The Heart Of Ruhir

[Kheskeim]

Kheskeim greets the newcomers and continue to ignore Kane; instead he sighs. "There is no leader and noone have applied for leadership either. There is on the other hand a comedian in our midst, which apparently needs entertainment on other’s behalf. My best guess is he hasn't fought for a while and is getting restless, besides having a general dislike for those of noble kin. Well, people don't choose their place of birth, and some do not condone the path they by birthright are being forced to thread." He looks at Kane and continues.

 

"I do not care who’s going to be the leader of this group. Neither do I care for childish games. So I say we just get down to business and stop acting like fools - what do you say Kane?"

 

Kheskeim rotates the map so they all have a good view on it. "Travelling in Bashkher is mainly done on a shipmasters vessel, both because most of the bigger cities are adjacent to rivers or coastlines, but also because of the heat and sheer distance between settlements." He drags a finger along the rivers on the map and then points to 3 cities.

"Mister Desani told us of reported disturbances in Ippikander, Dohoti and Golconar. The last two are close, whereas the former is on the other side of the country. Dohoti can be reached either by land or sea; since we might be going to Golconar thereafter, the seaways would probably be the wiser choice. Not to mention the heat as another reason again." He smiles.

"As you see on the parchment there, Dohoti has the Jade Temple, Golconar the Temple of Dancing Waters, and Ippikander the Skull Temple. I have given it some thought, but I can't seem to connect these three to anything, so my guess is at the moment that this is just the beginning of something that will happen on more or all temples in Bashkher - possible the world, if we do not find a way to stop it, if that is indeed what is needed."

"Desani mentioned the old library in the Sun Temple here in Papred. Maybe there are clues there or in the temple itself. Having been forced to read more books than I will ever be able to count, I would happily volunteer to go there. Maybe I will be able to find something in my memory from those books, by looking through the ones there. There has never been much written about the early civilisation though, in fact I can not recollect a single book about them; only mere references with no substance, usually in connection with the temples." Kheskeim sighs.

 

"As for equipping ourselves, I will be brutally honest and say, I have absolutely no information about the underground temples. If any of you travellers from afar have any experience with underground structures, it might be a good idea to use those as reference until we have more to go on. I believe the best way I can be of service in this regard will be to help acquire equipment, even special equipment if needed. So I propose you don't hold back on suggestions no matter how rare or ... non-traditional it is."

 

"I intend on go selling my horse, as I really don't have any use for it anymore. It's better to have gold to bribe the bureaucrats and noblemen, if we get into trouble or need assistance etc. With so many here unfamiliar to especially the customs regarding weapon wielding and armour, and I must say, it even comes as somewhat a surprise to me how this custom have become, we might have some of that." He laughs heartily (for the first time).

"I thought of asking Desani for some kind of document, which explained how we are in the service of his ministry and thus are unaffected by the common rules and traditions. I am however quite sure it will has lesser effect the longer we get from Papred, so it might just be a waste of time. Light cloaks might be the best solution for now. Also remember not to show wealth... I admit to have done that one time too many myself."

 

One should think Desani know of me ... maybe from my father, since he doesn't want to speak to me. I guess, I am forced to play along and ask him if I even get the chance.

 

OOC: Malchik, you wrote: Antinapura - the Temple of the Sun - and later said it was in Papred. Which is right? :)

[ThetaOrionis01]

"My... true... identity?" Kyrika repeats slowly and incredulously. This time she cannot conceal her confusion at what she is hearing. "What makes you think that I am anyone other than... me? My abilities? Which abilities? The shapeshifting? Why would I want to show that off to the others in our party - to boast and brag? And as for the locals - I don't want to get torn to pieces by those fearing magic!"

 

She looks at Chucahau, looking for an explanation as to what he means.

 

"I do not understand what you mean. I have never met you before we all assembled in Desani's audience chamber. I had not even heard of Jourtres before - I never knew there were countries other than Niyobi. I am not pretending - I truly do not know you. And neither am I pretending to be anyone other than who I have always been - Kyrika, orphaned daughter of Niyobian merchants."

 

Slowly, she succeeds in calming herself, and adds: "My grandmother is said to have had the shapeshifting talent. I never knew her - she died before I was born. There are others in Niyobi who can assume the form of animals - but they are loathed, and feared, and our government... they hunt them, and rather than kill them, send them to special... places. I can only guess what happens to them there. I don't want to think about it."

 

 

Kyrika tries to suppress and involuntary shiver.

 

"I do not understand what you are saying. You must have a reason, to think that I am someone I am not - but you are mistaken. I am just Kyrika."

 

Kyrika wishes she had not left the wine behind, unpalatable as it is. She is at a loss, and sipping wine, or toying with the glass, would at least have provided her with some very minor distraction behind which to hide her confusion.

 

"And I thank you for the offer of the darts - but I am wary of poison. I seek only a means of defending myself - I think I would find it hard to seek another's life unless I found my own threatened."

 

She waits for an explanation.

 

Out of the corner of her eye she notices that the others have gathered around the map, but she cannot hear what is being said.

'I hope they will tell me what has been decided about our route and our means of travel before we all retire for the night, so that I may finish my list. But first, I must try to get to the bottom of this mystery here - it may even be the key to our task.

[Malchik]

One of Bharat's men looks in impatient for the list you should be giving him. Hearing Kyrika saying she does not know anything he grunts.

 

"You are looking at the Old Temples, yes? Well that means you go to Kolokon, a freezing cold place even in the summer, Golconar - city of epidemic diseases, Dohoti - choking on sand, Veejani isn't so bad and Ippikander is a kind of rich man's playground, Antinapura is crowded and smelly and hot and humid, Lopor is a city of commerce where bribery may be needed. Here, the Sea Temple is in the middle of a mangrove swamp accessible by a rough boat ride and surrounded by mosquitos. I hope that will help."

 

OOC> It is actually the Sun Temple in Antinapurs. Papred's should have been The Temple of the Chariot of the Sun. My shorthand got the better of me.

[ThetaOrionis01]

Kyrika looks up as someone she recognises as belonging to Desani's entourage enters, and fortunately his voice is audible even in her corner.

 

'Finally some useful information! I will really have to expand my list to take all that into account. I hope Desani's people will give us time to decide who should carry what, so we don't end up with 6 coils of rope and no lamps!'

 

While waiting for Chucahau's explanation Kyrika makes a mental note of the information the Bashkeri provided.

 

'Kolokon - frezing cold. I doubt it can be any colder than Niyobi. My clothes should suffice, and if need be I can wear more than one set, but I will need gloves. The others may need warmer clothes, and we should have the means to make a fire.

Golconar - diseases. That means we will need healing herbs and potions - though would it be better to purchase them there, or should we start taking them before we even get there?

Dohoti - sand. Perhaps we will need shovels, in cases entrances are buried. I'm sure those we ought to be able to buy them there, though. I think I'll ask for a large silk scarf though, to cover my face and hair and stop sand from getting in my eyes.

Veejani and Ippikander sound as though we don't need anything special there - except our wits. A rich man's playground could be full of intrigue and politics - dangerous in their own way.

Antinapura sounds not unlike this place, and for Lopor it sounds as though we need gold, and lots of it. And the temple here - if there are mosquitos I wonder if there is some perfume or ointment that will repel them?

He didn't mention if any of the temples are underground, but just in case we should probably carry rope and lamps, and maybe even a pickaxe in case an entrance is blocked.

 

As soon as Chucahau and I have cleared up this mystery here I'll mention my suggestions to the others, so that we can compile a list of everything the group will need.'

[ixnos]

OOC: *bashes real life away from me and bleh's* heh not even set off for the task at hand and already bein sent off on the wrong way :P

 

Kane smirks at the nobleman's words...due to his line of work and his journey to Papred Kane hadn't seen anyone else other than the boat people, after that there was no one else so he needed to vent some entertainment around the room. He grunts a little adding a little comment.

 

"My only dislike to noblekin is that they pay people off not to hurt them, rather than stand and fight...other than that and the moronic speech they make, noblemen are fine by me...after all they are the ones that pay me to get rid of the pests...shame they haven't decided to use me to get rid of other noblemen...also lad...no Jourtresian becomes restless...if they do then they need to have their throat slit."

 

He looks to the new comer, Shaka who seems to have an interest within him and asking if Kane can train him, Kane smirks looking the person up and down then shrugs.

 

"tips?....hmm stay out of my way...that's all you need to know...as for training and the 'gritty' stuff...it is all a matter of studying your opponent...if your opponent is a good fighter then they are going to use any trick under the sun...stick to the simple things such as a simple thrust to the chest, a slash to the legs or just a combo of both...a magic user...well they are like your archers but use magic...if they use explosive magic then you are in trouble but from the looks of you...agility is your main point which means you can run out the way and under their defence before they get a chance to react...as for someone like me I can take the brunt of the force and still come charging at them

 

As for actually me training you...maybe on the way to wherever we are going but for now just get a chance at studying people from afar...you will be surprised at what you can pick up by watching what people say and do...such as with me the nobleman thinks I'm your typical rude laid back fighter...when infact this is just the decoy of what I really am"

 

He grins gulping down the last lot of ale but this time not asking for a refill...he motions for Shaka to sit with him and just gaze upon the group while they listen to the nobleman speak about the map, kane then shrugs.

 

"I'll place it in a nut shell for you...you are the scout since you know more about these lands than any of us...I can lead legions and men to battle but without knowing the terrain then I can do nothing...as for underground...I'll have to see it before I make decisions about it"

 

He rubs his chin feeling a slight stubble of hairs around the area while he ponders

 

"also on the note of your people and the wielding weapons in public issue...I am a fully certified mercenary which means I hold the emblem and talisman of my mercernary camp...if any wish to really argue against that then I don't mind them arguing on the end of my blades"

 

He smirks moving his hand down to his side and suddenly slamming something on the table, once he removes his hand a round object holding two swords crossing over each other with the face of a wolf just behind them is visible...attached to it is a chain which can be placed around the neck or hung on his belt or holder strap...he always wore this in clear view whenever walking through towns unless his target was around that area.

[WereWolf531]

Glancing over the map, Khyros says: "Well, Ippikander might not be so bad, a rich man's playground is definitely full of secrets waiting to be discovered, and my art disguise will come in handy there. Kolokon...it may be cold, but I'm more used to that than this heat. Antinapura, someone of the lower classes like myself would probably fit right in, and at least it will be humid. I could probably get around Lopor as well, but it all depends on my speaking ability there. And the sea temple, I'd be happy to go there, get back to someplace watery, would have to do something about the mosquitos though. But that's all just my opinion on where I'd best fit in. Now, unless there are any objections, I'll go and take these lists to Bharat." He stands up and waits to see if there are any objections.

[ThetaOrionis01]

Kyrika spots Khyros picking up the lists, and hears him mention taking them to Desani.

 

"Please wait a little while!" she calls out. "My list of required equipment is not yet complete, and Chucahau has not yet given us his details. I am sorry to take so long, but until I heard about the different towns I had no idea what I would require. Also, there is some equipment which should probably be shared among the company - how many coils of rope, shovels and pickaxes, for instance, could we possibly need? Please give us a few minutes, and we shall rejoin you."

[Morgoth]

Chucahau stares at Kyrika as if he is petrified, then his face suddenly takes on a grim expression.

 

"Oh, what a fool I am! To think that our Great Mother would grant me or anyone else the honour of meeting her on these our mortal lands!"

 

He breathes deeply to calm down and concentrate.

 

"Forgive me my unwise and unexpected behaviour earlier on. Let me explain myself." He throws a quick glance at the rest of their group and adds "I will try to make it as short as possible - our companions seem to be in a hurry. As I have said, I come from the dense jungles of Jourtres. I am the priest of my tribe, and the only one who stands in direct contact with our Great Mother Aeea. Our land has been being plagued by demonic creatures - vicious beasts that slay men, women and children alike. They come out of nowhere and vanish as quickly again. We cannot tell where they come from or what their purpose is. But we know that they mean certain death. Once we were able to waylay one of those creatures. But our weapons were useless against them - they have a skin hard as stone.

Seeing the numbers of my people decline, I prayed to our Great Mother for guidance. In one of the most powerful rituals that I have been taught, I invoked help from her, and she granted me a vision of herself. I saw her in all her beauty, she told me that she would lead me on a path where I would find a tool to help my people. She pointed her finger in the direction I would have to go, then ... turned into the most fair and delicate bird I have ever seen, and flew away.

I followed her instructions immediately, and after a few days' travelling I reached the ocean shore. I feared that I had strayed from the right path, prayed once more for guidance. But there was no answer. I was so exhausted that I collapsed on the shore, and when I awoke ... I found myself on this continent.

I did not realize instantly that I was in another land, but it dawned on me quite soon. But still, I had no further directions. Since then - which has been only a few days - I have been wandering this land, trying both not to get killed and to find a sign that will lead me on my quest.

When I came to this town, I quickly learned on Bharat Desani's search for help, and that this land is facing a menace of its own as well. I assume that there is a close relation between the force threatening this country and my own - maybe it is the same. That is the reason why I have joined this group.

And by now, you will surely know why I reacted that way earlier. When you spoke of your ability to change shape, I thought it was a hint of our Great Mother in disguise to tell me whom I was really facing. My immoderate hope told me that I had met our Great Mother herself. What folly to think this! ... But it cannot be mere coincidence, that She displayed herself in such a way, and that you possess exactly these gifts. I am sure She wants me to follow you - you must be the key to the mystery I am trying to resolve.

You may be ignorant of the role our Great Mother has endowed to you, but rest assured that you will know what to do when the time has come ... Until then, please, let follow me you as a servant and protector; for this must be the task our Great Mother has chosen for my - there can be no other reason why I have come here."

[ThetaOrionis01]

Kyrika listens, her growing astonishment concealed behind the mask of her face. She remains silent for a short while after Chucahau has finished speaking, before she replies:

 

"I think I understand now why you mistook me for... someone I am not. Your protection I will gladly accept - if in turn you will allow me to aid you with my skills - but please, do not speak of being a servant. I hope you will be able to find help for your people here - and I will do my best to help in that. I had not thought that this task we have been given might be of such importance - yet now that I heard your tale I am convinced that there is no coincidence in our group assembling here today. You see - " again she pauses briefly - "I am not able to explain how I got to this country. I marked it down as some freak occurence, some stray magic. But perhaps there was a purpose to it."

 

She pauses for breath once again.

 

"When I ran away I was doing just that - running away from danger, not running towards anything. My sister's husband is an influential man - certainly powerful enough to have me found and apprehended in the provinces adjoined the one where he is some functionary in the administration. My hopes lay in finding a ship to take me to one of he provinces furthest away from the one where I had grown up. To be caught would have meant imprisonment, and worse. I do not know the details, yet in his secret papers I read things I did not like - reports of 'experiments' conducted on users of magic. Even without knowing just what those were those reports made me shudder.

So I found a ship, to take me far enough away for me to be able to start a new life. I had barely enough money left to pay for the passage, and slept on deck - and this, I think, saved me when the wave came. In the moonlight it looked like a wall of water rushing towards the ship. Instinct or providence, I do not know which, made me clutch my bag - then there was water everywhere. I have no recollection of what happened next, until I found myself drifting in a warmer sea, just as the sun was rising. A Bashkeri ship found me not long after, and this was their first port of call. Coincidence? I no longer think so."

 

She stares at the table. "Before we arrived, I had begun to form vague plans - I was hoping to find work as a scribe and work in the city archives that the ship's captain had told me about. But as soon as I set foot in this city I knew I could not remain here - the heat, the noise, the dust, the crowds of people... I needed to get out of the city, and Desani's offer seemed the only choice I had."

 

Kyrika smiles a determined smile. "And I shall do what I can to help our quest to succeed - and hope that perhaps, once our task is accomplished, I shall have a clearer idea of what to do with my life. But forgive me," she interrupts herself, "as you said, time is pressing, and here I am talking to no great purpose. We should compile the lists Desani asked for. I had some thoughts that I would wish to share with the whole company - shall we return to the others, or complete your form first?"

 

She quickly notes down some of the items she thought of while thinking about the cities and that might be shared among the company, and adds a few items to her own list of requirements.

 

 

Items the group may need - perhaps some of those are already carried by others or can be purchased closer to where they may be needed?

- healing herbs and potions for Golconar

- shovels for Dohoti

- gold for Lopor

- perfume or ointment to drive away mosquitos for Papred

- ropes, lamps and pickaxes for underground exploration

- some means of lighting fires

 

 

Kyrika's personal list of required items:

- skirt, blouse and cloak more appropriate for the Bashkeri climate

- a new bag to carry her stuff in

- 4 extra throwing knives

- a waterbottle

- some tea and sugar, and a vessel to boil water/make tea in

- food

- some coin for living expenses

- sheets of parchment

- soap

- a large silk scarf to cover hair and face

- gloves

- insect repellent

- soothing ointment

- a bedroll or blanket, unless the group will be lodging at inns every night

[DragonDudeAW]

"Well now that I know more about our destinations, I have another addition to make to my list then it shall be ready."

 

Hastily unrolling his parchment, he quickly scrawls Clothes for colder weather and Resist Disease potions or the ingredients to make them

 

"Now that that is done, I am ready for you to take my list, Khyros."