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".