The last of the pterrans elders addressed the group, "Although, we know of you, we would like for each of you to briefly introduce yourselves, tell us how Earth Mother gifted you with special talents and swear that you will uphold life wherever you go."

Elric stood before the Triumvirate with a calm outward appearance, though on internally his mind was in termoil. The energies alive in the meeting place, the womb as it was named, were beyond the young warlocks experience. Even the great forest of Tak's homeland had not shown Elric a source of such strength. The forest was by nature a difuse place of energy as it continued through the cycle of life. Here however was the hub, the focal point of a whole community of life. The energies about the womb literally buzzed to Elric's senses. The warlock's mind sped through the possibilities that could be realized with such power. All he had but do would be to open a conduit to gather the energy into himself. Such strength would be his that he could easily cast the most difficult of spells. Images of himself walking on the wings of magic slaying the beast of the waste flashed through Elric's mind. Dozens of charred monsters lay about him from conjured fire or lightning. Others fought among themselves, caught in a web of illusions. Elric drew the life energy from the womb, fueling his strength as more mighty magics were wielded. The sky was alight with Elric's conjurings. Again and again his enemies where laid low each time in a more spectacular fashion, all the while he fueled his spells from the crackling energies of the womb. Surveying the area, Elric felt a void form in his stomach, all about him was the desolation created by his magic. The spells that destroyed his enemies turn the ground into ash. Even looking back on the serene womb showed but a husk of the original, drained to its core. Elric's voice wailed through his mind in defiance of the vision. By the strength of his will and conviction Elric shook his mind free. The landscape of destruction shattered and dissolved into the swirls of the warlock's mind.

Awaking from a daze, Elric scans the area, <Could the horrible visions truly been of my own design or was this a test of the Triumvirate or an effect this place had on mages?> Many thoughts tumbled through the
warlock's mind as he tried to regain the flow of conversation. A glance down showed Whisper returning from a circuit of the group. The sight of the tagster cub settled Elric's mind from the disturbing thoughts of power.

Stepping forward to stand slightly ahead of the group, Elric faces the Triumvirate, "I am Elric Silvermoon of Gaigin's Pack, wielder of Tempest and companion to Whisper. I have the ability to wield my swords in close quarters or strike from a distance with my bow. I am also a mage by training and by birth." With a motion of his hand, Elric summons Whisper to his side, "Though I know little about your Earth Mother I affirm that I along with my companion Whisper seek the balance among all things. Seeking to preserve rather than destroy." With a short bow Elric steps back into the midst of companions.

The three pterran elders' eyes narrow down to slits at the mention of magic. "We have been told that magic has been the destruction of the world across the mountains. Our people do not show a talent for this sort of magic, perhaps it is a blessing by Earth Mother that this is so." The elder woman continues, "Our scouts report of insectoids that use magic that turns the soil barren, this is sacrilege and they must be stopped. I trust you take care in your wielding of power, you will do well to remember that no destruction of the earth will be allowed while a pterran lives to avert it. Ptellac has told us that your spells do not drain the soil of life and this is well, perhaps you can show us and teach some of the younger pterrans what it is you do." Elric silently bows and his brains starts racing over possibilities, "Will I be the one to teach magic to Pterrans?"

Koreth somewhat nervously watches as Elric stands and speaks of himself before the three Pterrans. The noble warrior's thoughts race about as he tries to come up with some sort of description of himself that would be appropriate. Crel's lessons taught him to fight, to face his enemy and to win. The old soldier had never prepared him for a battle such as this. He was on his own, and it scared him.

As Elric sat down, Koreth tried to gather the courage to stand. There was a silent moment as no one stood and then he found himself on his feet, under the gaze of the three Pterran elders. The noble warrior straightened himself and then shakily bowed in the Tyrian style.

"I am Koreth of the House of Harek of Tyr. I have been trained in the arts of warfare by my families Master-at-arms so that I may one day serve my brother in that position. Through the turnings of the stone of my life I have come to know and respect the earth as the giver of life through the teachings of Vikus, Uhrnius of the Uhrk clan of dwarves from the tablelands.

Through my time knowing the dwarves of the Uhrk clan, I grew to respect their way of life and belifes." the noble warrior's voice held steady through out the long speech, but his throat was quickly drying "My dwarven friends have taught me to respect life and the earth as the source of that life.

To honor my friends and memories, my sword is sworn to slay all those who seek to steal the life of the earth itself. I thank you for your hospitality and look forward to discovering your people and culture."

The noble warrior wipes the nervous sweat from this brow with the back of his hand, once again bowing before he sits back down. He breathes a sigh of relief, hoping that he picked the right words.

"Honor be to you, young warrior. We are more familiar with your kind of skills although we do not acknowledge this race of dwarves that you mention." One of the pterran elder smiles, "I too, have followed the path of the warrior. You will have to teach our people about dwarves and partake in the training of pterran warriors, you may even learn something in the process."

Rayne takes the initiative of her two friends and stands next. Clearing her throat and feeling a little awkward, the mul rubs her swirling tattoo then stand straight and looks at the Three before her. "I am Rayne . . . also of Gaigin's Pack. I stand to protect and care for all beings honorable and good. I have stood with Ptellac and he has taught me the goodness of your kind. I don't know much about yer Earth Mother, but I care about the land and about others. It has been good enough fer Ptellac to call me friend, so I hope ye can accept me now." <the mul pauses as she sadly recalls the pain she felt as she watched Ptellac's friends get slaughtered and could do little to save them>. With nothing more to say the mul bows a short awkward bow to the Pterrans and moves back to stand near Elric and Koreth.

"We respect your teachings and your manner. You have the stance of a strong warrior but a soft side to you as well. It seems you have seen great suffering. We know of your past and you too will teach our people what it is to be a slave. Our community will change and be tempted by others. I want them to know first hand the suffering they can provoke unto others by not heeding Earth Mother"

Mendi, who had been distracted by the almost religious atmosphere of the Womb, was at first at lost to find words. As the first three companions introduced themselves, the elven peddler recovered his balance, and stood up, bowing with grace, he then spoke: "I am Mendi, of the late House Ber, a merchant house from Tyr. Our fate was a sad one, and I am the last merchant of the House, and I hold high hopes in the development of our economical relations. I will gladly assist our most noble leader, Gaigin, in our discussions, and I am also most curious about your people and most respectful of nature..."

Mendi's voice trailed as he made a gesture towards Gaigin, for this was surely their leader's time to speak now. The elf's aloof attitude towards nature had been carefully cloaked by his well-honed diplomatic skills. Mendi didn't actually approve of desecration or defiling, he wouldn't have understood a druid's argument about the preservation of nature that could be more important than one's survival, but he would understand that a healthy nature means better returns in the long term.

The pterran woman smiled a toothy grin, "Aye young business man, not unlike those we have raised here. You have much to teach us about your world and about doing business with your world. I shall gather a group of young pterran traders and you will teach them what it is to belong to a House and how we can expect those that belong to Houses react." The woman noded and explained, "Yes, young trader, we have much to learn from you also."

Ptpteic rouses himself from thought as yet another tale is told, and, deciding he will not manage a more fitting way of summarizing his existence, steps forward towards the Triumvirate. "I am Ptpteic, I have tried to be a dutiful child of the Earth Mother, I observe her lessons and seek out the awesome beauty of her works. I come before you now to rejoin my people, for I have reached the time of wanderings and am compelled now to learn the lessons of all the Earth Mother's children, that I might better understand her glory."

Another of the elders spoke, "I, too, have followed the path of the druid young saurian. We knew both your parents and your mentor. I have found that the mul druid has passed away to better serve earth Mother. He knew how to serve her although not a pterran. You will be a test to our people and their opening to the world. They had better accept you, their kin with a different upbringing if they are to accept foreigners in every aspect. But I will gather a group of young initiates and you will teach them what it is to wandering druid like your mentor was and you will probably will be. You will teach them how Earth Mother an be served even when away from our village."

Ayrus spoke and presented himself and his devotion to the winds. As with the others, he was asked to teach his love of the winds to the pterran culture. The air cleric was thrilled at the prospect of riding the winds with a pterrax as he was told he would eventually if he was patient enough. He was also asked to tell of his homeland from far away north (DM note: Ayrus will become an NPC until Rive comes back so do NOT expect him to partake in any adventures.)

The others spoke strongly to the triumvirate, and although Tak' knew protocol and had confidence in himself his palms were sticky with nervous anticipation. This was a great moment, to be the first of his village - maybe even race - to formally speak with the wisefolk of the Pterrans. He was clothed in the fashion of their people, able to speak to their leaders. Pride swelled strong in Tak', this was something he could tell to his children and grandchildren.

Waiting respectfully for his turn, Tak' focused his mind, slowing his breathing and calming himself with the practiced ease of one who has spent years studying the Way. Focusing his attention on the place where he stood, Tak' felt a tingling on the back of his neck - the Womb was indeed a special place, where history and power coincided.

MINDSCAPE:
Stepping into the mindscape, the tingling Tak' felt earlier was manifested in a bewildering array of colors and lights. The halos of the triumvirate burned strong and true, and the halfling could pick out his companions and the Pterrans easily, but there were some unaccounted-for figures glowing brightly. With a start Tak' realized that they were none other than the living statues - history and meaning having conferred upon them a powerful status.

Calling his Will to him, Tak' set about discovering more, letting his natural rhythms slow until he was in harmony with the place and its people. Images sharpened, and for a brief moment all was clear. The colors and strength of the living statues felt like his forest home. At once caring and provider and killer and merciless at the same time. Tak realized that this was not a representation of a persona but of nature itself, from the calm rains of the forest to the destructiveness of Tyr storms, from the gentle winds on the plains to the furious desert storms. Tak learned that he only had to fit into the big picture and find his way around things, always flexible always ready to change and adapt.

PHYSICAL WORLD:

Tak' raised his eyes, back in the real world. Or was he? The air around him was darkening, almost pregnant with the threat of danger and lightning. Tak's pulse quickened, and he realized he was not alone - Elric, standing next to him had a glazed look on his eyes seeing things few mortals see.

The Womb was an empty valley, but in a crash of lightning it was filled with images. A young Tak' stood in the forest, his bow drawn - about to let an arrow fly at an intruder into his forest. The perspective changed, to that of the intruder - none other than an older Tak', carefully picking his way through the undergrowth. With eyes wide, and an indrawn breath, the arrow was let loose flew, and in that brief moment the halfling knew he was at once protector and intruder to his people.

The arrow never pierced his skin, and Tak' was back at the empty womb. But the strange waking dream was still to continue. A grand hunt was underway, the forest full of halfling and fell beast. The hunt was almost complete, and Tak' was given the task of making the kill. His spear poised, the halfling aimed at his prey - until he realized his prey were none other than his companions.

With an agonized grunt, Tak' lowered his spear - only to have his friends turn to Sloth and start devouring his friends and family around him. As the Sloth ate their forms flickered between the ferocious beasts, and the forms of his friends. With an agonized scream Tak' flew amongst the creatures, killing them with a fury, his daggers and spear bloodied many times over.

After the slaughter, none remained standing save Tak'. A mortally wounded Sloth looked up at his killer, the long jaws and curved teeth of the beast morphing into Gaigin, then Koreth, then Elric. The blood of Tak's brother dripped down its jaw as the Sloth spoke. It had the face of Mendi, but an unrecognizable voice. "Who do you choose to eat Tak'Nak'Raq? There will one day be blood on your hands - your friends or your people."

Tak' screamed. And then the image was gone. But the memory remained. The Womb was back to normal, a bright clear day. His face white and bloodless, Tak' swayed on his feet, horrified at what he had seen - and even more horrified that he suspected he understood what the image meant. One day - a choice would need to be made.

There was silence in the Womb - the others had spoken. Blinking, trying to clear the sight of blood and gore from his vision, the halfling collecting himself as best he could. Tak' knelt before the triumvirate, unaware that the Pterran cloth he wore bunched comically around his knees. His voice is as ragged as his breathing, and his longtime companions note the pale color of his face. "I come from a people, chosen to preserve nature, and the cycle of life. I come from the forests on the mountain. I come from the people of Tyr." Gathering himself, Tak' stood up, only intense concentration keeping the quaver from his knees.

"I am Tak'Nak'Raq," the halfling pronounces, his voice slowly gaining back the strength and confidence it usually carried. "I am a student, traveling to learn what the Earth Mother will teach me - so I can both help the cycle of life be upheld, and my people survive." Tak' then turned to himself, spreading his arms wide, "I act as provider and protector to my people and companions. Being blessed with the gift of the Way, and a light foot, I hunt both in the forest and the mind. Should you require another hunter, I place myself in the service of your people whilst I stay here."

Tak' gathered himself fully, clearing his head with a deep breath, "I am also of my people, who revere life and custom much like yourselves. Even though the Tyr-folk wish to forge ties of commerce, I seek for my people ties of understanding. We both have much to share with one another, our ways and beliefs seem fatefully aligned."

The warrior elder continued, "Aye, I think our people are aligned as you say. You seem to be the one that best fits our love for nature and how we interact with earth Mother. I agree that our cultures should meet and perhaps this is your destiny, to unite two cultures in one common cause the preservation of earth Mother or Gaea as Ptellac told us you refer to her." The warrior seems to loom even higher as he speaks and his aura spreads over everyone, "You, our small hunter will have to teach us your people's ways and customs and hunts and joys. You shall sit amongst eager pterrans and will teach us your customs and also your mastery of the Way. This shall be your rite of passage into our pterran culture."

After everyone stood up and presented themselves, a tall formidable man gathered strength of character and stepped forward. It was strength of character forged first in rigorous training in Tyr's templar academies where he learned to distrust everyone and fend for himself. Later in life, he experienced first hand what it was to be a slave. He then worked for his freedom and has fended for himself ever since working as leader of men. Men and women had died under his command but he saved more than his share. Gaigin the unasked for leader of this ragtag group of adventurers spoke, "Yee have met the rest, I have been charged in leading as best I could. I consider myself lucky to have such a group, each talented in their own special way, each an intricate part of a whole. As for me, I can say that I can hold my own in battle and know how to read people well, that has been my better trait. And I am at your service fer whatever it is yee needs."

"Again, young man, we have been told how you risked your life and those of your companions in trying to save a group of pterrans from the hands of tarek raiders. We have been told of your prowess as a leader of men and that shall be your rite of passage. We have leaders of our own but are always looking for better ways. Your take on leadership will be most welcomed and are looking for real life experiences where these have been applied." The Three stood up and bowed, We thank you all for your trip here and thank you in advance for the lessons you will impart to our people. Do not be surprised if you one of us in the crowds for we know that only the dead stop learning. We wish you the best of luck and let us know should you need anything. We are leaders of our people but we are pterrans as well with duties and obligations. We fulfill those as teachers so you will see me in the fields with young druids, and my two companions in the pits training young warriors or in the sanctuary teaching pterran psionicists."

With that, the pterrans finished the formal meeting and went out meet the group personally. They shook hands in Tyrian style, bowed as they do in the jungle-forests and taught them how to clasp forearms as they do in the Hinterlands. Ptellac was specially happy and relieved as it seemed that the pterran trader had a lot riding on this meeting that turned out so successful. Tak' approaches one of the triumvirate, unsure of how to speak of his visions. With an inclination of his head to the village leader, Tak' began, "This place is special, in ways I cannot understand. I have seen . things here. Different people and places, in different times. At once it was both real and unreal - was happening or destined to happen. What does this mean?" The female pterran, "Young halfling, these statues have a life of their own and sometimes will augment feeling inside each one of us. It is very unpredictable but as a way of protecting the pterran, they will make everyone face their fears sooner or later. Perhaps it is a warning, perhaps it is destiny or something you can avert; whatever it is, it is a good thing that you are considering it now and have time to act upon it while it is still a distant dream and not a harsh reality." The party soon dispersed as the pterran elders ;eft to carry on their duty.

MORNING

With the ceremonial welcome ending, Rayne's mind begins to turn to other matters. "Ptellac, is there a place in town where I might be able to get me some armor made from the skins I got? I also need shoes to be made but am not sure whether it will possible here. Mendi here says he'll help me get a deal. . . I would also be interested in looking at the smithy's." With that she grins at Koreth, who she knew would be up to that idea.

Mendi also smiled, for he was as interested, and perhaps more so, in the Pterran economics. "I will gladly accompany you, and counsel you, should you accept my help! Shoes... you said shoes, Rayne? But I'm sure we could use some of the sandshark's hide for that. Surely you have cobblers here, don't you, Ptellac?" The pterran points to his feet and wiggles his clawed toes.

Even if though you don't wear shoes, I'm sure you have tanners and leather-workers, don't you, Ptellac? Which makes me thing... if there is any spare hide... I could use some!" Mendi's shoes were indeed quite worn, for they had been made for earth and sand, not for the hard stones they had crossed over during their long journey...

The saurian smiles, "Yes, that we do, and I can take to a leather worker and you can show him what you want. He probably will be able to make whatever it is you need."

The noble warrior grins boyishly back, his thoughts wandering a little about what weapons these Pterrans might have that don't exist in the tablelands. "I think I'll go with you," Koreth smiles "should be interesting."

Though he was less interested in weapons than the two warriors, Mendi realized he needed to find a bowyer or another craftsman who would renew his stock of quarrels. Besides, he wondered if the Pterrans wouldn't be interested in some iron weapons, and was eager to question the weaponsmith about it.

Letting the sun warm his cold body, Tak' was grateful that Gaea kept this land hot. Trying to smile, and only half succeeding, the halfling made his way to Ptellac, patiently waiting for an opening when he could ask the Pterran a question. While he waited, Tak' fished out the remaining dozen or so Sandshark teeth he had diligently polished over the preceding nights.

"Ptellac, I have seen some of what your people are capable of, and your arts and crafts are indeed wondrous - your own especially." Tak' let his compliment sink in before continuing, "I wish to make a necklace from these teeth, a symbol of triumph and bravery - but I require some help from a true craftsman. Are there any you know who could help me?"

Ptellac nods to a group of pterrans as all eyes are turned to the group of adventurers, "Tak, why don't you come with us, this craftsman will solve your problem or will show us to someone who can."

The small party reached the place where the pterran worked his trade. The place was an open tent-like structure where the smell of tanned leather vented in the air. The wares could be seen hangin out to dry or in different clay pots with strange liquids in them. Two small pterrans almost fainted at the sight of the strangers, it was one thing to hear about strange peoples but another entirely different to see them. Unfortunately for the group the pterran master did not speak common and Ptellac had to interpret for them. The craftman laughed out loud at the strange request and carefully approached the mul bending over to see her feet. He approved of the shark's hide asking Ptellac of the whereabouts of such a creature. The leather worker agreed to make Rayne and Mendi a pair of boots if they gave them enough shark's hide to make himself a garment. He directed Ptellac to the armorer for the confection of the studded leather tunic the party had inquired about.

Late in the morning, Mendi found his way towards Ptellac's side, and after some banter and pleasant talk, asked their friend about his current concern: "Ptellac, I've never bothered to ask, but do you have masters of the Way among your kin? I think I've reached some new levels of enlightenment, but I could use the help of a Master..."

"Perhaps, you can partake on the teaching of our elder. He is master psionicist and as far as I know he teaches in the nature grove every morning. Maybe you should go tomorrow morning. I will show you where it is and you will be most welcome there"

AT ANOTHER SITE

Elric walks slowly deep in thought while the other moved ahead speaking of armor and weapons. The warm breeze flowing between the pterran homes draws Elric and Whisper to the outskirts of town. Looking out among the scrubland Elric sees many pterran farmers going about their daily routines under the hot sun. For a long while Elric stands there staring out among the farmers and their fields. Whisper moves in and about the area looking for play and settles for pouncing through the tall scrub grass that surrounds the village area.

The after affects of the vision weigh heavily on the warlock's mind as he tries to look past the temptations that the abundant energies offer. Elric is standing in or near the fields thinking and such, ready for any encounter with farmers that presents itself. The morning passes by as Elric watches the pterrans out doing their chores. The warlock is too deep in thought to go out to them and they are content to keep some distance from him. Elric wanders back to his place of stay to meet the rest of the party.

When the session has concluded, Ptpteic will wander about and observe the festivities for a time, but eventually, feeling out of place, will most likely seek the solitude of the plains for a few hours before seeking out Ptellac and the others again back in their housing.

They ate together roasted meats and whole grain bread piping hot from clay ovens. The drink was some sort of roasted mead, bitter at first but with a slight punch to it. They spent the hotter part of the afternoon laying about and resting and Ptellac said that he would be back a couple of hours before sunset. He promised the game of Pato and later festivities in the village gathering place.

ITS PATO TIME

A big crowd had gathered for the festival. The place reminded everyone of the gladiatorial arenas back on the other side of the mountains. A slightly oval pit dug into the hard earth about 20 feet deep with slanted sides that gave the crowd a perfect view of the action. About two to three thousand pterrans cheered on as the players where presented while Ptellac explained the game. This is a much softer version of what was played before. The original game served to settle disputes between different pterran villages. The winner of the game had his way without any killing or I should say without many killings for the original Pato was a deadly game.

The rules of today's game are as follows, each team plays with seven players that wield sticks that end in a "Y". The Pato was a two-headed poisonous snake native to the Hinterlands. The team passes the snake from player to player with the intent of depositing it over the opposite team's line. When that happens a point is scored. The players start out with heavy set gloves but after two points are scored, the losing team takes their gloves off and after five points are scored the team looses the sticks. The game is played to ten points and the loosing team always plays the last five points handling the live two-headed snake with their bare hands. Today, however, there is no snake as it has been replaced by a stuffed lizard-gut but still this is what we call a contact sport and players get injured every once in a while.

The game starts and the party sees what Ptellac means by a contact sport. Although the players wear protective padding, the sticks fly everywhere hitting more than the stuffed lizard-gut as the crowd cheered them on. It took a good hour for the game to be over with other intricacies in between but the object of the game was quite clear. As the saurian had said, this is a warrior's game and training ground for pterran fighters.

As the game finished, a new spectacle came to being. A large bonfire came to life and Ptellac explained the next event. "Pterrans tell stories by portraying them not telling them which is good for you since there is no language involved. You will see dramas and comedies being acted out in front of you as different theatrical groups take the stage. I have been asked to portray our own journey but will need your help in doing this. The bonfires will go on for two more nights so we can prepare and give our performance tomorrow."

The night lingered for a couple of more hours and then everyone retired to sleep, the next day would greet the pterran people with more work to do and more fun later that night. Ptellac left them to go to his own housing as the heroes had become accustomed and adept at finding their own place by now. The group calmly chatted outside their huts before retiring when a group of pterrans approached them. They immediately recognized them as the visiting Pato team from the other village. Their leader came close to the party and sneered, "You want to see real pterran culture or you want to experience pterran culture. You brave uh? Come and play real Pato with us and you try real pterran culture? Maybe you better in theatrics maybe?" The pterran made way and another of his teammates laid open a large sack where glistened a full set of Pato gear, sticks, gloves, padding and even a Pato itself…not a stuffed lizard gut but a live two headed snake could be seen hissing madly inside a basket.

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

Gaigin (H)

Koreth (H)

Ayrus (H)

Tak (H)

Rayne (H)

Mendi (H)

Elric (H)

Whisper (H)

GENERAL

Let's roleplay this situation.

Just to make it clear, you were asked by the Three to teach pterrans something so we will do that in the next following turns. The assignments where as follows:

Get back to me if you have any questions regarding this.

Questions, comments, and suggestions please.

L8r,

Fabian