Early Evening

There's a fair bit of noise coming from the front of the Inn, it's famous golden sign swinging gently in the cold breeze above the approaching braves. It's dark outside but the Inn's interior seems warm and inviting behind the closed door.

Looking excited, Melock turns to the others, "Time to relax before we earn our keep." He opens the door and walks in to Lilinas.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Wed 28 Feb 2018.

And straight into a punch to the face.

Melock goes flying backwards, leaving a surprised looking man who'd crouched down in the doorway just as the punch had been thrown by an irate looking customer standing behind him. Beyond the bar looks full and following the punch comes a wave of noise and smells.

This is our kind of place Temush says waiting to see if Melock still wants to be the first in.

The man crouching down stands up. He's the same height as Temush.

"Temush....is that you?"

It's cousin Swift Kick.

While he's on the floor, Melock feels his nose to check it isn't broken, "I've had worse than that in the bachelor tent." He slowly gets to his feet, "and that doesn't count as me getting in to trouble. I think someone else should go first, maybe Kobal?"

Horn and hide. Didn't even know to open the door cautiously. What have I started here?

Back up he suggests to the others. Walk into a strange fight in there, you get hammered. If I know Lilina, she'll get order back shortly.

He crouches down next to Melock keeping a wary lookout for belligerents emerging from the bar. Anything broken? Dose of healing?

Swiftie? What are you doing here? I heard you'd run off to join Skywalker.

"Just a second!" and the pygmy turns to deliver a swift kick to his assailant's goolies. Then stepping over his victim he leads the braves in to the tap room. The place smells of stale beer, sweat and blood. It's raucous, wild and looks like a fun place. Several locals nod at Hoskar and several others nod at Grundar, their colours denoting that they're members of the local gang.

Pushing his way through the crowd Swifty clears enough space at a low bench for the Rangers to sit, then turning he places both hands on his cousin's shoulders so as to welcome him properly.

"Good t....What! You are wearing the Khan's ring...You're...How??...Khan!"  He drops to his knees and salutes his clan's Leader, with tears in his eyes.
This message was last updated by the player at 18:29, Wed 28 Feb 2018.

"I'm alright, I should remember to always let someone bigger than me go first." He chuckles, "I think a drink is in order, do you think they do food here?" Melock makes sure he sits at the opposite end of the bench to the Temush.

Without even asking, bowls of the daily stew are placed before each brave and several jugs of Kvass and mugs too.

As you were Swifty. Have a seat, and a drink. Temush frowns and purses his lips
It's hard times for the Big Peckers, is what it is. As of right now the parts of the clan that I know for sure how to find, are you, me, and the ghost of Khan Blue who the Mother lets me call up once a season. I won't hide the truth, a lot of us are dead, could be most of us in fact. Broos. Broos took us down in the Bleak Hills. Sunny Side had sent me off on a ghost walk and I missed it... not there. Some may have got free. A lot had been took as slaves when the Impala came on a raid. Might try to find if they went to Pimper's block.

The band I'm here with. they'd met with us some time back, they were first on the scene. Khan Blue's ghost got them to take the ring, and in the end I met up with them. He leans close to avoid being overheard They run Bison and Rhino, and they have a thing. But how is it with you? What's the Town like? what do you need?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Wed 28 Feb 2018.

In reply to Melock (msg # 10):

Henal laughs "That lets me and Temush off the hook then, but looks like his cousin is a  feisty one."

Melock laughs with Henal. He beckons Grundar over, "Now we have some time,  I think you should be told about what we've been up to. I'll skip our initiations in to the Feathered Rivals." Melock takes a sip of beer to wet his throat before he begins, "Why we were each called upon to work together is one question I don't think any of us know the answer to, unless someone isn't sharing." He looks round at the other Rangers before continuing, "Our first adventure as a group was to scout for the clan and keep some hyena's away from our beasts. While we did this we found signs that someone had called down a Leaping Bear spirit called Tripanandar on us. After killing some leaping bears we managed to tracking it down to its lair where we killed it's family and after much fighting and the loss of Hacha Lor we killed it and banished the spirit." Melock raises his mug of beer in salute to Hacha Lor, "To the first of us to die." He is silent for a moment before he continues his story.

"It was when we were on our way back from that, that we met Sky Bone Blue, Khan of Temush's people," He raises his mug towards Temush and Swifty, "To Sky Bone Blue, a generous Khan, he even had a friendly welcome for me." Another moment of silence.

"When we made it back to the clan they where getting ready to perform the Rainman ritual and fight the Wicked Writher so our Khan Nausyas the Iron Bull, my brother in law, can control the rains. We helped keep the bastard impalas from stopping the ceremony. He pauses long enough to quickly chew a few mouthfuls of stew, "when things had calmed down and we told the elders what we had seen and done. The shamans told us that Long Grass the shaman's spirit had been bound and now his fetch was in his body and that we needed to rescue him from another shaman, who it turns out was the one that called down Tripanandar on us." He rubs his eyes, "Is that last bit making sense to you Grundar, there are a lot of shamans to keep track of."

"I wish you'd think that before going off on one of your Raven-brained adventures," says Kobal as he settles into a seat.



Kobal pours some kvass into a mug and tastes the liquid.  He frowns.  "Is there even any alcohol in this?  Weak." he says to no one in particular.  He listens as Melock recounts events to Grundar.



While Melock takes another mouthful of stew, Kobal chips in, "Our clans sent a war party to defeat this shaman, who was of the Red Thorn clan, rival to we Prairie Thunder.  We Rangers were not part of the war party, but some of us had visions which suggested that the shaman would outwit the war party.  So we set out ourselves.

"Along the way, we met some rhino riders of the Summer Fury clan.  Lead by Krakka Rumble - curse his name.  With them was Hoskar here.  Krakka showed us hospitality so that we dropped our guard, then he slit the throat of our friend Kaonu Windspeaker.  When we find him, we'll do the same to him."

Amara looked distinctly ill at ease in Loud Lilina's. It's wasn't that she looked out of place, it was just more that the place was outwith her tastes. She almost wished she were spending some time at the Lunar temple in the company of friends rather than having to pretend to be ferocious so they wouldn't be harassed by the locals.

"We avenged the Big Peckers by killing all of the broo that destroyed the clan. It was my privilege to reunite Khan Big Blue with Temush." Amara focused on Temush and his cousin "And should there be any at the Pimpers block, we will get them back."


She turned to Kobal "You know Krakka's wife has a cousin in the city. I was looking to try to find here, but so far...nothing. Was hoping we might learn some things to make our search more fruitful."

"I'd heard rumours that the clan took a kicking, but I'd no idea it was so bad." Swift Kick looks appalled and can utter no other words for a long while. Then gathering his wits he replies "I'm okay, wrapping up some business for the boss, before meeting up with him in Vultures country. As for needing something I'm good, except for this awful news you bring. When will you go to Pimper's block? Have you asked the gods if there are any survivors? A divination might help."

The Rangers are the only other nomads within the bar, except for Swifty that is, the rest of the clientele being locals of Old Town. There's drunken singing, foreign songs, and lots of laughter. Being drunk in this city seems to carry no stigma and it looks like everyone is here for the long haul.

Tradesmen sit with labourers, who share tables with off duty guards, apprentices and merchants and all of them following a dozen different gods. Sartarites or at least their descendants on the most parts, but there's folks from both the old city and further afield.

All sorts of subjects are being discussed from the cost of living to who shafted who down the market and of course rumours galore...

Having peeled off a while to speak in a low voice to one fo the locals, the only comment that floats across to the Rangers' ears being a parting I'm gld she came through: that was a real worry Hoskar ambles over to the table in time to hear Amara's comment about Karakka.

As he settles into a seat, he remarks you missed it earlier, but mother says Krakka's rumoured to be in town, or to have been recently. Maybe if one of us he's not met before were to ask at the Storm Bull temple we might get a lead on having a little word with the man somewhere private.

He takes a small mouthful of his drink and smiles contentedly. I have missed Lilina's stuff. Not the strongest, this one, but all to the good under the circumstances he observes.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:16, Thu 01 Mar 2018.

"Interesting," says Kobal, mulling over the news and taking a spoonful of stew.  "Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to get clothes like the locals wear.  Don't want Krakka to see us coming.  And don't they say he's searched for the White Lance before...?  If we can get some information from him as well, so much the better.

"It also makes me think," he says, looking at Hoskar and Grundar, "do either of you know a Mani?  I was told to look for him."

One of the serving staff, hearing some at the table speaking about the booze, bring new jars, this time containing house brewed beer.

"Strongest we got. Take up any complaints with Lilina!"

A local pushes himself between Henal and Melock, sitting down and pulling from his tunic several small, brightly coloured birds "Two in the hand are worth one in the air....Fancy a new pet lads? A gift for yer lady friends. They sing like a nymph swimming in beer they do. I'll throw in their feathers for free."

"Yeah that's right, fell off he roof he did. Nah he'll be right, not so sure about the mason he fell on though."

"Burp"

"Mark my words it'll get here next week."   "Whaaaaat? You're fecking joking right?"

"You seen my wife have you?"

"Aye got a job providing material for Raus' household. Met his servant up the other end of town...."

"Rumours the bastards are going to clamp down on the temple tomorrow. New laws enforced. Got a brother in the watch and he's friendly with one of their lads."

"Who's that lot who just walked in? One with the cocky little fella who kicked Brian in the nuts?"

In reply to Kobal (msg # 21):

Hoskar thinks over Kobal's question a few moments.

Mani...hmmm...ah...no. There was a Jannius rattling around the place a few seasons back, but he was selling Esrolian underthings and buggered off back there before I left. Can't be him. Sorry.

He grins at the overheard question about the Rangers' identity and remarks loudly enough to be overheard if the speaker wants to, with a contented sigh, Ahhh. It's good to be back. Nothing much changed since I heaved barrels around here a few seasons back. Always a good spot.

He stays away from the new booze, supping sparingly on his original milder drink but with evident pleasure.

I spoke to Mother Ostrich at Painted Wall and she told me to look for some of the clan here in Pavis. Which I will now that we've got our shit straight. I'm pretty sure she meant more than one, most like they'll be slaves. I heard there are salt mines here. Could be that, or they're just stopped on the road 'til sea season. We're here for a bit and then we have to hit Pairing Stone but I might get to Pimpers Block from there.

It's bad, but there are still ostriches on the plains... did you ever hear of Old Man Thinfoot?

"An old spirit I think...Not sure, why?"

"You know what I did hear? Someone said they saw a totally Black Ostrich over in the Farmer's Quarter, with the scariest gaze. Marked like death and with a metal beak."

"Strange you should say so, Old Man Thinfoot had a hand in that. You might be doing us all a good turn if you could swing by Garhound on your way back and look him up. He had a camp in a green vale there. Look North from the stream outside the Garhound gate and you should see it. If he's still there he may have a job for you. Keep your pecker up."

Swifty's eyes light up as he puts two and two together and gets the magic number "Will do my Khan...So shall we drink to our ancestors and to our clan. Tomorrow I shall make sacrifice for them all."

Turning to the Rangers he raises a clay mug in salutation "Thank you for killing the Broo that killed our people. I salute you all."

All can see that he's putting a brave face on and is barely hiding his grief.

In reply to Swifty (msg # 28):

Sitting somewhat away, Hoskar catches Swifty's toast.

To the Big Peckers and your renewal he declares, raising his mug and again sipping sparingly. This night my spirit goes to Waha with more for your future.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Thu 01 Mar 2018.

"You hear that Hoskar, if you don't like the beer don't tell us, tell Lilina!"
Melock looks at the local birdman, "Do they come in black?"

In reply to Melock (msg # 30):

Wearing a saddened expression at first but breaking back to a smile, Hoskar responds placidly said it wasn't the strongest. Which is true. Didn't say it was off. Good stuff, actually and no way am I reporting for duty later rat-arsed.

He stands and wanders barwards, hoping for a moment's word with their hostess.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Thu 01 Mar 2018.

Melock looks a bit disappointed didn't manage to wind Hoskar up.



He tries to see who mentioned Raus, without being too obvious.

In reply to Swifty (msg # 28):

"To the big peckers being renewed in the green lands" Henal responds to Swifty's toast.

Amara raised the jug but didn't think much of the brew, only drinking it out of politeness. "You realise, since our feet started on this path.... although we've suffered setbacks. Our clans have grown much stronger. The clans of those who join our sides have also grown. What happened to the Big Peckers was...a tragedy, but now they are aligned with us, and the restoration of the green. They recover from what once might have been a dwindling to nothing. We are doing good things."

Kobal gives a cheer and smile to the server, then grabs one of the new jars, forgetting that they'll need to be sober soon enough.



He frowns.  Underthings?  No, definitely not the right person.  Maybe Hoskar's mother will know...



The Thunder Bird brave raises his own mug in return and takes another swig.  He stands and puts an arm around Swifty's neck, drawing him close.  "Knowing Temush, having met Sky Bone Blue, I know that the stories you tell in future about the restoration of your clan will be glorious.  And," he raises a finger in front of the brave's face, "to rebuild your clan, you two are going to have to use your Big Peckers a lot, hahaha!"  Somewhere in the back of his mind, he thinks I hope it's not too early for that...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:35, Fri 02 Mar 2018.

"Why you want it in black?" asks the man genuinely confused. He turns to Henal "Tell me you want a bird yes?"





The middle aged  man looks to be a trader of some sort and is sitting immediately behind Melock. He's talking to several other men similarly attired though younger in age.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:18, Fri 02 Mar 2018.

From the inn's counter comes the sound of a resounding slap. Turning, those interested can see that it's Hoskar who's been slapped by a buxom lady in local attire who stands behind said counter.

Swifty's eyes widen and he does his best to smile and not choke from Kobal's embrace.

Looking across the crowded room, Kobal and Amara can see an irate looking man pushing his way towards their table. It's the man who'd recently been kicked between the legs....

What total and utter turmoil, thinks Grundar! No sooner had he thanked Melock for his description of their many tangled adventures, than there seemed to be bedlam everywhere around him, banter, confusion, and hints of trouble boiling. He'd thought that they had come for a quick drink and then a quiet night. This was shaping up to be anything but. Keep out of trouble, this lot? Fat chance! He was definitely taking a liking to them, although he didn't think that Becx was going to be too pleased. SMACK, he winced as Hoskar was struck. No, she definitely wasn't going to be pleased and most of all with her son. What fun!

Thanks Melock, I think I've just about got the hang of that, although forgive me if I forget and have to come back to you later. I appreciate you taking the time. I wonder though if we need to come back to this later, it would seem our companions are getting a little carried away. Perhaps we should join them...

No Kobal, I'm not sure I do know a Mani!

Hoskar, if you're getting the drinks in, I'd love another one too!

Grundar finds a fresh jug placed in his hand by one of the older Deadheads, whom he recognises from before "How you doing Geezer. Saw you with this mob earlier. Who are they?"

Cheers! Grundar shoves a stool over with his foot, pull up a seat and join us if you wish. Some of this lot are old friends from my tribe back home, others are friends of friends who I'm just getting to know. They're a great bunch. This is Melock and over there getting slapped is Hoskar, Becx's son. So how's things with you and the rest of the gang, anything going down that I should know about or be in on?

At the bar

Hoskar rocks back at the blow, looking very surprised indeed. What the...

He stands open-mouthed a moment, his left eye watering from the right-handed slap, his left cheek even redder than the other; which also turns quite red in evident embarrassment.

He doesn't take that step forwards again in case he gets matching cheeks for his trouble.

Lilina? he stutters Nice hit. Ouch. What did I do? I know I didn't say goodbye. Left in a hurry what with one thing or another. Thought Becx would explain. Didn't leave a tab, did I? Don't think so, but if I did can pay you double now.

What's wrong? he concludes plaintively.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Fri 02 Mar 2018.

"It's for all the worry you've caused yer mum yer little scallywag! Vanishing like that."

Then leaning over the counter she pulls Hoskar in for a warm embrace

"Come'ere you."

Then letting him go she asks "So you back to stay?...Looking for some work eh?"

This seems to be the place to get your face set in a new shape... Temush muses

In reply to GM (msg # 43):

Rubbing his cheek ruefully having returned the embrace, Hoskar can't help but break into silent laughter at the release of tension, coughing out words between spasms.

You are...a star...you know...Lilina. Gods but it's good...to see you again. Missed you lots and missed...your beer too.

I don't think we'll be staying too long this time. I'm here with that assorted bunch of nomads you see over there he gestures back towards their table and we'll be moving on after a while. Business here and there.

Actually, that's what I wanted to speak with you about. he leans in and murmurs something for Lilina's ears only

They're calling for drinks now: can I take them back some more of that kvass? And if you're short on bouncers while we're here drop us a word. There's some trustworthy guys here, plus one seriously tough doll, plus a few jokers.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:28, Fri 02 Mar 2018.

Seeing Hoskar gesture their way, Grundar waves back vigorously with an apish grin!

"cause I like black and dark things. Can you train them?"

He nods at Grundar's reply, "any questions I can answer, I will. There is so much more to tell you, some good, some bad. If the chance presents it's self, I'll tell you more over breakfast, that way the others can tell you their version of events." Melock winces in sympathy when Hoskar gets slapped.
Melock raises his mug in welcome to the Deadhead, but keeps half an eye on Hoskar. He leans over to Grundar and his friend, "So, do you know any other Ravens around here?"
When Hoskar gestures towards them Melock waves back and calls out, "Great beer, despite what Hoskar said." He laughs to himself.

Ohanzee quietly sips on his drink, but for the most part he just touches his lips to the liquid and then put it down again after the experiences with the warehouse workers earlier.

He looks interested as the bird seller showed the creatures to the other two and listened to that conversation.

When he overheard the conversation regarding finding Krakka and visiting the Storm Bull temple he offers "Happy to have a word with Sheela, I'm sure she'd know." and avoids looking at Amara as he says this.

He looks about the room listening to conversations and looking at the way they are being made.

<quote GM>
"Why you want it in black?" asks the man genuinely confused. He turns to Henal "Tell me you want a bird yes?"

Henal looks at the man "No, I travel with two cats they will only be happy if they catch it".

The man looks exasperated but sees Ohanzee looking "You wanna bird mister...Summat else? Need a smoke? A 'shroom or two....a nice lady friend? "
This message was last updated by the player at 11:17, Sat 03 Mar 2018.

"What the fuck is a Raven?" asks the gang member, giving Melock a superior look.

Ohanzee looks the birds over and then looks up at the bloke "I've no problem getting my own birds of either type. Besides, whilst painted ladies can be nice painted birds are not my thing."

"Smokes would be good, shrooms too, but if you paint your birds to sell them what do you add to your smokes I wonder!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Sat 03 Mar 2018.

"Pah. You lot are no use" and the man pushes himself up from the table, moving his hands in the air causing both birds to vanish. Then waving at someone he knows across the room he begins a complicated journey involving climbing over people, tip toeing on tables and swerving between raised jugs of beer.

As he goes a song starts in one corner and begins to spread, it's refrain taken up by all those of Sartarite ancestry. It's stirring tune, filled with the sound of defiance.

That puts me in mind of what the Snowspear said about this Goravan cove. Temush says, When are we meant to go see him?

Amara watched the man who got kicked making it clear she is watching and preparing for violence, clearing enough space around her to get ready to fight unimpeded, once agian wondering why she needed to look after a bunch of men who would have all died a tohusand times over if it weren't for her looking out for them.

Amara finds that there's no space to clear, bodies press from every direction. If there's a fight it will likely lead to a full on brawl...

See? murmurs Hoskar to Lilina. That's one of the jokers.

He does his best to get back to the Rangers' table without barging or upsetting the clientele.

The approaching man's tunic is grabbed by another punter, probably a friend and the man is eased back onto a bench and a mug pushed into his hand. His attention diverted it looks like a fracas was narrowly avoided. One of his friends nods at Amara in a friendly way and then goes back to his conversations.

Melock smiles, though it's a thin smile, "I'm not surprised you haven't heard of Raven, what with living in this place," he gestures towards the city outside, "only those who have been blessed know of him. I doubt you know of Grandmother Spider or Murrungun the great snake spirit." Melock leans close to the Deadhead, "What spirits do you follow within these walls?"

"Er....I...worship the gods of my forefathers Orlanth and his kin..." answers the young man.

Melock looks puzzled, but then understanding dawns on him, "Oh you mean Little Brother, a few of our clan worship him. Is he popular here?"

Realising that he's regaining the upper hand the lad puts on a superior air "Of course, are you simple or something?"

Ohanzee heads off apparently trying to follow the  bird seller, pushing his way past one bloke here, bumping into another as he turns too quickly, he just can't seem to make enough headway through the crowd to catch him.

Melock tenses, "I wouldn't confuse ignorance with stupidity if I was you." He makes a visible effort to relax, "If our places were switched would you know much about the Wastes and Prax?" Melock smiles, "I like to banish the harsh light of ignorance with the comforting blanket of darkness. Could you help me," his smile becomes condescending, " maybe you could take a few of us to Little Brothers shrine so we can learn about how you worship him?" Melock taps Henal on the shoulder, "Henal, do you fancy seeing how they worship Little Brother?"

"The Lunars have banned open worship and why would I give a shit about the Wastes, it's just full of you lot."

Smiling sweetly, "That's exactly how I feel about this place." he raises his mug, "Cheers"

"Yes, I'd want to see how they worship the little brother here. Might be a few drinks in it for someone who helped us do that." Henal replies.

"With your luck, Blue Arm, she's probably Krakka's daughter."



Kobal watches the man approaching, not in any provocative way, but not hiding the fact that he sees him either.  Seeing the man's friends pull him away, he turns to Swifty, and with a nod of the head towards the man, asks "So what happened between you and that guy?  Lover's quarrel?"

The lad thinks for a moment as he digests what is going on and then a mercenary look comes over his face. "Ah, I see. When do you wanna go?"

"Ah he just called all nomads sons of whores and that we should all be killed...The usual...." The pygmy smiles "I said he could try."

In reply to Swifty (msg # 70):

Back at the table, still nursing his original drink, Hoskar chuckles. Could always ask him to pop round the corner with you and say that again. I imagine the Sables would grind him up like a bisonburger.

Ohanzee appears to give up on trying to catch the bird seller and bumps and squeezes his back to the others joining in with the bits of the song he had already picked up.

In reply to GM (msg # 69):

"Maybe tomorrow once we've got some more fashionable clothes here. We don't want to stick out too much as a lot of the locals take against nomads". Henal smiles.

Taking in all this placidly, happy to be here, Hoskar suddenly starts, recognizing an old acquaintance at the table behind Melock.

Hey, Texo. How's the cloth trade these days?

Having sat unusually quirky for a while, watching as the banter and tension has ebbed and flowed, Grundar finally pipes up, Count me in. It's about time I paid my respects to Orlanth too.

He turns to Melock and Henal Yes, I worship him as well as Raven and... he mumbles, deciding that discretion might be worthwhile It pays to have many friends and many gods!
This message was lightly edited by the player at 08:12, Wed 07 Mar 2018.

Kobal shoots the man a look.  "That bastard..."  He looks back at Swifty and claps him on the back.  "Well done, haha."



"I imagine Bob's Mostali contraption could grind him into a bison burger."  He tells the others about the huge magic device that he, Ohanzee and Amara witnessed.  Though it reminds him again of the braves slaughtered in the wastes by the other Mostali magic they encountered.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Wed 07 Mar 2018.

Nodding, Melock leans in, "My new clothes won't be ready until the day after tomorrow. If they've banned it, how far do we have to travel?"



"Henal, maybe Hoskar's friend can sell you some clothes" Melock turns to Texo, "I'm Melock, any friend of Hoskar's is a friend of mine."

In reply to Melock (msg # 77):

Hoskar nods contentedly. Seems likely - cloth and clothes unless the business has changed.

Still taking orders through Tokel's place Texo, or did you get space in the market building in the end?

Overhearing the conversation, Kobal leans in.  "I'm looking for local clothes too.  Do you sell clothes," he asks Texo.

"Well Grundar here knows where to find me, so anytime you're ready. If it's worship you want then there's places out of sight of the Lunars, but if it's the temple, well it's still open to visit."

The Deadhead nods at Henal, Melock and Grundar and then gets up to leave. A half dozen of his fellow gang members, sat on nearby tables, get up in unison.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:57, Wed 07 Mar 2018.

The trader looks a bit worried to be the centre of attention, glancing at the nomads each in turn.

"Er yes Hoskar I got the place in the Market building, but I only deal in wholesale. Was just saying to my friend here how I scored a contract for a new arrival in town to outfit his household."

His interest is piqued "New arrivals who want to outfit a whole household. That can't be common?" They must be well off, things for the taking! Couldn't be Tella's family could it. No, must be whole tribes worth of people coming and going. he ponders.

"More common than you think. It's why I've moved to wholesale and large scale jobs. What with all the newcomers in town there's big demand." answers the trader warming to the subject.

"They Lunars then? Heard a lot of them are coming here, some even coming up the Zola Fel from Corflu."

In reply to GM (msg # 83):

Hoskar smiles joyfully.

Wholesale's where the money is, for sure. Glad to hear it's going so nicely.

"My thanks for the interesting talk." He claps Henal on the shoulder, "Looks like we get to see how these stone tenters worship little brother." Melock turns to listen to the trader, "Always good to make money off the rich ones."
Melock looks round to check all the Rangers can hear him, "I'm going to visit the Earth Temple tomorrow as I would like to learn more about the snake spirit we met. Do you think I should tell them about our temple and maybe offer to escort some of them there when we head home?"

As the Deadheads begin to weave their way out of the packed room, a man suddenly stands up "Oi you lot stop right now!"

At his words the gang members make a dash for the door and pile outside

"I've been robbed!" continues the man, now the centre of attention. He looks a tough nut and wears leathers suited to a man of action.

In reply to Melock (msg # 86):

Henal nods and says "I agree with that".

At the sound of the challenge to the Deadheads he looks up and mutters "maybe we don't get away with a quiet night".

In reply to GM (msg # 87):

Hoskar looks towards the cry of robbery with languid interest. He turns back to his friends with equal unconcern. For a few moments, he stares meditatively into the contents of his mug. Oh dear. Careless. he murmurs, careful his voice will not carry far.

"I don't see why you all want these town clothes" Temush says following Hoskar's single take of the Deadheads, "a week or two on the trail and they'll be in shreds. Ostrich skin was fine and fair for my grandad and for my dad and I plan to stick to it."

Not wanting to speak aloud in a tavern full of foreigners, Kobal mutters a quick charm under his breath.  Catching Melock's eye, he sends a mindspeech message to the fellow bison brave.  "You want to invite a bunch of possible foreigners to our temple?"



Kobal looks up at the moment.  He does a quick inventory check, though he doesn't remember any Deadheads coming close to him anyway.  Doesn't seem to involve us.  He returns his focus to his drink.

He does pop his head up a moment again, though.  "Melock, one of those guys was chatting to you.  You sure you've got all your stuff, haha?"



He turns to face Temush.  "Amara mentioned that Krakka Rumble's wife's cousin is in the city.  Plus, the man's been known to visit Pavis before.  And there's a bunch of Storm Bulls here.  I don't want him to spot us before we spot him.  Otherwise I wouldn't bother changing clothes either."

The victim of the robbery pushes his way out the door and leaves the Inn, followed by two other burly men, obviously his companions. They too are dressed similarly, each looking to be out of towners.

 Indistinct shouts can be heard from the street, but they soon fade as if they are moving off in pursuit of the gang members.



As Hoskar finishes speaking the inn's occupants return to their normal conversations and the place is soon rocking once more...

Several uneventful but fun hours pass and then it's time to return and escort the Trolls to the Argan Argar temple.