bert
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 138
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Post by bert on Jun 10, 2009 18:27:10 GMT -6
As the sun set the red kite soared above Djebel Gervyphe, proclaiming the feast of the Eighth Full Brown Moon, calling any of the Faithful of the Vaporous Lizard who wished to come to the fortress below. The arcing back of the mountain ridge is sharp and spiky as the spine of a petrified dinosaur, cut with tunnels beneath the ancient stone keep. Around the ridge are three rounds of ditches and embankments, surmounted by thorn-bush fences and tumbledown dry stone walls. The drovers beat the rumps of the Kannemeyria as they pass through the gate into the eastern bailey, half full of dinohide lodges. Up on the keep’s highest tower the Lord’s men reel in the kite. It is not left up overnight, the poisonous night wind from the west would shred its sacred fabric. In the roofless hall of the keep representatives of the ten tribes of the Faithful sit on stone daises wrapped in their ceremonial ponchos, which are decorated with a multitude of bone and crystal beads and charms denoting enemies and predators slain, herd beasts stolen, feuds in progress and pilgrimages completed. As each contingent enters the hall they greet each of the others in the nomad fashion, eyeing the charms on the cloaks, though on this occasion symbols of feuds and thefts are ignored because of the feats. The ceremonies begin with the passing round of a liquor brewed from the whites of Kannemyria eggs, then water pipes filled with dried leaves and powdered mushrooms. There is a spectral glow from the staircase. The indescribably ancient Vaporous Lady is here, her crown of glowing yellow crystal standing out in the gathering gloom. Behind her one of the Lord’s guards carries a carved wooden box, accompanied by a crone with a crystal amulet. It is time for the Reading. She takes the cards from the box and awkwardly lowers herself onto a cushioned dais with the almost as unsteady crone helping her. The guard stand impassive, forbidden to touch her sacred person. Behind her the crone reads the cards as she draws them from the pack. ‘The six of skulls… crossed by the trump of Imprisoning… the Lord Mutant… ascendant over the three of lasers… next the crown card…’ Some nod at the import of these cryptic remarks, others whisper to each other and some, especially the younger men and women, slip away from their tribal groups to gossip and pass news to each other in the darkness by the open doorway. This reading will go on an hour or more before the real business of the Feast of the Eighth Full Brown Moon, the announcement of marriages to be held at the Ninth Full Brown Moon at the Temple of the Vaporous Lizard to the south west, is conducted over a meal of freshly roast Kannemeyria calves. A view of the Blighted Landswww.h4ppy.com/blog/uploaded_images/The%20Sahara%20is%20not%20all%20sand-784992.JPGA Kannemeyria, herd beast of the Faithful of the Vaporous Lizard and other Blighted Land tribesen.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kannemeyeria_DB.jpgen.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kannemeyeria_BW.jpg
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burke
Level 2 Seer
Posts: 45
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Post by burke on Jun 10, 2009 19:47:45 GMT -6
Han Buri-Han observes the reading of the cards for a while, but cannot wrap his head around what it all means. Hoping to himself that the new moon will bring some excitement to his life, he walks over to the doorway to see if he can spot anyone he knows.
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Post by crusssdaddy on Jun 10, 2009 22:36:02 GMT -6
Many unique sights and sounds, but fragments are familiar and reminiscent of traditions far to the south, in the lands of Gozer's upbringing. It's been awhile since Gozer has enjoyed shelter and safety, so he concentrates on soaking up the atmosphere and fitting in with the Brown Nomads who have taken him in.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2009 15:21:45 GMT -6
Mithals wishes to find a woman who wants some company for the night but is transfixed by the turning of the cards. They almost seem to have some meaning, but he can't quite get the gist of it ... like something seen from the corner of the eye that vanishes when one's head is turned to see it ...
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Post by apeloverage on Jun 11, 2009 22:45:16 GMT -6
Yashub-Yahad watches the readings and thinks about nothing, neither truly observing nor observed.
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Post by waysoftheearth on Jun 12, 2009 6:36:32 GMT -6
Gimyip observes proceedings quietly from the back of the crowd.
He is as interested in the next man to hear what fortunes the readings will promise...
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bert
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 138
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Post by bert on Jun 12, 2009 13:26:47 GMT -6
The crowd by the doorway is abuzz with rumours.
'There's a bloody Jale man in the bailey,' growls one man, Ythar of Djebel Antinome. 'Should chuck him out at the least -'
'Or catch him for sacrifice,' says a second, Hul'al of the Carven Syrinx, 'The Poison Winds are getting worse, maybe a bit of that Jale blood will appease the Elder Gods and give us respite.'
'Maybe, but they shouldn't be let inside the gate,' says Ythar. 'If I see the bastard his hide will end up decorating my lodge.'
Several others murmur assent. The Jales were monsters, everyone knew it, spies for the Elder Things and worse.
Pohlan of Turag Peak is showing off his battle scars and boasting.
'The Unmen came down on us from the cave and made an avalanche. I ran up the slope with my sword and slew four. Only the largest dare face me -'
Another matter of concern is the feast of the Ninth Full Brown Moon. Enemies from the south, the men of the City of Gal'elen, who have long claimed dominion over the Ten Tribes and the Temple of the Vaporous Lizard, have again threatened to block passage to the Temple unless Lord Thorium pays homage to the Overlord of Lords, their ruler.
Many are hoping Lord Thorium will announce a war party to deal with the Gal'eleni; Ibaleen and her brothers are so keen to kill and plunder they say that they will share blood this very night in a vow to take the heads of at least two city dwellers each before the next feast.
In the meantime the reading continues. 'The Ace of Swords... Our Lady of Similarity...'
The older and wiser folk who are somewhat familiar with the lore of the cards are murmuring. The Ace of Swords implies war, but the Trump of Imprisoning implies restraint, then there are many skulls, and what that portends is anyone's guess. They await the final pronouncement of the Vaporous Lady, whose gnarled finger moves achingly slowly from card to card as she threads together the events of the next forty days.
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Post by crusssdaddy on Jun 12, 2009 18:22:20 GMT -6
Angry glances and whispered conversations can mean only one thing - could be time to hit the road again. You never know what might set these savages off, and whatever these cards mean, the wrong one could prove fatal.
Gozer pulls up the hood of his robe and does his best to blend in with the nearest wall. He looks around carefully - any friendly faces out there?
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burke
Level 2 Seer
Posts: 45
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Post by burke on Jun 13, 2009 0:19:11 GMT -6
Han Buri-Han scans the crowds and notices Gimyip the Fletcher a short distance from him. He walks up and whispers to him:
"Ythar and Hul'al are stirring up trouble by the door. They've gotten wind of that skinny Jale traveler over there and are out for his blood. Perhaps we should get him out of here before they decide to jump on the poor fellow?"
(I'm assuming we know each other at least a little bit.)
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Post by waysoftheearth on Jun 13, 2009 1:55:43 GMT -6
Gimyip considered Han Buri-Han's suggestion for a moment, gauging the mood of the crowd. He had no special affection for the Jale men, but this one hadn't done him any specific hurt.
Gimyip knew all too well the risk of attracting attention to himself, but as the crowd didn't seem to have specifically spotted Gozer yet, he nodded cautiously and began to move slowly toward the hooded Jale man...
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burke
Level 2 Seer
Posts: 45
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Post by burke on Jun 13, 2009 2:21:48 GMT -6
Han Buri-Han follows Gimyip and keeps an eye out for troublemakers.
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Post by apeloverage on Jun 13, 2009 3:21:03 GMT -6
Hearing their conversation, Yashub-Yahad tags along.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2009 17:55:16 GMT -6
Seeing what looks like trouble, with the rashness of youth Mithals decides to follow the small group of warriors ...
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bert
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 138
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Post by bert on Jun 14, 2009 13:57:22 GMT -6
Gozer - roll Dexterity or less on three dice - if you make it you stay out of sight and can sneak outside without any problems. If you want to stay inside or move into the more brightly lit areas, another roll will be required at -3.Everyone else - roll 1 dice and add Charisma - if your highest score is over Ythar's Charisma 14 + his one dice roll 12 = 26 you have overawed Ythar and those threatening to biff Gozer should they see him. If no-one makes it Ythar's big gob and racist rhetoric hold sway over the crowd, unless you can some with any convincing arguments against of course.Ythar's Charisma invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2119131/Ythar's 'biggin' himself up' roll - invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2119133/invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2119134/
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2009 14:37:03 GMT -6
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Post by crusssdaddy on Jun 14, 2009 17:37:41 GMT -6
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burke
Level 2 Seer
Posts: 45
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Post by burke on Jun 15, 2009 0:24:46 GMT -6
Han Buri-Han does not stand a chance (CHA: 11) against the charismatic Ythar and prepares to be on the loosing side of the argument. But before the confrontation takes place, he notices that the Jale man has disappeared!
Han-Buri Han breathes a sigh of relief and looks to his comrades for what they should do now?
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Post by apeloverage on Jun 15, 2009 1:24:23 GMT -6
Everyone else - roll 1 dice and add Charisma - if your highest score is over Ythar's Charisma 14 + his one dice roll 12 = 26 you have overawed Ythar and those threatening to biff Gozer should they see him. If no-one makes it Ythar's big gob and racist rhetoric hold sway over the crowd, unless you can some with any convincing arguments against of course. Yashub-Yahad, stays silent, recognising that he has no chance against the eloquent Ythar.
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Post by apeloverage on Jun 15, 2009 1:25:27 GMT -6
OOC: Did I see where the Jale man went?
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Post by waysoftheearth on Jun 15, 2009 2:08:15 GMT -6
Gimyip thinks better of trying to compete with Ythar on his own ground. Instead he averts his eyes and discretely slips outside, where upon he checks for any sign of the Jale fellow.
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bert
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 138
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Post by bert on Jun 15, 2009 10:17:04 GMT -6
OOC: Gozer has slipped outside - no shrubbery bar a thorny half dead creosote bush, this being a desert - but no one knows where for the moment.
Ythar greets Mithal with a nod.
'Young Mithal, a pleasure to see you. What brave deeds have you done since we last met?'
Gimyip wanders nonchalantly outside. The Brown Moon shines brightly on the bailey outside the great hall, illuminating the symbol-painted lodges and the thorn-fenced pens where the herd animals have been left overnight. Bats can be seen fluttering against the disc of the moon, scattering as a hawk dives among them trying to grab one out of the air. Nothing unusual for a desert night.
'Gimyip Odd-Eye,' says a voice behind him, 'They are about to announce the prophecy, why do you wait in the dark? A lover perhaps?'
It is Valkang, the woman Gimyip's mother has been trying to marry him off to for years. She has had two children out of wedlock and one of them was sacrificed at a Snake-Stone for extreme mutation, but a mutant man who has stayed single so far beyond his coming of age at 16 has to take what offers he can get.
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Post by waysoftheearth on Jun 15, 2009 21:23:54 GMT -6
Gimyip acknowledges Valkang with only a glance. His feelings around her remain unclear, despite his mother's advise. Ignoring the entire issue has thus far proved to be the most practical course.
"We will all hear of the prophecy before long, I'm sure." he replies absently as he surveys the scene. Where had that Jale fellow vanished to, anyway? And how? "As for a lover? Well..." Best to leave her wondering, he decides.
"You didn't see someone come outside just before me, did you?" he asks Valkang directly.
Edit: Corrected tense.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2009 21:37:32 GMT -6
"I've been honing my skill with blade and blunt," replies Mithal. "The wind tells me both will be needed before many more days have gone by."
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Post by apeloverage on Jun 15, 2009 23:22:30 GMT -6
Yashub-Yahad looks for the Jale man.
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burke
Level 2 Seer
Posts: 45
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Post by burke on Jun 16, 2009 0:47:53 GMT -6
Han Buri-Han stays to hear the prophecy.
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bert
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 138
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Post by bert on Jun 16, 2009 15:35:43 GMT -6
Gimyip says: "You didn't see someone come outside just before me, did you?" he asks Valkang directly. 'Who?' asks Valkang sharply. 'There is another isn't there! You mutant bastard! Who is it? - It isn't a man is it? Is that why you haven't married me!' Gimyip sees that she has a knife... Yashub-Yahad looks for the Jale man. Yashub-Yahad emerges from the dark gateway, looiking for the missing Jale Man. 'It's him isn't it!' screams Valkang. She leaps on Yashub-Yahad stabbing with her knife. Needless to say Yashub was not expecting this - roll 1d6, on a 1-3 he is suprised. Gimyip also roll 1d6, he has at least seen the knife and is suprised on 1-2.Inside the hall Ythar curls his lip. 'What would you do with your blade? Fight Unmen? I challenge you to a head-take -' At this point he is distracted by the shouting outside. The ceremony of the prophecy has paused. The crone leans down to hear the Vaporous Lady's comments. The beating of gongs announces the arrival of Lord Thorium, as he emerges from his secret sanctum with his guards and Chief Smith. He is an impressive sight in his shining silvery armour and with his saw toothed sword held before his face in a salute. 'What says the prophetess?', he asks simply, lowering his sword which emits a growl from its heavy hilt as the teeth whirr round in a dangerous blur. He glances round. Not all eyes are on him, and he looks somewhat annoyed by that fact...
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2009 15:46:11 GMT -6
Mithal grips his club. "The next time you speak to me, friend Ythar," he growls, "You'd best choose your words, and your tone, with greater care."
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Post by waysoftheearth on Jun 16, 2009 17:10:52 GMT -6
Gimyip, alerted by sight of the knife, is not surprised by Valkang's psychotic turn, and moves swiftly to subdue her. "Calm yourself, deranged witch!" Gimyip hisses, trying to grasp her before she can attack Yashub-Yahad. Edit: beautified grammar.
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Post by apeloverage on Jun 16, 2009 17:36:46 GMT -6
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Post by crusssdaddy on Jun 16, 2009 21:55:08 GMT -6
Gozer hears the commotion and tries to find its source.
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