Chapter 10: On the Road Again......
Copyright © 2001 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Game Master [2001-01-08 13:17:26]
Subject: On the way out.
The sun is bright in the midmorning sky but it comes with that nice forest cool that one enjoys while standing in shaded areas. You can smell the forest all around you, the sent of the trees and bushes, giving off that great wooded odor. The various grasses and flowers fills the air, and the ever prevalent scent of dark, rich and vibrant soil reaches deep into your senses. This is a fertile land, one that you wish you had more time to revel in.

The serenity of all this is broken only by the sounds of packs being checked, litters loaded, voices calling out for supplies to be delivered to specific spots and soldiers being placed, inspected and readied. There is quite a buzz about the square and everyone seems to be very intent on accomplishing their tasks. Upon further inspection of the happenings, you notice that there are actually six different parties preparing for departure. All part of the grand illusion no doubt. Each party is surprisingly similar in size and construction. Every element that you find in your parties entourage is found in the other six. Even the arrival of Ssrivan being carried on a litter is mirrored by six so that any onlooker in the square would have a difficult time understanding which party is the one that is on the true mission.

Your eyes are drawn towards six red robbed men who appear on the high terrace which is the ground level of the inn in which you have spent the night. The six men stand perfectly still for a few moments and then, without any apparent communication, make their way to their assigned group. In the hand of the man approaching your group is a scroll and hidden beneath his robes you manage to catch a glimpse of a large steel sword with an elaborately designed pommel and a rune inscribed sheath. The man is not trying to conceal this weapon it is just well placed in the folds of his robe. As he extends his right arm with the scroll towards Orun you also notice a bracer with several throwing daggers nestled comfortably in the Chlen hide. The only other markings that you notice are a large scar on his right cheek and lightning bolt medallion hanging from his neck.

Orun bows slightly to the man as he accepts the scroll. He opens it, and reads just the first few lines before he closes it and tucks it into his belt. He then makes one more slight bowing gesture to the man in the red robe and barks out a few quick orders. At the sound of his voice, the soldiers snap to and stand ready to move. The servants gather themselves and rise their litters and packs. You watch as the Chaos becomes a long queue three abreast. You see that all of the other parties are in the same state of readiness. Churisan has taken his place with the soldiers and it is obvious that they wait for his commands. Ssrivan, in his litter and with his attendants, is placed just behind the soldiers unit, obviously as a precautionary measure. The rest of you find your place in amongst the caravan where you feel the most comfortable. You are generally expected to be towards the front of the column. Dlarumei walks from beside Ssrivan's litter to the front of the column and stands next to Orun. With that the man in red makes a slight gesture to Orun who in turn bellows out the order to advance and the caravan starts its way through the city to the main gate.

You pass through the narrow streets and wind your way back and forth In a very "non direct" rout. At one point your caravan even stops to allow another to pass at some cross road lost with the maze of streets that you travel. After about 15 minutes of this meandering about you come to the large stone main gate. The man in the red robe waves an arm and the gates open without question. Your parties momentum never even slows as you exit the city of Monru. The caravan takes a hard right onto the path that leads west from the city and continues to travel that way for some time.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-01-08 16:34:56]
Subject: ooc: on the march
Hi all. Could everybody post a brief note on how their character is equipped and how they tend to travel? For instance, is anybody besides Ssrivan in a palanquin? Does anybody have servants with them? If you are armed, what weapons?
thanks,

George

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-01-08 16:50:39]
Subject: on the road again...
Chúrisan strides out, happy to be on the road. He quickly settles in to the steady stride he learned in the legion. He's in full armor (medium), with sword and dagger at his belt and his bow and arrows on his back. He tends to stay close to the guards, but occasionally drifts back to chat with others in the group.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-01-09 05:57:59]
Subject: Marching through...Somewhere
Adzul wears little besides his robes. He has a light backpack with a few possesions a sort of haversack with some food and two water bottles. He is carrying a staff and if one looks carefuly they can see his steel blade covered by the haversack. He is cheerful and at least so far does not look like he is going to die the way he did before.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-01-09 10:39:04]
Subject: Walking walking walking.
Hrissu walks with determination, moving at a steady pace without regard to terrain. He looks at the ground at his feet unless someone actually comes over to talk to him. He is singing softly in time with his footsteps.

Hrissu has to be shaken from his trance upon occassion to stop and rest, or to eat or drink water. He will not do these things on his own. Once someone has gained his attention, he seems as animated as before.

He is wearing the beige and white robes of the priest of Dhr'e and carries a staff. He carries a light shoulder bag and the slaves report that he brought no luggage.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-16 17:30:16]
Subject: At home in the woods
Neshkriuma settles his porters and cook in with the baggage trains, designating one to remain by his side to act as runner. The two of them move forward to a point about 1/3 of the way back from the front of the column. Both his spirit and step are light today, pleased as he is to be safely away from the dangers of the previous evening and the confines of that death trap of an attic. He is alert and watchful and seems very much at home in the woods and on the trail.
Nesh is clad once more in his faded purple and black robes. The purpose of their odd cut now seems clear as they do quite well at hiding an ingenious coat of hardened leather plates that Nesh wears beneath. His sword is slung up-side-down across his back and he carries a long spear which, for the moment, is searving as a walking stick. He is clearly the most unlikely looking priest of Hru'u any of the others have ever seen. His runner carries water and food for both thereby leaving his hands free.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-16 17:37:14]
Subject: Keeping it light
"How fare you today, good Adazul," Nesh says. "It seems last night's activities have done you a world of good, though I don't know that I have ever before met anyone who recovered better on swordplay than rest!" (ooc. I have been informed that unsolicited touching is a no no in Tekumel. As such, the shoulder clap has been deleted. No offence was ment and I hope none was taken)

From: Deshnah [2001-01-17 21:03:03]
Subject: Away from the temptations of the city
Deshnah's pallor seems noticeably better in the openness beyond the city. While still a bit shakey, his gait is also infused with something approaching a touch of energy.

Deshnah falls in a few long paces behind Nesh.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-18 12:29:16]
Subject: Passing the time...
Neshkriuma speaks to his runner who hurries off to the supply trains in the rear and then slows his pace to come along side Deshnah, the LBG (Little Brown Guy). They strike up a conversation...

From: Game Master [2001-01-18 13:14:00]
Subject: Whilst under way.
The walk is a pleasant march, almost a stroll. Your party doesn't seem to be in any kind of a rush at all. During the past hour you have had time to absorb your surroundings. The wild forest is a wondrous place. It is filled with an endless supply of interesting elements. From time to time you watch as Neshkriuma's chef slips off the road and culls an assortment of greens to flavor some upcoming meal. Deshnah too is seen selecting various plants, nuts and fungi for some purpose you hope that you will not have to participate in. This lush vital earth is a place of great energies and you can feel them as they race through you and around you, revitalizing you, creating a pleasant euphoric feeling. Though there are a few conversations going on, most are quiet and lost in some form of thought.

After about and hour has passed you hear the sounds of a large explosion off in the distance. The man in the red robes raises a hand and your party stops. As you look back over the path you have just come (the direction of the sound) you see a plume of thick black smoke rising above the trees. You estimate that the smoke is rising right over Monru.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-01-21 16:18:49]
Subject: Introduction
Churisan approaches the red-robed man, salutes, and says "I am Churisan Soruna of the High Pinnacle Clan, former Tirrikamu in the Legion of Serqu. Who are you? Are you the commander of this expedition? Do you wish us to return to Monru?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-23 09:26:22]
Subject: Just in case...
While Churisan discusses the situation with the guide, Neshkriuma hurries down the column getting everyone off the road and under cover on one side. He remains at the rear, but the others notice his runner making his way along the woodline towards the front.

From: Game Master [2001-01-24 12:06:52]
Subject: Red can talk!!
Neshkriuma quickly springs into action and moves the party off the road. Everyone except for Orun, Dlarumei, Churisan, the ten men under his command and the red robed man slip off into the safety of the forest. Neshkriuma positions himself with the five soldiers of the rear guard (three archers and two pikemen) and sets up a rear defense. With a group such as this one, the entire process takes but a few moments. It is very obvious that these people have traveled before and understand the benefit of following orders.

The man in red, who was speaking to Churisan, stops his conversation and smiles. He slowly puts his hands behind his back and draws in a deep breath. He walks past Orun and slowly strides along the side of the main guard. Each man that he passes keeps their gaze straight ahead and fixed on Churisan, not a one of them flinch or even move. Once the man in red reaches the end of the guards column he looks out into the woods where the rest of the party is hidden amongst the trees.

"I am Chamangesh hiSrugashchene of the Golden Sunburst clan, worshiper of Karakan and Kerdu (General) of the temple guard in Monru", he calls out, ina large voice, to the trees where the party lies. "First I must praise you for how wonderfully fast you are able to seek protection and set up a defense. I am pleased to see that such readiness and such abilities are a key element of this group. I am pleased, as well, to witness your ability to follow those who are in charge. Neshkriuma I thank you for your efforts to protect our valued company and I praise your ability to keep in mind the safety of those in your care".

With that Chamangesh makes a wide sweeping gesture with his arm and points to the plume of smoke before it is swept away by the forest breezes. "This is a signal from the High Priests of Monru. The black smoke tells me, and the other groups, that one of the parties has fallen under attack. From this signal I can tell that it is the party that headed directly south who is fighting our enemy. This does not mean that we are free to continue unmolested. In fact, it concerns me greatly. We are headed East and soon we will be heading North East, but much to our misfortune there are no other traveling parties between us and the party to the south. I am truly sorry, because I have enjoyed the pace thus far, but we must now make every effort to widen the gap between us and our southern allies. Unfortunately, that means a quickening of our pace. The other parties are doing the same thing as not to draw attention to any one, particular group. I pray that our brothers have defeated those who would thwart our efforts, but if not, I would pray our foe will head west to the next party in that direction. We must, however, be ready for any contingency. I ask all guards and warriors to be on the ready and all priests to keep your abilities in the front of your minds. With that said, I believe that we should now be under way". Chamangesh turns and heads back to the area where Orun, Churisan and the others stand and continues his conversation with Churisan.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-01-24 15:12:17]
Subject: Quick step now
Churisan salutes, and responds quickly to the General's words. "Ohé, you there, get moving. You, and you, to the front. You three stay in the middle with the priests." He quickly rearranges his guard company, putting two crossbowman and halberdiers and a spearman up front, three spearman in the middle, the remaining crossbow, two halberds and a spear at the back. "Quick time now you sluggards, or do you want to meet what we met last night, hey?" he calls to the bearers. He stops to string his bow, then strides along with the caravan.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-01-24 15:31:03]
Subject: A Cousin!
His trance abruptly broken by the quick stop made by the party, Hrissu looks around. Upon hearing the introduction of Chamngesh he smiles and moves toward the front of the party for an introduction.

"My most esteemed clan-cousin, Mighty Kerdu. I am Hrissu hiMetumel, and I would warn you to look for eyes of three... 'Eyes of three, that's where I'll be...' A warning came to me, a mystery. I believe that something interesting might befall us if we do not heed it."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-24 16:04:14]
Subject: Double-time, MARCH!
Neshkriuma sees to the disposition of his porters, getting them back on the road and prepared to march, collects his now frantic runner and settles back into position roughly 1/3ed of the way back from the head of the column. There seems little need for discussion, but his brow is furrowed, his expression troubled.

From: Game Master [2001-01-24 17:18:52]
Subject: Chamangesh hiSrugashchene
Chamangesh pauses from his conversation with Churisan for a moment. Glances to the priest and smiles.

"Hrissu hiMetumel, I am pleased that you have taken the time from your songs to make yourself known to me. Though, in truth, I know much of you already. Your abilities and attributes have been a source of easing some of my doubts for some time now and I am honored to make your acquaintance".

With that Chamangesh makes a slight bow or respect. "This warning that you bring me, Eyes of three, from whom did you receive it? And to what end would you use it?" There is a look of concern on his face though his tone is still pleasant and carefree.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-25 09:32:13]
Subject: Quick inspection.
Neshkriuma moves quickly through the column ensuring that all are ready for the long, difficult march that is sure to follow.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-01-25 10:18:39]
Subject: And a little child...
"My Cousin, it is mysterious to me as well, but as this message was surriptitiously passed to me in the street by, I believe, a passing child, I thought it well to heed it. It's import, I know not. Friend or foe, I know not. But be alert. We will wish to understand this."

From: Game Master [2001-01-26 11:23:26]
Subject: conversations
"Interesting", Chamangesh ponders this revelation, "It would appear that you have a friend that you have not met, as of yet, dear Cousin, and I am sure that there are many other connotations that we can deliberate over where this note is concerned. But I would prefer to do so whilst underway. Please share this information with the others and have them be mindful for these "eyes of three".

Chamangesh smiles at Hrissu, nods a thankful nod and turns his attention back to Churisan. "If your men are in position Churisan, I would very much like to be underway".

"Orun", Chamangesh's voice is crisp and official, "Bring this column on the road and double our speed. We have ground to cover! Let us be underway".

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-26 16:09:17]
Subject: Away X Away
Neshkriuma makes his way down the column, ariving last at his own Cook. The man looks something like a gypsy caravan of one, with pots and pans dangling from all sides.

"Would you alert the dead themselves of our presence?" he barks. "Stow that gear properly or burry it in the brush. But be warned, if I or any of my companions miss a meal I'll return you to Sarku myself! Perhaps the worms at least will find some use for you." He turns without waiting for a response and motions for his runner to follow.
The fat cook blanches and quickly stuffs what gear he can back into his pack. The rest he hastily binds in sacks tied with cord and distributes to Nesh's remaining porters.

On his way back to his positon, Neshkriuma stops beside Ssrivan's litter.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2001-01-27 09:09:10]
Subject: Ssrivan in the litter
Ssrivan remains somewhat quiet during the litter ride--sure that the rest of the group will get him to where he needs to be at the appointed time. He notes the presense of Neshkriuma and nods wearily, letting out a hoarse croak in greeting. It is obvious that his throat is still quite raw from his bout of involuntary screaming.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-01-27 15:26:02]
Subject: forward
Churisan saluted Chamangesh again, and ordered the guards into motion. As the caravan marched briskly along, he dropped back and walked with the archers and pikemen of the rear guard for a bit. Then he moved up and joined Neshkriuma.

From: Game Master [2001-01-29 17:45:45]
Subject: Keeping your nose down
Everyone falls into place and the column begins to move at twice the rate it was previously enjoying. Not long after you are underway you turn and glance back as there is a clatter from the rear of the group. One of the pikemen has tripped over his pike, taking down an archer and a porter in the process. (actions courtesy of Churisan's private post) Your eyes travel to Churisan and see him turn his head from the calamity and resume his discussion with Neshkriuma mounting a sarcastic grin and a nod in the pikemen's direction. They both seem to be trying not to find the situation humorous.

The group continues on for about two more hours, enduring the quick pace, and being ever watchful of the forest and the sky above. Finally the column comes to an abrupt halt. The signal for silence is passed down through the ranks. When you look forward you see the head of the column standing at the edge of a meadow. A man-made meadow where the forest has been cleared. Even the stumps have been removed to the point where only short green grass grows and the occasional wild flower pops up. Not one thing stands taller than six inches and as you look out over the meadow your eyes come up against the reason for such a clearing. There, about 600 yards away, you can see the great stones of the Sakbe road, rising up above the tops of the trees. (The Sakbe road is a network of mighty fortified highways which span the continent. They are attributed to Ssirandar I, son of Nayari and the murdered lord of Tumissa.) "

"Across this meadow is where one of the stations lie where one can mount to the roadway". Chamangesh says calmly, "It is guarded by the Imperium, and while we will have no problems gaining access to the roadway, officially, I am not so sure that all is as it seems. We must be cautious. Suggestions"???

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2001-01-30 09:59:47]
Subject: Croaking in the Fields
The group seems entranced in the sight before them, at least until a strangled croak emits from the confines of Ssrivan's litter. He seems quite agitated, waving his heavily bandaged hands back towards the trail so recently travelled. Assuming he gets someone's attention, he sinks exhausted back onto his cushions and sighs fitfully.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-01-30 10:49:42]
Subject: I could sure use a noun
Churisan looks at Chamangesh, then scans all around in puzzlement. He sees Ssrivan waving, and looks back along the route we have been following. "Sir," he says, "could you be a bit more specific?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-01-31 10:12:13]
Subject: What the...(again)
Neshkriuma, having taken the rear guard in hand, sends his runner sprinting forward to Ssrivan's litter. "Noble born," he says solicitously, "my master would know the nature of your distress."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-01-31 18:51:04]
Subject: forward?
Churisan completes a careful scan of the area and the route behind. "Sir, do you anticipate trouble on the sakbe? Perhaps Orun and I should go in advance?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-01 12:05:10]
Subject: On guard
You once again hear the sound of armed men moving in the treeline as the rear guard take up defensive positions.

From: Game Master [2001-02-05 15:41:10]
Subject: Seeing red.
Ssrivan, having finally had someone come to his side to see what was going on, has alerted the company to the plume of red smoke rising up above the trees. But by the time someone actually got to Ssrivan's side several others had noticed the red plume as well, and all eyes were turning to Chamangesh for an explanation.

"It is another signal" Chamangesh says, glancing briefly in the plumes direction and then back to the guard house at the bottom of the Sakbe entrance. He then continues on in a monotone "don't bother me I'm thinking" tone of voice.
"The red indicates that another group is in conflict. Bad for them, good for us. It would indicate that the attackers chose the wrong direction and headed east, further from us. We seem to have the gods on our side this afternoon. Well, at least with regard to what is behind us. It is what lay before us that concerns me now".

Chamangesh comes out of his trance like stare and addresses those who stand around him. "Noble Sirs, our threat from behind seems to have chosen a different path, but I feel that we have another problem before us. When I look out into this meadow and to the guard tower at the base of the switch back mounting to the Sakbe roadway, I am disturbed. I see but only a few guards where many should be, and I see no encampments in this meadow; a common sight. I could hardly see any reason for fifty imperial soldiers and their porters, cooks, tents and fires to be gone. You may also notice that there are no signs of them as well. No burned out fire pits, no broken and split wood stores, no discarded items or trash of any kind. The ground is fully undisturbed. I find this all highly unusual. Furthermore, I have heard no bell announcing our arrival, though it is plane that we, or at least the first 1/4 of our column, are in view of the guard house and the pealing of a bell should be quite easily heard at this distance. I can see the bell ringer moving about from here, so I know that he is not asleep. This leaves me a touch disturbed, and so I ask again. Would you have any suggestions? What would be an appropriate course of action here"? He looks to you and waits for some response.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-05 16:26:49]
Subject: Recon
"Noble born," gasps Ruqu, Neshkriuma's runner, "my master suggests that there may be magic or treachery, or both, at work here and that a small scouting element under cover of bowmen and mages might be the safest course." The young peasant is breathless from both the constant sprinting of the last five minutes and the company of such a lofty assembly, but his nervousness is overcome by his fear of displeasing the enigmatic priest.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-08 10:52:42]
Subject: Hello....?
Neshkriuma, fearing he has slipped into an alternate dimension that renders him invisible and unheard, pinches himself mercilessly in an effort to regain his accustomed temporal/spatial plane.
"Ouch!" he says. "Well @#%*, I guess it's not me!"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-08 11:01:13]
Subject: Onward and upward
Neshkriuma leaves orders with the rear guard and moves forward to join the planning conference.

"Noble Chamangesh," he says, "I propose to move to the road and assess the situation. Something is amiss and it merits caution, but we cannot remain here so exposed to our enemies."

Nesh slings his weapon and moves to the entrance of the great road.  "Hello, the Guard!" he shouts.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-02-08 17:09:32]
Subject: forward
"La Orún, the battlemage will put us all in his shade. Shall we go?" Chúrisan strides forward behind Neshkriuma, his bow strung and in hand, and as he passes his forward guards, orders one crossbowman and a halberdier to accompany him.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-09 09:41:40]
Subject: Ruqu
Ruqu, Neshkriuma's runner, seeks out the Mages to deliver some message, then hurries forward to rejoin his master.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-09 09:43:41]
Subject: What's up?
"Good Churisan," the priest says, "what do you make of this odd silence from the OAL?"

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-02-10 16:37:51]
Subject: quiet...too quiet...
"Our mysterious enemies certainly had great resources in Monru. I suppose they may have somehow subverted the road guards as well. I'll be glad when we get on the sakbe and can travel more safely. Of course, we have to get on the road first. I wonder if they have warriors waiting up there? Do you see any sign of troops?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-12 10:08:18]
Subject: Nothing ventured...
"I see none but the roaving guard on top. Very odd."
Neshkriuma seems lost in thought for a moment, his brow furrowed in a look of disquiet. He loosens his blade in its sheath.
"HELLO THE GUARD!"

From: Game Master [2001-02-13 15:21:29]
Subject: onward
Neshkriuma's voice seems to carry only but a short distance and then drops off. You are unable to see any reaction from the lone guard in the tower at 500 yards. The sound of battle gear over shadows the lighter, more delicate steps of Dlarumei as she and Orun jog up to be with the few who have started across the meadow. As they approach you notice Orun dropping a small dark blue gem into Dlarumei's out stretched hand. They stop next to you and wait for your next move to be announced.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-02-14 14:35:48]
Subject: Wanderin' and Mumblin'
Hrissu suddenly begins walking around the party, mumbling to himself. Occassionally, he stops and looks into the eyes of one of the party members. He does this until he's briefly looked over everyone from noblest Kerdu to humblest slave. He then returns to his previous spot, humming to himself.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-02-14 15:45:16]
Subject: Seen this before...
"Noble Sorcerors!" Churisan says loudly. "Could there be a spell on the wall, or between us and it? I see waverings and shimmering, but it is not so hot as that."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-02-15 09:48:19]
Subject: Recon (part two)
"I think this is close enough," Neshkriuma says. "We do not have enough men to protect ourselves, let alone take the road by force, and until we discover the nature of this latest bedevilment I am leery of bringing the main body forward."

He barks some curt orders to Ruqu who hurries back to urge those who remain behind to seek cover in the woods while the small scouting party continues its reconnaissance.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-02-20 05:52:30]
Subject: Seeing what I can do
Adzul will try to get close enough to the shimmering to cast perception of the energies on it.