Moot 433
This event was held in March 2020. For other event dates, see the Rakash Moots page.
Hosts & Leaders
- Tavern Troupe Performing Order - Raiael and Voksrig
- Order of the Black Fox - Karturis
Announcement
"A moot... a Moot?" you hear from a passing voice. "A Moot!!" a second voice squeals. "And everyone's invited! Songs, competitions, prizes, gifts, lots of traditional Rakash food and drinks!" a third voice pipes in excitedly. A moment of silence makes you strain to hear more, "I heard it's at the Ancient Tower out by the brook. We better hurry!" (OOC 9pm eastern, Saturday, March 21st)
Gift
A Katamba-black grusana kaft etched with traditional Rakash iconograpy -- Forged from a single piece of hard blackened steel, the curving, almost ovate metal near the haft transitions into a straight sharply pointed blade. Etched into the blade itself are symbols of the Rakash Three: Varna, Afis and Turinstil, each taking up its own third of the length. There is something written just below the symbols. ~ Moot 433 - TT OBF
Prizes
1) Odaj -- A formal black satin odaj with colorful embroidery across the chest. -- Racing across the chest of the formal black satin odaj, one after the other, are the colorfully embroidered images of a wolf, a crow, a badger, and a butterfly. Something is written under the feet of the wolf. ~ Moot 433 - TT OBF
2) Svidaw sis -- A svidaw sis with a leather grip and embedded obsidian chips. -- Having its leather grip in the narrowed middle section, both blunted ends of this weapon appear equally suited for martial applications, with razor-thin chips of obsidian embedded along the opposite sides of each clubhead. Scorched into the leather grip, appearing to be racing one after another, are the diminutive images of a wolf, a crow, a badger, and a butterfly. Something is written under the feet of the wolf. ~ Moot 433 - TT OBF
3) Rugursora -- A black-hued oilcloth rugursora with colorful embroidery across the flap. -- Designed for everyday use, the thick, weatherproofed material of this traditional Rakash style pack is dyed a pitch-black hue that reflects a slight greenish undertone. Stitched across the flap, appearing to be racing one after another, are the colorfully embroidered images of a wolf, a crow, a badger, and a butterfly. Something is written under the feet of the wolf. ~ Moot 433 - TT OBF
Location
Ancient Tower, Top Floor, near Cougars Head past the brook, west, sw, and west (to where the land opens up) and go tower.
Log
This event was held in March 2020. For other event dates, see the Rakash Moots page.
"A moot...a moot?" you hear from a passing voice. "A Moot!" a second voice squeals. "And everyone's invited! Songs, competitions, prizes, gifts, lots of traditional Rakash food and drinks!" a third voice pipes in excitedly. A moment of silence makes you strain to hear, "I heard it's at the Ancient Tower, west of Crossing, out by the brook. We better hurry!" The conversation fades as the group moves out of hearing range. [OOC: Join us at 9:00 PM Eastern.]
[Ancient Tower, Open Air Shrine] The suppressive walls below give way to open air on this top level of the tower. Great stone columns steadfastly support a battered and weathered roof which has long since lost its shingles to the elements. The rotted remnants of wooden railings hang limply between columns, having lived out their usefulness years ago. You also see a stone seat, a box of gifts bearing the crest of the Tavern Troupe Performing Order, a Tavern Troupe refreshment cart with several things on it, a soft gold jacquard cloth with several things on it, a soft gold jacquard cloth with several things on it, a soft gold jacquard cloth with several things on it, a soft gold jacquard cloth with several things on it, a brooding Shadow Servant, a rusty telescope, the statue of a wolf and a spiraling staircase. Also here: Carnage Darling Dantia, Starlight Titan Rafano, Horse Whisperer Tehana, Den Father Rhorgul, Scribe Jolidza who is sitting, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Veteran Karturis, Hedrila who is sitting, Animal Caller Catleena, Warrior Poet Stelling, Witch Agalea who is sitting, Aerialist Emyrose who is sitting, Sir Hebion, Isthu'rath'a Saar'adu Ssylsqueth who is sitting, Pack Storyteller Roodie who is sitting, Shumos, Archmage Levinas, Kitten Queen Lycette, Wildling Okskeris who is sitting, Life Defender Ailunae who is sitting, Ikevindy, Seer Voksrig, Katamba's Shadow Rirsti, Alley Fighter Allye, Aeryne and Dancer Vixonia.
You ask in Rakash, "Are we ready to begin?"
Roodie says in Rakash, "Think so, aye."
Vixonia nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.
You glance at Voksrig, a male Rakash.
You say in Rakash, "Ok."
Roodie chuckles.
You say in Rakash, "Welcome Everyone ...to this traditional Rakash Moot, where we share songs, stories, experiences, histories, legends, and knowledge! And we engage in friendly competitions!"
You smile.
You exclaim in Rakash, "So eat, drink, and have a blast!"
Vixonia lets out a loud "Huzzah!"
Roodie looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
You say in Rakash, "With a traditional "Thank you" to our hosts, the Order of the Black Fox and the Tavern Troupe Performing Order."
You smile at Kaelie.
You smile at Vixonia.
Roodie gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Kaelie smiles at you.
Vixonia trills softly at you.
Karturis bows.
You say in Rakash, "Karturis of the Black Foxes, and Voksrig and myself of the Troupe will be leading the competitions, but Kaelie and Vixonia will be the judges for us. Voksrig will lead us in the tradional opening prayer and in the Storytelling competition. I will lead the Howling competition. And, Karturis and Rhadyn will lead the Archery competition."
You exclaim in Rakash, "Help yourselves to the gift we wish each of you to have and the abundance of food and drink provided just for you!"
You grin.
Karturis nods to you.
You say in Rakash, "Our tradition always includes an opening prayer, so I ask everyone to heed our Seer, Voksrig."
Voksrig bows his head in acknowledgement.
You rest your hand on Voksrig's arm with a soft smile.
You smile at Voksrig.
Voksrig says, "My pleasure."
Voksrig says, "This is a traditional prayer of days old, but with a slight adjustment for modern times."
Voksrig grins.
Voksrig recites:
"We thank Enelne, ever loving, for bring life to the world, so that we could roam with the pack."
Roodie bows his head in acknowledgement. Voksrig recites:
"We thank Coshivi, ever brave, for teaching us to fight, so that we would survive the coming of Lyras."
Voksrig recites:
"We thank Mrod, ever wise, for binding all things in the Great Pack, so that we are truly one soul in many parts."
Jolidza beams at Voksrig! You smile at Voksrig. Voksrig recites:
"We thank the Great Pack, ever growing, for watching over us, and guiding us through life."
Voksrig recites:
"We thank our Western Cousins, the Prydaens, for being with us on our journey east, so that we could transition into our new lives easier, supporting each other."
You nod in agreement. Allye perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Voksrig. Voksrig bows his head in acknowledgement. Voksrig recites:
"Finally, we thank you all, for gathering here with us today"
You grin at Voksrig. Roodie beams at Voksrig! Raising his Troupe Reserve ale to Voksrig, Stelling gives him a toast. Raising your apple brandy to Voksrig, you give him a toast. Cheers! Emyrose looks at Voksrig and applauds! Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Voksrig, Vixonia gives him a toast. Raising her red fratvarit to Voksrig, Ailunae gives him a toast. Voksrig gets a frosted glass of red fratvarit from atop a soft gold jacquard cloth. The tips of Voksrig's ears take on a slightly rosy hue. Voksrig grins. Jolidza beams at Voksrig! You rub Voksrig's back. You say in Rakash, "Thank you Voks." Voksrig grins at you. You say in Rakash, "Let me relate just a small bit of our history and our Selves, what makes a Rakash so different from the rest of the races in this world. I'll do my best to keep it brief. And, please, if you have something to ask, add or contribute, ... raise your hand." Vixonia nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. You say in Rakash, "We, the Rakash, are from the far west. We were driven from our homes by Lyras' hordes of undead. My grandmother told stories of seeing blood-kin and friends turned to serve her as undead soldiers. Most of us had the help of the eastern races to migrate here after the barrier was created to keep Lyras' armies at bay, but we were scattered. Our Packs lost, and we suffered a diaspora, not only in the loss of our homes, but in our traditions." You say in Rakash, "This tradition though, the Moot, we did not forget." You smile. Roodie smiles at you. You say in Rakash, "Although many of us remained wanderers, even after our migration to Kermoria, many others formed Packs on arriving. For the most part, our Packs are blood-kin, but we adopted many and were adopted by many during those troubling times, so our Packs now range in blood and members. We were adopted by many different races, and adopted many different races, so our Packs are a kaleidoscope of people now." You say in Rakash, "I think our biggest difference with our "cousins", our Prydaen neighbors, is that we tend to gather in Packs, enjoying the support and camaraderie -- we find strength in numbers -- where they live more solitary lives in their Hubs." You say in Rakash, "Correct me if I'm wrong." You grin at Vixonia. Roodie smiles at you. You say in Rakash, "Our spiritual lives are rather simple... and here, let's turn back to Voksrig." You rest your hand on Voksrig's arm with a soft smile. Voksrig smiles. Voksrig says, "Thank you, it is an honor to serve the spirits at this time." You grin at Voksrig. Voksrig grins at you. You nod to Voksrig. Voksrig says, "I would like now to share with you all a story." Roodie smiles at Voksrig. Allye beams at Voksrig! Emyrose gazes at Voksrig. Voksrig says, "This is one of many creation stories that were told among our packs, but this one was always my favorite." Voksrig bows his head in acknowledgement. Roodie says in Rakash, "Oooh, love this tale." Vixonia nods to Roodie. Jolidza beams at Voksrig! Voksrig recites:
"The story goes that long, long ago the Gods looked down across these lands, barren of anything but rock at that time, and they knew that it could be so much more. The three, Mrod, Enelne, and Coshivi, gathered close together and combined their very natures and essences into a giant swirling mass of divine and life energy. Those from the east might refers to the strands of this life energy as "souls"."
Jolidza nods to Roodie. Ailunae observes Voksrig with fascination. Voksrig recites:
"The three Gods then looked upon their creation, not immediately sure of what they would do with it."
Voksrig recites:
"Mrod, ever wise, drew back and began planning his divine creation. He would not rush into creation, but rather sought to find perfection before proceeding."
Ailunae ponders. Voksrig recites:
"Enelne, ever giving, began drawing forth strands of energy and sowed them into the soil. From the soil trees, grass, crops, and all other plant life sprung forth, and life began."
Voksrig recites:
"Coshivi, ever pragmatic, began exploration of the lands and all of the new life that had come to be. He sought to learn the use and value of all things."
You smile at Voksrig. Voksrig recites:
"Mrod, ever patient, began work on his creation. He did so slowly and steadily, ensuring that no flaws would be found."
Voksrig recites:
"Enelne, ever watchful, gazed upon a pair of petals that had been swept up by the wind. Quickly they fluttered across the air, almost seeming by choice, and in that Enelne found inspiration. Enelne drew forth another strand from the life energy and planted it within the petals. The petals grew closer together becoming one and changing shape as life began to take hold. And thus, the first butterfly was born."
Jolidza beams at Voksrig! You grin at Voksrig. You nod. Voksrig recites:
"Coshivi, ever mighty, continued to roam the land. He sought and found the largest creatures and learned their ways so that he might better hunt them. One by one he took down the largest of each species and feasted upon them. Then, after his meal, he took what remained of the creatures and learned how they could be of use in making tools, clothes, many other ways."
Voksrig recites:
"Finally, Enelne and Coshivi returned to the skies and saw what Mrod was creating. He was nearly finished, but Enelne and Coshivi were enthralled with his creation and were eager to help. And so the three of them acted in one in the completion of the first group of Rakash."
Voksrig recites:
"Finally satisfied, Mrod reached for strands of life energy, but found they were nearly gone! Unaware of Mrod's creation, and caught up in bringing life to the world, Enelne had used up all but the last strand creating all the other creatures of our world! Mrod was not detered. He took the final strand, tore it assunder, and place a little piece in each of the Rakash. And so, where there were many, there was also one, where there was one, there were also many. And thus, the first pack was born."
Emyrose grins at Voksrig. Voksrig recites:
"The first of Rakash ran across the land, yet struggled to survive, so Enelne showed them the plants that she had grown and how they could be used for food and medicine. However, it was not enough food for so many people! So Coshivi guided them and showed them how to run as a pack, and how to hunt. And soon they feasted. Yet, whenever the pack went for a hunt on their own without Coshivi, they would soon tire, and often could not complete the kill!"
Voksrig recites:
"Mrod realized that although the strand he split among the Rakash was enough to bring them to life, they did not have enough strength or stamina to survive in these lands. As he sought an answer to his problem it was Enelne, still sorrowful for having used so many of the strands, who reached out to all of her creations. From each of them she pulled just a little of the energy she had given them, and bound it to the Rakash."
Jolidza gazes at Voksrig. Roodie smiles at Voksrig. Voksrig recites:
"And thus, the Rakash were filled with the strengh and vigor that they needed, but also were bound to all the living things in our world. And so, the Great Pack was finally born."
You gaze at Voksrig in wonder. Jolidza throws her head back and howls! Voksrig bows his head in acknowledgement. Emyrose looks at Voksrig and applauds! Voksrig throws his head back and howls! Raising your apple brandy to Voksrig, you give him a toast. Cheers! Hebion applauds. Roodie throws his head back and howls! You say in Rakash, "Well told! Thank you, Voks." Roodie beams at Voksrig! Tehana flashes a wide grin. Rhorgul applauds. Lycette smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Lycette applauds. Vixonia trills softly at Voksrig. Tehana applauds. Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Voksrig, Vixonia gives him a toast. Voksrig bows his head, acknowledging you. Raising her red fratvarit to Voksrig, Ailunae gives him a toast. Dantia chuckles. Roodie says to Voksrig in Rakash, "Well told as always seer." Voksrig bows his head, acknowledging Roodie. Vixonia nods at Roodie, obviously agreeing with his views. You say in Rakash, "Our competitions tonight will include a Storytelling contest, a Howling contest, and an Archery contest. Our judges will be Kaelie, leader of the Black Foxes, and Vixonia, leader of the Troupe, and Allye and Stelling." You exclaim in Rakash, "Everyone is welcome to join in!" Ssylsqueth applauds. You grin. Roodie smiles. Ssylsqueth applauds. Emyrose grins at you. Voksrig takes a sip of his fratvarit. Ailunae smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Roodie gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Jolidza nods to you. Roodie exclaims in Rakash, "Stories an' howlin'!" Voksrig moves a frosted glass of red fratvarit to his left hand. You say in Rakash, "Voks will be leading the Storytelling part of tonight's competitions. So please whisper to him your interest in sharing something." Jolidza grins at Roodie. You say in Rakash, "And, if you want to be included in the Howling competition, that will be me. Just whisper to me when the time comes." Roodie grins at Stelling. You say in Rakash, "We'll finish up with the Archery competition, lead by our great friend, Karturis, and his friend and mentor, Rhadyn." Ailunae smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. You say in Rakash, "To start off the Storytelling, Voks has agreed to let me tell a story called 'The Truth of Self' about the Rakash changing to human forms." Emyrose cocks her head at you. You say in Rakash, "So whisper to him while I tell this to you." You smile. Voksrig bows his head, acknowledging you. Vixonia grins at you. Allye beams at you! What a warm feeling! You say in Rakash, "When Siksraja was still new to us, we had a Cleric, Ticetar, who taught us many things about our heritage....so, in her words, this is the Truth of Self." Voksrig grins. Ailunae takes a sip of her fratvarit. You say in Rakash, "What has come to be known as moonskin is simply what we, the Rakash, truly are. Though our people had different words for it so long ago when the horrors in the sky caused the loss of our original physical forms, Katamba's scarring was also our own undoing." You say in Rakash, "However, as in all things there is a deeper truth, a deeper Us." You say in Rakash, "Wracked as we were by the suddenness, the fear, the disorientation of that, the moment of our First Change, many thought it was the coming of the end of all things. The stripping of our forms was seen as yet another aspect of the mutilation of one of Mrod's many Faces and the full loss of another -- harbingers of the eventual nothingness to come when all was fully lost." You say in Rakash, "So great was this painful thought, that the earliest of the stories to remain with us from this time speak not of the destruction of Grahzir as coming first, but of Katamba's sudden, inexplicable darkening, presaging a great explosion in Mrod's Kingdoms. It was thought that this explosion; attributed variously to destructive magical forces great and small, and even, in despondent, hushed whispers, to us having angered Mrod and Him bringing this upon us as His punishment; caused the true damage to Katamba and the wholesale disappearance of Grahzir." You say in Rakash, "Every Rakash from the most aged to the youngest of our children was brought together in our pain, our loss. We were always one, but at that moment we learned that we were truly One. It was in this learning that we came to our prayers, to our Great Supplication. We prayed to Mrod as the common knowledge says, but also to Enelne and to Coshivi, for our Oneness is Their Oneness. Do not mistake me, I am not speaking as a Prydaen here -- our gods are not as theirs -- I say simply that what we are, They are: we are the Pack, we are One, we are Us." Voksrig grins at you. You say in Rakash, "Perhaps it was this knowledge that was the intended lesson, no matter what the cause of the calamity that brought about our change, for in our prayers we did cry out of our Oneness with each other, with the world, with the heavens, with Them, and the Leader of the Great Pack did answer. We were not lost, we were simply different -- as was the world, as was the heavens -- and along with the cycles of change that we had already known was placed another, the coming and going of our moonskin." Ailunae observes you with fascination. Roodie gazes at you in wonder. You say in Rakash, "We change -- yet we remain ourselves. We are many -- yet the Pack is always One. We were mutilated into unnatural forms -- yet we are never more aware of the truth of our being." Voksrig throws his head back and howls! Roodie smiles at you. You say in Rakash, "Katamba's scarring was also our undoing, but from every end we begin anew. We are Rakash. Our moonskin is our Nature, both in its coming, and in its going." You smile and nods, bowing slightly to you. Emyrose looks at you and applauds! Roodie throws his head back and howls! Dantia smiles. Jolidza beams at you! What a warm feeling! Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to you, Vixonia gives you a toast. Cheers! Karturis smiles at you. Roodie exclaims to you in Rakash, "Well told!" Voksrig moves a frosted glass of red fratvarit to his right hand. Hebion applauds. Raising his Troupe Reserve ale to you, Stelling gives you a toast. Cheers! Raising his red fratvarit to you, Voksrig gives you a toast. Cheers! Jolidza looks at you and applauds! You beam at Roodie! Agalea looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Casimira looks at you and applauds! Vixonia says, "Aye! Very well told." Raising her apple brandy to you, Kaelie gives you a toast. Cheers! Raising his apple brandy to you, Rhorgul gives you a toast. Cheers! Roodie says in Rakash, "A story I know very well, but never 'eard it told like that." You exclaim in Rakash, "Now, I hope you all have whispered to Voks... take it away, Voks!" Tehana looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! You grin at Voksrig. Okskeris moves a snifter of apple brandy to her right hand. Voksrig grins. Ailunae ponders. You grin at Roodie. Ssylsqueth applauds. You rub Voksrig's back. Voksrig says, "Since he is so loud spoken, let us begin with Roodie." Raising her red fratvarit to you, Ailunae gives you a toast. Cheers! Voksrig grins. You beam at Roodie! Ailunae grins at Voksrig, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie babbles incoherently. Raising his Troupe Reserve ale to Roodie, Stelling gives him a toast. Roodie leaps to his feet! Raising her red fratvarit to Roodie, Ailunae gives him a toast. Vixonia grins at Roodie. Roodie exclaims in Rakash, "Why'm I always first?!?!" Roodie flails his arms about. Roodie grins crookedly. Voksrig says, "If anyone else would like to tell a tale, please let me know." Casimira smiles at Roodie. Jolidza giggles at Roodie. Voksrig says, "Alma made me promise to put that pressure on you." Voksrig grins. Emyrose begins chortling at Voksrig. Vixonia giggles at Voksrig. Hebion adds to Voksrig's praises. Roodie says in Rakash, "Before I start, there was a tale I wanted ta' tell... I decided better a' it. So, I'm recyclin' a story my pack mates've heard before... Sorry, but ye'll haveta hear it again." Jolidza nods to Roodie. Vixonia trills softly at Roodie. Stelling observes Roodie with fascination. Tehana chuckles. Kaelie smiles at Roodie. Voksrig chuckles. Roodie says in Rakash, "Fer any who haven't, I hope ya enjoy this story." Roodie smiles. Ailunae observes Roodie with fascination. Roodie says in Rakash, "We Rakash're a proud people, despite all we 'ave sacrificed an' all we 'ave lost, we survive. Many a' us come from great lineages of warriors an' hunters, leaders an' great men who have their deeds told in song an' story." Roodie softly says in Rakash, "This however is not one of their stories. This is the story of my family." He begins to lose himself in the moment as he continues on the more serious topic. "Or more accurately my lineage." Roodie says in Rakash, "We weren't warriors, we weren't leaders and we weren't hunters. We were the the unsung heroes of Odcoru and the packs outside its walls." Roodie proudly says in Rakash, "You see, my family were the scouts, the first to move ahead, the first to figure out where to hunt and often the first to fall." You smile at Roodie. Stelling nods. Roodie sadly says in Rakash, "Despite all they gave, their names are not in the tales of the heroes." Jolidza gazes at Roodie. Roodie says in Rakash, "Today, I hope to correct that. As the last of my family line, I have a story to honor these scouts. If any of your families were amongst our ranks, I hope I honor them as well." Roodie inhales a great swallow of air. Vixonia's ears straighten up smartly as she gazes at Roodie, a look of pride on her face. Roodie nods. You smile. Ailunae leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face. You nod to Roodie. Roodie recites:
"The night was dark and the small pack gathered around a glowing fire, waiting for their Alpha to come out and speak.
Amongst the crowd just at the edge of the fire light stood a group of smaller Rakash.
Their coats black as night, accented in a soft white, their frames more wiry and agile than the bulk of the warriors or hunters.
They stood with their eyes forward, but their ears listening to everything around them.
This small gathering knew that whatever was coming, they needed to be ready at a moment's notice."
Roodie smiles lost in a reverent memory of a time he never knew. Roodie recites:
"As the Alpha approached the pack, there was grave worry on his face, many of the gathered grew uneasy. They had never seen their leader so unsure of something before.
The large Rakash calmed his nerves and addressed his people, his tone steady as he spoke, "The time to move is here once again."
He paused briefly to let the words land before continuing.
"There is still food and water here, but something else is coming.
A messenger arrives from the west, sent from Odcoru with a warning, there is evil in this land."
Roodie fearfully says in Rakash, "The small gathering at the edges perked their ears and turned away, they knew their time was here. Each checked the blade of their grusana kaft, the weight of their svidaw sis, readying them just in case. Each already clad in their lightweight midnight-blue Odaj. They knew their orders would be delivered and they were ready to receive them." Roodie recites:
"The Alpha continued, "There are rumors of dead warriors rising again after falling on the battlefield, only they are twisted and corrupted. They fight now for the enemy.
There are warnings of magics being used, so foul that they taint the land itself.
We have been asked to begin moving east. All packs are to meet and make the migration together."
His voice lowered as he gave the command his scouts knew was coming, "My trusted scouts, your time has come again. I ask of you more than I have ever asked before.
I need a contingency to go west towards Odcoru, meet their scouts on the path and make sure it is safe.
Another I need to check to the east, ensure there is a clear way out and know where the water and the food on the path can be found."
You shudder. Roodie softly says in Rakash, "Each scout simply nodded, there was a reason they were known as klusesana -silence-. They moved with stealth and speed, they had their own language, one of gestures and movement." He pauses a moment, accenting his words with a gesture outward, two fingers circling in front of himself. "Their lives dedicated to the safety of the pack, they were among the beloved of Coshivi, their purpose singular." Ailunae ponders. You nod to Roodie. Roodie asks in Rakash, "Apologies, I'm speakin' in Rakash, I need ta' pause a moment. Can the judges understand me?" Vixonia nods to Roodie. Allye nods to Roodie. Roodie smiles. You smile at Roodie. Karturis grins. Stelling nods to Roodie. Vixonia says, "Thankfully we have a wonderful translator..." Vixonia winks at Emyrose. Allye grins. Roodie recites:
"One of the gathered scouts counted out three, he pointed west, their journey more direct than one to the east requiring less of the group.
Each of the three nodded and with a silent prayer to their watchful patron the selected began moving west.
The others gathered and without a word began their journey east.
The pack knew better than to alert any of the departure and held until they were sure the scouts were away.
Once enough time had passed each Rakash gathered sunk down and gave their howl, the tone calling the scouts home, wishing them safety on their journey."
Emyrose says, "I have been keeping Aura of Tongues up for everyone who is not Rakash." Roodie nods to Emyrose. Roodie says in Rakash, "Thank ya lass." Kaelie beams at Emyrose! Casimira grins at Emyrose. Karturis grins. Kaelie quietly says to Emyrose, "Which is very appreciated." You smile at Emyrose. Roodie darkly says in Rakash, "Though they were loved by Coshivi and blessed by their pack, they would not all return as they had left." You gaze at Roodie. Roodie recites:
"The scouts to the east moved in the night, spread out as individuals, but close enough to quickly close in on any danger they might face.
They stopped frequently to smell the air or feel the grass, looking for any signs of life in their vicinity. As they moved on, they faced little issue until they began hearing loud footsteps.
The head of the scouting party gestured and each of them melted into the shadows, ears alert, eyes focused and hands on their blades."
Roodie recites:
"They sat, quietly waiting for the first sign of trouble when the source of the commotion came into view.
A pack of Prydaen moved through their path, too many to be a scouting party, wagons loaded and moving at a steady pace through the night.
The Rakash waited in their shadow knowing the path was no longer viable, too much noise, the wheels leaving clear tracks where they had mapped.
And so with a heavy sigh the leader motioned for the group to backtrack and scout a new path."
Vixonia's ears droop for a moment. Jolidza gazes at Roodie. Ailunae observes Roodie with fascination. Ailunae chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration. Roodie sadly says in Rakash, "Their brethren to the west did not fare as well, the details of their story unfortunately lost with them. What we do know is the next morning they returned to camp. The three of them moved, not as silence, but with rigid, almost jerky movements. They had been corrupted, fallen somehow on their path and risen again. The warriors of the tribes took up arms and with heavy hearts dispatched those who just the night before had been brothers and sisters to the pack." A shiver runs up your spine. Ailunae frowns. Ailunae sighs. Roodie smiles a grim half-smile as he lifts his head, looking over the gathered, a single tear rolling down his cheek. He breathes deep, collecting himself again. Roodie says in Rakash, "The guards and warriors kept their eyes to the west, ready for the others to come back twisted. After a week had passed the party returned home, more importantly they returned as themselves." Roodie says in Rakash, "The cartographer among them presented a map to their Alpha, her hand tracing the trail that would safely lead them to water, each potential campsite marked, the place the Prydaen had wandered crossed off, marked as a no-go zone." You nod to Roodie. Roodie sighs. Roodie sadly says in Rakash, "As their explanations finished, the pack Alpha approached them, his gaze sad as he informed them of the loss." Roodie reverently says in Rakash, "The scouts, though singular to purpose were not unfeeling and each of them wept openly at the news, tears streaming freely between them. Their numbers had always been small, the loss of even one brother or sister was felt by all of them. The scouts' leader turned to the Alpha, -all gathered around got to share in a rare moment- and spoke. "Tonight we honor them, tonight we tell their tales. Any who wishes to hear of Tawvsana, Kluvens and Tawvtaka are welcome to join. Any who cannot, please pray for them." A tear runs down Roodie's face. Roodie says in Rakash, "Their Alpha could not deny their request, he knew all they had given. He would not however be able to attend. It was not his place to disrupt their ceremony or to draw attention away from the fallen. But, as he laid down to rest, each of their names crossed his lips in a prayer to Coshivi as they had each night since they had come back to their." Vixonia's ears droop for a moment as she gazes sadly at Roodie. Allye trills, her ears relaxing minutely back against her head. Roodie says in Rakash, "Any that have seen me as I am meant to be knows I am blessed with their coat. The black and white of a scout. It is why I tell their tales and I keep the grusana kaft of my ancestors near me at all times. It may not be a practical weapon here, but it carries their spirit." Roodie taps a Katamba-black grusana kaft etched with symbols that he is holding. You smile at Roodie. Ailunae ponders. You nod. Roodie says in Rakash, "The blade you hold tonight as your gift is a reminder of this lost group, who sacrificed so much in the name of our survival." Jolidza beams at Roodie! Ailunae smiles at Roodie, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. You smile at Roodie. Voksrig nods to Roodie. Kaelie smiles at Roodie. Roodie says in Rakash, "And I hope as the tale leaves my lips, you all carry the memory of the scouts in your hearts." Allye smiles at Roodie. (Roodie collects himself and settles back into the gathered pack, he wipes the tears off his cheek and smiles again at the memory.) Roodie bows. Roodie takes a seat near Okskeris. Raising her apple brandy to Roodie, Kaelie gives him a toast. Jolidza throws her head back and howls! You let out a loud "Huzzah!" for Roodie! Emyrose looks at Roodie and applauds! Raising her red fratvarit to Roodie, Ailunae gives him a toast. Raising your apple brandy to Roodie, you give him a toast. Cheers! Okskeris leans on Roodie. Casimira looks at Roodie and applauds! Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Roodie, Vixonia gives him a toast. You take a sip of the brandy. Roodie puts his kaft in his hitman's backpack. Ssylsqueth applauds. Ssylsqueth applauds. Vixonia exclaims to Roodie, "Well told!" Raising her pear mead to Roodie, Allye gives him a toast. Raising his apple brandy to Roodie, Rhorgul gives him a toast. Jolidza lets out a hearty cheer for Roodie! Ailunae softly says to Roodie, "That was a well-told tale, Roodie." Voksrig's voice drops in pitch and he intones:
"They smile upon you Roodie, how you live your life, and the tale you have told in their honor. They thank you"
Rafano grins. Roodie smiles at Vixonia. Ailunae smiles at Voksrig, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Raising her apple brandy to Roodie, Tehana gives him a toast. Hebion applauds. Roodie hugs Okskeris, who wraps her arms around Roodie with a warm smile. Jolidza holds her hand out towards Roodie for a highfive. Ailunae hugs Roodie, who wraps his arms around Ailunae with a warm smile. Roodie and Jolidza highfive each other. Ailunae grins at Jolidza, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie hugs Ailunae, who wraps her arms around Roodie with a warm smile. You say in Rakash, "Before the next story,let me just say..." Vixonia angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at you. Voksrig nods to you. You say in Rakash, "Those who want to Howl, let me know. And, those who want to join the archery, pleae let Kart know." You say in Rakash, "In whispers, please." You grin. You rub Voksrig's back. Karturis laughs! Voksrig recites:
"Thank you, Roodie. A powerful tale as always"
Voksrig recites:
"Next the spirits would like to hear a tale from... Okskeris"
Jolidza beams at Okskeris! Okskeris blinks. Okskeris shrugs. Raising her pear mead to Okskeris, Allye gives her a toast. Okskeris stands up. Vixonia lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Ailunae beams at Okskeris! Raising her red fratvarit to Okskeris, Ailunae gives her a toast. Casimira lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Okskeris says in Rakash, "Well. That was a bit quicker than expected." Okskeris smirks. Roodie lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Voksrig recites:
"I think it was a great grand parent really nudging for you to go next"
Ailunae chortles softly at some secret joke. Allye grins. Emyrose snickers at Voksrig. Roodie smiles at Voksrig. Ailunae grins at Voksrig, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie gazes at Okskeris. Okskeris says in Rakash, "Today. I would like to tell a less than serious tale, as I have not been graced with a terribly long life with which to draw dramatic ties. So, today, I will tell the story of the Great Cider Heist." Jolidza grins at Okskeris. Ailunae grins at Okskeris, her dimples flashing into view. Vixonia grins at Okskeris. Kaelie chuckles. Roodie chuckles at Okskeris. Allye grins at Okskeris. Kaelie says, "Sounds like my kind of story." Raising her apple brandy to Okskeris, Kaelie gives her a toast. Roodie chuckles at Kaelie. Kaelie takes a sip of her brandy. Okskeris says in Rakash, "I have not always been the paragon of virtue you see before you today." Okseris dramatically places her hand on her sternum, bowing. "I was, in my youth, a right rascal of a child. The names of my accomplises have been altered... well mostly. For identity protection. As that of the Cider makers." Stelling chuckles. You grin at Okskeris. Ailunae observes Okskeris with fascination. Emyrose chortles softly at some secret joke. Ailunae takes a sip of her fratvarit. Karturis strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation. Ailunae smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Okskeris says in Rakash, "Before I was old enough to drink. I had this young friend. Coal black skinned, pudgy around the edges. Still goes by the name of Afis. And a small boy who used to follow the two of us around. I think he may have been sweet on her. The boy's mother made a terrifically alcoholic cider, and we were too young to imbibe publically." Ailunae grins at Okskeris, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie smiles at Okskeris. You chuckle at Okskeris. Casimira flashes a quick grin. Okskeris says in Rakash, "However, as the vipers sheen attractive, that just made the cider a forbidden fruit. We resolved, the three of us, to steal a mug for each of us while it mulled on the stove for the family gathering of the evening... I cannae rightly remember the occasion." You grin at Okskeris. Vixonia chuckles. Ailunae leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face. Roodie chuckles. Okskeris says in Rakash, "So, the boy, we'll call him Voks for them moment, led us to the window, and we crouched below it. We plotted. I was the tallest, so of course I'd have to make the grabs. I'd stand on the boy's shoulders. However, that is when the plan went awry. For his supper was ready and his mother, the brewer, shouted for him from the very window we were crouched below. Not noticing our presence despite the fact that I could reach up and tug on her hair." Ailunae observes Okskeris with fascination. Roodie glances at Voksrig. Allye grins. You grin at Okskeris. Roodie chuckles. You grin at Voksrig. Jolidza glances at Voksrig. Casimira grins. Vixonia giggles. Jolidza grins at Okskeris. Voksrig grins. Voksrig shakes his head. Ailunae appears to be trying hard not to grin. Vixonia chuckles at Voksrig. Okskeris says in Rakash, "He bolted home, both terrified of her displeasure and not wanting to miss a meal. I was left with my trusty companion Afis. She was... significantly shorter. We realized we would have to be quick, because soon, the cider would be ready to be pulled off the stove. I made haste, clambering up my friend like a right novice and leaned my torso through the window." Ailunae grins at Okskeris, her dimples flashing into view. Jolidza giggles at Okskeris. Vixonia grins at Okskeris. Ailunae suddenly pauses, a look of consternation crossing her features as she listens intently. Okskeris says in Rakash, "I saw the line of mugs hanging on the rack above the windowsill, and the prized cider in a pot on the stove nearby. Luckily, the woman's back was turned. I grabbed the first mug, and filled it, passing it down to my tiny friend and readied another. However, My leg support walked away to set the mug down and I was left dangling." You chuckle at Okskeris. Emyrose chuckles. Loukno chuckles at Okskeris. Allye grins. Okskeris says in Rakash, "The woman turned back, looking at the now blatantly confused seven year old dangling through her window. She turned to grab her cane." Stelling chuckles. Vixonia winces. Ailunae ponders. Okskeris says in Rakash, "I somehow managed to roll out of the way of the first three blows. Which bought Afis enough time to return. She tapped my leg with something and I reached down to grab it. I wrapped my fingers around the strange orb and lodged it at her without looking. Afis, had given me an apple to give the woman as an apology. However, the woman's odaj was lower cut than mine and she was rather well endowed. So... the apple disappeared in the folds of it." Stelling chuckles. Ailunae laughs at Okskeris. Jolidza giggles at Okskeris. Ailunae covers her mouth with her hand. Loukno smiles at Okskeris. Vixonia raises her voice in merry laughter. Voksrig chuckles. Okskeris says in Rakash, "This bought me the needed time for me to finish gathering our bounty, and to make our escape. And, we enjoyed several sips before being caught because of our inebriated giggling in Afis's house. And thus ends the story of the Great Cider heist." Allye giggles at Okskeris. Okskeris bows. Jolidza beams at Okskeris! Raising his apple brandy to Okskeris, Rhorgul gives her a toast. Jolidza applauds. You chuckle at Okskeris. Raising her pear mead to Okskeris, Allye gives her a toast. You let out a loud "Huzzah!" Raising your apple brandy to Okskeris, you give her a toast. Cheers! Jolidza lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! You grin. Raising his Troupe Reserve ale to Okskeris, Karturis gives her a toast. Stelling chuckles at Okskeris. Roodie lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Okskeris smirks. Ailunae looks at Okskeris and applauds! Okskeris takes a seat near Roodie. Casimira lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Vixonia lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Raising his red fratvarit to Okskeris, Voksrig gives her a toast. Emyrose looks at Okskeris and applauds! Roodie exclaims to Okskeris in Rakash, "Well told hon, glad ya chose ta' tell one!" Vixonia giggles at Okskeris. Roodie brushes his lips against Okskeris's in a loving kiss. Vixonia exclaims, "A very fun tale!!" Ssylsqueth applauds. Raising his hard cider to Okskeris, Stelling gives her a toast. Ssylsqueth applauds. Okskeris beams at Vixonia! Dantia chuckles. Raising her apple brandy to Okskeris, Kaelie gives her a toast. Voksrig recites:
"Well told, although I don't seem to recall helping in a cider heist..."
Voksrig grins. Roodie leans on Okskeris. Jolidza grins. Allye giggles. You chuckle at Voksrig. Ailunae grins at Voksrig, her dimples flashing into view. Okskeris says to Voksrig in Rakash, "Yet." Okskeris smirks. Jolidza says, "That boy didn't sound very 'voksrig' to me..." Jolidza winks at Okskeris. You grin at Okskeris. Roodie chuckles at Jolidza. You gaze into Voksrig's eyes and applaud him heartily. You grin. Voksrig recites:
"The spirits now call upon.... Jolidza to tell their tale!"
Jolidza softly says, "Voksrig means lucky in Rakash..." Jolidza beams at Voksrig! Jolidza stands up. Jolidza inhales a great swallow of air. You smile at Jolidza. Raising her pear mead to Jolidza, Allye gives her a toast. Vixonia grins at Jolidza. Jolidza says, "Those of you who know me know I had an uncle, whom I cared for very deeply before he died. I've told his tales before. He was, in many respects, my hero when I was a child." Ailunae smiles at Jolidza, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Jolidza says, "When he would come to visit, our house would fill with laughter, stories, and food. There was abundance, no matter how many mouths there were to feed." Vixonia exclaims, "Sounds delightful!" Voksrig grins at Vixonia. Jolidza says, "This is another one of the stories my Uncle liked to tell. Now that he is gone, all that is left of him are the stories, and I will spend my life keeping him alive in this way." Jolidza bows. Jolidza inhales a great swallow of air. (Jolidza closes her eyes a moment and takes a deep breath. She sways gently for a moment before a slow smile crosses her face and her eyes pop open again.) Jolidza recites:
"My uncle was not a good man. He was, in his own way, a great man- but also, also a very bad man."
Ailunae smiles at Jolidza, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Jolidza recites:
"The kind of man who goes shopping and comes home with more gold than he left with. The kind of man who walks into someone's home and, in less than a roi, remembers every item of value.. for later. "
Jolidza recites:
"The kind of man who carries four sets of identical dice in his cloak pocket."
Jolidza grins. Jolidza recites:
"But he was also the kind of man who would give a platinum coin to a beggar. The kind of man who would bring an Empath a pouch of gems from a patient who had given them a stump of an arm and walked away with no thanks."
Vixonia angles her ears forward in curiosity. You grin at Jolidza. Jolidza recites:
"The kind of man who.. who would visit one day in winter, and hug all his nieces and nephews.. and then leave in the night.. and return the next morning with ten pairs of new shoes."
(Jolidza falters a little, tears welling up in her eyes, but takes a deep breath and smiles through the tears. After a moment, she continues.) Jolidza recites:
"One day, he was in a city- I do not know which, for he himself would never admit where it had happened. He said, "If I told you, or anyone else- I'd be a dead man.""
Jolidza gazes off into the distance. Jolidza recites:
"He had a group of friends who worked together sometimes. They said they had an idea, how to recover an item that had been pillaged in a dirty contract years before, get it back to the rightful owners. One of those times the law takes the side of a thief.. when the thief is a rich man, and the mark a poor one. Again, he would not tell the names of the friends, or the deal, or the location- but his job in the plan was to wait in the sewers."
Jolidza recites:
"And when he was down there, they'd drop a container down the grate. Wouldn't say what it was or what was in it, or who it belonged to, or how they got it..."
Jolidza recites:
"But I'm sure.. I'm sure you can guess the nature of the plan."
Jolidza smirks. Jolidza recites:
"So he snuck down into the sewer and waited in the dark. One Anlas. Two. And heard the rustle of feet above him. He got into place to recieve the package-"
Jolidza recites:
"But in that moment, someone stepped out of the darkness, grasped the package from the grating, and ran! In the dim light of the sewers, My uncle saw that it was one of the men on the extraction team- turning against the team!"
(Jolidza animates her performance with vocal technique and gesture, building the suspense.) Jolidza recites:
"Well, my uncle knew his job, knew the plan, and knew this hiccup would cost the whole crew their lives. Whatever was in that package needed to get where it was going- and the greed of a fellow who could not follow the plan was too deadly to shrug off."
Jolidza recites:
"So my uncle ran after him- through the tark tunnels, splashing in dirty water. Evading trash and rocks and beasts. Pausing to listen for the splashes of the running traitor."
Jolidza recites:
"And it was at that exact moment- unbeknownst to my Uncle, that Katamba took to the sky."
Jolidza recites:
"My uncle fell to his knees, stunned! His eyes lost color, skin sprouted fur, claws grew from his hands, and teeth grew to fangs."
You grin at Jolidza. Vixonia shudders. Roodie gazes at Jolidza. Jolidza recites:
"You might think this was a tragedy- the lost time of the stun! But no, for now my uncle's senses were so sharp. A sensitive nose to track. Flexible ears to hear. And keen eyes better attuned to the darkness of the underground system. He took off at a run, more athletic and determined than ever. "
Ailunae observes Jolidza with fascination. Jolidza recites:
"Running through the sewers- jumping over debris- and soon heard the splashing and the coughing of the betrayer- notably, a feeble human man."
Roodie smiles. Jolidza grins. Jolidza recites:
"And when my uncle caught this traiterous foe, his claws found their place, his jaw found its strength- his traiterous partner had a scimitar, but my uncle- he had his Trueskin."
Jolidza recites:
"I am told, it was a brilliant, glorious battle. That both men were matched in their ability and dexterity. That it lasted nearly an anlas- despite their weapons and their power- both were dodgy sorts."
Jolidza recites:
"Finally- the traitor could evade no more, and my uncle ripped his throat out with his fangs. In a moment, the body began to shimmer- the traitor was using his favors to escape- it had been a trick, letting his defences down, knowing he would rise again, alive... with all his belongings, including the precious container."
Roodie flinches. Jolidza recites:
"But as I said- my uncle was the kind of man who could come home from a shopping spree with more gold than he left with... And as the gods began to carry the traitor's body away- my uncle picked the dead man's pocket with such swiftness, that the traitor's plan was felled."
Ailunae shudders. Tehana gazes thoughtfully at Jolidza. Jolidza recites:
"Beaten and battered- his organs bruised and his fur tattered, my uncle made his way back through the sewers. Slowly. "
Jolidza recites:
"And then... he heard a growl."
Jolidza growls ferociously! (Jolidza leans in slowly, and glances around the audience with an anxious look in her eyes, heighening the suspense.) Voksrig grins. Tehana giggles. Jolidza recites:
"The beasts which called the sewer home had tasted the blood in the water, and meant to scavange an easy meal!"
Jolidza screams! Jolidza recites:
"Already, my uncle was bleeding internally- fatigued and in very bad shape!"
Ailunae blinks. Jolidza recites:
"Still, he bared his fangs and extended his claws- did not run. Did not shake in his boots. Did not lose his courage and turn his tail to run. Only meant to fight off the beast."
Vixonia twitches an ear nervously. Jolidza recites:
"And just as he thought his own life would be in the hands of the gods- the form of a Rakash appeared between him and the beast! Dark in form, but strong and steady- powerful and vivacious- where he had come from my uncle did not know, but all at once he felt his blood pump, his heart leap, and his claws ache for the fight once more."
Jolidza gazes off into the distance. Jolidza inhales a great swallow of air. Jolidza slowly empties her lungs. Jolidza recites:
"My uncle howled with life and vigor- and the comrade howled in return- and with a single blow, felled the beast."
Jolidza throws her head back and howls! Jolidza recites:
"My uncle, bleeding inside and out, held a hand up to the mysterious Rakash in a sweeping Odaj and enveloping Rantija. And just as he lost consciousness, he felt hiimself lifted- not dragged by one hand, but carried- as a father carries a cub. In that moment, bleeding to death in a sewer, holding precious cargo that many would and had killed for- my uncle felt safer than he ever had before."
Voksrig throws his head back and howls! Roodie beams at Jolidza! (Jolidza speaks in a hushed tone, a look of awe and reverence over her face.) Ailunae dimples at Jolidza. A tear runs down Jolidza's face. Jolidza recites:
"And when he awoke- he was in his own home, in his own bed- his clothes clean, his wounds healed- and that precious cargo neatly sitting on his dining room table."
You smile at Jolidza. Jolidza recites:
"He went straight away to Awksa Dzilvawta Ala to pray- but found that he already had as much favor as any could be granted, when the day before- he had had only one. And for the rest of his days, my uncle swore that it was Coshivi who felled that beast, Coshivi who pulled him from the sewers, and Coshivi who guided his hand and his dagger for all of his days."
Roodie smiles at Jolidza. Jolidza recites:
"Coshivi, ever cunning, guide us in our aims. Let us be not betrayed. And when we falter, be our aid. Fight beside us, and within us- Cawna jusu, Coshivi. We honor you."
Jolidza gazes off into the distance. Jolidza kneels down and begins to pray. You nod to Jolidza. You grin. Voksrig throws his head back and howls! Stelling takes a sip of his cider. Raising his red fratvarit to Jolidza, Voksrig gives her a toast. Roodie throws his head back and howls! Jolidza softly says, "Cawna jusu." Jolidza stands up. Roodie lets out a hearty cheer for Jolidza! Jolidza bows. Ailunae looks at Jolidza and applauds! Casimira looks at Jolidza and applauds! Emyrose looks at Jolidza and applauds! Raising your apple brandy to Jolidza, you give her a toast. Cheers! Ailunae beams at Jolidza! Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Jolidza, Vixonia gives her a toast. Raising his Troupe Reserve ale to Jolidza, Karturis gives her a toast. Ssylsqueth applauds. You let out a hearty cheer for Jolidza! Jolidza takes a seat near Roodie. Ssylsqueth applauds. Roodie says to Jolidza in Rakash, "Still one a' my favorites." Raising his hard cider to Jolidza, Stelling gives her a toast. Jolidza grins at Roodie. Tehana lets out a hearty cheer for Jolidza! Voksrig recites:
"Well told! The spirits smile upon you and your tale... one more than the others even..."
You grin. Jolidza gazes at Voksrig. Roodie smiles at Voksrig. Jolidza blanches. Jolidza begins to weep softly. Roodie rubs Jolidza in a friendly manner. Ailunae rubs Jolidza gently, massaging her muscles. Jolidza covers her mouth with her hand. Jolidza gazes at Voksrig. Voksrig recites:
"And those are the tales we have for you this evening, I turn to our judges"
Roodie pulls Jolidza towards him! You grin at Vixonia. Voksrig pats Jolidza on the back. Jolidza snuggles up to Roodie. You say in Rakash, "It's gonna be a hard choice for the winner." A tear runs down Jolidza's face. Roodie says to Jolidza in Rakash, "Means he's watchin' ya lass." Jolidza nods to Roodie. Roodie wraps his arms lovingly around Okskeris, snuggling close. Vixonia exclaims, "Give us a moment while we chatter amongst ourselves!" Tehana grins. You nod to Vixonia. You grin. Roodie says in Rakash, "Surprised there's not more stories atta moot." Roodie chuckles. You get a black oilcloth rugursora with colorful embroidery across the flap from inside your canvas sack. Okskeris says in Rakash, "Some were saving their strength for the howls I suspect." Roodie smiles at Okskeris. Jolidza nods at Okskeris, obviously agreeing with her views. Ailunae smiles at Okskeris, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Roodie says to Okskeris in Rakash, "I'll be doin' that as well." Roodie chuckles. Okskeris says to Ailunae in Rakash, "I have heard tale of an elf that sings about sharks." Ailunae grins at Okskeris, her dimples flashing into view. Ailunae points at Shumos. You say in Rakash, "While the judges confer... the winner will receive this... a black oilcloth rugursora with colorful embroidery across the flap." You say in Rakash, "Designed for everyday use, the thick, weatherproof material of this traditional Rakash style pack is dyed a pitch-black hue that reflects a slight greenish undertone. Stitched across the flap are the colorfully embroidered images of a wolf, a crow, a badger, and a butterfly. Stylized writing appears beneath the feet of the wolf. Jolidza says, "Ooh.." Roodie beams at you! What a warm feeling! Voksrig says, "Sounds beautiful." Roodie pats Voksrig on the back. Jolidza giggles at Voksrig. Roodie says to Voksrig in Rakash, "Can borrow my eyes if ya wanna see." Vixonia exclaims, "Ok... this was a very tough competition to judge!" Jolidza gazes at Vixonia. Roodie smiles at Vixonia. Rhadyn leans on Karturis. Tehana chuckles. Vixonia says, "We had some excellent story tellers and the presentations were brilliantly done." Stelling nods at Vixonia, obviously agreeing with her views. Jolidza gnaws on her lip. Roodie says in Rakash, "Well, was a buncha Rakash tellin' stories, course it'll be stiff competition." Roodie chuckles. Ailunae smiles at Roodie, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Tehana grins. Jolidza grins at Roodie. Voksrig grins at Roodie. Okskeris blinks. Voksrig throws his head back and howls! Jolidza nods at Roodie, obviously agreeing with his views. You smile at Vixonia. Roodie grins crookedly. You arch your eyebrow. Vixonia says, "But there was one that stood out for the originality and amusement that made it a joy, even if they polish wasn't quite as exquisitely done... and as judges, we decided that it made it a winner in our view." Roodie grins at Okskeris. Ailunae grins at Okskeris, her dimples flashing into view. Jolidza smiles at Okskeris. You grin at Vixonia. Tehana giggles. You offer your oilcloth rugursora to Karturis. (Karturis listens intently to Vixonia) Karturis has accepted your offer and is now holding a black oilcloth rugursora with colorful embroidery across the flap. Vixonia exclaims, "So join us in congradulating Okskeris for his tale from his youth!" Ailunae looks at Okskeris and applauds! Roodie lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Okskeris, Vixonia gives her a toast. Karturis gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Stelling lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Shumos applauds. Roodie exclaims to Okskeris in Rakash, "Well done lass!" Casimira lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! Tehana looks at Okskeris and applauds! Emyrose looks at Okskeris and applauds! Jolidza beams at Okskeris! You gaze into Okskeris's eyes and applaud her heartily. Raising her pear mead to Okskeris, Allye gives her a toast. Hebion applauds. Raising his apple brandy to Okskeris, Rhorgul gives her a toast. Okskeris beams at Vixonia! Raising his red fratvarit to Okskeris, Voksrig gives her a toast. You let out a loud "Huzzah!" for Okskeris! Ailunae lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! (Karturis walks over to the winner) Roodie exclaims to Okskeris in Rakash, "I'm proud a' ya!" Okskeris asks Vixonia in Rakash, "I'm not that small chested am I?" Stelling laughs! Roodie chuckles at Okskeris. Ailunae laughs at Okskeris. (Okskeris looks down the front of her odaj) Ailunae appears to be trying hard not to grin. Casimira chuckles at Okskeris. Voksrig takes a sip of his fratvarit. Vixonia exclaims to Okskeris, "Forgive me, lass... I misspoke!" Vixonia grins sheepishly. Okskeris smirks at Vixonia. Stelling chuckles at Vixonia. Karturis says, "And on behalf of the Moot, I am honored to present this to you." Okskeris stands up. Karturis offers Okskeris a black oilcloth rugursora with colorful embroidery across the flap. Okskeris accepts Karturis's oilcloth rugursora. You grin at Karturis. Okskeris beams at Karturis! Raising her apple brandy to Okskeris, Kaelie gives her a toast. You grin at Okskeris. Okskeris says in Rakash, "Thank you." Roodie lets out a hearty cheer for Okskeris! You gaze into Okskeris's eyes and applaud her heartily. Roodie exclaims to Okskeris in Rakash, "Now ya got one that's more than jes' armor!" Ailunae grins at Roodie, her dimples flashing into view. Raising his Troupe Reserve ale to Okskeris, Karturis gives her a toast. Roodie wraps his arms around Okskeris in a loving hug. Okskeris takes a supple leather pack in tones of brown and green off her back. Okskeris puts a black oilcloth rugursora with colorful embroidery across the flap on her back. You say in Rakash, "Next is the Howling competition. I will start with an example, then let the participants begin." You grin. Karturis says, "A fine tale it was...reminds me of my childhood it does." Roodie smiles at Karturis. Tehana grins. (Raiael tilts her head back, inhales deeply and lets loose an long, ululating howl that makes your hair stand on end, the sound decreasing in volume until there is only the soft wheeze of air from her throat.) Okskeris says to Karturis in Rakash, "Next time, I will tell you about why I'm not allowed in Siksraja anymore." You grin. Ailunae cocks her head at Okskeris. You say in Rakash, "Let the Howling begin." (Karturis makes a grinning move to cover his ears) Stelling chuckles at Okskeris. Ailunae grins at Karturis, her dimples flashing into view. Voksrig grins at you. Karturis leans on Okskeris. You say in Rakash, "Roodie and Shumos will bring their best howls to us." Karturis says, "Fine tale for sure." Roodie chuckles. Karturis winks at Okskeris. Roodie asks in Rakash, "Jes' us?" Roodie leaps to his feet! You say in Rakash, "You can both Howl at will." You chuckle. Roodie smiles. Shumos smiles and bares his teeth revealing surprising large canine like fangs for an elf and lets out a howl that echos from the top of the tower through the forest below! You can scarecely believe such a sound came from the big elf. Ailunae grins at Shumos, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie says to Shumos in Rakash, "After you lad." You beam at Shumos! Tehana chuckles. Roodie smiles. Roodie nods. You grin at Roodie. Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Shumos, Vixonia gives him a toast. (Roodie crouches down into a more natural howling position, squatting down with his rump resting on his heels. He gazes up to the sky, eyes locking onto Katamba. He inhales deeply as a sound begins growing in his chest, the faintest whisper of it escaping his lips. As the volume grows in intensity a deeply pride-filled howl grows from the soft, whispered tone, rising in both pitch and volume before slowly sliding back down in both. As the howl turns again to a whisper his gaze lowers and he rises to his feet.) Allye grins. Voksrig looks at Shumos and applauds! Voksrig looks at Roodie and applauds! Ailunae grins at Roodie, her dimples flashing into view. Allye applauds. Karturis shakes his head. Raising his hard cider to Roodie, Stelling gives him a toast. Casimira praises Roodie. Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Roodie, Vixonia gives him a toast. Rhorgul applauds. Karturis says, "Gar..." You applaud. You grin. Ailunae looks at Roodie and applauds! Tehana lets out a hearty cheer for Roodie! (Karturis rubs his ear) Emyrose looks at Shumos and applauds! Emyrose looks at Roodie and applauds! Raising her apple brandy to Roodie, Kaelie gives him a toast. Karturis applauds. Roodie takes a seat near Okskeris. Shumos smiles. Vixonia asks you, "Any other howlers?" You say in Rakash, "Just those two." You chuckle. Vixonia flashes a quick grin. Roodie chuckles. Ailunae grins at you, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie playfully says in Rakash, "These realms need more Rakash I tell ya." You chuckle at Roodie. Jolidza nods to Roodie. Vixonia giggles. Ailunae grins wickedly at Roodie. Karturis says, "I could ask Rhadyn to come roar? er... howl." Shumos says, "I am an elf but I howled anyway." Karturis laughs! Roodie exclaims to Shumos in Rakash, "An' ya did well!" Ailunae grins at Shumos, her dimples flashing into view. Shumos says, "Thanks." Roodie says to Shumos in Rakash, "Ya do the Rakash an honor by even tryin'." Allye grins. Vixonia exclaims, "Well, this time it was a unanimous... though both did quite well. Roodie... your experience and excellence showed through. Well done!!" Roodie nods. Roodie chuckles. Ailunae looks at Roodie and applauds! Roodie leaps to his feet! Kaelie lets out a hearty cheer for Roodie! Raising his hard cider to Roodie, Stelling gives him a toast. Casimira lets out a hearty cheer for Roodie! Roodie exclaims in Rakash, "Thank ya!" You beam at Roodie! Raising her apple brandy to Roodie, Tehana gives him a toast. Voksrig says, "Ah, slow on the draw." Roodie says in Rakash, "I spend far too much time howlin'." Voksrig grins. Raising her Prydaen bloodwyne to Roodie, Vixonia gives him a toast. Roodie chuckles. Raising her pear mead to Roodie, Allye gives him a toast. Emyrose looks at Roodie and applauds! You get a formal black satin odaj with colorful embroidery across the chest from inside your canvas sack. You offer your satin odaj to Karturis. Karturis has accepted your offer and is now holding a formal black satin odaj with colorful embroidery across the chest. Roodie cocks his head at Karturis. Ailunae grins at Roodie, her dimples flashing into view. Karturis asks, "Ahh...fer me?" Karturis winks at you. You chuckle at Karturis. Vixonia giggles at Karturis. You tickle Karturis, who just laughs and tickles you back. Karturis says, "Roodie..." Roodie asks in Rakash, "Aye?" (Karturis walks over and looks up at Roodie) You grin at Karturis. Roodie peers quizzically at Karturis. Karturis says, "Tis my honor to present this gift to you." Roodie chuckles. Karturis offers Roodie a formal black satin odaj with colorful embroidery across the chest. Roodie accepts Karturis's satin odaj. Roodie beams at Karturis! You let out a loud "Huzzah!" for Roodie! Roodie exclaims in Rakash, "Thank ya!" Shumos says to Roodie, "Congrats." Shumos applauds. Karturis gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Raising his abbey springwynne to Roodie, Stelling gives him a toast. Karturis says, "Now." You grin at Karturis. Roodie exclaims in Rakash, "Also, big thanks ta' the Troupe an' the Black Fox fer puttin' this tagether!" Casimira gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer. You say in Rakash, "One more competition." Karturis smiles and looks around the room You say in Rakash, "Join Kart for the archery contest." Karturis says, "I got one contestant so far..." Vixonia asks, "Shall we move down to watch at the bottom of the tower?" Rhorgul says in Rakash, "Yes, thank you very much for the entertainment." Roodie puts his odaj in his hitman's backpack. You nod to Vixonia. Tehana nods emphatically. Casimira grins. Okskeris says in Rakash, "I try not to shoot after my first drink." Roodie chuckles at Okskeris. Ailunae grins at Okskeris, her dimples flashing into view. Stelling chuckles at Okskeris. Okskeris says in Rakash, "But I do like to watch." Karturis says, "Who will shoot.....we are providing longbows and arrows to make it fair." Roodie says to Okskeris in Rakash, "One makes ya a better shot... Two an' people should duck." Ailunae asks Karturis, "I suppose I could take a ...shot at it?" Agalea says, "I'll shoot." Agalea says, "Always fun." You say in Rakash, "I've never shot an arrow before, but I'll try." Roodie says in Rakash, "Eh screw it, I'll embarass myself." You grin at Karturis. Roodie grins crookedly. Ailunae looks at Roodie, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away. You chuckle at Roodie. Karturis says, "Join me if ya wanna shoot." Okskeris puts her fritter in her nightsilk haversack. Stelling says to you, "I'm shocked, shocked." Stelling grins at you. You chuckle at Stelling. You tickle Stelling, who just laughs and tickles you back. Stelling squirms. Stelling sticks his tongue out at you in a playfully teasing manner. Jolidza smiles at Roodie. You chuckle. Ailunae giggles. You grin at Kaelie. Agalea grins at Kaelie, her dimples flashing into view. Karturis says, "We go down ..I I leave ya just come down and join up." Roodie chuckles. Karturis asks, "Ready??" Roodie nods. Stelling nods. You nod to Karturis. Okskeris nods.
[Ancient Tower, Exterior] The round base of a massive stone tower rests among the cracked rocks and rubble which have worked their way loose from brittle mortar and have fallen to rest at the great structure's feet. Silverleaf vines slink up from the dry soil and interweave to form a massive living wall, perhaps the only element bracing the ancient tower from collapsing into a heap of stones and dust. A gaping archway on the west side of the tower is all that remains of the wooden doorway which once hung there. You also see a brooding Shadow Servant, a bright red target, a royal blue target and a worn path. Also here: Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Warrior Poet Stelling, Pack Storyteller Roodie, Life Defender Ailunae, Witch Agalea, Katamba's Shadow Rirsti, Wildling Okskeris, Veteran Karturis, Seer Voksrig, Ikevindy, Alley Fighter Allye, Storyteller Casimira, Shumos, Dancer Vixonia, Aerialist Emyrose, Sir Hebion and Stomper Rhadyn.
Rhadyn explodes in a wild rage of dangerous power, his bloodshot eyes gleaming with an insatiable lust for battle! Karturis says, "Rhadyn." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Now this is a group." You grin at Rhadyn. Ailunae grins at Rhadyn, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie smiles at Rhadyn. Rhadyn whirls about in a bold, flashy manner! Karturis says, "Lookit what I have." Rhadyn grins at Karturis. Rhadyn gruffly asks, "Okay, so is it time to get the last contest on the road?" Ailunae nods to Rhadyn. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay." You grin at Rhadyn. Rhadyn gruffly says, "So this is the final contest. We're gonna do some target shootin'." Stelling asks, "Who are we shooting at?" Rhadyn gruffly says, "No matter your skill or knowledge you should join in." Vixonia exclaims, "Not me!" Vixonia grins impishly. Stelling grins at Vixonia. You chuckle at Vixonia. Roodie smiles. Okskeris says in Rakash, "Alright then." Jolidza stands near Roodie. Vixonia says, "If I tried... I would likely shoot the other shooters." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Whether you think a bow is something a man does to a woman or a weapon for skewering rats." Roodie exclaims in Rakash, "I'mma give it a go, despite bein' terrible wit' the things!" Rhadyn gruffly says, "This is for you." Emyrose nods at Vixonia, obviously agreeing with her views. Ailunae grins at Vixonia, her dimples flashing into view. Roodie chuckles at Vixonia. Vixonia raises an eyebrow in Stelling's direction. Rhadyn whirls about in a bold, flashy manner! Roodie exclaims to Vixonia in Rakash, "Come on lass, give it a go!" Stelling raises an eyebrow in Vixonia's direction. You grin at Rhadyn. You grin at Karturis. Rhadyn gruffly says, "First I want to show what we are talking about." Jolidza asks, "I'll try- why not?" Jolidza grins. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Then I'll go into explaining the rules." Emyrose says to Vixonia, "I will stand over here with you." Roodie nods to Rhadyn. Rhadyn gruffly asks, "Can I have a volunteer that has an apple in their pocket, please?" Jolidza gets a shiny red apple from inside her laulivas laufisana. Vixonia asks Hebion, "Are you ready to protect others from my misgivings?" Jolidza exclaims, "I have an apple!" Ailunae grins at Jolidza, her dimples flashing into view. Jolidza holds a shiny red apple high into the air for all to see. You chuckle at Jolidza. Hebion nods to Vixonia. Okskeris asks in Rakash, "We're wasting apples?" Vixonia slowly empties her lungs. Roodie smiles at Okskeris. Rhadyn gruffly says, "I think you are too tall." Jolidza ponders. Stelling grins at Vixonia. Emyrose says to Okskeris, "You can still eat it after." Karturis gets a dark purple apple from inside his dragonwood beer barrel. Scribe Jolidza wandered over to a worn path. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Ah, I think Karturis has an apple." Vixonia exclaims to Rhadyn, "I can try... but everyone just really needs to beware!" Rhadyn gruffly says, "Thank you for volunteering Karturis." Emyrose glances at Vixonia. Roodie beams at Vixonia! You chuckle. Rhadyn gruffly says, "This is gonna be a challenge but don't worry. I'm a crack shot." Roodie says in Rakash, "Looks like a good many a' us are good dodgers." Rhadyn steps up to Karturis and says, "I challenge you to The Pain in a contest of skill!" Roodie chuckles. (Karturis turns to look at Rhadyn) Emyrose quietly says, "Would it be safer to stand behind Vixonia or behind Hebion." Emyrose gazes off into the distance. Emyrose gazes thoughtfully at Vixonia. Stelling chuckles. Vixonia nods at Emyrose, obviously agreeing with her views. Casimira grins at Emyrose. Agalea says to Emyrose, "Stand behind them both." Emyrose chuckles at Agalea. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay, so the way this works." Vixonia angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Rhadyn. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Is you aim at the target, either red or blue as we tell you to." Karturis moves a dark purple apple to his left hand. (Emyrose edges over next to Hebion and tries to stand where she can still see but the arrows are more likely to hit him first.) Emyrose gazes at her fingernails. Karturis moves a dark purple apple to his right hand. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Then we'll give you arrows." Karturis accepts Rhadyn's challenge. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay, then you aim at the target." Ailunae grins, revealing her dimples. Rhadyn gruffly says, "No need to wait for others." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Load and fire when ready." Rhadyn loads his yew longbow with a boar-tusk arrow. Vixonia says to Emyrose, "You're safe.. they haven't given me a bow yet." You grin at Vixonia. Emyrose chuckles at Vixonia. Rhadyn covers his eyes with his hand. Swinging his arms in time, Rhadyn sticks each foot outwards across his body before tucking down into a tight forward roll. Performing a single full rotation, he stops and spring back to his feet with a dramatic flair. (Karturis slowly holds his apple up over his head) Rhadyn fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target about halfway into the bullseye! Kaelie lets out a hearty cheer for Rhadyn! Rhadyn gruffly says, "See, I hit the bullseye through the apple." Rhadyn gets a boar-tusk arrow from atop a bright red target. You grin at Rhadyn. Ailunae snickers. You let out a loud "Huzzah!" Rhadyn puts his arrow in his hip pouch. Vixonia looks at Rhadyn and applauds! Rhadyn gruffly says, "So there are two round." Karturis grins. Rhadyn gruffly says, "The blue target is at 40 yards." Rhadyn gruffly says, "That'll be first." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Then after everyone has shot we see the winner." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Next the red target is at 100 yards and we again see the winner." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Then the two winners will shoot at the red target at 60 yards for the grand winner." (Karturis beckons toVixonia to come get her longbow) Rhadyn gruffly says, "So if you don't have a bow or an arrow let Karturis or I know." Vixonia fidgets nervously. You chuckle at Karturis. Karturis moves a dark purple apple to his left hand. Karturis moves a leather-gripped yew longbow to his right hand. You grin at Vixonia. Karturis offers Vixonia a leather-gripped yew longbow. Vixonia accepts Karturis's yew longbow. Roodie says, "Need an arrow." Vixonia says, "Ok... I think I need an arrow too." Emyrose nods at Vixonia, obviously agreeing with her views. Vixonia says, "If you trust me..." Roodie exclaims to Rhadyn, "Thank ya!" Karturis says, "We have arrows fer all." Stelling nods. Rhadyn gruffly asks, "Anyone else need a bow or arrow?" (Vixonia gazes at her bow, trying to figure out which way is up.) Roodie says, "Gods, everyone may wanna take a few steps back before I shoot." You grin at Rhadyn. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Once you shoot at the blue target don't do anything until we tell you." Stelling chuckles. Vixonia asks, "So we aim at the red target first?" Vixonia asks, "Oh... blue first?" Shumos says to Vixonia, "I think the pointy end faces the target." You say in Rakash, "Blue first." Stelling nods to Vixonia. Vixonia examines a bright red target. Stelling grins at Vixonia. Shumos says, "But im not sure..." Roodie appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with his yew longbow. Rhadyn gruffly says, "After we announce the blue target winner you can get an arrow from the blue target." Roodie fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target at the center of the bullseye! Casimira asks Emyrose, "Do we need to worry about Vix shooting herself too?" Rirsti nods to Roodie. Roodie babbles incoherently. Stelling lets out a hearty cheer for Roodie! Vixonia appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with her yew longbow. Casimira frets. Stelling nods at Casimira, obviously agreeing with her views. Emyrose quietly says to Casimira, "I hope not." Roodie says, "How did I..." Roodie exclaims, "What?!?!" Casimira appears to be trying hard not to grin. Vixonia fires at a royal blue target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the blue target! Bad luck! Agalea appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with her yew longbow. Emyrose pats Vixonia on the back. Hebion asks, "Is it too late to join?" (Vixonia opens her eyes.) Vixonia asks, "Did I hit anyone??" Casimira chuckles at Vixonia. Agalea fires at a royal blue target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target at the center of the bullseye! Emyrose shakes her head at Vixonia. (Karturis looks at Rhadyn and covers a grin) You chuckle at Vixonia. Emyrose says to Hebion, "I do not think so." Vixonia slowly empties her lungs. Casimira says to Vixonia, "Remarkably no." Agalea says, "Oh not a bad shot..." Stelling grins at Vixonia. Vixonia exclaims, "Take it!" Karturis asks, "Anyone need a Bow?" Hebion appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with his forester's longbow. Karturis puts his apple in his traveler's pack. You grin at Karturis. Kaelie says, "I have a bow here I won't be using." Hebion fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target about halfway into the bullseye! Vadivat asks, "And arrows are where?" Okskeris gets a cougar-claw arrow from atop a royal blue target. Karturis laughs at Kaelie. Kaelie says, "I heal wounds, not create them." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay, aim at the blue target and fire." Rhadyn gruffly says, "If you want to join in again let me know." Karturis says, "No wounds here mlady." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Not until it's all done." Vixonia drops a leather-gripped yew longbow. Agalea says, "Ok." Rirsti appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with his yew longbow. Okskeris fires at a royal blue target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the blue target! Bad luck! Karturis says, "Yes you do, Agalea." Roodie smiles at Vixonia. (Vixonia steps carefully away from the offending weapon.) Okskeris shrugs. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Don't get your arrow until we judge or your shot will be worth not." Vixonia stands near Casimira. Rirsti fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target at the center of the bullseye! Casimira leans on Vixonia. Agalea asks Karturis, "After everyone shoots?" Karturis laughs! Roodie nods to Rhadyn. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Everyone shoot." Vadivat says, "I'm confused." Roodie says, "Mine's still in the target." Roodie chuckles. Vadivat grins like an idiot. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Good." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Keep it in the target." Shumos assumes a calm stance, concentrating on something. Vixonia says, "Mine never hit, I don't believe." Vadivat asks, "I can take an arrow?" Rhadyn grins at Vixonia. You chuckle. Vixonia quietly exclaims to Casimira, "I tried... I did my part!" Vixonia giggles a little oddly. Vadivat chuckles. You begin to target a royal blue target. Casimira grins cheerfully at Vixonia. You fire at a royal blue target, watching your arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the blue target! Bad luck! You laugh! You pick up a cougar-claw arrow. Okskeris puts her shortbow in her nightsilk haversack. Agalea asks, "So are we only shooting once?" Vixonia nods. You ask in Rakash, "I missed. Who needs my arrow?" Agalea says, "At the blue target that is." You grin. Karturis says, "Three arrows in the target so far, folk." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Aim at the blue target then fire away." Vadivat fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the blue target! Bad luck! Vadivat shrugs. You grin at Vadivat. Vadivat says, "No luck." You say in Rakash, "We are well matched." Roodie smiles at Vadivat. You grin at Vadivat. Roodie exclaims to Vadivat, "But ya tried!" Vadivat grins like an idiot at Roodie. Vadivat asks Roodie, "Yeah?" Vadivat winks at Roodie. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay, that's the blue target and Rirsti has won." Roodie smiles at Vadivat. You let out a loud "Huzzah!" for Rirsti! Rhadyn gruffly says, "Everyone can get their arrow from blue target." Roodie says to Vadivat, "Aye, puttin' yerself out there an' losin' is better than not tryin'." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Or if you need one let me now." Rirsti loads his yew longbow with a boar-tusk arrow. Vadivat picks up a boar-tusk arrow. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Now the harder contest." Rhadyn gruffly says, "At 100 yards is the red target." Rhadyn gruffly exclaims, "Don't make me fire and show you up!" Roodie asks, "Everyone shootin' at red?" Rirsti appears to be aiming at a bright red target with his yew longbow. Rhadyn gruffly exclaims, "Everyone is shooting at red indeed!" Roodie asks, "An' we pullin' arrows from blue?" Vixonia fires at a bright red target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the red target! Bad luck! Rirsti fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target about halfway into the bullseye! Hebion fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target near the center of the bullseye! Agalea appears to be aiming at a bright red target with her yew longbow. Vixonia exclaims, "Yup... missed that one too!" Vixonia flashes a quick grin. Stelling chuckles at Vixonia. You fire at a bright red target, watching your arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the red target! Bad luck! Rhadyn gruffly says, "Winners will go against red after I put it at 60 yards." You laugh! Agalea fires at a bright red target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target near the center of the bullseye! You beam at Agalea! Okskeris appears to be aiming at a bright red target with her Nisha shortbow. Vixonia asks, "Can I please give away my bow now?" Roodie appears to be aiming at a bright red target with his yew longbow. You chuckle at Vixonia. Stelling grins at Vixonia. Okskeris fires at a bright red target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the red target! Bad luck! Roodie fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target just within the bullseye! Roodie chuckles. Okskeris sighs. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Rirsti is a bit of a shoe end so I'll have to take him out." Rirsti leans on his longbow. Vixonia exclaims, "You give it a shot!" Stelling chuckles at Vixonia. Rhadyn appears to be aiming at a bright red target with his yew longbow. Voksrig grins. Stelling grins at Vixonia. Rhadyn fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target near the center of the bullseye! Karturis says, "All of ya , please keep your bow as a memento of the Moot." Vadivat appears to be aiming at a bright red target with his yew longbow. Rhadyn leans on Rirsti. You beam at Karturis! Roodie smiles at Karturis. Rirsti nods politely to Rhadyn. Vadivat fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the red target! Bad luck! Vadivat shrugs. Vadivat says, "Well." Roodie asks Karturis, "Give it ta' a youngin', aye?" Roodie says to Karturis, "I got plenty." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay, I declare Rirsti the winner overall." Vixonia giggles. Roodie lets out a hearty cheer for Rirsti! Raising her pear mead to Rirsti, Allye gives him a toast. Voksrig looks at Rirsti and applauds! Shumos applauds. You beam at Rirsti! Rirsti nods. Stelling chuckles. Roodie exclaims, "Aye, the lad definitely shot better!" Rirsti says, "Thank you." Rirsti fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target about halfway into the bullseye! Rirsti leans on his longbow. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Second place, I say I'm gonna move the blue target closer and everyone but Rirsti can shoot again." You get a leather-gripped svidaw sis embedded with obsidian chips from inside your canvas sack. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay, everyone feel free to load up and shoot at the blue target." You offer your svidaw sis to Karturis. Hebion appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with his forester's longbow. Rhadyn gruffly says, "This is for second place." Rirsti fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target at the center of the bullseye! Karturis has accepted your offer and is now holding a leather-gripped svidaw sis embedded with obsidian chips. Roodie appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with his yew longbow. You smile at Karturis. Karturis leans on you. Hebion fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target near the center of the bullseye! Agalea appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with her yew longbow. Roodie fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target at the center of the bullseye! Roodie grins. Agalea fires at a royal blue target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target about halfway into the bullseye! Rhadyn gruffly says, "It's at 10 yards." Okskeris appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with her Nisha shortbow. Vadivat fires at a bright red target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the red target! Bad luck! Vadivat says, "Wait." Vadivat frowns, shaking his head with an expression of exasperation before resting his face in the palm of his hand. You say in Rakash, "The winner of this contest gets a really nice HB." You grin. Emyrose grins at Vadivat. Vadivat says, "I shot at the wrong target." Vadivat sighs. Vixonia appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with her yew longbow. Roodie grins at Vadivat. Vixonia fires at a royal blue target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target near the center of the bullseye! Roodie rubs Vadivat gently, massaging his muscles. Vixonia gasps! Voksrig chuckles. Emyrose looks at Vixonia and applauds! Stelling lets out a hearty cheer for Vixonia! Okskeris fires at a royal blue target, watching her arrow fly with bated breath until it hits the target about halfway into the bullseye! Emyrose exclaims to Vixonia, "You hit the target!" Casimira lets out a hearty cheer for Vixonia! Vixonia exclaims, "I HIT SOMETHING!!" Stelling laughs! Shumos lets out a hearty cheer for Vixonia! Karturis grins at Rhadyn. Roodie exclaims to Vixonia, "Ya did!" You tickle Karturis, who just laughs and tickles you back. Rhadyn nods to Karturis. Casimira exclaims to Vixonia, "And it didn't bleed!" Roodie exclaims to Vixonia, "Congrats lass!" Casimira winks at Vixonia. Kaelie grins. Vixonia laughs! Okskeris beams at Roodie! Vixonia just tickled Casimira, who laughs and returns the favor. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Vadivat, go for it." Vixonia asks, "Wait... it didn't bleed, did it?" Vixonia gazes at a royal blue target. Roodie chuckles at Vixonia. Stelling pats Vixonia on the back. Casimira giggles. Emyrose shakes her head at Vixonia. Rhadyn grins at Vixonia. Vadivat appears to be aiming at a royal blue target with his yew longbow. Vadivat inhales a great swallow of air. Roodie asks Vixonia, "Well, do ya feel yerself suddenly unable ta' heal folk?" Vadivat fires at a royal blue target, watching his arrow fly with bated breath only to see it miss the blue target! Bad luck! Vadivat sighs. Roodie rubs Vadivat gently, massaging his muscles. Vadivat says, "Whelp." Vixonia says to Roodie, "Always... I have never been good at healing folks..." Rhadyn gruffly exclaims, "It looks like Hebion has made second place!" Vadivat says, "That's about right, I guess." Emyrose looks at Hebion and applauds! Rhadyn pats Vadivat on the back. Roodie asks Vadivat, "Tell ya what lad. We'll spend some time at the range?" You grin at Hebion. Roodie babbles incoherently. Roodie sighs. Vixonia looks at Hebion and applauds! Roodie says to Vixonia, "Not sure why I thought ya were an Empath there." Roodie says to Vixonia, "Too much brandy." Stelling chuckles at Roodie. Karturis says, "Rirsti... you are cloaked, but we acknowledge yer prowess wit the bow." Roodie grins crookedly. Vixonia giggles at Roodie. You grin at Rirsti. Rirsti says, "Thank you." Karturis bows to Rirsti. Roodie chuckles at Karturis. Rirsti nods politely. Rirsti does an incredible backflip! Casimira says to Vixonia, "You're excellent at providing medicinal whisky when needed." Vadivat sighs as he looks at a leather-gripped yew longbow. Karturis offers Rirsti a leather-gripped svidaw sis embedded with obsidian chips. Rirsti accepts Karturis's svidaw sis. Stelling nods at Casimira, obviously agreeing with her views. Rirsti says to Karturis, "My thanks." Stelling takes a sip of his mead. You let out a loud "Huzzah!" for Rirsti! Rirsti nods to Karturis. Karturis gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Casimira grins at Stelling. Rirsti nods to Rhadyn. Vixonia exclaims to Casimira, "And the healing gift of song!" Rirsti begins to carefully examine a leather-gripped svidaw sis embedded with obsidian chips. Roodie exclaims to Rirsti, "Well done lad!" Vixonia preens. Someone's pleased with herself! Rhadyn gruffly says, "Since you all can't shoot at me, feel free to have fun shooting at the targets. You can push or pull them to change the distance." Agalea gasps! You exclaim in Rakash, "Great shot, Rirsti!" Casimira exclaims to Vixonia, "Also good!" Karturis says, "Fine shooting, everyone." Rirsti moves a leather-gripped svidaw sis embedded with obsidian chips to his left hand. Rirsti nods politely. Emyrose looks at Rirsti and applauds! Rhadyn adds to Rirsti's praises. Hebion applauds. Karturis says, "The arrows and Bows are yours." Rhadyn gruffly says, "Pretty good." Vadivat asks, "Who do I give the bow to?" Rhadyn just nudged Rirsti. Vixonia says, "Noo... I do not want..." Vixonia giggles a little oddly. Emyrose snickers at Vixonia. You say in Rakash, "Keep it, Vadivat." Stelling chuckles at Vixonia. You smile at Vadivat. You exclaim in Rakash, "And so concludes our Moot, everyone!" Vadivat says, "You sure? I'm a danger to myself and others with this thing." Roodie asks, "Alright, anyone know a youngin' who'd benefit from mine?" Stelling looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Emyrose looks at you and applauds! Rhadyn gruffly says, "So I'll leave it to your leaders to dole out the punishment...er...prizes." You exclaim in Rakash, "Thank you all for coming tonight!" Vixonia nods at Vadivat, obviously agreeing with his views. Casimira looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Okskeris says to Roodie in Rakash, "I may or may not be one." Rhadyn gruffly says, "I hope you all had fun." Shumos says, "Thanks." Stelling says, "Good times good times." Roodie says, "I'd prefer someone who'll use it take it." Stelling nods. Vixonia exclaims to Vadivat, "You and me both!" Roodie says to Okskeris, "All yers hon." Emyrose gazes at her fingernails. Voksrig says, "May the spirits watch over you all, and may you keep the great pack close." Allye perks her ears up happily as she gazes at you. Vixonia exclaims, "Let's hear it for Raiael!! Our wonderful hostess!" You beam at Allye! Voksrig bows his head in acknowledgement. Agalea raises an eyebrow in Emyrose's direction. Allye looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Hebion looks at you and applauds! Emyrose says to you, "Thank you for all your hard work in setting this up." Roodie says, "A big thank ya ta' our hosts again." Emyrose says to Karturis, "And to you and the rest of the Black Fox." Stelling looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Rhadyn gruffly says, "If you all want to learn how to use a bow better feel free to join the barbarian guild." Rhadyn whistles a merry tune. Vixonia exclaims, "And to everyone else who has helped to make this event so much fun!" Stelling looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Stelling looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Agalea exclaims to you, "You did well again!" Agalea looks at you, praising you and supporting you with her approval. You say in Rakash, "Lets get a round of applause for our judges." You grin. Roodie says to you, "Aye, thank ya fer all ya' did ta' get us 'ere." Rirsti nods. Hebion applauds. You say in Rakash, "Vix, Kaelie, Allye and Stelling." You grin. You let out a loud "Huzzah!" Roodie looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Okskeris gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Okay, I'm gonna run. You all have fun." You say in Rakash, "Thank you Rhadyn for all your help." Kaelie grins at Agalea. Rhadyn nods to you. You grin at Rhadyn. Kaelie nods to Karturis. Kaelie gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Rhadyn ponders. Vixonia says, "Be well, all! I am heading for town." Roodie chuckles at Rhadyn. Casimira exclaims, "Take care everyone!" Casimira waves. You exclaim in Rakash, "Good night everyone!" Agalea throws her head back and lets out a fierce roar of pride! Karturis laughs! You grin. You wave. Roodie throws his head back and howls! Vadivat throws his head back and howls! Hebion shakes his head. Vadivat says, "Shame this moot wasn't held in Trueskin." You grin. Vadivat turns his gaze to the sky for a few moments. You nod to Vadivat. Stelling chuckles. Rhadyn coughs. Rhadyn gruffly says, "Bye all." You say in Rakash, "Last moot we all were." You nod to Vadivat. Emyrose says, "I should take care of a bit of paperwork. Be well all." Agalea exclaims, "Softskin is truely the better form. Less fuzz in my fine cloths!" You laugh! Stomper Rhadyn wandered over to a worn path. Allye grins. Allye giggles. You chuckle at Karturis. You say in Rakash, "Be well."