'Ot Po'Tato takes in the other Rangers and after sending a large smoke ring in Kobal's direction asks "This your lot, don't recognise any of them. Dey Okay?"

"Looks like we'll not be squishing these ones." Ohanzee says to Feldspar as he guides him forward.

He looks down at the monkeys from the Granite Rhino "The Walkabout Troop hey. Any of the We Seen The Sea Troop manage to hook up with you after the bloody Basmoli ripped them up?"

Henal rides forward to join Kobal and Ohanzee.
"Hail the Walkabout troop. We managed to avoid fighting a bunch of Ogres we heard had been raiding down here, they must have been the ones that had been burning the farms down here and killing the yellow hairs".

"Bags I not tell the Snowspear her girl has been caught" Temush says nervously, "but we might need Avalarn to set things straight with the Sun folk. They grow many spears in this country" 

"Nope, we'll just flash that clay disk with the writing on it and they'll have to let them go."

"Golden beards, huh, Wise One?  I've no love for them.  Though we're riding with some sun worshippers at the moment.  I'm sorry, we can't stay for the last rites for Hash Fa'Kash.  We're in a hurry.  Which way did the golden beards head?  How many were there?  Many spirits with them?"



Kobal looks back.  "Oh, I thought you might have known one or two of them, but you're right, I don't think you've met these before.  Maybe Hoskar here...?  Anyway, they're good people.  Some of our band have taken their Last Ride to the Happy Hunting Grounds, but Greeshar is still around, riding with other of our growing band of Rangers."  He introduces each of the Rangers to 'Ot Po'Tato, and the old shaman to the Rangers.  "The Walkabout Troop are friends of the Rangers, and a good mob."  He turns back to the shaman.  "Unfortunately, Melock and Amara, whom you've met before were the ones taken - if you got close enough to recognise them.  Amara's red hair would have stood out at least."



"I think we'd best try to rescue Amara and Melock without going back first.  It'll only darken Angelika's mood - and hurt Amara's standing among the Vingans, I think."



Kobal looks at Ohanzee.  "Uh, wasn't it Melock who had the clay disk...?  Doesn't seem to have helped him."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Sat 25 Feb 2017.

"Was he? Well that was a waste then, can kiss that goodbye then and we were offered good trading for it too."

He looks back at the baboon "Nice meeting you, but we need to go fetch those two. They think they're in trouble now, wait till they get back to our queen!"

The shaman belches out some acrid smoke and nods his head in the Baboon negative



"Ah, we saw a group of outlanders a week or so back, must have been them. They had prisoners."



"Three hands or more, one had a powerful spirit in a Hawk. They went back the way you have just come, maybe a bit to the left when you came from the right. We didn't dare leave in case they were waiting for us."

Ohanzee eases his mount close to Hoskar's and unseen slips a hand into his pack. "Here is!"

'Ot Po'Tato points a gnarly arm northwards "They went that way, best be quick."

"Right Feldspar, let's go save them!"

"Come on Rangers!"

"Thank you again, Wise One," Kobal bows to the shaman.  "I'm sorry we must leave without time to spend together.  The gods and spirits smooth your path, and bring Hash Fa'Kash swiftly to the Happy Hunting Grounds."



"Wait, Ohanzee," calls Kobal, riding up beside the rhino brave.  "Time is short, and this seems like a large party of sun worshippers, so it looks like we'd best try that clay tablet.  But be careful.  It might not work as easily as we hope.  This rhino you ride will certainly attract interest.  I am not of the rhino tribe, but even I can tell it is a glorious beast.  If these sun worshippers see it, they might try to bargain for it as ransom for Amara and Melock..."

Hoskar has been busy with tobakeh and the barest hints of dreamweed and kafl, producing something mellow. Winking at the Wise One, he finally remarks We're good. You're good. Respect. A mellow smoke, this. My own brew and yours for free. If you ever need work from an Issaries, tell them you get the Pointy when they take the piss. Then act mysterious He winks.

Never met a Baboon I didn't like. Assume you know these excellent ones from before. Glad of their acquaintance he murmurs loudly to Kobal, before adding more generally, glancing at their Baboon hosts, Three hands of experienced Sunny Boys might be a bit much even for us. Think we could maybe handle three each, but on those odds might need diplomacy. We might need our rescued friend in this negotiation , even though anger blister our faces when we return.

"This'll work" he says holding the pass up like a talisman "if you believe in it and they do. it's all about how you present it too I reckon. As for Feldspar, he was sent by Great Rhino, he waiting for me and he recognised me. I wouldn't like to be anyone but me who tried to lay claim to him!"

Henal looks around the others "no time to lose then lets get after them."

Kobal nods, both at Ohanzee and Henal, and rides off in the direction that 'Ot Po'tato had indicated.

Hoskar shrugs.

Fair enough, Kobal. Hope I do better with the talking this time than back at the Finger Holes with the Red Thorns.

In honesty, I didn't much fancy seeing the lady Angelika two Rangers short in the caravan.

He nudges Ram on to follow in Kobal's dust; calling sorry we can't stay to share that smoke. Enjoy! back toward the Baboons.

Kobal reins in Black Hoof a moment.  "Sorry, Hoskar, I owed you a reply.  You can go back and fetch the girl, if you want.  We're outnumbered and I think one less in our number until you catch up won't change things much.  But I think we might risk more if we all go back for the girl than just losing time, and Angelika's anger: if this tablet doesn't work and we need to rely on the girl, there's no guarantee what she'll say.  Will she help us, or simply rush back to her own people?  Will she tell them about a rune priestess travelling on the outskirts of their land with some merchants?  Angelika was eager to pass through these lands untroubled."

He pauses just a moment for any response before kicking his bison ahead again.

It's not long before the Rangers have picked up the trail of the Sun County Militia. Amongst their tracks are those of Amara, Melock and their two mounts.

Though Melock's suddenly vanish as hey reach the dried river bed. The rest of the tracks continue down the riverbed, towards where the Sun County village spied by Temush must be.

Here also is where Hoskar must leave if returning to the caravan.

Thinking deeply, Hoskar offers no immediate reply to Kobal other than a nod of thanks; but when the point of no return is reached, he squares his shoulders and continues with the others.

You're right, Kobal he remarks. You've thought of a lot more angles than I had. I might be a decent talker sometimes, but this is why I'm no leader.

"I'm not certain I'm right," laughs Kobal, scouring the area for any signs for why Melock might suddenly have to be carried on a mount.  Was there a scuffle?  Did he fall to the ground?  Is there any blood?

"But," he continues, "I don't seem to trust the girl as much as the rest of you do.  (And I don't know why you all trust her, haha.)  You, Hoskar, seem to take more of a view that each stranger you meet is a friend until proven otherwise.  I'm not quite so sure.  (I think you spent too much time away from we Dedra and our ways.)"  He pauses a moment is his speech, then turns to the look more squarely at the brave.  "You know what is strange?  That Amara decided to continue down here even though even the girl didn't want to come down.  Firstly, what was the point of it for Amara?  Secondly, why didn't the girl want to come here?  Afraid whoever attacked might still be around?  Or was there some other reason...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:29, Mon 27 Feb 2017.

"We should press on, no telling how long, if at all they'll wait before killing our braves. Whether Melock was allowed to mount or he was in no state to walk and was put on a mount or carried makes no difference."

All present now spy a hawk hovering out of bowshot range to the North, in the direction of the Village.

Examining the ground the braves can't find anything that might show what happened to Melock as the ground is scuffed by many feet. One fact is clear and that is that his prints can't be found anywhere in the vicinity after a certain point.

Ohanzee holds up the clay disk with the face directed towards the hawk and then presses on.

In reply to Kobal (msg # 22):

Hoskar nods again. Again, you're right. Mostly. Adopting an overplayed mournful expression complete with hand held to forehead, he continues it's my destiny to fit nowhere. In the city, I'm too nomad, here I'm too long away, hard and cruel fate that it is...

...unable to keep it up, he chuckles ...but mostly, it's just Issaries Goodword in me. That and Condor. Fit in the cracks, look for the deal. Some of it's just show, you know: if people think they're dealing with an over-friendly fool, you can get more past them sometimes. Take those baboons back there - they might recall an idiot who gave them baccy for nothing or they might recall a friend. The first way, they'll be easier for me to negotiate with when they underestimate me, the other way, they might help me back one day.

And I do plan to treat the Sun Worshipers respectfully and friendly-like. Sounds like there's more of them than I fancy fighting.

The Rangers continue on, passing beneath the steep cliffs of the dried river valley they now find themselves in. At last turning a bend they spy the settlement ahead, it's 3m high walls catching the late afternoon's sun.

It sits on the river bank, the walls protecting a score or so adobe flat roofed houses within. Spread along the valley are fields filled with the remains of harvested barley, grapes and still occupied vegetable plots and date plantations. The now somewhat traversable valley sides hold more grapes, a large beast fold and nine windowless towers on their summit, varying in height from 9- 12 metres.

If the settlement has a gate it must be on the other side to where the Rangers approach from.

On the journey, Hoskar has been busy; divesting himself of heavy armour and replacing it with his best Pavic clothing. As the walls of the settlement come into view, he dismounts and walks beside Ram, having pressed his forehead once again to the beast's horn murmuring easy now - treat them like children.

So. We play this as friends I assume. Or good nomad bad nomad? Or I put the armour back on?

"Sky Bone Blue used to say that they were a proud lot, the Sun folk," Temush Recalls" most apt to get peeved if young braves rode up their lanes as if they ran the place. I think we should leave the mounts with a guard and just take two or three of us in to show the pass and ask for our friends back.

It would do no harm if we had a gift of some sort to put to the 'host cost' Melock and Amara. I don't think I have such a thing, but I'll check my gear.

You know I'm not going to lie, so if you choose to, don't make it a thing that they can ask me to tell them is true or false, eh?"

In reply to Temush Blinking-cloud (msg # 29):

Host cost? Oh actually I think I get it - the price of holding them captive like food plus wear and tear on uniforms and such. With a resigned look, Hoskar fishes out a few gold coins from an obscure pouch about his person.

Think a few of these might suffice? Melock's paid for his part of them already, and I'll trust to Amara's credit. My share of the profit on the tea might just have gone up.

Any tips on how we do this? I was thinking dismounted slightly dim trade negotiator whose friends went missing.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Mon 27 Feb 2017.

"We walk in?" asks Kobal.  "I could understand that for Corflu.  We were there for a while, and I wouldn't have trusted anyone there with my bison anyway.  But this is a smaller place and we're just going in to get Amara and Melock, then leaving.  Sure, I won't act proud or cause any fight, but they'd be used to people riding in now and then, right?  If we walk in out of the Wastes, that's going to seem even more odd, isn't it?  Plus, if things don't go well, we might have to leave in a hurry.  But you seem to know these people best, Temush.  We'll be guided by what you say."

Ohanzee looks strangely at Hoskar and Temush. He keeps his voice down as he says "Have you two been touched by too much Bright Treasure?!"

"The disc is from their khan of khans saying whoever has it can pass unhindered. You don't have to be rude, but if you start even thinking that that is not enough to get the others back then they'll start thinking we don't have the right to hold the disc."

"Start offering gifts for their trouble in taking the others then they'll know we don't!"

"Yes, but Melock and Amara had no disc disk when they were found," Temush sighs " we want them to stretch the bounds of who the disc means a bit. And don't hint at doubts on our right to have it in front of me."

Several heads can be seen popping up from behind the wall, settlers observing the Praxians for sure.

Henal looks at them "I've no love for these settled folk, but it may be wise to take something as a trade gift even with the disk".

"No we don't. They are with us. we have the disc "so they are covered. Or way is to have scouts and these yellow hairs know that. You want to show weakness because you are not initiated." He looks at Hoskar "and not are you. Neither are good choices to represent us here."

He looks at the others pointing out those who are initiated into Waha "Should be one who is initiated."

Noting the heads Ohanzee growls quietly and then hold the disc up for them to look at and moves off to find the gate.

As he does so he calls out in Praxian then trade tongue "We have the right to be here by birth and by your Khan."

Temush checks that the mounts are not going to be nibbling the grape vines and then sits down to watch. "Fine, do it your way" he grumbles at Ohanzee's back "I'll mind the beasts."

Several helmeted men stands up on the wall, Amara in amongst them. One, perhaps an officer calls out in good Praxian

"I will not deal with one who worships Darkness. Your words mean less than the Rhino you ride's shit."

"I think Temush is saying we should have a backup plan, not ride in and offer them gold immediately," says Kobal.



"And neither are you a good choice, because you are a Raven."




"I think Temush should-" Kobal starts, but too late, Blue Arm rides off and shouts out to the settlement.  He shakes his head.



"Come on," says Kobal, "they've already seen us, so no point staying here."  He rides off after Ohanzee.



Catching up to Ohanzee, Kobal calls up to the one who spoke.  "Will you deal with one who follows Bright Treasure?"  He beckons to Temush.

Then, he looks to Amara.  "How are you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:45, Tue 28 Feb 2017.

"Stay there, come here..." the pygmy mutters making his way over to Kobal "keep quiet, speak up, bulls! what a life..."

Reaching the others he looks up at the wall touching his head cloth "Good day to you Khan" he says to the officer "I follow Sun Hawk, My name is Temush Blinking Cloud, of the Ostrich Folk"

"Hail Temush Blinking-Cloud. Have you come to raid my settlement? You are dressed for war and one of you" here he points to Kobal "Is wearing the armour of my people."

As the man speaks a small forest of long spears rise into the air behind him. Forty in all.

That's all you know Hoskar mutters, but it seems too softly for Ohanzee to notice.

As the Raven brave goes ahead, he offers his usual prayer Issaries grant us the good word in this meeting making the God's rune with his hands and offering of his spirit

Following on foot and leading Ram, he's not at the forefront of the meeting, but visibly holds wide his hands, empty of offensive weapons. With his arms apart, his shield no longer covers his body so all can see the garb of a city boy and trader, not the armour of a raider.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Tue 28 Feb 2017.

"Ha,ha," Temush attempts a chuckle at what he takes to be the commander's joke, but it comes out a little forced. "No, we have not come to raid you Khan, we have made no raids of late. Kobal here has just come to find out why two of our braves did not come back. I trust they have done no harm and had none done them"

"Your Raven has taken a beating or two, but it was well deserved and he is now locked up so he can not cause any trouble. Your companions, just like you, are trespassing on our lands and shall be dealt with under our law."

Temush glances at Kobal to see if he wants to add to the conversation while replying "I hope we will not take up so much of your time, Khan. We have a pass here from Quintas Pelorias that gives us leave to cross these lands with no tax or stop put on us."

"Did Quintas Pelorias give it to you?"

In reply to Dorion Lightbody (msg # 48):

"I can't speak to that Khan, " Temush says looking back at Kobal "I'm quite new in the band; we had it before I joined. Our braves meant no harm when they went down to that house. I feel sure they would have leant their aid had there been cause."

Ohanzee snorts "Pha!" when the yellow beard says "our land" and spits on the Earth.

He leans forward and speaks into the Granite Rhino's ear "Their land. See anything you like the look of feel free to snack on it."

This makes the officer laugh, but he doesn't reply, looking instead if he expects more from the Rangers.

Kobal kicks Black Hoof forward a step.  "We are not here to raid.  See how few we are.  Nor are we dressed for war.  The Wastes are a hard place.  We are dressed for survival.  A few days past we were ambushed by a mob of broo.  As for this armour, as Waha is my witness, I swear that we neither killed nor harmed any of your people for it.  We found it on one who was already dead.  Again, the Wastes are a hard place, and we use whatever is at hand."



Kobal frowns, in part to restrain himself from any retort.  At least it doesn't sound like they mean to kill Melock or Amara.  For now.



At Temush's glance, Kobal shrugs.  He can't remember where the clay disk came from.  Foreign stuff doesn't interest him.

"Well, Now we are getting somewhere.

So here you are and here I am, with two little prisoners between us. I have a proposition for you, one which if you agree to, will see your friends released and you then being free to continue. If you turn it down then they shall be handed over to the Lunar patrol that we are expecting either today or the day after."

Amara spoke from where she stood. "For the time being I am safe and so is Melock. Should any harm befall the village, Melock and I will feel the consequences. He has a task for us to do in order to win our freedom from the Sun people. The token will not be honoured unless the one who was given the token by Quintas Pelorias himself arrives here. I do not know if there were any survivors aside from Avalarn from the homestead. I suggest that some of you come closer and listen to..." Amara frowned "the soldiers request."

Hoskar nods in seeming approval.

Of course you are well, comrade. he calls up to Amara. From a worthy people known for their honour, bright as the sun, I expected nothing less.

His gaze slips sideways to the soldier, mien open, arms still wide We have helped many people on our journeys so far. I hope we will be able to meet your proposition also. As you see I'm but a talker, yet we have many skills between us and he scratches his head ruefully with his free right hand we're not exactly in a position to bargain hard.

We'll not know if your proposition falls within our power to accomplish unless we know what it is he concludes, leaving the implied question hanging.

"There's a tower up above....No one has been in there for a long, long time. Should be empty by now....But it's not. Go up and find out what's wrong and then deal with it. You'll know which one I mean...."

The officer points up towards the beast fold and the towers above it.

"Do not damage the towers."

"Worthy?" Ohanzee says at Hoskar's words already urging Feldspar on towards the indicated tower "Pah! Bunch o' wankers who carry such long spears to compensate for certain other short-comings."

Amara looked at the man "I agree and would do this on my own, with one proviso. You provide me with armour, replacement armour if necessary and something that will allow us safe passage through Sun County without further....interference."

Henal listens to the back and forth having sneered at Ohanzee's foolishness in not remembering that Kobal and he had been initiated into Waha's cult. Finallu he speaks up after the offer from the sun worshipper.

"The free passage without interference is important, we don't come to raid so why should we have to struggle and fight when we come in peace. We can go to see what lies there in the tower, but what has made you with all your numbers fail to deal with it?"

The officer orders his men in his own language and they escort Amara out of sight, then he turns to look down on Henal

"The towers are holy to us. We can not enter. I will not give you a pass to enter our lands. Do as I ask or do not. If you aid us I will free our prisoners and you may leave unmolested. Do not and you must face the consequences."

With that he too vanishes behind the wall, to be replaced by several archers, yellow fletched arrows at the ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:32, Wed 01 Mar 2017.

Ohanzee finds the going hard, but soon makes it up to where the animal fold is. The 2m walled compound is filled with a herd of domesticated Impala and Sable. One end has a covered barn, with the rest of the stone walled area open for the beasts. A strong wooden gate allow access.

At Ohanzee's approach the animals begin to kick up a fuss, their sounds echoing around the valley.

Ignoring the archers, Temush whistles a happy tune as he saunters back to collect Stomp and head up to the towers.

Hoskar sighs.
That went well he murmurs resignedly. So now we don't know what we're facing. Ghosts, I shouldn't wonder.

Still, let's get it done.

Still afoot and leading Ram, he trudges after Ohanzee towards the indicated towers.

As he reaches the animal pens he can't help but cast a raiders eye over the beasts, estimating numbers and assaying quality.

Then he rides off for the tower in question.

Kobal can't hide his frown.  Have you no shame, man?  Well, Hoskar's always been different.



Kobal kicks Black Hoof forward after Ohanzee and his rhino.  As he makes his way to the base of the indicated tower, he looks left and right, trying to take in as much as he can about the place - number of buildings, number of people, fortifications.  Whatever the elders might find interesting in future.

The Rangers arrive at the top of the highlands looking down on the valley below. They can see into the walled settlement, where folk can be seen scurrying back and forth.

There are four towers here spread out along the slope, 10 to 12 metres high, made of close fitting stone blocks. Arriving at the first they seen nothing odd or out of sorts and bound spirits detect nothing living inside. There's a walled in entrance at ground level, the stones blackened by cleansing fires. It looks as if the tower is open to the sky.

The next tower is identical, but not the third for close to it's base is a scorched are of ground, in the centre of which lies a blackened and twisted corpse, with what remains of it's arms reaching up to the sky as if warding off some terror. Like the others the door is filled in and blackened by fire.

"Something powerful inside" announce the spirits of the Rangers in unison.

Henal uses his charm to detect undead creatures drawing on blue eye's power and casts a charm of protection from spirits.

Henal's spell comes back positive, the undead sat in the centre of the tower's floor.

"How do we even get in?" mutters Kobal, eyeing the walled in entrance.  He dismounts slowly walks closer to the tower, taking particular care when he moves roughly within the same distance from the tower as the charred body, his senses alert to any sudden magical attack.  Keep back, Haaro.

The charred body is about a spear length from the tower and as Kobal reaches that distance he feels the familiar tingling of a spell being cast on him. There's no pain, but he knows from experience that it is some sort of detection charm.

One thing Kobal notices is that this tower is bigger than the others, better made, it's blocks larger and closer fitting than the coarser bricks used in the previous two they'd examined. Perhaps older?

Kobal announces to the others that he's just been scanned by whatever's in the tower, then continues forward, shield on one arm raised protectively, sword in the other, until he reaches in the walled-in door.  There he hacks firmly, not too hard, at the wall to see how easily the barrier will be to remove.  Thunder Bird, preserve me from undead.

It's strong stone and Kobal soon realises that he won't be able to hack his way through, not with a sword for sure. As he steps back to admire his work there's a powerful blast of magic that rushes out of the top of the tower, straight up into the cloudy, Dark Season Sky. Moments later the clouds start to part....

"Know the ones who can see through your tricks" Ohanzee mutters and then puts done distance between himself and Kobal "When the clouds clear is can get very hot under the glare of Bright Treasure" and nods towards the charred remains.

Temush's neck jerks as if he's been slapped in the face when he first arrives and spots the charred figure. He remains silent, face pale and thin lipped.
As he sees the clouds disperse Temush shouts a warning to Kobal "It has Sun charms! get clear of the broch! It means to fry you." He wheels Stomp back toward the nearest of the other towers.

"Take cover!" yells Kobal, though it seems unnecessary.

He looks for cover himself, raising his shield above his head (whatever help that might provide)

There's nothing in the way of cover apart from the odd boulder or two, and certainly nothing for the mounts.

Several minutes go by with nothing untoward happening, though Bright Treasure now shines brightly on the highlands where they all stand.

With a sigh of relief, Kobal peers out from under his shield, then lowers it.  Surprised that he is still alive.

"We should approach at night, but the longer we wait, angrier Angelika is going to be..."

"If they're still alive I'm an ostriches uncle!" says Ohanzee after the moments pass and nothing cooks.

He moves towards the doorway muttering as he goes "He was a Sun priest but he hasn't passed on to whatever burning hell they go to. He doesn't like being disturbed buy fellow Sun followers even."

Stopping next to the door he dismounts "Go on Feldspar, wait a little bit away from here."

Then he calls out to the tower "Why do you linger, why do you not pass on. I've no love for you Sun follower and you've no love for me a Raven follower, but we must help you pass on to free out friends, so what do you want?"

As Ohanzee speaks he suddenly feels really hot as if a great fire has started next to him.

Ohanzees attempts to dodge the sudden flare of heat that pushes through the blocked doorway, failing to escape he can only look in horror as once more he faces an elemental fire deamon. It's similar in size to the one at the Painted Wall, and the vaguely lizard shaped creature advances on him, intent on burning him to a crisp...

Leaning on Ram's side, Hoskar has been thinking...to little avail.
No obvious door, don't harm the tower, maybe a spirit, shaman stuff maybe, sun in the sky, no obvious door... and so on his mutterings have gone around and around.

He flinches at the sight of Ohanzee being stalked by a creature of elemental fire, but only for a moment. Dodge! he yells, maybe winning a prize for the most asinine statement even he has made in some time, grabbing up his sling from Ram to pepper the creature from where he stands; yelling Bright honour stop! Hurt not the helper! before loosing the first stone.

With few options available, Kobal casts a quick spell before advancing against the salamander and hacks at it with his sword, trying to take care that his swings are in an arc so as not to strike Ohanzee.  With his shield he tries to block out the heat of the elemental.

Temush rides over to Feldspar and attempts to coax and chivvy him back towards Ohanzee and Kobal.

Henal groans as his charm indicated undead. "Its not right creatures staying beyond their time on this plane."

He hangs back as Kobal and Ohanzee try themselves against the tower, then seeing the elemental pulls back to cast spells of protection on himself and sharpness onto his sword before he attacks it.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Thu 02 Mar 2017.

All hell breaks loose!

Slings fly as well as shouts and curses... Thanks to these Ohanzee is able to scramble out of the way of the slow moving fire elemental, which instead turns it's attention on the two braves: Kobal and Henal who are advancing with weapons drawn.

As they get closer their hair begins to shrivel and burn and they quickly realise that their armour and shields will be of no protection against the fierce heat. Thankfully their magical protection works, but it's not enough.

Henal starts to retreat away from the heat of the creature. He tries casting a spell of confusion onto the salamander to aid their escape.

Horn and hide so much for peace
realising the failure of his initial plan, Hoskar spits upon the ground, stands upon the liquid, grabs at a different bag for the water stones Melock gifted him, and begins hurling these instead at the creature of fire.

Freed of the immediate threat and the last burning still fresh in his mind Ohanzee draws upon Kangee to cast disrupting magic at the thing.

With Ohanzee out of the way, Kobal starts to pull back as well, out of reach of the magical creature.  Even his shield is starting to feel warmer than comfortable.

Bracing himself against the heat, he channels his spirit in a spell to slow the salamander's movements.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Fri 03 Mar 2017.

The now befuddled and even slower elemental staggers under the onslaught of magical slingshots and disruptions, and with a sudden in rush of air implodes in on itself, leaving a scorched area in front of the blocked in doorway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:20, Thu 11 Jan 2018.

Temush waits by Feldspar to see if Ohanzee heeds some extra healing. "I think Kobal may have the right plan with his talk of a night raid." he says "as long as it just sends salamanders at us we have some chance, but if it cares to, I think it can do us what Sun Hawk did to those trolls at the Wall, and I'm not up for that. We'd still have to think of a way to get a lot of us in there quick to sort it out."

Pleased with the effect of Melock's gifted slingstones, Hoskar also heads over to see if anyone needs healing.

Well now we know what not to do he observes. And I'm not sure we could break in if we wanted: if that tower's not dwarf work I'll be a Baboon's uncle.

He paces about, examining the tower both around the walls and looking upwards, seeking any entryways without touching it. Don't much fancy climbing this either he mutters.

"Doesn't look too bad" Ohanzee says following Hoskar around to try to pick the best spot for a night time climb. "Climbed far worse."

Suddenly the clouds close and the tower is no longer illuminated. It's got suddenly very gloomy and dim. Shadows shift.

Spell's over then Ohanzee thinks and then Must be draining casting those, maybe it can be drained more before night.

He moves closer to the tower on the side opposite the blocked entrance. Cautious and ready to scram quickly he watches the wall as he approaches and then touches it.

Nothing happens.

Hmmm, or maybe that was it. Can't be, surely. He places both hands on the tower and feels the construction saying to Hoskar "It'll be easier by day. Got any rope, I'll lover it once I'm up?"

Ohanzee returns to Feldspar and removes the heavy armour in preparation, stripping down to the leathers underneath "It'll do no good against spirits or fire and if there's anything left in there I reckon it's spirits or fire." he says, perhaps to the rhino or himself.

Ready he speaks to the rhino "If I holler for you it means I need a quick out. Sod what the yellow beards said, if you think you can break a hole in that tower where the entrance was sealed then do it if I call. Otherwise" he shrugs "it's been a real buzz to find you."

He pats the rhino on the flank and heads for the tower, coiled rope over his shoulder if one was available.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:43, Sat 04 Mar 2017.

When Ohanzee goes to climb the tower Temush goes with him, shield on his back, climbing far enough away as not to bring Ohanzee down with him if he falls. If there's a rope he'll help hold it steady if necessary for Ohanzee to climb down, if it's long enough that it can be held from back on the ground he'll just check it's not fraying on the stonework, and relay progress to whoever stays below.

Henal joins in climbing the tower, casting a spell of protection against spirits before starting.

Henal, Temush and Ohanzee, sit balanced on the lip of the tower. Open to the sky, the inside is almost totally dark, all that is except for a small flame far below, it's flickering flame illuminating very little. A bit of the ground and what looks like a pair of feet.

Looking down at the feet Ohanzee suddenly wishes he could climb in his full heavy armour "Reckon it's walking dead? No choice now, gotta get it over with one way or another for the other two."

He eases the rope down the inside of the tower away from the feet, keeping in the the darkness and as he does so he silently speaks with his familiar through their link Kangee come to the top of the tower and look in from the edge. Tell me what you see but don't go in and don't stick your head out too far!"

As Ohanzee lowers himself down, there's a quick succession of flashes, seen by all and the warrior lets out a yell of pain as he's hit by multiple disruptions.

The Raven brave yelps with pain at the multiple simultaneous magical attacks and it is all too much as his grip on the rope fails and he slips into the darkness below.

Those watching see Ohanzee vanish, followed by a thud and a shower of sparks, and then nothing...Looking down the fire looks to be out.

Henal mutters a charm to detect undead and looks down for Ohanzee.

The spell lights up a seated figure down below. Undead for sure. Thanks to the darkness there's no sign of Ohanzee.

"He's dead" crows the Raven, which with a flap of his wings launches into the sky and flies off towards the Zola Fel.

"Black frost!" spits Temush looking down from the raven to Henal "I don't think he meant the sun ghost. What do we do now?". Looking even further down into the tower, he continues " ...mind you, while that fire's out - no more salamanders."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Sun 05 Mar 2017.

With Bright Treasure behind clouds and soon to vanish all together at least there would be no possible Sun spears from above and with no fire below there shouldn't be any chance of Salamanders either.

A powerful dispel magic was all that could negate the warding, or someone with plenty of healing herbs, potions or spells could be lowered down.

Ohanzee opens his eyes and groans Owww... wait, no ow, it doesn't hurt. He sits up slowly and then stands looking up towards the circle of dim light above It's a way up, I'm lucky it doesn't hurt!

Then he looks down and laying besides his feet is some poor soul, smoke wafting up from a few quenched twigs under it Now he doesn't look too healthy! and then he spots a Raven standing on the fellow's back and it turns to fix him with a dark beady eye.

"Kangee? How did you get down here without getting blown to a cloud of feathers?"

He looks more closely "No, you aren't him, you look different, yes seem familiar in some way" and it slowly dawns on him "Eyota? What are you doing down there with hi..." He looks again at the body "With me?"

He looks about ant there is another present, yet not present. Here yet there.

Down below, ready to haul on rope if someone gets in trouble, Hoskar has a vague presentiment of trouble as a Raven flies away, but nothing more.

What's happening? he yells up. If it's fire, I still have a bag of Kinope's sacred water! Could send it up on the rope!

Withe the help of those outside the tower  Henal and Temush are lowered into the tower. Magically buffed and praying to their gods they both attacked by the tower's magical warding.



Henal lands first, with his sword arm hanging useless. As he unties the rope, a seated figure becomes momentarily visible in the darkness just before him, Ohanzee's body lying close by. A flash caused by the casting of powerful god gifted defensive magic.

As he heals his arm, the rope is pulled back up, enabling Temush to follow his friend....

The body was a wizened old man, stick thin and dressed in rags. Bald headed and centuries old.

Henal heals himself as fast as he can using Strongwing's power till he is able to draw his broadsword. He holds it before him in the sign of the death rune before he takes it into his hand to attack. "This is the rune of death come to send you where you belong. For the Green, Waha let me send this chaos back where it belongs."

It darkens, perhaps suddenly, perhaps slowly, what is time to a spirit. Ohanzee looks up to see the last crack of dull light vanish as if a cloak of Darkness has been drawn over the top of the tower, a cloak of feathers, a black wing.

The tower is no longer there, or Ohanzee is no longer in the tower, what is the difference? It is Dark and comforting wrapped in feathers of Darkness.

Intrigued he drifts through the blackness sensing other spirits about him, others collected, gathered up to take back to the nest. And then he hinds the edge and looks down from within the plumage towards the land below.

Sighing, Temush shakes his head over the inert form that was Ohanzee and instead heals his own right leg and left arm, before approaching the undead thing with his club. "You should not be caged to the dirt by these bones son of the sun" he says "may this bring you back to the light"

Pacing back and forth I see a Raven flying far away beyond the gloaming as the twilight's drawing in beside us. Breathing hope, the boon of little brother, giving faith and strongly helping. Eye of paradox enfolding straitly until morning cometh.

Still, it is no matter to my passing form for passing treasure. Hoskar though has need to hear this.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Mon 06 Mar 2017.

"Peevt, if you can hear me, tell the rest that Ohanzee is dead. There's a strong ward at the top, and he fell a long way. There's one dried out husk of a sun priest here. Henal and I are going to try to send him on his way. If we're not back by dawn you'd best give us up and run for it."

Kobal had stay on the ground with Hoskar, keeping watch on the outside, both in case something should happen at ground level, and in case anyone of the worshippers thought to steal their mounts while the Rangers were climbing up the tower.

At news of Ohanzee's death, he gives a cry of rage and frustration.  The Raven brave had a knack  for causing problems for the group, but also for getting things done.

"If you need anything, let us know!" he calls out to Temush and Henal, not sure whether his message will carry through the wall of the tower to the two.

Hoskar staggers briefly as the news from familiars hits him, reaching out a hand to the stalwart skin of Ram to support himself. Yet he recovers quickly, maybe recalling his own passing and return. He bites his lip hard, once, till the blood runs then heals the wound,straightens his back, and looks around.

When I'm not operating the rhino based rope lift any longer, anyone mind if I go and see if the Sun worshippers will sell us some resurrection magic? It'll probably cost us more than we can afford, but at least we can find out.

He glances at Kobal, adding in lower tones and that's why I take the time to flatter: if I'd called them a shower of bastards earlier we'd definitely have no chance this side of Pavis.

And Bright Treasure sets somewhere behind the clouds...

There seems to be a powerful magical protection protecting the undead man. It's pitch black too and Temush must cast a light spell before they can be sure of doing any lasting damage.

What they find is the withered, dry husk of an old man, his face and shoulders dark brown from years sat staring at the sun. Unmoving it doesn't flinch as Henal and Temush begin hammering him with magically charged blows. First an arm goes. Henal's Humakti blade slicing it off after a trio of hacks and seeing that the creature still exists they continue the barrage of blows.

Dripping with sweat they eventually complete the destruction, the body collapsing in a shower of dust, bone shards and twisted internal organs. From it's hands drop two golden ornaments, one a golden orb, the other a sceptre with a sun at one end. Both look to be objects of great import for those that worship the Sun.

Also, next to the pile of dust that was one the priest, lies a large leather satchel.

Not that far away...

A newborn baby cries it's first breaths, and once handed to his blond bearded father, is held up for all those present to see.

"Peevt, tell those that go to plead Ohanzee's case to the Sun Folk that we have an orb and staff to give them" Temush says to his familiar.

After removing the dust of the corpse-man from his hands and arms as best he can with dirt from the far side of the tower, he returns to Ohanzee's body and puts what healing magics he has left into righting some of the fall damage.

Henal looks to see if he or Temush need any more healing before using a charm to detect if any more spirits are there in the chamber with them, particularly bound to the golden ornaments or the satchel.

As Temush and Henal go about their business, healing and casting spells the tower is suddenly filled with a blinding light, so bright and divine that neither brave can see, hear or feel anything.

For those outside it seems that the sun itself is within the tower, blinding all those present.

Arrch! Wha? is the only cry the startled Hoskar can manage at the dazzling radiance, yet in a few heartbeats instinct kicks in.
Squinting, but hearing no approaching foe, he feels his faltering way around Ram, limited vision through downcast eyelashes keeping him from stumbling as he intones the low guttural sound known to calm the baity beast. When he reaches the rhino's head he presses his own forehead against the animal's horn, stretching forth hands to shade eyes before surprise becomes rage or flight.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Tue 07 Mar 2017.

After nearly ten minutes the light recedes in strength, leaving the tower in darkness once more.... Except for Temush's shield which now gives off the same light as if he'd cast a light charm on it.

Looking over to Henal, both see that the Thunderbird brave has a patch of skin looking as if it's been freshly tattooed. It's a small fire rune on the back of his right hand.

"I don't think we should stay here" Temush says somewhat redundantly to Henal "do you want to go to the top first to help get Ohanzee out? I can tie him on down here and then bring up the Sun Folk stuff"

Henal agrees and starts climbing back out, after rubbing his eyes a few times. "Glad I'm not tied to darkness like the ravens".

As the glow fades, Hoskar's guttural noises fade off too, and his bearing becomes more relaxed. Gingerly, he unshades Ram's eyes; murmuring soothing words as he does so. Easy now. Easy. That was fun, wasn't it? Well stood my friend and comrade well and bravely stood.

He blinks about, eyes watering but vision seemingly not badly affected - just readjusting from pinprick-pupils to the wideness required in the gloaming. Although he makes no move yet, it's clear he's scanning the compound for signs of anyone connected to the temple being about. Now. Maybe a trade to get life back for Ohanzee. What a day this is.

Scooping up the two golden treasures and the leather satchel Henal and Temush are pulled out of the tower, though not before making sure that Ohanzee's body is removed too.

Both braves are sorely wounded once more by the magical wards, but thanks to their own protective charms they make it back out alive, to be quickly healed by their friends, who'd prepared medicinal herb poultices whilst they waited.

By now it was properly dark, all that is except for Temush's shield which still shone with an inner, un-extinguishable light.

At the base of the tower Feldspar nudges the lifeless body of Ohanzee and grunts angrily.

Henal looks at the others "that cost us dearly and I wonder if anyone can be found to bring Ohanzee back from where his spirit roams now?"

"I just hope the yellow beards keep their bargain after that."

Giving any additional healing needed at the tower's base as Rangers return down rope fixed to Ram, having abandoned with some surprise his scan for Yelmalions attracted by the light, Hoskar moves to business. Right. Either he stays dead till we hit the city and gods know what time and decay will have done by then or we bargain for help here. Kobal?  Temush? Henal? we go and find our hosts and offer whatever it takes eventually if they don't help out of gratitude? Or do you have any better ideas?

Though apparently lost in thought, after a long pause, Temush starts to answer Hoskar's question "If it were down to how to make a deal, I would put it in your hands Hoskar, but I think, " he taps the satchel "what is in here may come too close to their faith for us to talk of deals for it. They are a stern folk who tend to see slights where none were meant."

"I am not sure how best to get what we need. We could give it up and hope that they see what is right. I wish I cold say that I knew the right words to put our case. That if there is joy in this for them it is bought at great pain for us, and we hope it is in their gift to share some of their joy with us and to bring our man back. We should ask to see their head man I'm sure of that, he will not want to have been brought this news at third hand. Much turns on what sort of man he is, which you may be best placed to judge. I think we have at least more chance here than if we try to take Ohanzee to Pavis is this state."

"Pah!" says Kobal.  "Asking these people for help leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  They're the reason Ohanzee is dead anyway!  And look what they did to Melock and Amara."



Kobal watches as the two braves come down the tower with Ohanzee's body.  "You'll need to cover up that shield," he nods to Temush.  "Or you'll alert everything in miles.  Particularly, as we make our way to Pavis.  Angelika won't be happy attracting more attention."



Kobal listens as Hoskar and Temush discuss matters.  "I think we should ask these sun bastards.  No offence intended," he says to Temush.  "We can't preserve Ohanzee's body for long.  If they refuse here, we ask again in Pavis.  I think in this case perhaps it's best the two of you talk to them.  Temush, you were there in the tower, and you can speak to them of what you saw.  Plus you're a Sun Hawk.  Don't offer them what you found unless you really have to.  I reckon they should be more than happy with what you guys did."

To himself, he thinks: those greybeards would probably pay Temush and Henal a lot for what they saw in the tower.  But he doesn't voice the thought for now, with Ohanzee's body still warm.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Thu 09 Mar 2017.

It's not long before the Rangers are down below in the valley, standing before the walled compound. Summoned from inside the Yelmalion officer stands once more behind the wall

"You succeeded?" he asks, surprise in his voice.

Kobal is ready to ask about Melock and Amara, and about Ohanzee, but he bites his tongue and waits for the others to reply to the Yelmalion.

"In your terms, yes." Temush answers not quite as diplomatically as he meant to. "In ours, less so."

"Your tower has lost its ghost; you may let our braves go free. But, we must speak of what passed up there with the head man of this vale ere we leave. Trust me, he will want you to wake him if he is not yet at work. If you are he, well and good, that was not quite made clear to us when we last spoke."

"I am he" replies the man "You may call me Dorion Lightbody, Light Son of Yelmalio. The ghost you speak of was Solinthor, a High Priest of Yelm. For your sakes I hope you left his belongings where they fell. You did a good deed today and I shall release your friends at Dawn, for I shall need to see proof and will not leave here till then. You may camp by our walls if you wish."

"First, " Temush continues "The most high would have us know that one whom he loves has been freed from a sore trial, which none are mete to have to take". "It may be, this is not such news to you as I would have thought, but I speak plain so there is no doubt. Next, there are things here from the tower." (he holds up the satchel) "You gave us no guide, save not to harm the walls, and I judged that it was best to bring these straight to those who would know more of them than I. By the look of them they might be the sort of thing a high priest could have. Last, one of our men was killed as we got in. It is just thanks to the grace of the gods we are not all dead, in which case you would not have what I have brought you. I hope it brings you joy; What would bring us joy is to have our brave brought back to life. I know this is no small thing, Dorion Lightbody, but as you will see, nor are these such small things."

Not having been in the tower, Hoskar stays quiet for now, leaving explanations to the direct witnesses. Aside from a deep bow to the Yelmalion at the news he is the head man, he stays unobtrusive for now, but wearing a look of growing admiration as Temush states the case. If he ever needs a different path, what a negotiator he'd make

"Give me the objects from the tower and I will send you out your friends and there will be no need to wait for the morning. As for the price your friend paid, well I grieve for your loss but there is no one here who can help and to be honest this will be the only settlement within the county who will not send out men to kill you today.

I have heard that there is an accomplished healer at Garhound, though I doubt you'll get a better welcome there than here in Sun County.

You have my thanks Sun Hawk. My only advice is not to stray in to these lands again."

"You can scarce tell, Khan, what such thanks mean to me and mine" Temush says " Where I come from, a khan likes to see as much of the proofs as he can with his own eyes when he is called to set a course to take."

"You may have few White Ladies here, but your word would be heard by those far off, and I sense that you shall soon have cause to make your way there."

"I am no khan and I do not choose to name what I hold here, but I wish to see with my own eyes that you have come close and viewed what there is. Then I will know..." he looks down at his shining shield then gives Lightbody his most Ostrich-like gaze "what I would wish to say next time I tread Yelm's warm stone flags"

The Light Son turns to speak to someone out of sight "Bring the prisoners"

And soon enough Melock and Amara are brought, unbound, and walked through the gate, escorted only by the Light Son.

"Here are your friends. Now give me the sacred burial goods and leave this place. You have been blessed by Yelm, but do not push your luck."

Looking badly beaten with a swollen left eye, Melock turns to the Light Son, "Much as I appreciate being blessed by Yelm," He attempts to roll his eyes, but ends up wincing in pain, so he heals his face and ribs whilst he finishes talking, "where's my mount and gear?" Melock looks at the others, "So, what did you have to do to free us and more importantly where's Angelika?"

As he approaches the Light Son, Temush holds the lid of the satchel up (careful not to touch the orb, sceptre or  other contents) so that Lightbody cannot avoid seeing at least the sceptre. This probably means that Melock and Amara get an equally good view.

"We do not grudge you your gold" he says "It would be bad luck to try to take these from here. In this world Khan, you have to be oh-so-smart, or oh-so-just. My corpse there had the most smarts I've seen; I press for just."

As quietly as he can to be heard he adds...

"This is the day my friends and I learn how you deal with us. There are no more such days."

Keeping quiet through the exchange between Temush and the light shit, Kobal frowns at mention that Amara and Melock will be released only at dawn, then looks in surprise at the ostrich rider when he quickly offers up the items from the tower.  His mood darkens further with the news these sun worshippers can't or won't revive Ohanzee.

As Dorion Lightbody makes his way down to the Rangers, Kobal does take the opportunity to say quietly to Temush, "He should at least give us some token to give us safe passage out of these lands.  Though fat lot of good the last token did us."

Seeing Melock and Amara made to walk, as if in shame, he's about to demand their mounts when Melock beats him to the question.

Hoskar sighs, his expression turning sour, at the Yelmalion's words. His shoulders slump. No bargaining, then: being told "can't" means calling him a liar to get Ohanzee back. Unhealthy.

As Temush speaks further with the Light Son, he moves towards Melock; asking tersely need any bigger healing? They seem to have done a job on you there. Short answer is we did something they couldn't. More later when we're on the move. Angelika's fine, but angrier than a Copper Sands Bull Wind I'm afraid.

If they can't help not even for a price, we need to hasten.

Henal keeps silent though looks sourfaced at the yellow beard's words, then at Hoskar's words he speaks. "Yes, if there is no help here for Ohanzee then we have to go as fast as we can for all that he was foolish in heading down without preparing himself for danger properly".

Temush can tell that the Light Son is not lying when he says there is no help, and that there is likely help at the nearby settlement of Garhound. The safest route to which is to return up the cliff and follow it around, the same route as Angelika was taking. This would avoid crossing Sun County lands and the Lunar Patrol which was on it's way here.

"I will return the mounts when I have the possessions of the tomb's occupant in my hands."

Behind him on the settlement's walls stand a dozen or so bow armed militia men and locals.

"And what of Avalarn?" Amara asked, wondering why the girl might want to even return to this.

Temush gasps when it dawns on him that the rune lord proposes to take so much and give nothing back. "Such a smart lot" he says nodding to the archers on the wall.

Turning his head to the right, avoiding looking Lightbody in the face, he approaches and give him the satchel. "You make me a steer in the herd, here, Dorion" he whispers "do not look for calves in days to come". As soon as the Light Son has hold of the bag, Temush turns and retraces his steps to the Thunderbirds a picture of dejection.

The Light Son takes the satchel, gives a wave and Amara's and Melock's mount are returned, with their belongings intact, all that is except for Amara's Yelmalion armour.

Turning as he reaches the gate the officer adds "Do not return to these lands."

The gates close with a bang, with just the men on the walls left to stare down at the nomads.

"I'm Sorry" Temush steels himself to say to the company "I thought that was our best chance. I'm sad to be proved wrong. He told the truth when he said Garhound was the next place we could try"

Looking subdued Melock shakes his head, "You can tell me more later." He rushes over to Stinky and checks him over to make sure he was well looked after, then he swiftly mounts up, "This long day isn't over, lets go see Angelika and see if you can loose another Raven today." he laughs hollowly. Dropping his voice, "He seemed very keen to get that treasure, lets hope its cursed." As he rides past Kobal, Melock leans over to him, "That Malia's turd was the one who gave the order to kill Hash Fa'Kash, if the chances arrises I want to kill him, how about you?"

"He didn't get everything as I managed to get a rolled up snakeskin out of the satchel." Henal replies. "typical that we can't manage to do anything without a raven managing to get themself killed though, let's get back to the others as Angelika will be angry enough without us taking longer."

Swiftly turning to Heanl, Melock raises his arm and points to him, "Watch your mouth Thunderbird, or I'll.." he notices Felspar for the first time, "What is that?" his voice is a mixture of fear and wonder, "and who's is it?"

Feldspar makes a happy sound and goes to greet Melock and Amara, giving Stinky a happy nudge too.

Wide eyed, Melock looks at the others before giving Felspar's horn a quick rub before Stinky takes a few steps backwards in confusion before stepping forward and returning the nudge with a gentle butt and a friendly grunt.

Amara looked a little shocked at Feldspar nudging her. Her eyes took in the astounding sight of the rhino...then she nodded. It almost had to be Ohanzee's doing. She looked thoughtful for a moment, wondering if Great Rhino had heard her song and hoping fervently he had. "Rest assured we'll return Ohanzee to you as soon as we can."<blue> she whispered to the rhino. <Blue>"I might need to hide beinhd you tonight to save myself from the ire of Angelika" She sighed heavily "Perhaps when he has returned to us... he might be cured of his tendency of finding danger by running into it full tilt."

Kobal stares back at the men, then spits to the side and turns Black Hoof around to head off.  He makes his way beside Amara first, then heads in the direction of Melock.

To the Vingan he says, "It's good you're both safe.  I have a spare set of leathers."  He looks her up and down.  "Though you're not as tall as your brother, so I'm not sure they'll fit you.  But you can try them if you want."



His eyes narrow at Melock's words, and he nods.  "We'll get that Light Son-of-a-bitch.  He owes us.  For Ohanzee.  And for Hash Fa'Kash."



"Brightly done, Henal, haha."  He chuckles, though not loudly for the receding sun worshippers to hear.  Trust a Thunder Bird to get things done.  "Aye, we should get back as soon as we can."  He kicks Black Hoof to a faster pace.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:48, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

He keeps pace with Kobal as they take, "If we'd been kept any longer, I was going to summon Grandmother Spider to see if she could free us, but as we were being watch I doubt it would have worked. If we camp close tonight and I have the chance, I'll try to summon her later." a dark grin surfaces, "You're welcome to help."

Amara smiled at Kobals offer "I have leathers, it's just the metal armour they took back. I'm very surprised they didn't ask for yours."

At Melock however, she shook her head "These aren't lands where anything of darkness can thrive Melock. Grandmother spider will not thank you for bringing her to this place. Light burns through darkness, only clouds and thunder can obscure it. I fear it would sour your relationship with her. There will be reckoning with that man. For now let us focus on getting to garhound and seeing what we can do there."

With Temush's illuminating shield the Rangers make short work of the steep trail up the cliff to where they'd started from earlier in the day. Of the others there is no sign, but their tracks are soon found, showing that they had continued on their way, presumably to Garhound.

The braves knew from previous conversations that Angelika had expected to arrive at the settlement late the following evening or even the morning after that.

Looking around them in to the dark he shakes his head, "Not at night," he shrugs, "but have it your way Red. I doubt we'll be allowed out of Angelika's sight for the rest of the trip anyway." Melock scratches his nose, "the offer I made when we were alone still stands, as does my view that it's the best thing to do."

Amara sighed "Melock. These are our lands that these interlopers have stolen. Their magic is powerful and they have the Lunars with them. Whether it be light from the sun or from the moon, there is no real darkness for Grandmother spider. You risk much asking for her to appear. I suspect that it might hurt you....but it is up to you." she tilted her head as she watched Melock warily "There is a place for Grandmother spider in your heart. I see that. She is not strong enough to fight the sun worshippers in their own place. Those towers hold their magic and keep it strong I think. We were told not to damage them....which implies they should be damaged when we return. We have other ways of hurting the Sun People....and I think this man has hurt us enough that I would be inclined to see the sun people eradicated from this place and for it to be restored to us."

I don't think this is the time for striking back against these sun worshippers, we are not strong enough now and have already lost one of our number. Let us push on to rejoin Angelika and see if something can be done for Ohanzee when we reach Garhound. Henal spits on the ground, then continues. "Let us ride on to rejoin the others quickly".

He smiles, "I said I agreed with you. The offer I was talking about was me taking the blame for us going off."

"That?" Amara shook her head "I was the one that argued with her. There is no point to this form of foolishness. She knows it was me that would have been the instigator behind this and that you were the follower. This is on me and me alone, Melock. Though it might not seem like it, we actually learned a lot on our detour."

A look of sadness blossoms on Melock's face, "You're right we did," he holds up a single finger, "First, Sun domers don't have a sense of humour," a second finger joins the first, "second, they kill for no apparent reason," two becomes three, "fourth, if you want to kill a raven, drop him from a height," finally his hand is fully open, palm up, "and lastly, you've proved you're too stubborn to let someone help you." Melock lowers his hand and shakes his head, but a cheeky grin appears, "I'll race you to Angelika, whoever wins tells her what they want, deal?" he offers Amara his hand.

Amara shook her head "First, their hold on this area is not as secure as most might think. Their outlying areas are raided and given the patrol, fairly frequently. Secondly their numbers are not large. There were only sixteen to twenty guarding the town. There also appears to be more regarding those priest towers...I think they use them to try to push their sun gods influence into this place. If we started destroying them en masse, this place would soon return to us."

She rolled her eyes "Next time, look at what they try to do to impress....and then figure out what they're trying to hide."

She lazily looked over her zebra to Melock "While I will tell her nothing but the truth and I ride considerably better than you...I'm not so eager to meet the wrath of the mother of my heart, Melock. I'll face the consequences when it is time...but delaying that time for as long as possible sounds more appealing than merely winning in a race."

"You saw more than I did, I was too busy looking for a way out." He sighs, "but have it your way, I'll leave the story telling to you, though each time we try to act like we follow a different Rival we suffer. Remember when I attacked that rhino broo, like I followed Thunderbird, and almost died. Today you acted like a Raven, disobeying Angelika and trying to sneak up on that homestead and look what happened."

This message was deleted by the player at 19:32, Thu 16 Mar 2017.

"Aye, so am I.  I did declare to them that I harmed none of their fellows to get the armour.  Did you do the same?"



Kobal gives a wry smile at the Raven's attempt to unsettle him.



He adds on top of Amara's reply, "Melock, I honour Grandmother Spider.  She is one of the spirits who helped Waha preserve the land when Chaos threatened all.  But I don't think now is the time to summon her.  We're in a rush - to rejoin the caravan and find a healer who can bring back Ohanzee.  There'll be plenty of time for revenge - later."



"Aye," nods Kobal.  "Look at those sun worshippers, hiding behind their walls.  They are afraid here.  Scared to roam the land like we do.  Unable to.  They ignore the wisdom of the Khan of Khans."



"We're far away from the sun worshippers now.  Tell us what happened to the two of you.  And to Hash Fa'Kash.  What else is there to do on the way back to the caravan?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:30, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Pushing onwards through the night, the Wandering Rangers make good time, and a few hours later spot the fires of a camp not that distant.

From out of the darkness comes a figure, his voice recognisable as the Zebra rider's scout

"We were getting worried, come it's not far to the camp. Is everything okay?"

Henal replies "glad we found you and didn't wander into a camp of enemies after all that has happened".

Amara nodded glumly "It went....poorly. How far do we have to go till we get to the main camp?"

Melock shakes his head, "To save retelling the story, it's best to wait until Amara tells it to Angelika. I'm sure she'll want to hear every little detail."



Melock is managing to drift in and out of sleep while riding, but wakes up when the Zebra rider appears, he groans, "Time to get our hides tanned Amara." He squints at Jardan Softride through bleary eyes, "I'm guessing Lady Angelika is asleep?"

Trailing gloomily at the back of the group Temush checks their back trail when the lights of the camp are sighted, lingering there some minutes listening for any sounds of pursuit, before going in.

"Aye she's asleep. Come on then."

Nearly everyone is asleep when they troop in, but their arrival soon wakes them, especially when word spreads that Ohanzee is dead.

Angelika is soon standing before the braves, a concerned look on her face, which soon turns to one of anger

"What happened?"

"Who killed Ohanzee?"

Amara answered for the group "That's not an easy question to answer mother of my heart. Ohanzee died from a fall though ultimately it is my fault and responsibility he died."

Amara decided it was best to start from the beginning "I thought it best to see if Avalarn had any kin surviving. Melock decided to accompany me. We rode to her home, where we were surprised by a Sun people patrol, despite warnings from the Walkabout troop. Since we're here not to invade or raid I thought it best to reason with them. As it turns out Sun people are not reasonable or anything in fact other than rude. They took us with them to their home. A town behind walls. I was making some headway in talking to the man, and in particular to one of the town folk when the others arrived looking for us."

Amara's expression turned to one of sorrow "The lead man of the town gave us a bargain. To free me and Melock the others would need to resolve a problem in one of those light towers. They did so. I wasn't present, but I gather Ohanzee fell to his death. I only heard the stories, one of the others should tell you about events at the lighthouse. in any case, the head man was true to his word and let us go, while telling us that garhound would be the only place we might find a healer accomplished enough to bring Ohanzee back to us."

While Amara talks, Melock nudges Stinky forward untill he is alongside her. He nods in agreement to Amara's words, but refrains from speaking.

Horn and hide this is going to be grim. Still, it's the price of following Goodword.

Hoskar has also brought his mount close in on the conversation, and takes up where Amara leaves off in measured saddened tones.

Although we were not aware of anything but the capture of our comrades we did indeed follow, the command to find them brooking no delay. The Walkabout baboons put us on the trail of our comrades, and we followed to the enclosure. Despite my words of friendship, we were met with naught but discourtesy there and were given a task to fulfill as the price of our comrades' freedom; the task being to clear a tower of dwarven make from its inhabitant.

Even getting close to the tower brought upon us a beast of fire, which we vanquished. The only way in was climbing. Not being much of a climber, I was below operating ropes. Ohanzee fell but Temush and Henal cleared the tower. Whatever was in there had more power than I've seen since...since the Basmoli spirit took Goldhand from us. The light of its passing was blinding for a while. Doughty work but at mighty price. I hope the price may be yet to come as the cost of Ohanzee's returning.

The Sun folk at least kept their word to free Amara and Melock.

He looks nervously back and forth between Amara and the Lady Angelika; addressing the former first.

If we spoiled negotiations, I am sorry Amara. We had no means of knowing what was going on in there: it could have been death to you if we'd been less fast to follow for all we knew.

He then bows his head in submission to the Lady, waiting several moments before raising it again a Sky Watcher should watch the skies, Noita said. We were too few to storm the temple. Compliance seemed the only plan. Is there blame for we that followed in our actions? he asks as humbly as he knows how.

Fools rush in to face the fire of anger hot while storm's strong surge is sweeping. This cat has no need of singeing: hie me to the edge of darkness, hide my head until it's over.

Could have held back there, my Hoskar: heralds have been hung for less...

...you Total Twerp.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

"If there is any blame in this, it should rest on my shoulders alone. I chose To see if there was anything that could be done to help Avalarn and return her to her people." Amara stated "When the punishment for this is decided, it should fall to me and me alone. Should we find someone willing to return Ohanzee to us, whatever the price that should be paid to return him, it sohuld be paid by me and me alone."

Angelika strides forward and envelopes Amara in a hug "Tsk...Independence is a true sign of a Vingan. But you must promise me when you initiate that you will not disobey your Priestess. You did what you thought best and as much as I am annoyed I bear you no ill will. "

Releasing her she turns to the rest of the Rangers "Be quick, Ohanzee must be bathed, healed of all wounds and we must leave for Garhound if he is to be saved. Every moment wasted means that if he returns, and that is an if, he will be less in skill and spirit."

"You must rest your mounts a while, but we go at dawn."

Amara blinked in surprise, somewhat shocked and surprised that Angelika didn't all but make the decision to make her walk to Garhound. She returned Angelikas hug warmly "I'll try my best. Mother of my heart, but I can make no promise. The heart leads where the heart leads and I'd hoped some or even one of Avalarns kin survived. Certainly it seems as though someone recognised her name in the settlement where we ended up."

Amara nodded to the others "Let me wash, clean and heal Ohanzee. He is my husband and I am responsible. I can also ride far more swiftly than most here and could set out ahead of the main group to get him to garhound and a healer."

Melock almost falls off Stinky, whether its because he's half asleep or because he can't believe that Amara got hugged instead of disciplined, its hard to be sure. He turns the fall into a dismount, smiles at Angelika, "I think we should stay as one group after what happened last time, don't you Amara?"

"Aye you will stay as one" growls the Priestess annoyed that the promise wasn't made "Go and see to your husband" an with that she goes off to sleep for another hour.

"Everyone is to be ready at dawn."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

Kobal claps Amara on the shoulder.  "You Vingans sure do things differently.   I was sure she was going to make you walk behind the rest of the caravan.  At the least, haha.  But you spoke well for yourself.  And best not to ride on ahead.  Remember what happened the last time you went on ahead into foreign lands?  Surviving Angelika's wrath once is impressive.  The trick is surviving it twice, haha."

He heads off to get as much rest as he can before the dawn.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

Temush also gets away for a quick snooze, looking a bit less care worn than he had since trying to trade rescued treasure for goodwill at the Sun Dome village.

Henal dismounts his zebra and sets it to grazing while he camps down with his cats for a rest while the hawk gifted to him perches nearby on a tree.

Melock follows Henals lead and hobbles Stinky so he can graze, then he finds a place away from the flickering fire light and quickly beds down for the remainder of the night. At least dawn is late this time of year.

"I thought I would have been left to fend for myself for the rest of the trip, but I am glad the mother of my heart has chosen to be merciful on this occasion." she flashed a smile at Kobal and Melock. Amara took Ohanzee's body to where she was resting, taking the time to clean him carefully and heal all of his wounds to give the return the best chance of success. She dressed him in his finest clothes, taking what she needed from his pack, dressing him with care and attention so he would be at his most presentable and for the first time in a long time, not be so....fragrant.

When she was ready she placed him next to his rhino, whispering to the beast. "Watch over him well. Do not let anyone save me disturb his rest. When we are ready to move at dawn, you'll be his mount. Be careful of him and tread gently." she gave the rhino a scratch on the snout wondering what might serve as a treat for it, holding her hand out with some skullbush seeds.

Amara kissed Ohanzee tenderly on the forehead and then settled down to sit beside him, dozing for what remained of the night.



Edit:sorry, have a bit more free time now
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

Dawn comes ever so quickly and at Angelika's command the large party moves off.

Henal soon finds the two sages on either side of him as he rides.

"We heard whispers that you had been in the tomb of a Yelm priest. Can you tell us anything about it?"

Ohanzee's body has been wrapped and is carried on the back of Feldspar.

With the help of the Zebra riders the party travels fast, as these braves  knew the way, having travelled this section before in the past. Once Bright Treasure was up high enough, those with Farsight charms could see the high adobe walls of the settlement below on the other side of a creek. The'd get there by nightfall and not before.

During the ride Temush confers with Kobal "I've kept what you said on this shield charm in mind" he says.

"It's a good point. Though it's a god gift, like your mark from the wall, it's not from a god who is close to us in the wastes. Still, he is the head of Sun Hawk's house, Yamsur's sire. It's not right to hide his mark where it does not harm to those I'm with. I shall wrap it up when we're on the march, but when we're in camp, or we get in a fight, the wrap will come off"

Henal sighs wearily and replies to the greybeards. "Yes, we had to go in and destroy one of the yellow beard's priests that had not died when it should have. There were towers there open at the top with the bodies within and spells warding the way down."

"Inside was the body holding some things in its hands and a flame burning."

"Did you...erm...come away with anything?" whispers one.

Henal looks about to see who might hear and whispers back "I may have" then in a normal tone says "the yellow beards took what the corpse was holding in its hands".
This message was last edited by the player at 12:35, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

Amara seemed impatient to be getting to the city. The longer they waited the more likely it would be that Ohanzee could not be returned to them. Nonetheless, she was tired after having been awake for a day and a half, she nodded off while riding her zebra, catching up on rest as the group approached the walled town. "Is there any way for us to get there sooner? Do any of you know of a quicker path?" she asked of the zebra riders who had been this way before.

Quieter than his wont, Hoskar has been keeping pace with the mount bearing Ohanzee I'll not think his corpse: this will be him again, checking for knocks and bumps along the way and casting healings at the first signs of any damage.

Several times, he shakes his head, muttering inaudibly to himself. Once or twice, he casts a quizzical look towards Kobal as if seeking answers in his fellow-Ranger's expression, but he does not make eye contact.

Overhearing Amara's words he sits bolt upright, closes his eyes a moment, then starts scanning the area intently, then closes his eyes again as if communing with himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:04, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

While they are riding, Melock keeps pace with Kobal, "As Amara didn't go in to much detail, I'll fill in the blanks. Once we realised who the baboons where, we tried to get them to back our story up with the sunny boys," he spits, "which they did, but when their leader decided to take us back to their huts, he just got his men to kill Hash Fa'Kash for no apparent reason." Melock shakes his head in disgust, "they weren't a threat, luckily the others got away."

Kobal nods.  "I didn't mean what I said as any slight on Sun Hawk or your gods.  Just that the light might unintentionally work against us at times.  In a fight, though, maybe it'd be good only to take it off at the right time, to distract your opponent suddenly, haha."



Scanning around for danger as escort to Angelika, Kobal notices the looks from Hoskar, but rides on.  The rhino brave doesn't seem about to say anything, and he'd rather not ride up to Hoskar alongside Ohanzee's body.  That would only put him in a more grim mood.



"Damn those sun worshippers," spits Kobal.  "Killing without reason.  This is what the Great Khan hates.  We'll get our revenge soon.  And drive these invaders from our land."

Melocks face lights up with a nasty grin, "Killing without reason sounds like something Tripanandar does, maybe we should introduce them to each other?" He chuckles, "more dangerous than using Granny."

"Aye, when you mentioned how Hash Fa'Kash died, my first thought was of the leaping bear spirit.  I doubt Tripanandar will answer your call, though."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:22, Wed 15 Mar 2017.

He rubs the back of his neck, "You're probably right, I doubt he'll be happy to talk. Though with enough sacrifices, he might overlook my puppets."

"And," adds Kobal, "if we seek help from Tripanandar, we'll only be substituting one problem for another.  No, we'll find another way to force these invaders out."

Melock nods, "I know, I was just thinking aloud. Easier to get spirits to attack them, they don't look like they'll have much defense against them."

Hoskar's innate ability to find the true one way through the lands of Prax helps shave valuable time off their journey and to Angelika and the Zebra folks' amazement the Rangers find themselves approaching the lands of the Garhound clan several hours earlier than expected.

Following the creek that divides their land from that of Sun County the Rangers see a group of riders coming to investigate. They've come from Garhound, so it can safely be said they are not Sun Domers...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:01, Thu 16 Mar 2017.

"You must be on your best behaviour within the walls Rangers. There is a Lunar garrison and I wish to avoid any trouble. The same goes for the locals. I know their Chieftain, but he doesn't know you."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Thu 16 Mar 2017.

Amara frowned "We are not familiar with the ways of these people, mother of my heart. It is almost certain we shall do something that offends. You know our ways and have lived our lives. What do we consider normal that we should not do here? What should we do to please our hosts?"

"Maybe I should wait outside?" He looks around at the others, "I mean what trouble could I get up to out here?" Melock smiles sweetly, "I could keep an eye out for any scum domers coming this way."

Lunars?  Kobal frowns at the mention of the moon worshippers.  But all he says is, "We'll restrain ourselves, particularly since our priority in Garhound will be finding healer for Ohanzee."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Thu 16 Mar 2017.

"Where do the beasts feed if we take them inside the walls?" Temush asks, scratching his headgear confusedly

Seeing the investigating party approach, Hoskar slips off what armour he's been wearing, packing it securely on his rhino. Emesh-Ga's shield too is put aside with respectful tenderness; leaving him clothed town-fashion but wearing only his father's sheathed sword as weapon. In his hands is the trader-staff.

If we're lucky and can go in, they'll tell us what to do with our mounts Temush. If we're unlucky, they'll tell us to shove them somewhere personal and move us on he observes wryly.

I've not been there before, but know their leader's called Darvenos. They shorten it to Davies usually, but that's a bit familiar for the likes of us I'd think. I might have a bit of an "in" - they're from out west originally - Sartarite stock - but in general I just plan to be polite he glances at Kobal again and hope they're better men than the sunny boys.

He thinks a few moment and adds when I was last in the city, the Garhounds were having friction with the settlers at Bullford. If you feel like taking a risk, maybe an uncomplimentary reference to those guys - you know - the "What do you think of our town?" "It sure beats Bullford, but then what doesn't?" type of crack - might get a smile.

"We will camp outside, but we will certainly be invited in, for they do not treat our people harshly. They buy our herd beasts and even have shrines to our gods."



"Do not steal their belongings, court their women, or start any fights. Boasting is expected when feasting, but control your tempers, especially if the Lunars are present. Garhound are not friends of the Lunars. The garrison is forced upon them and the clan walks the fine line to keep the peace. These are settled people. When we eat it will be at tables with benches. You will not be important to them, but do not take this to heart for we the people of Waha are better in all things.

I need to rekindle my ties with these folk for they will help us within the walls. So Melock if you can not control yourself do not come in, because if you fuck this up I will personally kill you...As it is I am in half a mind to let Ohanzee stay with Waha, and good riddance."



"If you're dressing as a Trader, stick with Goodfeather. You'll be a welcome set of ears as he'll be cutting deals and I want to know what goes on. Come up with a reason you need to be with the Duck and not us."

"It would be appropriate to offer their chieftain gifts" adds the Priestess.

In reply to Angelika Snowspear (msg # 220):

Hoskar bows with alacrity. I'll keep them open, my lady. The excuse is easy. He bustles off at once to find the duck in question.

Hey, sir. I have Sartar links and could do with being with you for this. Mutual help while we're there? Loyalty assured for your sponsorship. Bet Becx deals here now and then. All profit yours, what I hear mine if you approve?

Melock gulps loudly, "I'll wait outside then, but please do all you can to bring Ohanzee back." He watches Hoskar head towards the duck, "though I could keep them company instead." He follows Hoskar and catches up with him, "Wants some company?"

"You keep away from them too Melock. You are not to go in that compound!!" yells the Vingan.

This draws a laugh from the Zebra riders.

Turning to the others she adds "If you violate their hospitality it will bring down the wrath of not just them but their god too."

He turns sharply to face Angelika, "As you command Mistress." without turning, Melock shouts to Hoskar, "If you need help funding Ohanzee's cure, I'll be outside the walls." He moves to the back of the group so he doesn't have to take to the approaching riders.

"I can speak some Sartarite too....but I'm only vaguely familiar with their custom." Amara looked around "I'd like to learn more. People from Pavis use this form of custom, don't they?"

OOC:Did we settle on a speech colour for Sartarite?

Well they speak a rough dialect out here replies her priestess.

"Look the riders approach. Remember you are my escorts, no talk of your agendas."

Coming closer was a small band of twenty riders, atop a mix of Sables, High llamas and Zebras. None were Praxians though. These were Orlanthi settlers, though some could have been born here. Bearded warriors, with long trews, spears, shields and the odd piece of armour. Several had long swords strapped to their belts. All wore tattoos, both of clan and cult. Men of the Wind these were. Famously fierce and strong. Or so they thought. To each of the Rangers they looked fat and weak. Settled folk, deserving of scorn and ripe for plundering.

Henal pulls his zebra to a stop and watches the approaching riders without moving his hands towards his weapons.

"Let you and the traders do the talking Hoskar." He says, "think I'll try coming inside as I want to see if there is anything I can trade goods for."

Henal finds one of the Sages next to him again, who whispers "If you have anything that you wish to sell.....From the tomb, come see us in the Temple."

With that he rides off to join his friend in the Duck's caravan.

Amara sat patiently at Angelika's side, deferring to her. She watched the arriving group of men carefully sizing them up and being mildly unimpressed by them. She decided to leave all of the speaking to Angelika, unless she had some reason to reveal the fact she could understand their strange language.

Kobal rolls his eyes.  "Polite, or respectful at the least, is one thing, Hoskar, but sometimes you act like a slave."



They worship our gods?  They don't seem so bad then.  And Waha respects the Lightbringers.



Kobal would laugh at Angelika's comment if he didn't think she was serious about what she said.  Though he does say to his fellow Rangers, "Maybe at least one of us should stay with Melock outside the settlement.  The only thing worse than Melock inside with us, is Melock outside - by himself.  Someone needs to make sure he doesn't summon Grandmother Spider or Tripanandar."

As the party from Garhound rides out to meet them, though, he moves Black Hoof to a position near Angelika, lance and shield on his arms, as escort to the priestess.

Melock looks innocently at Kobal, "I wouldn't do that here, I don't have any sacrifices." he chuckles, "Seriously, I wouldn't do that because while these people aren't friends, they are most definitely not enemies." He tilts his head to one side, "at least not yet." Scratching his nose, he looks directly at Kobal, "You're welcome to stay with me, I'm sure a big strong Thunderbird like yourself can keep me out of trouble, just look how well that worked for Amara. Whoever decides to stay with me should swap familiars with someone who goes inside so we can keep in contact."

Temush looks from one to another of the Rangers around him, "I guess you'd like me to keep an eye on him" he says "Thing is, big as he is, I may not have the means to put a stop to what he may aim to start..."

Melock frowns and opens his mouth as if to say something, but doesn't. Instead he thinks for a few moments, "Why would size be an issue?" He looks down at Temush, "Do you think I'd attack you? I don't..." He sighs, "I think it's up to Angelika who stays with me, I doubt I have a say."

Henal smiles "whoever gets the duty of trying to keep the raven from foolishness, just hope it is not me this time".

He shakes his head, "Am I that difficult to keep company?" Melock spreads his arms wide and raises his voice, "Does no one like me enough to spend some time with me?"

For once Temush laughs "Naught so crude, dear Raven" he says "but by the same rules I won't use a throw stick on you if you shin over a tall wall, or set up to call Granny Eight Legs on a high shelf. We do quite well at most things the size we are, but there are times when tall folks can go over our heads. What would I do if my way with words failed to win you round? run off and tell on you to Ma?"

The riders arrive, but instead of approaching Angelika, who sits atop her Rhino amongst her guards, they make a beeline for Goodfeather, whom they seem to know.

Questions are asked, and it seems that they presume the nomads are the caravan's escort.

"Okay, you may approach the village" comes the order and everyone moves off.

Angelika says nothing but by the looks of it this was expected and to her liking.

She's soon spotted though and one of the older men rides off ahead and into the walled settlement. Goodfeather and his caravan, plus Hoskar and the Zebra guards are allowed in through the stout wooden gates whilst the Rangers are shown where they can camp for the night in the lee of the settlement's brick wall.

Angelika had said that nigh on a thousand folk lived inside. It smelt like it too.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:28, Sun 13 Aug 2017.

"I'm glad you find me amusing" He rubs his chin while he thinks, "I have no plans to call Granny tonight. If you run off to tell Angelika, who'll keep an eye on me?"

Angelika strides over "Change of plan. Melock you will be my personal guard tonight. Watch the darkness for enemies and do not stray. I fear trouble may be afoot."

Turning to the others she adds "Word will soon spread that I am here, I am unsure who will be allowed to accompany me, perhaps some, perhaps all. We shall have to wait and see. Rituals and customs will have to be observed, but do not worry I will find a healer, if there is one.

Now is the time to prepare gifts for our host and  be ready for some form of payment if there's a healer. It will not be cheap. More expensive than if we were at the temple in Pavis."

"Kobal. I hold you as responsible for the behaviour of the Rangers. Do not fail me."

This makes Temush laugh again, twice in one day...

"Just my point!." Temush says "You see, great minds think on the same lines. But to leave the jokes to one side - can we not all lie low while Ozhanzee is still in the wind? I think you see where this makes sense, too... I'm glad to hear what you say on Granny Eight Legs"

When he hears Angelika's words, Melock starts coughing violently, after a minute or so he manages to get it under control and looks wide eyed at her, "Though I am of coursed honoured," great, there goes my night of fun. "I think others would be of more help." He starts brushing the days worth of travel dust off of his clothes, "But since I know my thoughts are not your concern, I'll do my best." Melock rummages through his bags to collect odds and ends he might need, "What sort of payment do they normally want for such a thing?" He sniggers when Kobal is put in charge of the others.



"Never leave jokes to one side, they'll feel left out. It looks like you won't be keeping me company tonight," He looks in Angelika's direction, "unless you are truth telling for Angelika."

Inside Hoskar finds himself being escorted to the market square, where the caravans' beasts are unloaded and their goods carried into a vacant storehouse. Goodfeather looks quite at home, letting slip that he's well known in these parts.

He plans to stay at the Lightbringer temple with Hommi the finder and the sages, but suggests that Hoskar finds accommodation at one of the inns in town. He mentions the Silent Partner Inn as sufficient and that his Zebra guards usually stay there too.

"You'll be better off there than Geo's as it's the local watering hole and you'd best avoid the Bartered Beast as it's Lunar run."

Meanwhile those outside are approached by a group of local warriors on foot led by a handsome man in his late twenties. He's dressed in fine clothes adorned with the rites of Movement, Air and Mastery, and carries extremely well made weapons.

"Angelika Snowspear...I was told you were here. My apologies for your tardy welcome, please come within the walls, your guards too."

Turning to the Rangers he introduces himself as "Deskor Darvenossson, my father being the chieftain of Garhound. You may bring your beasts inside and corral them close to the shrines to your gods.

Angelika, you must stay with us of course and we will find accommodation for your entourage. The Silent Partner is empty and will be so until next market day."

Spying Kobal in the late afternoon sunlight he can't help but notice the Mastery rune on his forehead, though he hides his surprise well.

"An interesting group you have travelling with you Priestess. You must bring them to tomorrow's feast that we will hold in your honour."

Smiling happily, or so it seems damn you, Beaky you want to lose me to keep your secrets then, Hoskar heads for the inn waved at by his mentor-in-Issaries; following a decently trodden road between squared buildings.

Seeing himself eyed up and down by a passing man with yellow jerkin and his plump wife - or at least one assumes she has such a relationship from the linking of arms and the giggles and the bared breast of an earth matron - Hoskar remarks It is such a relief to be back in a town. Bless your harvest on a whim as he reaches the door. Ducking [sic] under the lintel, he heads in and looks around; unsurprised that things fall silent as he heads for what looks like the bar. My greetings he says in passable Trade. Do you have rooms for a trader? Looking around briefly and seeing nothing beyond his means, he adds Drinks on me: gods bless being out of the dust of the east. He casually produces a golden Wheel from up his sleeve, placing it upon the bar. I imagine this might pay.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:16, Sat 18 Mar 2017.

Kobal was about to volunteer to watch over their wayward fellow Melock when Angelika speaks.  Her quietly sniggers at her new command.  Have fun, Melock, haha.



His heart swells with pride at the recognition and responsibility, but also with a sense of anxiety.  Angelika Snowspear's from another tribe and clan, and even though their clan is allied with the Prairie Thunder, he's not so familiar with her.  She's pretty intimidating.

Melock's sniggering is ignored.



Deskor is a polite and well spoken man.  Kobal would reply and introduce himself, but here the Rangers are just guards to Angelika, so he keeps his peace and just studies the local warriors.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Sun 19 Mar 2017.

link to a message in this game

The Caravan is travelling along a proper maintained track, and for the whole of the morning it is shadowed by the Lunar patrol: twenty Antelope Riders, heavily armed and armoured, everyone of them. But as midday approaches they wheel off and head in a Westerly direction, towards the Zola Fel.


Despite the strong North Westerly wind the Rangers make good time, heading towards the village of Amble. The countryside so far has consisted of farmland, small steads and occasional areas of scrub and it's whilst they traverse one of these that those at the fore of the caravan spy an approaching group of riders.

Hoskar's farsight charm picks them out to be local militia on a collection of horses and zebra still 500metres distant. Nine warriors in all.

At the call of the riders being spotted Henal looks towards Hoskar. "Time for you to be talking I think, even though we could take them in a fight."

Amara was feeling miserable, thanks to the cold. She wished Whispers had come along on the journey to heal her of this cursed illness. As the signal was made that strangers were nearby, she reined in beside the others  "Let's try to avoid fighting if possible." she said in agreement with Henal

As they've been traveling, Melock finds his thoughts drifting from what's around them, to the mysterious girl. Could she have been one of the assassins? When the militia are spotted, he banishes his day dreams and focuses on reality. When Amara speaks, he gives her a funny look, "Are you feeling alright?"

"Just because I want to avoid fighting?" she asked.

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 254):

"Yes, you wanting to avoid fighting is like me suddenly getting the urge to tell the truth," he shudders at the thought, "it's not normal, so what can I do to cheer you up?"

"You're an idiot. I don't fight because I want to. I fight only because I have to...and then it is usually because you or Ohanzee have gotten into something you can't get yourself out of."

He laughs, "That's the reason I was worried, but you're sounding like your normal self now, which is good." the corners of his mouth curl up in a cheeky grin.

Kobal rides at the rear of the party, keeping a frequent watch on the Lunar party behind them.  Even when they wheel off, he continues a frequent watch of the rear, in case any of the moon worshippers leave the main party and start towards them.

The Lunars gone, his mind turns to other things.  Like that thing Ohanzee was using.  An "instrument" he said it was.  Instrument of torture...?  Clearly not of Prax.  The Praxians have better taste.  He had heard it said that sometimes those who come back from the Happy Hunting Grounds have lost the sense of taste.  Maybe Ohanzee lost his musical taste as well.



Now with the danger at the fore, Kobal kicks Black Hoof to ride to the van, alongside Hoskar to meet the warriors.

The mounted patrol approach and it can be seen the they carry the marks of the Garhound Clan. Once introductions are made their leader, one Bronze-Pataros, shares the day's news

"We have come from Amble, a few hours north. They've been worried that there are Trollkins eating their crops though we found no signs on our patrol. Their Sherrif will be glad that a large force such as yourselves will be staying the night. We are continuing back to Garhound now."

Kobal leaves it to Hoskar to make the initial contact with the riders, while to makes his way back to Angelika to relay the warrior's words.  "Wise One, will we be staying at the town, or moving on and making our own camp?"

Trollkin.  He's heard of them, but not seen one before.  Apparently not that dangerous, except in mobs.  And if there were trollkin around, there may be dangerous uz around too.

"We can ask for shelter in the town or camp nearby. I will leave that to you and the other Rangers to decide. I suspect that Goodfeather and the Scribes will want to sleep in a bed if they can."

"Well, what do you think?" says Kobal to his fellow Rangers.  "Head into the town and stay there the night?  Amble is in the general direction of Pavis, so it wouldn't be any real detour.  Or move on and camp in Prax?  Angelika wants to reach Pavis quickly and without attracting attention.  So I say we move on and camp.  But if some of you feel there's a risk of another attack by moon worshippers, perhaps being in the town might deter them."  Personally, the thought of making Goodfeather and the other soft outsiders sleep on the ground instead of beds is enticing.

"We don't need to ask to skulk in some house, but if it does no harm we might gain some good will if we stop and let Goodfeather trade, and the long beards see what there is to be seen." Temush says "That gives me a thought..." he mumbles before nudging Stomp away to talk to the Lhankor Mhy Sages.

"I think we should stay in the village, that way we may catch sight of anyone following us, as they'll be more likely to stay there as well." Melock shrugs, "Though I'm curious about the trollkin and we're more likely to see them if we stay outside. I'll let someone else choose."

"I vote we go to the village. We might be strangers, but strangers are noticed in towns, if the Lunars arrive, they should be noticed." Amara said wiping her nose on a rag

"There might be someone who can help you with your cold, at the very least a night in the warm and dry will help."

"It's Waterday, a day I feel comfortable with of late. Still, since we are welcome it would be interesting take a look about the place."

Kobal looks around.  "It seems we're heading to the town, unless Henal and Hoskar decide to ride past."

He turns to Ohanzee.  "Just because those warriors - who were leaving - said we'd be welcome doesn't mean the Sheriff and the townspeople will be as welcoming.  Don't presume too much.  If we head there."

Angelika says that she is happy to stay within the walled village as do the trader and the scribes. All seem to be content to spend time with their own people, even Angelika who looks to be enjoying the small bits of civilisation so far.

The caravan is met by the Amble militia and the town's sheriff, a woman called Wild Wilma

"Welcome strangers. We are glad to offer our hospitality, but I must request that those of you that are Praxians must make camp outside the walls."

She's a big lady, nearly as wide as she is tall and carries in her hand a bronze great axe, that seems to whisper like a small breeze. Her hair is red and falls to below her waist, almost covering the intricate bronze breastplate that is covered with images of Alnyx. Two of which stand by her side, hissing at those manual cats that can be seen.

Kobal looks to the Snowspear for instruction.  "Wise One, do you want all of us Rangers to camp outside?  Or some of us to escort you in...?"



Wild Wilma looks formidable.  Haaro, I take it the cats are bound with spirits...?

"I shall be okay Kobal. It would be best if we do as they ask."


"Yes" comes back the quite reply

Ohanzee shrugs "It's OK, they can hear the bagpipes even if I play outside the walls" he says with a broad grin.

Then "Can you ask her about the trollkin?"

"Trollkin? There's been a few sightings by farmers. Crops eaten, small things stolen. No one's caught one yet. If we're not careful they'll breed and strip us bare."

Henal looks at the others. "Looks like we're staying like nomads then".

After Wilma's words he says "if we find traces of these trollkin we can hunt for them, but we have a journey to complete."

Then, softly he speaks to the sages "what can you tell us about trollkin and what threat they are?"

He smiles at Ohanzee, "You should welcome the night with them as Bright Treasure leaves us, and say goodbye to the dark as Bright Treasure returns." Melock scratches his neck, "It's a pity we're only here for the night, otherwise we could hunt the trollkin."

"Vermin and the cursed spawn of the Trolls. If there's lots of them they can strip a farm in hours."

The Village of Amble is far smaller than Garhound, though it's walls look just as strong. There's a lone tower, which gives a good view up and down the river, which is but a stone throw from the settlement. The local farmers have made good use of the river silt and their fields stretch in all directions, with corrals for their cattle, hardy sheep and pigs.

Locals watch as the Praxians are shown to an area suitable for camping, with signs of fires showing that this is a place uses fairly often.

At the same time Goodfeather's caravan is led through the village's entrance and the Rangers find themselves alone, with several hours before sunset to kill.

There are reed boats on the water, filled with fisherfolk casting nets or using pronged spears in the shallows and there's a collection of reed huts about 200metres downstream, smoke curling up into the cloudy sky. Riverfolk for sure.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:44, Tue 09 May 2017.

Amara looked on the town with a self deprecatory smile. The armlet the chieftain had given here hadn't amounted to much trust outside the clan stronghold. Still she was expecting it. Nothing would change in that respect, even should their plans come to fruition. She prepared to camp for the night outside the walls, hoping that Angelika would rest inside them, with an appropriate guard.

Shuddering briefly at the nearness of the river, Melock Approaches Angelika, "Mistress, will you be going in to the village and need me as one of your guards?" He turns his head quickly as if he's seen something out of the corner of his eye, though there is nothing obvious he's looking at, after a few seconds Melock shakes his head and turns back to Angelika, "If you don't need me as a guard, do you think they'll let me in to trade?"

"No, the villages won't let you in. All trade is outside, unless you are one of them. Garhound was special as I am known to them and even now these folk  see me as one of their own. perhaps you see why my husband married me, do not fret for I shall be safe" and she winks at Melock, before heading in with the caravan.