Regions - Sartar
- The New Campaign - Campaign Chronicles

Episode 1: Blazing the Trail Scene 1: Farewell to Skorri

Skorri Manysons, Urlanging Clan Chief
Cedric the Fox, Orlanthi Swashbuckler
Skerri Bright-Spear, Vingan Vixen
Per Rasmussen, Odalyan Scout
Bjarni Bare-skin, Kolating Shaman
Orlev Ice-eyes, Humakt/Lhankor Mhy Law Enforcer
Blunt Ash-bjorn, chief of the departing clans-people
Una Oxen Lover, Priestess of Uralda

(NPC)
Doug Stich
Oliver
Arne
Jeff
Jeff
(NPC)
(NPC)

As Cedric, Skerri and Per arrange themselves on the stools before Skorri's High Chair, Orlev Ice-eyes enters and moves to stand to Skorri's left. Skorri himself is deep in discussion with Bjarni Bare-skin, gesturing at a piece of parchment (and apparently oblivious to Bjarni's 'perfume'). Glancing around, careful eyes note that all the Sacred Time regalia has disappeared, and at a much earlier date than normal. A strange Sacred Time it was as well. Here Skorri talking about standing up to the Pharaoh but all the sacrifices going into travel luck and good health for cows and kids. Kind of made one think it does. Meanwhile, Skorri and Bjarni appear to be arguing over something but Skorri waves their talk to a halt as the last are seated.

I've talked things over with Blunt and he's agreed that he wants an advance party to go out now, scout out the trail up the Marzeel River and negotiate and confirm passage rights over each clan's Tula. Now, we've already managed to get permission from most of the nearby clans. Even the Lonisi have agreed to let you pass as they want no trouble from our tribe until their friend the Pharoah [ptui] arrives but I wouldn't expect them to hold to that agreement if you're still in their lands come Fire Season. Urrr, who would have thought that the Lonisi would accept the Pharaoh's offer, aint right I tell you but I wander from my trail.

The big job will be to negotiate passage rights through the Balmyr Tula. I've got no sway with them but there's no way north short of crossing their land, least-wise assumin' you're not fool enough to try and troop through Beast Valley. As it happens, a trader from the Balmyr is buying cattle in Smithstone right now and he's agreed to travel back with you to his lands. Right glad he should be too, considering how few men and how many cows he's trying to move.

I want you lot to hurry on over to Smithstone and introduce yourself to this Korol the Tight. Make yourself useful and in a couple of days Orlev here and a couple of the boys will meet you in Smithstone with the gift train. Now, Bjarni has some news about the places you'll be travelling to. Speak to them Bjarni.

Spreads a map out in front of everyone.

The first obstacle you will have to cross is the Balmyr Tula. There's not too much good or bad to say about them. They squeeze each tribe that crosses their land for every sliver of silver or animal hair they can get, specially these days when so many people are desperate to get into Dragon Pass. But that's just greed. Once a deal is stuck they stick to it mostly.

Just north of the Balmyr, the lands turns harder and there's nought there but the occasional dragonnewt. Oh a few nasties to be sure but nothing that should be able to bother a large body of armed men. Still, do nothing to attract unnecessary attention as war parties from the Grazelands or Trolls could be about.

North of there lies the land of the Colymar. They are a hard but fair people. Not too terribly keen on all the strangers settling near them but they don't do much other than collect a bit of tribute. The real problem is just past them, the Malani. The Malani are as vicious as bunch of killers as you're likely to set eye on. They already forced a couple of the new clans who settled in their area into near thrall status and would dearly love more subjects so they could devote themselves even more fully to raiding and warring. And the Malani are bad news since you have to get past them to any empty lands and they settlement I've suggested it close to their tula.

Now, you may know that I have a bit of the gift, and can sometimes see things from afar or what is to be. And trust me, I've looked into how our fate and that of the Malani are mixed, but from all I can see the Malani will make no obstacle to our settlement. Don't quite believe this myself so I've advised Blunt to take a slightly more dangerous route to the new clan site in the Lorthing Valley. Dangerous because the land is a little harder and newly settled. But as long as you look mean, move fast, mind your manners and make it clear you're just passing through, maybe having a small party moving ahead with gifts to sweeten people's dispositions and well ... people should leave you be and you'll be out of reach of the Malani the whole way until you actually reach the settlement ground. Get yourself built in fast and maybe we'll be too strong and too far for the Malani to bother with. Maybe.

And the Malani aren't the only danger up there. There's Tusk Riders, who are nothing but trouble, and Animal People who like to raid, especially those Telmori, and there's bad bad chaos up to the north. The winter's are even worse than any of these but aside from that it's a nice enough place. Close to the sky and free. A man could do worse or a woman for that matter.

Anyway, I'll be pushing along ahead of the lot of you and will scout out possible settlement sites. I should meet you somewhere between there and the Balmyr lands depending how fast each of us moves.

Cedric looks towards Skerri. At her nod he accepts the Storm Feather. Careful not to wave it about he secures it with a leather thong and hangs it about his neck, tucking under his jerkin.

I have a couple of suggestions. First, Bjarni, I know that you can travel much faster than us once we are saddled with the trader and his goods, but it would be useful if you could travel with us at least as far as Smithstone. It would be very valuable if you could relate to us as much as possible about the route and its people.

Cedric sends an appraising glance towards Orlev.

Waits for arguments against this and proceeds as none come.

Well, then I guess it's settled, then. I'll take the lead in travel, heeding Bjarni's advice and my father's guidance, as well as in matters of war.

Good bye again old man. See you in Orlanth's hall. 

Then visibly wiping tears from his eyes, Cedric departs the room.

When next we meet father I expect to admire your collection of trophies taken from the Pharoah. 

Skorri returns the salute and then she turns and leaves the hall.

Did you notice who wasn't there? he asks. The man who is supposed to be our clan chief. Cedric raises an eyebrow towards Skerri. At Skerri's shrug he nods. Right, I'm not starting out life under a new clan chief by setting off under someone elses authority - even if they did 'talk it over'. I'm off to see Blunt and I suggest the rest of you come with me.

Per retrieves a miniature arrow from a small compartment on the side of his quiver and drops to his knee. 

As the clan aided Gunnar, so do I aid you, he says as he presents the arrow to Skerri, Like the head of this arrow, I will clear your path and like the fletching I will stabilize your flight should the need arise. I will serve until my last breath or until you dismiss me by breaking this token in two. So I swear by the Hunter and the Father.

Per places the miniature arrow in Skerri's hand, stands and moves over by Cedric.

I accept your service Per as you give it and I promise in turn that my steps will not falter from our clan's chosen path and the day they do I will release you from your service.

Moving over to Per she claps him on the shoulder, grins broadly and says, 

Come let us go and swear fealty to my husband and see what he would have of us.

As you move over to the animal yards, a crowd of clans people can be seen, and as you get closer the sound of Una’s voice (bellows?) can be easily made out.

The crowd opens to allow the scout party through and one might well wonder what all the smirks are about.

And this here is Betsy (slaps a cow). She’s an excellent milker though has a bit of a sour disposition if she’s disturbed too early in the morning. Good walker though and a proven record of strong off-spring. Shall we take her?

(catches sight of the scout party)

Skerri my love. I think you’ve been swindled. This useless oaf can’t tell a holstein from a heifer. He better be very good in other departments if you’re to keep him. Though should you tire of him throw him my way. Put a little meat on his bones and he might be interesting.

Whacks Blunt on the shoulder.

Well, you sort this out with your sweetie and I’ll get back to work. Expect you might want to spend a little time with her now seeing as she’s going off tomorrow, if you know what I mean.

Staggers Blunt with an elbow to the ribs and heads off into the thick of the cow pen, shouting orders at the crowd who rapidly move off to avoid being drafted into service.

Bjarni digs out several Vrok feathers from his pack giving some to Blunt and, at Blunts nod, the rest to Skerri.  

These Vrok feathers hold wind spirits who will carry your words to their mate. There a feather for Skorri, Skerri, Blunt and myself.  I should warn you though the feather can only be used once so the message best be urgent.

Cedric turns towards Blunt. 

Well chief, we just got your instructions for the advanced party from Skorri and Bjarni. Anything you wanted to add to that before we set out?

Tomorrow I must ride with Una to select the rest of our herd so I won't be able to see you off.  Know that much depends on your success. Our hopes ride with you.  May Orlanth guide your steps and your tongues.

Now be off with you as I have some 'final matters' to plan with Skerri.

To you, our leader, freely chosen before Orlanth, I swear that all my efforts shall be dedicated to the good of our clan.  You can count on me to do my best or to die trying.

Since my father has already taken Gunnar's Oath to you, Blunt, I am already bound to the clan's service. I will swear another if you feel it necessary.

Turns and gestures to the assembled.

Now be off with you all, say and do the things you must for on the morrow you leave these lands forever.

Per salutes his chief and turns toward home for the last time.

And on that next morning, Skorri and other members of the Clan Ring see you off.  Everyone is careful to say 'Until we meet again.' but in your hearts you know you should be saying 'Farewell.'

End of Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Scence 4 Scene 5