"We wandered a bit, Krojun-Eats-What-He-Kills," says Melianthe with a bow. "We are glad to see Segang's nalharest here. We would be pleased to meet with the Sun Shaman."
She keeps her face smirk-free, but is extra pleased to see Krojun a little off balance.
Jarha with pleasure soaks up the landscape during the voyage and lets the others take the lead with Krojun, although Jarha greets him with a bow of the head in recognition.
"Oooh, is there going to be a party? I looooove partiees. Please tell me there is dancing!"
Seren leers at Krojun with great appetite.
"Do Shoanti dance with tshamek women, Krojun?" Melianthe grins and celebrates with Seren, although she rolls her eyes and laughs as well.
Krojun gestures towards the village and leads the way on his horse. He gives Melianthe a sidelong glance. "Tshamek are strangers... not to be trusted. I'm certain nothing prohibits dancing." The big shoanti guides your party through the field of jagged stones on a winding path. You notice a number of fake paths leading to dead ends or entrapments, revealing the field's defensive purpose.
Once inside the village, Krojun takes you to the War Council Fire, a massive fire circle at the center of the yurts. It is not presently lit but several children are busy stacking wood for tonight's pyre.
Two older men wait by the circle. The first bears a striking resemblance to Krojun, very tall and well-built despite his years. His unfriendly glare is also familiar. Krojun introduces his uncle, Chieftain Ready-Klar.
The other man stands behind the chief, staring to the horizon and not acknowledging you. He is thickset and short, completely bald, with prominent white brows that stand in contrast to his auburn, scarred skin.
Many of the tribe have gathered around to see the meeting. Chief Ready-Klar speaks in Shoanti, loudly and for all to hear. "You tshamek dare to entire Sklar-Quah lands and disturb the peace of our home. Why have you come?"
"But Krojun, we've spent so much time together!" protests Melianthe with a wink.
Seren will be prepared to step forward and present the mark with dramatic flourish when Segang gets to that point in the story.
"Want some illusionary fireworks to help tell the story?"
Seren, with permission from the Chief, will cast a major image to help with sight, sound, smell and heat of the events as best we can remember them, with some awesome embellishment for certain.
Segang steps forward and responds, also speaking Shoanti. He does not raise his voice and only states facts. I am Segang Gal. You name me tshamek but I am of the people. I was born Shriikiri-Quah, stolen at age 6 but returned to my tribe at 12. I wear the totems of my tribe on face and back as is tradition. And I made my blood vow as I became a man. The man who stole me as a child, Gaedren Lamm, is dead at my hand and my vow fulfilled. But in that quest I found more that needed done. And this need has brought me home again where I and my friends complete the Trials of Respect.
Standing taller Segang begins to recount his, and his friend's deeds. Truthspeaker Akram of the Lyrune-Quah endorses us. I have become my enemies Nalharest, as Krojun will tell you. I have recreated a legendary hero's accomplishment, that of Skukak and Cindermaw where I was swallowed, escaped, and yet did not kill that magnificent beast. And I have sought and won the Thrallkeeper's Mark, having braved their Acropolis. I come to you to ask permission to take the Trial of the Totem. Have I not earned the right?
Melianthe tries very hard not to slide her eyes over to Seren's Thrallkeeper's Mark tattoo during Segang's incredibly inspiring speech. Stay quiet, look...un-tshamek...ish... she tells herself, looking at Chief Ready-Klar.
Jarha stands still and quiet, willing himself to fade into the background, grateful Segang is able to play this role for the group.
Chief Ready-Klar remains stoic and apparently unmoved by Segang's words, but you catch gasps of wonder and impressed murmurs from the gathered crowd. When Segang mentions the Trial of the Totem, they all become suddenly and remarkably silent.
"Segang Gal of Shriikiri-Quah, you and your companions have performed great deeds, even more admirably as you have respected our traditions while doing so. None will deny you are a true Shoanti."
"You may have clearly bamboozled our Skoan-Quah and Lyrune-Quah cousins, but we do not know your motivations for coming here, and trust must be earned. Here, in Sklar-Quah lands, you remain an outsider."
The Sun Shaman finally breaks this silence, not by speaking but by placing a hand on the chieftain’s shoulder and indicating wordlessly that they should retreat to the Sun Shaman’s tent to speak in private.
"Wait here," Chief Ready-Klar says, then leaves with the Sun Shaman.
Quiet tension looms while the crowd waits. Krojun crosses his arms and stares at Segang.
Akram leans in and quietly explains, "If the Sun Shaman rejects this request and decides you are not worthy of the trial, we -- myself included -- will be disemboweled for trespassing on Sklar-Quah land."
I will not go down easily Akram. Segang says quietly, his hand on his earthbreaker.
"Delightful folks," says Mel to Segang and Akram. "Did I mention I prefer the Moon to the Sun? Perhaps now is not the time to mention that..."
Seren pouts, "I've never been disemboweled, but I don't think I want to try it."
An hour later, the shaman and chieftain return to the circle. The gathered Sklar-Quah people watch in silence.
The Sun Shaman steps up and motions along a line in front of him. "Step forward. Announce your names before the quah."
Without hesitation Segang steps forward. I am Segang Gal.
The dusk elf stands near Segang. "Melianthe Ssulissien." She keeps her head high.
"Seren Dypethe", the wizard gives a flamboyant curtsey and a giggle.
Jarha steps forward and speaks with somewhat more hesitation than the others: "My name is Jarha Madu."
"Segang Gal," the Sun Shaman repeats loud enough for the entire crowd to hear. "Melianthe Ssulissien. Seren Dypethe. Jarha Madu."
"The four gathered before me are permitted the opportunity to prove themselves to the Sklar-Quah by enduring the Trial of the Totem."
The proclamation startles the gathered Shoanti. You hear some open gasps and more than a few voices of disapproval. Chief Ready-Klar steps out and silences the chatter with a stern glance.
The Sun Shaman speaks to you directly. "The trial will begin tomorrow at dawn. You are free to rest in the camp." He then turns and departs. The other Shoanti quickly disperse to their homes and duties.
"Ummm, great! We got what we wanted!" Seren grins gleefully.
Then she settles down for a moment, "Ahh ... anyone know what this trial really is besides ... "a test of endurance of the physical and spirit" She says that last bit with a puffed up fake Shoanti accent.
Speaking to his friends Segang quotes Be careful what you ask for, ...you might get it. How should we prepare for the trial?
"Akram..what is this trial?"
Melianthe looks mildly concerned. "Physicality isn't my strongest suit."
Akram smiles and shrugs. "I have heard rumors, although I doubt they do the task any credit. For certain, it is a test of strength and endurance, but willpower and determination are as important. The Sun Shaman will give you the specifics in the morning."
"Along that train of thought, the Boneslayers and I will not be welcome to stay in the camp tonight or during your trials. We will find a safe camp a few miles outside the village. I wish you all the best in your endeavor." The Truthspeaker nods and joins the others on their way off.
Before they depart Flameford, Nalmid rides over to Segang. "Do well, cityman." She smiles grimly and then leaves.
You set up camp by the village clearing. None of the quah disturb you, though you get a few curious glances from passers-by and fascinated children. The night passes without event.
Early the following morning, about an hour before dawn, you are awakened by the Sun Shaman, who asks them to follow him. He, along with a trio of thundercallers, escorts you out through the spike stones in silence and takes you east across the Cinderlands on a 20-minute walk to a site known a small mesa of gray rock. "This is Bolt Rock, a site of spiritual significance to the Sklar-Quah," the Sun Shaman says, breaking the long silence.
A single ledge winds up to the westernmost flat-topped area of Bolt Rock, a plateau that sits about 30 feet above the surrounding plain. A second ledge leads up higher to a second miniature mesa, this one 40 feet above the ground.
Silhouetted by the pre-dawn glow of the eastern horizon, the Sun Shaman explains, "For the Trial of the Totems, would-be Sklar-Quah must first select a sun totem." He points to a number of 10-foot-long fired-clay pylons standing in square stone pods nearby. The sides of the totems are decorated with numerous sigils sacred to the Sklar-Quah.
Segang moves to the totem farthest away and places his hand on it. This one.
Melianthe asks Segang quietly, "Um, do we each choose one? Or did you choose for all of us?"
I believe we each choose one.
Melianthe looks at the totems, reading for any Shoanti or Thassilonian symbols.
"Ok, so that's 'sun'..." Melianthe is generally stymied by the carvings.
The Shoanti runes confound Melianthe, but she does notice many of the carvings are stylized pictograms of things common to the Shoanti culture and Cinderlands: sun and wind, beasts such as wyverns and Cindermaw, raging fires, and so on.
Segang's totem is marked with runes of wisdom, temperance and rebirth... ashes in the remains of a brilliant fire.
Melianthe chooses the one with fire, unless there's something with some moons on it.
If culturally appropriate, in the morning Jarha will tug on his sleeves of many garments to dress himself in a pure white tunic for the ritual, instead of his usual nondescript traveling robes.
He examines the totems trying to make a selection:
But having utterly no idea what any of it means, he chooses the totem on the far side opposite from the side Segang took.
Seren scans the various totems and picks the daintiest, cutest one possible.
"This goes with my scarf, dontcha think?"
Jarha picks a totem carved in a swirling, spiral pattern -- winds rising from the desert floor, with stylized birds flying and elemental symbols. At the top, a blazing sun shines over all.
Seren finds no cute or dainty totems, but the only one without "ugly" monsters on it has instead a pattern of symbols and runes covering its entire surface.
When each of you has picked your totem, the Sun Shaman nods and explains. "When the sun breaks the horizon, your Trial begins. You will have one hour to take your totems to the lower tier of Bolt Rock and erect them in the depressions there. Then you must keep the totems upright for one day."
"Tomorrow, at sunrise, you will then carry your totems up to the highest tier of Bolt Rock, again within one hour, and keep them upright within another set of depressions there."
"When the sun rises on the third day, any totem still standing grants its steward Sklar-Quah citizenship."
He nods again and continues. "No food or water will be brought to you during the Trial, but you are welcome to provide your own. You may use magic or any means at your disposal to keep the totems upright, as long as it does not damage or alter the totems or structure of Bolt Rock in any way." He points towards Flameford. "Many eyes will be turned eastward for the next two days."
He glances toward the eastern horizon once more, nods and turns to leave.
Speaking to the group Segang notes These are made of fired clay. They could crack or break if hit or dropped hard. He bends to try to lift his totem only slightly to assess its weight.
Melianthe turns to Jarha. "Rocks. Rocks and sand. Can you bring them to us, telekinetically, to surround the totems and keep them upright? A pile of rocks around them will not crush them, but will support them. I can also summon earth elementals, but only for a short time. And perhaps you can carry them."
She shakes her head. "I don't have much in terms of restorative spells. Curing wounds yes, but not stopping fatigue."
Melianthe looks around at the landscape for sticks, trees, and wood. "And air elementals can gather things to prop up the totems. Do we have rope?
I have a rope. Segang confirms.
Jarha stands a little straighter and says with pride, "I can move totems of this weight all day long and not feel tired, and as much rock or sand as could ever be needed. Just tell me what to do."
"Ok. We're going to bring them up to the first part of Bolt Rock, both the totems and as much rock as you can move--if you can do that in one go, Jarha, that's best. We will surround you and guard you from distractions. We will place the totems in their...slots? Holes? And then each of us will hold our totem steady. Segang, we will tie your totem to Jarha's while he moves rocks around. We will build piles of rocks to steady them. Then we sleep in shifts to make sure the rocks don't move too much. I think that would do it," says Melianthe.
"I find myself wishing we had a dwarven engineer among us--they'd know exactly how to prop up the totems," she says a bit wistfully.
Segang considers. We may not damage or alter the totems or structure of Bolt Rock in any way. wrapping a coil at the base of the standing totem might help it stand and not count as an alteration. But will piling rocks and gravel up count?Certainly we cannot alter the place where they currently stand.
"500 pounds?"
Seren scrunches her nose up and thinks and then claps her hands together and does a little jump and spin.
She summons a floating disk using shadow conjuration.
"i'll take 2" she smiles shyly.
"I don't think it's an alteration, Segang--we can move the rocks with us--ai! Seren! Why don't you conjure shadows more often? I want to hug those!" Melianthe is grateful to see a bit of actual darkness in this sun-blasted land.
The sun breaks the horizon...