Chapter 1: In the middle of nowhere.
Copyright © 2000 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Game Master [2000-01-15 15:37:23]
Subject: we're off to see the......
The party awakens from a short , cold, fitful slumber. You see the massive warrior of Karakan standing with his back to you, watching the sun rise from between the trees. Streams of light sneak in past the branches of the majestic forest. As you walk up behind the warrior you see that it is not the sunrise at all that he is admiring.

He turns to you and says,

"She moves as though she were made of water. Every morning she greets the sunrise in this manner, and every morning she asks me keep watch over her while she is in her trance. I guess that when they do this in the temple they don't have to worry about being attacked." About 20 feet in front of you is the priestess of Ksural. She is kneeling on a small rug, her wooden mask set aside and her robes in a lump around her knees and feet. Her hair is tied up tight on the top of her head, held there by a black lacquer stick about 16 inches long. The tattoos on her sleek, smooth body seem to dance as she sways back and
forth to some ritual music playing in her head. Her arms making slow, controlled wave like motions which actually do resemble the flow of water. You marvel at the control that she has over each muscle and how her body seems to move in several different directions all at the same time. Then, a short jerk and all the motion stops. With her arms at her side and her head hung forward she sits on her heels, motionless for a few moments. Then, slowly, her arms move and she lifts her robes up over her back and onto her shoulders. She then places a thin, strange necklace around her neck. Some other items which lay in a neat pile in front of her are placed back into the folds of her robe. Finally she reaches for the black wooden mast. You watch as she places it back on her face and ties its straps behind her head. As she stands, she pulls the hood of her robe up over her head, turns slowly and walks towards the warrior. She looks up at him and places a small dark blue gem in his hand. She then turns towards you, her eyes seem to grin as she walks past you to the center of the camp.

"She never says much", the warrior starts, "and I have never seen her face. But if her face is as beautiful as her disposition and her silhouette then she is the most wondrous woman I have ever laid eyes upon."

You watch as this giant places the gem in a small bag and lashes it to his
massive belt; the belt which holds up the Kilt like apparel emblazoned with the sign and runes of karakan. It stops short above his knee, revealing the strength of his thighs. His massive calves disappear into soft leather boots and you can see the handles of several throwing knives neatly tucked into their tops. His strong, muscular back seems to grow up from his waist as the mighty oak rises from the ground, ever widening as it reaches for the sky. His shoulders and arms remind you of large stones set atop tree trunks and you are sure that he could crush boulders with his hands. In fact, he appears to be made of stone with a thick covering of flesh just to keep the stack in some sort of order. You can see in his face the scars and lines of battle, but also you can see that he is a man of great kindness and caring. His eyes are soft and a bright emerald green, his voice hushed and reverent. His beard and hair are thick and well groomed. The braid of hair traveling halfway down his back is adorned with small bones which are carved into different shapes and figures. A heavy crossbow hangs from his side. A large sheathed sword hangs from a thick strap which is hung across his body from his right shoulder down to his left hip. You notice the plain and well worn hilt of the sword as you see that it is swung around behind him, out of the way. He stands with an interestingly carved long spear in his right hand.  You are sure that there is a story behind that item, but that will have to wait for another day. He squints his eyes and sighs a large sigh. His head turns toward you and then his body follows.

His voice is much larger sounding now, but still in a hush he says, "Please, let us pack our belongings and get under way. We have much ground to cover before we can rest again. We will stop in a small township about a half
days travel from here. I know that we are leaving on this trek without your having made arrangements before you left. Those of you who need items or
comforts can make those arrangements in the township. I am carrying enough money to afford us most things. Please remember that we do not want to draw any more attention to ourselves than absolutely necessary. Unfortunately this means no Paliquens. I know that this may be a hardship for some of you. I am prepared to purchase a porter upon whose back you may ride if you feel that you can not live without this luxury. For your comfort I will also allow the purchase of one slave for each of you. We do not have long once in the township, so please have your lists ready for me when we arrive there, or before. I will try hard to get all the things that you will require, however, I can make no promises as to the availability of some requested items. This is just a township, a nice place, but it is no Jakalla. If you wish to send a communiqué to your family, Clan or Temple I can arrange for a courier. Please do not give out any information about what we are doing or where we are going, (Not that you have that information yet). There will be a notary in the township if you wish to arrange your affairs in the event of your demise, if you have not already done so. Please forgive me, but all communiqués will be read by myself to make sure that they do not jeopardize this excursion. You may trust me not to divulge any information or use any of the information in any way."

He then turns and gathers up his gear and heads to the edge of the clearing. Once there you see him speaking to an old stump. After a few moments you see the stump move and grow and become more and more human like until there, next to the warrior, is an old man. He is rather bent with time and grizzled with experiences you can only imagine. The two of them exchange words and then look in your direction to see what the hold up is.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-01-16 15:16:15]
Subject: Morning Ablutions
Ssrivan bows deeply as the priestess passes him on her way to the camp. It is good not to be alone in his faith, and one could not ask for a more pleasing travelling companion. He looked around to see exactly who else actually passed the portal to this place--there were so many in the room, and this place though much larger, held but a few of them.

"Greetings all (you of polite anonymity), I am Ssrivan hiTlokhar of Purdimal and the Master Locksmith of the Dark Fear Clan. May I humbly inquire as to the nature of my new travelling companions? I know that each of you was chosen in some way, as was I, but the nature of that choice escapes me at the moment. I am but a simple locksmith--wonderful if you need to get into concealed or hidden spaces or objects, but not by any stretch of the imagination touched by destiny. My Skein has been a placid one--till now at least."

He looked around at his companions--awaiting any form of answer they might give. Clues as to the nature of his companions would allow him to weigh their strengths and weaknesses--and ensure his survival in the event of an emergency beyond his limited capacity for defense.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-01-16 17:13:56]
Subject: Who are you?
Another man steps forward. He is in his mid-20's, a bit tall, lean, with dark eyes. Under a military-style travelling cloak he's wearing soldier's garb (kilt, tunic, heavy sandals) of high quality, and some bits of light armor. He has a scimitar and a dagger at his waist, and a quiver and bowcase slung over his left shoulder. Around his neck is an amulet--a scarlet eagle with three heads. He addresses Ssrivan:

"Good morning Master Locksmith, I'm pleased to meet you. Your good manners are an example to us all. I am Chúrisan Sóruna, an architect and builder for the High Pinnacle Clan, formerly of the Legion of Serqu."

Then he turns and speaks to the warrior and the old man:

"I have come this far on the urgings of my heart, but will go no further without some explanation. If you (of polite anonymity) desire our cooperation, you should at least tell us who you are and what your cause is."

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-01-16 17:32:32]
Subject: Introduction
The pot bellied man in yellow robes steps forward staff in hand and says. "I am Adzul hiOgeado of the Clan of the Jeweled Scepter (a respected clan of jewlers of medium ranking). As you can see I serve Lord Belkanu. In our temple it is axiomatic that the fist step in a journey is knowing your intended destination. I can offer the group my small skill in magic and my love and kowledge of mapstones. But I agree that we can hardly hope to equip ourselves without knowlege of what we hope to accomplish. This is a most disperate group and we must be sure that our purpose is noble for us all. The smiling one loves his secrets, but it is time for some answers."

From: Kúnur Chettukéng [2000-01-17 06:54:28]
Subject: Introduction
A diminutive man of frail (almost emaciated) build, clad in brown robes, carrying no more than a belt pouch, a small backpack, a small amulet (with an ugly, almost abstract image engraved), and a kú'nur dagger worn in Engsványali style, steps forward and adresses the group. His voice is surprisingly deep and clear.

"Allow me to introduce myself as well. I am Kúnur Chettukéng of the clan of Dark Water, lay-priest of Lord Sárku and physician. Like Ssrivan's, my skein was a placid one so far, and like Adzul, I feel compelled to most respectfully question the nature of our gathering. I am no warrior or adventurer, and my many patients in Úrmish must be growing anxious. Though my apprentices are competent within their limitations, they are not yet fully proficient in the vast and often elusive healing arts."

"In fact, a respected member of a very high and exalted clan of the Chákas (whose name I most respectfully shall withold) has travelled all the way from Bútris to Úrmish only to see me, and he's going to be quite upset, to say the least, when he finds me absent, and only a few novice healers to attend to his delicate condition."

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-01-17 08:03:45]
Subject: Further Introductions
"Kunur,lum tusmiyalu fa'arpe (I am most pleased to meet you (of the seeking of the spirit), Kunur). It pleases me to meet the rest of you as well, for those (of martial prowess) are most important in any undertaking that moves into the wilds or the tsuru'um.

[OCC: I used Tsolyani here even though Engsvanyali would be more appropriate--later posts will include some Engsvanyali elements as I become proficient in its formulations]

"Now we need but find out who these others are and to what purpose our gracious hosts have invited us on this mysterious undertaking."

With that Ssrivan adjusted the small pack that nestled against his shoulder blades, covered only by the knee length blue cloak he affected for upper-body clothing. His bare arms bore little in the way of decoration, though the tattoos of a complex pattern of interlocking rings covered the upper portion of each of his biceps. His loose pants were of a somewhat deeper blue than his cloak, obviously chosen to contrast nicely with it, and he wore a pair of comfortable walking sandals on his feet. He was of average build, if a bit on the short side, and quite handsome as such things were measured, though not stunningly so. Closer examination revealed that he wore no weapons other than the customary eating knife worn and used by all.

From: Kúnur Chettukéng [2000-01-17 17:36:55]
Subject: [OOC] Engsvanyáli History and Language
OOC: I've also been using Tsolyáni expressions. For example, the correct Engsvanyáli name of Sárku is Qúrgha. I suggest everyone take some time and download the Engsvanyáli history and grammar netbooks on the Blue Room FTP site.

From: Game Master [2000-01-17 21:31:08]
Subject: From behind dark wood
The Priestess enters the edge of your group and speaks from behind her mask, " I am Dlarumei Ba'ashcha of the Cloak of the Azure Gems. I can understand that persons of your quality and caliper are not accustomed to such secrecy and "behind-the-scenes" forms of travel. I can fully understand your wanting to know the details which have brought you this far. I would have the same questions if I were in your position. As you can tell, we are in the forest of the Kurt hills and will be heading north to a small township call Monru. It is about a days travel from here and so we must be on our way soon. You have come this far with no explanation at all, I only ask for this days travel in addition. I assure you that all of your questions will be answered in Monru. Where it is safe to talk in our apartments and where all of you may enjoy some of our hospitality before we start our journey. I beg your pardon, but that is all that I will tell you at this moment. I hope that it will tide you over until this evening."

She starts to walk towards the warrior and the strange old man. After passing through your group she pauses, turns and speaks to you once again. "I would also like to impress upon you that you should keep your eyes open as we travel through this forest. There are those who may know of our whereabouts already and who would try and stop us." She turns and walks on.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-01-18 10:59:11]
Subject: Through the woods
Chúrisan starts to reply, then stops. He thinks that the Kurt Hills are not such a great place to be left alone, and a day's walk in the woods won't be too bad. He hefts his bow, and follows along behind the priestess.
From: Vrodlan Miuz [2000-01-18 16:10:18]
Subject: Unanswered questions.
A large somewhat young man walks forward through the group and quietly addresses the lady. Some words are quietly exchanged and the man scowls heavily as he passes back through the small crowd.

From: Deshnah [2000-01-18 21:49:19]
Subject: slaves
Up to now, Deshnah has been squatting quietly, very quietly, off to the left of the main group. As the priestess moves through the group, his eyes track her as would a cat--wondering whether to pounce or flee. As she turns to move off, he shakes himself slightly and stands up, leaning a little on the butt of his spear. In a single fluid motion he draws one arm out of the sleeve of a thick leather, open front tunic and then adjusts a tie to leave half of his torso open to the morning breeze. Then, with an oddly bird-like cluck, he sets off after her.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-01-20 09:29:54]
Subject: Marching on
Adzul gathers his belongings and rises with some difficulty. He announces, "I will accompany you to the next village but then we really must insist on some answers if only to better know how best to equip ourselves and how to proceed." So saying he struggles on.

From: Game Master [2000-01-21 12:19:46]
Subject: Hey? wait?
Dlarumei walks away from your group, between the warrior and the strange old man who, you see, are still talking to each other. When she passes between them purposefully, they stop speaking and regard each other with a confused look. Dlarumei continues walking. She does not seem to have any intention on stopping. The warrior and the old man turn to you and wave you to follow. They then turn and start to follow the darkly garbed priestess.

The Kurt Hills are full of strange and interesting things, though it is no place to be standing about all by yourself. The forest here is thick and the trail is small and hard to find. You know that there is a road somewhere, you are hoping that this is where Dlarumei is taking you. The warrior keeps looking back at the group and his expression becomes more and more concerned as he notices that some of the "less fit" members of the party are starting to fall behind a bit. He keeps smiling a smile of encouragement to keep you moving. After a few hours of travel, you catch up to the priestess where she is waiting at a road.

"We may have a short rest for those of you who need one". she states, "but we must be on our way as soon as possible". She takes a few steps to distance herself from the group and keeps watch down the road.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-01-21 13:11:04]
Subject: Walking on the Wild Side
SSrivan settled into the measured pace needed for a long walk and looked around quite animatedly. It had been a very long time since he had the good fortune to travel so far from the confines of civilized society. It would do him a bit of good to breathe a bit of the wild country air. As he had never been to the Kurt Hills before, this bit of journeying would also make him familiar with another new place. He scanned the surroundings as he walked, looking at everything and calculating exactly what kind of interesting locking devices he could make out of the things he saw along the way. One never knew when a chance idea would be the spark that created a new masterpiece. He whistled softly as he walked, though the tune was not one anyone could know, as it appeared to be almost completely random.

On reaching the road, he finally decided to speak a bit.

"Where might the ends of this road lead us to? I would fain learn the lay of this untrammeled land."

He then waited for the remaining stragglers to catch up to the group.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-01-21 15:59:42]
Subject: another try
When it becomes clear that there will be no further explanations while we rest, Chúrisan is a bit annoyed. He looks over the old man (does his appearance give any indication of his status, clan, or temple?) then approaches the warrior. In a polite but somewhat formal tone, says "Greetings, noble warrior. I am Chúrisan Sóruna of the High Pinnacle Clan. I was 6 years in the Legion of Serqu, and despite my humble talents, was permitted to serve as tirrikámu in the Cohorts of Archers and of Engineers, . Would it please you (of martial victory) to reveal your name, and perhaps indicate in what unit you serve our Lord of Glorious War?"

[ooc: if I may invent a little, I suggest that "in what unit do you serve?" is Karakan temple jargon. It doesn't necessarily refer to a military unit, but might include a temple, or a bureaucratic office or any sort of organization. Chúrisan is far from fanatical, not even particularly pious, he's just using the temple-speak to try to get an answer.]

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-01-21 18:55:51]
Subject: Huffing and Puffing
Adzul arrives out of breath and collapses to the ground. He pants, "I must appologise for bringing up the rear, but I have not left the city for over five years. Still give me a minute to catch my breath and I will be ready to continue." He then takes a long swig of water and rubs some on his hands and face.

From: Kúnur Chettukéng [2000-01-22 16:29:50]
Subject: Marching in sepulchral silence
Kúnur walks with the group, in a measured pace, silently studying his surroundings as he walks expressionless. He does not seem uncomfortable with taking a walk in the woods (even in the Kurt Hills) nor with the pace (which takes a gruesome toll on the feeble but stoic priest).

As they reach the road, he lets out a discreet sigh of relief, and takes a sip from a leather bottle. He turns to his travelling companions and studies each one of them carefully -- first Adzul, then Ssrivan, Chúrisan, Deshnah, Tillek, the priests of Karakán and Ksárul -- as if to determine how they endured the walk.

His attention is then turned to the strange old man who was talking to the priest of Karakán. Kúnur stares at the man, as if dissecting him with his eyes.

From: Deshnah [2000-01-22 16:52:44]
Subject: waiting
If any think to look, Deshnah would be found squatting in the shadows, distractedly poking a small stick into a pile of half rotten leaves. Occasionally he looks up at the wind in the trees, the whirr-crrcchk of a hunting insect, or the asthmatic rasping of someone's lungs. Mostly he tunes his mind to the voice of the forest, listening for the footsteps that one can not hear.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-01-22 21:00:54]
Subject: Appearances after the walk
Ssrivan appears to be no more out of breath than any reasonably fit individual would be after the walk through the woods. He too took a sip from a small leather waterskin which he extracted from the pack on his back. While he rummaged about in it for the skin, one could see that it had a couple of spare clothing items, some kind of closed leather wallet designed to store a multitude of small tools, the aforementioned water skin, a small amount of dried meat and a couple of pieces of fruit. It was obvious that he traveled lightly. Those who looked most carefully would also see that there appeared to be a small purse of coin in the deepest depths of the pack. Once he finished with his drink, he pulled one of the smaller pieces of dried meat out and began to suck on it thoughtfully. He looked around at the rest of his companions while he waited for the out of breath Adzul to regain his composure. Hopefully that one would soon get used to the rigors of travel! Exercise did the body worlds of good. Soon we would see its effect on Adzul.