Clayday, Harmony Week, Sea season.

The rest of the afternoon passes uneventfully as the patrol winds it's way across the Wastes, the ground becoming suddenly more fertile as evening approaches. Encouraged by the recent rain new grazing has appeared, with grasses pushing their way out of the damp soil.

Bellowing happily the animals fill their bellies, and for once the Zebras give no trouble to their captives, with the Stallion braying loudly and allowing folk to stroke him for the first time.

The party realises that this is the destination of their Clans: the Grasslands of Bison Khan and the Rainman, and almost on cue they spy the evening's first campfires in the distance and hear the bellows of the herd.

Welcoming shouts follow and thundering towards them come Bison outriders, having spotted the approaching patrol. At their fore is  Apa Boneheart, Fireborn's older brother.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:00, Sat 02 Nov 2013.

Happy to see his brother, Fireborn leaps up onto the back of Cloudkiller and raises his lance in greeting..."Apa!"

Amara was pleased to see some of the more reocgniseable faces of the bison clan, but knew it might take a little longer till she saw the friendlier faces of those of her clan. While the smile was true, she winced internally knowing that Hacha's death would be enough to dampen the celebrations. They had much news, most of it was good, but that one event that did not go their way would overshadow much of the good news.

She glanced at her javelin, she was going to have to ask Whispers from the sky to see if she knew anything about the things they'd uncovered and the omens they'd seen. Amara felt like she needed to spend some time with the soothing influence of their younger brother. All of the other braves seemed more interested in competition with each other.

Melock has been fairly quite for the afternoons ride, when he sees the camp and the braves coming towards them he manages a slight smile Apa, its good to see you he'll call, then just carry on towards the clan not looking too happy

With a shout, Greeshar urges the mighty Stoneskin into a lumbering run, waving his white lance and generally making a spectacle of himself.

He salutes Apa as he passes, riding on and looking for his kin amongst the bison riders. He searches for the tent of Barrak, so as to make his report. Eagerly, he imagines the accolades that will be his.

And Amara's, too. Of course.

And probably the bison riders deserve some credit as well. I guess.

Apa pulls up next to his brother, hugging him fiercely as the rest of the Bison Riders wheel about the group, taking in the rescued Bisons and Zebras with wild shouts and gestures.

"Brother it is good to see you are fine….What's this? You have trophies and a Hawk?"

Before Fireborn can answer there's an exclamation from one of the outriders as they spot Hacha Lor's body. Immediately one of them turns and gallops back towards the camp, overtaking Stoneskin and Stinky with ease.

It's still a fair way to the encampment and as the patrol reaches the outskirts, the ululations have already begun. Everyone stops what they are doing as word spreads of the Patrol's arrival and the death of their Bison Khan's son.

To one side Greeshar can see his brother Hakaris Greyeyes leaping on to his Rhino and coming out to meet his siblings, the sparse tents of the Sky Watchers spread out behind him.

At last the party draws near and the people separate to form a lane heading deep into the camp, at it's end the tents of the Leaders of the Clan. And there riding up it towards them is Darnik Sharp Lance himself, Runelord of Waha and the Clan's foremost warrior, second only to Nausyas the Iron Bull. About him are Tadan Safe-path, Kobal's father Colnar Three Steps, and Mama Plenty.

The air is filled with shouts of greeting, exclamations of wonder and the ululations of lament. Nothing the young men and woman have not seen or heard before, but not one they have experienced as the centre of attention themselves.

The faces of loved ones come and go, young siblings, aunts, uncles and proud parents, and there somewhat separated from the mob stand the Shaman's of the Clan, surrounded by spirits and a cloak of smoke.

"Melock!…Melock!" a relieved woman's voice and there running beside his Bison is Juhoon his older sister "I dreamt that you were an ancient hero….Mother was convinced you'd be killed…You know how she frets….." She stops as she spies Greeshar, reddening slightly before continuing "I'll go tell Father that you're back…."

As she enters the camp Amara spies a flash of Red behind the advancing elders, realising that Angelika Snowspear is coming to welcome them back, though she is still far behind the men of the Bison Clan.

And then the Bison Khan is amongst them, nudging his mount the Iron Bison through the throng of beasts and people.

"My Son what happened to my son. Tell me he died a warrior's death."

There are no tears on his scarred cheeks, but there is a cloud of doom following in his wake….

Seeing the way things are playing out, Greeshar brings the mighty Stoneskin to a halt, meeting his younger brother and allowing Amara to join them, if she will, just a bit outside of the main throng of bison riders.

Hoping Snowspear and their own elders will join him momentarily, and that his bison rider companions will answer their khan's questions, he clasps forearms with Hakaris.

“Brother, it is good to see you!” he says. “I have tales to tell, you will not believe what happened! We Hero-walked! But Old Darnik's son has died, and we may have a thunderstorm as a result.” Greeshar worriedly keeps an eye out for Barrak, or Micklebran, and looks to Snowspear and Amara.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Wed 30 Oct 2013.

before his sister heads off He replies glumly I live sister, but Hacha Lor does not He turns to Darnik Sharp Lance and raises his voice so everybody can hear He did indeed die a warriors death, fighting Tripanandar

Amara looked at Hacha Lors father with mixed emotions of sympathy and pride, as he made his way towards the braves. "He died a Hero's death, confronting Tripanander to protect the herd and tribe. Tripanander fell at the end, thanks in no small part to Hacha Lor. You have every right to be proud of his accomplishments. I will onyl feel sorrow at his passing to hunting ground."

Amara nodded in greeting to Angelika, indicating she had much to say, but not at this moment in time.

"Tripanandar? What craziness is this? You fought the ancient spirit? Where?"

The Rune Lord's voice booms out, silencing the clansmen surrounding the patrol.

Mama Plenty puts a calming hand upon his arm, whispering soothing words, as she motions several herd sisters to take Hacha Lor's reins and lead his Bison away.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Sat 02 Nov 2013.

"Great Khan lets us see to your son and prepare him for his journey. His mother must be fetched and you should take these braves to the meeting tent and find out what they know. It is time for quiet words, full of sorrow perhaps, but not ones of anger."

The old woman cocks her head at the youths surrounding her, indicating that they should continue down the lane of people and on towards their clan's meeting place.

"Your Chieftains are waiting and the elders will be summoned to hear what you have seen. Go with my blessings."

With a dark cloud upon his brow the Bison Khan nods at the woman's words and turns the Iron Bison around

"Come….You will make your report to Nausyas the Iron Bull and Barrak Earth Shaker. They wait you in the meeting tent.

Follow me."

He turns to several of his warriors.

"Take their Zebras and return those Bison to their families. Make sure that they give reward. The Zebras are to be corralled and split between the patrol later.

Then with braids flying the Rune Lord trots towards the tents….

"Welcome back"

The red headed priestess falls in with Amara and Greeshar, her pale grey rhino pushing between their own massive mounts.

"It seems that you have had quite the adventure" she adds running her hand through the fur of the Leaping Bear on Amara's saddle.

"You are both well?"

Green eyes take in the two braves looking for evidence of hurt.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:49, Thu 31 Oct 2013.

"Kobal! Fireborn! You returned and with booty too….Ha ha!"

And there is Tokar their guide and instructor, a massive smile splitting his dark face nearly in two.

"And Melock too, you old mucker, still alive I see, and how are you Kaonu?"

The smile drops slightly when he sees Hacha Lor, but he's a practical man and death is expected daily in this part of the world.

"And whoa what has happened to your face Fireborn? You look like you've been dragged through every tooth and claw filled Skull bush in the Wastes…..Ha."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:49, Thu 31 Oct 2013.

"Ah brother, sister, it's good to see you"

The Rhino youth's eyes sparkle with pride as he rides next to his siblings

"Our Chieftain is up at the meeting house, they are discussing tomorrows Rainman ritual."

Arriving at the meeting tent, a hide construction that enabled all of the elders to sit under cover and discuss clan matters in comfort, the riders dismounted as one, slipping to the ground in a clatter of armour, weapons and sloshing water skins.

And in they go, Darnik Sharp Lance first, followed by the Elders and then finally the members of the patrol.

Inside it's well lit by oil lamps and a large central fire, that despite it's size gives off no smoke and consumes no fuel….. A captured fire spirit, tamed and controlled by the shaman Smokey JoJo.

Speaking of Shamans, all three are present, sitting on the ground as if they'd been there for hours and not outside mere minutes ago….

Also seated is Nausyas the Iron Bull, reclining against his magical saddle and talking to the Skywatcher's Khan Barrak Earth Shaker. Obviously sharing a joke, both men are roaring with laughter as the procession flows in.

Hanging behind them is the Star Hide, midnight black with the constellations of another age splayed across it's ancient skin.

Hirsute and almost as wide as he is tall, the Chieftain of the Prairie Thunder Clan sits up straight

"What's all the commotion outside Darnik, and why is there a Thundercloud about your head? Ah I see our last patrol is in….."

The Rune Lord is brief and tells the chieftain of his son's demise and that the Patrol have been up to something wild to say the least.

"Laden down with Leaping Bear skins, a near dozen Zebras and tales of spirits and more….." For one who has just lost his son, the man is holding up well.

Nausyas frowns and looks to the three shamans, before waving the other elders to sit, several more having come in from other entrances.

The party know that they are expected to remain standing.

"Well?….Out with it."

Greeshar feels some relief as he and Hakaris are joined by Amara and Angelika.

“We are well, Snowspear,” he says, chest puffing out with pride before the Vingan. “Amara and I have done deeds to make our clan proud!” He looks sidelong at the bison riders all around. “But it might be good to save the boasting until we are alone, and the bison people can perform their mourning rituals. Hacha is dead, and I did not see how he fell, so I have nothing to tell them about it. But we have much news to share, of enemies and allies!”

Amara greeted her brother warmly with a friendly wave. "We have much in the way of news, but it needs to be told to many at once. Come join us."

With typical Orlanthi bluster Amara strode to the front "We have much in the way of news and much to report. I will tell you of everything that happened, and leave your specific questions for my brother braves to answer. On leaving the herd, we ran our patrols around it. Koanu and Fireborn discovered an offering to appease Tripanander that had been tainted to draw his anger. We uncovered other tracks too, that tell us that our tribe is watched and followed to some extent at least.

As we travelled for the rest of the day, recovering a lost bison near a place of water. Kobal making friends with the Melon boy near the water for us. We found tracks near the water telling us a Leaping Bear was nearby. Knowing we could not leave one of Tripananders own to eat more of our herd, we chose to track it and kill it. Hacha picked up the tracks that led to a cave some distance away. Three of our number entered the cave to kill the beast, and hurt it grievously. When it fled our brave warriors it ran immediately into our lances where we killed it. Kobal was very seriously hurt by the leaping bear, a strong adult male, as he fought it" Amara produced the hide to show how impressive and large the beast was "Due to Kobals injuries, we thought he might lose his limb unless something was done to heal it. Fireborn and Kaonu sought the aid of the Tamarisk man to help our brother Kobal. Tamraisk man was reluctant to help at first but as we gave him offerings and promises he sided with us and gave us help. The only true cure he says was something that lay in the cave, guarded by one long dead." Amara watched to see if she was garnering the interest of the crowd. "Looking in the cave where the bear had lived we found the body of one long since left the world. Though his spirit had left his body, it could not leave the place where he died. Melock was taken by the spirit. Tarkalor, Even Handed of the Kheldor tribe was his name. He died in the long winter of times past, but could not pass on. We held a funeral for his body and his spirit soared to the winds. In his passing he left us all some gifts as a token of thanks. With Tarkalor having passed into the winds, Askuwhetu now our ally and the leaping bear dead, the Tamarisk one suggested that we travel to the singing safe place."

Amara paused to smile "We found some more bison lost on the way to the place. Arriving at it we heard noise suggesting others were already there. We tried to sneak close to it, but those already resting there heard us and found us. Baboons of the Walkabout Troop. We shared our stories and words and songs with them and had a look at the wall paintings. The paintings drawn on the wall told many stories. I spoke for the SkyWatcher tribe and have declared an alliance between our tribes. We will not hunt them and they will leave our herd alone. We can call on them and they can call on us. The matriarch of the troop, Baba Ganough gave us the key to beating Tripanander and to call off the leaping bear attacks on our hers. She told us to walk as Tada had and to beat him like Tada did. We learned stories from our hosts and the wall paintings. Tales of a hero from the rhino riders, with a white lance made from the shin of Red Skies, a giant in times past. We learned of how Tada beat Tripanander. We drank and talked till the morning and when we left go defeat Tripanander, we did so as Tada did. With only weapons and the runes we chose for ourselves drawn by their shaman."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:17, Fri 01 Nov 2013.

Amara finds herself under heavy scrutinization from every corner of the tent, as Elders exchange glances and murmur amongst themselves. At the mention of the spirits, both nature and human, the three shaman's nod and look rather pleased.

A hand rests on her shoulder whilst she talks, Angelika having come to stand next to the young brave, adding her support to the woman as she stands before such an august group.

Nausyas has a quizzical look upon his face, as if he's not sure what to believe, one mirrored by his Rune Lord Darnik. On the other hand her own Khan emanates nothing but warm support to one of the last survivors of his Clan, pride shining in his eyes.

Pride that is also visible on the face of Colnar Three Steps, but it changes to one of concern when he hears how close his own son came to dying, but when he realises that Kobal had run in alone, he lets outs out a shout of respect, shaking his head with a smile that says That is my son. He jabs a finger towards Kobal and fixes the brave with a long look.

The Tent has begun to fill as young and old come to hear what is being said and at the appearance of the first Leaping Bear skin they show their appreciation with back slaps and calls.

Fireborn finds Apa has joined him and his mother too, both explaining that his father  Sea of Grass is patrolling the Herd and cannot come. They shower him with questions, ignoring the glances and stare at his hawk in awe.

At the mention of the Baboons there is much Tsking and a few grumbles, though Barrak does not seem displeased at the mention of a pact, though he might just be hiding his displeasure for now. Nevertheless Angelika squeezes Amara's shoulder.

A gaggle of pretty young Eirithans push their way in, arriving beside Melock and Greeshar. There's a flurry of giggling and Greeshar finds the exceedingly pretty Juhoon standing next to him. She's blushing and smells oh so delicious.

Melock has no time to say anything to his sister for he suddenly finds a hand slipping into his own and there is Wild Pasture, his sister's closest friend.

"I missed you" she whispers, hot air blowing in his ear.

Then two massive warriors push their way in, one's shoulder slamming into Greeshar as he passes. Neither stop and both make their way over to stand by Kaonu, their youngest brother. Barosh Long Knife and Fear Not, warriors of Waha and fearsome killers.

By this stage Amara has got to the part where she is explaining how they had decided to emulate Tada's defeat of Tripanandar…...

In reply to GM (msg # 20):

Melock tenses when he sees his sisters looking at Greeshar then relaxes well at least he's a good fighter, just a pity he's a rhino rider, though considering how attractive Amara is i cant really have a go at her  hi ya, I missed you too he whispers oops, glad she cant read my mind

Fireborn proudly shows his scars from the battle with Lavala and Tripanandar and the leaping bears to his family, his hands tracing the still fresh and slightly angry wounds on his head and leg.

As Amara tells the tale of their journey Fireborn steps forward when she pauses. Once again his hands go to the fresh scars caused by Lavala..."While we were at Red Skies we fought Lavala. I was blessed enough to feel his claws and teeth and survive while thrusting my lance through he head. My brothers and sister all fought well and with great honor on this journey...Hacho Lor most of all."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Fri 01 Nov 2013.

Melock notices Fireborn show off his scars to his family and turns to Wild and whispers in her ear so he doesnt interupt the story telling I cant show you any scars as nothing got close enough to mark me
While Fireborn is telling them about Lavala he will hold up the skin and show where he hit it in the heart
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Fri 01 Nov 2013.