Exhausted from lack of sleep, endless chores, training, chanting magical formulae and ceremony after ceremony, the Rangers stumble back into camp, often unable to talk or eat, to fall into deep dreamless sleeps, only to be woken at dawn for the next round of trials.

Half way through the six weeks, just before the shaman apprenticeship ceremony, Henal and Tarnessh appear bloodied but proud. They've been on a raid deep into the Zebra Grazing with a bunch of other braves. In their possession six zebras, two captured by Tarnessh, the others by Henal. The celebrations are short but sweet, with much kumiss consumed and boasts continuing for many hours....

Then it's Shaman time, each brave walking the path being led into the desert for their secret rites of wind, sun and darkness. Perhaps effected by his recent raid Tarnessh stumbles through his ceremony but like his four companions passes at the end.
Cloud Walker, shaman of Thunder Bird, can be heard for days afterwards saying that he has never seen an apprentice such as Henal Longgrass, mentioning that the spirits were practically throwing themselves at his feet. Salen, Ohanzee and Melock pass without any trouble, walking the walk and talking the talk....

Hoskar, busy like the rest still finds time to trade amongst the people of both clans, clinching deals and making contacts.

Armour is made, lances fixed with Kobal happy with the work, provided for by his wealthy family, he even manages to straighten the ancient Bronze sword and is gifted a fine lizard skin scabbard by his Grandfather. At the same time Melock takes delivery of his Leaping bear skin puppets, which he amuses the children of the clan at every opportunity.

Thanks to the many ceremonies every brave gets to sing and play their instruments, practise their various languages and lore.


All can't help but notice that Amara is  missing for much of the six weeks as the young warrior is coached by her two Vingan mentors, preparing her for her upcoming initiation.

At last it's over and the Rangers find themselves sat about the bachelor's fire on the night before Godsday, Movement Week. Tomorrow will be their day of departure, heading West to scout the way to the far off Zola Fel river. Scattered about are their supplies and equipment...Hopefully everything they will need on the trip.

Long Grass has joined them, ready to answer any last minute questions....

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

Tarrnesh looked at his brothers and sisters, smiling at them all together, ready to take on the world! "Henal!" He said. "I don't know if this is any of my business, but I heard that your initiation went especially well. Congratulations!" Then he turned to Amara. "And I hear that your training has shown that you are the equal of any man in combat."

Amara frowned at Tarnessh's words, as she put some of the things she needed into saddlebags. "I'd say it's been my conduct in our travels that would prove I am the superior of anyone in our group in combat. My training was geared towards other areas in which I wish to grow." Amaras movements seemed almost unnaturally graceful, even manul like as she continued to place the things she'd need in the packs. "I'm glad you joined us, Tarnessh. This band we are a part of will do great things."

In reply to Tarnessh Listens-To-Silence (msg # 2):

He pats Tarnessh on the shoulder, "Trust me, she knows how to look after herself, I have never seen anyone throw a javelin as far or as hard as she can." He carries on packing his gear away, making sure he's got enough snacks for Taya.

Henal grins "Maybe but the spirits will mock a brave that boasts too much and then he'll be on his arse sometime when he calls on them".

Hearing Amara's words he continues
"Maybe we all have learned more than just the ways to fight as we will not only be against chaos with lance and javelin, but fighting its damage in other ways".

Kobal embraces Tarnessh.  "You have done our family proud, brother.  Father is pleased that you have proven your ability."

To Henal he gives a firm armclasp, and a "light" headbutt.  "Well done, Longgrass.  You show the strength and power that is Thunder Bird, haha."  He raises a clenched first as if to demonstrate the point, perhaps also showing off his bulging bicep...

He can't help but insert himself into the banter on combat.  "You new Rangers were not there when we fought a pack of hyenas soon after our initiation.  With one javelin, I struck down the leader of the pack, and stopped it dead in its tracks, ha!"

To Long Grass he asks, "Wise One, is there anything you expect us to find at the mouth of the river?  Anything we should prepared for?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Tue 23 Sept 2014.

"There are rumours that the invaders are building a settlement. We wish for you to find out if this is true. It is a cursed place, filled with mud and biting insects. It will be the Rhino braves who come to the fore then as they are impervious to the sting and bloodsucking bite.

Then head North, following the river from above. We wish to know who is there, if the fords are open and whether any of the invaders are planing on settling. You'll pass the Tower, which Salen has seen, and then will come upon Kinope's spring."

"Heading due West will bring you through the Zebra Grazing and straight to Condor Crags, a site holy to us who follow that Rival. Or you can head South East from the Zebra Grazing to arrive first at the river mouth. I would avoid travelling along the coast, it is a foul place of swamps and worse.

You decide which route suits you best...River mouth north to Kinope....Or Kinope and then south to the river mouth...I will give you knots to bring you West and to Condor Crags. You can work out the rest yourself, Hoskar and Salen will see you true."

Looking round, content with his new stock to take back towards the river folk despite having been bargained to a standstill by the canny tribesfolk ...if we meet any peacefully...he looks almost a shade embarrassed at Long Grass's confidence. We'll certainly do our best, and that should be enough: I've realised how much King Condor sees over the past seasons. We'll need our best fighters and leaders as well, of course he adds with a significant and respectful look towards Amara and Kobal: seeing's one thing; even with the wisdom of an accomplished master in our memories to take heed of; deciding is another.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:18, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

Henal listens as Long Grass speaks. "Best for us to find out if the invaders have built anything and break it up before they become stronger. I'd want to stay out of the swamps where our bison or rhino can get bogged down too easily".

Ohanzee can’t help grinning at the description of biting, stinging, bloodsucking insects and once Long Grass finishes his description the young brave says to no one in particular ”I’m damn glad that I’ve not offered worship to Grandmother Spider. I hate to think what the insects of that cursed would think of anyone who is active in that pursuit!”

Then in a more serious tone as he remembers the tower on the mural wall in the tomb ”The tower Salen, would that be the right place to be the one marked with the Raven feather on that map?”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 10):

"good point" he thinks for second or two, "I wonder if she has any children that would like to come along for the ride, because thats a lot of food for them and they wouldnt have to do much hunting for it"

”You are not going to be calling her again, remember what Feather Wait said!” Ohanzee says rolling his eyes. ”I suspect that there is already a normal number of her children in the area so let’s keep it that way. Besides, it’s not going to help you if you are riding about with one of hers with you, not unless it makes a tent of webs about you.”

"Sounds good." Tarrnesh said to Long Grass. "My light will cut through the darkness." He added solemnly.

"The very same. I remember the way, and we should have no problem finding it on our travels. Whether that is a good thing or no, remains to be seen."

Salen's sentences begin to get shorter and shorter as the upcoming journey gets closer, and he seems distant once again, though ever present in a physical sense. He has a questioning look for Amara but after several moments seems satisfied and moves on.

Amara after having packed her rhino and feeling bright after her new hairstyle shows her three braids prominently. Finishes her preparations for the trip by chipping out a new lance head for the road. She paused for a moment as Henal's words reached her. "And perhaps our alliances with the Earth Witch and with other clans will help us towards our goals" she continued ina sarcastic voice "but I would have had nothing to do with that for I do not talk where I can strike a blow."

She shook her head sighing heavily "We have done well so far, I prefer to talk to fight, but as Orlanth himself decrees. Violence is always an option. Not the first one for sure, but sometimes words are not enough and they must be backed by javelin."

She turned her attention to the route discussion. "I'd prefer to go via Kinope first. What we discover there might aid us when we look for the settlers."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 15):

he grins at Amara's tone, she does have a sense of humour after all "I agree, Kinope might be able to give us some valuable information about who has been going past that are of the river and maybe some hints for keeping the biting insects away" he walks closer to Amara, "When it gets dark later, would you like to meet Taya or do you want her to keep away from you"

Amara paused as she knapped the new lancehead, she looked at Melock considering his words. "I have no wish to see your..pet. Just know this, should its nature cause us any inconvenience it will wish it had never come to this life."

"Aye, to Kinope first sounds like a good plan, and maybe to the Condor Crags before the mouth of the river - if it is on the way," says Kobal to those around him.  He turns back to Long Grass, "Thank you, Wise One."

He turns back to Melock.  "What's this I've heard of some creature you've brought back with you?  I've heard tell of it, but seen naught."

Tarrnesh looked at Amara and the others. "I have the feeling I've missed a lot while you were gone..."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 17):

He sighs heavily, "I take it the same applies to me?"

He retrives something from his pack and pockets it, then walks over to Kobal, "I have a new bound spirit, when Bright Treasure has entered the Underworld, I'll introduce you to her. Yes Tarnessh, you missed a few things, but dont worry there's going to be much more for you to join in with, now you are a Ranger. I've just got to see Wilds before we leave, I wont be too long." With that he runs back to camp and finds Wild Pastures and gives her the gold torc he found and tells her what they are planning to do, and then says his goodbyes.

Kinope and the crags sounds good to me. It would be good to visit the home of many Condors.

Just got a few final settlements to make. Need a final word with the family.

He too trots off, somewhat in Melocks wake, to speak with his grandmother and cousins.

Amara nodded to Tarnessh "You've missed much, our journey has changed all of us." she glanced at Melock, making sure he would see "And not all for the better" she continued with a surreptitious glance towards her brother.

Amara wondered if she should say goodbye to Whispers from the Sky. Though she was a good friend, she was Seza. There was also the fact that Ohanzee and Whispers relationship might cause problems down the line, even although she wanted her friend to have happiness. She might wish for privacy while saying goodbye to her sweetheart.

Kobal waits until nightfall, then looks for Melock in the bachelor's tent, to find out more about this new bound spirit.  Some Darkness creature?

Haaro pads along softly, next to Kobal.  A cat, she's naturally curious too, to see what kind of creature Melock has as a familiar.

The night passes and as Bright Treasure makes his presence felt, the fire begins it's morning crackle as Long Grass blows some life into it, invoking Mahome as he fills the copper kettle with herbs and fresh water.

Haratt chants the sun up, his voice clear and strong....His bags are packed and Oberon is ready to go. In one of his saddle bags sits the golden disc and the inert copper man, wrapped up in furs for protection.

All about the camp is beginning to wake, dogs bark and manul cats pad in from the desert, mouths filled with Jerboa, birds or lizards. A multitude of voices, hundreds strong both human, bison and rhino fill the air with their demands and commands.

"Up and at 'em" comes the curt order from Long Grass as the kettle whistles. "Time to eat and then get out of here, you have a long way to go."

As the group gets up, there's the sound of an approaching Rhino.

It's Below Me, with Whispers from the Sky sat upon it's broad back, with bulging saddlebags hanging on either side of her. The air whistles and pops about the Seza, as a handful of wind spirits soar this way and that, causing her black hair to float about her like a halo of darkness.

Stopping on the outskirts of the bachelor area she nods respectfully at Long Grass and then asks the Rangers

"Will you be keeping me waiting much longer? Anyone would think that you are putting off the journey through fear or general laziness."

There's amusement in her voice, though her face remains neutral.

At the sound of the approaching rider Ohanzee looks over and his breath catches in his mouth a moment but he quickly averts his gaze looking instead to his own packs apparently checking that they are secured and properly balanced on Wihakayda.

He is silent as he mounts up and resolving to ride on the outskirts of the group moving Wihakayda off to the left of the forming group.

In reply to Kobal (msg # 23):

The evening before they leave, on the edge of camp away from Amara, Melock will introduce Taya to Kobal and anyone else who wants to meet her, "Taya,  come and meet some of the Rangers, and don't forget what I said about their bound spirits" there's a growl from the darkness, "You don't have to keep reminding me." and from out of the darkness slinks a slightly chubby rubble runner, "So these are your friends" she looks at the other Rangers, then trots over to Melock, "Feed me" and opens her mouth very wide, Melock rumages in a small bag and pulls out half a jack rabbit and throws it to her, she snaps it out of the air, "Jack rabbit! cant you catch anything else?" she sniggers and runs back out into the darkness.

Amara grinned, the light of the smile reaching her eyes as Whispers arrived at the camp. "You're coming with us?" she asked. "It is a good thing. I hope this journey shall not be as eventful as the last, Seza."

Henal kept packing Whiteblaze muttering "She forgot hungover".

Kobal takes a half step back, remembering the rubble runners back at the Giant Finger Holes, before stopping himself.  Haaro hisses.  "Uh, nice, Melock..."  Raven.  He shakes his head.  He never used to be like this...


In the morning, he checks his saddle and equipment are secure on Black Hoof.  Haaro scrambles up the mount and nestles between all the camping gear and spare hauberk.

As is his routine, he ties knots for safety and tracks on a short length of rope and ties that rope around the black left foreleg of his bison.  Brow knit in concentration, he murmurs his prayer to the Great Khan thrice.

He straightens and looks into the distance.  "Looks like a hot day today.  The air spirits are at rest."

"Wise One," he greets Whispers from the Sky as she approaches.  "Are you here to bless our travel, or... are you joining us...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:44, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

Tarrnesh began his day by doing his devotions to Sun Hawk, and then groomed Grumpfy so that he would be in a good mood when they began the trip. "Does anyone need any help with supplies?" He asked the others.

While he is getting ready, Melock seems happier than he has been since they left the Earth Temple. He even whistles little tunes now and then, and has a smile on his face. He looks over to the Sun Hawk, "All good over here." He sees Whispers and waves, "Seza, are you joining us?"

Whisper's pale skin flushes at all the attention, but she manages to answer, with a shy smile on her face

"Yes I am joining you again as I wish to meet Kinope and be part of the cleansing of the pools. Though I am not a Wandering Ranger I feel connected to that place."

She sends a smile at Greeshar, but it slips when she sees Ohanzee moving off.

Returning her attention to the many braves both old and new, she greets them each by name and introduces herself to the newest recruits, sitting straight and despite her obvious embarrassment speaking loud and clear.

"I am Whispers from the Sky, Seza...that is Kolat shaman of the Sky Watchers Rhino clan. I travelled North with the original members and was killed and brought back by their  love and sacrifice. I am in your debt for this and will aid you however I can. Heed this though...I am bound by many taboos and geas, which may seem odd and strange and I have at my beck and call powerful spirits of the air. I expect respect, but do not expect special treatment.

Amara I would travel with you if that is okay?

So which way do we go?"

She nods at the Condor braves, respecting their obvious knowledge of the land.

The Rangers notice that many of their immediate family have stationed themselves on the outskirts of the camp to say their farewells and offer their blessings on the trip.

"Come on you lot get a move on!" It's Tokar, hands on hips, grinning from ear to ear. You can see he's proud of you all.

As the Bison and Rhino braves get ready, several women approach from the main camp, large glazed pots carried upon their heads.

Eirithans, protectors of the herd, runes of Earth, Beast and Fertility adorning their ochre covered bodies.

Tokar bows to them as they sashay past and with a final wave and a smile backs away.

"Braves of the Bison Nation and guests from the Sky Watchers, climb upon your beasts to receive our blessings" calls Mother's Shadow, eldest of the three women.

Her companions, Saltgrass and Sweet Eirith, place their pots on the hard ground, dipping their hands deep within to draw out the holy dyes.

"Blessed is Erambrath the first Bison " shouts Mother's Shadow to the sky "Mother of our Mounts.... and Blessings to Father Rhino, guest in our lands....Protector of his Children...."

"Erambrath walks the walk" chant the three women "The ground trembles when we move. Warriors of our people find the safe path so we make retake what is ours....See the dangers....Mark the way....Come back strong."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:12, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

"What's going on with you?" asks Haratt forming up with the Raven brave at the rear of the group, as they wait to have their mounts anointed by the Eirithan women.

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 37):

"What? I'm not allowed to be happy?" he says with the smile still intact. "Things are going well, I've got to start collecting more bison so I can offer Wilds parents a good bride price." He waves to Wild Pastures, who is standing with his parents, who are also smiling.

"Long Grass tasked us to scout a route to the mouth of the river and to scout the mouth of the river itself.  I think it best to head straight to the Zebra Grasslands then across to the mouth of the river.  We should avoid the outskirts of the Bleak Hills, since the clans would not want to take that path if they follow later.  From the mouth of the river we can follow the river north to the Condor Crags and to Kinope.  By then our scouting for the clans will be complete and we can head to the Earth Witch at the Giant Finger Holes by cutting across the Bleak Hills and perhaps ridding ourselves of the broo along the way.  The Condor braves will be able to pick out the path for us.  Great Waha will watch over us as well."

He looks around at the others for agreement, and then notes the Eirithan Wise Ones' approach.  "We can talk more about the route once we're on our way."  He excuses himself and mounts Black Hoof, kicking the bison forward to Mother's Shadow, wearing the helmet of Emesh-Ga.

"Mother, watch over your children.
Flat and straight their course;
Herd again by last light," he intones in ritual response to the chanting women.  Black Hoof dips its head to receive the ceremonial anointing.

Kobal looks over his shoulder to see if the others are ready.  Raising his javelin, he salutes his family standing at a distance.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

"I think we should go after the Broo. We may be gone long, so it would be best to scout a safe trail on the way back anyway, because things may change while we're gone. However, the broo are a very real threat and should be destroyed as soon as possible." Tarrnesh replied.

Amara shook her head complaining about the route being chosen when it would take them away from the broo. She spoke briefly with Sky Bone Blue promising that the detour would not be for long and that his clan would still find vengeance tasted sweet.

She greeted Whispers with a warm smile as she finished her preparations packing Thunderfoot and climbing up to ride. "I would be more than happy to ride beside you, Whispers. It would please me greatly to have good company while we scout a good route for the clans."<Blue> she frowned leaning closer so as not to be overheard <Blue>"I know you have geas, whispers, and that some are ones you might not wish to reveal, but are there any I should know about that I might not inadvertently break them?"

Amara felt proud of the blessing of the Eirithans. It seemed now as though both clans had finally accepted the band of rangers and what they'd set out to do to this land. Last time they stole out from the camp, this time it felt to Amara as if she and her fellow rangers were accepted as part of the clan.

"What you say has some merit, brother, particularly that scouting at the end will give fresher news to our clans.  But our first duty is to scout the route to the river and scout the river.  We have five weeks in which to reach the Earth Witch.  It seems to me that, if our paths are straight and true, riding to the river, then the Crags, then to Kinope, then to the Giant Finger Holes, should take about two or three weeks.

"But we don't know how long it will take to scout the route for our clans.  What we might find as we travel south west.  Whether we have to make any detours or double back in case of danger.  How long we may need to negotiate with Kinope.  So it's better to deal with the scouting first.  Then any time we have left can be used to hunt chaos.  From the Bleak Hills it should be only a few days to the Giant Finger Holes.

"If we hunt the broo first, we may not have enough time later to finish our scouting.  The Black Shields have already left to hunt the broo.  No one else is being sent to scout the river, so above all, we must make sure we finish our task.  If the Black Shields have already found the broo, we could be spending a lot of time looking for nothing.

"I too want to find the broo.  I follow Waha Killer-of-Chaos, and am sworn to Emesh-Ga.  Our grandfather hunted chaos in the Marsh twice."  He lowers his voice so that Greeshar doesn't hear.  "But that doesn't mean that we're like Storm Bulls who think only of chaos.  Remember also that this pack of broo was able to destroy the Big Pecker clan with a khan, shamans and priests.  We're a party of only 15 braves, and Sky Bone Blue.

"Also, since we have to find a safe path for our clans, it will be easier to map the route for them if we travel in the same direction as the clans will - from Grasslands to the river - rather than if we travel in the opposite direction from the river.

"What do you others say?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

"Kobal, what you say is true. We need to complete the scouting and meet the Earth Witch before we spend time hunting broo. If we go after them first we may run out of time for our other duties and they may be too strong for us to do much against them".

In reply to Kobal (msg # 42):

"While finding a safe route for the clan is important, killing known chaos is more important. If we return late because we made killing chaos our main goal, no one is going to mind. I say we head north first."

Kobal sighs inwardly.  Ravens.  Always looking for ways around.  "The chaos is known.  This is why the Black Shields have been sent in that direction.  The path to the river and the status of the river bank lands is unknown.  This is why we have been sent in that direction.  The clans have already told us what is more important for us to do - to find a safe route.

"Besides, all know the Bleak Hills are infested with chaos.  There will plenty - plenty - of time to hunt broo later.

"Plus, I have a plan!"  Kobal grins.  "This pack of broo is large.  If during our scouting up the river, we come across those cursed Moon Worshippers, or traitorous Sables, we can try to draw them towards the Bleak Hills.  If we find the broo and get the two sides to fight, it will be like taking down two zebra with one lance charge!  But first we must find the Lunars or Sables near the river and draw them towards the hills.  It makes no sense to find chaos and draw it towards the river because that would defeat the purpose of trying to find safe passage for our people to the river!"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

Having become increasingly morose as the party seems to be heading towards a plan that would give lesser urgency to a geas set upon a bargain of friendship, Hoskar perks up at the sound of Kobal's idea.

Can't say I'm totally pleased at delaying the broos-hunt, but I do like that plan. If the Black Shields haven't wiped the broos out, we can always meet them coming back and finish the job. It's the Finger Holes all over again really.

Anyone mind keeping an eye on Ram while he's carrying our supplies in the middle please? It's Condors to the fore when a trail's to be found...and it looks like you're moving up front with us, Bamled. Good choice - first chance to see what's coming at us, and your different journeys in the past should add to our effectiveness.

So, are we following Kobal's plan or what, people?

Kobal smiles at Hoskar in thanks for the vote of support.  First he heals me, then he backs me up.  Hoskar's all right.

Since the mission had been set by Long Grass, the bison brave has been hoping that Condor braves will choose to scout first too.

"We'll take care of Ram in centre.  Most of us will be bison riders, but Greeshar at least will be with us.  He will know how to handle the rhino."

Ohanzee moves his mount in to the rest of the group as it seems that there are discussions to be had and decisions to be made still. As he moves he glances at Whispers allowing a weak smile to cross his lips, but then his gaze moves to the others as they talk.

Then when there is a gap in the conversation he ventures ”I say south to the mouth of the river first. We have friends there in the remains of the We Seen the Sea assuming they got there OK. It can’t be difficult to find baboon on the edge of the great water and they can provide information on what they encountered on the way there.”

“They were planning on travelling to the Zola Fel and then south so they’d be able to tell us what to expect if we are heading north along it. And they would have travelled the same direction as the broo to get to the river since we met in the bolder field near the broo ambush of the Big Pecker clan.”

He looks at those advocating hunting broo first ”There is much chaos in those hills, more than enough to go around. There is no guarantee that we find the right band, but the right band will be easy to find if they are at the river. And if they are at the river then the clan needs to know this.”

"I say we chase the Broo, for no other reason than they are chaos and we said to Sky Bone Blue we would help" adds Greeshar defiantly.

With his mount freshly anointed by the Eirithans Haratt joins the discussion

"I am with Kobal, we are on this journey because of our clan, everything else comes second. We have much to do and I for one am interested in both what the tower may hold and whether the Golden Disc gives up anymore information.

Long Grass said that he wanted us to scout and that this would mean we could then visit Kinope and so it should be. The Broo, though enemies of us all are not our main business. We have agreed to help, but we can not put our clan's business to one side. Over 500 hundred clansmen rely on our success and it would be foolish to jeopardize everything that we love."

Somehow already smoking away on a pipe with leftover...something...from the night before, Salen is sat astride his Bison Kohana, Mordy yapping away at Taya below him. Everything is packed up and ready for the off, as is the Condor.

"I'm with Kobal. So let's get a frickin' move on, before our beards grow long and white."

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 50):

"By letting chaos live we jeopardise more than just our clan, for who knows what they will spawn before we kill them"

"And if we fail to find the route to the river we will all die out here anyway, and what good will that do us? The Black Shields have already gone to tackle the Broo, we can check on them on the way back. Our clans always come first."

Kobal nods to Henal, Ohanzee, Haratt and Salen for the support.  Greeshar -  well, is water wet?



"Melock, where does your sudden thirst to hunt chaos come from?  Six weeks we have been here on the Grasslands. Six weeks.  Six weeks when you have been rolling in the dust with Wild Pastures.  Now it is time to go and suddenly chaos is the most urgent thing?!  I think you've spent the last six weeks trying to spawn, haha."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

Sand Fox says that he is for taking the Northern route, but Nixa, Bamled and Yado all agree with Kobal, with Whispers joining the majority, so Long Grass who is still present puts the finishing word in

"Go South as Kobal suggests, it is what the elders wished. As Lay members of your cults you are under no obligation to fight chaos, though I understand your oaths to each other as Wandering Rangers and the geas placed on you by Sky Bone Blue, a geas as I understand it with no time restraints. Fulfil your obligations to the clan, for you reside with us and have your families and our future depending on what you discover. The wastes are full of chaos, we can not be battling it every day."

For him it's a long speech and the Shaman looks annoyed that he had to make it, and without any further words he turns and walks away, indicating with a wave that Salen should move them off.

The three Eirithans having finished anointing the mounts, walk alongside the braves chanting holy blessings, joined by the many family members watching.

Finally on the outskirts of the camp many folk have gathered to watch the Rangers leave. Their mission marking the start of the Clan's own journey back to the lands of their ancestors, first lost hundreds of years ago when Pavis defeated Waha and forced their migration out in to the Wastes.

Times were a changing....
This message was last edited by the player at 09:54, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

"Go. It matters not. We find them today, we find them tomorrow. I kill all chaos, When we find those that kill my clan then I can rest. Until then I kill. Kill. Kill. Kill...."

The dead Khan trots past, eyes rolling in his small head as his beak stabs this way and that...

In reply to Kobal (msg # 54):

With a very big grin on his face, "Not trying, succeeding!" Once Long Grass and Sky Bone Blue have spoken, he shrugs his shoulders and follows the group.

The Rangers are following a river serpent, which winds it's way through the uplands. It's pleasant country at first, well as pleasant as the Wastes can be after an unusual amount of rain during the previous season. The rituals performed by the whole clan and the defeat of the Wicked Writher has meant that all along the serpent there is grass and the shrubs, bushes and trees are all healthy and strong.

Game is bountiful, both four legged and feathered. Lizards are caught, several Impala run down and a score of Jack rabbits hang from saddles. Prayers are sent to Yarbu and the evening snares and traps are filled with his children. The nature spirit Checheh is found and his watermelons form a carpet straddling both banks of the muddy serpent for miles at a time, surrounding the many pools of water that have remained from the last of the rains.

But the pools begin to dry out the further West the party moves, until at last they and the melons vanish, with the vegetation receding until only dry scrub remains.

On the second day the Rangers find themselves on the edge of a cliff, with many trails leading down to the plain below and there in the distance some thirty kilometres away the green smudge that is the Zebra Grazing can be seen. It's the same route that Henal and Tarnessh took when they and other braves of the clan went raiding several weeks ago.

As far as the eye can see, nothing moves. It's hot and the winds are still....
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:11, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

Looking over the edge down towards the pool Bamled asks "So we keep on moving? Might be wise to water our beasts first."

”Sounds like a good idea to me.” Ohanzee agrees as he looks for a path down on his, the left side of the group. ”But before we go letting all the beasts to the water and trampling the ground about why don’t we take a look at what else has left any marks in the mud. Might be interesting to know what is about of late.”

"If we keep riding there is another pool maybe an hours ride further. We camped here after raiding the Zebra Grazing so we need to be careful of ambush here. Shall we keep moving on or water our mounts first then move to the next pool?"

Gripping his side in pain Geeshar lets out a low growl as he nears the edge of the cliff to join those peering down.

"I sense chaos of some sort, It is near and assails me with it's stench"

The brave's face is covered in a fine sheen of sweat and his eyes roll crazily.

Ohanzee on his way down doesn't hear Greeshar's warning, too far away and busy checking for tracks. The way down is gentle and the soft ground is heavily churned from many creatures making their way up and down.

Impala, high llama, wild pig and zebra being the easiest to make out. On the edge he spies what looks like a baboon print, but it's old and faint.

Henal readies a javelin and looks around them. "Better go and warn Ohanzee".

Then he starts running over towards where Ohanzee is making his way down.

"Can you tell where it is?" Tarrnesh asked Greeshar. Kobal had actually convinced Tarrnesh and he was about to say that he had changed his mind and they should scout out the river, but it looks like chaos might have come to them instead of the other way around...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

"here we go again" he says to no one in particular. He gets his sling ready and moves to the edge of the cliff so he can look for the chaos from up high.

Greeshar, who is looking particularly confused, is about to reply when Sky Bone Blue arrives at the edge of the cliff. The ostrich sniffs loudly, it's head moving in a long arc that encompasses the whole width of the pool below.

"Not Broo...Can smell them a long way off."

He then turns and trots off after Henal, vanishing down the gentle slope to the bottom of the cliff.

"Well it's somewhere nearby...That's as clear as I can be....But...." He shakes his head looking slightly feverish.

Those looking over the edge can see nothing out of the ordinary, though the dense foliage hides much from view. What is visible is the wide muddy expanse of the pool and the banks about it.

To Tarnessh, everything looks the same as when last here.

Tracks are visible, though from this high-up it's hard to know what they are specifically. Definitely hoofed for the most part.

Ohanzee comes into view below, on the other side of the foliage, at the base of the cliff where he'd ridden down.

Tarrnesh followed the others down. "Baboon tracks." He said, pointing them out.

"Yes, Tarnessh is right, they're baboon tracks alright. There's also a shadow in that pool down there, as big as Mordy. I'd bet that's our chaos creature."

Salen rides down with the rest, one hand holding his javelin a little tighter.

The Seza stays close to Amara waiting to see what she will do, whispering

"My spirits detect nothing strange"

Tarrnesh readied his sling, taking a hard round rock from his pack.

As others begin to make their way down Hoskar casts a detect enemies charm towards the pool 15m below him.

It comes back negative, which he makes known to all with an informative shout.

Sand Fox and Nixa join Melock and Hoskar at the top of the cliff, javelins at the ready, whilst the two Black Shield braves and Greeshar trot alongside Salen, lances ready.

They see that Ohanzee, Tarnessh, Henal and the Ostrich are nearing the trees...

Several camp fires are evident under the trees, cold and unlikely used since the raiders last came through. Just visible through the vegetation is the pool and dry water fall. Nothing stirs.

Amara drew the bow from where she'd stored it. Leaning over Thunderfoot she greeted Sky Bone Blue "Great Khan, my brother has detected chaos ahead and it is not often he is wrong about such things. Could you go with my fellow braves to investigate? I would urge you to be cautious. Chaos is often strong and dangerous and I would have you witness the destruction of the broo that killed your clan rather than at the edge of this place."

She bowed her acknowledgement to Sky Bone Blue before turning to Whispers. "Is there anything you can do here? Should I just ride ahead?"

Ohanzee moves Wihakayda onwards, urging him due south towards the riverbed and looking suspiciously at the tree's about. As he goes he readies his bow "Is it dead? If it's dead would Greeshar still sense it or are there other things about I wonder?"

"KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR GIANT CACTI!" He shouts to those below. Without using a charm he fires at a couple of trees, just to be on the safe side. He chooses ones away from the group, just in case he misses.

"Well...we could both be wrong, Greeshar and I. No-one is perfect."

Salen is starting to doubt himself...

"Chaos doesn't always mean a monster. There could be something in there that is tainted. Water, plants, even rocks or air." Tarrnesh pointed out. "We should make sure of what it is and then mark it on our map so that we can tell the clans to avoid it when we return."

"True chaos taints much, but I'd be happier if I knew what it was and if it was here before when we camped".

Kobal draws his sword, hefts his shield and kicks Black Hoof forward down the slope to the river bed.  "Cover us," he calls out to those who remain on the heights.

"You sense anything, cat?" he throws telepathically to Haaro.

As the bison makes its way down, the brave spares a moment to focus on the death rune on his right vambrace.  Over the past six weeks he's taken spare time here and there to carve crude spell foci into his new armour and shield.  He again pictures his manul cat, this time while concentrating on the life rune on the underside of his shield.  Haaro tenses a moment with the strain.  "Waha guide my hand," Kobal whispers.

The brave rides down to the river bed and then turns Black Hoof towards the pool.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Sat 27 Sept 2014.

With Whispers from the Sky, Melock, Hoskar, Nixa and Sand Fox on overwatch above, the rest of the Rangers sweep down to investigate the pool. Defensive and offensive magic swirls about many of the braves as they prepare for the worst. Amongst them rides Greeshar, pale faced and clutching his side, eyes flitting from side to side as if searching for the cause of his discomfort.

At the fore runs Sky Bone Blue, head outstretched as he bursts out of the vegetation to circle around the pool anti clockwise. Behind comes Ohanzee, Tarnessh and Henal who move past several old fire places and obvious hollows used for sleeping.

They jump as several birds rise from the trees above, startled by Melock's slingshot, to fly immediately south and away from the pool. As everything settles once more the rest of the party catches up and the Rangers peer out from under the trees to put the area under their combined scrutiny.

Henal and Amara send their detection charms out across the water and wait to see what they find....


Sky Bone Blue head still down, rushes around the pool towards the dry waterfall, hooting as he runs, the noise echoing out across the Wastes.

"No spirits here boss" comes the reply from the manual cat, sat upon his saddle bags.

Mordy, padding down to the water, begins to bark up at the waterfall's rock lip, an area deep in shadow.

Henal looks closely at the cliff over the waterfall lip. "There is something living there at the waterfall's lip".

See those vultures circling away to the south? Wonder what they're interested in eating. Condor's brothers don't sightsee out of curiosity usually. Maybe there was a fight over there.

Whatever, it's too far off to harm us tight now - think I'll keep a watch closer to, mostly.  He hefts his sling, gaze darting around for sight of movement or threat.

Hoskar's vision zooms in on the distant vultures.

Looking down, Whispers points at the commotion from Mordy

"Seems that the dog has sensed something...Under the lip of the waterfall....."

Henal looks closely at where the three shapes had been lit up by his spell but can only see shadow and rock.

Amara shouted to the others "Cliff toads!" as she drew the arrow firing towards where she spotted them, hoping to hit one. She used her connect5ion to Sky Bone Blue to ask him to come back to her as swiftly as possible and asked him to tell the other spirits that Cliff Toads were very close to where he was and that they must be the source of the chaos.

Sat atop Oberon, Haratt immediately begins to cast a fire charm on his javelin and as it flames he  turns to Amara

"Let me cast it on your next arrow...

Does anyone have the Fill the Sky with missiles charm?" he asks the others.

In reply to Haratt Goldhand (msg # 92):

"I do" Tarrnesh said as he prepared to cast it on a rock of his own. "Tulox, can you attack the Cliff Toads? Have you any magic prepared right now?" He telepathically asked his familiar.

From out of the darkness  shoots a blue tongue many metres long and lightning fast, aiming for the speeding Ostrich, which at Amara's telepathic message manages to dodge past....But only just, and Sky Bone Blue trips over his legs to smash into one of the piles of bones, lying there momentarily stunned.

Amara's shout and arrow is all that is needed to make the Toads show themselves.

The one whose tongue is even now rolling back on itself moves down into the light....It's as big as a Bison, rock coloured and when not moving perfectly camouflaged. To either side two smaller ones move, one staying in the shadows whilst the third makes a mighty leap to vanish behind a tree on the southern side of the pool's rock wall.

Behind Tarnessh, Greeshar moans and slips from his saddle on to the ground.

Thump.

He doesn't move.

Sand Fox and Nixa immediately begin casting charms on themselves whilst running across the dried up river bed above the waterfall.

"We'll go after the one that jumped" shouts Nixa.

Seeing Greeshar fall Yado the Tall nudges his Bison over, drops from his saddle and tries to revive the fallen brave

"He's burning up" he shouts to no one in particular, struggling to lift Greeshar back up on to Hidden Strength.

Salen activates his Speedart spell and launches a javelin at the nearest toad. He will do that until out of javelins, and if necessary will switch to his bow and arrows (assuming the toads are out of melee range).

Chaos, are these big bastards chaos? he wonders, but with Greeshar taken so dramatically ill he realises that either chaos or spells are at play and these toads are not normally cmart enough for spells.

"Whispers, into the trees and hid in the branches where it's safer.Watch out for other surprises." Ohanzee says to his spirit.

He aims for the toads he can still see muttering "If these aren't chaotic, what's the skin like for leather I wonder?"

Whispers takes to the wing flying away from the battle to find a roosting branch high in the dense branches where tongues cannot reach. As she goes she looks out for other dangers.

Tarrnesh spun his sling around and released two rocks at the same time at the largest Toad, then whipped out a small flat of polished bronze from his pack and called on Sun Hawk to reflect the light of Great Treasure into the eyes of the attacking Toad, keeping it from being able to see properly.

In the meantime, Tulox flapped up into the sky and looked for the other two toads.

At a command from Kobal, Haaro leaps off the back of Black Hoof and scrambles back up the slope to join the other riders at the top of cliff.

Kobal urges his bison forward towards Sky Blue Bone.  "Get back!" he calls to the ostrich.

A flurry of missiles flies across the pool, some flaming, others magically summoned. The giant Toad is eventually killed by Amara her blazing arrow protruding from one eye, it's spotty rock coloured hide already punctured by Tarnessh's sling shot, Haratt's javelin and hers and Ohanzee's other arrows. It's corpse drops to the ground where Kobal rams his lance in just to make sure.

It's mate had kept well out of the way, scared by the sudden appearance of so many humans, but it can't escape as Tarnessh lights it up with his magical spell, dazzling it with Bright Treasure's rays so that it can do nothing but hop blindly down to the ground where Ohanzee and Kobal skewer it from either side. Ohanzee having charged through the shallow pool, sending up a massive spray of water and several surprised fish up into the air.

On the other side Salen, backed up by Henal try and flush the last toad out from behind cover. Mordy narrowly misses getting grabbed by a long blue tongue and now that it's revealed the toad is soon disrupted, befuddled, skewered and finally chopped into pieces, aided from above by Nixa and Sand Fox.

Those under the lip of the waterfall find that the bones scattered everywhere are of a half dozen baboons, obviously killed by the toads, their remains regurgitated out onto the muddy ground. Several small objects shine amongst the mess.

Up above Hoskar, Melock and Whispers can only watch the melee as clear shots are prevented thanks to the rock overhang and close proximity of their companions. From Melock's saddle bag comes a low grumble and then a small heavily armoured bundle hops down the cliff face and in a flash is burying itself in the side of the largest Cliff Toad...

All three Toads have no visible sign of chaos.

It's then the shout comes from where Yado the Tall and Bamled Horse Killer are. "Greeshar is sick! Seza come quick!"

The possessed ostrich, under the protection of Haratt and Kobal, manages to get out of the way of the falling Toad just in time and then when all is quiet begins to sniff about the two nearest corpses, feet picking their way through the baboon bones, crude spears and splattered toad entrails.

"I do not see nor smell the taint of chaos."

From inside the largest Toad comes the sound of chomping.

His first instinct is to move to Greeshar, to see if there is anything amongst his herbs that can help. When Whispers is called for thoughe stops, he doesn't want to be close to her at the moment so instead he moves to the carnage under the waterfall.

There he searches amongst the grizzly remains for anything of the baboons belongings that may have survived and still be of use, but also for some indication of what troop they were. He hopes not to find signs that they were the We Seen the Sea troop.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:33, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

Ohanzee finds the bones of five baboons. The We Seen the Sea toop had numbered sevrn when he'd encountered them all those weeks ago eating melons the day after the rest of their family had been killed by Basmoli raiders.

Using his lance to poke through the remains, his heart sinks for there plain to see is a Baboon fetish; picking it up on the point of his weapon it slides down the wood shaft to arrive at his hand.

It matches the one he wears.

It is them.

We Seen the Sea.

But only five when there should be seven.

Ohanzee's interest in continuing to search the remains vanishes with the confirmation of whose they are. Even as his heart sinks there is a glimmer of hope though, there are two missing, of the seven only five corpses are here so maybe they escaped. Maybe they perished before getting this far or soon after, but maybe not.

Wheeling Wihakayda around he remembers someone saying there was something in the water, a baboon corpse maybe? He urges the rhino slowly forward to and through the pool eyes down and lance used to prod anything about the right size.

During the combat Melock stays at the cliff edge, in case any of the toads try to get away. He's mildly disappointed when it is over and he didn't get to fight, but happy that no one got eaten. He smiles when Taya buries herself in to the largest toad, he turns to Hoskar, "Well, it looks like Taya has found something else she likes to eat, guess I had better go and cut some lumps off of it for later" he starts riding slowly towards the way down when he hears the shout about Greeshar. He gets Stinky to move as fast as he dares down the slope and then gets out of Whispers way so she can do her thing. "Taya, be careful, something around here is chaotic and its making Greeshar sick" When he sees Ohanzee riding through the pool, "Ohanzee, what have you found?"

Without looking up Ohanzee calls back "The baboons eaten were the last of the We Seen The Sea troop but there are two missing though. Looking for signs of those two leaving. Or not..."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:20, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 109):

"So they survived the Basmoli, but got eaten by the toads. That really is bad luck" He takes a moment to wish their spirits well on their new journey. "When you've had your fill Taya, we could do with your help hunting though the bushes to see if the last two baboons have left any trace"

"Well, this toad isn't chaotic, is it?" the dead toad starts to roll forward as it is eaten from the inside. "When I've had my fill" she laughs "Ok, you get me some toad for later and I'll start looking around for you" The toad's head sways from left to right, then Taya emerges from the left eye socket. "That eye was tasty, I want another one" she glances at the other eye, "Though not that one, its been cooked" She trots off in to the undergrowth on the other side of the pool, looking for signs of the last 2 baboons. Melock sets about cutting a few lumps from the toads and gets 2 eyes as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

Henal crouches by a skull thorn bush looking under it and calls down the hole in Praxian.

"Toads dead, we are bison riders. Are you coming out?"

He keeps his shield readied in case the response is violent.

"There is a tunnel under here, with baboon tracks" he calls out to the others searching below.

Rikki stands near the tunnel mouth as well, sniffing the dirt and looking down it. "Smells like baboons".
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

Ohanzee stops and looks back as Henal's shouts about a tunnel, adn baboon tracks Could they be hinding in there? He calls out "Cheata are you in there? It is Ohanzee of the Sky Watchers clan, friend of We Seen The Sea troop." as he rides in the direction of Henal's shout.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

At the sound of voices Henal spies movement a good spear length down the burrow, and as his eyes grow accustomed to the gloom he can make out two terrified Baboons. But no matter how much he tries to get them to come out they refuse to budge, baring their teeth and jabbering fiercely.



There's a moments quiet at Ohanzee's words and then comes a cautious "Ook" followed by a "Is dat Shadow? Sure sound like youse.

It's me Cheata and Scorched Bum."

Tarrnesh ran to Greeshar and tried to determine what he could do to help him.

Kobal checks to see that Greeshar is being attended to, then rides around the pool, looking for any sign of any other cliff toads, young or otherwise, before checking the ledge on which the toads were hidden.

"We're here to scout for our clans," he calls to the others, "let's make sure there's no other threat here."

In reply to Kobal (msg # 116):

he finishes hacking bits of toad up, "shall we see how far back this overhang goes, who knows what else is back there" He will wait until someone joins him. "Taya, I think the baboons have been found. So feel free to come back and carry one eating"

"Ha!" he exclaims "Yes of course it's me Cheata, don't you remember, Shadow is everywhere!"

He relaxes "You can come out, it's safe now. The toads are gone and we just have to sort out whatever the others sensed as chaotic."

Henal stands up and looks over towards the overhang, still with javelin and shield readied.

"You know these baboons? Did they see anything else than the cave toads?"

Rikki, can you scent anything else round here?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:09, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

"Chaos!" comes a scared squawk from Cheata "We ain't cumming out if there's chaos!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Sun 28 Sept 2014.

"Nope" comes back the curt reply "No spirits I can sense.....I'll go have a look down the river bed if you want. Tulox the Vrok says there's nothing much apart from a bunch of vultures to the south. Eating something big."

Those investigating the Thunderbird brave are soon joined by Whispers from the Sky, who vaults off her Rhino, clutching a beaded satchel.

Tarnessh, Bamled and Yado can see that he is sick, his temperature soaring, but realise that there is nothing that they can do.

"He is very sick" says the shaman stating the obvious "Carry him over there to one of the sleeping hollows and I will see what I can do."

Once there she begins to work her magic, hands feeling about the brave's body as she chants her healing dirge. The air shimmers, filling with golden specks of light which drop down onto his sweating body. Nothing happens though and the Seza begins to look worried.

"He has a bad fever, caught from where I don't know, it is virulent and requires that I bring him back to the Bison Grasslands so that I and the other shamans can cure him. I can try here, but even if successful he will need time to rest and recuperate. Time you do not have."

She sees the looks

"It is not chaos wrought, though I suspect that it is responsible for him thinking that he detected it."

Those investigating the hollowed out area beneath where the serpent would cascade down during the rains, find nothing out of the ordinary. There is a large hidden space beneath the lip where the Toads had hidden from Bright Treasure, catching unwary creatures who strayed to close.

From the looks of things, mainly the fact that there were only baboon bones on the ground, the Rangers determine that the Toads likely moved here sometime after Henal and Tarnessh had stopped to camp on their way home.

There's nothing interesting amongst the bones apart from several bone fetishes, similar to those worn by Melock, Kobal, Greeshar, Amara and Hoskar and identical to the one worn by Ohanzee.

They consist of strange reeds and dried plants wrapped around shells, though ones unlike those found on the banks of the Zola Fel. They smell strangely of Salt.

"Come let us gather the bones and given them decent burial or whatever Baboons require" says Haratt, jumping down from Oberon

The first chance he gets the Sun Hawk brave says to Tarnessh "Nice work with that blinding charm, I would like to learn something like that. Was it from Smokey Jojo?"

Several Vultures arrive, alighting on the taller of the trees, eyes glued to the three massive, stinking toad carcasses.

"Any sign of any chaos?" Ohanzee calls out to the others and then answers Henal "I know them, these are the last of their troop and they want to return to the sea."

"They know the area at the mouth of the river like we know the Wastes. If we show them across the Wastes they can help us maybe?"

Amara waited for words from whispers regarding the fate of her brother. This was not an enemy he could charge and overcome. It was one which would require all of Whispers and maybe one of the Chalanna Arroy worshippers to fix. "If there's anything you need Whispers just tell me and I will find it and bring it to you."

"Yes indeed. I had just learned it." Tarrnesh said proudly. But then looked at Greeshar and dropped his eyes. "Can we return him to the tribes in time?" He asked quietly, with obvious concern.

Having finished his sweep of the area, Kobal goes to Whispers from the Sky and Greeshar.  "Wise One, he is our brother.  Please take care of him.  I will pray to Waha to watch over him.  If you need someone to accompany you back, let us know.  Greeshar is strong.  We'll see him again in a few weeks."  His face is grim.  This is not a good omen for the start of our mission, to lose one so early.

He then rides over to the tunnel that others are gathered around.  "Come out, baboon.  There is no chaos.  We have killed the cliff toads.  We are the Wandering Rangers, and we are many.  There is nothing to fear."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Mon 29 Sept 2014.

"I will take him back myself, he is stable for now and as I said I could heal him here, but he needs time to rest, time which you do not have. I will be okay by myself Kobal as the Clan's outriders sweep this far most days and few raiders would dare attack a shaman so close to home.

Help Greeshar on to Hidden Strength, tie him on well so he does not fall."

She then turns to Amara "I am sorry but I must go. Make sure these headstrong boys do not get themselves killed"

A quick glance is shot Ohanzee's way and then she jumps on her Rhino, ready to depart.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:09, Mon 29 Sept 2014.

After a few more minutes of reassurance Cheata and Scorched Bum crawl out of the small burrow, blinking from the late afternoon's light.

"Crap, we the last two left" says Cheata to his companion, a young female with a stump of a tail and a burnt arse.

"What we do now?"

He looks up to Ohanzee "Wotcha Shadow...We had lot of bad luck....You got anything to drink and eat we is famished."

He waves at Melock, Hoskar and Amara, blows a raspberry at Haratt and stares at Kobal, Tarnessh, Henal and the two Black Shield braves Bamled and Yado.

"Who are this bunch...You breed fast."

She comes out of the undergrowth and runs towards the big toad, she quickly glances at the vultures, Hmm, vultures, I wonder what they taste like then dives in to the toad.

In reply to Whispers from the Sky (msg # 130):

"Seza, would it not be safer to set off in the morning?"

He waves back at Cheata and grabs a skin of kumiss off of Stinky and passes it to him. "They are more Wondering Rangers"

In reply to Cheata. (msg # 131):

Hey Cheata. Glad to see you in one piece.

Turning aside to the rangers: Don't suppose either of the disease cures I traded for might help him, Seza?

And Salen - I see we have company from our brother birds. I've never worked out how to talk to them - do you have any ideas?

Ohanzee smiles at Cheata’s response to the Rangers he doesn’t know and replies ”There’s plenty of fresh toad meat but I’d avoid the one with Melock’s rubble runner in, the big one. Or if you prefer I can find something else, but let me see to our friend first.”

He moves over to Whispers and the tied form of Greeshar he feels strangely relieved and also upset at the same time that she is going to leave them ”Whisp... erm seza, I have some blackseed and dried hairflower is these will help with what ails Greeshar.”

To the baboons Henal says "I am called Henal. Sorry we didn't reach here before to save the rest of your tribe from the toads".

"Shall we make camp here as the next pool is maybe a hours ride away and there is not too long left with light. We've probably got all the threats round here dealt with and there could be other stuff lurking there".

<Blue>"Thank you both of you, but unfortunately the fever requires magic or being well versed in healing diseases. I am able to do both, but it is a lengthy treatment that requires comfort and time."




The shaman looks at Bright Treasure already low in the sky. She sighs "Yes you are right another day will not matter. Melock fill your flask so that it boils. Hoskar make one of the hollows comfortable for Greeshar. The rest of you untie him and place him where Hoskar indicates....I will keep him stable and leave on the morrow.

Bamled will you help me with my satchels and gear?"

She then looks down the dry river bed "Amara...There are Acacias, go speak with Grandmother Thorn and ask if we may take some of her bark, I will need to keep the spirits away tonight."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:25, Mon 29 Sept 2014.

Taking the Kumiss, Cheata makes a face at the mention of eating Toad, probably because they ate his people, and then replies to Henal

"Wotcha you come find us...You my friend. You have gift for me?"

His little eyes sparkle mischievously.

After helping to get Greeshar safely to the resting point indicated Ohanzee asks ”Whispers is there anything else that I can do, anything to help?”</blue>

With Whispers agreeing to stay the night, camp is made, with Sand Fox and Nixa helping to gather fuel so that the Sun Hawk braves could invoke Mahome and start their fires.

Watches are set, food prepared and the mounts watered and fed before being placed beneath the protective rock waterfall.

There's still an hour left of daylight, ample time to investigate the Vultures to the South, interrogate the Vultures present, dispose of the now stinking Toad carcasses, ask questions, sing, collect Acacia bark, talk to spirits or just get drunk and argumentative...

Whispers from the Sky shakes her head in the negative at Ohanzee's question and then settles down next to Greeshar, making a fire close by filled with Acacia bark, then taking out her drum and chanting for many hours. The air broils about her as she draws strength from the other side to power her healing magic. Occasionally Greeshar arcs his back, shouting obscenities or just plain gibberish.....

Ohanzee moves away from the now chanting Seza and over to the last of the baboon troop. ”It is good to see you alive Cheata, I’m sorry for the loss of the others of your troop.”

“We are heading for the mouth of the river, where it meets the sea and you two are welcome to travel with us. It might be safer for you than trying to make your own way there.”

He grins “I’ll let you ride on Wihakayda with me and then you can call your troop We Rode a Rhino to the Sea after all, you are the boss now!”

Then slightly more seriously he says ”I have never been there so you can tell me about it as we ride and maybe you can even teach me a little of your own tongue.”

He looks quizzically at the monkey and then adds ”Do your kind raid for slaves? Two is not many to rebuild your troop from?”
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Mon 29 Sept 2014.

After consulting with the Baboons the Sun Hawk brave collects the bones and begins digging a burial spot for them under one of the trees.

He asks for help and once completed goes to join the others about the fires

"Those Toads stink, we can't just leave them there to rot, get off you arses and help me either burn them or bury them."

Returning from the burial of his people Cheata replies sadly "We will look for another troop to join, there will likely be others near the river. It is life, one day you here, next you gone.

But I have Scorched Bum to pick my lice and maybe we have new Baboons...."

He looks to his companion for confirmation, but to be honest she doesn't look that impressed with the idea.

Cheata continues "We come with you for sure, but if I'm guide I want pay. Food, booze and no walking and new spear for me and something bling for the Scorched Bum..."

He ignores Haratt.

Sand Fox, Nixa and Yado the Tall join Haratt, deciding to haul the toad carcasses out into the desert, using Bison to pull them. During the time it takes to do this another score Vultures arrive, immediately tucking into the feast.

And talking of Vultures.... Salen returns from a long and complicated conversation with the original two that had perched high in a tree.

He informs the party that the birds had followed a lone rider from a Oasis to the South, waiting for him to fall, which surprisingly he did. They pounced and they ate both him and his mount. The birds described the mount as what can only be a High Llama.

At the mention of this Cheata nods.

"We were waiting for him. So he dead too...Oh well."

In reply to Cheata. (msg # 138):

Henal digs into his packages and pulls out a shiny semi precious stone collected from a river serpent a couple of seasons ago and tosses that to Cheata.

"That do?"

He asks Cheata "Who were you waiting for out here that the vultures got?"

Ohanzee smiles, almost laughs in fact at Cheata’s response to the offer of them tagging along. When Henal hands over a river stone as a friendship token his smile broadens and he winks at the baboon making sure that Henal can’t see the gesture.

He waits for Cheata’s response to Henal’s gift and question before speaking again. ”I’ve already offered you and Burnt Bum rides and in addition to this you two get the safety of our numbers and our guiding you across the Wastes which you do not know otherwise you wouldn’t have been awaiting the other guide I reckon.”

“So as I see it there is the guiding in exchange for the guiding, which means that you two are a ride up, but in addition to this I’ll not see you short of a fair share of food and drink.”

He gestures the baboon to follow and leads him to his rhino so that ”Burnt Bum</b> cannot overhear <blue>”You know this is a good deal already Cheata, but if you teach me your tongue whilst we ride then I’ll give you this.” and he pulls an impala necklace from his trade goods ”Play your cards right with such a gift and Burnt Bum may be more inclined to give you small ones.”

“Also, I have no spare spear but if I get a suitable one before we part company again then it is yours.”

The Baboon snatches the stone out of midair, looks at it, looks at Henal, looks at it again and then with a sigh, put's it in a small pouch tied on a cord running over his skinny shoulder. It looks as if it's made from a Bison ball sack.

"Suppose so...." He doesn't sound that thrilled "Some geezer, say he hire us as guards a few days ago. Said we had to wait here and  then he go that-a-ways. That was two day ago. Toads got us that night.

Rode a long neck, had many spirits, strong in Water Rune. He cleaned water from the pool for us to drink, said he could make it flood if he wanted. Talked to the sleeping snake. Jittery fella, never sit still. Called him Ant in Pant, he not mind, find funny."



"Give me your spear then...I give back when you get new one...." comes the reply, the baboon picking several insects from the hide of the Rhino.

"Well yes, actually. I know the speech of all birds, though not to perfection. They can be a little...hard going...but once you get the hang of it then it's not too difficult. It was a gift from my Condor spirit, part of my initiation."

Salen explains himself to Hoskar when he returns from speaking with the birds, then addresses the others.

"Looks like we have the remains of a corpse to find, sounds like he could have had some stuff that might prove useful to us."

Ohanzee looks at his lance and shrugs "I still have axe, pipe, sling and bow so why not. It's yours if we have a deal?"

As they go to move the large toad corspe, there is a growling from within, and out crawls Taya, looking very full. "I've had my fill, thanks. You can get rid of it now." she makes her way back to her saddle bag and climbs in and goes to sleep.

Melock boils some water for Whispers and then heads over to listen to what the baboons have to say. "I agree Salen, we should see what he was carrying."

The Baboon looks at the lance, at Ohanzee and back at the lance

"You got something smaller?"

"I will stay here. I have no interest in investigating the remains of a vulture dinner" replies Haratt  to Salen and Melock

He turns to Tarnessh "Will you go? I plan to take last watch to see Bright Treasure rise."

He shakes his head but smiles ”No, but there are heads and enough trees around to make you one just right, come let’s go select a branch.”

"Okay...So you want learn my language yes...So now we start...."

Soon, from the undergrowth comes the sounds of an axe cutting wood and the guttural barks and coughs of the Baboon's beast language, with Ohanzee occasional seen as he gestures ape like to punctuate a point.

Scorched Bum finds this hilarious and goes to sit above them in the branches of a Tamarisk. Below her Nixa and Sand Fox, after offering up a prayer to Askuwhetu, start to tap the tree's bark intent on gathering as much sweet sap before they leave the next morning.

"We'll dry it as we go" says Nixa

"Aye" replies his twin "Lets see if we can make gran's sweets, can't be that hard."

Having settled in Greeshar under the Seza's direction, Hoskar ambles about checking on his familiar and rhinos; tightening a buckle here, checking a waterskin there. On overhearing this, however, he becomes suddenly alert.
Need any help with the labour there? I've something of an interest in making food. The meal seals the deal, as they say. Maybe we could swap some ideas?

"Sure. I'll go right now." Tarrnesh said. The night was not as fearful to him when he was able to use his light spells, and Tulox overhead.

Amara made her way to the Acacia tress to ask Grnadmother thorntree for some of her bark to keep the spirits away from her brother.

Before he left, Tarrnesh said that if something happened to him, he would send Tulox to the camp for help, as Tulox gave a sharp cry and perched on his shoulder.

Hoskar is soon sat down with Sand Fox and Nixa exchanging recipes and plant knowledge, the youths quickly skinning a lizard they'd found amongst the rocks.

Amara vanishes down the river bed, where she soon finds a small stand of Acacia. She makes the proper greetings and soon her voice can be heard back at camp as she sings the ritual songs.

And finally the search party gets under way: Tarnessh, Salen, Melock, Henal and Kobal, who quickly gather their mounts and head off, utilising the last of the days light....

Bamled and Yado, stand guard, taking first watch up above on the top of the cliff.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:12, Mon 29 Sept 2014.

The five braves ride out, guided by both the smell and distant sight and sound of scores of vultures feasting. The nearest group are tearing part the three Cliff Toads, whilst the furthest must be where the dead traveller and his mount fell.

They must be nearly gone because vultures are peeling off to join the new feast and there on the edge of hearing comes the sounds of approaching Hyenas.

It's when the group get within several bow shots distance (160m) that their bound spirits start issuing warnings

"Powerful spirit up ahead."

"Seems pissed off"

"Not answering"

The Rangers can see that there is a vulture acting strangely, hopping, jumping, perhaps trying to fly, but failing dramatically....

In reply to GM (msg # 161):

"Salen, your the bird talker and Condor follower. I think it would be safest if you talk to it. We've got your back if it starts anything" he says smiling. He gets his sling out, just in case.

Without smiling Salen nods at Melock's words - he was the bird talker, simple fact. He nudged Kohana forward, looking over his shoulder as he did.

"The vultures seemed to think this fellow had powerful magic, likely Rune Magic. I'd bet his allied spirit looked for a new host when it's master and mount croaked it, which is why that bird can't get it's arse off the ground. Be ready."

He looked down at his own bound spirit.

"Mordy, all senses on full alert. We may be about to enter a whole heap of trouble..."

Amara returned to Whispers side, with the Acacia bark in hand she needed to ward the spirits away. "Here you are Whispers. Grandmother Thorntree was generous in her affection. You should have all you need here and there is yet more that I will keep for our band as we travel. She even left us some seeds to improve on Hoskar's terrible cooking." she said teasing teh rhino brave and trying to lighten Whispers mood. She hoped that her brother could hear too and the levity would help him rally.

"If you need anything, anything at all." she said, leaving it unsaid she would ride to ends of the Wastes for her brother.

"Emesh-Ga," Kobal says to the spirit in his helmet, "this man was apparently strong in water magic.  Perhaps if we can reach an agreement with him, he will be willing to help us in treating with Kinope and in cleansing the Giant Finger Holes.  I hope you'll be able to help us if necessary."

The brave also draws his staff from Black Hoof and carries it in one hand as they ride forward.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

Henal holds a javelin ready as they ride forward towards the remains of the traveller and his mount.

"Wonder what brought them down? Better be ready in case it could be something that attacks us too".

"Salen, wait. Isn't Daka's Creek near by? He could of been possessed and the spirit forgot he needed to drink, which would explain why that vulture cant fly as well" he glances at the others "Anyone got anything that's good against spirits? If we leave now, the hyena's will kill it, and it will likely take over one of them and then we wont know were it is."

"Daka's Creek is a day's ride from here.  This is good thinking, Melock.  You are better in the ways of the spirit world than I am.  I have no magic defenses against spirits - I was hoping those of you training to be a shaman would...  All I can say is: if this man had an allied spirit and wielded rune magic but was still defeated, then we should be very careful of whatever 'powerful spirit' is before us."

The Ranger's slow down, a long bow shot from the carcasses as they discuss what may be going on, with Salen and Henal to the fore...

The vulture experiencing some difficulties stops in it's tracks and then suddenly explodes in a cloud of feathers, dropping to the ground unmoving. All five riders see that something is travelling at high speed towards them, invisible to the naked eye, except for a strange blurring of the air as something pushes forwards with great energy.

With a great flapping of wings Tulox shoots up in to the sky, with Haaro, Taya, Rikki and Mordy jumping off saddle bags and running in all directions as fast as they can.

"The spirit comes!"

"Run!"

"It has teeth and claw!"

"Ancient from before time."

"Fucking squawk! "

The spirit's approach is heralded now by a fierce bestial roaring sound....

Perhaps because of his time spent and bond with Haaro, Kobal hears something in the roar.  "A monster cat!" he cries, as he wheels Black Hoof to the right and follows after Haaro.

Ohanzee finds the beast language difficult to get to grips with, but after a while he realises that the noises he is trying to make should involve less lip movements as the beast do not possess the same degree of control over theirs.

Ignoring the occasional sounds that he can only assume are laughs from Burnt Bum he keeps on repeating wheat Cheata says and listening to the descriptions trying to memorise the meanings with the sounds.

Knowing nothing of what is happening to his comrades out investigating on the plains, Hoskar winces for a moment...then any close observer would see his face change as he catches on to Amara's likely intent: his lopsided grin returns. After a brief thought and a deep breath, he responds That about says it. It's been a while since I actually managed to make a buzzard retch, mind you in his jolliest tone.

Whispers is about to smile when she freezes, as if listening to something.

"There is trouble out on the plains....A powerful spirit is chasing them. Tulox has warned one of my air spirits..."

She shouts out loud, heard by all at the camp.

"A spirit comes! Amara take the bark and place it in the large fires....Be quick!"

so I only think of myself, do I He jumps off of the back of Stinky and hits him hard on the rump, "Good bye Stinky. RUN RUN" driving him towards the spirit, then turns and runs in the other direction.

Ohanzee is mid grunt his arms in the air when Whisper’s alert interrupts him. ”Quick, to our Seza, shaman!” he tells the two monkeys and runs axe in hand back to the fire.

As he goes he knows that there is no way that Greeshar can be moved now, not at the speed that spirits can travel and no way that Amara would leave her lunk-head of a brother. Besides, like him or not he is a Ranger and together they stand all of them.

As he runs It’s not dark yet, where is Whispers and he calls out ”Whispers are you there, can you sense it?”

Reaching the camp he doesn’t have to ask if they are making a stand as he sees Amara stoking the acacia fires. He takes a position between the Seza and the direction that the others left in and kneels holding the axe with Enapay in the crystal. And he composes himself for if there is to be a battle with a spirit it will not be physical.

”What spirit?” he asks. The knowledge likely wouldn’t help so he doesn’t know why he asks but he does.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:10, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

The vulture expldoed and the spirit - or whatever - within came rushing at them. Salen summed up his thoughts in just one word.

"Bugger!"

And with that he immediately turned Kohana around and used his Condor spirit to activate his Mobility spell on the Bison, determined to get the heck away from there as fast as possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:07, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

Amara ran quickly around the fires placing acacia bark around to protect whispers and Greeshar. She'd grown stronger in dealing with spirits, but she'd never be a shaman. Her smile grew as she hoped some day she might be considered one of the Daughters of Vinga, as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her. For the time being her only defence was acacia bark and grandmother thorntree.

"Run!" Tarrnesh shouted to the others. "There's a powerful lion spirit coming for us! It looks like one of the ancient Basmoli Lion spirits, and it is NOT happy!" He said as he got on Grumpfy and got him to go as fast as he could. As he fled, he gave a prayer for protection to Sun Hawk to focus his mind and shield himself from the spirit's power.

He glances back at the Whispers from the Sky and smiles despite their situation then asks ”Can you have your spirits attack it, one after the other attack and then flee, just enough to weaken it? Will they do that?”

“Raven has gifted me with some defence against spirits, but if the one that comes is so great it may not be enough.”

Unprotected as he is against spirits, Hoskar can only do one thing upon hearing the Seza's news. He blanches, and walks hastily to the bark fire. Four Paws, get over here too! Don't think you can take on this spirit!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:00, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

In reply to GM (msg # 169):

Henal turns Whiteblaze and urges the bison to charge away from the oncoming spirit, steering as well as he can after Rikki.

...although when he's comfortingly close to the fire, he has a thought.
Hey, everyone! I suggest we form most of a square over here, with spaces ready for the others when they get back - it might help Emesh-Ga to help defend us if we're formed up and touching the earth. Might be wasted effort but it can't hurt just-in-case, can it?

Wash self. Groom peacefully....

Mrrikes.

Better go. Thick-skin, my friend, you can't trample a spirit. Coming, Hoskar. Whatever next? Twerp.

Streaks across to her bargain-companion by the smoke.

The Rangers scatter, some faster than others: Kohana practically vanishing from sight in a tremendous dust cloud thanks to his great speed now magically enhanced too.

Stinky goes for several metres, stops in a sudden screech of dug in hooves and then careens off to the left, just as the invisible force rushes past straight at Melock. The air bubble engulfs the hapless brave, blasts like a thunderclap and then is gone.

As has Melock.

The first the other Rangers know is when their various bound spirits inform them of what has happened.

"It's got Melock"

"Possessed"

"It's crazy..."

"Woof."

For those that stop or turn to look, they are greeted with an empty plain. Only Stinky remains, standing still, whilst the vultures take off screeching in alarm, just as Bright Treasure begins to set....

But there's movement. It's Taya streaking off towards the cliff a km behind them, where the Rangers had descended earlier but in a North Easterly direction.

It's like the tiny Rubble Runner is chasing something....

Those remaining at the camp have to rely on Hoskar's charm that is still running and a sudden relay from Tulox far above, as the encroaching darkness and thick acrid smoke prevents them from seeing anything clearly.

"Melock is possessed."

Again

"He's vanished!"

"But it looks like Taya is running towards the cliff to the East of here...."

"Correct...I will follow...." adds Tulox

The two Baboons begin running around in circles hooting in terror, it's almost comical...

From up above Yado and Bamled call down from their watch place

"What should we do?"

"Whispers, follow the rubble runner and guide me there, Tulox will see little once the darkness is complete." Ohanzee says as he rises and moves straight to Wihakayda preparing him for riding.

He calls up in answer to the two above "Yado, Bamled stay and keep watch, the others are already on their way with their spirits and those here need guarding still."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:39, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

With a flap of leathery wings Whispers takes off gaining height and heading East along the edge of the cliff watching ut for Melock or his familiar as she goes.

"Haaro, get back on Black Hoof," Kobal sends to his familiar.

He stops his bison, turns it around towards the direction Taya ran in, waits for Haaro to climb aboard, then sets off again, chasing the rubble runner.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

Tarrnesh grabbed a stout branch and wrapped it in cloth, then used Ignite to cause it to flare to life with fire. He rode after Melock with the others with makeshift torch in hand.

"Nixa, Sand Fox guard Whispers from the Sky with your lives"

Haratt runs to his Bison, and as soon as possible speeds off along the side of the cliff alongside Ohanzee. In his hand is the golden disc which he will cast his light charm on when needed.

The small rubble runner has vanished from sight, too small, moving too quick and hidden by the lie of the land. But it doesn't matter for the assorted familiars and bound spirits for they keep up a constant chatter, relaying where Melock is.

Occasionally the Rangers glimpse the Raven brave bounding over boulders in high, jaw dropping leaps or sprinting along at the speed of a charging Bison. His head looks to be covered by a furred hood of some sort and he's dropped his lance a long way back.

Ahead the cliff face draws closer, it's reddish walls catching the last of Bright Treasure's rays, as the assorted pursuers begin to close the gap. It looks as if Melock is making for a stand of Tamarisk and Skull bushes growing flush against the cliff.

There's a flutter of wings and Tulox lands on Tarnessh's Bison, it's now too dark for him to be of any use above.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:45, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

Henal stops to pick up Rikki then rides hard after Melock. He fails to catch him before Melock reaches the cliff.

"Going to need you to keep looking out Rikki as it gets dark".

It's a mad race as the Rangers try and catch up with the fleeing spirit now inhabiting their friend. It's dangerous going as the ground is covered with boulders, ditches and half dead shrubs.

Kobal, pushing his bison to the limit gets a chance to cast a binding charm, but it's snaking blue tendrils are unable to snare the leaping, dodging brave, who shrugs the spell off effortlessly.

Trees begin to flash past and there ahead on the cliff face the braves can just make out a crudely carved facade with two dark entrances several metres up.

Standing before it is Salen who had managed thanks to his superior speed to get there first.

It doesn't matter for Melock leaps up and over, hitting the lip of the right hand  entrance and scrabbling inside....

And then everyone's there, Tarnessh's flaming brand offering some light until Haratt's golden disc flares up, illuminating the whole area. He shines the light onto the cliff face so everyone can see it properly.

The air is filled with laboured breaths, snorts, barks and Manul cat hisses as everyone shares the same thought

"WTF?"


This message was last edited by the GM at 09:46, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

Kobal dismounts (as does Haaro) and collects his shield and javelin.  His sword is sheathed and hangs from his belt.  He stands outside the right entrance.

"One of us should stay with the beasts, in case this angry spirit avoids us and takes off with them while we're inside.  Or in case it has friends."  Then reluctantly he says, "It should probably be me or Haratt, since Salen and Tarnessh are spirit talkers and are probably better at dealing with this spirit that we are."

"An ancient place...An an ancient spirit. I sense that this one walked when I did. Be careful Rangers. This stone work is that of the Basmol when they ruled the land or at least thought that they did. Our lord Tada did kill their god and I can not see this spirit being happy if it learns our name."

The guardian spirit's voice is heard by all those present before the rock wall, coming from the Helmet on Kobal's head.

Henal takes a torch from his baggage and lights it from Tarnessh's torch.

"We'll need more lighting if we're to go into there. Maybe you should come with us Kobal so Emesh-Ga can advise us".

"Are there more spirits you sense Rikki?"

"Someone send a familiar back and get one of the others to come guard the mounts. You'll need my light to see by most likely. Henal here is also a spirit talker in the making and Ohanzee too. Perhaps it will be enough. Do we have a plan?"

"Only that of Melock and the spirit possessing him. He has not destroyed Melock, but has kept him as a prisoner. Why I do not know

Possibly so we do not kill him."

"Thank you, Emesh-Ga, for your advice and warning," Kobal speaks for all to hear.

"Henal, what you say makes sense.  Haratt, you too."  He pauses a moment to think.  "Hmm, Haratt if you must hold your disk, then perhaps it's best that I stay back to guard the mounts for now.  Leave a torch for me.  Have any of you been taught the ways of reading the earth and the air?  If so, then with Emesh-Ga's consent, I will pass his helmet to that person to wear into the Basmoli den.

"Tarnessh, your hawk is fastest of all our familiars?  Can you send it to the others?  Hopefully it will be able to speak with Whispers from the Sky and explain what has happened.  I will wait here until others arrive, then we'll follow the rest of you in.  How's that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:43, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

Whilst the Rangers talk, Taya tries to scramble up the cliff and in to the open entrance. She fails miserably and ends jumping up and down, mouth snapping at the air angrily.

"What's happening, where is the other Raven and why is that daft rock with teeth bouncing around biting at nothing by the cliff?" Whispers says to the other spirits as she flutters up to join them.

She briefly stops snapping and tilts her head to look at Whispers on the Wind, "Come down here and I'll show you" She then carries on trying to get to the door way.

With his mount ready at last Ohanzee climbs aboard and is about to head out when he hears from Whispers. He pauses to say ”Whispers has arrived. She says they are East where there is a cave cut into the cliff, but not natural. The others are all gathered before it, all except Melock I will send her back if there is more to tell later.” Then he vanishes into the darkness beyond the smoke.

Tulox shook his head. "It is a glutton. Probably thinks that there's something there for it to e-AH!" he cried as he barely avoided Taya snapping at his feet for insulting it.

Tarrnesh dismounted from Grumpfy and tried to find a route up to where Melock was. "I may need help banishing the spirit from Melock. It feels very powerful." He pointed out. Then he shook his head at Kobal. "Tulox can see as far as can be imagined in the day, but during the night, his sight's no better then ours. He might not even be able to find his way back to the camp alone. But the more Spirit-talkers together, the better."

Haratt rides Oberon over towards the entrances shining his golden torch in and immediately recoils as it illuminates a fierce stone statue of a lion on its back legs. There's one behind each entrance.

"There's a space behind the entrances and then another opening. We'll have to climb in to see more. It looks like both open on to the same place."

Not taking his eyes off the holes in the cliff he continues

"We all know that Tada defeated Basmol. Perhaps that's the way to go here? You've done it before kobal or so you say....Against Tripanandar.""

It seems that there is less urgency from what Whispers relays as the other Rangers are waiting outside deciding what to do and since Melock is still alive which seems strange to Ohanzee

Instead of heading directly East then he heads South towards the site the vultures were circling above. "Let's go save Stinky for him again Wihakayda. If we can get his body back to himself then he'sgoing to miss his beast, especially if the hydenas go hunting."

As he rides he instructs Whispers to update him of any developments in case they need him quickly.

He rides in darkness until he thinks he is close and then lights a torch to attract the bison and give him light to search for Stinky and the dropped lance "Stinky. Stinky c'moooon."

Eventually Ohanzee inds the bison and not far away he spots the dropped lance. He ties Stinky behind Wihakayda and heads for the others letting Whispers guide him to them.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

"Aye, that we did, Haratt, and we prevailed, but it cost Hacha Lor his life.  At first, I was thinking it would be best to try to deal with this spirit.  It holds Melock's life in its hands.  But now I'm beginning to think we must defeat it."  Kobal pauses a moment.

"Well, let's at least get a better look inside."  He places his shield and javelin at the base of the cliff.  Haaro climbs onto his shoulder.  He takes a run up to the cliff, pushing off the cliff face with a foot, grabs hold of the floor of the right entrance and lifts himself (and the manul kitten) up to the entrance.  "Pass me my shield, javelin and a torch," he says to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Thu 02 Oct 2014.

Amara spoke from behind the others. "I do not mean to demean your abilities Tarnessh, but you have but begun your journey on the steps to shamanhood. Whispers is the only full shaman here. Melocks best prospect for recovery is for us to bring his body to Whispers."

Amara made a motion as if the comments were of no matter "Tada beat Basmol and so shall we. We but have to outwit it. I have two strips of bark from Grandmother Thorntree that can help keep spirits at bay, but they will be of no use until the spirit leaves Melock. So the question I am having is how can we trick it to leave Melock."

Henal passes Kobal up the torch, shield and javelin.

"So first we must subdue the spirit in Melock's body to take it back to the camp where Whispers is".

The action having passed by those guarding the Seza and the suffering Greeshar, Hoskar finds himself with some explaining to do about his idea; briefing new recruits about the merits of the square, and telling the tale of the Rangers' battle with the Basmoli.

As an afterthought, he also makes sure all the Rangers know they can use the shield's power to improve their strength for themselves by touch; when a thought hits him.

I've realised: if that lot get into physical fighting, all our major healing is back here: your skills, Seza, and the potions I traded for. And the power of the gold armlet. If I head over there just in case someone gets hurt, do you think that leaves enough of us still here to keep you safe while you tend Greeshar?

Whispers flutters up, flashing past the entrance on the left side taking a look inside to see if possessed Melock is in sight and whether he has any missiles ready to throw or the like.

If it seems relatively safe she flutters back and hangs upside down from the top of the entrance to listen to what is being said below.

Kobal nods to Henal in thanks for the torch and equipment.  Holding the torch above his head in his shield hand, he peers into the cave.

"Good thinking, Amara," he says, "though I can't see why Tarnessh can't quest as Tada.  The Wise One is not here.  Perhaps Tada can subdue Melock's body and Whispers from the Sky can subdue the spirit.  Getting the spirit to leave Melock may be the tricky thing.  Hopefully our shaman will have an answer.  Or..." a sudden thought strikes him.  "... perhaps if Tarnessh is able to defeat the body, the spirit may be so riled with hate at Tada that it will leave Melock for Tarnessh.  At that moment Whispers from the Sky will be able to strike!"  He looks to his brother.  "Tarnessh, are you sure want to do this?  The spirit is powerful.  It's hate will be focused on you.  Our familiars have all sensed this.  I threw a spell at Melock as he ran here, but the spirit shrugged it off easily..."

"I will be okay" she indicates Sand Fox, Nixa and the two Black shields standing above on watch "They are more than enough and Grandmother Thorntree's smoke shields me.

Go help your friends and be careful Hoskar Feather of the Sky Watchers"

The shaman gives Hoskar a smile as she rests one hand on the shuddering Greeshar's brow.

"We will be fine."

"Whispers has her hands full with Greeshar and are we not the Wandering Rangers? We can not rely on others. Tarnessh you shall be Tada and we shall back you up as your warriors, the Wandering Rangers.

We shall not be late, but shall walk in your footsteps as you go forth to battle Basmol."

The Sun Hawk brave sticks up for his fellow cultist, jumping down off Oberon to tether the beast.

"Let us prepare...."

No sooner are the words out of Haratt's mouth that from somewhere behind the dark entrances comes a deafening noise....A fluttering of a thousand wings and a high pitched screeeeeeeeeeeeech.

At the base of the cliff Taya mid leap, goes stiff, falling to the ground unmoving.

And Whispers the bat, about to investigate whatever lies behind the two entrances changes direction to fly straight up, screeching her own warning

"Bats!"

She's right, for out of the cliff comes twin streams of darkness, a huge cloud of bats that spreads out in every direction....

At first no one can do anything but flail their arms and duck.

Then as soon as they've appeared the host of bats vanishes out over the dark Wastes....

As the Raven brave turns, he hears then sees the approaching cloud of bats, appearing as a massive dark patch in an already dark sky.

As the bats vanish out into the darkness, silence falls once more, and those with torches find that they have been extinguished by the sheer number of creatures that had filled the area.

It takes moments for ignite spells to be cast and Haratt extends his light spell once more, the pure gold doubling both the length and the power of the charm.

"The spirit has left Melock"

"It's is fleeing deeper into the rock"

"Melock's spirits have been drained of power."

"Kiriä...His Raven spirit, I can sense her not far inside....Very weak...Nearly extinguished."

Ohanzee watches in awe as the cloud of bats approach. He had heard Whispers warning but hadn’t appreciated quite the numbers involved. Are they like you, skullbats, or some other creatures? Natural I hope!” he sends.

Ohanzee receives the warning from his bat that the spirit has left Melock and that he has been drained of all his strength. She sounds preoccupied and doesn't answer his question about the bats.

His torch quickly picks out what little the Vultures have left.

A skeleton of a High llama and the scattered bones, small strips of flesh and sinew are all thats left of it's human rider.

There's a long handled bone axe, typical of those used by their people, a tattered satchel, a punctured waterskin and not much else visible from up on his Rhino's back.

Then from out of the darkness comes the sound of Hyenas.

Lots.

Drawn by the smell.

In reply to GM (msg # 214):

As long as you're sure, Seza,I'd best make sure they don't die for want to healing, then. If you need us, I hope your spirits can alert a familiar,and we'll be back at a gallop.

One of you sentries, I can charm you to see far for a couple of hours so you've got more forewarning if trouble comes.

Four Paws, jump up with me - guide me towards the others' spirits.

Pausing only to check he has both of his healing liquids and to check his gear, he heads towards the point where the other Rangers disappeared from view.

Now that the bats have vanished the bat familiar flutters down and enters through the right hand entrance.

It's mere moments before she sends back a report, relayed via various other spirits

"A big space...A man made cave....Melock lies on the floor, blood jets from his neck. Unconscious. The Basmoli spirit has moved through the rock behind...Going deeper into the rock."

Henal starts to climb up.

"I may not have great skill at healing but I think I may need to act if Melock is bleeding badly to stop him from dying".

Tarrnesh stood quietly for a moment, hesitating at the magnitude of what they had asked him to do. It felt like barely a week ago that he had been initiated, and only a year since he had become a man, and now they were asking him to walk as Tada. But what else was there to do? It would shame himself and his family, and his clan if he refused, and he had sworn to help his comrades in the Wandering Rangers just the other day. He swallowed and nodded, then pointed to the packs on Grumpfy. "My armour is in there, can some of you put it on me?" He asked.

”Come on Wihakayda, let’s get Stinky back to the others whilst those creatures are still interested in the scraps rather than fresh meat!" he says and turning northeast he urges the rhino and the tethered bison into a trot daring not canter in the darkness.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:01, Thu 02 Oct 2014.

Resuming his former posture now that the bats had gone Harrat stands on his saddle and jumps up into the right hand entrance,, bending down to help Henal

"It will have to wait, Melock is in trouble."

Then holding his spear in one hand and the gold disc in the other he rushes in to save his fellow Ranger.

All thoughts of helping Tarnessh wear his armour are dropped the instant Taya suddenly stops trying to scramble up the cliff.  Oh shit...

Then a flurry of screeching bats.  Darkness.  Urgent thoughts from Haaro.  Melock drained, bleeding to death.

The instant Haratt is able to shine some light into the den, Kobal rushes forward.  Dropping beside the prone Ranger, he places his right hand on his neck to staunch the bleeding, at the same time drawing on the power of Haaro while he visualises the wound closing and flesh knitting together.

Tarrnesh followed the others, and tried to help Kobal as best he could.

All for one...

Disappointed but not surprised that he could not block the spirit that had possessed Melock from entering the cave, Salen had waited for the others.

And now that the bats had flown the coop and the Basmoli spirit had entered the rock, it was time to find their friend, and with all haste. Salen climbed up to the entrance and made his way inside.

With Haratt and Henal leading the way the Wandering Rangers go in search of Melock.

The entrances lead to a small, rectangular, high ceilinged room, the two fierce lion statues there ignored in the haste to locate their friend. Between them is another entrance and through it they charge.

Kobal and Tarnessh immediately see Melock and rush to his aid, whilst Henal, Salen and Haratt fan out, illuminating the huge room.

It's hard not to gasp at the two rows of giant lions that run along the edges of the great hall, arcing up and over, their stone paws touching their opposite number, faces staring down at the men far below.

And the stink! Hands go to cover mouths and noses as they make their way over the uneven ground, years of accumulated bat shit having raised the floor by what looks like several feet. Underfoot the bones of small animals crunch as the two braves move quickly to where Melock lies on a slightly raised area beneath another statue of what can only be Basmol himself. The regal, partially armoured figure is humanoid but with the head of a majestic lion, it's arms folded across it's broad chest.

Skidding to a halt Kobal kneels by his injured friend, whose skin is ghostly white due no doubt to the massive amount of blood that covers the floor about him. With a hand pressing to the neck wound Kobal begins a healing charm, as his brother looks on concerned, his own spell forming on his lips.

Everyone hears the click, with those illuminating the room twirling around to see that a circular section of the floor beneath Melock has swivelled upwards, with Tarnessh clinging to it's upper edge.

As Kobal begins his slide into the pit below, Melock briefly opens his eyes, muttering weakly

"It's a Trap..."

Kobal feels the ground shift, but from his crouched position next to Melock, and concentrating on his task, he's in no position to do anything but grab hold of (and try to protect) the weakened Raven brave as the floor vanishes beneath them.

Haaro, a few feet from Kobal, springs out of danger with the agility that cats are gifted with.

Hearing the *click* and seeing his friends then cast down into a pit Salen runs to their aid. At the very least he will attempt to stop the pit closing back over itself, if that is how it operates.

Whispers continues to relay the events that are transpiring as they unfold ”The floor just flipped and Kobal and Melock are sliding... no, have fallen into a cave below.”

”Follow them!” Ohanzee sends urgently knowing that Melock is already hurt and she might be able to guide them if it’s dark in there, or at least keep Ohanzee up to date on their situation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:13, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

Outside; the arrival of Hoskar

Although Fire Season brings clear skies and there's some starlight to guide him away from rocks and falls that might trip Kor it is only with the guidance of his familiar, perched oddly on Kor's shoulders with little of the feline grace she shows when she's with Ram, that Hoskar finds his way after the others; the dim light making his tracking skills next to useless and rendering cat-senses with spirit-discernment more valuable than his own eyes could hope to be. The distance seems interminable as he curses his own lack of foresight again and again under his breath.

With the area in shadow, he struggles to make out the scene that greets him; the breathing of Bison and the occasional snort of a Rhino being his best guide as he closes in. Straining for vision, he can pick out only one human figure about the mounts. Oh horn and hide. Am I too late? Damn my caution to the hells of the blind-eyed shepelkirt.

Is that Amara? It's small enough to be her, but all the colours are gone in this starlight. Can't make out her...oh just shout out man. Can always run if it's a hostile.

Hey! What tidings? The Seza released me from guard in case anyone required restorations. Am I needed here?!

As Hoskar pulls up, he notices Ohanzee arriving from the South, leading Stinky the Bison.

All three braves have heard Whispers on the Wind's warning

Henal cautiously moves forward toward the pit edge, looking to see if there is any sign of its depth and if there is a risk of falling.

"We're going to need rope and plenty of it soon".

Whispers releases her grip on the roof of the cave and with few flaps places herself over the hole before folding her wings and dropping through the gap then flying again to control her descent.

As she flies down she extends her senses, her echolocation to get a picture of what she flies through, the shape and size of the tunnel, any side tunnels or ledges at any points and where the two legs are falling to. Also her spirit sense as she has no desire to play host to that lion thing spirit and less desire to be expelled by it!

From the pit comes a loud crunching sound as Kobal and Melock land.

Whilst Tarnessh struggles to pull himself up, Henal, Haratt and Salen arrive, illuminating the darkness below, as Whispers on the Wind flies down in to the hole.


There, a lance length below them, lie their companions atop a large pile of bones. It's a room though no one can see it's exact dimensions as it is pitch black, except for where the light shines down.

Kobal, with Melock cradled in his arms looks up at his companions, as they stare down at the hundreds of bones that make up the pile. Not small animals these, but large ones...Humanoid for sure. The pile is several metres high and bones dislodged by  the two braves' rough landing cascade down it's side in all directions.

At last they stop and it's silent

and then from the darkness comes the click-clack of bones moving.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:19, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

Ohanzee is busy tethering Wihakaydawhen he suddenly shouts ”WHISPERS!”</b> His urge is to rush in but this is what they have been doing from the start, playing it by the Basmoli spirit’s rules and straight into its hands, or claws.

There is anger and determination in his voice as he says to the other two as much ”This thing is playing us, keeping us to its pace to deny us the time to prepare, to think even. That changes now, it will pay for what it has done!”

“Amara, Hoskar take rope, get the others out, that place is its lair, it knows it well and is strongest there. We need to draw it out or at the very least prepare before we enter.”

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 242):

Right you are, Ohanzee. Oh great. Well at least I have rope. We do get into things, don't we? Pausing only to collect rope and his skinful of healing preparation he steps from Kor's back to the mouth of the strange tunnelled structure, as he saw others do to get onto the ledge back at Rhino Gouge, and heads in; still cursing to himself about tardiness and dangerous spirits.

Twerp. Do you think I'm following you into there? Think again, laddie. Do I look stupid? Me and thick-skin the second, that's the way here.

Good luck. Fools rush in.

Haratt recasts his light spell on the Gold disc and throws it down to Kobal, then drops to the ground to lean out over the pit

"Kobal quick pass Melock up to me...Someone hold my legs."

Cheata and Scorched Bum move closer to Whispers from the Sky, both of their faces showing fear as they try and look every way at once.

"Summit not right" coos the young male baboon

"S'right" comes back the terrified reply from his companion.

The shaman is about to say something when there's the loud fluttering of wings and the area about the pool is filled with bats sending Sand Fox and Nixa to the ground, arms protecting their heads.

The bats stream in and then up over the dried waterfall and vanish as quick as they'd come.

That's when the screams start.

It's Yado...Or Bamled...Or possibly both.

Salen lent his strength to the combined efforts to lift Melock and Kobal up. He had rope himself, but it was on Kohana at this moment. If there were already enough people to help here then he would go help Tarnessh out of his predicament.

In the Den

Henal carefully puts his torch down then goes to help Tarnessh off the disk first before helping Harrat with his attempt to aid Melock and Kobal.

"Something came up in the floor when they fell.  Maybe we'll be able to shut the trap again once they're up".

Spotting the acacia Amara brought with her Ohanzee peels some of the bark off with a mutter ”I’m going to regret this if I still live tomorrow.” as puts it into his mouth and begins to chew, swallowing the sap and saliva created.

Whilst he chews he takes the stick and starts to draw a large square Earth rune on the ground before the entrance to the Basmoli complex, about three metres on the sides. At one of the corners he stops and draws the runes of Beast, Darkness and Movement, Raven’s runes. ”No time to wait you’ll have to join when you get back guys. C’mon Rangers, hurry back.” he mutters

Amara and Hoskar come running into the massive hall, vaulting over waist high piles of guano as they make their way towards the lone torch of Henal at the far end of the room.

Their fellow companions are stationed around a hole in the floor, from out of which comes a bright light illuminating their faces as they reach down to presumably pull out Kobal and Melock. Perched above them is Tarnessh, now balancing himself on the top of a vertical, circular slab of rock, preparing to jump to safety.

Amara looked around for something to anchor the rope to. She wasn't the strongest in the group, yet the others needed to be brought up. The noises around worried her. She placed the javelin tip first into the ground near her so she'd have something close by if anything dangerous appeared before trying to set rope so the others could make it up. With absolutely nothing nearby Amara tried to bring the others up using her strength and bracing her feet on the ground.

...and into the cave comes Hoskar, rope at the ready; checking to see how Amara is faring before casting another lifeline into the pit.
Seeing the need for brute force, he grasps the massy shield of Emesh-Ga, casting some of his frightened cat's spirit in to boost his own strength.

Ohanzee feels a sudden disconnection from Whispers on the Wind as he starts up his ritual.

On the very edge of hearing there is the sound of many wings.

Bats.

And to the South a Hyena laughs, joined quickly by many more.

"Rangers, Warriors to me, defend the square!"

Preparing his shield he starts walking the perimeter of the Earth rune, drumming the Earth rune shield with the flat of his bronze headed axe. As he walks he prays, his voice ringing out loud, his axe glowing as he draws power from Enapay to empower the rune he has prepared. Power is gifted at each side to the Earth and the Wandering Rangers Band and at the corner with Raven’s runes power gifted to that great spirit.


The four Rivals joined feather to feather
By the Earth metal twine tied together
Wandering Rangers, warriors of the land
Healing the Earth our wandering band

Tada we remember you
We remember your victories
We follow your path
This spirit will be defeated.

The four Rivals joined feather to feather
By the Earth metal twine tied together
Wandering Rangers, warriors of the land
Healing the Earth our wandering band

Raven I call to you, hear my prayer
Come join us now in the square.
Rivals united, a power to behold
Bring us your cunning, your darkness of old.

The four Rivals joined feather to feather
By the Earth metal twine tied together
Wandering Rangers, warriors of the land
Healing the Earth our wandering band

Ehawee come join us here
Mother of skullbats
Come share my tears
Ehawee see justice done

The four Rivals joined feather to feather
By the Earth metal twine tied together
Wandering Rangers, warriors of the land
Healing the Earth our wandering band
 
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:16, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

Tarrnesh jumped down off the top of the circular slab to join the others. Then heard Ohanzee call and sighed. "Okay, everyone back outside!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

Melock's limp form is handed up and placed carefully to one side, with Hoskar casting a soothing charm on his friend, while the others lean down to help pull Kobal up from the pit.

It's then that they see them.

A score of animated human and animal skeletons, scrabbling at the base of the huge pile of bones, empty eye sockets radiating a dull red light as their teeth and fingers clack together.

And then they're bounding upwards, some clambering over others in their haste to get to the living above them...

"Fall back outside....Your companion has drawn an Earth Rune on the ground.... Those with shields stand by the pit and I will lend my power to force the creatures back....I have fought Basmoli before.  These are their sacrifices....And worse I fear...."

Emesh-Ga's deep bass voice fills the heads of his wards.

Tarrnesh once more readied his sling as the skeletons drew closer.

As the last verse rings out Ohanzee has to duck from the sudden appearance of a cloud of bats, fluttering this way and that, it's all he can do to finish the chant, but he does and the bats are gone...

A small voice comes from behind him.

"Hello?"

Turning he sees a small, tawny haired boy standing outside the now shining square. Perhaps 10 or twelve years old, he's smiling.

"What are you doing?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:51, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

At the sight of the undead it takes all of Haratt's self control not to drop Kobal

"Come on puuuullll...."

His eyes are wide in fear.

And up Kobal comes, illuminating gold disc spinning on the floor next to the pit, as skeletal hands tear at his ankles and sharp teeth clamp shut on empty air.

Several bony hands grab at the pit's sides, undead preparing to pull themselves up in to the great hall....And the first makes it...A feral looking skeleton with long incisors and a hunched over back bounds up the back of one of it's companions to land with a giant leap amongst the Rangers.

Henal hurries over and presses the raised stone.

"Waha, I hope this closes the pit. Then letes get outside".

Ohanzee is momentarily struck dumb by the appearance of the small boy but recovers Careful lad. There is a very ancient and powerful basmoli spirit here.  It hurts my friends and threatens the Earth and my people so I must face it as Tada faced Basmol. I must be Tada. I must defeat Basmol. It is dangerous to be here he says standing in the middle of the square.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:31, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

Kobal breathlessly mutters his thanks to the others as they haul him up.  "Get Melock out of here," he says, as he prepares to face any skeletons that have followed him up.

Salen stands ready with Kobal to block the emergence of the undead, at least until Melock is removed outside.

Tarrnesh cried out in fear as the reanimated dead jumped and clawed at the comparatively small platform. He recovered through sheer adrenaline and cast a charm on his sling and shot two stones as the closest skeletons, praying internally that none of them would touch him with those horrible dirt-caked claws.

Henal pushes down on the raised stone and the circular slab of stone rotates back into place smashing down on the fingers of those skeletons trying to get out, bone fragments spraying up into the air.

Tarnessh, his sling whirling, unleashes two slingshots one after the other at the one feral undead that managed to make it out, his second shot slamming into it's leg, shattering it so that it stumbles and is easily dispatched by Salen and  Amara.

There's a shower of foul smelling dust as the floor returns to normal, dull sounds from below as the remaining undead thud into the trap's underside.

In reply to GM (msg # 269):

"Are...are they still down there?!" Tarrnesh asked, shuddering at the thought of dozens of undead monsters just milling around forever under the floor, waiting for their next victim.

Scooping up the now conscious but badly hurt Melock, the Sun Hawk brave staggers towards the exit

"Let's get out of here....Someone pick up the gold disc."

The young boy looks as if he's struggling to understand what Ohanzee is saying and then replies

"I'm hurt, can you help me?"

He holds up his hands and they are red with blood.