'That would make you a cousin. We, kobolds, are dragonkin. My tribe was descended from a blue dragon of whom I bear the mark.'
Draahzin was pleased to speak with Tolus, he was scaled and friendly, his tail waved his contentment.
'The Sarengave his a good teacher about oneself, harsh certaintly but knowledgeable.'
To be clear, I do not know my heritage. All my kin are serpent-folk, called Vishkanya. I like to imagine that a dragon gave rise to my ancestors, but I have no evidence to support that dream
So do you protect your mind, too, or allow Daiga to take it? Haroun keeps his thoughts to himself, listening intently as Meriui explains the ritual to covering water. I must write this down when I get the chance.
"That is an interesting perspective," he says, raising his eyebrows slightly. "I know little of the Varn'ea. What brings you out of the Sarengave?"
"I come out of the Sarengave because the Varn'ea heard of this trip into our home. We know that Daiga will take much from the strangers wandering lost through the Sarengave. We want someone to see and learn the tricks Daiga uses, so that we can adapt if they could get past our traditions. A tribe that does not learn, perishes."
Wyldyrn smiled as he watches the young half-elf strive to improve her skills with his coaching.
"The spirits be alive, that one knows of dancing here!" Farid exclaims. "But of course--you look to be an elf of the Sarengave. Farid Sa'd-Ghalib, friend elf," he says, bowing lower to this elf than he had to others, though it still isn't very deep. "What brings you to Voush; the caravan?"
Wyldyrn turns at the sound of the human's voice and returns the bow to the man. "Well met, friend. You would indeed be correct, I am of the Sarengave, Wyldyrn Cor'amnis. You would be Farid, the desert guide am I correct? You'll have to excuse me, I've never seen your face directly when you've traded with my people." He points to his cloudy eyes with a wry smile. "Yes, I am here seeking to join the caravan. I assume the same with you?"
He spots Farid nod to a blurry figure just outside his vision, he believes he recognizes the body movements; however, he cannot be sure. 'Time to look into it later...'
He turns back to the dancer with a smile. "Farewell, my dear. Good luck with your dancing. Remember what I've taught you." He does not see the sad face the pretty, young half-elf gives as he gestures towards the bar with Farid. "Come, let us share water together."
As ‘Abal walks into the caravan camp she couldn’t help noticing how sorely unprepared many of the outlanders were for the Sarengave.
Already many were showing signs of sun scorching or heat exhaustion, wearing either too much or too little clothing, draped in the wrong colors and worse.
It was clear that if the Caravan Master chose poorly, he would be leaving bodies in the desert rather than bringing back treasure.
She hook her head.The light cloak she wore over her leather and diaphanous silks fluttered in the light hot breeze that wafted through the camp.
To her it was welcome, a cool relaxing gift from a land that was not overly generous. As she entered the tent she took in Barune Bandelvis. A hard man, obviously capable to have attained middle age in his like of work. Exploring the desert was not for the weak. From the look of him he had had his fill of adventurers and unprepared city dwellers seeking riches. A wise man this one.
”Your name?” the man asks gruffly.
”I am 'Abal al Naheed,” she replies. As the man’s eyes widen slightly, unconsciously taking in her overall appearance, she smiles slightly. ”It was a joke around the campfires that my Grandmother was quite the fortune teller.”
Barune grunts. Not to be distracted by humor he focuses his shrewd gaze on the young woman. ”What makes you a better choice than the small army of mercenaries, adventurers and “experts” I have suffered through so far?”
”All of these men and women, they come form all corners, drawn to the Sarangave, seeking wealth, power or challenge.” As she speaks, her voice conjures images of desert winds blowing sand across the plain in the moonlight, trains of camels steadily making their way from one oasis to another.
”But I was born in the Sarengave. It is in my blood, my bones. My soul. The desert is my home, both shelter and provider, harsh yes but nourishing to those who would learn her lessons.” she leans forward, looking the older man in the eyes, a wisdom far beyond her age unmistakable.
”I will keep your caravan, and all your adventurers and experts alive. I will intercede when the Sarengave seeks its price in lives. She will listen to her daughter, and perhaps, so will Daiga, her keeper.”
At the man’s curious and appraising gaze as kneels, placing her hands on the sandy ground of the tent. ”And of course, there is always this.”
Her grin vanishes as a blend of focus and rapture crosses her features, reaching into the earth beneath her to commune with the desert. Slowly, starting with a burble, a small spring wells up inside the tent, fresh clean water filling the slight depression to create a small shallow basin of crystal clear water.
This has been a good crucible. It isn't going to be easy but I will make my decisions tomorrow evening for sure and we will get this thing going. In the meantime keep roleplaying and enjoy each others company. I will be watching. I have been most entertained.
Faruq frowned at Meriui's comment. [b]"What exactly will this Daiga take from us?"[b]
Well i have a feeling that the caravan master is going to announce very soon who is it and who is not. With that we can all get out of this stuffy place.
"And who do you think will be picked?" She asks, finally speaking up. "Who will be lucky enough to be a part of this tale as it unfolds?"
Gently rolling with the gait of his camel, Ghersh surveys the busy town. It seems that there are many looking for a place in this elf's caravan. He spies a knot of people surrounding a man, clamoring for his attention. Ah, it would seem that is the most likely place to start
He dismounts and ties reins to a post nearby before moving into the group. As he advances, he can tell the poor man is harassed by the press of bodies. Shouldering his way through, he steps in front of him, nodding his head in respect. "Good man, I am looking for the master of the caravan heading out into the Saragave looking for Aridia. I am a trained soldier with experience surviving in the harsh desert and I bring my own camel.
The exasperated man blinks rapidly at this newest man's words. He notes that the man is tall and muscular, but plain in his features. Still, there is something about his carriage that begs notice. [b]"You say you have your own camel? Well, that's more than most bring and certainly more than these can boast." He waves his arms out to encompass the many people around him. "I am not the caravan master, merely his bookkeeper. Go through into the tent behind me and meet with Barune. Take this so he knows you are cleared." So saying, he hands Ghersh a chit with a mark inscribed upon it.
Taking the proffered chit, Ghersh steps up to the tent, pushing aside the flap and entering. He finds that it is nearly as bright as outside with a simple low table and cushions to either side. Across the table, a man sits, reviewing several ledgers. At Ghersh's entrance, he looks up, "Ah, another petitioner for the caravan. You will need to speak to Avid, my man outside. He will help you." He waves his hand to indicate that he should go back outside.
Ghersh responds, "Your man gave me this for you to announce my arrival and approval to meet with you."
Looking back up, the caravaneer spies the chit, "Ah, so you have seen him. Here, give that to me. Come, sit down and let us discuss the caravan and yourself. Give me reason to consider you."
Ghersh hands over the chit and folds his legs to sit on the cushion opposite the man. "I am Ghersh ibn Nader, a soldier trained in the arts of the furisayya. I can provide excellent protection to your caravan. I have been trained to survive in the harshest deserts and never in all my days have I been troubled by the worst heat the sun poured down upon my crown."
The master listens to the words of this newest applicant, smiling at his words. "You are a cataphract? Oh, so you and your horse are inseparable, heh?" He looks the man up and down, making note of the armoured coat and kilt. "You at least know the value of wearing armour that is not metal. There is something to be said for that."
"Sahib, begging your pardon, but I do not ride a horse. The desert swallows the dried out bones of horses. I ride a camel. There is nothing better for traversing the desert. A camel also maintains it's stamina in the dry heat."
The caravan master sat back at this revelation, "You ride a camel? That is very good to hear. So many of these pretty boys come in on a horse thinking that they are the gods gift to fighting. Watch them fall as their thirsty horse stumbles in the dunes after two days without water, let alone two weeks. Smart man you are. Tell me though, what other skills can you lend to a caravan?"
Ghersh bows in recognition of the compliment and continues, "I am no mere footman. I am educated and will be of immense value to your endeavors. I am trained to survive and have knowledge of what few oases are on this side of the Saragave. I can find prey and follow tracks. I can even be of use to you in negotiations. I have a sense for people and their motives and know how to speak with those we encounter. I speak several languages and can communicate with the elemental beings and spirits of the air, the earth and fire."
The man's smile grows wide enough to show his teeth. "I like this! You can speak to the elementals? You may bring us luck. I will take you on for protection and negotiation." He extends his hand, "I am Barune, master of the caravan. Welcome!"
Ghersh accepts Barune's hand in his own. "I am welcomed by your offer and accept this place in your caravan. Now let us speak of payment..."
Ghersh leaves from the tent of Barune and heads over to the tavern that the caravaneer mentioned. Entering, he is surprised by the number of prospective members already gathered. He strides to the bar and requests tea. After a long time, the bartender serves him the tea, a weak brew that would be tasteless if the cup were not so filthy. A look of distaste upon his face, he sets it back down and moves away to find a seat at one of the tables.
Out the tavern, Raine takes a moment to breathe deeply of the dry desert air. Hot and dusty as it is, it feels better in her lungs than the close air of the tavern with its crowd.
She walks to the stable where the beasts are tethered. It has filled up in the last few hours. She is pleased to see that Simoom is not the only camel, at least. Others here have some sense in their choice of mounts, at least.
Simoom needs no more food or water, so it was a shallow excuse, really. But she slips in beside the big, shaggy camel and leans her face against her coarse flank. Simoom smells musky and dusty and alive-- just as an animal should smell. Probably half the people in that building would think she stinks, but the smell is natural to Raine.
"I should not have come," she whispers to the camel, in her native tongue. "I am not ready. They sent Wyldyrn."
Simoom placidly begins chewing on her hair in response.
Raine scowls. "This is not the consolation I was hoping for."
Camels are not capable of shrugging, but Simoom rolls a long-lashed, big, doe-like in her direction. She lifts one big, splay-toed foot, puts it back down on the cleared earth of the stable floor, and whuffs a hot, camelly exhale.
Raine grimaces. "Yes, alright. One step at a time. I know. I should go back in. Or you will eat all of my hair, you bad girl, you."
"Or unlucky enough, most would have you believe."
Lilith spoke up in response to the woman who has remained silent so far. "I think the issue they've had until now is lack of sense, and if the interviewer was any clue, then this caravan is no different. They'll select whoever had the strongest arm or the prettiest eyes and be done with it. It's a gamble if any of us will make it."
Despite her words, Lilith was not being pessimistic. She knew that, if anyone deserved to go, it was her. Her tone was more of mocking. Calling out on her contempt for the process as a whole.
"It's a sad fate for this caravan if a pretty eye is all they wanted. Too often does that turn disastorous for people, choosing for beauty on something so important."
"It's a wasted opportunity to learn great things. Wasted on the foolish. If they're wise, it'll be the people who can think that they select. Followed perhaps then by muscle."
Speaking out this much was quite unorthodox for Lilith, but it mattered little with the chatter going on, especially when the topic at hand was one of annoyance for her.
She studied the women briefly. Elven, armed well and well spoken.
"And are you one of the thinkers, or the muscle?" She replies, tapping her table to a tune in her head. "It's sometimes hard to determine if one is the former."
"I'll assume that's not an insult and simply an inquiry. I know more about anything this caravan could possibly face than the whole lot combined. I know a lot about combat, but I'm not as physically apt as some. What of you, then? You don't exactly look like a soldier. A fellow scholar, perhaps? Spellcaster?"
Lilith leans back in her chair now. This female was actually entertaining her fancy for intelligent conversation, however shallow it may be at the moment.
"I'm not technically a scholar, though I do know a few things." She replies, turning toward Lillith fully. "Adina Evendy, sorceress and story collector. I was intrigued when I heard about the city out there in the desert, and decided to join, if I could, the expedition to find it. Or, if it isn't a ruin and actually a thriving city, discovery the way to it."
'Vishkanya you said? Never heard of them, you must come from some place far away?'
The conversation was heating up in the tavern, the halfling started to speak about the recruitment and two females had been going on it for quite some time.
Mia got tired of sitting still at the table. She looked at Toby and calmly but firmly.
He noticed and bent a little forward to hear her better, since the more people came in the more chatter there was.
Mia:"I am going for a little walk. No need to shout for me. If anything bad happens you'll hear me scream."
Toby:
The way to the bar was partially the way Mia wanted to stroll along. She got down from her seat and walked.
Nearing the table Mia saw Lilith sitting at, she saw another woman talking to Lilith.
Oh? If Lilith is talking to her, eavesdropping might be fun.
When practically next to the table, she slowed her pace and deliberately dropped a coin. This gave her the opportunity to partially hear the smalltalk.
Toby also slowed down his pace. Mia noticed he'd done it just to look at the two fair women.
Ugh....just you wait, pig.
Mia made a gesture with her finger, hidden behind her doll. The next step Toby made, not looking forward, got him to step upon a puddle of greasy ale. A slip towards the next table and a firm *thud* followed.
Be practical, focus on where you are going.
Toby got up, unsure why he'd have to be unlucky enough.
'Vishkanya you said? Never heard of them, you must come from some place far away?'
The conversation was heating up in the tavern, the halfling started to speak about the recruitment and two females had been going on it for quite some time.
I have no idea, actually. I was forbidden from researching my own people in the great Libraries of my Masters while I was in their service, and they never saw fit that I should know. After I bought myself free, I no longer had access to those resources. I'm sure I will find my origins soon though. He leans forward with a smile, If half of what this Elf caravan sponsor says is true, we'll all be rich as Masters when we emerge from the Sarengrave.
"Yes, I am indeed a guide of the Sarengave to those who would partake of its expanse. Wyldyrn... I've heard of you. You are a shaman or the like in your people, are you not?" Farid speaks reverentially of the profession; despite his feelings on Daiga (and, really, worship of a single deity in general), he is a spiritual man. "It would be a great honor to work beside you, sir."
Farid also turns to the dancer as they get ready to go. "You have sparks of talent within you, lady, and I have no doubt that one day I shall hear of your skills in far-away cities. Remember what this man has taught you, and remember this: the dances of the Sarengave are like desert mirages, beautiful even if insubstantial, and wondrous even if the viewer knows not what he's seeing." He takes her hand and places a few coppers into it before nodding and striking out with Wyldyrn to the bar.
'One must obey the law, if he wants to survive. You did good not to anger your masters. Yes that Yalendere fellow promises much. I hope you and I will be part of this trip, it would be pleasant to have company.' He tries to smile and waves his tail.
Tolus nods enthusiastically. It would be so nice to not be the only one with scales for once. And to have someone who doesn't look twice when I smile, but, to be honest, I do have a bit of fun with that. I love people who are naturally afraid of snakes. They just stop and stare as if Asmodeus himself had just walked into the Market!
Draahzin seems amused: 'That's a nasty way of thinking! I just get scorn and hateful glances.If I was bigger maybe people would think Dahak is here…
Maybe, but then you would have all kinds of heroes following you around and trying to kill you. Might not be worth it.
'True. I didn't tought about that.'
Where are you from, by the way, that your Dragon Lord would command you to come on this journey?
Tolus had told him his story so Draahzin felt compelled to reciprocate:
'Oh I don't have a dragon lord only an ancestor. My tribe used to live on the outskirts of the Sarengave. But that was before we're slaughtered. Our ancestor didn't show up, maybe he wasn't aware? Since then I roamed the lands of men, found a master who taught me how to fight and to talk this language. He died and now I'm on my own.'
We are both relatively new to the "free" life, then. Though I'm not so sure being free is any different from being a slave. The controls are just less visible.
'Abal walks into the dirty tavern, taking on the patrons. With her lifestyle, it felt odd having anything other than a tent over her head.
The place spat upon anything resembling hospitality, the girl was pretty but awkward, she could easily think of a dozen girls her age who would put her to shame around the evening campfires in the last tribe she'd stayed with.
Choosing a table away from the gathering of travellers and hopefuls, she studies the people whose survival might depend on her far more than they could ever imagine.
'Does freedom truly exists? Gods, dragons, men and strangers creatures all want to be obeyed. What can we do, we humble beings? And is freedom surch a good thing? Peace can only be attained obeying the laws, not by twisting to escape their grasp.'
Tolus's raises an eyebrow in curiosity. Interesting. I can agree on general principle. Peace is only attained when one has found their place in the world, but I do not hold the laws of any man or god sacred. I spent too long following every structure and not and tiddle. I will follow the laws of nature, for I must do so to survive, but the laws of men? He waves his hand dismissively, Only when it suits me.
Raine returns to the cramped tavern, staying near the doorway now and leaning on her spear. It has filled up with many people. The noise assails her as sure as a barrage of arrows.
The confusing serpent-man is talking with the little lizard. Wyldyrn has shown the girl something of true grace. There are others, so many others-- the child the serpent mentioned, and Raine glances around for her, but her heart isn't really in it.
The open desert beckons, just outside the door. She stands and watches the talking people, her face impassive.
Toby got back to his seat, feeling a bit nausiated from the knock on the head. Added alcohol would only worsen the pain. Of course he'd lost track of his daughter again. She was so busy exploring when she gets to new places.
His mind wondered off for a moment:
Mia on the other hand, was still walking around, hardly haven gotten to a full round with meeting people and taking in newcomers.
When she looked at the doorway, she saw a woman leaning on a spear, her face as expressionless as Mia's usually was.
Would i be able to get to stand next to her? I've got to practice that as well.
Mia tried to slowly walk so as not to actually get noticed by the woman.
And even if she did, Mia'd just go for the door and stare at the crowd just like the woman did.
The woman's tawny eyes track the child's approach without apparent difficulty.
"You are the child that speaks Elven," she says in that language, not quite a question, really. There is only one child in this tavern.
Mia tilts her head up just a bit, not enough to reveal much of her face and replies in her elven;
"Ae guess yoµ've spoken with mister serpent. Nice mister.
Ae've learned from mae mámá. She hád á shop, mány people cáme there. Elves, dwárves, hálfling, humáns.
þut why áre you álone lády? Everyone ae see is with someone. Isn't thát lonely? If so, ae could stae for á while."
This lady looks like she's used to hot weather. I've bought an outfit for hot weather, but she looks even more prepared.
"Nice...? Yes. I suppose he is-- nice," Raine answers with furrowed brows.
She tilts her head, looking down at the child. Something seems... off; but Raine isn't sure what she is basing this on, beyond intuition. Her knowledge of humans, after all, is limited. She has never met a human child. Perhaps they pick up languages fluently when exposed to them. Perhaps their parents let them wander around taverns filled with all manner of beings-- if Raine had a child, she would not let a daughter out of her arm's reach in such a place as this, with the kobold and gods knew what else.
She stares around for a parent but sees no one, at the moment.
She shrugs.
"I am not lonely. Where is your mother, or your father? This is no place for a young one."
So as to add effect to what she was saying, she let her head down a little.
"Mae mámá, she's......not with mae ánymore. Mae pápá here is in the távern. We were át á táþle somewhere in the þack."
Just as she had said that, a worried Toby was once again walking around looking for Mia. After walking around he came past the doorway, to see her talking to the reserved woman.
Toby:
Aware he'd get into trouble if he'd try hitting on yet "another" woman, Toby remained polite.
Group A has been decided.
Tolus
Mia
Draahzin
Lilith
Raine.
I am still in the process of deciding group B but I will be starting off Group A tonight. Congratulations group A. I will have OOC for the campaign up in an hour or so.
Raine does not speak any words of sympathy for the girl's loss-- humans die all the time, don't they? They're so short-lived? She is still young as elves reckon it and few humans live to her age, so..
Instead, she looks around for the child's father, in time to see the man approaching.
"I am an applicant," she answers the man's question perfunctorily, returning to the Taldane tongue. "You must watch your child. This is no safe place for a saplin-- a small girl."
Raine pauses, frowning. "Do you mean to apply? The desert is even less a safe place for a child."
Edit:
"Lilith..." She paused for just a moment, considering how to address introducing herself. "Lilith... Hearteater is my name. Prodigy scholar and expert alchemist at your service. I am on this expedition simply to know what's out there. Not knowing or understanding simply does not sit well with me."
The young man seems struck dumb for a moment. "What will Daiga take? What does Daiga want? Your animals. Your tools. Your food. Your friends. Your family. Your water. Anything which you do not protect, Daiga will take. Anything that you fail to protect properly or well enough, Daiga will take. Eventually, everyone fails enough that Daiga takes their water. The goal is always to ensure that today is not that day."
"A curious name. How did a scholar like yourself come about it? It seems... out of place, almost."
"It's an interesting story indeed. I actually don't know what my surname is, Hearteater is something I picked up in school. Though out of place, it fits me well I believe."
Then Lilith grinned. Though she wasn't outwardly or obviously evil, her tendency away from the value of life occasionally shined through her expressions.
Okay the discussion thread for group A is up at Souls of Lost Aridia Goup A Head on over and report in.
Note to remaining players.
No more roleplay is necessary. I have decided that Group B will be purely conceptual. I will be considering your backstories more heavily than posting time and roleplay. Group B will also have more leniency towards posting and I will allow the players to set the pace. I would like for the game to move but I won't be as pushy about it.
With that said Group B will be decided later tonight. I want to go over the backstories of the remaining characters once more and I cannot do that right now. As long as you have at least presented the interview, you will be considered.
Congrats to everyone in Group A! I'll be keeping my eyes open for the list for Group B!