Chapter 11 Move along, move along!!
Copyright © 2001 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Game Master [2001-02-22 15:30:32]
Subject: A Vision
The late morning sun is beating down hard as a rather sweat soaked Adzul approaches and passes the small group in contemplation. Orun, Churisan and the others watch as Adzul, lost in though, trudges past them and continues on towards the high rise road. Dlarumei shrugs her shoulders and follows after him at about 10 paces behind.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2001-02-24 10:09:39]
Subject: SSrivan watches
As Adzul advances, Ssrivan keeps him carefully in his view--but not directly, as he would not want to be blinded if the barrier flashes its energies when (or if) Adzul gets too close (i.e., he looks from the corners of his eyes as opposed to head-on).

He is otherwise quite composed in his litter--the others must solve this problem, hopefully before he recuperates!

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-02-24 13:38:37]
Subject: guarding
Churisan rolls his eyes, giving Neshkriuma the universal warrior's code signal for "there go the crazy sorcerers again." Then he jogs ahead to join Adzul the oblivious.

ooc: :)

From: Game Master [2001-02-25 20:15:49]
Subject: Orun's actions
Orun, not wanting to be left standing alone, shrugs his shoulders and "cautiously" falls in behind the rest. The sound of his sword slipping out of its sheath is heard as he takes up the rear position.

From: Game Master [2001-02-25 20:31:03]
Subject: A glance back at the party.
Chamangesh can be heard pulling the guard together and pushing the rest of the column back into the woods as a precautionary measure. Hrissu can be seen directing some traffic but, for the most part, he is near Ssrivan and his litter.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-27 09:51:27]
Subject: Now what?
The party members see Ruqu, Neshkriuma's runner, dash up to his master, quite out of breath. Nesh listens carefully to his report, a troubled look on his face. He speaks briefly to Ruqu, who runs off in search of Hrissu, then hurries to join Adzul and the others who are nearing the road.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-02-27 13:02:33]
Subject: Mumblings.
Hrissu responds to the runner, nodding briefly and saying some low words. He then sends him back to Neshkriuma.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-03-01 17:40:08]
Subject: My Good Cousin!
Hrissu walks up to his clan cousin, smiling. "Good Chamangesh, my near-brother, I remembered something."

Not bothering to wait for a response, he pulls out a pouch from his belt and shows it to Chamangesh. "The good herbalist who we both know reminds me that we should drink our tea now... if we are indeed going to die, it would be best if we were lan and performed our duty to our Clan and to our herbalist who knows what is best."

He smiles, shaking his head at any reticence. "Come now. There is no danger. I will drink my tea and you will drink yours."

From: Game Master [2001-03-04 23:44:36]
Subject: Chamangesh and his Cousin
"My dear cousin", Chamangesh says with a quire look in his eye, "I can not recall an herbalist giving me any teas for a Lan Clan Death Drink. In fact, I find it hard to believe that we have an herbalist in common"! He snorts. "Look here in my pouch"! He scolds, thrusting he pouch wildly in Hrissu's direction.

The coins, which obviously lay at the bottom of the soft leather pouch, hit hard against Hrissu's chest with a rather resounding thud and chime. Hrissu's right hand rose quickly to meet the purse and to keep it from falling to the ground. Stepping slightly forward, and crouching down on one knee, so that Chamangesh could plainly see what he was doing, Hrissu opened the leather drawl string top and lay the pouch open to expose its contents to the red robed Kerdu. There to his own amazement, Chamangesh could see a second pouch and, upon it's opening, found it to be full of various herbs. He then glances down at Hrissu, who is still kneeling over the open pouch, and steps forward with a slight bow.

"I find this to be most peculiar cousin", Chamangesh says in a subdued voice. "And I find myself in a most peculiar position as well. I know that I am older than most on this trip, but I had no idea that my memory had failed me so. If you prepare the tea I will drink with you. Perhaps the time has come for a man of my years to advance onward. If this tea is Lan, dear cousin, then let us partake in it immediately. I put my trust in you, for I still have no recollection of what you speak. But the proof lies within my very belongings. I may be old, but I am no fool".

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-03-05 10:49:06]
Subject: Preparing the Tea
Hrissu calmly prepares the infusion for Chamangesh, mixing the herbs into water that his clan-cousin might drink. He prepares another infusion for himself. Handing the cup to Chamangesh, he says "With this preparation, we will be better prepared to meet the challenges ahead of us. Our herbalist is wise and knew that we would face difficulty such as this problem with the Road Tower. Be of good heart, my near-brother, and we will live lan and well." He then drinks his infusion, watching that Chamangesh does so as well.

From: Game Master [2001-03-05 14:23:34]
Subject: What's that?
At first you think that the sun beating down on you in this open field might be playing tricks on your vision. But then it becomes clear and easy to see. About 50 paces before a very serious Adzul, locked in concentration, you see the air move. About 6 feet up off of the ground you see, what can only be described as, a ripple appear and expand for about 10 feet in all directions. Like someone dropping a rock into a lake, the waves grow larger from the center out and then dissipate when reaching their limit. Adzul's heated appearance is not from the sun alone and as his incantations become more audible and the ripple deepens and expands.

Dlarumei, cradling the blue crystal, folds her hand in front of her and begins muttering strange words under her breath as well. Over Adzul's head a small vortex begins to form, darken and expand. At which point Orun cautiously slinks up behind her and assumes a protectors stance and dawns a look of confident satisfaction.

From: Game Master [2001-03-05 15:11:02]
Subject: The Watcher
The tea, having been sipped till empty, eases the Kerdu's spirits and soothes him to his very core. For a few moments his eyes glaze over and roll up into his head. His seated form rocks from side to side to the rhythmic tempo being played within his head and his hands, fingers outstretched, are stiff and motionless. Hrissu keeps a watchful eye on the red robed man, monitoring his condition and protecting the vulnerable Kerdu.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-03-06 19:15:37]
Subject: ooc position check
My understanding is that Adzul, Churisan, Dlarumei, Neshkriuma, and Orun are all advanced well ahead of the main party (not sure how far?), and Chamangesh, Deshnah, Hrissu, and Ssrivan (in his palanqin), are back at the treeline with the bearers and guards. Is that correct? If so I imagine those of us in the advance group will have no idea of the strange stuff going on with Hrissu and his clan-cousin, yes?

From: Game Master [2001-03-06 22:38:00]
Subject: ooc return
[Ooc-Yes you are correct. You have correctly placed the party in their prespective places and they are separated by approximately 500 yards now. As far as the advanced group knowing what is going on with the "strange clan cousins", they have no idea. They are pretty heavily involved in what lay before them at the moment.]

From: Game Master [2001-03-07 15:29:06]
Subject: Two minutes later.
The advanced group watches as the vortex that has been forming over Adzul's head begins drawing air upward. Adzul's robes start waving in an upward direction, yet his concentrations never wavers. Dlarumei's robes also start moving forward and upward and Oruns hair is being pulled before his face. Non of this seems to bother any of these, as they hold tight to their positions. Churisan and Neshkriuma start to feel the draw as well.

Back with the rest of the party, scattered amongst the tree line, a vortex starts to open up over the roadway. All but the Kerdu, who is still in a trance, notice it and watch with strange fascination.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-03-09 09:22:02]
Subject: Enough already.
Neshkriuma picks up a rock and chucks it at the shimmering heat haze

From: Game Master [2001-03-13 13:59:48]
Subject: another few moments pass, and.....
Neshkriuma demonstrates that, as it was in the past, as it is in the present and as it will be in the future, sometimes the most primitive of weapons proves to be the most effective. After searching the ground for a few moments, Neshkriuma finds a white and black speckled stone. Tossing it up and down several times in his hand to measure its weight and find a good spot from which to hold the stone, he braces himself and, with great skill and strength, launches the stone at the ripple that Adzul has created. The stone rises a bit as it passes under the vortex and continues on to the ripple, striking the waving barrier and passing straight through it. A hole appears where the stone penetrated and travels with the ripples to the outer edge of their range where it sits and pauses, stationary, a window, perhaps, to what lies beyond.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-03-14 09:15:07]
Subject: Taking a look.
Neshkriuma, carefull not to have himself or his belongings swept up in the vortex, slides past Adzul to peer through the hole that his stone has opened in the shimmering haze.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-03-14 10:28:24]
Subject: Gently with the Kerdu
Hrissu watches the Kerdu for some time, then gently brushes his arm. "Glorious Kerdu, a matter of tactical importance has come up, it would seem. Perhaps you would be interested in taking a look?"

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-03-15 05:42:06]
Subject: Adzul Continues
The rotund form of Adzul continues to sweat as he starts tto change his gestures.His concentration seems almost total and he looks much as he did at the end of the first days march, redd and sweating.

From: Game Master [2001-03-15 16:57:15]
Subject: different tactics
Adzul's shoulder muscles can be seen drawing tight and relaxing in various patterns through his sweat soaked robe. Like waves crashing on the shore line, each muscle is individually controlled and plays its part in the dance Adzul creates with his arm. His face, red and covered in beads of perspiration, has become stern and focused. His brow narrows and his eyes become nothing more than narrow slits in his head. His intensity is worth the effort as the ripple starts to open.

Neshkriuma, now several feet in front and to the left of Adzul stops and waits. The hole widens and Nesh strains to peer into the growing maw before him.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-03-16 11:24:46]
Subject: Holy @#$%!
"Adzul," Neshkriuma shouts, leaping back from the barrier, "HOLD! This illusion conceals our enemies as well as the true Road. Come quickly." Nesh, with Ruqu, hurries back to the others. "I did not see much, but I fear either the undead or the servants of Sarku and I don't believe these two guards, stout as they are, will be enough. We are too exposed here. Perhaps we can utilize this vortex to move back to the others. If not, I put my runner and myself at your disposal, Churisan." Nesh turns to the noble warrior expectantly and awaits his command.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-03-17 14:54:00]
Subject: a clue, a clue, my kingdom for a clue...
"Sarku priests? What exactly did you see? In Monru it was Ssu and and the temple of Vimuhla. Now the People of the Worm want us? What is going on here? Look, Neshkriuma, you're the sorceror--what are these vortex things above us? And can we interrupt these two? (he points to Adzul and Dlarumei--what is she doing, by the way? still casting?) I would be happy to pull back, but we can't leave them here unprotected. I think you send your servant back to Chamangesh with a warning, and a request for a couple more archers."

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-03-18 11:45:10]
Subject: Good Point
Adzul believes there is wisdom in the suggestion that now is a good time to leave. He will release his spell shaking his head and saying "whatever barrier is there is beyond my poor power to penetrate, let us rejoin our companions.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-03-18 16:15:47]
Subject: advance to the rear
"Right, then unless Dlarumei is having more success, let's get back to the trees. Lady?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-03-19 09:42:47]
Subject: Details...
"Though the hole in the barrier was small, I was able to glimps feet, both human and animal. They were pale and rotted, like those of the undead or servants of Sarku. One curious thing: all was dark beyond the barrier and the light that passed through the hole we created caused the creatures beyond to recoil. What this portends, I cannot guess, though we may be able to use this to our advantage. If we could bring the barrier down all at once, the very sunlight might be used as our ally. As for the vortex, I assumed that was a creation of Dlarumei to transport us to safety if the barrier should fail and we be overwhelmed by our foes. Ruqu is at your service, as I said. There remain 12 warriers with the main body; what are his instructions?"

From: Game Master [2001-03-20 15:28:10]
Subject: The group at the trees
From the group assembled at the tree line a glint of steel can be seen as the hot midmorning sun reflects off of something up at the forward group. It can be seen heading towards the wall and vanishing only to reappear a few moments later and head toward Churisan. Once there, it disappears again.

After that brief diversion most of those assembled turn their attention back to their responsibilities and/or the red robed Kerdu. His image seems to be taking on a blurry quality as he continues to sit and sway from side to side.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-03-22 14:13:54]
Subject: recon
Chúrisan unclips his bronze sword and hurls it towards the rippling vision ahead of them. The sword soars ahead, transforming to a flat round ring as it flies. In a second it disappears, simply vanishing from sight. A second later it's back, winging towards the group. Chúrisan raises his hand and catches the ring. As he brings it down, the ring transforms again, and the warrior clips a sword back to his belt. Then he looks at the group, and grins. "The rings we took from the House of Tranquil Repose in Monru have special properties. This one has flown through the magical boundary. It says that there are demons of Sarku beyond, hiding in magical darkness. They are protected by 5 sorcerers, and have some humanoid folk in a cage as well. La, this would seem to be no affair of ours, and they will evidently not act in daylight. Let us see if one our guards or porters can guide us to another Sakbe ramp further north. Shall we return to the main group?"

From: Game Master [2001-03-23 00:44:09]
Subject: Orun
"I too can see the value of not standing here any longer". Orun says. "Let us gather here around Dlarumei, it will make the trip faster and less tiresome".

From: Game Master [2001-03-23 00:48:15]
Subject: Suck it up.
Adzul, looking rather haggard from his efforts, stops the actions of his spell casting and slowly steps backwards towards Dlarumei. Nesh throws a quizzical glance at Churisan, shrugs his shoulders and steps in close to Orun. With that Dlarumei waves her arms quickly and wildly above her head. In an instant the vortex darkens, the winds pick up and Adzul is swept from his feet. He tumbles, like a large piece of parchment caught in a hurricane, into the vortex and disappears. A moment later Orun sheaths his sword, takes, the still chanting Dlarumei by the waist belt a leaps into the sky. The winds created by the vortex, carry Orun and the priestess straight up, like bolts shot from a crossbow, to its center where they too vanish from sight. Nesh, his feet slipping in the grass of the meadow, glances once more at Churisan and with a look of "what the hell" pushes off and soars to the vortex's center, performing several rolls and a few twists on the way. All of which may, or may not, be voluntary. Ruqu turns and sprints back toward the tree line as quickly as you have ever seen any man run in your life.

A few moments later, they drop from the other end of the vortex, which had opened up over the road next to the tree line, in the same order in which they had entered. With a thud and a small cloud of dust, Adzul landed first, and rather undignified, on his back. Then Orun and Dlarumei, shooting out head first, transforming their rocket like re-entry into a graceful three-step landing through the performance of an artistic midair roll over. Nesh came tumbling out next, and despite his wildly out-of-control twists and rolls, manages (somehow) to land on his feet, one placed on either side of Adzul's hips. It was reminiscent of watching a cadre of circus performers entering a stage.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-03-23 08:28:40]
Subject: I meant to do that (honest)
While he was expecting something of the sort, Neshkriuma still seems a bit ruffled.
"Well," he says, "that seems to have worked for the best."

He stoops to help Adzul to his feet.

"You obviously believe this obstacle is no concerne of ours," he says to Churisan. "I have no faith in coincidences, but if we can reach the road unmolested there is certainly value in that. Is it wise though to seek another ramp with both the saftey of the road and our pursuers so near?"

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-03-23 15:19:06]
Subject: shoeleather express
Chúrisan turned away from the vortex with a tight-lipped grimace on his face. He jogged quickly back to the party by the trees. When he arrived he responded quietly to Neshkriuma:

"I think the uncertain danger of the road is preferable to the certain danger of demons and sorcerers. Let us see if our minions know the local roads". He summons the heads of the guards and porters. "The Sakbe ramp is blocked by sorcery. How can we most quickly get to the next ramp north? Do you or yours know the route?" While they talked amongst themselves, he turned to Chamangesh and saluted. "Sir. There is a party of 5 sorcerers ahead, maintaining a magical barrier that shields over 30 demons of Sarku. They are repulsed by light, and give no sign of movement. They do not seem to have any interest in us, but block the ramp to the Sakbe-road. I have enquired of the guards and porters whether they know a route to the next ramp north. Perhaps your nobility or our companions (he gestures to Orun and Dlarumei) know the way?"

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-03-23 16:53:47]
Subject: A small reminder
"Noble Chúrisan, let me tender a small note, namely that the Festival of Sarkú fast approaches and these worthies will seek to be at the famed City of Sarkú at that time. While it is a strange thing to note such creatures on the road, they are not necessarily inimical to us. However, to avoid unnecessary embarasment for the noble beings who must avoid the light, perhaps we would do well to go around."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-03-23 20:51:55]
Subject: exactly
"To go around was exactly my suggestion, noble priest. I am hoping that some of our companions from Monru will know the way. I have no desire to interfere with the servants of the Worm Lord."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-03-25 07:59:14]
Subject: Fine by me
"There is wisdom in what you say. Let us make ready." Nesh leaves Ruqu to rest a bit while he goes get the party back on the trail and ready to march.

From: Game Master [2001-03-26 17:33:03]
Subject: Orun speaks.
"I agree as well" Orun pipes in. "I have spoken with several of the guards and they tell me of a place where the we can mount to the Sakbe, but a few clicks from our present position. They say that the next "official" entrance to the road is almost two days travel from here and through some thick, wild forest. Obviously, heading back in the direction we have come is not an option. So I say, let us move on to this chink in the wall and try our luck there".

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-03-28 09:55:32]
Subject: Let us go, but carefully.
"We should move from here, certainly, but also let us look to the Kerdu, for Noble Chamangesh is yet effected by his medicine and something else is happening to his skin. Perhaps the Other-Planar energies here are affecting him. If we can move a bit from this place, perhaps Adzul or Kunur could take a look at my most puissant clan-cousin's condition."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-03-28 11:05:48]
Subject: round 'em up, move 'em out...
Churisan takes one look at the blurry, swaying Chamangesh, turns on his heel, and starts to snap orders: "Bearers, on your feet! We move in one minute! I want two guides up front, the rest of the guards to marching stations! Move!
Noble Neshkriuma, if you will tend our rear guard, I would be most appreciative. We don't want any suprises from Monru. "

He turns to Hrissu -- "He can walk at least? Then let us get off this road a bit and then perhaps Adzul can do something. It would be nice to have a physician with us, but the little Sarku priest left us in Monru. He said he would meet us again, but I am not hopeful."

He joins the guards at the front:
"Hoi, which way to get us on to the Emperor's fine road!" After a brief conversation, he turns to the group as a whole and calls out.
"We're going now! Stay alert, and stepl lively you porters!"

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-03-28 13:19:09]
Subject: my specialty
Hrissu smiles briefly, pulling the Kerdu to his feet gently, as he was taught in the Temple.

"Do not worry, Noble Churisan. I am a Mirror of a Mirror, and will take this one as my charge."

He turns back to Chamangesh, guiding him as he would any of the Perfect, his hands placed on the 'Proper areas of Necessary Touching of the Noble Invalids' and whispers calm words to him. "What do you see now, my brother? It is time for us to be well away."

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-03-28 17:52:07]
Subject: I can but do my best
Adzul moves to Chamangesh and says "I will of course do what I can and stars muttering and gesturing.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2001-03-28 19:06:22]
Subject: The lurching litter
Ssrivan croaks at his bearers and the litter lurches into position with the others.

He is absolutely sure that the group should not stay around here too long, and will have to try and get some details of what they saw by the road at the next rest stop. Hopefully, it will not be too much trouble to get the litter up onto the Sakbe via the path the group plans to take.

From: Game Master [2001-04-02 13:16:50]
Subject: moving on.
The group, undulating like a giant caterpillar, lifts itself onto the road and continues its travel further past this entrance to the Sakbe. The day is hot and the travel is slow as the sun beats down upon the party. After some time the road wanders off into the forest and you sigh a sigh of relief as a cool shade is cast over the roadway. The party stops for a brief moment to water up and regain some composure before continuing on. Churisan, Orun and Dlarumei discuss where they are and how much further it must be to this assention area in the Sakbe.

A few moments later and the group is underway. The road in the forest here is much more pleasant to travel on. The air is cooler and the road itself is softer with its blanket of fallen leaves and other forest debris to pad the ground. The further you travel into the forest on this road, the less maintained it becomes. It is apparent that most travelers mount to the Sakbe at the last clearing. The road narrows a bit, but your party is able to maintain its rank and positioning. Then, Churisan's hand raises high and the groups stops quickly. All are hushed as the guard take up defensive positioning around the group. Ruqu is seen scurrying to the front of the column.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-02 16:21:56]
Subject: Close Up!
"Close Up! Archers nock and load! Porters to the center! 'Ware forward and left!"
Chúrisan shouted orders and a warning. "Something moved, ahead and to the left. Stay alert now...la, we don't want to end up like these sorry folk..." he points to an arm lying in the road, and a blob of entrails hanging from a bush, covered in buzzing Chri-flies. "I think something got them last night."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-02 22:16:16]
Subject: demons?
Chúrisan advances a few steps ahead, his bow readied and in hand, then crouches down and examines the ground. He glances up frequently to watch to the left where he saw movement. "Cha! Demons! There are strange tracks here, easily seen. And they used stone weapons!" He tosses back a helmet, blood soaked but empty, that has an obsidian flake embedded in the side of it. On the front is a symbol of a red sword. He glances at Orun. "Noble colleague, perhaps you recognize this?"

Then he taps one of the forward spearmen on the shoulder: "Come with me, I saw something move up there. Probably just a scavenger, but we should check." The two of them (ooc: and Orun?) move cautiously ahead and to the left.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-03 09:31:00]
Subject: Dispositions
Neshkriuma closes the rear guard with the main body, archers and pikemen in the center, halberds to the front and rear and outriders (four total) under cover to the flanks. "Good Ssrivan," he says to the supine figure on the litter, "how fare you?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-03 12:35:36]
Subject: Not my job
"I don't see how a feud between the Red Sword Clan and the followers of Sarku is any concern of ours," Nesh says, eyeing the dense woods beyond the edge of the trail. "Perhaps we should just move smartly away."
From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-04-03 16:46:29]
Subject: Stepping back a bit.
Hrissu steps back from the Kerdu abruptly, watching him do whatever it is he is doing. Hrissu looks vaguely disturbed, which is more reaction to his environment than usual.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-04-04 10:13:58]
Subject: Adjustment
Hrissu slowly relaxes his defensive posture and remains fixed on the Kerdu beside him. He seems to be watching the man intently.

From: Game Master [2001-04-04 16:40:13]
Subject: Step by step.

Orun sends Ruqu back to Neshkriuma with the information he needs and the command to take charge of the guard while He, Churisan and the forward Spear man advance up the slight slope in the direction of the disturbance. Orun bends down to advance while also trying to shrink the target area he possesses.

"Noble warrior", he says to Churisan. "This is the emblem of the Red Sword Clan. I find it interesting that they are this far east. They generally stay in the western areas of our world. From what I can tell they seem to worshipers of Chiteng, perhaps on a mission of some sort".

The sound of Orun's sword is soft and smooth as it exits its resting place on his back and you see it at the end of his outstretched arm, pointing to the bush area where they are headed. They begin a cautions advance to their objective.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2001-04-05 20:07:00]
Subject: Ssrivan's answer to Neshkriuma
"I am well," he rasps and sinks quickly back into his hard-won silence. He is attentive to the goings-on around him and listening to everything though, as any of the others can see.

From: Game Master [2001-04-06 15:59:13]
Subject: moving ahead, a foot, an arm....
The party seems to be cast of stone as they stand motionless in the middle of the road. The guard on high alert, every weapon poised and every ear searching, catching even the slightest sound. Churisan, Orun and the lone spearman cautiously advance on there goal. They move slowly, crouched low, weaving in and around the shrubs and bushes. After a few tense moments they arrive at the area of the disturbance. Peering over the top of low, thick bush they see the form of a woman. She is caked with dried blood and entrails, obvoiusly not her own. Laying flat on her back, she is dressed in the light armor of a warrior priestess of Chiteng. Her hands are folded around the pommel of a most unusual sword. Holding it at her stomach, the thin blade, sharp and straight on one side, serrated on the other, rests calmly on her body from hip to nose tip, in an almost sacrificial manner. Her helmet is several meters from her head and one of her boots has been tossed off into the undergrowth. The only irregular item she is in possession of is the spear which has pierced her side and has pinned her to the ground. It is a spear of "The Ones Who Writhe": (sinuous, flat headed, ophidian, 1.5 m tall creatures who wear special banded Armour of copper (an Armour value of 6) and fight with poisoned spears.) This would explain why she was unable to move from her spot on the forest floor. It seems that she had preformed admirable before being brought down as there are at least eight flat heads strewn about the general area and several other bodies laying around, having been bleed out.

"She picked a good spot to defend" Orun says "The area here is hard to advance on, her enemies had to concentrate on maneuvering around the forest undergrowth and were unable to pay attention to that blade she has. If the attack came at night she would have had a hard time seeing all of here attackers".

Her foot twitched and it became obvious what was moving the undergrowth.

"She's still alive" cried the spearman, "we need to help her, let us call for a healer"

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-04-06 17:58:10]
Subject: Doing what I can
Adzul immediately moves up and casts a spell of alleviation on the woman, though he advises others to stay ready in case she panics.

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2001-04-09 13:52:04]
Subject: I've got a little twitch...
Her sword arm seems to be twitching a little...

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-10 13:54:22]
Subject: Healing?
Chúrisan approaches the shaft of the spear still pinning the woman to the ground "Can't any of you sorcerers cast a Healing? We've got to get this out of her!"

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-04-11 05:18:08]
Subject: A tired looking Adzul
A Tired looking Adzul says, "I have a little healing and will do my best."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-11 09:57:03]
Subject: Tea time
Neshkriuma leaves the charge of the rear guard with a seasoned veteran and summons his cook. "A fire! And hot water, quickly," he says. While the cook hurries to comply, Nesh goes to one of his porters and draws a tattered leather satchel from his pack. Inside are many small bundles wrapped in oiled cloth. He selects three of these and carefully measures a portion of their contents into the water. As the steam begins to rise, the entire party feels a lightness of spirt that seems at odds with their dire surroundings. Just before it comes to a boil, he removes it from the flame and transfers it to a wooden bowl. "Here," he says, carrying it to the injured woman, "drink this all, and quickly."

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2001-04-11 14:16:42]
Subject: Ouch
Almodhim wakes with a start, and with a terrible stitch in her side!! She's been left with this terrible feeling that she has lost the battle; no great feeling to wake up with.

Her body still wants to fight, but Almodhim resists the urge to heave to her feet and start swinging her fists. There is a good energy here...of healing. Also, with her side the way it is, there is no way she can perform her warrior skills without more serious injury.

Almodhim looks to the bowl offered to her, inhales the healing fumes, and receives the bowl gratefully. She hesitates for only one second, marvelling that she should trust strangers so quickly...but she knows that her life is at stake. She drinks all of the liquid in one swift gulp.
She shudders and offers the cup back to the sorcerer. Almodhim thanks him raspily "Many thanks for your courtesy. I am honored by your help."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-11 16:50:06]
Subject: pack and repack
Chúrisan steps away, leaving the healers room to work. "I will arrange a stretcher for her" he says, and goes to speak with the head porter.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-11 17:54:54]
Subject: Paging Dr. Nesh
"You are most welcome. Now, rest and clear your mind, for that spear must still be removed." Nesh turns to Ruqu and two other porters. With their help, he rolls the woman on her side, exposing the spear point that protrudes from her back. Nesh quickly prepares two poultices and a foul-smelling, sticky tincture from his satchel of herbs. He then cuts the tip from the spear and coats the remaining shaft with the tincture. "Go far away now, to another place," he says, laying his hand on the woman's brow. He glances at the porters who nod in understanding and then quickly pulls the spear from her side and covers the wounds, front and back, with the poultices. He turns to Adzul, a concerned look on his face. "Other than keeping the wound dressed and clean, I have done all that I can for her. What say you? Can she be moved, let alone walk? Without more incantations of healing I fear her recovery will be slow indeed."

From: Game Master [2001-04-11 20:19:11]
Subject: Poison controll
"Churisan goes to the porters and tells them that the wounded warrior will have to be carried. He has some of the packs rearranged to free up stretcher-bearers, and assigns a couple to cut the necessary wood. If they have to go more than a few feet from the group to get the necessary limbs, he'll send a spearman with them to keep watch. He admonishes them to make no more noise then necessary, and tells everyone to be ready to move as soon as the warrior is safely on the stretcher. Once the process is underway, he turns his attentions to the guards, making sure that they are alert and on watch, and not distracted by the activities of the caravan." [Courtesy of Churisan's private post inc.]

As the spear is pulled through her body Almodhim bites her lip to suppress any outbursts of pain that would escape. The tincture does its job well; you even see a small wisp of smoke as the spear is pulled free. Her body straightens as she fights to ward off the medications biting agony and in a matter of moments her body goes limp as she slips into unconsciousness. Nesh turn to those making the litter and motions for them to bring it to him soon.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-04-12 06:21:33]
Subject: Adzul Continues
Adzul will cast a healing spell on the woman and then lean against a tree to rest for a moment.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-12 18:44:27]
Subject: on the road again
"We must march again as soon as she is on the stretcher. It's not safe to linger here, this meat will attract unpleasant companions. Hoi! some refreshment for the noble sorcerer of Belkhanu who has labored so mightily today. Perhaps this means we are travelling in the opposite direction as those beasts of Sarku. In any case, we must get to the safety of the Sakbe road as quickly as we can."

From: Game Master [2001-04-13 00:13:59]
Subject: Getting it together.
Adzul's spell of healing is only marginally effective. The last few hours have proven to be a strain on him as he leans hard against the tree and wipes the sweat from his brow. Non-the-less Almodhim seems to be resting easier due to his efforts.

Due to the heavy undergrowth the litter will be unable to make it up to where the woman lay. Neshkriuma and Orun ready themselves to carry her to where the prepared stretcher is waiting.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-13 09:18:30]
Subject: Upsy-daisy
With Orun's help Nesh carries the wounded warrior to the litter. Despite the heat of the close forest they bundle her tightly, keeping her warm and securing her to the litter. "Drop her and you will suffer greatly," he admonishes the bearers. He nods to Churisan that they are ready to procede.