MWakali looks at the Harem ladies and asks them."So what all do you ladies know? I ask as I want to make sure you ladies can learn the necessary skills to become the fierce women I know you are?"
As the adventurers ride west for Safi, the 16th of January passes...
No desert predators would dare to attack such a large caravan of armed humanoids and mounts...
Vultures fly high overhead, hoping for a meal of carrion left by these desert travelers...
[dice=knowledge: Geography]1d20+6
'From Japan hhhmmmm, sent to kill her own brother, that's rough. a sword, how interesting.' Listening to her tail, Wulfgar raises an eyebrow at the mention of a sword. "Six years ago, so how long were you in the pits." He then nods at her weapons, "Is that the sword? Or did it go overboard with your brother."
The sword has gone to the sea with my treacherous brother... I have been slave to Arabs since they bought me from the pirates...
MWakali looks at the Harem ladies and asks them."So what all do you ladies know? I ask as I want to make sure you ladies can learn the necessary skills to become the fierce women I know you are?"
I can dance, Lady Mwikali! My mother and sisters taught me many splendid dances to please the men...
I can see the future in crystals or bowls of water!
'That's not very specific.' Smiling, "Do you know the coordinates where the sword was lost? We have been discussing underwater exploration, if it were near where we were diving, we might be able to look for it. Is that something that would interest you?"
No. I’m afraid we were too busy fighting to note coordinates.
Both useful talents, the dancing could lead to the song magic, or even the dance like fighting of Vanna or that Achiko person. As for the seeing the future that is a special gift that can be refined by practice!"Mwikali says smiling at the fortune they were blessed with in these freed slaves. These women would become something more than caged trinkets for some Emir to sleep with as he chooses. Instead, they would get to choose their fates. The others whom were destined for the pits like they were would compliment there own styles making them even more fierce in the coming days. To Free Sefi and slay the Emir would require an army and even though this was a start they would need more. Prehaps she should entertain taking them to her people and laying claim to the throne. Her father was of royal blood.
Well, having spirit is a start. I can teach them the basics of bladed combat. We should get some weapons to get them started...daggers and shortswords. Spears and staffs as well to keep it simple.
"I can teach them how to use crossbows. They all seem pretty confident, and everyone needs to learn how to use something that isn't close up and personal," Volreg mentions, pointing down to his crossbow.
"They are eager, my stalwart Northman, WOmen ready to find a new lease on life, one I hope to usher the into and to help us out. To think these women could lead us into a new dawn here in Africa. We may even see our efforts raise a new kingdom."
"What say you ladies, care to become Mistresses of a new kingdom?" She says with a smile announcing it to the former harem.
I am kitsune! I can change form from Fox to woman, and to hybrid Fox-woman! And I like the idea of a Kingdom ruled by queens!
I, too, like this idea!
I can make beautiful gowns and dresses... Or uniforms for our warriors...
Comes flying back and lands next to the kitsune.
"Sister of the fox, nice to meet you"
Then looks to the others.
"I have stripped them of thier water, so we should see where they go to get more"
I can heal wounds and cure diseases!
I have power over fire.
As Wulfgar drops back and takes over the conversation with Achiko before it even begins, Altin smiles to himself. He likes to have all the women's attention, does friend Wulfgar. Turning to Plad, he enquires, "What's your story, master elf? From where do you hail?"
Eyes widening at the kitsune, Volreg looks around at the other women introducing themselves. So many women now that I think about it. Didn't pay much attention while running from our captors, but now that I see the others.... Gulping loudly and tightening his hold on the reins of the camel, he speaks up. "It seems that we have quite the variety of talents here. I think we're in luck finding this many to help your cause Mwikali! Aside from shooting a crossbow, I'm not too good at most things that can be taught for fights." Taking a deep breath, he coughs a bit as the smell of the camel finally hits his nostrils. "Bah! Why do these creatures stink so much?!"
As Wulfgar drops back and takes over the conversation with Achiko before it even begins, Altin smiles to himself. He likes to have all the women's attention, does friend Wulfgar. Turning to Plad, he enquires, "What's your story, master elf? From where do you hail?"
I sailed on an astral barge from the demiplane of Avalon to this Middle World on holiday when mankind was devestated by the Black Plague, unfortunately... That was not a fragrant time, I promise you. The hygiene of these Neanderthals is atrocious, frankly, and I beg your pardon. Don’t ask me why I ever agreed to it, but I became embroiled in the petty wars between the English and the French. They are both full of crap, honestly, but I chose the side of England and fought at Agincourt and Orléans.
The elf prattles on and on about battles and the Plague, eventually getting to the part where he was captured by the Arabs in the Holy Land...
As the elf doesn't seem interested in any stories Altin has to offer, he enquires further about Avalon. "Tell me about your homeland, master elf. I would very much like to see it one day, though I know my chances are slim. It seems like a kind of heaven to me, moreso than the place the Christians drone on about."
As the elf doesn't seem interested in any stories Altin has to offer, he enquires further about Avalon. "Tell me about your homeland, master elf. I would very much like to see it one day, though I know my chances are slim. It seems like a kind of heaven to me, moreso than the place the Christians drone on about."
Avalon is the Blessed Isle of Apples, where there is no plague or other diseases. Herds of unicorns run free and wild over rolling hills covered with clover, and drink from pools of ambrosia. Morganna the Fey and her sisters rule over the Seelie Court of Avalon, and the King of Men known as Arthur reposes there in fairy slumber, slowly regenerating from his mortal wounds at Camlan. Old Merlin sometimes visits, of course, though recently, the poor old cambion was imprisoned in the dungeons of Mephistopheles in the Eighth Canto of Hell... That must have been a torment... But he was freed by Nicolas Flamel and the Lucky Fools, fortunately... But I digress! Avalon is indeed a land of milk and honey!
Altin's eyes grow dreamy as Plad regales him with descriptions of his homeland. "Yes, I would love to see that. If we end up surviving the near future I may just put upon you for a taste of the hospitality of Avalon."
He glances around, looking for any others of their new companions that are not currently engaged in conversation.
Good Old Fashioned Loverboy by Queen
I can dim the lights and sing you songs full of sad things
We can do the tango just for two
I can serenade and gently play on your heart strings
Be your Valentino just for you...
Ooh love ooh loverboy
What’re you doin’ tonight, hey boy
Set my alarm, turn on my charm
That’s because I’m a good old-fashioned lover boy
Ooh let me feel your heartbeat (grow faster, faster)
Ooh ooh can you feel my love heat, ooh
Come on and sit on my hot-seat of love
And tell me how do you feel right after all
I’d like for you and I to go romancing
Say the word, your wish is my command
Ooh love ooh loverboy
What’re you doin’ tonight, hey boy
Write my letter
Feel much better
And use my fancy patter on the telephone
When I’m not with you
I think of you always
(I miss those long hot summer nights) I miss you
When I’m not with you
Think of me always
Love you, love you
Hey boy where did you get it from
Hey boy where did you go?
I learned my passion in the good old fashioned school of loverboys
Dining at the Ritz, we’ll meet at nine precisely
(One two three four five six seven eight nine o’ clock)
I will pay the bill, you taste the wine
Driving back in style, in my saloon will do quite nicely
Just take me back to yours that will be fine (come on and get it)
Ooh love, (there he goes again just like a good old-fashioned lover boy)
Ooh loverboy
What’re you doin tonight, hey boy
Everything’s all right
Just hold on tight
That’s because I’m a good old-fashioned lover boy
I am an undine, kin of the sea marids... I have power over the tide!
I know all the ways of pleasing a man, and am skilled in the arts of making love... I can seduce and manipulate like no other, because I know the weakness of men for their carnal desires...
No one cooks a more delicious meal than me!
"All of these are quite a fine set of skills. Together we can forge something great. We can teach you some fundamentals of combat and possibly teach you things as magic, stealth as well as other things. Your freedom is yours for the taking, and if you wish to remain with us then you will learn to do much more then you ever thought possible. To the Cook we have a ship which will have a galley for you to cook, For the seamstress well, We will talk later as I have learned clothing has powers few realize. I may be able to teach you some magic that few know exist."
When I go berserk, I am stronger than any puny southlander man! I am a shield maiden of Norway! I can fight with sword or axe! By Hel, I can even bash your skull in with a good round shield! I can shoot a bow as well as any hunter!
The night of the 16th passes, and it is as twilight begins to glow before dawn on the 17th, that Captain Barak awakens, goes to his camel to fetch a drink from one of his water skins, and to his horror, discovers them all empty... On both his camel, and Toruko’s!
In Arabic: Allah has cursed us!! Or desert genies have doomed us!! Toruko!! We have no waterrrrr!!
I knew it! Those rat bastards escaped somehow, and used some kind of magic to doom us!
he flow back when it started to get dark, and was now looking on as they found they had no water. Which means they will have to go find some in the morrow.
Captain Barak kicks the desert sand in a despairing rage...
In Arabic: WE ARE DOOOOOMED!!!
Uh oh. Captain’s already raving... Not good...Where are they hiding? They must be behind us, no? Must backtrack quickly and surprise them...
Sighing a bit while shaking his head Volreg speaks up, "Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure as to the extent as to how I can control over wind and thunder. I do recall hearing the wind in my dreams, and felt an understanding of sorts, yet no recollection of what the elements tell me. The crossbow comment wasn't the most thought out, but I can try to see if those with similar abilities can learn to channel their energy."
Taking the large man's words to heart, once the group decides to set up camp, Volreg will start talking to those of harem as to how they could grow better with their abilities by using their feelings or force of presence. The hydrokineticist though, he pulls aside, and will help the woman focus on her abilities with water and the moisture in the air around her.
"Focus on moving and channeling the water as, I-I think a stream? Whenever you are around your element, be sure to listen, though you may not remember what it says to you, the lesson has been taught. Remember to practice, but don't over exert yourself too much. The toll is quite unpleasant, with a fair amount of pain if you pull too much power."
I know nothing about the art of controlling elements, but I think it might be similar to training with a blade...practice, learn your limits and find your strengths.
Taking the large man's words to heart, once the group decides to set up camp, Volreg will start talking to those of harem as to how they could grow better with their abilities by using their feelings or force of presence. The hydrokineticist though, he pulls aside, and will help the woman focus on her abilities with water and the moisture in the air around her.
"Focus on moving and channeling the water as, I-I think a stream? Whenever you are around your element, be sure to listen, though you may not remember what it says to you, the lesson has been taught. Remember to practice, but don't over exert yourself too much. The toll is quite unpleasant, with a fair amount of pain if you pull too much power."
Yes! I have felt this pain you speak of, Master Volreg! Once, when I extinguished a fire that broke out from an overturned brazier in the harem room, I had a headache that lasted for an hour... Thank you, Master! Please, teach me how to control my powers!
The lovely undine bows to Volreg and smiles sweetly at him.
I know nothing about the art of controlling elements, but I think it might be similar to training with a blade...practice, learn your limits and find your strengths.
We should spar, mein frau! I am sure you could teach me a thing or two about swordplay... And I might be able to show you how to spilt skulls with axe or smash in faces with shield!
Inga rides beside Giovanna and trades stories of fights they’ve been in.
In mimicked Arabic: *Squaaawwwk!* Pull yourself together, Captain! It’s not genies! It’s those Europeans who attacked us at Anfa and stole our ship with their trickery! Now they are probably somewhere behind us, and have used magic to steal our water! We must find them, take them by surprise, and kill them while they slumber, and take their water...
In mimicked Arabic: *Squaaawwwk!* Pull yourself together, Captain! It’s not genies! It’s those Europeans who attacked us at Anfa and stole our ship with their trickery! Now they are probably somewhere behind us, and have used magic to steal our water! We must find them, take them by surprise, and kill them while they slumber, and take their water...
Barak looks at Toruko with panic-crazed eyes for a moment...
Water... We must find water, Toruko! The desert has dried my throat fiercely...
In mimicked Arabic: *Squaaawwwk!* Pull yourself together, Captain! It’s not genies! It’s those Europeans who attacked us at Anfa and stole our ship with their trickery! Now they are probably somewhere behind us, and have used magic to steal our water! We must find them, take them by surprise, and kill them while they slumber, and take their water...Barak looks at Toruko with panic-crazed eyes for a moment...
Water... We must find water, Toruko! The desert has dried my throat fiercely...
Let us find some cactus and drink of the juices...
The two slaver pirates scan the hard pan around them in search of water to quench their growing thirst...
Finding a tall cactus, they chop it down and extract its juices, greedily slurping at each slice until their terrible thirst is somewhat slaked...
Giggles quality to himself as he sees them drinking from a plant.
Our camels! They must drink too, Toruko, or die of thirst...