THE LEGACY OF FIRE
Herein it is related (but Shilah is All-Knowing and All-Merciful) that in the thirty-first year of the Second Age of the Burning Sands, after the death of thousand-cursed Immortal Caliph and the destruction of her vile cohort of heartless sahir called the Khadi, a caravan departed Medinaat al-Salaam, called the City of Peace and the Jewel of the Desert, for the village of Kelmarane, in the foothills of the Brazen Peaks that mark the border between the Scarab Empire and the Burning Sands. This caravan was lead by Garavel, a servant of Almah al-Hazaad and of the houses of Dahab, a solid man of middle years, with a graying beard and a sharp nose that distracted those who saw him from noticing the callused knuckles and toughened muscles of a trained warrior. With him were Ammon, lone sellsword who called Kelmarane home once as a child ; Kaliq Aziz, potent summoner of jinn and apprentice of the mysterious Qabal ; Layali Alzair, soldier-guard of the new Caliphate ; Moto Aki, traveler and warrior from the distant land of Rokugan ; and Taumadu, priest of the Ten Thousand Gods and exile from his homeland .
For a week the caravan traveled, first down the mighty Nahr’umar River, which brings life to the Senpet and Medinaat al-Salaam both, then across the desert itself, following a cracked and crumbling trade road, abandoned for many long years. Their destination, Garavel told them, was a hill outside Kelamarane itself, called the Sultan’s Claw, where they would meet with Almah Al-Hazaad and the rest of her entourage. Now the evening prayers are done and night’s chill closes in as they approach the Brazen Peaks, where they expect to meet the rest of their expedition.
You aren't traveling with Garavel just because it sounds like fun. Your sisters in the Order of Assassins told you, very specifically, that you were to accompany Garavel to Kelmarane, and why. "We sent an advance group," Zehesha Mindali, your immediate commander, told you. "They were intended to pave the way for Almah al-Hazaad's group – your group, now - to finish cleaning up the mess of Kelmarane. They have a sahir with them, a man named Ovard, and he has been maintaining contact with the city for us. Yesterday, though, he failed to send his scheduled message, and we have heard nothing today either. One of them is a Son of the Mountain, a Keeper named Felliped. Find him and bring him back, if you can, sister. Shilah's blessings go with you."
Now, some two decades later, that young girl – your mother – has died, and your father has granted you permission to undertake the musha shugyo to learn about the lands where she grew up. During her lifetime, she never spoke of her birthplace, nor why her father sent her to the Moto after turning away from them so many years before. Among the belongings she left behind, though, you discovered a pillow book in which she keep a diary – and in that diary you found mentions of a creeping doom that swallowed Kelmarane and took her father’s life in the process. The description is unsettlingly similar to those you have heard that describe the Lying Darkness itself – and when, having traveled to Medinaat al-Salaam to see the Burning Sands for yourself, you discovered that a man named Garavel was organizing an expedition to reclaim Kelmarane, you knew you had to be a part of it. For your grandfather’s sake, for your mother’s sake, and possibly for the sake of the world.
The next day, you made the arrangements to join Garavel’s caravan to Kelmarane.
Outwardly the sellsword was stone with a wary look at the surroundings as the caravan travelled the slow pace towards Sultan's Claw. Inwardly the sellsword was a torrent of emotions that he had not been accustomed to since childhood and only his eyes with their tightness and a weariness to them suggested as much. He was definitely on edge and it was beyond the normal edginess of a guard on the outlook for trouble. He also kept eyes on all the people that had joined the caravan towards Kelmarane.
Taking to the road seems to please the apprentice a great deal. His swagger tells the story of a confident man though his lithe body lacks the muscle mass of Garavel. For the first day he seems content enough to keep to himself but it is clear he keeps an eye on the strangers he travels beside. That night he walks off a short distance from the camp and makes a few preparations.
** spoiler omitted **
Air 2 (Reflexes 4), Earth 2, Fire 2 (Agility 3), Water 2, Void 2
Rolls when Attacking: 5k3
Rolls for Damage: 4k2
TN to be Hit: 38
Wounds per Level: 5
Initiative: 6k4
Special: Invincible: Though a djinni may be harmed by ordinary weapons, they cannot destroy it; when a djinni has taken damage beyond the Out Rank, it is instead sent to the otherworldly realm from which it was summoned. (A djinni that was not summoned is similarly banished to that place, and may then be summoned later.)
Shapeshifting: Most djinn can change their own shape at will, as though using the Mastery Level 3 Transformation spell with 5 Free Raises
Magic: Hashouk can use the Mastery 3 Implements power as though he were a sahir of School Rank 2.
Skills: Athletics 2, Brawling 2, Commerce 3, Deceit 3, Defense 3, Etiquette 1, Investigation 3, Medicine 3, Stealth 3, Survival 3
Hashouk's Commerce roll (5k2=18)
After completing the summoning, a large, red-skinned figure, trailing into smoke at its feet, floats before Khaliq. "You have called and I have come, O Noble One," the figure says. "I am Hashouk, seneschal to the Eight Most High Towers, and I offer you my service until next this moon shines again. In exchange, I require a poem to the beauty of Shilah, may her peace bless us always. Do you agree?"
Khaliq grins widely to Hashouk, the sahir's face almost oozing with pleasure.
"Ah yes, it is good for you to heed my call," He begins plainly. "I trust you are hearty enough for the task at hand? Yes, I am certain you are. You would not have come otherwise." The apprentice seems to be talking more to himself than the Djinni and it takes a few strokes of his beard to regain concentration.
"Yes, yes of course. The poem! How could I be so rude? Might it be a problem were I to consider it a minute or two? I wish to pay proper respects to Shilah myself and a clumsy poem would hardly be worthwhile to you Hashouk, seneschal to the Eight Most High Towers, to the beauty of Shilah, or to myself. No, we must be diligent in such matters!"
GM
Aki travelled with the caravan, both relishing the company, yet remaining curiously guarded and somewhat apart by the strange accents his voice put on words, his peculiar way of speaking, and boundless curiousity on the other hand.
He knew how to care for his horse and himself, though, keeping his appearance well-kept even on the road. After all - a lady might just take notice.
** spoiler omitted **
Hashouk waves a hand negligently. "Before my term of service is done, mortal."
When the caravan stops for the evening, Taumadu gives worship to the Ten Thousand...away from the rest of the caravan.
Under his breathe, "Strange to be away from the city again. I wonder what this trip holds in store for me."
It was a motley crew indeed that this caravan had gathered.. the keeper had thought to herself when they had first set out from Medinaat al'Salaam. Doubtless, each of the crew had their own reasons for being there. Money, perhaps, foolhardy adventure or desperation, even. None of which were Layali's reason. She had her orders, and she would see them through.
During the travel, the guard keeps a quiet, but watchful eye on both her surroundings and the caravan. So far all had been quiet and uneventful, but that was no reason to let your guard down. She had a feeling that trouble would be on its way soon enough. Expect the unexpected, and prepare for the worst. Then, you would be ready for anything.
Despite the gathering gloom, the shadow of distant Pale Mountain, the highest of the Brazen Peaks, looms over all of you as you come over the last hill before reaching Sultan's Claw. When you see it, you realize at once why it has that name. A lone tree, twisted and withered, stands atop the hill. The tree's five near-leafless branches make the whole seem like nothing so much as a grasping claw, reaching up from the earth itself.
Beneath the bare limbs of the Sultan's Claw, several wagons and tents stand in a rough semicircle, facing the west. Camels stand lazily in a large corral on one side, and livestock - goats and sheep - and a few chickens wander the area.
Abruptly, as the group reaches the bottom of the hill, a sudden roaring sound catches your ears. At the hill's crest, red-yellow light bursts into view - one of the wagons is on fire!
The stroking of the sahir's beard ceases for a moment and he looks straight at the djinn. Eyebrows raise at the summoned creature and he seems slightly upset.
"Yes, of course," He says blandly though his voice quickly picks up again. "You shall no doubt enjoy this poem, something to give Shilah her dues. Without hesitation here is my most excellent poem, Shilah In the Sky:
"'Throughout the baseless desert there is little to grant respite. The sun burns a brilliant yellow-orange, catching the eye of mortal man and urging it upward. We look to the perfect golden orb and realise too late the beauty is too much to gaze upon. Mortal eyes scorch to look upon her directly so we bow our heads into the sand and give thanks to Shilah for a glimpse every dawn, afternoon, and dusk of the sun. It is but a shadow to her true appearance and still a great boon to mortal man. Shilah of the sky shines brightly in the our lands, minds, and hearts.'
"I can see you are impressed, shall we return to the others? There is much travel still needed to be done. Besides my associates will be impressed to meet one such as you Hashouk, seneschal to the Eight Most High Towers."
Khaliq's words are full of confidence, the poem punctuated with pomp. When Hashouk is ready, and the sahir assumes the djinn is almost immediately, he turns to return to the camp.
Ammon offered a glance to his employer to see if he wanted to send the sellsword to check out the trouble or to remain close by in order to ensure that the trouble didn't spread to this caravan as well. Ammon felt the fear that had been gnawing at him tighten in response to this event so close to his childhood home. He wanted to rush forward and put an end to the trouble brewing but he had his contract and money to consider in this case as well.
** spoiler omitted **
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"Shall we fight the fire?" Taumadu states more than asks...
If the answer is yes...then...
Taumadu will attempt to transform into a creature that can assist in fighting the fire...I think I'll try to change into a huge bird, to fan sand onto the fire. I will also use a Void point to attempt the transformation. I will also use my free raise.
"Shall we fight the fire?" Taumadu states more than asks...
Garavel doesn't answer directly, but the speed with which he charges toward the top of the hill tells you his response just as well.
Once the group reaches the top of the hill, they can see more clearly what is going on. Lush orange and red flames engulf an elaborate wooden wagon emblazoned with painted moons and stars. (Most of you recognize the wagon as one that belongs to the Ra'Shari, the traveling people of the Sands.) A gout of smoke pours from an open door, and as you approach, a sudden gust of wind sweeps through the camp, sending the flames surging higher. A brightly painted Tarot card, sometimes used by the Ra'Shari to tell the future, is carried by the wind, shedding sparks, and it smacks into Khaliq's chest. It is the Fallen Tower, an emblem of destruction and broken structures of order. Even as your eyes register this fact, a new bloom of flame appears, as the wind-whipped fire catches the dry branches of the Sultan's Claw and lights them as well.
From out of the large central tent, a beautiful, regal woman who can only be Almah al-Hazaad steps out into the night. "Douse that flame!" she shouts to the other figures scurrying around the camp. Her eyes catch your group, and she half smiles. "Ah, Garavel. Just a moment later than in the nick of time, as usual." Her gaze sweeps past him to the rest of you, and she shouts, "Find some way to help!"
Looking around, you all see several crises developing at once. There is the fire, of course, where Almah, Garavel, and four soldiers (in the garb of the Medinaat al-Salaam City Guard) have formed an impromptu bucket brigade, passing water toward the burning wagon from another wagon, this one uncovered, about 20 feet away. The latter has a large barrel, apparently holding the camp's drinking water, now being used to fight the flames.
Elsewhere, though, you see other problems. Four burly warriors, in mismatched gear and carrying no emblems or badges, are trying desperately to pull another wagon away from the flames, though it looks massively heavy even for their bulks.
Some feet away, a white-bearded man with the wrinkled face and tanned skin of a man who has spent much time in the sun bends over two more figures, both badly burned. Even as he works to save the life of one of them, the other rushes toward death.
Finally, near the camel corral, you see a man and a woman trying desperately to control the animals, panicking and rushing about in confusion and fear. The animals represent both money and food sources for the camp, but they are in danger of being lost to the desert in the mounting chaos.
Taumadu will attempt to transform into a creature that can assist in fighting the fire...I think I'll try to change into a huge bird, to fan sand onto the fire. I will also use a Void point to attempt the transformation. I will also use my free raise.
** spoiler omitted **
Ammon rushed forward behind Garavel towards the burning wagon and quickly took note of the scene. He shielded his face from the heat of the flames as they surged and watched the card flutter over against Khaliq. As the voice cut through the air and Ammon turned towards it he was near dumb-struck by Almah al-Hazaad. She was absolutely exquisite and before Ammon could do anything else he felt the stir of passion in him fanned by both the heat and the woman. The feeling is what snapped him back to the world and her voice cutting through to command him to find some way to help.
Ammon took stock of the situation once last time before deciding that his stregth would be best used to help get the other wagon away from the flames because he had no skill in healing or handling the animals. He also had no plans of putting himself in the front of the fire trying to douse it even if it would get him closer to the fascinating Almah al-Hazaad.
The fire mounting the small caravan doesn't appear to trouble the sahir very much though he follows Garavel quickly. When the Tarot card smacks into him Khaliq grabs it and smirks.
"Seems the Ra'Shari didn't want to draw this card on this day yet fate has still befallen them." He seems to fall into a light reverie appreciating the quip. When Almah al-Hazaad barks out her orders Khaliq looks up with much malice but it fades as soon as he sees her. A wide grin crosses his face despite the raging flames.
"Ah but of course, Hashouk and I shall battle the inferno and soon we can enjoy a more peaceful meeting." Another gust of wind alerts the sahir to the gravity of the situation and he snaps into action. "Come Hashouk! We must do what we must."
Khaliq briskly approaches the flames Almah mentioned moments before and looks stunned but for just a moment. The sahir gets a brilliant idea and searches through his backpack producing a small bottle.
"Haha! Let us see how you enjoy this!" He shouts pouring a small amount of water onto the blaze. Seeing it does nothing of consequence a look of puzzlement crosses the sahir's face.
"Hmm, that was not as effective as I had hoped." He says while joining with the members of the camp.
Aki knew little about healing. Just enough to know he would likely hurt more than help. He wasn't quite humble enough to consider the bucket chain a proper use of himself. The panicking animals, however... while not glorious, that was a chance to do some good in this situation.
He set out quickly, to reach them before they had worked themselves into a total frenzy. With a bit of luck, he could calm them down enough they did not harm themselves.
I'll transform into a Major Shaitan and pull the wagon away from the rest of the camp so it doesn't light the entire camp on fire...
Ammon took stock of the situation once last time before deciding that his stregth would be best used to help get the other wagon away from the flames because he had no skill in healing or handling the animals. He also had no plans of putting himself in the front of the fire trying to douse it even if it would get him closer to the fascinating Almah al-Hazaad.
"Hmm, that was not as effective as I had hoped." He says while joining with the members of the camp.
He set out quickly, to reach them before they had worked themselves into a total frenzy. With a bit of luck, he could calm them down enough they did not harm themselves.
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I'll transform into a Major Shaitan and pull the wagon away from the rest of the camp so it doesn't light the entire camp on fire...
Ammon took stock of the situation once last time before deciding that his stregth would be best used to help get the other wagon away from the flames because he had no skill in healing or handling the animals. He also had no plans of putting himself in the front of the fire trying to douse it even if it would get him closer to the fascinating Almah al-Hazaad.
Yeah, I was thinking Earth was strength...oops.
So yes Marid to get a high strength
6d10=32
The mercenaries (for they can be nothing else) stare in shock for a moment as the green-skinned, massive bulk of a major jinn approaches the wagon, but they fall to with a will once they realize what Taumadu intends. Ammon too, perhaps hoping for a chance to show off a little muscle for Almah, steps up and braces himself to push the cart.
Mercenaries' Strength rolls to aid (3k3=8, 3k3=12, 3k3=14, 3k3=16)
Unfortunately, even their combined efforts are not initially enough to get the heavy cart, intended to be pulled by several camels, moving. The flames from the painted wagon flicker as they loom toward the heavier one.
As Garavel rushes towards the burning camp, Layali also strides quickly towards the flames. Trouble indeed.. Quickly taking in the scene before her, the Keeper assesses where she would be of most use. She wasn't a healer and she had never had much of a way with animals. Putting the fire out would be the best thing to do.
The assassin joins the bucket line, hoping to help speed up the rate at which water is being thrown onto the burning caravan.
Aki approached the beasts, and tried to calm them down. It wasn't going as well as he'd have hoped, but no other options had presented themselves easily.
As Garavel rushes towards the burning camp, Layali also strides quickly towards the flames. Trouble indeed.. Quickly taking in the scene before her, the Keeper assesses where she would be of most use. She wasn't a healer and she had never had much of a way with animals. Putting the fire out would be the best thing to do.
The assassin joins the bucket line, hoping to help speed up the rate at which water is being thrown onto the burning caravan.
Khaliq, Hashouk, and Layali all grab buckets nearby and begin passing them toward those nearer the fire for use (Hashouk does so with an expression of distaste on his inhuman face). The fire show immediate signs of beginning to falter, though it still will take some time to put the fire out. Almah and Garavel spare a glance at Khaliq and Layali, nodding in thanks.
Taumadu really puts his back into it.
"Come mercenaries, pull with the strength of Ten Thousand!"
Even as Ammon and the mercenaries gather themselves for another try at Taumadu's urging, the mystically-enhanced strength of his transformed body surges to its full potential, and he single-handedly drags the wagons several feet away, out of danger of flying sparks. The mercenaries stare in awe and amazement, then shake their heads and turn to other tasks: two move to join the bucket brigade, while two more head to help Aki with the panicking livestock.
Aki approached the beasts, and tried to calm them down. It wasn't going as well as he'd have hoped, but no other options had presented themselves easily.
Ammon moves to join the bucket brigade once the wagon is out of the way thanks to the transformed Taumadu. It tries to slip into the brigade as near to Almah al-Hazaard as he joins it.
Aki cursed under his breath as the smaller animals were getting away. But he tried to round them up as he had seen in some instances. He had not expected to use that observation.
With the extra help, the fire is out in moments, and Almah, Garavel and the city guards are suitably grateful to those who helped out.
Aki and the two mercenaries with him run around trying to corner a few of the animals, and though they have a little success, the two animal handlers are largely forced to handle the matter themselves - they try to appear appreciative, but they both appear frustrated, and the man actually seems worried about one goat that is seemingly still missing.
The middle-aged healer, tending his patient, looks over toward the woman he could not save, and a tear slips down his weathered cheek before he calls for the mercenaries to help bury their fallen comrade.
Once the fire is out, Almah brushes her hands off, looking annoyed at the ruin of the burned wagon. "Such a waste," she says, glaring at the damage. With a disgusted snort, she turns to Garavel. "I want to know what happened here," she tells him. "You and your recruits got here after the fire started, so you and they probably didn't start it - that makes you the best choices to find out who, or what, did. Find out if we have an arsonist in our midst, and if so, who it is."
She turns away to speak with the healer as he prepares the body of the fallen mercenary for burial. After a moment, she looks up again, appearing angry. "Make that, find out if we have a murderer among us."
Garavel turns to you, frowning. "The destroyed wagon belonged to Almah's personal fortune-teller, Eloais, one of the Ra'Shari. He practiced divination on Almah's behalf, using those cards." He points at a few of the brightly-painted Tarot cards scattered around the ground near the tent, most scorched, soaked, or both. "I would ask you to undertake this investigation," he continues, "for it is my duty to protect Almah, and if this was a deliberate fire, whoever did this has already killed two people."
After his short, very unsuccessful and deeply dissatisfying stint as a goat herder, Aki tried hard not to feel deeply disappointed by himself. Sure, given the situation, it might have been the best use of his skills - but they were just not up to the task. No matter how much he tried not to think about it, he was pretty sure it had been beneath his station, too.
Destruction about him doesn't seem to faze the sahir at all. He finds his attention drawn to Almah almost exclusively for a long while but when Garavel gives instructions Khaliq snaps back to reality.
"Ah yes, no doubt it is a glorious thing to guard the lady Almah." He says with a particular flourish unsuitable to the situation. "But if we are charged with seeking out this vagabond perhaps we could do with more information? Garavel you stumbled upon the situation with the rest of us so you would know nothing. The lady on the other hand-"
Khaliq's voice trails off as his lips curl upwards in a slightly devious smile. He approaches Almah, obviously relishing the opportunity to discuss anything at all with her, and once again his voice rings out.
"I am Khaliq Aziz," He begins joyfully. "Charged with finding the dastardly thief who stole into your camp and took with him a life and much more." Khaliq's ability for stating the obvious is punctuated with some annoying mannerisms. "But we require a little help in this task, a bit of information perhaps? Did you notice anything suspicious this evening? Somebody with a motive to inflict such violence upon your group? I suspect not many would wish ill upon you Almah al-Hazaad, for that is who you must be, but maybe one of the other members of your caravan?"
Taumadu transforms back to his normal form.
He will look for others that need healing.
The two warriors who fell in the initial burst of flame were the only ones who were seriously injured.