Game Date: 16-22 Harvestmonth, 994 KC; Play Date: 11/11/2000
16 Harvestmonth (continued): Al-Zaki loaned Ruqayyah his powerstone to practice with while casting her spells. He wouldn't need it until he assumed human form again, which he couldn't do before healing much more. He felt up to traveling (slowly, at least), so they decided to move as soon as possible. They planned to travel to Berigissel (by way of the Ranae, the Rift, and Farvale) in order to seek Mistress Theolodia's help.
Darra and Laylah talked with Umok, and tried to explain about Rashira, and that they had to leave now. Umok and Darra exchanged blessings, and the Mynars bellowed praises of Darra and Klur as the women and dragon departed. The party reached the end of the canyon, and used their previous campsite just outside of it.
17 Harvestmonth: They continued. That night, Darra dreamed that she was being chased at night by a large, dark warhorse being ridden by an armored figure.
18 Harvestmonth: Darra told Laylah about her dream, and spent the day pondering. Laylah, being superstitious about dreams, tried even harder to "be vigilant." Darra had the same dream again that night.
During her watch, Ruqayyah experimented with trying to shapeshift into an owl, a spell she did not yet know. She failed, but began to make a habit of trying to work out the spell during rest periods on their journey.
19 Harvestmonth: Laylah speculated that Darra saw something that's going to happen, or that someone is chasing the Asanos (which Darra is carrying), or (least likely) that they're just being paranoid.
Al-Zaki had eaten little the past few days, and began foraging for brush and the like just for bulk. The women expressed concerned about when he would be able to hunt for himself. Ruqayyah tried to hunt, but caught nothing. Al-Zaki felt improved enough to try hunting that night, and left early in the night to do so.
Darra's dream recurred, but with more detail: the rider was closer, and she could see moonlight glinting off platemail. He wore no helm, and she couldn't see his face, but she had the impression of dark hair and beard.
20 Harvestmonth: The party decided it might be best to try someone else carrying the Asanos for a while. Naima gets the short lot, so takes it for the day.
That night, Naima dreamed: She saw the horse and rider crest a hill, then charge. She ran, and just as the horse was about to reach her, she woke.
21 Harvestmonth: Ruqayyah volunteered to carry it. As she took it, she said, "What are you, evil little thing?" in a tone of voice that forced a laugh from Laylah. Darra suggested that Laylah not take a turn carrying it--she has "her own dreams." After this day's magic healing, Al-Zaki has recovered his full strength, so Ruqayyah persuaded him to resume giving her magic lessons. They reached the Dvesti River by evening, and camped near their previous site.
Ruqayyah dreamed of the horseman, who chased her in cat form. She turned and charged herself, leaping over the horse's head at the rider, and trying to cast Itch while in the air. She saw that the horse's eyes glowed red, and that the man's breastplate was marked (a dent?), but could see nothing of his face beyond the hair and beard. Just as she was about to land on his chest, she saw something slither across his neck, and she woke up.
22 Harvestmonth: Ruqayyah speculates that the rider was the person who took the Asanos in the first place; if the slithering thing was a snake, Laylah guesses that it was a manifestation of the influence of Zukuvor (demon god of lies, deception and snakes). Helledoth knew that the rebel prince Ormenlind had been found dead on the battlefield, but did not know what he looked like, or the disposition of his corpse. Laylah and Darra conjectured that someone was sacrificed to corrupt the Asanos, and that his blood stains it. Laylah wishes to consult Rashira before carrying the Asanos herself.
That night, Laylah meditated in order to talk with Rashira. "Lady, who is this man who haunts the dreams of my friends?" "The thief Ormenlind--or a part of him." He can only harm them if they are careless. Laylah asked whether carrying the Asanos would interfere with the dreams the goddess sends her. The demon attacks in this way because it is thwarted for now. It cannot block Her words to Laylah unless she allows it to. There is no reason that she should not carry it--and that may be safer for her friends.
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This page last revised 3/5/2001. | Copyright 2001 Timothy E. Emrick. | time@sluggy.net