The wind was clearly felt now as scarves fluttered madly about and threatened to ride the winds. The pterran trader screamed his next words, "We took shelter in some rock outcropping and the storm was gone sometime during the night. 'tis almost time to stop anyway." He points to what looks like an entrance to a rather large cave while covering his mouth and eyes with his other scaled hand. "We can't keep walking like this….

The wind around the party started to pick up, carrying with it grains of sand - causing a haze to settle over the land. Soon the haze would thicken, and movement - let alone vision - would be impossible. Mendi looked at the coming tempest, cursing himself for forgetting to try to guess what would be the next day's weather. Some sand already flew around, so the elf used his turban to protect his face, but he also thought that they should go to the cave. Few creatures indeed could move during a sandstorm.

Gaigin curses and slips his mask down over his face as the storm begins to plow into him. Shielding his eyes protectively with his arm, Gaigin begins following Tak' and Mendi as they check the cave for trouble. Once they make the 'all clear' he moves in and settles himself in a cramped corner, cursing their luck for running into a storm so soon.

Aryus spreads his arms wide and embraces the wind. He takes a deep breath and smiles at the fact that a good wind had not passed through him for weeks, since their last day in the Ringing Mountains. But then the windmage opens his eyes and notices his companions' struggle. They pulled their scarves around their faces and wrapped their cloaks tighter. Their was also talk of finding shelter as they struggled with each step.

Aryus calls out to them, "Worry not my friends, for the winds maybe gentle upon us. I give you my greatest blessings." With that the windmage grabs his holy symbol and speaks the arcane words to a spell. "Lords of the west wind, hear my prayer and grant me my wish. Show your mercy and your gentle spirit and guide my friends through this great storm!"

The air around the party instantly calms itself but all around this small packet, the storm continues to blow hard. The wind is still heard around the magical dome and the companions still covered their faces from the sand although none seemed to penetrate but rather swirled outside. Aryus smiles at the success of his spell as his companions drop their defenses against the wind. The windmage approaches the cave entrance with everyone else around him, cautiously weapons are drawn and the scouts do their job.

The cave mouth awaited them. But what else. Signaling to Mendi, Tak’ branched out to the right - indicating that Mendi should move to the left, and the two of them should conduct a quick reconnoiter of the shelter. Mendi nodded, smiled to his smaller friend, and made sure his crossbow was ready, and began to move towards the cave mouth, while concentrating and slowly sinking into the mindscape.

Reaching into the Mindscape, Tak’ let his mental energy flow outwards, creeping over the landscape around him. Not in any great degree - but enough to detect and danger presented to himself or his companions. In his mindscape, the halfling sees the beautiful verdant jungle in its entire splendor and peer as he might, he sees none of the dangerous predators or plants that fore warned of impeding hazards. Confident in his skill, the hunter signals to the tall elf, "The jungle is peaceful at this time." Seeing the puzzled look on the elf's face, the hunter quickly adds, "There is no danger… inside the cave."

Moving towards the cave mouth, his spear gripped tightly, trying to peer through the swirling clouds of dust, the diminutive hunter waits next to the entrance for his much taller elven companion is ready to enter.

A silvery, translucent Mendi observed Tak's thought-tendrils, and mentally signaled his smaller friend to wait. In the Mindscape, Mendi sent forth his own tendrils, but those were different than those of Tak, stronger and less subtle. Those probes were designed for detecting life, and not danger, for Mendi feared that the cave might be the refuge of an animal, which could turn into a danger if disturbed. The elf's probes gave forth no indication of life within the shelter and with a curt nod gives the OK for Tak to enter.

When the argument from the stubborn mul who would not let anyone enter the cave was over, both elf and halfling enter the cave, both quiet - extremely quiet considering the background noise of the storm followed by the rest of the companions.

Seeing the cave as the only hope against such a storm, Rayne approaches still mad for not having been let in first <crazy elf gonna get himself killed>. Pulling free her sword and tortoise blade and cursing for not donning her armor in the morning, the mul carefully enters the cave - which could be someone's home. Aryus holds his spear tightly in his hand. With the winds so strong and chaotic, the arrows will do little.

Chit-Zik enters the cave cautiously and grudgingly. He is not pleased at all about being in another cave. The storm will make their air even harder on him, but at least it will be over soon.

The cave wasn't very large after all, the travelers were soon crammed into its deepest part. Some broken bones and excrements betrayed the former inhabitant of the cave as a predator, but Mendi couldn't guess what it could have been. <I suppose Tak would tell us if he thought the beast can return,> thought the elf, who also realized that the small cave would mean a disagreeable promiscuity with the other members of the party in general, and the kreen in particular... Mendi shuddered at the mere thought of the insect's mandible so close to him... and the cave was rather small... they would end up close to one another... Inside, they also discovered some moss on the northern wall, where there was also some humidity, but only some lonely drops running down the rock, not a source to fill their waterskins.

Rayne entered the cave cautiously. The teeth-mark-scar on her shoulder seems to throb slightly as she surveys her surroundings <at least the place isn't movin'>. The small beads of sweat that rested on her body, highlighting the swirling tattoos that adorn her bald head and part of her forehead, began to dry up as the cooler air in the cave reached her.

Koreth followed his companions inside the cave. He quickly picked out a spot as they settled down. Slumping down with a sigh of relief, he takes a short mouthful of water from his skin. <Better to save water, don't know when this storm will blow over....> he thinks to himself as he stashes the skin.

GETTING "COMFY"

The cave, while proving a certain amount of protection from the storm outside, was not perfect. A thin layer of sand seemed to permeate everything. Taking a swig of water from his skin, and tasting grit along with liquid, Tak’ wished for the forests of home. Then he shrugged - they’d be back there soon enough - and the return journey might not necessarily be pleasant.

At least the cramped conditions did not impede Tak’ too much. Chit-Zik was looking rather hunched over with the low ceiling, and Mendi was preferring to sit instead of knocking his head on the hard stone roof.

Deciding to shed his armor - now causing irritation as sand had smuggled its way into joints, Tak worked though several exercises. Unarmed and unarmored, Tak’ moved slowly, in exotic patterns, his moves a combination of stretching and speed - to keep him limber in body and focused of mind.

While Tak moved around, thanks to his smaller size, Mendi closed his eyes, and silently slipped into the imaginary oasis that was his place of mental rest. But today, in this cramped situation, the elf found little comfort among the trees and began to walk around, then run, nearly flying among and above giant dunes...

Chit-Zik, wanting to keep an eye on the weather but not wanting to wait outside, waits till the party settles. He then walks over to the rock near the entrance.

Hit anteni stop twitching at the constant movements as Chit-Zik wraps one hand around his old necklace and begins to run the other over the course rock and dirt. The relaxation the thri-kreen enjoys is visible as his eyes soften in color and he slowly slides into the rock itself. The kreen waits out the storm trying not to take up too much space.

No fire is started as the small cave would have smoked and drive everyone out but the group is finally settled, albeit the close quarters. Rayne is about to offer her healing to the slightly wounded companions when she realizes that a good night's rest will cure all their minor wounds. The mul decides to save her strength and calmly meditates on Tak's last lesson.

Aryus at times stands outside of the cave even without his spell's effect. He looks elated as he feels the power of his element.

NIGHTIME

The sandstorm still wailed outside and threatened to bury them in if the winds should get any stronger. As it was, coarse sand was piling up at the cave's entrance and fine grit covered everything inside.

Rayne takes her worm out of the pouch as the darkness of the cave is enough to not hurt the creature and seats herself before the group gathered. "Turning" the little critter on "low" so everyone can see her face, she smiles and gives it some rations to nibble before she turns her attention to the group.

Koreth turns his attention to Rayne, listening intently as she tells her tale. His sword is unbuckled and leaned against the cave wall next to him, and his armor lying in a pile in a corner.

"Most of ye has met Marteu. He and I use to travel all over the lands of Athas, I don't know where we all went . . . I was little. We lived in a tent and moved around all the time. Marteu made me clothes, and made sure I always had nice sandals fer walkin'. <she smiles at this memory> We traveled with caravans and on our own and with people who were friends of Marteu's. He worshiped the earth and was always telling me about it. I guess I didn't take enough interest in it because he began to teach me about The Way and how to use my inner power. He told me me mother had power like I did, but he wouldn't tell me about her. He would tell me she was a dwarf and then he'd tell me about my heritage. When I asked about her, he would look sad and he always said "another time little one" and smiled . . ." The mul's eyes begin to water some with tears, but they do not spill out, instead they linger making her eyes shine with sadness. Once again she looks weak and vulnerable - a bit of a disturbing site for the usually proud, confident mul.

There is a hint of sadness to Koreth as Rayne speaks of her mother, a sorrow that before his tale telling was an odd thing to see on his face. He leans a bit forward, listening intently.

"Marteu also taught me to fight." She smiles at Koreth. "He said I'd need to know how to defend meself. I learned well, but only because I wanted to fight by his side, I thought he'd always be there.

Koreth winks back at her, his infectious and very boyish grin returning to his face. He runs his fingers through his dusty close-cropped hair, it's reddish highlights prominent in the light of the worm.

The mul continues, "We had a lot of fun together travellin' and just bein' together. One day a bunch of men came and Marteu began to fight with them, he told me to run and I did, but they caught me . . . . all I saw was a guy dragging away Marteu - he wasn't movin'."

"I was scared because no one Marteu had fought before had been able to hurt him. The man said I was a bastard mul who would be easy to "mold" and "worth lumps of silver" someday and mumbled something about 'the foolish old man had gone crazy and left him no choice'. He said he was my Master now and that I belonged to House Stel; they branded me behind me ear." She shows them the brand of House Stel's symbol tattooed behind her ear and adds, "I didn't understand what was happening and I was scared so I didn't fight - I went with 'em." The tears finally spilled over and rolled steadily down her cheeks. She paid them no mind and continued . . .

At the mention of House Stel, Mendi bares his teeth in anger, and then visibly controls himself... <Stel....Stel....> Koreth thought to himself, trying to sift through all the houses and merchants he had heard of or done business with in the past <Didn't father do business with...no, we never traded in slaves.>

Rayne looks over her attemtive audience, "They hit me when I didn't listen so I learned to listen. I had no one to talk to and no one cared. Every time I made a friend they'd be killed or sold eventually so I just stopped makin' friends. Whenever I could I'd step in an' stop the guards from hurtin' the weak defenseless slaves, I could take the beatings better than they could. I saved lots of 'em. The man who killed Marteu I called Master - I never learnt his name - just Master - no one spoke his name in the presence of a lowly slave like me. If they did I never noticed anyway. He never sold me fer any silver. I think he had too much fun teasing me. He said that my mother was a slave and that "our" father was a fool fer trying to save me by running away. That they hunted us fer years and finally got us. All that time and Marteu didn't tell me . . . he was me dad." Sniffing and wiping away the streaks on her face Rayne sits a little taller again.

"I practiced everything Marteu taught me - I spent a lot of time alone in my cage. That's what I call the room I had - it had bars like a cage. I tried really hard not to ferget what he taught me about life and people and compassion. It was hard to remember, got harder everyday. Master didn't like me feelin' good at all, he only liked it when me eyes lost their shine and me body lost me spirit.

One day two half-giant oafs I've traveled with before on jobs came and opened my cage and said we were all going on a trip to protect Master. Besides me, the thugs and Master, the caravan had a couple of traders, another who knows how to use The Way - I new all these guys already - and a weird, nasty strange man who works magic. They also brought Trina 'cause Master likes her cooking. Trina is a young human girl, she's barely 14 if she's even seen that many seasons!"

The mul rolls her eyes as if remembering, "One of the traders was well known to the female slaves. He enjoyed regularly beating and having his way with whatever female slave he desired. He especially enjoyed any "fresh meat" that came along."

Koreth smiled as Rayne mentioned Trina, some memory evoked from her words. His face then grows grim, if from the tale or the memory there is no sign.

"After several nights, I knew that Trina was to be next on his list. It was too much, I couldn't take it anymore. That evening, I made sure that I was near her. The trader had never had his way with me, even though he wanted to. He was too afraid to try to force himself upon me. When he was approaching Trina as she slept, I did me best to appear seductive - seen enough slave girls try to use that way to get out of the cages and into the house. Luring his attention away form the child, I convinced him that I was ready to fulfill what fantasies were in his eyes the many times he looked at me. He began to undress as he laiy down beside me. He was so gross I nearly lost me nerve, but seein' Trina lyin' so peaceful, still so innocent . . . I threw meself on top of him and in his . . . . excitement?" She cocks an eyebrow and gives the group a sarcastic look, "he failed to notice that me chains were no longer on me wrists. He never even saw me wrist razor that drove through his throat, silencing him before he could scream."

"I didn't know what else to do - I panicked. I grabbed me tortoise blade, armor and cape and stole his water skin and long sword. Then I ran . . . and ran into ye in the forest."

Rayne sighs as if the tale is at an end, "So ye've been helping an escaped slave an' that's punishable by death. That is why I refuse me share o' the money fer this trip. Can't be drawin' the attention of Templars to an escaped slave. I will leave ye before we hit any civilization so ye will never be caught fer helpin' me."

With that the mul "turned off" the worm and began to pet it as she gave it some water to wash down its supper, awaiting the response of her shocked companions.

Koreth looked almost as if he were going to say something, or at least as if he wanted to. <How do you comfort the pain of a life you have never known?> he thought glumly to himself. He sat, his back pained by the exertions of the day and from the rock on which he rested. A tense moment passed, if only for the noble warrior, which ended as he pulled out a whetstone from his pack. He drew his sword and laid it across his lap, carefully working to sharpen and care for its edge.

Aryus tries to comfort his companion, "Your tale is a sad one too, just like mine. It is one tough world out there," states the amge as he points outside of the cave, "an unfortunate reality to live by. But I've realized that I must learn to strengthen myself and make the winds always go in my direction."

"Your fear of slavers' is understandable. An air cleric will rot and die from the heart if he is ever to be robbed of his freedom and put into chains. I have great respect for you Rayne, as your defiance for those who dare rob you of freedom. Although if I were you in that situation, I might've given my life to free every other slave in that caravan." The mul merely looks at the windmage and her eyes shift to Tak as he begins to speak.

Tak’ sits and listens to Rayne as she pours forth her life’s tale - one of slavery and loss. But possibly one of redemption and compassion as well. Tak’s shakes his head with the horror and stupidity that humanity brought upon itself. "Death is preferable to such bondage," Tak’ says quietly, with a hint of bitterness - wondering again if the people outside the forest had anything of value teach him which would help him to better lead ‘Nak.

Then, looking round his companions - all free and noble, he smiled and thought otherwise. "We halflings work freely for the welfare of our neighbors - and so we are not forced into servitude to feed ourselves. For this reason alone halflings have also never taken up farming animals - only hunting those that are free. For while life is a sacred thing - without the freedom to live it, it is worthless."

"There are no more slaves in Tyr," said the elf in a business-like voice. "Not a bad thing, either, slaves spoil the business. A freeman works harder and longer," adds the trader in a convinced, but factual voice. "Welcome among us, Rayne the Freed, for no one in Tyr would call you an escaped slave!"

"Thank ye fer yer kind words wind mage - and all of ye. I guess it will take some time getting use to being free . . . I can still hardly say the word without feelin' like somethin' bad is gonna happen. Ye say Tyr is free of slavery? Hmmm . . . I guess Master did a good job of keepin' me in the dark of such things. I guess no where is completely free of slavery . . ." She smiles feebly at the thought of that.

Gaigin turns to Rayne. "Of course, as Mendi says, yer free now. No need to worry about us, it is not illegal to abbot a slave in a city where slavery is illegal, and House Stel was already our enemy, so we need fear them no more now then before." Gaigin chuckles, "In fact, they now have greater need to fear us, since, thanks to yerself, we know better what we're to be facing."

Mendi then thought about Rayne's story, mulling over what the tall mul had said, wondering what to tell and what not to tell. After a while, the elf spoke again. "When I met you all... I thought at first you were not who you are. I was following a trail, the tracks of a caravan from House Stel." Once more, Mendi scowls hideously, as if the mere mention of the word disgust him, "By chance, I didn't fire first and speak afterward, for, as he," the elf gestured toward Chit without actually looking at him, "told then, you were not my quarry. Actually, I didn't care that much about those tales of pterrans and trade endeavor at the time, for I believed them rumors until I saw Ptellac here."

Mendi pauses, pondering his thought. "When I came back to Tyr from my last mission as a caravan guard, I learned of a merchant from this cursed House that had departed west... seemingly in search of a pseudo Pterran village. As if Pterran existed." Mendi laughed softly, and added, "I am very happy to have met you and your kin, Ptellac, but I thought that you were a legend, then. I bought a few things in any case, hoping to sell them to some slaves tribes on my return trip... "

The elven trader continued, "Anyway, with the fall of the cage that weighted on every citizen under Kalak's rule, it appears that the area of Tyr is not patrolled as well as they were before, and so a caravan from this Hamanu-blessed…." Hate appeared once more on Mendi's face, "House Stel was able to depart for your territory, Ptellac, before this company was formed and ready to depart. Perhaps Kalak knew that you existed, more probably he didn't... anyway, nobody dared risk his anger and explore beyond the established boundaries before... all the more so since a party would have been arrested, and put in thrall under the accusation of spying when Kalak's armies patrolled the area. Those... brutes... I'm speaking of your former masters, Rayne, for they do not deserve the title of merchant, they, not you, were my quarry, and still are, even though I accept Gaigin's leadership and am ready to further the cause of Tyr's enhancement and fortune..."

"For a fee", added a chuckling Elric. Mendi smiled at Elric's chiding, and finished: "We face a new challenge: House Stel admits no competitors, they can stoop quite low, lower than any..." Mendi closed his eyes, and soon continued: "They are brutal, ruthless, and... they are our foes. If they cannot trade with your people, they will try to enslave them, Ptellac. We should catch them... and kill them." Mendi looks around, waiting the reactions of his comrades.

Ptellac brows creased as much as his scales allowed it, "I am not worried of my village from such a small entourage as Rayne has described. I don't think they will make it to my village without dealing with the patrols first. No, I think we should be worried as a group for such a group can surely pose problems to us. In fact, they have been trying to sabotage our trip when we hadn't even stepped out of the city. I don't think we have seen the last of them!"

Gaigin nods vigorously as he sips from a waterskin. "Aye, we'll have our showdown with Stel, no doubt, though to most of us they are no new challenge. The elf who tried to cheat us out of the bid for this very mission had Stel silver in his purse, which he later used to try and kill us before we ever left the city. How many other of our mishaps are their work I know not, though Athas is surely dangerous enough without them having had their hands in. When the time comes, it'll be a fight more then likely...not all bad." Gaigin grins viscously, "Stel owes me backpay for an entire route, at a commanders wage, and for wounds received at their assassin's hands. I'll be pleased to take it from the hides of their men if it comes to it."

Gaigin pauses for a moment, sipping a little more water, then continues. "I'm not familiar with the caravan you left... Before leaving Tyr I had just come in from a Stel caravan from Raam, which I'd been forced to take command of, for which I received a swift boot out the door without pay. Heard that it left just after arriving, empty of goods. They hired no new guards, taking only Urikite regulars with 'em, and must have joined with your caravan shortly before or after leaving. Thing is, if they were simply competing against Tyr for trading rights, why'd they bring no trade goods. I think Mendi right on that point...Stel may well be after something other than trade. There are easier slaves to be found than Pterrans, so I'm guessing it's a raid of sorts. I'll not speculate too far on this, better to be prepared for all possibilities."

The conversation dies down as everyone prepares for an imminent showdown with House Stel's party (DM note: I promise).

LATER

Koreth carefully set down his wrist razors on top of his chitin studded leather armor, their blades as sharp as the day he had brought them. He turned his gaze to Tak, who had long since finished his practice.

"You offered to teach me more of the way," Koreth began, a little hesitant at first but his voice growing stronger with every word "I want to learn to summon harbringers, to not only defend myself but to attack as well. Will you teach me this?"

Koreth waits patiently for Tak's answer, his face calm. <Crel always said that a warrior must be prepared to fight on any battle field, even the one inside his own mind.> he mused, almost as if explaining his reasoning to himself....

"If you are willing," Tak’ says, trying to keep a smile from erupting on his face, "as a nobleman of Tyr, to learn from a savage from the forests - I will teach you. Since you have asked, and have a true desire to learn - it would be a blight against my honor to refuse you. Sit Koreth," Tak’ indicates, pointing to a corner in the cave where the large nobleman and the halfling hunter may converse and discuss with relative privacy.

"I have told you of the two attributes of flexibility and creativity. How you must conserve energy in defense. Keep these lessons in mind, for we move on now - you wish to know of attacking.

"Firstly, know that violence in the Mindscape can be as brutal and as dangerous as that in the physical world. For this reason alone I must have your word that you will not abuse the skills I will teach you," Tak’ looks up at Koreth with deadly seriousness, "my teacher demanded this of me, and I must now demand it of you. Only in the defense of yourself and your kin, and for the greater good will you use the things I will teach you to attack another."

The noble warrior silently nods his acceptance of the halflings demand.

Rayne hears the halfling beginning Koreth's lesson and approaches the two to listen better.

"Now, we will concentrate on building a harbringer which will act as your weapon in the Mindscape. I have been taught two main forms - that of Force, and that of the Hunting Beast," Tak’ notes Koreth’s look of confusion and stops his discussion to outline these two halfling concepts of the Way.

"The Force is that which crushes and succeeds through sheer strength. The Flash Flood we faced in the canyon before we crossed the mountain - and the Stampede of animals before the Sandhowlers we defeated are both experiences of Force I have turned into Harbringers. The Earthquakes we have faced recently would also translate easily into a harbringer of Force."

"The Hunting Beast uses stealth and cunning - and succeeds by capturing its prey. The Tarek leader we faced was crippled by a Constrictor I sent at him - and the elf we faced as we left Tyr was held motionless in the strong arms of my Sloth."

As the halfling speaks, Rayne's interest grows until she has to interrupt the lesson. "May I join in? I do know psionic attacks, but not those of yer speakin' of."

Tak smiles his aproval and adds to Koreth, "You need to choose now which form you which to learn. Think of what you know and have experienced personally - for the experiences you have of primal Forces and Hunting Beasts will make it easier to build your Harbringers - and make them much more realistic and effective against those you face..."

Koreth thinks deep to himself and adds, "Is there way to postpone this decision, I would like to hear more of each strengths and weaknesses before I commit myself." He remembers his strong and harsh weapon masters, "When I was taught to fight, I was given a rough overview before I specialized in any one weapon, is this possible here?"

Tak’ is somewhat uplifted by Koreth’s determination and willingness to learn, and he can barely contain his own enthusiasm for his new student, "now if we turn to the Mindscape you can try to construct your first harbringer."

The night dies away with Koreth and Tak speaking much and practicing some. The halfling hunter even managed to put his teachings into sketches that were drawn by a bone dagger on a dusty floor. (DM note: You may take this up at a later time."

Gaigin sighs as the wind rages outside. Another day of delay, another day behind Stel and behind schedule. He managed to get through another lesson in the Pterran language, with Mendi, but it was hard to concentrate while three feet a way others were busy studying the Way. The conditions were far too cramped in the cave for any real comfort, and Gaigin could not even get enough room to work farther on his weapons. Knowing no better alternative, Gaigin sleeps early under his robe, hoping they'd make better time the next day.

The night was uneventful but no one had a really restful sleep. The close quarters coupled with the wind's noise kept everyone at edge specially the kreen who did not like the close environment that forced his body into uncomfortable positions. The elf woke up and slowly opened his eyes warned by some sixth sense only to find Chit's slavering jaws very near his face. The elven trader quickly jumped up, a terrible fear in his eyes and bumped his head on the hard rock ceiling. Never taking his eyes from the kreen who merely hunched there, the elf goes out side precede by a bunch of curses. It was still pitch dark but the sand storm had subsided to a strong breeze. The elf gathered his few belonging and settled himself to try and catch some rest; he found out that the experience had been enough for him not to close his eyes the whole night, especially after the kreen shortly went outside and circled the cave.

Expedition Day 11 - Year of the Desert's Fury of the 190th King's Age (Free Year 11)

Alluvial Sand Wastes - Somewhere in the Hinterlands

GREAT ALLUVIAL WASTES

Sand dunes ahead of the party everywhere they looked. The brutal mid-day sun above them and dry, hot air surrounding them. Their second day of travel in the desert and some were already missing the forest. The bad night's sleep had everyone in a dour mood to say the least. Of course, one in the group was quite depressed and his small feet dragged along the hot, abrasive sand. Not his usual self, Tak, the small hunter, promised himself to get back to his homeland soon enough. Gaigin was faring a lot better and it showed in his poise. Most of the stings and scars from the strange insects had actually dried up and were almost healed. The ex-caravan guard no longer remained in the back being helped by his friends but rather had taken up the front of the group again. Not completely healed yet, but now a strong warrior even if not in his peak condition. He helped himself with his new makeshift spear, a down trodden piece of wood that still hadn't tasted blood.

The sun was at its apex and the old desert travelers were up to their usual tricks trying to stay cool or at least walk in some sort of shade. Mendi could be seen with his white scarf wrapped around his head; the trader took up the lead trusting his instinct and great eyesight to warn him of any danger in spite of his bloodshot eyes. The relentless sun and sleepless night had even gotten to Elric, the warlock, whose jokes had lost their punch. He would no doubt pick his humor up at sundown. Ayrus, the windmage, seemed most detached and aloof, carefully enjoying every time the slight, hot breeze fluttered his cerulean cloak about.

The pterran trader had shed his hide armor again but strangely enough, his green scales were not covered in slick sweat as everyone else's torso was. Perhaps it was true, that the saurians did not shed as much water as the other humanoids did. Koreth and Rayne exchanged curt words and tried their best to conserve their energy and most importantly their saliva. They both knew that this was not the verdant jungle anymore and that water here was precious. The kreen seemed the least disturbed his body used to the great alluvial wastes and his thirst sated for days to come and he was no worse from the sleepless night, go wonder. His exoskeleton had even taken a sandier color or so it seemed; the insectoid seemed like he was enjoying the dry environment. Everything seemed under the hot glare of the crimson sun and nothing was certain

Vision was blurry at best, and the heroes did not even lift their gaze up without shielding their eyes one way or another. They were all alone and the bustle and cacophony of the green jungle was far behind. If everything went according to what Ptellac suspected, the sand and gravel should recede to rock in about three days time and then give way to his lush scrublands. "They are not as green as Tak's jungle but are certainly a lot better than this…"

All of the sudden, Mendi stopped and squinted far ahead. The rest of the group caught up to the elf. "Well, what is it, elf?" Koreth was quick to ask while he looked to no avail where the elf's sight was directed. "Don't know yet…some sort of birds… circling up in the sky…maybe 5 or 6, can't really tell much from here." Everyone looked up to where Mendi pointed to; straight west, "What do you reckon, trouble maybe?" Gaigin was first to answer, "Nah, in fact no trouble, probably... By the erdlu gut that holds me water, they be scavengers and there is someone dead or dying ahead of us." Curiosity getting the best of them, the heroes continued on with caution.

A few hours more of dredging under the desert conditions brought them close enough to view the terrible scene. A few scavenger birds took flight as soon as the heroes rounded the last dune in a cacophony of squawks. The spectacle that opened before their eyes and noses was overwhelming. The first sight that struck their senses was a huge, long insect whose carapace was being picked clean by the vulture-like birds. The monster was a 20 long insect of some sort and had many small feet along its torso. A disfigured head seemed to sprout a couple of antennas that proved to tough for the sharp beaks of the scavenger birds.

A bit further down the sand dune was another great hunter, a tagster. The great desert cat was renowned for its hunting skills and ferocity. The beast was lying on its side, obviously dead as could be seen by the great bloody gashes that stained its otherwise beautiful pelt. The light yellow coat, with soft brown speckles the great cat sported, was perfect for hiding amongst the sand and gravel of its desert environment. It was strange that this battle ever took place since these felines were also famous for their psionic skills and, more importantly, their speed. The small halfling saunters over towards it to get a closer look while wondering what ever made the tagster stand and fight.

Rayne calls them all over as she makes another discovery. She kicks away a bird that was in the process of picking clean another carcass, the remains of what looked like a tagster cub. All things started to fit into the puzzle as the great battle formed in the minds of the heroes. That great cat could have fled from the megapede but not without its cub and so she turned and faced the monster. The fact that the monster is lying dead attests to her courage and ferocity. The dead mother was a few yards ahead of the heroes but something wasn't quite right, the large cat was not picked clean as were the other two beasts. All the vultures were doing was squawking a few feet around it but not feasting on its dead body.

They were about four birds ready to claim the beast for food as a rather large vulture wobbles over only to quickly take to the skies amidst loud noises. Their curiosity strained to its limit, the companions carefully approach the great dead feline. Another small surprise greets their eyes. The cub was about 3 feet long from snout to tail and its body looked bigger than it probably was due to its bristled hair. The cat had an even yellow-brown pelt with curiously pointed black ears. The cub was swapping at a couple of large feather when it saw the humanoids approach. Its fur bristled again, lips curled back and a barely audible hiss escaped its parched throat.

The cub slowly backpedals towards its dead mother and cuddles up to her trying in vain to suckle from her. Now that its pelt was seen in its natural state, the cub looked rather scrawny; its ribcage jutted out from underneath him. It nudges close to its mother's face, licking the large beast. The harsh, deadly sun reminds everyone of how cruel Athas is as the small cat lets out a long, lamenting yowl.

Your actions…

OUT OF CHARACTER

HEALTH STATUS

Remember the scale:

Healthy (H) 100% hitpoints remaining

Slightly Wounded (SiW) 75% to 100% hitpoints remaining

Wounded (W) 50% to 75% hitpoints remaining

Seriously Wounded (SeW) 25% to 50% hitpoints remaining

Mortally Wounded (MW) 0% to 25% hitpoints remaining

Ayrus (H)

Chit (H)

Elric (H)

Gaigin (SiW)

Gaigin will recover full hitpoints tomorrow!!! (notwithstanding any magical healing)

Koreth (H)

Mendi (H)

Rayne (H)

Tak (H)

Ptellac (H)

GENERAL

When you post, think of the following:

• what you will do with the present situation;
• any other actions from this moment until next morning. (camp will be under the twin moons); and
• Ayrus watch your water, you will have to ask for today.

WATER SITUATION

Questions, comments, and suggestions please.

L8r,

Fabian