Thanks for letting us know, Dias-Lewis.
Good luck to all (in RL and on the boards).
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Extinguishing the fire in the pit and helping dismantle the tent and campsite, Zulan collected his gear and placed it back on the cart. The hunter checked Darian's bonds to ensure the bandit had not tried to slip his ties, again. Once all was checked, his weapons on his person and his tiger companion by his side, Zulan acknowledged Anchard, "Beza and I are ready to go. I will lead. Beza will stay close to Anna." He mounted Aumia and moved to the front.
I'm still here. Just waiting on the GM as there is a skill check on the board waiting for a reply (Mileana's) and a response from Darian. Then maybe we can move forward?
"Shavel, this dark bandit may not be dealt with, especially if he seeks to turn us to appease his god." Looking at the tied Darian in the wagon, Zulan questioned him across the space, "What is this bandit's weakness? Such knowledge may aid us if we mean to bring him down without endangering...the group."
Zulan took his portion of the cooked venison and sat down, cross-legged by Beza. The meat filled his stomach nicely. The tiger had been fed and was content enough to lay her head by his leg and clean her paws. Zulan simply listened to the conversation around him and pondered Darian's story for a few minutes.
"You are a foolish bandit." Zulan decreed from his place by the fire and roasting venison. "By the gods, I do not know how you have survived this long." Zulan stood up and moved to the cart upon Shavel's request to check the bandit's bindings and tighten them. The hunter had done so earlier, he was sure of it. So this time, Zulan pulled at the rope and bound Darian's hands and feet firmly. When he was done, Zulan moved back to the fire. Beza sat close by, licking/cleaning her paws.
"Good kill, Beza." Zulan, pleased, smiled through the darkness at the tiger. It was a good catch and kill. The deer meat would last a few days and feed them all. Zulan lifted the limp body and placed it across his shoulders and together with Beza made their way quietly back to camp. Once there, by the fire, the warrior began to efficiently skin the creature, and cut the meat into manageable portions. He tossed Beza's raw portion to her and she ate it in one quick bite.
Zulan handed the deer meat to the chef, Wendell. "Cook this tonight. We eat a little and the rest we carry and cut up as we camp over next few days. Or salt what remains and keep wrapped in cool place. You are cook ... you have good knowledge."
Zulan met with Shavel in the middle and in low tones informed the elf that he and his tiger had not spotted any threats during their scouting, only heard the movement of animals. "Beza and I will go hunt for tonight's meal. You may join us if you have the skill."
I have family arriving from Sweden tomorrow and will be spending the next 3 days entertaining and showing them the local sights. So I will not be posting during this time. Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll be back on the board on my Monday (your Sunday). Thank you.
"You may call me Zulan." The warrior's voice was low. The shiny woman was talking again and Zulan was only half listening for his attention was on the surrounding space, on watch for intruder or threat. He had laid the wood down for the fire and kindled it, watching as flame took and grew, ready for the cook. "I am scouting the area to secure the camp for the night. You may take the east perimeter and I will take the west and we will meet in the middle. If you see anything out of the ordinary, signal me. I will do the same." The hunter's golden eyes were bright, even in the dusk. He gave one firm nod and then moved away, on quiet feet. Beza stood from her crouched position and licked her paw. She looked at Shavel and then at Zulan and padded quietly toward the hunter.
After securing his horse with the others, Zulan, with Beza beside him, moved silently about the camp site ensuring all was as it should be, aiding any companion where necessary, circling the perimeter and noting where to set up watches over the course of the night. He collected wood for a fire (having heard 'Anna' ask the cook for crepes).
Zulan employed his honed skill to guide the group safely forward.
Occasionally the hunter scanned his eyes across the surrounds, hoping to note anything unusual or threatening.
Zulan stowed his bow (and arrow in the quiver) on his back and took the hemp rope from his pack and began tying up the bandit named Darian. Beza drew closer in case the bandit attempted to attack Zulan. The hunter took the map the man had been working on and handed it to Shavel. "This one has not yet answered Wendell's question, so I leave his mouth free so he may do so. Then I shall place the cloth to quieten him." Once the bandit was hauled up into one of the the carts, Zulan mounted his horse and responded to Shavel, "I shall ride up front with you. Beza will move alongside Anna."
Zulan called Beza back to his side. The hunter wondered at the sanity of the bandit as his actions to this point had not made sense. "You were asked where the next ambush will be and how many bandits will be lying in wait and you did not reply. We are waiting for your answer or you forfeit your life." Zulan's arrow was still pointed at the bandit.
Beza snarled at the bandit.
They're taking, Anchard. I've been frustrated with the same issue.
Seeing a number of his companions now surrounding the bandit leader and providing ample cover, Zulan did not fire his arrow. Instead he moved to the princess' side to protect/shield her. Zulan commanded Beza to attack. The tiger moved forward and attacked, savagely biting into the man.
Zulan's golden eyes hardened and the hunter stated plainly, "He lies", as he held steady his aim at the man now revealed. Beza growled again.
Zulan dismounted Aumia -- his golden eyes staring into the bush where the voice came from. He nocked an arrow in his longbow and pointed it in the same direction. "It is best you allow us to pass." There was a hard edge to the hunter's voice.
"Beza." The tiger drew closer to Zulan and lifting her head, sniffed the air around/before the bushes.
Upon Zulan's hand gesture and single command, Beza moved readily behind the young princess and would follow from there, keeping pace and training her eyes for any signs of trouble.
Zulan took point, sitting tall on Aumia and surveying the land, using all his skill to guide them forward safely.
Zulan looked at the false red hair the young princess had placed over her head. It was at least something. "The colour may be enough to give some pause, Anna." Zulan made sure to call her by her assumed name so he would not forget to as they travelled on the quest. Beza looked at the young princess and registered her scent well. Animals were not so readily fooled by such trickery. At Shavel's call to ready and move out, Zulan nodded and gave Aumia a pat on the neck. The hunter's eyes briefly met his tiger companion's gaze before stating, "Let us go." And to Anchard's request to converse as they moved, Zulan gave another nod. His people did not talk so much, especially out hunting or scouting. This was new to him, but he would try to fit in with these people and their strange ways.
Nice, combat trained.
Zulan did not have much need of a horse in the jungles and rainforests of Zantar. He was not a proficient rider, but he supposed he could hold his own at the present time. With their continual travel to fulfil the goals of the quest, the hunter was confident he would be proficient in time. "Anna is good enough. But do not the people of these lands know what you look like or have heard stories of your appearance? You may need a disguise or at least a cloak to cover your hair and face." Zulan, having watched Shavel on his horse, nudged Aumia forward, Beza following steadily on the ground.
"Beza is a fine runner. But horse gallop faster. I will keep pace with my tiger companion."
As agreed upon with the stablemaster the evening before, a buckskin mare (golden coat, black mane, tail and legs) called Aumia, was saddled and waiting for Zulan as he entered the courtyard with Beza. Aumia had not shied away from Beza like some of the other horses shown to them and she proved the best match for the hunter and his tiger companion. Zulan's eyes caught sight of the shrouded one called Ry-gas and he wondered why the man hid his face from them and did not speak a word. The hunter acknowledged the companions waiting in the courtyard with a simple nod of his head. Stowing his gear, Zulan ran his hand along Aumia's flank and then climbed onto the saddle. Beza, looked up at the hunter, gave a chuff and then was silent.
When the shiny priestess drew closer and spoke with them, Zulan did not comprehend the name she had spoken. "Ur-ga-tho-a? What kind of god is this?"
He watched as the small bird descended from the rafters and landed on the dusk elf's shoulder. When it spoke, the hunter's eyes widened briefly. Zulan addressed both Anchard and Ihudraar, inclining his head in respect. "I am Zulan from Zantar. I am a hunter and this is my companion, Beza." The tiger padded forward on the stone floor and her golden eyes looked up at the perched thrush. "Ihud-raar speaks the Common tongue?" How he wished Beza and he could communicate in words. Their feelings and moods were in tune through their strong bond ... Yet, over the very long hunting days, it would have been good to talk with Beza. To the dusk elf he offered his service, "I will accompany you to make the arrangements."
So, Rior-dran was one of the king's people, and known to Anchard ... The hunter glanced at the Elf before noting the king had answered his question regarding the stag amulet and had given them leave. The hunter bowed his head to the king. Watching some of the others begin to leave, Zulan spoke up, "Are we to meet at the palace at dawn and proceed from here? Or is there another meeting place?" At the back of his mind Zulan stowed the knowledge that the Princess Arianna was a seer of sorts.
Sometimes GMs just leave it up to the PCs to throw things up like Diplomacy and such (they won't formally ask the PCs to toss such checks up). Mil, you could always try it (rolling Diplomacy) and see what happens? :)
Rio-dran? It was the second time the one called Anchard had mentioned the name and Zulan pondered its importance or relevance. The hunter silently wondered when they would be given leave to find the stablemaster and get their affairs in order. "Once this question is answered, we may be given leave to go and prepare?"
Zulan drew closer to the table where the pendants lay side by side. He had never possessed such a thing in his life and carefully lifted one and placed it in his open palm, looking at it. Lifting his eyes to the king, he enquired, "So, they are they only to be shown when required to prove our alliance, King Coniera? If it is not to be worn always, I shall place mine in a safe place." The hunter moved so his tiger companion could see the pendant for a few moments before then securely stowing the trinket in a pouch inside his vest.
At the Elf Shavel's, question, Zulan answered directly, "Dawn is acceptable. We will have time to prepare and speak to this stablemaster." The hunter gave a cursory glance toward Mileana regarding his last statement and then turned his gaze to Beza.
"A wise woman among our company is fortunate, Princess. That you possess skill with weapon too, a greater boon. You may count on Beza and I to watch over you on this quest." When the king held up his hand and began to speak, Zulan stood with feet apart, Beza now on her feet, listening to his warning. "I am oathbound, King Coniera -- You have my mark on your paper and my word in this chamber before you all."
Zulan stood beside the settled Beza and listened intently to the conversation between sovereign, princess and the other companions. "Of the two, I would take a heavy horse, King Coniera. You are generous in all you will provide." At the mention of Zantar, Zulan gave a definitive nod. Focusing his attention on the young princess, the hunter respectfully bowed his head and asked, "Princess Arianna, what talents and skill do you possess? You are young, this is true. But it does not mean that you are without capacity to travel with us, or your father the king would not risk you. In my village, each warrior learns the strengths of his brothers."
I'll just let the skeleton babysit. That's not creepy at all, to an 11 year old girl. ;) Haha.
Zulan was silently pleased when the paper was promptly signed by the king and his daughter. The hunter bowed his head to the king and stepped back, beside the seated Beza.
Beza sat quietly on the stone floor of the throne room. Zulan had listened intently to the king's words and glanced briefly at the young girl, who was his daughter and the princess, and who would accompany them on the quest. He would send one so young? Perhaps she is blessed with potent gift or skill, Zulan considered silently. When the king handed him another paper, a con-tract, Zulan wondered at the necessity of these papers. Was not solemn word or oath sufficient in Talios? The hunter scanned the chamber, noting each participant in turn. We are a strange selection. Still clutching the new paper in his hand, Zulan waited until the princess had moved a table and positioned herself before them. She had mentioned a dragon to the dusk elf. Zulan had never seen such a creature before -- not even a young dragon, but he was not afraid. He merely wanted to know more about the creature. And the crystals. But he held his tongue for the moment. He looked down at the words on the paper and began to read silently. The reward was vast and it made sense for the danger and difficulty would be of a high level. Taking a step toward the small table, Zulan leaned down and, taking the ink pen, signed his name in the appropriate place and gently pushed the paper toward Princess Arianna. He and Beza would be formally accepted once the royal girl and her royal father had also signed the paper.
@Shavel: Life happens. Hope all is well. :) Least the gang is altogether now in the throne room. We're certainly an interesting group. ;)
Zulan glanced toward the haughty voiced one who had entered the chamber soon after them. Yet another with similar ancestor. "You understood what was said. No secrets were spoken. Do not suggest otherwise." The hunter's voice was not loud nor aggressive. It was firm and sure in tone and manner as if the newcomer had attempted to stain the hunter's honour and Zulan was merely remedying the other's misjudgement. The hunter returned his focus on the silent king upon his throne and gave no more attention to the haughty, strangely garbed one.
Zulan understood the Elven words well enough. He may have not had much use for the language in his everyday life, but Great-Auntie Ayize would speak to him in Elven when they were alone and shared confidences and Zulan listened to her teachings. He hesitantly responded, in his unknown father's native tongue, to the stranger who was to be part of the strange, royal summons, "An bhfuil cad ní mór duit . Bhí mé ach a thairiscint dúinn chun seasamh mar aon ní amháin . Ciallaíonn mé aon easpa measa." Elven translation:
"Do what you must. I was merely offering for us to stand as one. I mean no disrespect."
As he, Beza and Mileana stood some distance from the seated king, Zulan felt eyes upon him and turned his gaze to locate the watcher. Zulan's expression remained neutral even as his mind acutely registered the presence of another -- an Elf. His hand curled inward slightly -- Zulan did not have much interaction with the wild elves to the north of his village. This was decreed by his great-auntie, Ayize, who, as Tagore's wisewoman, was the only human permitted to venture onto the Elven lands as emissary. Yet, to see an Elven male this close brought many strange internal reactions and buried thoughts. Zulan's amber gaze held the dark eyes of the other. The silent assessment was a mutual interplay. The hunter inclined his head to the Elven male. In steady voice he spoke to break the silence, "Are you one of the king's summoned? If it is so, join us where we stand."
Mileana: With a quietly musical laugh, Mileana smiles at Zulan and shakes her head. "I do not require a man to look after me. But if you are offering? How charming. But first, we should answer the call that brought us here." The hunter cocked his head at the shiny woman's declaration and reaction. He replied earnestly, "Every woman needs man to protect and provide for her and village. I will do what I can for you, Mil-e-ana." With brisk nod to emphasise his pledge, Zulan turned and walked forward in silence.
With the few words exchanged between he and the shiny Mileana, Zulan stowed the papers in his coat pocket and proceeded forward with Beza; their silent guard escort leading them through the courtyard and into the entrance hall. Zulan's gaze roamed the castle interior, fascinated by the opulence and repelled by it in the same breath. Never had he seen such a place. The heavy door into the throne room was opened and their presence announced to the occupants of the chamber. Zulan walked inside, noting the figure of the king sitting upon his throne. Beza's eyes moved to the young girl, sitting in a chair in the corner. Zulan noted the target of the tiger's fascination and turned his own gaze to the child, wondering at her presence and the pack by her feet. The man who had ushered them into the chamber bade them stand closer to the throne. Zulan yielded to his authority and looked toward the king. He bowed his head and introduced himself simply yet with respect, "King Corniera, I am Zulan Khosa of the village of Tagore in Zantar. I answer your summons, as does my tiger, Beza."
Zulan watched Beza's response and smiled affectionately at the tiger. Looking back to the shiny woman, he translated the sound/gesture, "Beza gives you friendly greeting."
Her name rolled across his lips as he mouthed it silently - practising the sound. Such strange names the people of the other lands possessed. "Mil-e-ana, you travel alone? Where is man, whose duty is to protect you?"
Zulan turned upon hearing the female. She was a slight creature with shiny hair and jewelled eyes; her colouring and form unlike the females of his village. He noted the shiny woman's gaze at Beza and was proud of the magnificence and restraint of the tiger. Zulan gave a brisk nod in acknowledgement of their similar circumstance. "I am Zulan. This is Beza. We have come to hear the King's words."
I think it'll be interesting: The PC party is made up of two Elves, two Half-Elves and an Aasimar. Zulan comes from the semi-primitive jungles/rainforests of Zantar. He is the only "half breed" in a small village of humans (of which 1/4 were killed - including his human mother). He followed the perpetrators to Talios and is seeking retribution/justice for his dead mother and people. So he has recently come to Talios. His Elven father seduced and slept with his mother and moved on (and Zulan has no knowledge of him except for what he looks like as described by his mother). So Elves aren't high on his "like" list. ;) So it'll be interesting to see how he deals with Shavel and Anchard at first. He might be curious about Wendell being he is a Half-Elf also. I'm not sure how he will deal with Mileana just yet. The only creature he trusts implicitly is Beza, his tiger companion.
Zulan and Beza could see the imposing aspect of the castle before them and its well guarded gates. Gripping the papers, Zulan quietly commanded Beza forward, his eyes never leaving the guards' faces. He extended his hand, knowing they would not permit a stranger accompanied by wild beast readily into the courtyard. "We have been summoned by the King", was the only explanation the hunter gave, believing it sufficient with the documents he had just presented. After giving the guard enough time for a cursory glance at the papers, Zulan withdrew his hand holding the documents and waited to be allowed inside the gates.
I,too, am unfamiliar with Apocalypse World, but am open to establishing ties/history with other characters. |