the first or even the second time that your self serving goals have caused us problems. Remember that what we are out to do, is not to glorify Raven or Melock, it is something far grander in scale. It is to restore the Garden. There are times when your personal goals and ravens goals are in alignment with that and that is when you are useful. When they are not, you harm us all."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 246):

He raises his eyes to Amara's face and with a soft smile, "I can promise you now, in front of two Sun Hawks, that I won't repeat any of my previous mistakes." He gently shakes his head, "but I can't promise Raven won't lead me in to new adventures, I can only say I'll do my best to resist. I've already ask Hoskar to help keep me alive when we visit Pavis."

Amara sighed in exasperation "That does no good. Your past mistakes are over." she shook her head, drinking a long draught from a skin of khumiss "Promise me this...that you think before you act. That you consider our goals as rangers before your own. I follow Thunderbird, yet the things I do never go against our goals. You follow raven and should also hold yourself to the same." she put the stopper back into the bag and threw it towards Melock. "When raven and you have worked towards what we seek to accomplish it advances our cause, but these days I wonder if you are more a hindrance."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 248):

He side steps and lets the skin of kumiss fly past him, "If my past mistakes are over, then please don't bring them up again." He absently rubs his neck scars with his scared left hand, and takes a deep breath to try to make himself focus, but instead he starts savagely coughing. After a minute or so he manages to bring it under control. "Sorry about that." He glances at the two Sun Hawks, "Do you need me to promise now, or can I have the night to think about it? And to be clear, I always think before I act, whether its about anything thats happening there and then is another matter."

Temush catches the wayward Kimiss skin and since he is now holding two, offers it to Voras, "It must be a bit of a strain to have the four birds on one cadge" he mutters to the Sun Hawk brave "Much as all try to work for one goal, it may not look that way at times"

"Bastard little shit" exclaims the grizzled warrior "But you gave them the thumping you deserved yes?"

"Mmm we've lost a fair few head in the last week to him and his braves. Likely we'll need to make a counter raid to take him out."

Whilst talking Ohanzee can't help but notice the brave is eyeing up his horrible scars.

Kobal's mood and face darkens at the name of Angry Wasp and the mention of the scorpionmen.  Cause of the death of his newlywed wife Jella.

And although his family had not been aware of his wife, they had arranged a marriage into the Black Shields clan, leaving little time to grieve properly.



"I'm in," says Kobal with feeling.  "I'll knock his head clean off his shoulders."

This makes Tokar smile evilly "Right, well you'd better talk to the elders first and then we can go remove some heads...Ah....but you're getting hitched and all...."

Amara added "The list of our enemies grows larger every day. I'll never forgive the death of Kaonu. Kobal, if you ever have a need for my spear in exacting your revenge, you need only ask." Amara nodded to show she was deadly serious, but not wishing to interfere in Kobals search for justice unless he wanted her to be there.

Ohanzee nods his agreement with Kobal and Amara "Aye, you can count me in too."

"We wiped a good few of them from the world. They were holed up in a thick thorn ticket and Wihakayda forced a channel through it and we charged them but he took a terrible sting, too strong for him and he has gone to charge with Great Rhino."

"He wasn't the only loss" He adds glancing sideways at Kobal

Then he changes the subject "My scars? Got those at the Giant's Finger Holes. There's a greedy Cliff Toad there called Old Croak by the priestesses there."

"He's been there since the Green, used to be friends with the spirit of the oasis there but when Chaos came he was so greedy he tried to eat it and gave himself over to it."

"Long story short he swallowed me and almost finished me off" he reaches into the pouch about his neck and pulls out the blue crystal "This was the only bit of purity left in him, a bit of the spirit he oasis tried to eat after going over to the Chaos. It refused to be tainted and refused to be consumed and lodged in his guts."

"I was about dead when I saw it and ripped it from him, an act that caused him to chuck me up and caused me to see what had happened back then."

"The spirit endures, trapped and protected by those that sought refuge from the consuming Chaos."

Voras shakes his head then points out "The one thing, our cause is greater than clan or Rival ties. When you take the oath you will feel it, you will know."

He looks at his fellow Sun Hawk

Temush makes an open-handed gesture (complicated by the remaining kumiss flask) and says "I look to do so as soon as it suits. 'Til then if we face up to Wasp's bows I'll bring my throw sticks to the chase." Turning back to Melock he adds (smiling) "I'm sure your wiles will be worth the watch Melock, though we of the Earth Bird have been glad to have Raven's help, not least us Sun Hawks, is that not so Dust Flies High?"

Whilst folk talk many of the other score or so braves present begin to sing, their meals finished and there being plenty of fresh kumiss to drink.



"Aye that is so master" replies the wizened slave. "It saddens me to hear of the loss of your clan. I knew your grandparents well and counted your khan as a friend."

He grins, "I hope you'll still feel the same once you've traveled with us for awhile." His face becomes solemn, "I remember meeting at least one Raven when we first met your clan, though I can't remember his name." His smile reappears as he recalls the meeting, "We traded kumiss for mushrooms," he furtively glances at Amara, "though I didn't use those ones on the others."

"That sounds like Can't Blow Me Down" the ostrich rider says "or it could be Hide in Cover. Now if there was a man to have got free of that Broo band at the last, Hide in Cover is the one. But most like he did not know all was lost, and fought and died with the rest"

In reply to Temush Blinking-cloud (msg # 260):

"If by the luck of Raven either survived, lets hope their luck holds and they find their way back to you and not those bastard Morokanth." He spits, then sighs, "though if we're to bring the Green back we'll have to find common ground with them as well."

Kobal gives a grim smile in appreciation.  "We'd better start shortening that list then.  Thanks for your support, Amara, Ohanzee.  Together, we Wandering Rangers have seen and much already.  Together, we will do even more."



"We will avenge your rhino, as well," he says, with a hand on the blue-armed brave's shoulder.



"And at that time," says Kobal, joining the conversation, "you will make your own to our captain Emesh-Ga, whose helm this is."  He taps the helmet he's wearing, even in the bachelor's tent.