After weeks of near naked travel many of the party feel almost civilized once more, shod in armor and shield, sandals upon your feet and clothing other than rags (though much of these equipment bear the blood of their previous owners).  During this time your surroundings have not lain idle.  To the North and also to the East groups of men have appeared and move slowly through the field of dead.  They appear in no great hurry, halting occasionally to bend down; to what purpose you can easily guess.  The group to the North has a pair of riders while those in the East none but you can see several horses trail.  At this distance you assume they believe you one of their number since they have not challenged you...yet.

Tiberio & Sarajen have not traveled 100 yards before they find a deep set of ruts leading away from the field of slaughter; they appear to be left by a wagon.  There are numerous boot-prints along both sides of it.  The trail leads West and bears slightly North toward rising hills.

Continue to one of the groups of men?
Follow the ruts?
Something else?

Tiberio keeps the direction towards the switchbacks and ravines.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

Niamh nods at Sarajen's and Tiberio's intructions wishing them luck and safety as they depart. She takes in the groups of men at the North and East edge of the field and watches as Tiberio and Sarajen head off. She has a small frown on her face as she glances around.

"We need to start working our way off the field before these others get close. I say we follow Tiberio and Sarajen at a measured pace, keeping an eye out for additional booty. We could make a travois or two with fair sized shields, spears and lashings. That will allow us to take more items while not increasing our burden too much," she says to the others in Kothic and whatever other language will make her understood.

(OOC: She is still hopeful to find the makings of at least one travois. She will also keep an eye out for other items that might prove useful (food, trinkets, whatever) even if for no other purpose than to trade later.)

Does that mean you are trying to stay out of sight?

Marduke says

While waiting, Marduke seeks out a carry bag.


09:29, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,2,4.

Checking to make sure he had everything Chang Jun nodded, "Niamh is right, we should get moving before they arrive. I doubt we could talk our way out of a fight."

Chang Jun headed in the direction following Tibero and Sarajen. Keeping an eye out for anything of worth or any of th things Niamh had mentioned.

The horsemaster and old thief set off at a trot to the closest ravine which descends into the switchbacks to the South while the rest of the lot hoist their newfound belongings and follow at a slightly slower pace.  If the groups of soldiers on the field notice your departure they pay you little mind or have no wish to interfere.

The path chosen descends slowly over the course of nearly 200 yards.  You pass bodies here and there.  As the walls around your rise sounds drift to you, distorted by repeated echoing through the switchbacks.  It proves deceptive to determine their origin.  The winding has disoriented you so that you cannot be certain of the direction you travel.

Sometimes you pass columns of rock, completely worn free by wind and water, sometimes side passages open. Line of sight to between the two groups is lost quickly.

Everyone please move to one of the following private threads which should now be visible to you:
The Vultures of Shem - Scouts
The Vultures of Shem - Rear Guard
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 13:39, Wed 06 Nov 2019.

The group stands together once more with 3 of the surviving soldiers of Khoraja and a pair of bound Shemites clad only in their loin cloths.  One of the mostly naked warriors of Shem is short a hand and after the Khorajan has finished donning his clothes of white a short thrust of his shortsword ensures the man will suffer no longer.

Events have transpired while you have been separated.  Share and determine how you will proceed from this field of death.

Tiberio greets all his fellow Red Pit survivors, then makes an introduction.

It is some Kothic, which he still struggles with, and some Ophirian, some Argosian by habit.

"I would introduce you all to Marcian of Khoraja. He says that Prince Satabus and a Princess Neferet, am I saying that ..., were here on the battlefield, with Knights of Khoraja.

Our next step should be finding them. The tracks we passed over, the ruts leading to the hills, that likely is the path they took."

Tiberio can not help but put a hand on the mare and give it a pat of welcome.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:32, Sat 04 Jan 2020.

Niamh nods at Tiberio, glad to see him and Sarajen were okay. She has an eyebrow raised at their predicament, however. She also nods to the Khorajans as they are introduced.

"We encountered some Shemitish warriors, as well. They confused Syssiah for this Neferet...it did not go well for them. This...," she indicated the Zamoran woman. "This is for show," she said, clearly uncomfortable at keeping her companion like this.

She pulled their horses close to release the gag in case Syssiah wished to speak.

Marduke stands alert, adding  He smiles at the memory and adds

He moves forward to study the wheel marks.
there are no wagon tracks here, you recall some on the plains at the edge of the battlefield, before you entered these switchbacks
Marduke says
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Sun 05 Jan 2020.

At the words, as he managed to understand the short, terse language, of the man from Vanaheim, Tiberio went over and looked at each horse in turn trying to assess there health and temperament.

15:35, Today: Tiberio rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,5,5.  Animal Handler Equines          12-.

Speaking to no one in particular, "What of the Shemitish that remain? What numbers have you seen, have you heard any horns, what direction? Any signs of other soldiers from Khoraja?

You say the Shemitish recognized Syssiah. You spoke to a few before..."

The end trails off in hope the story would fill out what happened between the talking and Marduke's body throw.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:46, Wed 08 Jan 2020.

Marduke starts heading back to the battlefield where he had seen the wheel ruts. He tells Tiberio in his native tongue

Niamh glanced at Syssiah for a long moment, her lips tight and an odd expression reserved for the other woman.

She eventually was drawn back to the conversation with the men. "The horns we've heard have come from there," she said, pointing in the appropriate direction. "There are still men milling about the field, as we were. None in large numbers. Small groups, so far. No Khorajan's that we know of. Just dead men."

"They thought Syssiah was this Neferet. Said there was a bounty to bring her to the Shemite Prince. We were to be enslaved, once more. That was unacceptable," she added. "The Vanir let them know that. We agreed with him," she finished, a small smile on her face.

Tiberio and the Khorajan soldiers complete their disguises in the white robes and adornments of the Shem.  With half the band so dressed as the day's conquerors and Syssiah bound as if a prize trophy, it leaves only Niamh, Marduke and Chang as clearly not of the same unit.

Marcian asks Tiberio, first in Ophirian, then repeats in Kothic for all, "Though we will attempt to keep a distance from any in white it will not do for those garbed in Khorajan scarlet to be seen with us unfettered.  Can we not at least loop ropes around their wrists to give the illusion of capture?  They have already done as much or more to this beauty," He offers an admiring eye to the bound Zamoran princess.  "I am familiar with the Shemitish forces; if any approach allow me the opportunity to deal with them.  But should it become clear I have failed do not hesitate to draw your blade.  Better to die a warrior's death than suffer the bonds of slavers in a Shemite mine."

The other Khorajan soldiers nod their agreement.  They bring forth rope and offer to Marduke, Niamh and Chang to disguise their capture as they choose while the other ends are given to riders to hold.  Marcian takes the lead on one mare, the better to meet with any enemies encountered, while the remaining pair of Khorajan's walk in the back just behind the "prisoners" as if on guard (and have weapons within easy reach).  Tiberio and Sarajen select the remaining mounts while Syssiah sits bound upon the last.  The appearance of a conquering band escorting prisoners is complete.

"By the Gods it is well that you found us," Marcian does not try to hide his pleasure once the edge of the battlefield is reached, "Without the markings made for the others to follow we might have wandered in circles within the switchbacks for days." The truth of his words were all to clear given the number of side openings and branches that had been passed.  Who knew how many Khorajan and Shemite warriors had become disoriented since they had rushed into the switchbacks.  Only the Shemitish horns now sounded upon the battlefield, attempting to call back their scattered forces.  Those wearing scarlet could scarcely hope to heed the bugle of their enemies and surely pushed further and further into the wilderness.

The much larger number of white-robed warriors now upon the battlefield is evident.  Chariots and Calvary have begun to form ranks far out while footmen gather closer.  The nearest are more than 200 yards distant yet but it will clearly be difficult to remain unnoticed upon the open field for long.

"Which direction were the wagon ruts that you passed?" Marcian asks aloud, unconcerned with being overheard by any enemy at this great a distance.  "We might circle in that direction and not yet encourage suspicion.  Surely the pigs of Shem wallow in the day's victory and cannot believe any of those they scattered would dare to pass so closely."

His grey eyes once again regarded the Pict, counter to everything he knew, her words answered his questions. It was more shock at the how the words were spoken than they could be uttered at all. His mind worked to fit it what he experienced with what he knew before.

Syssiah.. safe in a ruse, Marduke straining to get to the next battle, Chang Jun silent, Sarajen riding alongside, the day was still long ahead of them.

The Aquilonian points to the rising hills, West and North, then turns to Marcian.


As they moved to circle round the battlefield and make there way, Tiberio will relax and between scanning the way ahead, think and listen for horns.

[Language unknown: "Stavenive stidincon viral Tronca es terhi, nd innc t Ie mi ratof alut i theyinith."]

Niamh reluctantly complied, but ensured that her rope 'bindings' were merely for show. She did not know these men. At least the others she had shared hardship of slavery and rough travel.

She made sure that one of the men near her had her spear and knew to give it to her if it came to that.

As they circle the battlefield, Marduke keeps his head low, intent on finding the signs of wheel ruts.

OOC: Extra time adds +2 or so to take a Turn searching, doesn't it?

17:48, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,4,5.  Perception 13-.

17:48, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,5.  Tracking 12-.

The horses take a wide path as the group watches for the markings of wagon wheels.  But there are few landmarks, the corpses are unremarkable from one another.  Try as they might, those who took note of the tracks before are uncertain whether they have been passed yet or not.

Those versed in the outdoors begin to suspect that a large number of the troops now massed nearby must have passed over the signs you seek.  Foot and hoof prints obscuring the ruts you noticed before.

Eventually it becomes clear that the trail has been passed.  You must turn back and take a wider arc.

"There is nothing for it," Marcian growls, "but it will surely draw suspicion.  Lest the pigs are too fat with their carnage and plunder I would expect one or more nobles to ride out to see what we are about.  If any here has a plan how we might explain ourselves or give reason why we tarry I would welcome it.  Note even the land is not completely flat in the direction we believe the Prince's caravan fled.  Could we but break sight with the forces here we might dispatch any who came to check."

The group turns back, angling away from the massed soldiers of Shem, closer to the edge of the plain.  You can feel your eyes drawn to the white-clad warriors, wondering if any watched and wondered.  Were they conversing about you even now?

You see small groups of men continuing to return.

A bugle sounds.  Marcian holds a hand up in acknowledgement toward the army but does not alter his course.

The minutes pass.  You can hear the thumping of your heart in your ears.

Finally Marduke notes a rut too wide for a chariot.  His hungry eyes follow the direction and he spies multiple bodies too richly clad to be simple soldiers along side some without armor.  Just what envoys and courtiers of a prince's caravan might wear.

The direction you must go is clearly away from the massed army, away from the plains and along the edge of the switchbacks.  You can see rises, small hills nearby which you could put between yourselves and any suspicious eyes.

You have found your trail though it took longer than you had hoped.  You are uncertain if you have aroused suspicion.

How will you proceed?  Discuss
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:35, Thu 16 Jan 2020.

It takes a minute or two and the Aquilonian turns the words over, before answering Marcian.

"I do not know the ways of this land, it's people. I offer this, We are all that remains of units that clashed, that we are tracking down the Khorajans that killed our unit Captain, once we avenge his death, we will return.

We can ride over the ruts ourselves and try to erase them."

Having heard a fine idea and mostly grasping it, the 'tied up' Marduke does his best to muddy the trail as they press on.

00:47, Today: Marduke the Red rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,3.  Concealment 12-.

Niamh is not happy about their situation, but at least things seemed to be moving in the right direction finally. It took far longer than she hoped it would, but it appeared they had a chance at discovering the Khorajan prince and possible reward for his safety.

She wondered at just how different her life was, now. Glancing at Syssiah and her companions, then taking in the broader, desert landscape. She missed home, but knew that it was months or even years away...and she was not the same. Not yet. Maybe never.

The lingering threat of Shemite soldiers still weighed on them, too. The mix of clothing and gear she wore a stark reminder. She hoped that this resolved itself, soon. She wanted more control of her life, again. This...whatever this was, while something significantly better than slavery, was still a far cry from real ownership of her present and future.

Chang Jun followed along, holding the rope and hoping the ruse was sufficient. He was no tracker and had little way of assisting the big barbarians efforts to locate the track. So he kept his eyes and ears open watching the gathering soldiers for any sign of them heading their way.