The caravan members have decided to bed down here, since most of the day has been spent rebuilding Will or poking around the jungle.

Konnur, Nuyok and Lekchock, Riccoco and Angilak all emerge from the forest in late afternoon from three different directions. They suddenly notice each other. Konnur barks a sardonic laugh. "No luck, either?"

Will is busy refining and replacing bits of himself, a process he assures everyon is no slight to their heroic efforts, but he has many, many decades of experience doing this, and he has to continually upkeep his body anyway.

Umbra is busily preparing an early supper, singing an odd tune in soft tones. She has a lovely singing voice.

Cas appears to be sleeping soundly.

Kor is looking about somewhat aimlessly.

Cadbury appears to be in deep conversation with Kent. The few snatches of conversation appear to be related to Yara, religious dogma, and political relations.

The surviving animals look like they will be able to haul their goods in the morning. You will need to take it easy but they were mostly suffering the effects of a poison which seems to have to run its course.

Mister Bergen appraoches Riccoco and Angilak. "Your friend has taken my horse, and my other was slain by the wretched Yaraza. Your cart was smashed in that same encounter. I propose that you allow me the use of your horse until such time as I can buy a new one, and in return I shall bear your cargo. It will ride better and be more protected than in Miss Beka's open cart..."

Ricco chuckles back to Konnur, squinting suspiciously (though grinning) at Nuyok, "Ayuh, the Bear an' Ol' Riccoco be doin' a bit o' lookin'. We be havin' time o' the morn... could be helpin' each other a piece may give more bounty inna the en'!"

Ricco chuckles and elbows Angilak's shin. This begets another vicious scowl.

.oO(He ain' no Red. What fun be jestin' wit' a gian' anyways?

I hope you an' yer sire be bein' well, Faliol.)

Nuyok will give a nod and wink toward Ricco, and nonchalantly drift into camp.

Riccoco responds. He pauses a moment to glance up at Angilak, but thinks better of it. "The use o' your cart for the use o' our horse. It be a square deal."

The plucky 'coon pauses and grins up at Angilak. "A good thing for a great Beast as yourself, Angilak. We be portin' the cargo to Master Bergen's cart, then! Mayhap, a bit o' Sangilak Gold for the strong arm that be lendin' a hand?"

Bergen directs Konnur to help with the transfer, while he attends to the horse personally.

"This 'Gold' is good stuff," he says conversationally. "Is that your cargo?"

"Ol' Riccoco wouldn' be goin' so far to be sayin' the barrels be full o' the Sangiyok Gold." He pauses, lowering a barrel to Bergen's cart. He takes a moment to look over the Merchant's own cargo. Does it have any markings on the barrels (such as Tallon Brewer's Guild)?

"It be a new hash o' the Great Beast o' Adalla. He be lookin' for a new Market an' Ol' Riccoco the Beast to fin' it for 'im."

"Did it occur to any of you that we might need help here? That we might have been attacked by Stones knows what? We are in the wilds if you had not noticed!" Beka's voice gets more shill and frantic with every word. "What's the use of having guards if they don't guard?" She turns abruptly and in a much more civil tone, "Umbra, Handle always cooked for my crew. Might I contribute food and ask you to show me what to do?"

"Ah Beka, we have not abandoned you or the caravan, we have simply been on reconnaissance nearby, keeping watch on potential hazards..."

Ricco exclaims! "Don' be frettin' none, Miss Beka. This 'coon be a mere merchant an' not a bit o' help when it comes to the clashin' o' the blade, no how." He winks and grins ambling closer to the Hamilton Caravan Leader. "Iffin' you be needin' to hire a guard, though..." He pauses to slap his sabre emphatically, "Ol' Riccoco be an able Scout an' Guard now-a-days..."

"Mayhap, we be needin' to be readjustin' the duties o' this 'Coon, eh?" Ricco wiggles his hips making his coin purse jangle mournfully.

"Perhaps you should have thought of that when you turned my down the first time. I believe it was something about a pinkie who was going to steal all the profits from the animal folk? And, by your own word you're not much in a fight!" Beka grins and turns back to Umbra. She then quickly turns back, "However, by the looks of you, you like to eat. Can you cook?" She looks at him helplessly holding her sword to cut up vegetables.

Ricco spreads his leathery-padded paws wide in a Universal gesture of innocence. "Ol' Ricocco be thinkin' we be havin' one o' those mistalkin's, Miss Beka. This 'Coon was referrrin' natural-like back to sellin' 'is Dream Leaf in Adala. Now, Ol' Riccoco be offerin' 'is services as Guide an' Guard in this most dangerous location. He be understandin' the misspeak an' all. It only be a natural thing." The plucky 'Coon attempts an ingratiating smile but, as usual it comes off mostly as his same old annoying grin.

"Cook, you be sayin'? Iffin't it be a bit o' tubers an' ant pie, Ol' Riccoco may be doin' a good thin' for ya. Ol' Riccoco always be eatin' it raw, though."

"I didn't mishear. And you didn't misspeak. You don't trust "pinkies". Remember? And, raw won't do."

"Now, Miss Beka... Ol' Riccoco be doin' no thing but be helpin' the Hamilton Caravan from a ways back at Tallon. Time an' time agian, this 'Coon be scoutin', Guardin' an' all aroun' doin' all he can be doin' to be helpin' out his fellow Merchant folk." Ricco nods encouragingly, trying to bring Beka into his speech ever the more. "All this, a fair share o' what the res' be doin' for good coin with no wages. None! Can you be seein' the righ' o' that?"

His shoulders sag and he sighs pitifully, "Ol' Riccoco never be callin' Miss Beka a Pink, either."

"I asked you to work for me, way back that first night in Tallon. I told you my wages. You thought they were unfair and decided not to join my employ. You went on your own. You have helped out, tremendously, but you are still on your own. I give full shares of profit to everyone in my caravan. You thought that wasn't enough. It's not my fault that I ended up being a better merchant than you bargained for and my people got paid well. Good luck in your new trade. I'm proud to be travelling with a fellow merchant."

Ricco sighs again. He was well aware that Miss Beka offered him work at the beginning. Back then, he wasn't even sure he'd be forced to join Hamilton Caravan to Adalla. And then, when he'd learnt of it, the differences in peddling about the Sabre River Valley were a world different than the Lizard Road! How was the poor 'Coon to know he'd come to call these Pinks and Beasts friends? Come to care about them more deeply than any of the Bray (excepting his beloved Chukichiis, of course)?

Somehow, this bratty Pink had gotten the best of him. He'd continue to know these people he was sure, might even join them on future trips (depending on how well his current scheme ended). Next time though, he'd be well paid for his services!

'As you be sayin' Miss Beka..." Ricco lets out a sad slow breath and scuffs his foot against the ground. "Ol' Riccoco will be finishin' stowin' 'is cargo with Master Bergen. then. Be havin' good luck with the cookin' there."

.oO(Let's see what happens when she needs scouting done next time!)

As Riccoco takes leave of Beka, Angilak approaches him.
"Esteemed Comrade. There is a puzzling cnundrum which perplexes my knotted brow. You seem to be a dichotomy of oppositions. You strive for economic equity with the humans, yet place yourself in a position entirely subordinate."
Seeing confusion or hesitation upon the raccoon's face, he continues, "Allow me to elucidate. You are no mere trader, but a merchant, no? Now that you trade between cities instead of within but one, you have earned that title. You carry your own goods, or are partnered with same. Yet you ask the other merchant for a job?
"Now I realize that the pulchritudinous one yonder has advantages of initial wealth, and can afford to hire guards and scouts of her own. Yet her risks are as yours. When you scout, you protect yourself as well. But instead of a fellow merchant shouldering a share of the labor, you seek to enter her employ. I had thought your pride too high for that. Or do I misunderstand the nature of the situation, being somewhat new come to the group?"

Ricco replies incredulously. The fact obviously hadn't occurred to the Raccoon. He glances down and adjusts his leather vest. After a moment he nods, "Ol' Riccoco be thinkin' you be havin' the right o' it, Mister Angilak. This 'Coon had ideas o' makin' a bit o' spendin' cash by doin' the lot o' what he was already doin'. As a Merchant (He obviously relishes the term), it be my duty aneh-ways!"

Ricco chuckles contentedly, satisfied he's finally made something of himself, even though eh'd already done it, just hadn't looked at it from that perspective. Then, it hits him... "The pride o' Ol' Riccoco might o' taken a bit o' a dip! By the Toad! Miss Beka be doin' this 'Coon a favor withou' the knowin' o' it!" He chuckles harder, obviously pleased with himself and Angilak's observations. "Ol' Riccoco be gettin' the best o' them at the worst o' times!"

Vagrant rests his weary body and enjoys Umbra's song. If she glances his way he pretends not to notice.

Shortly after returning to camp, Nuyok will let Vagrant know they had no success in locating the book, but have marked the area for future exploration, including of what appeared to be the Yaraza camp nearby.

Perception
3d6: 3, 1, 4 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2)

Celeste notices Vagrant pretending not to notice Umbra, but pretends not to notice his obvious 'not-noticing'.

[EDITED on Mon May 17, 2004 @8:46 AM (PDT)]

OOC: I hadn't noticed.

Ever suspicious, Nuyok will take some time to casually examine those others who apparently searched for the book to see whether they might have such an item in their possession.

Spirit Sight, 13-
3d6: 2, 5, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Wed May 12, 2004 @3:15 PM (EDT)

Looking casually about, it does not appear that anyone has such an item in their possession. However, it would not be hard to hide, even from Spirit Sight. The very low level aurai it might have, you would gain from actually reading the pages, and even then only with Psychometry. Other than that, it would seem to be a normal sheaf of papers.
You have not noticed a large sheaf of papers in anyone's possession either.

"Could you keep it down, I was having a nice dream about a swim in the lake," Cas says with a yawn. Then she sees Riccoco and Beka at ends, "Oh man, what did the coon do THIS time?"

"It looks like we have done all we can here, and it is time to head on to the fort, yes?"

"If all's done, make no sense ta stay 'round 'ere, no? Where we goin' anyway?"

"We are not ready to go. You may not have noticed but your scouting took most of the day. Meanwhile, we were desperately trying to put Will back together. We are staying the night here and will leave in the morning. I am still trying to cook something for my caravan. Handle always took care of that and I'm afraid your punishment is going to be that you will have to eat whatever it is I am cooking. Umbra, what am I cooking?"

Nuyok strolls away and rolls his eyes, looking for a place to rest in the shade.

Celeste observes the verbal sparring between Beka, Riccoco and Nuyok without comment.

OOC: LOL, being on the trail so long, one can only expect a little inter-party friction

OOC: Like whoever it was talking in their sleep last night.....something about 'berry ale.....and a round table.....??

"Beka," Cas says approaching and remaining very quiet. "If we have one cart I won't need to drive. I can be a guard to make sure that your cargo remains your cargo."

"You haven't lost your job. I still need you just as much as before. Ricco's just upset because business was good in Adala. Better than he thought it would be and he wishes he had a cut. Even if it is a cut from a pinkie."

"No you misunderstand," Cas corrects. "I'm saying that since I will not have to drive, would you like it if I kept a close eye on your cargo in their cart to make sure the count remains the same in the end? I trust them, mind you, but already one of them hid something from us."

it would be welcome.

Beka's Wagon, the Ox-pulled one that holds your trade goods is fine. the one that was smashed belongs to Angilak and was bearing the cargo for himself and Riccoco. Their cargo is the one stored within Bergen's Wagon.
Cas still has a job, and the cargo of the Hamilton Wagon is OK.

[EDITED on Thu May 13, 2004 @11:10 PM (PDT)]

After settling down in a restful position, Nuyok will speak out "Kor, it seems you may be feeling without purpose, with the Yaraza dealt with. Do you have a plan? Any people to return to? I am sure you can accompany us back to Tallon, and you would have many options once there."

"Kor is uncertain. He was a slave for years, and now his captors and tormentors lie dead and rotting in the forest. Kor wishes to return to his homeland, but cannot return in shame. A slave has lost all honor, all face. It has helped some that Kor was able to aid in his own escape and revenge, but if Kor is to return home as a man, he must have honor, glory, and a tale to tell."
He pauses.
"Where you go, is there a chance of danger and reward? Of riches and glory? If so, then Kor will travel your road. If not, then he must travel a different path."

"I do not know if our road holds money riches, but we are rich in friendship and comrades. I do not know if we will have glory pronounced about us but we have plenty of private glory," giving her caravan a knowing smile. "You are welcome to join us. I need another guard. Especially if you can cook!"

"Danger, definitely. Riches, maybe." Nuyok smirks.

As the afternoon begins to wear into evening, a rain begins to fall. It is slow but steady, and elicits groans from the more seasoned travellers. Bergen confirms, "Rain is not good now. We have to cross the mud flats tomorrow. We'll be at a crawl if it gets too heavy. The road is high and flat for the most part, but there are still areas it gets tricky. At least it'll keep the damn flies down."
Cadbury says, "We should have left at noon when we were all regathered."
Dashel replies, "No, 'alf our beasts were still recoverin', and 'alf our party was up 'alf the night rebuilding the wicker man. We woulda been caught on the mudflats at night inna worst part, at the closes' approach to Black Lake. We should be able to clear the lake by early afternoon, long as this don't turn into a downpour."

The camp begins to prepare for rain. Oil cloaks are drawn up or tented. Bergen retreats to his covered wagon, but keeps the door open. He has a large awning that he graciously allows any to gather beneath. It makes for intimate quarters but some are unable to join.
Dashel sits apart, the rain running off his quills. "Don't fret for me; I'm pretty waterproof. But I don't make squeezable company, you know?"
Will also remains outside the shelter. "Don't worry, friend. I can stand the rain and will keep you company."

Through concerted effort, the cookfire is kept going. Cas finds a large sheet of bark that acts as a lean-to over the makeshift hearth. Umbra gently guides Beka's clumsy attempt to prepare dinner, and although those who watch carefully know she gives lion's credit to Beka, she obviously was the master chef. A stew flavored with some local roots is soon being passed around. With warm bellies and close bodies, the tension begins to ease somewhat.

Any public conversations could be inserted here, but I am advancing the action to morning.

Eventually all drift off to sleep, save the watches. It is the first peacful night since you left Adala. No creatures attack, no enemies threaten. The only thing that nags the party is, "how long will the rains continue? Will they get worse?"

Morning arrives, and althugh the rain has not increased, neither has it disappeared. The camp is broken and the caravan is harnessed.

To alleviate some confusion: Only one animal died. The others have some minor wounds or were only suffering from panic or what turned out to be a very temporary poison. It is your suspicion that there were a variety of drugs and poisons on those stars.
Kent's cart and horse are intact.
Beka's Wagon and oxen are inact, though one of the oxen will have to be nursed along a bit.
Bergen lost a horse, but borrowed the one belonging to Angilak, since the bear's cart was smashed. In return, he is carrying the compact cargo that Angilak and Riccoco are transporting.

Of the party that started out, you have lost a horse, a cart, Arkis, Drummel, Jareek, Faliol and poor Handle.
Of your guides, only Beka, and the Bergen crowd have travelled this route before. Cas claims she has, but can't remember it clearly.

Those who were wounded in the encounters with the Yaraza were all within the healing capabilities of Master Nuyok.

Feel free to react to any, all or none of the above. I will advance the action, but leave room for conversations to have taken place.

OOC: Forget all about the Riven, he wasn't that important anyway so he wasn't considered a loss is that it?

OOC: ... would still have jerk in it.

I think Keith was talking about the losses since we left Adala. My man Rath didn't make the trip...

The trip from Adala. Rath never left.

OOC: What Riven? Rath who? Out of sight, out of mind!

Ricco stays under the protection of Bergen's awning for a time. Abruptly, he stands, grabs his oilskin cloak and the rumpled wineskin he'd brought from Tallon so long ago. It had been refilled in Adala, but much of it was drank before that first fateful evening the Yaraza attacked under the cover of night. Armed with these items, the plucky Raccoon moves to join the Animate and Porcupine.

"Mister Dashel," he announces. "Ol' Riccoco bought a bit o' the drink to be askin' for a bit o' forgiveness. Your horn be lost when that Yaraza Dog attacked me." He offers the skin, "MInd iffin' Ol' Riccoco be joinin' you?"

Lekchock remains as forward scout, braving the rain and swinging through the trees as if the rain wasn't making branches slick. Often the party catches up to him while he is squating on the ground poking some new find with a stick, trying to figure out what it is. It's usually a piece of cloth, a buckle, or some other shinny trinket that must have fallen off a previous caravan. As he notices the party getting closer he turns back gives a smile and takes off again.

Just to confirm, everyone, including Nuyok's hand, were able to be healed over this time, but for maybe minor scrapes?

OOC: I believe so. Some people are living on spirit healing, but all are up to full form.
Riccoco suffered a bit from his fall, and was at about 1/2 BOD.
Celeste and Beka received very minor wounds in the final showdown, IIRC. These healed easily.
Cas' spider bite was mainly a tranquilizing venom. The bite itself wasn't bad.
Nuyok's hand was a good hit, but Spirit Healing has made up the difference.
Bergen is only ambulatory because of Healing.

If Bergen is wounded again, he cannot be healed.
Riccoco and Nuyok should be careful not to get injured for awhile, though they are unlikely to be in mortal peril.
Wickersticks is busy increasing his body and DEF, which are both reduced due to inexpert reconstruction.

Out of curiosity, In my combat decriptions, I have kept the numbers somewhat hidden, hinting at them with descriptive text. Also, in some cases, I have re-ordered events for dramatic re-telling, though I have not done so in a way that would invalidate any rolls or actions.

Is everyone happy with this, or would you like to see more of the mechanics?

OOC: Who needs mechanics, tell the story

What he said!

OOC: No real need to see the mechanics, as long as Nuyok can tell whether to try to heal someone, a little hard to tell sometimes, but some of that is probably realistic.

OOC: Carry on! 1/2 BOD?

Who woulda thunk it? All that work... I thought Ricco was too lazy and anti-hooman to do anything nice for the Pinky's.

OOC: 1/2 Bod before any healing. THere was plenty of time for Nuyok to patch you up. Healing cannot be doned on healed damage, however. This means if Nuyok can grant 8 Bod total, and gave you five, he can only heal three more until you have had time to naturally regain the five.

As the rain continues to fall throughout the night, Celeste, remembering the last rain in the jungle, keeps her ears tuned for sounds of the giant ambulatory plants....