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15:31, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT.

Posted by The GMFor group 0
The GM
GM, 18 posts
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 14:30
  • msg #1

THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT


Dim and Mum-Ra-Lud were helping refugees to escape the burning city.

It wasn’t burning when they arrived-- they set it alight, as part of an effort to rescue the slaves.

Timinit was once a noble and bright city, a place of fortune and honor... but these days, it is a city of corruption and selfishness, a slave-trading gateway, where poor souls are brought out of their cold cages and dark dungeons only long enough to be bartered for on the auction stage.

Mum-Ra-Lud told Dim that the Sun had told him through noon-day dreams that they must release the slaves and other refugees of Timinit, and bring them into the lands beyond.

Along the way, Mum-Ra-Lud thought it would do well to just burn the place down... The auction stage was the first to go.

With Dim and Mum-Ra-Lud is Zula, an escaped slave girl of exceptional beauty and courage, who claims to know the true names of three forgotten Great Names... but they haven't had a chance to really discuss it with her. Mostly they've been fleeing from the city guards and the quickly-spreading fire itself.

Also present is a very old child... one never grown, but somehow aged as though 800 years old. A very, very old, child.

Nobody present seems to know her, or where she came from... and she doesn't know, herself, who she is.

She keeps asking, "Do you know who I am?" of others.

She seems harmless, and the kind among the crowd seem simultaneously compassionate to her and disturbed by her. "Do YOU know who I am?"

Others are merely disturbed, and find no compassion, and seem close to driving her out... with rock or stick, if need be. "DO you know who I am?"

But Mum-Ra-Lud suspects a truth: this is not mortal human, but a Great Name that has lost its identity.  "Do you KNOW who I am?"

He suspects that when he can divine her true Name, and return it to her, she will be revitalised... returned to her true form.

"... but, do you know WHO I AM?" she asks, full of confusion and sadness.




DIM! MUM-RA-LUD!

--One of you should do something, or the crowd will drive the old child away!
(possible options:
--Use TALK to convince the crowd to let the old child stay
--Use TALK to make it clear that the old child is under your protection
--Something else)


--One of you should do something, or the fire will catch up to the already-panicky crowd (or else they might just stampede-- people could be hurt!
(possible options:
--Use BODY to try to make a new exit from the city intersection you're in
--Use TALK to try to calm the crowd (a separate thing from the old child issue)
--Use TALK to just try to hurry the crowd up
--Use MIND to figure out where you are and what the best route out of the city might be
--Something else)

Dim
player, 7 posts
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 14:57
  • msg #2

THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

The child was... creepy. Even Dim could see that. But the child was a child, and there was no room in Dim's heart for people who would cast a child out. No, not even if she did set the hairs on his neck to standing. And there was no time for that sort of nonsense, for someone had set the city on fire.

"Couldn't wait until we were outside?" Dim asked, more muttering to himself than actually directing the question at Mum-Ra-Lud. Mum was the smart one of the two of them (generally), and Dim deferred to his greater wisdom in these matters. But even so, he was reminded of an old pirate expression: Pillage, then burn. Burning came last for a good reason.

And if the city was burning, the people needed to hurry themselves up and get out. Picking on kids was always a bad idea, but during a great fire it was just plain stupid.

"Anyone who wants to harm this child has to go through me," Dim declared. He waved the head of the Hammer of Kalmard over the child's head almost like a benediction. "Just go."

Coerce
Using +1 from Hammer of Kalmard
Dim rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((1,6)).
• They agree to do what you demand, or you may harm them.

The GM
GM, 20 posts
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 15:04
  • msg #3

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
The child was... creepy. Even Dim could see that. But the child was a child, and there was no room in Dim's heart for people who would cast a child out. No, not even if she did set the hairs on his neck to standing. And there was no time for that sort of nonsense, for someone had set the city on fire.

"Couldn't wait until we were outside?" Dim asked, more muttering to himself than actually directing the question at Mum-Ra-Lud. Mum was the smart one of the two of them (generally), and Dim deferred to his greater wisdom in these matters. But even so, he was reminded of an old pirate expression: Pillage, then burn. Burning came last for a good reason.

And if the city was burning, the people needed to hurry themselves up and get out. Picking on kids was always a bad idea, but during a great fire it was just plain stupid.

"Anyone who wants to harm this child has to go through me," Dim declared. He waved the head of the Hammer of Kalmard over the child's head almost like a benediction. "Just go."

Coerce
Using +1 from Hammer of Kalmard
Dim rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((1,6)).
• They agree to do what you demand, or you may harm them.


Some in the crowd approve, some are angry. "We'll remember this, 'Hero!'" some shout, but Dim doesn't see who exactly shouted that sort of stuff. The important thing is that everyone leaves the Old Child alone...

(Most of the refugees seem to accept that messing with the Old Child is off-limits, but some of the collective trust in Dim has gone down a bit. Let's hope that doesn't come back to bite Dim in the metaphorical tail.)
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 7 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 10:45
  • msg #4

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

The GM:
--One of you should do something, or the fire will catch up to the already-panicky crowd (or else they might just stampede-- people could be hurt!
(possible options:
--Use BODY to try to make a new exit from the city intersection you're in
--Use TALK to try to calm the crowd (a separate thing from the old child issue)
--Use TALK to just try to hurry the crowd up
--Use MIND to figure out where you are and what the best route out of the city might be
--Something else)

Mum-Ra-Lud had, meanwhile, climbed up onto a nearby building ... that was not yet on fire ... to figure out where they are and what the best route out of the city might be.
From this high vantage point, he felt he had a clear idea of how to Escape the city.

He called down to “Dim  DIM!”, pointing the way, “Herd them thataway, towards the gold and purple spires, then curve away from the smoke plumes, towards the sun”.

- rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Escape the city.
• You get away.
• You may take a free +1 to save for a future roll


But from that high perch, he’d noticed something else, as well.  Something that he needed to think on a little, to make the most sense of it.

He began scrambling back down, to join the herd of refugees upon their exodus from this place.
The GM
GM, 22 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 16:54
  • msg #5

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
The GM:
--One of you should do something, or the fire will catch up to the already-panicky crowd (or else they might just stampede-- people could be hurt!
(possible options:
--Use BODY to try to make a new exit from the city intersection you're in
--Use TALK to try to calm the crowd (a separate thing from the old child issue)
--Use TALK to just try to hurry the crowd up
--Use MIND to figure out where you are and what the best route out of the city might be
--Something else)

Mum-Ra-Lud had, meanwhile, climbed up onto a nearby building ... that was not yet on fire ... to figure out where they are and what the best route out of the city might be.
From this high vantage point, he felt he had a clear idea of how to Escape the city.

He called down to “Dim  DIM!”, pointing the way, “Herd them thataway, towards the gold and purple spires, then curve away from the smoke plumes, towards the sun”.

- rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Escape the city.
• You get away.
• You may take a free +1 to save for a future roll


But from that high perch, he’d noticed something else, as well.  Something that he needed to think on a little, to make the most sense of it.

He began scrambling back down, to join the herd of refugees upon their exodus from this place.


The new path is both safe and city-guard-free, and the group of refugees hurry along to the edge of the city. Soon, the city walls are in sight.

The structures on either side of the city are, increasingly often, blackened and burned, but the fire has already moved through these areas, and has spread to the south.

"...It appeared that you saw something else from your vantage-point, dealer-of-names," Zula says to Mum-Ra-Lud. "Something that surprised you, I think...? Or did I read your countenance wrongly...?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:54, Sat 22 Aug 2020.
Dim
player, 8 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 17:05
  • msg #6

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

In the absence of anything else that he could think to do, Dim would follow Mum-Ra-Lud's instructions, as he usually did. Mum rarely steered him wrong, and when he did it was generally an accident.

Towards the spires, away from the smoke, towards the sun. Towards the spires, away from the smoke, towards the sun. He repeated this in his head as he followed the directions, lest he get them in the wrong order, or go awry in some other fashion. At least herding the townspeople was relatively easy. Dim was big and strong and loud, and carried a big hammer, so they tended to do what he said.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 8 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 09:43
  • msg #7

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud looked to Zula, as they hurried on.
"Perhaps", he replied, tight-lipped for the moment.  He had no idea who she was, but was impressed with her alertness.  But that was all he intended to say for now.

For now, he just wanted to get out of this forsaken city.
he hurried to join with Dim, leading the herd.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:44, Mon 24 Aug 2020.
The GM
GM, 23 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 14:30
  • msg #8

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud looked to Zula, as they hurried on.
"Perhaps", he replied, tight-lipped for the moment.  He had no idea who she was, but was impressed with her alertness.  But that was all he intended to say for now.

For now, he just wanted to get out of this forsaken city.
he hurried to join with Dim, leading the herd.


Finally, the time came when they reached the city walls... a building had fallen upon the Lesser Western Gate, crushing it... and then the building itself burned, so it was easy to leave the city.

The refugees streamed outward... and then huddled against the exterior of the city wall, to the south of the remains of the gate.

For the captain of the city's guard, the former gladiator Kurrimya, was there, with a dozen of his men. "Word came to me that many of our escaped slaves were fleeing this way-- with those who were witnessed starting the fire at the auction stage," he says. "What do you have to say for yourselves, eh? Breaking the laws of Timinit and causing great damage and the lives of our citizens...?"

It seems clear that Kurrimya is just enjoying some verbal sparring before attacking...

The Old Child speaks up: "What I want to know is: Who am I? Does anyone here know?" She frowns, and looks at Dim. "Also... where did you get that big club?" she asks.
Dim
player, 9 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 16:43
  • msg #9

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"It is the Hammer of Kalmard," Dim explained, although the question was probably not the most pressing item on an otherwise full agenda. "It has been in the family since... well, since Kalmard."

He gestured with it now, aiming it one-handed at the Captain like he was pointing a stick. Kalmard was probably a forgotten legend in Timinit, if he'd ever been a legend there at all. But a warhammer was a massive weapon that took a strong man two hands to wield... and Dim was swinging it around one-handed like its weight was nothing. It would take a very brave man or a very great fool to bar his way.

"And unless you want a taste of it, you will let us pass."
The GM
GM, 24 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 16:46
  • msg #10

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"It is the Hammer of Kalmard," Dim explained, although the question was probably not the most pressing item on an otherwise full agenda. "It has been in the family since... well, since Kalmard."

He gestured with it now, aiming it one-handed at the Captain like he was pointing a stick. Kalmard was probably a forgotten legend in Timinit, if he'd ever been a legend there at all. But a warhammer was a massive weapon that took a strong man two hands to wield... and Dim was swinging it around one-handed like its weight was nothing. It would take a very brave man or a very great fool to bar his way.

"And unless you want a taste of it, you will let us pass."



(Do you wish to roll WORDS for that, or perhaps Coerce...?)

"What... or where... or when... is... or was... Kalmard?" asks The Old Child, tugging on Dim's clothing...
Dim
player, 10 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 16:57
  • msg #11

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"About two centuries ago, give or take," Dim replied, not taking his eyes off of the Captain of the Guard. It was not the time for such conversation, but Dim tended to answer questions when asked.


Rolling to Coerce.
Dim rolled 6 using 2d6 ((2,4)).
Failing to Coerce.

The GM
GM, 25 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 19:18
  • msg #12

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"About two centuries ago, give or take," Dim replied, not taking his eyes off of the Captain of the Guard. It was not the time for such conversation, but Dim tended to answer questions when asked.


Rolling to Coerce.
Dim rolled 6 using 2d6 ((2,4)).
Failing to Coerce.


The Old Child looks thoughtful at Dim's answer, but there is no time for her to reply.

"...I'm bored," Kurrimya announces. "He doesn't even have the manners to stay focused on the threat at hand. Kill the Dealer-in-Names-- quickly," he tells his men. "Then kill anyone else you want-- especially that strange child-- and capture the rest. I'll deal with this fellow..."

Kurrimya runs toward Dim, his large bronze sword drawn...

His men start running toward Mum-Ra-Lud...

The refugees scream and run away in a scattered way, but mostly toward the south and southwest (since Kurrimya and his men are approaching from the northwest). The Old Child draws back between Dim and the wall...
Dim
player, 11 posts
Experience: 1
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 20:31
  • msg #13

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim let the hammer slip lower, giving him a longer lever. The principles of leverage would make little sense to him if explained aloud (and would simply be chicken scratch if written down for him) but he had an instinctive understanding of what a longer grip on the handle of a warhammer was good for. Gripping the very end of the ironwood handle he swung at Kurrimya for all he was worth.

Dim rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((1,6)).
The GM
GM, 26 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 20:50
  • msg #14

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
Dim let the hammer slip lower, giving him a longer lever. The principles of leverage would make little sense to him if explained aloud (and would simply be chicken scratch if written down for him) but he had an instinctive understanding of what a longer grip on the handle of a warhammer was good for. Gripping the very end of the ironwood handle he swung at Kurrimya for all he was worth.

Dim rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((1,6)).


Kurrimya realized, at the last second, that Dim's blow was not only going to be on-target, but that it was going to hurt, badly, if he didn't do something.

Kurrimya throws himself to the ground, as hard and fast as he can.

The hammer swings over him-- barely.

Kurrimya gets up again as quickly as he can, but there is a respect for his opponent in his eyes that is completely new. He realizes now that this is not going to be nearly as easy as he'd thought.

He assumes a defensive stance, waiting to see what Dim will do next. At least Dim's got him playing a defensive game-- but now he's not underestimating Dim anymore, either.

Five of Kurrimya's men realize that they don't want to try to get past Dim, and they hang back.

The other seven, however, have already gone far around Dim, and, not looking back, continue to head straight for Mum-Ra-Lud...
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 9 posts
Tue 25 Aug 2020
at 07:58
  • msg #15

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

The GM:
His men start running toward Mum-Ra-Lud...

The refugees scream and run away in a scattered way, but mostly toward the south and southwest (since Kurrimya and his men are approaching from the northwest). The Old Child draws back between Dim and the wall...

Knowing that there is no way under the sun that he can defend himself against all these armed and trained soldiers, he suddenly was filled with rage.

Stepping forward, thrusting his hands high in the most angry and imperious way he could, Mum-Ra-Lud made effort to look as imposing as he could.  His staff held high, he slammed the butt into the ground before him (between he and the hoard) and screamed,
"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

And in that moment, as the uncertain minions skidded to a halt in the dust, paused by their primal fear at what a NameDealer was said to be able to achieve, Mum-Ra-Lud pushed the social advantage he had.
"HOW DARE YOU DEFY THE LIVING SUN!
Shall but one of you advance another step, the living god of life itself will see that ye shall burn beneath his imperial face, every day hence for the rest of your lives!
"

- rolled 10 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Coerce.
• You remain unharmed in the exchange.
• No other is harmed.


"Leave us.  NOW.   And lay not a hand upon any fleeing this city,
for fear that the very sun above, who grants you life and health,
turns against thee!
"
He wasn't sure if he used enough upper-case ... or too many exclamation marks ...
But time would tell.

The next few combat rounds, in fact.
The GM
GM, 27 posts
Tue 25 Aug 2020
at 14:48
  • msg #16

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
The GM:
His men start running toward Mum-Ra-Lud...

The refugees scream and run away in a scattered way, but mostly toward the south and southwest (since Kurrimya and his men are approaching from the northwest). The Old Child draws back between Dim and the wall...

Knowing that there is no way under the sun that he can defend himself against all these armed and trained soldiers, he suddenly was filled with rage.

Stepping forward, thrusting his hands high in the most angry and imperious way he could, Mum-Ra-Lud made effort to look as imposing as he could.  His staff held high, he slammed the butt into the ground before him (between he and the hoard) and screamed,
"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

And in that moment, as the uncertain minions skidded to a halt in the dust, paused by their primal fear at what a NameDealer was said to be able to achieve, Mum-Ra-Lud pushed the social advantage he had.
"HOW DARE YOU DEFY THE LIVING SUN!
Shall but one of you advance another step, the living god of life itself will see that ye shall burn beneath his imperial face, every day hence for the rest of your lives!
"

- rolled 10 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Coerce.
• You remain unharmed in the exchange.
• No other is harmed.


"Leave us.  NOW.   And lay not a hand upon any fleeing this city,
for fear that the very sun above, who grants you life and health,
turns against thee!
"
He wasn't sure if he used enough upper-case ... or too many exclamation marks ...
But time would tell.

The next few combat rounds, in fact.



Kurrimya's men are VERY intimidated. They pause, standing there, not sure what to do next... But they're not quite so intimidated that they leave, either...

...Finally, they just turn to wait and see what will happen in the fight with their chief and Dim...
Dim
player, 13 posts
Experience: 1
Tue 25 Aug 2020
at 17:23
  • msg #17

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"You should be helping us!" Dim insisted, though he expected Kurrimya wasn't really listening. There was probably a better way to say it, too, but Dim wasn't good with words. Now the only question that remained was whether he was better with his hammer than Kurrimya was with his sword.

Sighing, he stepped towards Kurrimya and swung his hammer.

"I'm sorry, but I have to smush you now."

Dim rolled 7 using 2d6+1 ((1,5)).

--Test Yourself
• You are witnessed! You may take a free +1 to save for a future roll, and take followers from among the witnesses!


Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 10 posts
Tue 25 Aug 2020
at 23:58
  • msg #18

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

As Dim 'dealt with' the Kurrimya, and the gathered guards turned to watch the spectacle play out, Mum-Ra-Lud turned his attention to the refugees who were screaming and run away, mostly toward the south and southwest.

He called to them, "Stand, friends, and have faith in the Living Sun.
For he shall shine a light upon thy path, and lead you to salvation
" ... hoping to re-rally them, and provide the organisation and leadership to keep them coherent as a group.


Using Talk to Offer what they desire:
using '• You may take a free +1 to save for a future roll' from earlier post: as they have already seen that Mum-Ra-Lud can 'find the way to safety'.
- rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,6.  Talk +1.
• They give you what you ask.
• The agreement they have made with you will endure.



And as he did so, hoping that the refugees would trust in him, Mum-Ra-Lud offered his hand to the Old Child, who'd drawn back near the wall ...
"Come, we shall retreat to a safer location"

As they did so, he glanced back, and hoped that Dim could handle this man, and take control of the situation.
Perhaps, just perhaps, some of those soldiers might choose to join Dim and Mum-Ra-Lud ... providing a further modicum of protection for the fleeing refugees.
in the hope that 'take followers from among the witnesses' and Mum-Ra-Lud's own impressive speech may culminate in further allies.
The GM
GM, 28 posts
Wed 26 Aug 2020
at 19:28
  • msg #19

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"You should be helping us!" Dim insisted, though he expected Kurrimya wasn't really listening. There was probably a better way to say it, too, but Dim wasn't good with words. Now the only question that remained was whether he was better with his hammer than Kurrimya was with his sword.

Sighing, he stepped towards Kurrimya and swung his hammer.

"I'm sorry, but I have to smush you now."

Dim rolled 7 using 2d6+1 ((1,5)).

--Test Yourself
• You are witnessed! You may take a free +1 to save for a future roll, and take followers from among the witnesses!




The ensuing battle between Kurrimya and Dim is powerful-- artistic, even. Two masters of their given weapons, masters of the movements of their mighty bodies.

Dim, the unstoppable force.

Kurrimya, the unstrikable object.

Dim does not hit Kurrimya -- though he destroys a few nearby rocks and obliterates two sections of city wall.

And hard as Kurrimya strives, he cannot strike Dim-- he is forced to play a defensive game.

Until--

Kurrimya finally sees an opening, suddenly, and strikes.

(Dim takes a wound-- and it's more than just a flesh wound (although it's less than having a body part severed). Describe it, Dim.)

Kurrimya stops. "There was no shame in this battle," he says. "You have my respect. You are greater than I supposed. But you have lost, and I shall-- eh?"

In his concentration on the battle, Kurrimya (and his 12 men) did not notice that Mum-Ra-Lud has led the others to safety elsewhere.

"Hmph. You have lost one battle, but the Dealer-In-Names has subtly won another, made possible by your prowess. Impressive. You will have to do." Kurrimya gestures to his men. "Take him."

...But...

They do not move. All, to some degree or another, are in awe of Dim now.

Dim senses that their loyalty to Kurrimya is wavering-- that he might easily take one of them as a follower, now, if he wished-- possibly even more than one...




(Mum-Ra-Lud, describe the place of safety to which you lead the refugees, out of sight of Kurrimya and his 12 men.)
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 11 posts
Thu 27 Aug 2020
at 12:25
  • msg #20

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lur had led the refugee herd down along the south wall, then into a deep gully that once had filtered waters away from the city foundations.   It was wide, and sloped, providing cover from observation and missile fire from the city ... but would allow anyone on the ridges above easy opportunities of attack.

He hurried the unwashed masses as quickly as he could, attempting to put as much distance between themselves and the city as possible.
Dim
player, 14 posts
Experience: 1
Thu 27 Aug 2020
at 13:40
  • msg #21

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

The stab wound to the thigh had been a cheap shot, but effective. Dim went to one knee, and the fight was over. He'd lost. Sure, he could probably get back up and keep swinging, but his balance would be shot to hell. And he was losing blood. Kurrimya had the advantage now.

And he saw that, too. He started giving orders again, also declaring himself the victor... but his men were not so impressed. They stood fast, although some of them looked a bit uneasy about it. Others looked more resolute in their sudden inaction.

Dim used the warhammer like a crutch and drew himself back up to his feet. His knee buckled a bit, but he did not collapse.

"A cloth...?" he asked a couple of Kurrimya's men, and one surprisingly obliged. Dim tied it around his thigh, noting that two inches to one side would have made this a swiftly fatal wound. "Thanks."

He began to bind his wound.

"It looks like I won after all," Dim said to Kurrimya, not looking up from his work. There was no ego to the statement; it was just an observation. "...right?"
The GM
GM, 29 posts
Thu 27 Aug 2020
at 15:24
  • msg #22

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
The stab wound to the thigh had been a cheap shot, but effective. Dim went to one knee, and the fight was over. He'd lost. Sure, he could probably get back up and keep swinging, but his balance would be shot to hell. And he was losing blood. Kurrimya had the advantage now.

And he saw that, too. He started giving orders again, also declaring himself the victor... but his men were not so impressed. They stood fast, although some of them looked a bit uneasy about it. Others looked more resolute in their sudden inaction.

Dim used the warhammer like a crutch and drew himself back up to his feet. His knee buckled a bit, but he did not collapse.

"A cloth...?" he asked a couple of Kurrimya's men, and one surprisingly obliged. Dim tied it around his thigh, noting that two inches to one side would have made this a swiftly fatal wound. "Thanks."

He began to bind his wound.

"It looks like I won after all," Dim said to Kurrimya, not looking up from his work. There was no ego to the statement; it was just an observation. "...right?"


Kurrimya's face darkens a bit... he's getting angry, but he also recognizes that these are dangerous waters-- that the battle has changed to being one of personalities rather than of words. "I said, take him. Take him back into the city... or must I do it myself...?"

The men look at one another. "...I will take him into the city, Kurrimya..." says one man with a well-groomed beard... but the unspoken part of his message is clear: ...but I am only one man, and I cannot take such a mighty prisoner alone and guarantee his capture, wounded or not. And if I am the only man willing to help do so, it is only barely different from Kurrimya acting alone after all.

The other men are uneasy. They clearly wish they didn't have to pick a side, or in some cases, clearly wish they wouldn't have to face Kurrimya's potential wrath for choosing Dim's side.

The pause lasts too long. "...I see," says Kurrimya. "I will remember this. ...For now, then, Limzu and I shall escort the prisoner back to whatever may be left of the prison." He looks around him. "...Or do some of you propose to stop us?"

(Now might be a good time for Dim to attempt to say or do something useful, perhaps attempting to claim one or two of the men as followers of his own...?)




The deep gully definitely seems like a good safe place.

"Will you go back to try to help your friend?" Zula asks Mum-Ra-Lud. "I might attempt to look after the Old Child, if you go... or I could come with you, if you take her too, and I could watch over the Old Child..."

"Yes, what will you do?" the Old Child asks Mum-Ra-Lud. "Will you wait here, or go back? And also: do you know who I am?"
Dim
player, 15 posts
Experience: 1
Thu 27 Aug 2020
at 16:18
  • msg #23

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"That's a good question," Dim agreed enthusiastically. He really didn't know how to inspire followers, never really having had any before now. "Do any of you want to stop him? I'd consider it a great personal favor."

There. Using the word 'favor' like that was clever, right? Because he'd look upon his followers with favor?

"I'm sorry, but I really have to go now. I have important stuff to do now. Who here wants to help me?"

This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Thu 27 Aug 2020.
The GM
GM, 31 posts
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 14:24
  • msg #24

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"That's a good question," Dim agreed enthusiastically. He really didn't know how to inspire followers, never really having had any before now. "Do any of you want to stop him? I'd consider it a great personal favor."

There. Using the word 'favor' like that was clever, right? Because he'd look upon his followers with favor?

"I'm sorry, but I really have to go now. I have important stuff to do now. Who here wants to help me?"


A man steps up to Dim. "Great one, I am Unakla," he says. "If you teach me of your ways, I will follow you and give my life." He addresses the others. "Stay back," he tells them. "Approach this man, and a death will occur-- and it will not be his."

(Dim, you have gained a follower, Unakla. Describe Unakla-- Stout? Thin and wiry? Huge? Shortish? How is he armed? Or is he some kind of bare-hands, no-weapons fighter?)

The other man draw back a step from Unakla and Dim. It's clear that at least one other is very tempted to join Unakla, if it weren't for Kurrimya standing right there...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:25, Fri 28 Aug 2020.
Dim
player, 18 posts
Experience: 1
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 14:48
  • msg #25

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"Unakla," Dim said, mostly to help himself remember the name for more than the next few minutes, "I thank you."

He regarded the man, who stood more than a head shorter than Dim. He was narrower of frame as well, with whipcord muscles in both arms and legs. Many a foe had probably been surprised by his strength or speed over the years, but maybe not surprised for very long. Unakla was armed with a pair of thin, wicked-looking knives, one on each side of his belt.

He and Dim were built very differently, but both had spent their lives being underestimated by others. Perhaps this was the reason Unakla had felt a kinship with Dim?

Dim turned to Kurrimya one last time.

"Maybe you should leave," he suggested. It might anger the man, but there was no way of knowing, and Dim really did have more important things to do than continue fighting. The best thing he could think of for the moment would be if Kurrimya found something else important for himself as well... like helping the people escape a city on fire. "Go... help someone."
The GM
GM, 35 posts
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 16:53
  • msg #26

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"Unakla," Dim said, mostly to help himself remember the name for more than the next few minutes, "I thank you."

He regarded the man, who stood more than a head shorter than Dim. He was narrower of frame as well, with whipcord muscles in both arms and legs. Many a foe had probably been surprised by his strength or speed over the years, but maybe not surprised for very long. Unakla was armed with a pair of thin, wicked-looking knives, one on each side of his belt.

He and Dim were built very differently, but both had spent their lives being underestimated by others. Perhaps this was the reason Unakla had felt a kinship with Dim?

Dim turned to Kurrimya one last time.

"Maybe you should leave," he suggested. It might anger the man, but there was no way of knowing, and Dim really did have more important things to do than continue fighting. The best thing he could think of for the moment would be if Kurrimya found something else important for himself as well... like helping the people escape a city on fire. "Go... help someone."


"Indeed!" says Unakla to Kurrimya. "What is it you think you are doing by trying to arrest this man? Your job? Ever since you ceased to be a gladiator, when has your job ever been anything but what you felt like doing? Do you suddenly serve the leaders of Timinit after all? Those dogs? The city itself is not worthy of you, let alone them! Has Timinit corrupted you, Kurrimya, that you no longer know your own heart?"

Kurrimya blinks... thinks... Looks to his left, at the burning city...

He seems suddenly bored by the entire situation. Bored... and disgusted, perhaps? "Perhaps..." he says... "...Perhaps I should go back into the city before it is too late... Find the city leaders... make sure that they have perished in the fire. Perhaps what the city of Timinit needs is new leadership."

He looks back at Dim. "If I ever see you again, we shall battle once more... It will go much worse for you next time. The same goes for you, Unakla. The rest of you..." Kurrimya seems suddenly weary. "Do your jobs, securing peace in the city, or leave it. If you leave, don't come back."

He enters the burning city again.

Six of the men follow him.

Four wander off-- west, northwest, north.

One other remains. "Warrior, I am called Matkal. I am not so ready as Unakla to follow you... But I, too, would know more of your ways, so I shall observe what happens next... What will you do now?"
Dim
player, 22 posts
Experience: 1
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 17:09
  • msg #27

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Next? That was a good question.

"I travel with a man called Mum-Ra-Lud. He has been helping the refugees make it to safety. I must rejoin them, and make sure they stay safe."

Among the refugees were any number of escaped slaves. They would need protection from Timinit forces, perhaps, as well as guarding along whatever road they would come to travel. Slaves often didn't know how to fend entirely for themselves, because they'd never been in a position to do so. So they would need someone watching over them while they found a new place to settle as free men and women.

How much of this did Dim understand? Well, not much. But he knew that the slaves had no weapons and no skills at using them. He knew there might be pursuit from Timinit, or slave-hunters along the road.

"Some people have called me a Hero. I don't know that I am, but I know that a strong man should protect the weak."
The GM
GM, 36 posts
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 18:39
  • msg #28

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
Next? That was a good question.

"I travel with a man called Mum-Ra-Lud. He has been helping the refugees make it to safety. I must rejoin them, and make sure they stay safe."

Among the refugees were any number of escaped slaves. They would need protection from Timinit forces, perhaps, as well as guarding along whatever road they would come to travel. Slaves often didn't know how to fend entirely for themselves, because they'd never been in a position to do so. So they would need someone watching over them while they found a new place to settle as free men and women.

How much of this did Dim understand? Well, not much. But he knew that the slaves had no weapons and no skills at using them. He knew there might be pursuit from Timinit, or slave-hunters along the road.

"Some people have called me a Hero. I don't know that I am, but I know that a strong man should protect the weak."


Matkal and Unakla are both impressed by Dim's words. "'A strong man should protect the weak...' Truly, Timinit did not deserve leadership such as you," says Unakla.

"It did not deserve the leaders it had, either," says Matkal. "...Time shall reveal see what Kurrimya might make of it..." Matkal adds with vague concern, looking over at the burning city...

"I think they headed this way..." says Unakla, studying the ground. "Come, Matkal, let us see if we can track them..."

The two men took turns-- one aiding Dim in walking, one tracking the refugees... then they would switch.

Soon, word reached Mum-Ra-Lud that Dim was coming, with two other men...
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 12 posts
Sun 30 Aug 2020
at 07:54
  • msg #29

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud looked around, and spotted a small, safe-ish corral in the stonewalled canyon not far away.

Take the people over there,” he asked Zula, and guided the Old-child’s hand into hers, “I’ll return soon with Dim”.

EVERYONE FOLLOW ZULA”, he called.
And once he felt that direction was being followed, he turned his feet and attention back towards where he intended to cross paths with Dim.


Once in sight, he validated the trio, and was comfortable that he could approach.
Dim, what happened?  Are you ok?
Dim
player, 23 posts
Experience: 1
Sun 30 Aug 2020
at 16:14
  • msg #30

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"I have a big hole in my leg that needs a healer," Dim replied, gesturing to the bandage, which was now suffused with blood. The wound was still bleeding, probably because he was still walking around with it. He gestured to the two city guards... or was that former guards? "These are Matkal and Unakla.They have agreed to follow me and help us with the refugees.

"Isn't that great?"

Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 14 posts
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 20:54
  • msg #31

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

It truly is.  Come, down here we are”, and led the way back to the gathered refugees.
Zula
NPC, 0 posts
Fri 4 Sep 2020
at 19:25
  • msg #32

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
It truly is.  Come, down here we are”, and led the way back to the gathered refugees.


Mum-Ra-Lud guides Dim and his two-man entourage (one dedicated, the other just along for the ride) down to the gully where the others are.

"Ah! You're hurt!" exclaims Zula. She hurries to get a closer look at Dim's wound. "Mmm, that's not good... that should be cleaned... and it could use an herb poultice... But I don't have the herbs we'd need..." She looks up at Dim and Mum-Ra-Lud. "What are you going to do with all these people you've saved? Lead them to the next city...? Leave them to their fate...?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:25, Fri 04 Sept 2020.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 15 posts
Fri 4 Sep 2020
at 20:47
  • msg #33

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud turned to Zula: “The Almighty God, the Living Sun, has told me that we must release the slaves and other refugees of Timinit, and bring them into the lands beyond.
I trust that once we have fled this region, He will show us the way.

Have faith, Zula, the Sun will light our path.

Now, if you say you can do something healful for Dim’s leg, tell me what herbs you need, and I will see about procuring them
”.
Zula
NPC, 1 post
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 14:20
  • msg #34

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud turned to Zula: “The Almighty God, the Living Sun, has told me that we must release the slaves and other refugees of Timinit, and bring them into the lands beyond.
I trust that once we have fled this region, He will show us the way.

Have faith, Zula, the Sun will light our path.

Now, if you say you can do something healful for Dim’s leg, tell me what herbs you need, and I will see about procuring them
”.


"Mm. I could really use a few leaves from a wild date palm tree, and a fresh fig... although a pomegranate might be even better... And some flower petals from a blooming spiny broom plant..."

So. A few leaves, a few flower petals, and a fresh fig, or better yet pomegranate... How hard could that be?
Dim
player, 25 posts
Experience: 1
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 15:58
  • msg #35

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"The oasis to the south should have date palm leaves," Dim said, briefly pointing north, then realigning himself south. "Maybe some of the refugees have figs or pomegranates. But I don't know what a brooming spiky boom plant is."
Zula
NPC, 2 posts
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 17:21
  • msg #36

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"The oasis to the south should have date palm leaves," Dim said, briefly pointing north, then realigning himself south. "Maybe some of the refugees have figs or pomegranates. But I don't know what a brooming spiky boom plant is."


"I doubt that," said Zula, "but you're right about the oasis, and maybe we'll be lucky enough to cross paths with a caravan? I'll point out any blooming spiny broom plants if I see any along the way... Shall we go...?"
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 16 posts
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 08:37
  • msg #37

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud nodded to Zula, "Then let us do that.  We'll head for the oasis, keep our eyes open for anything we can forage or scavenge along the way to benefit Dim's wound.

If we can cross-path with a caravan along the way, safely, then all the better
".

And offering his hand to the Old Child, Mum-Ra-Lud prepared to lead the refugee entourage onward, again.
Dim
player, 26 posts
Experience: 1
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 14:06
  • msg #38

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Using his warhammer like a crutch, Dim started down the road. His leg hurt, but not too bad... yet. It was likely to get worse, though, before it got better.
The GM
GM, 40 posts
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 14:35
  • msg #39

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
Using his warhammer like a crutch, Dim started down the road. His leg hurt, but not too bad... yet. It was likely to get worse, though, before it got better.



(One of you (okay, prrrrrobably Mum-Ra-Lud) roll MIND, please...)
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 17 posts
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 05:35
  • msg #40

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

- rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,2.  MiIND roll, as requested.
The Old Child
NPC, 0 posts
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 17:12
  • msg #41

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
- rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,2.  MiIND roll, as requested.


(Mum-Ra-Lud gets 1 new xp.)

The group walks, and walks, and walks through the desert.

Hours pass.

The people are tired and hungry, and they complain, but they are free from slavery, so they don't complain too loudly. After all, they are free to leave the group, if they like... but where else can they go?

Dim and Mum-Ra-Lud and Zula and the two former city guards keep watching for palm trees or fig trees or spiky plants that suggest brooms, but see none.

The Old Child keeps looking back over its shoulder.

A couple of hours from sundown, she pulls at Mum-Ra-Lud's clothing. "...There are too many people," says The Old Child. "We have one more than we started out with. One who wasn't here an hour or two ago."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:12, Wed 09 Sept 2020.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 18 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 22:58
  • msg #42

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud turned then, to take a look at the crowd behind them.
His (hopefully) keen eyes seeking out the newcomer among within the mass.

- rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,5.  Mind roll, to spot the 'intruder' ... if a roll is called for
The GM
GM, 45 posts
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 14:23
  • msg #43

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud turned then, to take a look at the crowd behind them.
His (hopefully) keen eyes seeking out the newcomer among within the mass.

- rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,5.  Mind roll, to spot the 'intruder' ... if a roll is called for


Mum-Ra-Lud suspects it is the woman at the back, who wears a long, dress whose hem touches the ground. The dress was once a lighter color, but is now a mottled gray-brown. She moves slowly, which is how she came to be at the back.

Her eyes catch Mum-Ra-Lud's. Her expression makes clear that she doesn't like being looked at.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 19 posts
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 05:47
  • msg #44

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Too bad, because Mum-Ra-Lud was holding her eye ... until she turned away.
Then, to the Old Child he asked, "Do you think her a threat?"

But reason suggested that she was just another refugee who'd fled Timinit, and joined in the exodus.  And if that were the case, Mum-Ru-Lud had no issue with her.
The Old Child
NPC, 1 post
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 09:16
  • msg #45

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Too bad, because Mum-Ra-Lud was holding her eye ... until she turned away.
Then, to the Old Child he asked, "Do you think her a threat?"

But reason suggested that she was just another refugee who'd fled Timinit, and joined in the exodus.  And if that were the case, Mum-Ru-Lud had no issue with her.


"...You mean you don't?" asked The Old Child with something like mild surprise. She shakes her head, and covers her face with her palm... These gestures appear to signify that she finds Mum-Ra-Lud quite naive.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 20 posts
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 05:07
  • msg #46

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

No.  He didn't; after all, there were a lot of people fleeing the burning, corrupt city ... and he wasn't surprised that a lone woman would quietly ingratiate herself into a large, fleeing group.

But the Old Child's concern preyed on Mum-Ra-Lud's mind ... and so he did keep an eye on the woman in question, just in case.


Unless there was any signs of trouble, however, from her or otherwise, Mum-Ra-Lud simply made it his mission to get the refugee collective as far from Timinit as possible ... and towards the lands beyond.
But he did get Zula's attention as soon as he could, and passed on the Old Child's concerns about the newcomer, asking her to also keep watch, and to tell Dim as soon as possible.
Zula
NPC, 3 posts
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 14:20
  • msg #47

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
No.  He didn't; after all, there were a lot of people fleeing the burning, corrupt city ... and he wasn't surprised that a lone woman would quietly ingratiate herself into a large, fleeing group.

But the Old Child's concern preyed on Mum-Ra-Lud's mind ... and so he did keep an eye on the woman in question, just in case.


Unless there was any signs of trouble, however, from her or otherwise, Mum-Ra-Lud simply made it his mission to get the refugee collective as far from Timinit as possible ... and towards the lands beyond.
But he did get Zula's attention as soon as he could, and passed on the Old Child's concerns about the newcomer, asking her to also keep watch, and to tell Dim as soon as possible.


"What?!" Zula hissed when she was told.* "No, no, that's definitely bad. How could someone just wander up and join the group without us noticing-- we who are already paying attention to every rock and tree and bush and gully-- not that there are a lot of trees and bushes out here? No, this is terrible. It sounds like either a very dangerous person, or some sort of..." She gives Mum-Ra-Lud a look and a gesture to denote something really not good and probably kind of creepy. "What are you going to do about it?" Zula asks.

The Old Child looks smug, clearly feeling like at least someone is taking her seriously.




(*In the language of prehistory, it's a lot easier to hiss the word "what")
Dim
player, 31 posts
Experience: 1
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 16:23
  • msg #48

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim wasn't one to beat around the bush. Last time he'd tried that, it turned out it was the wrong bush, anyway. So he just slowed his already slow pace and dropped back to the end of the crowd. Matkal and Unakla attempted to follow, but Dim stayed their backward progress with an outstretched hand.

"Help the people here," he advised. "I just want to talk to the strange lady."

With them in agreement, Dim simply stood still and let the end of the convoy catch up with him. When it had done so, he simply fell into step besides the woman in question.

"Hello," he said. He tried several additional statements out in his head, rejected them all, and just kept to the one-word greeting after all.
The Woman
NPC, 1 post
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 17:19
  • msg #49

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
With them in agreement, Dim simply stood still and let the end of the convoy catch up with him. When it had done so, he simply fell into step besides the woman in question.

"Hello," he said. He tried several additional statements out in his head, rejected them all, and just kept to the one-word greeting after all.


The woman does not seem to be happy about being spoken to. "Greetings, warrior," she says tersely. Her vibe says leave me alone.
Dim
player, 32 posts
Experience: 1
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 17:52
  • msg #50

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"Nice day for a walk," Dim said, lacking anything better to act as a conversational inroad. "Don't you think?"

Don't you think was a question that people asked Dim a lot, but he knew that it had two very different meanings. This was the nicer one.

"I'm Dim. What's your name?"
Kalriya
NPC, 2 posts
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 18:54
  • msg #51

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"Nice day for a walk," Dim said, lacking anything better to act as a conversational inroad. "Don't you think?"

Don't you think was a question that people asked Dim a lot, but he knew that it had two very different meanings. This was the nicer one.

"I'm Dim. What's your name?"


"...Kalriya," said the woman.
Dim
player, 33 posts
Experience: 1
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 20:13
  • msg #52

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Kalriya:
Dim:
"I'm Dim. What's your name?"


"...Kalriya," said the woman.


"That's a pretty name," Dim said. He wasn't hitting on the woman, just commenting honestly. "You're not from Timinit, are you? I thought I saw everyone while we were running out, but I don't recognize you."

He winced as his foot hit a rock, jarring his wounded thigh. He probably could have avoided it if he wasn't splitting his attention between the road and the woman.

"Where do you come from?"
Kalriya
NPC, 3 posts
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 20:35
  • msg #53

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
Kalriya:
Dim:
"I'm Dim. What's your name?"


"...Kalriya," said the woman.


"That's a pretty name," Dim said. He wasn't hitting on the woman, just commenting honestly. "You're not from Timinit, are you? I thought I saw everyone while we were running out, but I don't recognize you."

He winced as his foot hit a rock, jarring his wounded thigh. He probably could have avoided it if he wasn't splitting his attention between the road and the woman.

"Where do you come from?"


"I am not from Timinit... though I have been there before. I am... from the people of the river Enrasar. It is... far to the southeast from here." She speaks these words as if they mean and so now it is time for you to stop talking to me and to leave me alone.
Dim
player, 34 posts
Experience: 1
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 20:51
  • msg #54

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

If properly applied, Dim was capable of recognizing a hint for what it was. The woman's tone being something akin to a blow from his warhammer, this particular hint made it through his skull intact.

"I'll just leave you be," Dim said, increasing his pace to put some distance between himself and Kalriya. But the extra speed jostled his leg painfully, and with a gasp he slipped back again to fall into step nearby.

"Can't go any faster," he explained. "But we don't have to talk. If you don't want to talk, then we don't talk. No talking."

He walked alongside the woman for several paces without saying a word. Then he began to whistle a tune.
Kalriya
NPC, 4 posts
Tue 15 Sep 2020
at 01:56
  • msg #55

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
If properly applied, Dim was capable of recognizing a hint for what it was. The woman's tone being something akin to a blow from his warhammer, this particular hint made it through his skull intact.

"I'll just leave you be," Dim said, increasing his pace to put some distance between himself and Kalriya. But the extra speed jostled his leg painfully, and with a gasp he slipped back again to fall into step nearby.

"Can't go any faster," he explained. "But we don't have to talk. If you don't want to talk, then we don't talk. No talking."

He walked alongside the woman for several paces without saying a word. Then he began to whistle a tune.


Kalriya seems annoyed... but she seems to tolerate this easier than being talked to.

On the other hand, she's slowing down, very gradually... she seems to have a little trouble walking...
Dim
player, 35 posts
Experience: 1
Fri 18 Sep 2020
at 14:28
  • msg #56

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"Are you okay?" Dim asked. He was having trouble walking, and was still managing to outpace this woman. "Are you hurt?"
Kalriya
NPC, 5 posts
Fri 18 Sep 2020
at 14:37
  • msg #57

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"Are you okay?" Dim asked. He was having trouble walking, and was still managing to outpace this woman. "Are you hurt?"


"No," Kalriya says, meaning stop asking me things. "I am not hurt. I am simply not used to long walks in the desert... I am accustomed to wealth and luxury, which includes travelling in a palanquin."
Dim
player, 36 posts
Experience: 1
Fri 18 Sep 2020
at 17:29
  • msg #58

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"Ah. Your feet hurt." Dim looked at the woman's feet which were probably dainty and dressed in shoes that were not at all suited for walking long distances. "Sorry.

"I'll go back to shutting up. I said I'd shut up, but I didn't, so I'll shut up now. I'm really very good at shutting up. People always tell me, 'Dim, shut up,' so I've gotten a lot of practice. Now when I need to shut up, I shut up real good. No more talking from me."

This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Fri 18 Sept 2020.
The GM
GM, 48 posts
Fri 18 Sep 2020
at 17:59
  • msg #59

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
"Ah. Your feet hurt." Dim looked at the woman's feet which were probably dainty and dressed in shoes that were not at all suited for walking long distances. "Sorry.

"I'll go back to shutting up. I said I'd shut up, but I didn't, so I'll shut up now. I'm really very good at shutting up. People always tell me, 'Dim, shut up,' so I've gotten a lot of practice. Now when I need to shut up, I shut up real good. No more talking from me."


Kalriya makes a long-suffering face, like one might if one:
--lived in the desert
--hated the sound of the howling wind
--experienced a momentary cessation of the howling wind, bringing brief solace
--knew that it might start back up at any time

...but she says nothing more for the moment.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 21 posts
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 06:57
  • msg #60

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Ahead, leading the exodus, Mum-Ra-Lud glanced back occasionally, keeping an eye on Dim and the others.
Dim
player, 39 posts
Experience: 1
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 16:42
  • msg #61

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

They walked in silence for a mile or so, and then Dim asked, "So what is it like in Enrasar?"

He could shut up... but staying that way was possibly beyond his abilities.
Kalriya
NPC, 6 posts
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 17:38
  • msg #62

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim:
They walked in silence for a mile or so, and then Dim asked, "So what is it like in Enrasar?"

He could shut up... but staying that way was possibly beyond his abilities.


Kalriya is not pleased at the renewal of conversation. "Hot," she says.
The GM
GM, 51 posts
Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 14:42
  • msg #63

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT


Just before sundown, the group comes to an oasis.

It's just four palm trees growing around a large pond (less than 150 feet across), but the water is clear and seems safe.

There are signs that at least one caravan has camped here in the last three days, but no one else is here right now.

The paths leading to and from the oasis lead north (the way the group has just come), west-by-southwest, and east-by-southeast.

Everyone in the group is very relieved to have fresh water to drink. There's no food visible anywhere, but at least one can cross specifically dying of thirst off of the threat list for now.

Maybe a caravan will come here soon...?
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 24 posts
Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 20:22
  • msg #64

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud went about organising the entourage  for the night ... for what that was worth (maybe folks needed to be organised into orderly bathing such, I dunno.  He's just trying to be a good leader).

When everything settled for the evening, he intended to get the best night sleep he could, as he wanted to be up predawn to greet the rising Sun, and commune with it.
The GM
GM, 52 posts
Thu 15 Oct 2020
at 14:26
  • msg #65

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud went about organising the entourage  for the night ... for what that was worth (maybe folks needed to be organised into orderly bathing such, I dunno.  He's just trying to be a good leader).

When everything settled for the evening, he intended to get the best night sleep he could, as he wanted to be up predawn to greet the rising Sun, and commune with it.


(Each of you roll Insightful, please...)
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 25 posts
Thu 15 Oct 2020
at 19:31
  • msg #66

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

- rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,5.  Mind/Insightful.
Dim
player, 42 posts
Experience: 1
Thu 15 Oct 2020
at 19:34
  • msg #67

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim rolled 6 using 2d6-1 ((5,2)).
The GM
GM, 54 posts
Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 17:15
  • msg #68

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT


(Dim gains 1 xp, but takes -1 forward on his next roll (-2 if it involves waking up suddenly. He's out like a light and sleeping like a rock and other cliches).)

Mum-Ra-Lud hears someone... moaning... Not often... just now and then... Something about it gradually stirs him to wakefulness...
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 26 posts
Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 23:45
  • msg #69

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud was woken by this subtle, but recurring and irritating sound.
And so, in the dark of the night, rose, and gently made his way towards its source, following his ears mostly.
He had to wonder what was going on.
The GM
GM, 55 posts
Sat 17 Oct 2020
at 18:51
  • msg #70

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud was woken by this subtle, but recurring and irritating sound.
And so, in the dark of the night, rose, and gently made his way towards its source, following his ears mostly.
He had to wonder what was going on.


Everyone but Mum-Ra-Lud is lying down.

Everyone but one other person: not far away, a woman is kneeling, bent over a man, like she's maybe whispering something to him?

He seems to have been the one moaning-- but he's gotten much quieter, has hardly made any more noise at all since Mum-Ra-Lud got up.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 27 posts
Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 05:29
  • msg #71

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud, still, will approach quietly.
He wanted to better understand what was going on there, and what was being said.
The GM
GM, 56 posts
Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 17:56
  • msg #72

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud, still, will approach quietly.
He wanted to better understand what was going on there, and what was being said.


(Hmmm. Mum-Ra-Lud, roll BODY for stealth.)
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 28 posts
Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 20:19
  • msg #73

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

- rolled 7 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 4,4.
Kalriya
NPC, 7 posts
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 14:44
  • msg #74

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
- rolled 7 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 4,4.


Mum-Ra-Lud gets close enough to observe that Kalriya seems to have her nose and mouth right in front of the nose and mouth of-- oh, it's Unakla, Dim's new follower. Is she just... smelling his breath? Is she whispering something? Both?

It's hard to say. He certainly can't hear any words she's whispering, if indeed that's what she's doing...

Because as he tries to inch closer, she apparently hears a footfall on the sand, and she looks up suddenly, straight at Mum-Ra-Lud.

Her expression speaks of surprise, fear, and anger-- or is it more like surprise and anger/frustration...?
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 29 posts
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 21:01
  • msg #75

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

In fact, Mum-Ra-Lud was confused.  But confusion gave way to his own frustration and suspicion, as Kalriya looked up at him.
"What in the name of The Living Sun are you doing?" he demanded, feeling pretty sure that he was seeing something unnatural and wrong happening before his eyes.
"WHAT are you doing to that man?", as he now strode towards the two.

I am suspecting an impending 'Talk' roll, so:
- rolled 9 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,6.  Talk

Kalriya
NPC, 9 posts
Sat 24 Oct 2020
at 16:06
  • msg #77

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
In fact, Mum-Ra-Lud was confused.  But confusion gave way to his own frustration and suspicion, as Kalriya looked up at him.
"What in the name of The Living Sun are you doing?" he demanded, feeling pretty sure that he was seeing something unnatural and wrong happening before his eyes.
"WHAT are you doing to that man?", as he now strode towards the two.

I am suspecting an impending 'Talk' roll, so:
- rolled 9 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,6.  Talk


Kalriya sits up suddenly (though she doesn't actually get up). "I-- I-- ...I'm in love with him," she says quietly. "It's the... custom of my people to whisper sweet things to one who is loved from afar, to attract their attention during the day. Is... is he not handsome...?"

Unakla stays asleep (and no one else quite wakes up yet, although Mum-Ra-Lud could start waking them up if he gets louder)... but Unakla's sleep seems much more peaceful now...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Wed 28 Oct 2020.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 30 posts
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 09:19
  • msg #78

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

no, Mum-Ra-Lud didn't buy it.
Not only would Unakla have reacted to her presence earlier ... it just sound suspect.

He shook his head, "As a priest of the Living Sun, I know that creatures of the darkness exist to feed upon man when the Holy One cannot protect them", he said ... his voice raising by the moment, "Explain yourself in truth, woman ... if that be what thou art" he almost yelled, stepping forward further to better see Unakla, and to protect the man if need be.
Kalriya
NPC, 10 posts
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 16:04
  • msg #79

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
no, Mum-Ra-Lud didn't buy it.
Not only would Unakla have reacted to her presence earlier ... it just sound suspect.

He shook his head, "As a priest of the Living Sun, I know that creatures of the darkness exist to feed upon man when the Holy One cannot protect them", he said ... his voice raising by the moment, "Explain yourself in truth, woman ... if that be what thou art" he almost yelled, stepping forward further to better see Unakla, and to protect the man if need be.


"All right, fine!" She stands up very straight, and--

--oops--

--and spreads feathered wings that come out of her back.

Her feet are like the feet of a hawk or eagle-- no wonder she was careful walking, making sure her long dress hid them.

She flaps, rising about five feet above the ground. "Fine! Have it your way! I'm a shedim, a creature of the air! So I was stealing his breath! It's how I live! He wasn't going to die from it! No one would have to die! Not with all these people to take from! But you had to spoil it! What are you going to do about it, dealer-in-names? Try to cast me out? You think you're my equal? You can't even find what you're looking for to heal your friend! You're stranded out in the desert! You think it's safe out here? You don't know what you're doing!"

Everyone starts waking up (fast, but some faster than others...)
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 31 posts
Thu 29 Oct 2020
at 23:08
  • msg #80

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud watched in shocked awe as the scene unfolded before him.

And as his people awoke, and as the demon challenged him, Mum-Ra-Lud felt himself rising to her threats ... the anger and tension growing within him.

But then, as though the light shone within his thoughts, he realised that this was not the path, not the way.
Perhaps The Living Sun, even in the night now, was guiding his way.
Mum-Ra-Lud knew that this was not who he was; not who he wanted to be.


Slamming his staff-end into the ground, he pulled himself to his full height, and called then to the woman-thing in the sky.
He spoke clearly, so those around them waking could hear,
"The Join Us.
We are all starving here.  But if you pray upon us, then you mark yourself as our enemy.

Join us, and I for one will share my breath with you.  Maybe, in time, you will earn the trust of others, and they too will do so.
And in return, share your strengths and abilities with us.

Together, we can feed everyone.
But mark my words, if you choose not to join us ... but continue to feed upon our community ... you will be named enemy, and I will bring the wrath of the Living Sun down upon you!
"
Kalriya
NPC, 11 posts
Fri 30 Oct 2020
at 14:50
  • msg #81

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud watched in shocked awe as the scene unfolded before him.

And as his people awoke, and as the demon challenged him, Mum-Ra-Lud felt himself rising to her threats ... the anger and tension growing within him.

But then, as though the light shone within his thoughts, he realised that this was not the path, not the way.
Perhaps The Living Sun, even in the night now, was guiding his way.
Mum-Ra-Lud knew that this was not who he was; not who he wanted to be.


Slamming his staff-end into the ground, he pulled himself to his full height, and called then to the woman-thing in the sky.
He spoke clearly, so those around them waking could hear,
"The Join Us.
We are all starving here.  But if you pray upon us, then you mark yourself as our enemy.

Join us, and I for one will share my breath with you.  Maybe, in time, you will earn the trust of others, and they too will do so.
And in return, share your strengths and abilities with us.

Together, we can feed everyone.
But mark my words, if you choose not to join us ... but continue to feed upon our community ... you will be named enemy, and I will bring the wrath of the Living Sun down upon you!
"


(Mum-Ra-Lud gains 1 xp.)

Kalriya... almost bought what Mum-Ra-Lud had to offer, he could see it. She was very tempted. But in the end, something changed in her face and bearing, and her pride conflicted with something she heard in his tone-- Scorn? Pity? Arrogance? More than one of the above?

It doesn't matter. She flaps even a little higher (like seven feet away from the ground). "How dare you speak to me in that manner, earthbound worm!"

She swoops to attack...

(09:47, Today: Kalriya rolled 10 using 2d6 ((5,5)).

Mud-Ra-Lud, I think I will give you a choice-- does Kalriya claw at you with her feet-talons, giving you a Wound, or does she humiliate/lessen you in the eyes of the group? Choose, and then describe the results of your choice.)

Dim
player, 44 posts
Experience: 1
Fri 30 Oct 2020
at 15:01
  • msg #82

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim awoke to the sounds of screeching, and people running away.

"Whu's goin' on?" he muttered. Instinctively, he reached for his hammer, but couldn't process if he was supposed to be swinging it at something or not just yet. "Who's making all the noise?"
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 34 posts
Wed 4 Nov 2020
at 00:33
  • msg #83

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud fell backwards as the swooping demon's talons wounded him, and he screamed out in rage/pain.
But even as he fell, he attempted to swing his staff at the creature that offended him ... and hoped that others might rise to the challenge of reaction, also.

- rolled 8 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 3,6.  Body.
The GM
GM, 62 posts
Sat 7 Nov 2020
at 23:00
  • msg #84

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud fell backwards as the swooping demon's talons wounded him, and he screamed out in rage/pain.
But even as he fell, he attempted to swing his staff at the creature that offended him ... and hoped that others might rise to the challenge of reaction, also.

- rolled 8 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 3,6.  Body.



Mum-Ra-Lud's staff connects with Kalriya, and she shrieks in pain-- and surprise, but there's at least a little pain in there. She flaps up out of reach, a good dozen feet off the ground, while she thinks about what she does and doesn't want to do next...

(Mum-Ra-Lud, you now have a Wound. You're not gonna die of it, as long as you don't get another one, but it's officially a Wound. Describe it.

You successfully did some hurt to Kalriya...

Dim, I'd say that the end of Mum-Ra-Lud's post invites you to post...)

Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 35 posts
Sun 8 Nov 2020
at 04:08
  • msg #85

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud hit the ground hard, and his back was going to feel that tomorrow.
Worse still was the gash across his chest and shoulder, visible through the now opened and bloodied tear in his robes ... and by the searing pain.
He tried to stifle a scream of pain and anger, but through gritted teeth, some yell emanated regardless.

'I tried being nice', he thought to himself, and pointed his staff at her.
"Bitch", he called, "Know now the enmity of the Living Sun".
And he called upon the Living Sun to protect him and his people from this demon, who would pray upon them ...
        - rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,3.  Call upon the Living Sun.
Dim
player, 46 posts
Experience: 1
Mon 9 Nov 2020
at 16:14
  • msg #86

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Dim rose from the ground where he'd been sleeping. His leg had gone all stiff and swollen from his wound and the long hike, and he could do little more than hobble over to where Kalriya and Mum-Ra-Lud were fighting. He wasn't sure why she was flying, but that mystery would have to wait.

"Cut it out, you two!" he demanded.
Kalriya
NPC, 12 posts
Mon 9 Nov 2020
at 17:35
  • msg #87

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud hit the ground hard, and his back was going to feel that tomorrow.
Worse still was the gash across his chest and shoulder, visible through the now opened and bloodied tear in his robes ... and by the searing pain.
He tried to stifle a scream of pain and anger, but through gritted teeth, some yell emanated regardless.

'I tried being nice', he thought to himself, and pointed his staff at her.
"Bitch", he called, "Know now the enmity of the Living Sun".
And he called upon the Living Sun to protect him and his people from this demon, who would pray upon them ...
        - rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,3.  Call upon the Living Sun.


Kalriya's eyes begin to glow with a yellowish light... brighter... and brighter...

At first it's very frightening (for everyone but Mum-Ra-Lud).

Then it becomes clear that Kalriya doesn't like it either. She starts to screech and wail, as her eyes are filled with a blinding light.

She flaps around-- and then the light fades. She makes a noise somewhat like a laugh of triumph, though it is weak. She turns to face Mum-Ra-Lud once more--

"--Ahhh!!" The light returns, blinding her once more. She starts to flap away...

It becomes clear that every time Kalriya looks away, the light fades. But every time she looks at any Mum-Ra-Lud, Dim, or any of the other gathered humans (or the Old Child, for that matter), she is blinded again.

She's dying to renew hostilities, one way or another, but she can't stand the sunlight that blinds her each time she tries to look at any of the others.

She slowly starts to fly away, toward the northwest...

(Hyp-Ar-N has granted Mum-Ra-Lud's request, in a sort of passive-aggressive way. The next time Mum-Ra-Lud asks Hyp-Ar-N for a favor, the roll will come with a +2 bonus. If Mum-Ra-Lud ever rolls for a Hyp-Ar-N favor and gets a roll of 13 or higher, the Hyp-Ar-N bill will come due, so feel free to do what you can between now and then to make Hyp-A-N happy in the meantime.)
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 36 posts
Fri 13 Nov 2020
at 10:06
  • msg #88

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud grimaced as he rose from the ground, watching the night creature fly off into the night sky; blood staining the torn section of his robes across his chest and shoulder.

He was partially in shock (both physical and mental), and so stood there unspeaking for the moment.
Zula
NPC, 4 posts
Fri 13 Nov 2020
at 15:37
  • msg #89

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud grimaced as he rose from the ground, watching the night creature fly off into the night sky; blood staining the torn section of his robes across his chest and shoulder.

He was partially in shock (both physical and mental), and so stood there unspeaking for the moment.


Zula comes over and starts tending to Mum-Ra-Lud's bleeding. "You almost got her to join us," she says. "I think it was a good thing to attempt... but she was frightening, too. Stealing breath? I don't know if I believe in fate, but it... might have been just as well that she's gone..."
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 37 posts
Wed 25 Nov 2020
at 09:33
  • msg #90

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"No," Mum-Ra-Lud sighed in response to Zula, looking off in that direction, "No its not.
I would have liked to convince her of that.  But even if not, is it not better to keep your enemies close?   where you can know where they are?
"

Then, "Thank you for helping me"

With another sigh, he called to Dim, "We are going to need lookout during the night".
Dim
player, 47 posts
Experience: 1
Wed 25 Nov 2020
at 15:04
  • msg #91

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"I'm sure we can get some volunteers to keep watch, now that we've already dealt with..." he hesitated at saying it "... a monster."

She'd seemed nice, too. Well, not nice, exactly. Kinda grumpy, really. But Dim had thought there was a nicer person underneath. The was going to make him sad for a while.

"I guess we can ask around."
The GM
GM, 67 posts
Thu 26 Nov 2020
at 15:58
  • msg #92

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

A watch is set up...

...But nothing else bad nor disturbing happens during the night.

In the morning, everyone wakes up, drinks from the safe water of the oasis, but feels kind of hungry...

...But right when one might think that it might be time for someone to come up with a plan... it can be seen that someone is coming, from the distance to the west-southwest...

...It's a caravan!

(The caravan is still a few minutes away before they come into shouting distance-- this is just a moment for reaction posts...)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Thu 26 Nov 2020.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 39 posts
Fri 27 Nov 2020
at 03:09
  • msg #93

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud agreed with the GM/narrator, and been standing on the outskirts of his mission-group considering this, when the call had come about the approaching caravan.

He'd, as always, prayed at dawn to the Living Sun, asking for advice and direction ... now that he'd led the exodus from the city of the slaves and prisoners there.
And here now, the Living Sun answered.

The caravan could surely help them know a little more of this land, and where they might find shelter and food:  where, then, the next path would lie.

Mum-Ra-Lud joined those what watched the arrival, then:   But he asked Dim and Unakla to move out into the gathering, and when the caravan arrived, move so that they could see the sides and back of such.   Mum-Ra-Lud intended to welcome them face on, at the front of those he led.
But just for caution, he wanted trusted eyes watching those parts of the caravan he could not see.

Mum-Ra-Lud kept the Old Child and Zula with him.
Malil Barash
NPC, 1 post
Fri 27 Nov 2020
at 15:41
  • msg #94

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud agreed with the GM/narrator, and been standing on the outskirts of his mission-group considering this,


(What the actual what? What kinda fourth-wall breaking is this...?!)

Mum-Ra-Lud:
...when the call had come about the approaching caravan.

He'd, as always, prayed at dawn to the Living Sun, asking for advice and direction ... now that he'd led the exodus from the city of the slaves and prisoners there.
And here now, the Living Sun answered.

The caravan could surely help them know a little more of this land, and where they might find shelter and food:  where, then, the next path would lie.

Mum-Ra-Lud joined those what watched the arrival, then:   But he asked Dim and Unakla to move out into the gathering, and when the caravan arrived, move so that they could see the sides and back of such.   Mum-Ra-Lud intended to welcome them face on, at the front of those he led.
But just for caution, he wanted trusted eyes watching those parts of the caravan he could not see.

Mum-Ra-Lud kept the Old Child and Zula with him.


The caravan master is a shrewd but friendly fellow... or at least that's how he likes to act. Under his loud exterior, he seems very uncertain what to make of this band of refugees.

"GREETINGS, GREETINGS! I AM MALIL BARASH! BEAR WITNESS, ALL, TO THE GREATEST AND MOST USEFUL CARAVAN IN THIS LAND!"

Then, in a normal-level "somewhat loud" voice, he addresses Mum-Ra-Lud. "...Greetings, fellow... Shall I take it that you are the spokesperson for these fine folk...?"
Dim
player, 49 posts
Experience: 1
Fri 27 Nov 2020
at 16:32
  • msg #95

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

A travelling merchant. This was good. They'd be able to trade with him for all sorts of goods, including those needed for healing.

Hopefully they had something he wanted.

At any rate, Dim kept his mouth shut and let Mum-Ra-Lud take the lead on this encounter.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 40 posts
Mon 30 Nov 2020
at 07:13
  • msg #96

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud looked around, to see if anyone else actually wanted this job.
When everyone nearby seemed happy to let him do so, he responded to Malil, "It looks like I also take that fact.
My name is Mum-Ra-Lud, and I greet, most heartily, back at you.   If you will join us, my people would enjoy the company of others.
We have fled the Burning City of Timinit, and are making our way from that place.  We'd enjoy swapping tales and stories with you, and perhaps services for any merchandise that might help us ... for we are simple refugee's, and have nothing but the clothes on our back.
And wounded
"



Because I sense a roll in my near future, I offer up this one:
- rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,6.  Talk

Malil Barash
NPC, 2 posts
Mon 30 Nov 2020
at 15:24
  • msg #97

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud looked around, to see if anyone else actually wanted this job.
When everyone nearby seemed happy to let him do so, he responded to Malil, "It looks like I also take that fact.
My name is Mum-Ra-Lud, and I greet, most heartily, back at you.   If you will join us, my people would enjoy the company of others.
We have fled the Burning City of Timinit, and are making our way from that place.  We'd enjoy swapping tales and stories with you, and perhaps services for any merchandise that might help us ... for we are simple refugee's, and have nothing but the clothes on our back.
And wounded
"


"Burning? We did see the smoke on the horizon yesterday, but... why is Timinit burning? That was to be our destination..."
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 41 posts
Tue 1 Dec 2020
at 00:36
  • msg #98

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"The city was in flames, as we left it behind ... the conflagration growing as we did.
Most were fleeing the city.  I am guessing it is destroyed now.
I am sorry to be the bearer of such bad news for you.

You are welcome to join with us, as we travel back the way you have just come.
There is safety in numbers, after all.  And with more hands, we can all thrive better
", Mum-Ra-Lud offered.
Malil Barash
NPC, 3 posts
Tue 1 Dec 2020
at 20:16
  • msg #99

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
"The city was in flames, as we left it behind ... the conflagration growing as we did.
Most were fleeing the city.  I am guessing it is destroyed now.
I am sorry to be the bearer of such bad news for you.

You are welcome to join with us, as we travel back the way you have just come.
There is safety in numbers, after all.  And with more hands, we can all thrive better
", Mum-Ra-Lud offered.


"A... generous offer... but since Timinit now sounds like a... questionable location for our next stop... we shall instead be continuing east, toward the city of Gukuru, which would have been our next stop after Timinit..."
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 42 posts
Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 21:38
  • msg #100

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"I understand", Mum-Ra-Lud nodded ... sagely(?).
"Can you tell a group of refugee's where me might find food in these lands?  And maybe some safe hospitality, please?" he asked.  - rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,5.  talk, still.
"We need medical supplies and help, also".

"In exchange, I can provide your caravan with a blessing from The Living Sun.
Perhaps he will smile upon thee with grace, and withhold some of his heat from your people?
"
Malil Barash
NPC, 4 posts
Sat 5 Dec 2020
at 15:38
  • msg #101

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
"I understand", Mum-Ra-Lud nodded ... sagely(?).
"Can you tell a group of refugee's where me might find food in these lands?  And maybe some safe hospitality, please?" he asked.


Malil Barash gets a sort of dejected look on his place. If Mum-Ra-Lud had to guess, he would guess that Malil Barash is thinking ...Nowhere, that's where...

Mum-Ra-Lud:
  - rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,5.  talk, still.
"We need medical supplies and help, also". "In exchange, I can provide your caravan with a blessing from The Living Sun.
Perhaps he will smile upon thee with grace, and withhold some of his heat from your people?
"


Malil Barash sighs. If Mum-Ra-Lud had to guess, he would guess that Malil Barash is thinking Oh no, I'm going to help these people, aren't I...

Malil Barash does perk up at the idea of getting a blessing from The Living Sun. "...If you're sincere about that... Then... I'll do what I can for you..." He frowns. "...I would like to get the blessing first, though, please..."
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 43 posts
Sat 5 Dec 2020
at 21:59
  • msg #102

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud nodded.   "I assume that you planned to take respite at this oasis ... for the day, if not for the night also.
Let us join together for mutual benefit today, here.   Then, with the mornings first light, would be the best time to perform the blessing.
If that is acceptable to you?
"
Malil Barash
NPC, 5 posts
Sat 5 Dec 2020
at 22:29
  • msg #103

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud nodded.   "I assume that you planned to take respite at this oasis ... for the day, if not for the night also.
Let us join together for mutual benefit today, here.   Then, with the mornings first light, would be the best time to perform the blessing.
If that is acceptable to you?
"


After a short moment of thinking about it, Malil Barash nods-- it sounds logical to him. "Now... what are your most immediate needs? Healing? Food? Both? Something else?"
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 44 posts
Sat 5 Dec 2020
at 23:14
  • msg #104

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud considered a moment, “Healing and food, yes.  Please.
And if my people might find shade under your wagons for the day, we’d appreciate it
”.

Maybe he could get his followers, at least, 24hours of rest ... some food, and basic healing.
Then, maybe some idea of what to do next: where to go.
He hope that, if it was safe, some might join this caravan, or find directions to get back to any home they might have had.

The rest? Well, the Living Sun had said ‘into the lands beyond’.
The problem was, Mum-Ra-Lud didn’t know ‘the lands beyond’ or what to expect there.   Any wisdom he could coax from these people would be a boon.
The GM
GM, 70 posts
Tue 8 Dec 2020
at 16:40
  • msg #105

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
Mum-Ra-Lud considered a moment, “Healing and food, yes.  Please.
And if my people might find shade under your wagons for the day, we’d appreciate it
”.

Maybe he could get his followers, at least, 24hours of rest ... some food, and basic healing.
Then, maybe some idea of what to do next: where to go.
He hope that, if it was safe, some might join this caravan, or find directions to get back to any home they might have had.

The rest? Well, the Living Sun had said ‘into the lands beyond’.
The problem was, Mum-Ra-Lud didn’t know ‘the lands beyond’ or what to expect there.   Any wisdom he could coax from these people would be a boon.


Malil Barash, interested in getting the sun's blessing (and maybe a little afraid of the possibility of a curse if he doesn't?) feeds everyone a very simple meal... And he provides leaves from a wild date palm tree, and one fig that Zula says is sufficiently fresh, and one pomegranate... but he has no flower petals from a blooming spiny broom plant-- those will still have to be found in the wild, apparently...

Malil Barash, having observed everyone for an hour or two, calls Mum-Ra-Lud over. "Dealer-of-Names..." he asks in an almost-whisper... "...What is that...?" He gestures, fairly surreptitiously, to the Old Child.
Mum-Ra-Lud
player, 46 posts
Wed 9 Dec 2020
at 00:23
  • msg #106

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

"That," replied Mum-Ra-Lud, "is what we call ... an enigma.
And when I figure it out, if you are still with us, I will tell you
".
Mum-Ra-Lud had his suspicions: but was not inclined to philosophise, or share those suspicions, just now.

"Tell me, where can I take these people?   Is the city you are going to as rife with slavery and such trade as Timinit?
Is there some small community nearby, who will benefit from an infusion of new, skilled, and hard-working members?
" he asked.
Malil Barash
NPC, 6 posts
Wed 9 Dec 2020
at 16:36
  • msg #107

Re: THE BURNING CITY OF TIMINIT

Mum-Ra-Lud:
"That," replied Mum-Ra-Lud, "is what we call ... an enigma.
And when I figure it out, if you are still with us, I will tell you
".
Mum-Ra-Lud had his suspicions: but was not inclined to philosophise, or share those suspicions, just now.

"Tell me, where can I take these people?   Is the city you are going to as rife with slavery and such trade as Timinit?"


"Mm. I wouldn't say so. Capturing slaves is not allowed in Gukuru. Keeping them is... but selling slaves is very heavily taxed and enforced in Gukuru, so slave traders don't usually bother. And freeing a slave is allowed in Gukuru, too, although that costs too... but not as much as buying nor selling a slave."


Mum-Ra-Lud:
"Is there some small community nearby, who will benefit from an infusion of new, skilled, and hard-working members?" he asked.


"I would also say that Gukuru might be a good fit for that, too, because the issue of slave labor is so problematic there."
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