Poor Merduk didn't get a lot of face time with this session. This was supposed to be a little less lethal of an encounter this time, and a nice exploration of Yitek culture.
(7499) GM: When last we saw our protagonists, they had just survived a battle between Necromancers.
(7499) GM: A charred pool of goo and a Stryx corpse are all that's left of Saranael and Vixil.
** (7501) Merduk has grudgingly decided to follow this to its end. He wants to turn around and go to the coast, but he wants to get this dream business over with. **
(7499) GM: You travel northward for many days. The scrub gets less oppressive, and there are even occasional watering holes.
** (7502) Laj put the stryx's head in a bag before leaving. **
(7499) GM: The temperatures get more bearable, not quite so hot in the daylight, not quite so cold at night.
(7502) Laj: "Going to miss this weather."
(7499) GM: (That's just morbid, Laj, and besides, it doesn't smell good when you pick it up... Several days in hot weather won't improve it.)
(7499) GM: (Give us a scouting roll, Laj.)
(7499) GM: (Survival, rather.)
(7502) Laj: [1d20+8] -> [2,8] = (10) Survival.
(7499) GM: Laj, you're looking ahead when you almost stumble over six Yitek. They draw their scimitars at being seen.
(7502) Laj: (Hey, the head is a present for some friends. Laj plans on having it embalmed.) :) (And calling a Yitek morbid is a compliment!)
(7502) Laj: "HOLD, brothers!"
** (7502) Laj lifts his empty hands, palms outward. **
(7499) GM: The Yitek look at you sharply, and stop advancing. They keep their swords up, though.
(7499) GM: "Who calls for a halt?"
(7502) Laj: "I do. I am Laj Yeto of the Notas. Who advances upon us with bared blades?"
(7499) GM: "Laj Yeto?" The leader unveils himself. "I am Narad Atar, Laj. It has been many summers since we last met."
** (7501) Merduk has his hand on his sword hilt, ready to draw if necessary. **
** (7501) Merduk relaxes. **
(7502) Laj: (Do I recognize the name?)
(7499) GM: (It sounds familiar, but you've been away from the desert.)
(7499) Narad: "I am now leader of Clan Atar, of the Notas tribes. You are welcome to tread upon my sands, Laj Yeto."
(7499) GM: There is some murmuring behind Narad.
(7499) Narad: "You and your companions may sit at our fires. Tell me, do you bring news of the Sutas?"
(7502) Laj: "We are honored, Clanleader Narad."
(7502) Laj: "We do. We have much to tell. And we bring a gift."
** (7502) Laj hefts the bag with the head inside. **
(7499) Narad: "Then let us return to our camp, and keep away night's chill. Come."
** (7502) Laj nods to his fellows. "Fellow Notas." **
** Narad leads you back to the camp. There are nine tents, which blend into the scrub, difficult to see unless you are close. **
** (7502) Laj whispers to Merduk. "Keep an eye on his followers." **
** (7501) Merduk nods. **
** (7502) Laj ties Her Grace to a convenient scrub bush. **
(7499) Narad: "Bring wood for fires, and water. These are the ones spoken of by the dark one."
(7499) GM: Several of the Yitek scatter, gathering wood. One brings two waterskins.
(7499) Narad: "Are you thirsty?"
(7501) Merduk: "Sure. I could drink."
(7502) Laj: "We are, though we will share water with you."
** Narad leans down to hear another Yitek's whisper, then looks at you, puzzled. **
(7499) Narad: "Was there another with you? One whose soul was darker than a shadow at midnight?"
(7502) Laj: "Yes."
** (7501) Merduk wants to say something, but is letting Laj do the talking. These are his people, after all. **
(7502) Laj: "How did you know?"
(7499) Narad: "The Dark One spoke of the Dark-souled one. She is not to be welcomed among us. Is she nearby?"
(7501) Merduk: "Nope. She got into sort of a dead situation."
(7502) Laj: "She is a puddle of gore, undone by black lightning."
(7502) Laj: "Who is the Dark One?"
(7499) Narad: "Then that is well, for her soul was a shadow."
(7499) Narad: "The Dark One was among us a week ago, and foretold the coming of four. He is of the Ariane. He told us to welcome you, and to beware the shadow-souled woman."
** Narad peers intently at Merdmira, who peers right back. **
(7499) Narad: "And so, Laj Yeto, friend from my childhood, we will share water."
(7501) Merduk: "No, that's my sister. The nasty one is baking in the sand miles from here."
(7499) Narad: "Your soul is not a shadow, so you are welcome to sit at our fires."
(7502) Laj: "The woman met her end at the hands of this." He tosses the bag onto the ground with disdain. "It did great damage to our kin, the Sotas. It came dressed as a man wearing black rags."
** Narad picks up the bag, and drops it again when he sees what is inside. **
(7499) Narad: "That is a foul thing, brother."
(7502) Laj: "We shall sit and share our water. We thank you for your hospitality in this often harsh land."
(7499) Narad: "The Dark One told us that the Sotas were girding for war with the Notas tribes, but that it would not come to pass. Have you news of the Sotas tribes?"
(7502) Laj: "Agreed, Clanleader. I keep it not for a trophy. Instead, I wish to have proof for the Sotas that their tormentor is dead. It is an unclean thing that should be burned and cursed for eternity."
(7502) Laj: "I have news, but not of war. The Sotas were struck by this stryx, who unleashed foul magic that slew many of them. They deserve our pity and our hands, not our blades. Take the head to them, Clanleader, and any rift should be sealed between the tribes."
(7502) Laj: "We were treated well as we passed through their lands. We shared water and heard no ill words toward the Notas."
** Narad looks at the bag with the head thoughtfully. "I will think on what you say, Laj. I do not lust for war." **
(7502) Laj: "There is no reason to war with our kin. The world already shows us no kindness. We should not visit ruin upon ourselves."
** (7502) Laj bows, finishing his argument. **
(7499) Narad: "Haldus the Onir does not wish for war either. I will do this thing, Laj Yeto, for you are of our tribe. Will the Onir of the Sotas welcome us?"
(7502) Laj: "Clanleader, tell him that Laj Yeto, a recent guest of the Prince of the Sotas, bids him peace and brings him the head of his greatest enemy in the name of brotherhood between Notas and Sotas. You will be welcomed, if not as a friend, then as an ally. You may make more of this as you see fit."
(7499) GM: Three silver cups are brought before you. A woman fills them with water, and offers one to each of you.
(7502) Laj: "We cannot thank you enough for your kindness. Truly, Clanleader, you are a credit to your station and our people."
** (7502) Laj motions Merduk and Merdmira to take the cups. **
(7499) Narad: "You have grown wise, Laj Yeto. Do you remember when your father still walked under the sun, and we took his aht-ra into the desert?"
** Narad laughs. **
** (7501) Merduk listens, hoping for embarrassing childhood stories about Laj. **
(7499) Narad: "He was not kind to either of us. Come, drink our water and take shelter with us this night. The Dark One said that you will travel, but take this night as rest."
** (7502) Laj laughs. "I remember. It was worth it, though." **
(7502) Laj: "We shall. One more thing, Clanleader. Tell us of the Dark One, if you please."
(7499) Narad: "Fools we were, no water and surrounded by sand. We were lucky to survive that day."
(7502) Laj: "Hah, Death was near, but his hand wavered and we slipped through his fingers."
(7499) Narad: "The Dark One came upon us, as sometimes happens. He told us of many things, some that may come to pass. We did not listen to his prophecy, for that is folly to those such as us. But he lead us to water where there was none, and we listened after that."
(7499) Narad: "The Ariane wander sometimes near, but not within recent memory."
(7501) Merduk: "Yes, we were very very lucky, especially with the enormous luck-drag provided by Merdmira and myself."
** Merdmira snorts. **
(7499) GM: The Yitek woman is still holding the cups to you, looking expectantly in your direction.
** (7502) Laj takes his cup. He nods again at Merduk and Merdmira, then at the woman holding the cups. **
** (7502) Laj sips his water politely, savoring it. Out here, it's a luxury. **
** Merdmira takes the cup, and watching Laj, she sips from it. **
** (7502) Laj wonders belatedly if it's poisoned. That would be ironic. **
(7499) Narad: "Come, sit near the fire, and the women will dance for us."
** (7501) Merduk drinks the water. Not much choice, really. **
(7499) GM: (The serving girl wasn't veiled, Laj, so you don't worry much about poison.)
** Narad leads you to the fire, and sits near it. The Yitek women line up for a dance. **
(7501) Merduk: (How do they look? Probably kind of bony.)
(7499) GM: The women start to dance, slowly at first, the Dance of the Forgotten Tomb.
(7502) Laj: (Lean, deeply tanned, rangy chicks.)
(7499) GM: (They don't look bad, a little skinny, but they're desert folk.)
(7499) GM: The dance is a sort of luck charm, it is the story of a rich tomb that has lain undisturbed since before the Great Disaster.
(7499) GM: The dancers build to a frenetic crescendo, and the onlookers applaud loudly.
** Narad smiles at the dancers, his eye on one in particular. **
** (7502) Laj applauds as well. **
** (7502) Laj notices. "Your eye is on an undiscovered tomb as well, Clanleader?" **
** (7501) Merduk smiles and claps. **
(7499) Narad: "Not undiscovered, but a treasure waits there still."
(7501) Merduk: (Yay! They're the Fremen!)
(7502) Laj: "Ah, well good fortune in your quest."
(7499) GM: (Not so much Fremen. They're desert dwellers, but not slaves to their religion. The dance is more entertainment than magic.)
(7499) GM: The sky grows dark, and the fire keeps you warm in the night's chill. The Yitek even drink a little Aquavit, but not much at all, being real desert folk. Eventually, they grow tired, and most retire to the tents.
** (7501) Merduk winces at Laj's comment. Dammit, he's wishing away our fortune to strangers. **
** (7502) Laj retires as well. "Home, at least more like it than in any city I've visited." **
(7502) Laj: (Lol, Merduk.)
** (7502) Laj doesn't realize the gaffe he committed in front of Merduk and Merdmira. **
** Merdmira yawns. Apparently, she's been into her own drink. **
** Merdmira shows off her nice new spinifax tent. **
** (7502) Laj pitches his own tent and sleeps without concern for the first time in weeks. **
(7499) Merdmira: "Looks like I'll be sleeping nice tonight, brother."
** (7501) Merduk sleeps in the usual manner. **
(7501) Merduk: :)
(7499) GM: The night passes quietly, and you awake refreshed. No strange dreams disturb your sleep.
** (7502) Laj rises and searches out his companions. When he finds them and sees that they are awake, he awaits their thoughts on the ariane. **
** Merdmira grumbles at being awakened. **
(7499) Merdmira: "Well, he didn't hurt these folk none."
(7499) Merdmira: "Not like that Stryx."
(7502) Laj: "Agreed. We're getting closer. He knows it."
(7499) Merdmira: "Don't know if that's good or bad, really."
(7501) Merduk has sent you a tree node...
(7499) Merdmira: "Either way, though, well find out soon. He's a week ahead of us."
** Merdmira sips at her water. **
(7502) Laj: "And we move faster since we're mounted."
(7502) Laj: "Assuming no delays--such as necromancers."
(7502) Laj: "May be able to catch him in ten days."
(7499) Merdmira: "Maybe so. Then maybe we won't have these silly dreams."
(7499) Merdmira: "You awake, brother? If I'm awake, you gotta be too."
(7502) Laj: "He sends dreams for a reason. Don't know why. Find out. Wants us to follow him. Annoying."
** (7501) Merduk grunts in a five-more-minutes manner. **
(7502) Laj: "Will ask Clanleader what prophesies ariane made before leaving. May have clue."
(7499) Merdmira: "Don't like it, that's all I know. Come on, get up, Merduk."
(7499) Merdmira: "Is he really going to make peace, Laj?"
(7502) Laj: "Don't know. Didn't know there was even hint of war."
** (7501) Merduk sighs and sits up. **
(7499) Merdmira: "Maybe you could give him that amulet Nurab gave you. Might keep him from getting killed. You Yitek are a violent lot when you're stirred up."
(7499) Merdmira: "That way, Nurab would know you sent him."
(7502) Laj: "Good plan! Forgot about that."
** Merdmira cackles like a hen. **
(7499) Merdmira: "Hungry. Maybe they've got something to eat already."
** Merdmira climbs out of the tent. **
(7501) Merduk: (We should make a blank Talislanta node and send it to Wrath of Nodes.)
(7501) Merduk: (Unknown Armies, too for that matter.)
(7499) GM: (I did.)
(7502) Laj: "Clanleader is an old friend. Don't think he'd betray the Sotas by attacking when they are weak, using my name to lull them."
(7499) GM: Outside, the Yitek women are preparing some eggs with Erd cheese.
(7502) Laj: "Still, nothing is certain. Beyond our concerns. Must meet ariane and get rid of those bones. Solve the Yitek's problems after that." Laj laughs.
(7501) Merduk: (Yay! Cheese omelettes!)
** Narad is awake, and watching the food anxiously. One of the women climbs out of his tent, and joins the preparers. **
** (7502) Laj sniffs. "Reminds me of childhood. Grandmother's cooking was very good. Miss it." **
** (7502) Laj chuckles, nodding after Narad. "His mind is not on war." **
(7499) Narad: "There is food for all, guests. Please eat your fill."
(7501) Merduk: "It's hard to imagine you as a child."
** Narad laughs at Merduk. "Oh, he was indeed a child. Until his tenth summer, spoiled by his mother." **
(7499) Narad: "We both were, and we both ate well."
** (7501) Merduk eats whatever they give him. Marukans who leave Maruk are usually surprised to discover that eating can be enjoyable. **
(7502) Laj: "You are not complaining, eh Clanleader Narad."
(7499) Narad: "No, not complaining at all, Laj. It was your father who taught us of locks and how to defeat them."
** (7502) Laj pities the Marukans. Everything must taste a little like dung. Dung tarts, dung pudding, dung steak, etc. **
(7499) Narad: "May his memory never fade."
(7502) Laj: "He was a master. I learned not enough from him before he died. How is your kin?"
(7499) Narad: "My father survives, but the sickness weakens him every day. Did you leave before he fell ill? It has been so long. My brother was slain by a clever trap in a tomb far north three summers ago."
(7499) Narad: "My son walks with another tribe, until his time of testing, as is the custom of the clan leaders."
(7499) Narad: "I am told he is strong and quick, he will be much like his father."
** Narad laughs. **
(7499) Narad: "Not as quick as Laj, who has his father's hands."
(7502) Laj: "I left many seasons ago. I did not hear of your father. I honor the memory of your brother. Your son sounds like he will grow into a master himself someday. And my father would scoff at such a remark, Narad. He taught you as well, and we never were his equals."
(7502) Laj: "But we must journey on. Dreams call us. Can you tell us two things, Clanleader?"
(7499) Narad: "I will share what I know with you, Laj."
(7502) Laj: "Which way did the ariane travel?"
(7502) Laj: "And what did he prophesize?"
(7499) Narad: "When he left, he went north, and told us to expect you from the south."
(7499) Narad: "And when he was here, he led us to the water. After that, he told us the Sotas were preparing for war, but it would not be fought. He told us you were coming, but he did not say your name, Laj. He also told us that the shadow-souled woman was to be avoided."
(7499) Narad: "He also told of storms to come, years hence, when violence might tear the deserts asunder."
(7499) Narad: "These storms, he did not name. But they would come from the east. The red tribe plots violence."
(7502) Laj: "He was wise. There is an opportunity to heal the rift between tribes. We should not ignore it. Storms? The red tribe? We will ponder that. Perhaps we shall find the answer."
(7499) Narad: "He seemed wise, but there is not a Yitek alive who does not question everything that is heard. Still, you came from the south as he said."
** (7501) Merduk listens. He is eager to meet this Ariane, and get some explanations. **
(7499) Narad: "And the tribes need not shed blood, if it can be avoided."
(7502) Laj: "Perhaps he sees things we cannot. It is well to listen, even with a skeptical ear. Unfortunately, the road beckons us. We cannot thank you enough for your hospitality."
(7499) Narad: "Please, take water. We have more than enough, thanks to the Dark One."
(7502) Laj: "We shall fill our skins. Farewell, my friend. Farewell, my people. Wish us speed. May rain touch this place."
(7499) Narad: "May you sleep on warm sands, and may you find riches in the tombs, Laj Yeto."
** Narad bows politely. **
** (7502) Laj bows in return. **
(7499) GM: After making your goodbyes, you continue your trek northward. After another day of travel, you cross a dune to see an onyx figure with shockingly white hair sitting on a dune in front of you.
(7499) GM: (And that's where we'll stop for tonight.)