In the morning, Kobal collects all the beasts he owns (save for Black Hoof): one rhino taken from Krakka Rumble and the two bison that each of the Wandering Rangers have been given by the clan.  He's feeling a bit worse for wear after the last night's events.  Was it the kumiss, or Greeshar cracking my skull?  Or losing the bet?  His manul cat follows at his side, not looking the least bit sympathetic.

At the bachelor's camp, he finds the rhino brave and hands him the lead to the rhino.  "As I promised, I pay my debt," he says, perhaps a bit glumly.  Then he looks up with a smile, "Next time, I will beat you!"

Then he begins the walk to his father's tent, dreading this moment.  Since Kobal returned to the clans, Colnar Three Steps has said nothing about the fact that Kobal defied him in joining the others to the Rhino Rocklands.  Is he just happy that I came back alive?  Or is he waiting for the right moment to punish me?

Near the tent, he passes the two bison to Twobeard, his father's slave.  "Add them to my father's herd."

Then he and Haaro enter his father's tent.  He bows to Colnar Three Steps.  "Father, you were in the elders' tent when the Iron Bull granted each of us Wandering Rangers two bison for our deeds at the Rhino Rocklands and the Giant Finger Holes.  I make a gift of the two bison to you.  They are of good stock (of course).  I have already given them to Twobeard to deal with."  Hopefully having my cat familiar with me will also remind him of what I did on that journey.

Colnar looks at his eldest son, no emotion on his handsome face.

The two men could be brothers they look so alike. Proud, statuesque men, born to command and lead. Colnar had only narrowly missed out being Khan of the clan, Nausyas having won due to his martial prowess in the years leading up to the battle of Moonbroth.

He nods at the manul cat and then returns his grey eyed stare to Kobal.

"I hear that your brother Tarnessh wishes to join your band."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

Tarrnesh walked up behind Kobal and nodded to his father. "Please do not feel slighted, father. You know that I honour and love you, but Sun Hawk has sent me a vision that indicates that I must join him. What he plans to do will bring great glory to our clan and family."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:01, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

The Wandering Ranger’s Herd

The next morning Ohanzee takes ownership of the rhino that he won from Tarnessh ”Thank you Tarnessh” and whilst doing so notices Henal looking over the beasts of the Ranger’s herd and gazing at the rhino.

He approaches the brave ”Good day to you Henal. Other matters interrupted our discussions yesterday, but if you would like to continue I’m more than happy to do so.”

He points at the remaining bison he owns after Salen took his pick earlier ”There, that one is my last bison. A good animal I guess to your tribe, but nothing like a rhino, but then that is the bias of my tribe and to you your rhino does not compare to a good bison I guess.”

“I propose a trade, the one for the other since to each of us the value of the other’s beast is greater.” He shrugs ”Of course there are others of the Sky Watchers who have bison and might trade, Hoskar and Greeshar have a couple each I believe and you may be able to push them to better my price.”

“Still, Greeshar has shown his preference for the way of getting beasts to the detriment of your brother’s skull. And Hoskar has the heart of a trader so would be no push over in a bargain.”

The Wandering Ranger’s Herd

Henal looks thoughtful then replies "True, a lone rhino is little use and maybe hard to keep with the bison, so not in wager but in trade I will pass it to you. Maybe I don't have the desire to spend much time in haggling with Hoskar about the value of a beast".
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:01, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

The Wandering Ranger’s Herd

"Good" Ohanzee says holding out his hand to seal the deal with a shake "You are a bison down the path to getting yourself together the means to attract a good bison woman and I and closer to doing the same for a rhino bride." and he smiles at the thought.

Then looking about at the great expanse of people of the Prairie Thunder clan and their beasts and the few scattered rhino people he sighs "Though I think your search might prove easier than mine."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:01, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

Kobal returns his father's stare without flinch.  Though inwardly he is relieved his father has not mentioned his disobedience - it has preyed on his mind since he set out for the Rocklands.  In his apprehensive state, he had not noticed Tarnessh come up behind him.

Still looking at his father, he says "Father, Tarnessh is already a man and is ready to chose his own path.  He has the taken the rites of our people and has been accepted.  Moreover, he has been chosen by Sun Hawk.  This is a good thing for our family, that two sons have been marked by the Feathered Rivals.  And Thunder Bird and Sun Hawk, rather than Raven or Condor.

"I will look out for him.  Though he does not need it.  And I know he will look out for me.  This is the way you have raised us.  I have spoken to him - he knows his duty.  He will shame neither our family nor our clan.  Rather, together we will bring glory to our family and clan.  He shows insight and understanding of the spirits.  This will help the Wandering Rangers in our tasks.

"Nor are our tasks at odds with those of the clan.  Indeed, when next we head out, it will be to scout for the clan.  Long Grass has tasked us with this.  When first I learned of the Earth Knight, I wondered how I would be able to remain on the path of Waha if we walked in the steps of the Earth.  But now I know.  Emesh-Ga seeks to heal the land and strengthen the bonds between its people.  In the same way, when the First Khan was born out of the Earth during the Darkness, he cast his net over the land, its people and beasts so that the Wastes were not lost.  The Earth Knight seeks the same.  As I have heard you say many times, 'in this hard land, finding friends is like finding an oasis'.  We Wandering Rangers plan to make the land an oasis.  Then will our herds and our people prosper, and our friends multiply."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:50, Wed 17 Sept 2014.

Amara paced back and forth under the sky rubbing her shoulders to keep warm. While the day was warm with bright treasure in the sky, it was cold when he left to go to sleep. She'd not spoken much to Angelika since she'd come back. Much had changed in her life, but it had also changed for the mother of her heart too. Amara found the comfort and ease with which she'd talked to Angelika in the past had gone.

Amara found her eyes wandering to the sky, feeling the tug in her to travel to the west. It seemed to grow a little more insistent with each passing day. Amara sighed heavily as she waited, wondering if she should announce her presence or just return back to where the animals stayed learning more from Sky Bone Blue about the Big Peckers and fighting broo.

Part of her wanted things to go back the way they were before they were made braves. Everything had been easier then. She had an easy relationship with Angelika then, now she was Queen, the Skywatchers numbers had doubled or even tripled since they'd been out on that first day. Amara's lips twisted into a smile as she saw how big Hakaris had become in their absence. Every day it seemed as though he grew closer to the man he was destined to be. Without Greehsar's anger, yet bold. He'd far surpass his elder brother and sister before long.

She watched the fires from the camp, wondering what the others were up to. They seemed to be the lucky ones. Each of them had a fate appointed by the great spirits. Amara was a little jealous of them all. clucking to herself for being a fool, Amara turned to face the tent, trying to decide whether or not she should announce her presence.

With a new nephew to see and a couple of Bison to gift them, Salen goes off to spend a day (or more, depending upon how bored he gets) with his family. Eventually he bids them farewell and goes off to find his Shaman Long Grass, and see what news and ideas that fellow has.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:03, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

The Wandering Ranger’s Herd

Henal shakes Ohanzee's hand and looks at the clans. "Well I have the shaman's path to take first, though it is not a straight or simple one. Maybe a marriage will precede it".
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:02, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

Ohanzee’s Sept

Leading a pair of rhino towards the sept’s own small herd Ohanzee spies his mother watching over them with Weayaya and Kimimela talking together. He waves at the three speaking as he draws nearer and calls out ”Mother, Weayaya, Kimimela hello!”

Then when he reaches them a broad grin on his face he speaks ”Raven smiled on me and I won a rhino and traded the two gifted bison for rhinos.”

“I shall keep two so that I can better catch the eye of a worthy bride and these two I gift to my family. Only we share the same blood mother but this whole sept is my family and this gift is to my family, to my sept.”

With a smile he hands the rains, one to his mother and looking at Weayaya and Kimimela he hands over the second to Kimimela with a wink.

The Wandering Ranger’s Herd

”So, another one planning to walk the walk, there seem to be rather more than normal who will be taking such apprenticeships. I guess you will be following close to the path of one of the Rivals as they seem to be recruiting of late. If you don’t mind me asking, which one?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:02, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

The Wandering Ranger’s Herd

Henal smiles then says "Despite what many would think I follow the path of the Thunder Bird, not the Condor. Maybe a dissapointment to my uncle, but that is the path that called me".
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:02, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

"I do not feel slighted Tarnessh, on the contrary I am much pleased by this development."



Colnar nods at this, and for the first time there is a hint of a smile on his face.

"All I ask is that you remember the Clan....Both of you.....Now is the time for you to make a name for yourselves and for our family. Do not forget us and the role we have in this Clan. We are leaders... Khans...There will be a time when a new one is needed..."

He pauses, watching his two sons, examining their faces for a while.

"Emesh-Ga is from another time, do not be distracted by what was before. Chaos nearly destroyed the world then and is always poised to repeat that. Your people will need you, so do not spend all your time chasing dreams.

Both of you have my blessing and I understand how it is important to do what you feel is right and to ignore what your elders say. But... Do not scorn your Khan or his advisors, for if you do this will come back on you ten fold. Walk the Walk, but know when to toe the line."

Then he smiles, arms open to embrace both braves

"Now come see your mothers and the rest of the family, they have planned a great dinner in celebration of your good fortune. Whilst I have you both here, we must take about marriage....The Black shields come and with them their daughters......."

Their father leads them off further into their family compound....

Ohanzee’s Sept

The women are happy indeed, though Kimimela blushes bright red. Iye and Maska bound around plying Ohanzee with questions about what he plans to do next, saying that they are going out hunting with some of the younger foundchild Bison Riders and have been promised dogs at the next ceremony.

Zonta is missing and the Raven brave is told that she is staying with Angelika Snowspear their Clan queen.

"Whispers from the Sky was here earlier asking how we all were. She is a Seza now..." adds his mother, her blue eyes looking sad, knowing how much her son liked the young woman.

"Perhaps we shall come across other bands of Rhino, the Black Shields may even have mercenaries with them, you never know..."

From within the tent comes the sound of voices and a laugh she recognises

Zonta.

And then out comes Barrak, weaving slightly, as he makes his way out into the darkness to pass water. He spies Amara in the darkness

"Who's that?" he slurs.

Much of Salen's family are away hunting, just his Mother and younger sisters are about and it doesn't take long for the nagging to start.

Long Grass to is away, but Salen tracks him down to a solitary tent on the other side of the serpent, where he finds his Shaman adroitly skinning a jack rabbit in the shadow of a large rock

"Wotcha Salen" comes the curt welcome.

"Hey Melock...Hoskar"

It's the night after they have got back and Haratt has corned the two braves

"I was wondering if you had any idea about what to do about little Copperman."

In his hands was a large sack. It rattled slightly as he hoisted it up.

Later, with a belly full of food and happy from time spent with his loved ones, Tarrnesh approached Smokey Jojo, who was smoking at the large communal fire at the centre of the camp. "Honoured Shaman, I would like to learn how to bind spirits, as if I am going to become a shaman, I think it is proper that I learn to do so on my own." He requested.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:25, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

The Sun Hawk shaman excuses himself from the small throng of clansmen who'd been seeking his opinions on matters of tribal law and turns to Tarnessh.

"It is a charm that is necessary for all shamans to know. Once we have completed the apprentice ceremony I shall give you a week of my time. Are there other spells you wish to know?"

They are suddenly joined by an older brave of the clan: Farosh. From his hair hangs a Sun Hawk feather and his shield is adorned with the runes of Fire.

"Greetings to you both, I hope I am not interrupting?"

Amara bowed respectfully to Barrak "It is Amara, my Khan. I ..." Amara slumped "I didn't know if I should intrude. It seemed impolite. I was trying to figure out if I should, or if I should just go back to spend time with Sky Bone Blue." Amara huffed to herself. "I am sorry for disturbing you my Khan." Amara changed the subject "Our clan grows larger almost every time we set out to explore the Wastes. Our numbers have doubled, people and rhinos. It is very pleasing to me to know that others survived Moonbroth too."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:41, Fri 19 Sept 2014.

"Hello, Master," says Salen in reply to Long Grass. Calling him by his actual name still seems impossible, the difference between being a young brave and an actual Shaman seeming enormous, even given what they have been through. Speaking of which...

"Seems like many moons since last we sat here." Salen sat down next to his Condor Shaman and waited - wondered - if he had much to say.

Amara's Khan hops from foot to foot, a desperate look on his face, though he does his best to project a happy demeanour

"You are always welcome Amara, your father was a well respected member of our Nation and we are impressed with...What you...Have...Achieved....

ANGELIKA!" Barrak hollers for his wife and then excuses himself dashes into the darkness.

There's the sound of things dropped and the priestess comes rushing out, spear in hand....