UNDER A DARKSUN: ELEMENTS

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 030
“THE RAAM-DRAJ CONFLICT”
07/02/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE NOMAD
DAY: 21
KA: 190

Koe remains vigilant as the farmer, pulling his cart of “fresh” roots and edibles comes towards them from Raam. The King’s Road remains eerily quiet. “Do not bother with Raam. They are excepting no merchants today….. I suspect especially merchants from Draj.”

“What do you…kik.kik. mean?” asks Drak.

“There are rumors of conflict building between Abalach-Re and Tectuktitlay…. Raam and Draj.” Yaesha reveals. “Yadda warned me of it when she visited the compound.”

“Thankyou for telling us.” Mumbles Choro….. really and truly missing his mount. Damned Urikitte agents.

“Anything else we should know about?” asks the cheerful and smiling Tiefling- Olan.

“No. We go on. The water cask used for emergencies for the mounts has a leak. We need the water.”

“We are near Raam….. there are many small but available deposits of water. We just need to ask.”

“We go.” Yaesha demands.

“Then we go.” Follows Koe.

There are few farmers and people in the fields. Even slaves seem to make only a rare appearance…. But always with a handler carrying a whip. Koe doesn’t show it but he has many thoughts about freeing the slaves. Many.

Raam is a city of un-rest and paranoia. From the view point of Draj, Raam is a city where disease breaks out often. Their sewer systems are too shallow and close to the city’s main water supply. To Raam, Draj was the first to call attention to the plague and thus they are the closest to it….. aka the epic center of it. Either way, each city and its ruler are more than willing to start a battle using the plague as a reason to blame ill of the other.

The Tsalaxa caravan, though very small, draws out six templars at the Raamian gate. Others including a dozen half-giants can be seen behind cloth and wood screens and curtains nearby.

“What do you have Drajian scum?!?” sneers the woman.

“Nothing for trade. We seek water for the animals. Possible food for ourselves.”

“You have crates! What are you hiding?!?” and six templars sweep out to the cart. Koe places a hand on his belt where his sling is kept. In return, an old man, still a templar, pulls out a wand and keeps it pointed on the mul.

Yaesha frowns as he hears the templars go through the cart. The carefully rolled and bound silk colored cloth is thrown onto the sand and unrolls as it bounces to a stop 15 feet away. Choro goes to pick it up but a templar steps between him and the cloth. Many crates are opened. Olan notices the templars keep pushing one with blue scuff marks on it to the side to gain access to cleaner and better looking crates under it.

“If you prefer we go else where then we must.” States a red-faced Yaesha.

“Take your diseased crap and return home with it Drajian dog.” And the templar woman spits to the ground.

Several hundred feet away Koe, without looking up asks “If you knew this would happen then why did we come?”

“To gauge the problem.”

And Koe allows a slight tilt of his head for a response. “and…?”

“It is bad. Unless something is done soon there will be war.”

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 031
“THE CURSE OF BLACK WATERS”
07/02/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE NOMAD
DAY: 22
KA: 190

They are making camp once more. This is a new area for the team. Normally they travel south from Raam towards Silver Springs but not this time. They have gone further West towards Urik.

Olan goes to relieve himself when he notices there is water under the piles of small rocks that make up the Stoney Barrens. Kicking a few aside, he notes the water is dark and inky. “Water!”

Yaesha turns quickly- “Don’t drink it! Don’t even touch it!”

“Is it poisoned? Is this what is causing the trouble?”

“The food is almost ready. I will explain it to you then.”

Darkness comes and the group break out blankets. From over 110 it has dropped to nearly 80 already as the dark sun drops below the horizon.

“The lands north and south Urik are filled with small ruins. Most are surviving basements and foundations of farmers homes from the ‘war’. Others are larger. One of the largest is about 10 miles north of here. It is the city ruins of Yaramuke.”

“What happened to it?” asks Olan in true curiousity.

“Some say the ruler, a powerful female defiler, performed a magic rite that destroyed the city. Others say other rulers, including Hamanu of Urik, attacked and destroyed her and the city. Either way, during certain powerful sand storms, the ruins can be exposed. It is dangerous but people do try to plunder it. Few return but when they do, they have more gold, treasure and wonderous things than they can carry.”

Choro speaks up without lifting his head. “Not all. Some become cursed.”

“True. When these ruins are exposed, magics “leak” out and pollute the area. This is one of the more famous places. The uncontrolled magic has cursed and poisoned a small lake of water once said to be crystal clear and filled with fish to eat. The water flows out and seeps onto the surface for miles especially to the south. It remains safe from the heat of the sun by the miles of stones and rocks here.”

“What kind of klik- curse is it?” asks Drak wondering if he will try to look for food or remain within the camp this time.

“You become mindless and seek the flesh of others to join you. Some of the clerics refer to them as ‘zombies’. A type of undead I believe.”

Everyone goes to sleep with their weapons nearby and readied.

Hours after the midnight Drak hears the first one.

The sound of a stone grinding against another. Something is walking through the Stoney Barrens and disturbing stones as it comes. Drak is quick to awaken everyone including a harder than meant kick to Koe. “They come.”

Drak points to the source of the sound. The creature is not being stealthy. It lumbers slowly over the uneven ground. It occasionally disturbs a stone making it clack or grind against another.

“oh…..crap.” mumbles Olan looking beyond the creature. Dozens of the creatures are coming their way.

“They very rarely come this far south without a storm…….. take them down. They are slow but if they get too close they will easily overwhelm you and the mounts.” Commands Yaesha.

Yaesha hits one with three arrows and drops to its knees and finally down. More come. A pebble whistles from Koe’s sling and makes a liquidly thump as it strikes the face and embeds itself within a cheek and eye socket. Olan and Drak wait until they get closer and within range. Choro has no intension of this. He visualizes the horde in flames and waves his hands and a crackling sound can be heard in the wind. Two dozen of the closest zombies burst into flames. Some fall and splash water onto themselves by falling leading to less damage. Other keep stumbling at them….. fully engulfed in flame.

“What the….!?!?” Calls out the half-giant in a mix of fear and awe.

“Do again Choro.” Commands Koe as he waves his arms to get the creature’s attention.

“What are you doing Koe?” calls out Yaesha as he drops one more.

“Being a Shepard. I am grouping them up into a tighter circle. Easy for his psionics to do area affects.”

“That may just work. Good idea Koe. Do as he is.”

The wave of the horde move towards the thri-kreen whom is confused as he raises his four arms. Kreen are hunters…. Not shepards.

Two more energy cone blasts drop the remainder. Choro has a mild headache and wants to lay down. He doesn’t like zombies.

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 032
“THE ESTATE OF ELABON ESCRISSAR”
07/02/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE NOMAD
DAY: 23
KA: 190

Yaesha and the PCs arrived at Urik lands mid-day the next day. They take a break within sight of the city and sit there waiting until the sun begins to set. Koe has Choro do several balancing stances which brings humor to all as Choro has no sense of balance and falls regularly.

As dusk approaches, they pick up the day time camp and advance onto Urik. The templar of the gates awaits them. He taps his slippered feet in agitation and impatience.

“I was about to lock the gate Drajian.”

“You were told at dusk. You were paid for that service.”

“I was not paid to be mocked. Mercies, this young worthless boy will lead you to the estate. Now- Go and begone.”

The boy whom looks half starved, leads the way. The merchant area is quiet and the few that are up are wise to pay little attention to the late arrivals.

The difference from the merchants area to residential to then the templar area is clear. The templar area is clean. The walls of the buildings are pure white with blue and gold trim. They look recently painted. Small shrubs and plants are found near the walkways and entrances. Buildings are more than one story tall and have balconies that overlook the courtyards. The biggest of these buildings is the Escrissar Estate.

The boy leads them to the estate main entrance. Yaesha flips him a silver. “Get something to eat young man.” Before Koe can add to the boy’s food account, the boy hurries away.

“Choro and Olan- stay here with the cart. Koe and Drak come with me. Do not look these people in the eye nor speak unless spoken to. The person we are delivering too has a strange way about himself and can be dangerous. Let me do the talking.”

Olan and Choro are disappointed. Especially Olan. However, Yaesha strongly suspects Olan will draw extremely unwanted attention to himself as a New Race. There are rumors Escrissar is fascinated by new races and does unspeakable things to them for his own depraved pleasure. Choro will draw attention away from him by guards looking.

There is a long strand of giant hair with ribbons tied on it hanging from an overhanging ledge. Yaesha tugs on it and a bell can be heard ringing inside. Drak wonders what will happen next. Koe merely wonders if the bell is metal or something else…. Like the Belgoi’s.

Laughter can be heard from within and Yaesha stands straight and ready. The door opens and Yaesha is surprised by the sight. Koe remains still and Drak is more curious about what is happening than the other wise curious sight before them.

A young woman, maybe 17 years old, answers the door. She is naked except for slippers and some necklaces. She has some colored powder on her face similar to make-up. “Hi! I’m Melissa!” She cheerfully says.

Koe looks at her eyes. They are dilated and clearly she is on drugs. Not alcohol but something else. She turns and giggles as she races back into the house. Here there are five more woman, a mix of human and half-elf, ages 16-24 and in various stages of undress. Except Drak, the other two are very uncomfortable being here.

“Kreen? Maybe. The old guy- sure but a mul ?!?” exclaims one woman whose gaze violates Koe.

Koe has limited control over his body and is happy he is carrying the crate before him.

“Melissa! How dare you answer the door!” calls out a female voice. Through red curtains, a woman comes out dressed in black leather armor studded with bone spikes. Her hair is oddly shaved with long black hair growing over the shaved areas. “Need we punish you- again!” and this woman of command and power smiles an evil and wanting smile.

“I am sorry Mistress Miles. I meant no harm.” And the girl that answered the door curls up fearfully and cowers in the corner couch. The others look with eyes full of excitement.

“We have Master Escrissar’s package. Where shall we put it?”

Several guards rush in with short swords drawn. “,,,,and we will discuss your lateness later also.” She turns and waves for the three of them to follow.

Beyond the curtain is a highly polished pink granite tiled floor. Koe can see his reflection perfectly on it. Though he made a point of cleaning his sandals before coming in he hopes not to soil it.

Out of another doorway, leading to a very large semi-lit room, comes two of the biggest and most muscular half-giants Koe has ever seen. Behind them comes a tall half-elf wearing a white mask with red and black trim designed to resembles a skull. He is wearing black robes, cuffs and feathers. On his right hand is metal and obsidian glove with long 5 inch talons on each of the fingers and on the thumb.

“What have we here Miles my dear?” He asks.

“Your package has come from Draj.”

“Excellent. I will look at the Heart later after the activities.”

Taking this as a dismissal, Miles directs them into a secret passage leading to the basement. As they pass the “man” they can dedect the strong smell of death and decay- evidence of being a powerful defiler. In the large basement she has Koe place the crate with the ‘Heart’ onto another crate. This one is leaking dark brownish-red liquid. No one hears it but something within this crate asks for help…. And gets none.

Leaving, they notice everyone has left the entre room except for Melissa. Her throat has been slit to the point where her head flops to an odd angle. Yaesha is repulsed and Koe wants to smash something. But the three go outside and meet up with Olan and Choro.

“Let’s go. I need a drink.” Demands Yaesha as he directs the crodlu to take the cart with its remaining goods to the Tsalaxa outpost within the city.

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 033
“B’ROHG SANDS AT DUSK”
07/02/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE NOMAD
DAY: 25
KA: 190

Yaesha looks to the horizon to the south and ponders what he sees.

“What is wrong? Are we being followed? Black Sand Raiders again? Raam soldiers?” asks Koe

“I am having trouble reading the clouds. I suspect we will have a storm come tomorrow. Keep your gear close to you and unpack only what must.”

Koe leaves Yaesha and does as asked.

About when the sun begins to set, Drak notices something. Something big is on the road….coming their way from the south. It is about the size of many of the biggest boulders along this stretch of the King’s Road.

Klik-Klik….. Drak is uncertain at what he is seeing. Something insanely large rises behind this. It is a hazy dark mass rising from the horizon.

Drak awakens the group. Yaesha looks and calls out “Sand Storm!”.

Before the storm reaches them the one large figure becomes three. Three four-armed huge humanoids are walking steadily down the road. The leader of the three seems to be motioning to the caravan. The two following them seem to suddenly notice the increase in the wind.

“B’rohgs?!?” considers the caravan leader….. The storm is more dangerous but try to protect the animals. They will target them no doubt unless scared off by the storm.”

The storm washes over the three giant-kin as they reach the caravan. They do target the crodlu as the gusts of dust and sand hide Koe and Drak from their view. Choro is swatted by one and sent tumbling with the wind gusts into the stones. Koe and Drak find the wind is so strong they can not walk inti it straight on. By slowly shuffling they begin to go side-ways towards the wagon.

Yaesha and Olan try to free the Crodlus before they are attacked but free them early enough that the B’rohg have to chase them down. Choro is now choking on the sand and thus can not use his psionics.

By time the sand storm begins to calm down, two crodlu are dead and another two taken and presumably dead.

Sand is everywhere. They have no mounts remaining. But they are alive.

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 034
“SILVER SPRINGS AND THINGS TO COME”
07/02/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE NOMAD
DAY: 26
KA: 190

As part of Choro’s training, he does some limited pulling of the half full cart. Due to his lack of strength however, it is Koe and Drak that do most of the pulling. Sweaty, dirty and exhausted, the five of them arrive at Silver Springs late that afternoon.

The Master of Walls looks down and reconizes Lilapaul’s pet and smiles. “Guessing you know about the storm we had last night.”

“Good afternoon Basettu… The Master of Walls. May we enter?” asks Yaesha…. Thourghly humbled.

“You have no animals. What became of them? Oh wait…. I see them now. A mul, a thri-kreen, a half-wit and whatever mutant that is that some find amusing to play with.” Teases the cruel elven archer.

“The storm you mentioned did indeed take most of them. Those it did not were taken by a band of B’rohg during the storm.”

“Hahahha…. What poor luck!” laughs the elves. Basettu motions to an elf whom leaves. Yaesha suspects the elf is letting the animal keeper to know to increase prices. Damned Silver Hands.

“I apologize. I did not speak loud enough for you to hear me from your advantageous place. “We would like to come in. Use your pool and resupply. We have money.”

“I’m sure you do. A silver each to enter and another to shop and still one more to go to the water.”

“15…..” He begins to growl. “…sounds reasonable.”

“No need to wash or shop….. “ begins the thri-kreen.

“Not now. We need to enter, resupply and find shelter.”

“15 silver doesn’t include a night’s stay. That is extra.” And a new round of laughter begins.

They pull their cart past the animal pens. Indeed, there is little here and the elves here are all watching with excitement in their eyes. The market area is attended by two elves. Their booths look very full with various goods. Olan looks over to Lilapaul’s tent but follows the others to the water pool.

“Careful of the bog waders.” Teases a female elf.

Koe stares her down and pulls off his breeches to enter the water. The elf has nothing to say.

Soon they all (except for Drak) enter the pool of dirty water and wash off the sand and silt from their skin, hair and other areas. Koe thought he saw something on Choro’s neck but dismisses it. They now wash their armor and travel clothes while drying off.

“I’m certain you want to visit the defiler Olan. Take Drak and Koe with you. Choro- I want you to go with me to buy animals and supplies.”

Olan nods his thanks and they leave. As he reaches her tent there is a gentle unexplained breeze that jingles the bells and rattles the wind chimes.

Olan hears the whispering invite and goes in. The others follow.

Lilapaul, as usual, is dressed only in the usual see-thru silk dress with metal bracelets and jewelry. “Welcome back my Prince. I watched you at the pool. It pleased me.”

Slightly nervous still, the Tiefling smiles and nods. “It has been a while since I last came to visit. Have you learned anything new? Learned anything new about my family?”

Drak is looking around the tent. So many curious things to look at. Animal skulls, ribbons, colored stones and crystals….. Koe merely sits down and listens and watches carefully.

“One of your brothers lives in a city within the Tablelands. I still do not know which city. Another brother lives to the north….. in the Bandit Lands” The elven defiler circles Olan as she continues. “You have two sisters. Each live on an island within the Sea of Silt.”

“The Sea of Silt……?” wonders the Tiefling rogue. “Where…..-“

“Your mother….. do you wish to know about her?” the elf asks as she locks eyes with him.

“Go on. I do.”

Koe frowns.

“She is human. I am uncertain but I believe she is alive. She hides. Even as she tried to hide you.”

“Hide me?”

“Yes. She wishes for you and her to remain hidden.” Lilapaul’s eyes become red and irritated from dryness. Somewhere near silt.”

“Like where my sisters are?”

“Perhaps. I am uncertain. Magics interfere…. Block with my own.”

“Is there…. Anything else?”

“No. Not now. My magic is being blocked. Perhaps with standard non-magical means…. But that costs money.”

“I can give you more money.” Offers Olan to Koe’s disapproval. “It is not much…. But I have some gold pieces. More later.”

She takes the three gold covered pieces and they disappear into a hidden space on her bracelet. “Until later my prince…. Perhaps in your dreams.”

Olan and Drak begin for the door but Koe has not moved. Lilapaul raises an eyebrow. “Can I help you Koe?”

“I have people I search for also.”

“Oh. Not what I had hoped for. I watched you at the water also. All of you. Is it true? What they say about a male mul’s endurance?”

“Yes but I am not here for that.”

“Oh poo.” And she circles him twice then sits across his lap. “Then what can I do for you or otherwise to you?”

“Do not flatter yourself. I seek one person in particular.”

The defiler temptress smiles and teases his face with her finger. “Go on.”

“Hurrrrm. Very well. I seek Hugo Hart the 2nd. He is an and a noble whom works for House Shom out of Nibenay. He carries a short sword at all times.”

“Is it the sword that you want?” she asks allowing her perfume to fully effect the Mul.

“Yes. But I want him also.”

“To do harm to?”

“If killing slowly and painfully means harm then yes.” Koe further adds…. “I want details. Where is he. What defenses does he have? What habits does he have? Tell me everything.”

“Yes. Yes I can do this.”

“There is another. Fyona Hark. I want to know if she is well.”

Lilapaul takes it all in. She knows it must have pained the proud mul some to ask her to ask him. Perhaps he is even desperate.

“As Olan has paid so must you Koe.”

“Indeed. It is always about money.”

“Not always…..there are other ways to pay.”

“I am no weak willed male thinking with his base thoughts than higher functions. I have…. This.” Koe removes the true solid gold coin he found from the ruins. He sets it down but doesn’t remove his finger from it.

“Is that a real…… It is. Will there be anything else? Are there more coins?”

“Stay out of my head defiler. You will not charm me out of my money nor dignity.”

“I have a considerable reach into the cities and the trade houses. I can research this Hark for you. And the woman also.”

“One more thing…. To earn this coin.”

She smiles and waits.

“Stop lying to Olan. I understand you fear Olan because of his father. But you know more than you are saying and that may be endangering him. Or worse- you are dragging this out to get money from him. Either way- No more. Tell him the truth.”

He gets up and leaves her to consider this while she admires the gold coin.

Yaesha is bartering with the elves for the ONE Crodlu they have. (strangely at night they have six more) Yaesha tries to talk the elves down but cannot. He pays 3x normal rates for this one and it looks like it was outside for the storm.

As he is doing this, Choro wanders by the market area. It appears the elves have explored an exposed ruin. There are many ancient items here including….. a book. Choro, like most people, cannot read but this one has pictures and most are in color. This interests him even more.

“Do know what the book is called? What it is about?”

“Yaramuke and the Queen. It is called…. The Queen and Yaramuke.” Offers the elf with a smile.

“Yaramuke…… we were near there a few days ago. Maybe this came from there!”

“Perhaps…. If so…. It was fate you should find it.” Says the other vender with an equally reassuring smile.

“Really? How much?”

Yaesha takes his one lone crodlu and ties it to the cart. He notices three other travelers are also washing in the pool. After they finish getting washed, dressed and walk about they come to him. They strike up a friendly conversation starting about the storm and then about the state of affairs between Raam, Draj and everyone else due to the plague. These three are searching for its cause. They believe it has a magical origin and comes from a ruin near here.

They are also searching for items stolen from a ruin near here last night. They followed some of the stolen goods to here but cannot find the key items they are searching for. Little more is talked about on the subject.

That night, Yaesha catches Choro thumbing through his new purchase. “I didn’t know you could read.”

“Can’t.”

Yaesha gives him a look and shakes his head in bewilderment. Choro is not stupid by any means but he can be a child at times. It is the Giant in him.

Choro then is caught looking at his book by Koe. “Put it away.”

Later, Koe is sleeping on top of the cart and Choro is under it….. looking at his book again. Choro thinks that Koe is unaware he is looking at it again. Koe merely doesn’t want to waste time going down to rip up the book.

Olan spots him under the cart. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing.”

“Well nothing looks interesting. Is that a book?”

“No.” he answers knowing Koe is above him sleeping.

Olan teases him and wrassles the book away. “I didn’t know you could read Choro. Especially ancient text.”

“You can read?”

“I have never been taught officially but I do have a way to figuring things out. I generally can decipher a lot of stuff- even ancient text.”

“This is the book called “The Queen and Yaramuke.” It has colored images of its people and buildings.”

Olan looks at it few times…. Straining and thinking….. “How did you come up with that name?”

“The elves that sold it to me said so.”

Koe snorts from above.

“I can’t break down each word but it’s not about Yaramuke. Its about Kalidnay.”

The few hours are spent looking at the pictures and doing poor translations of the script.

Koe wrestles with his conscious for a few minutes then says…. “Olan…..”

“Yes”

“Don’t trust the witch.”

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 035
“LEARN WHAT EVER YOU CAN”
07/02/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE KINGS
DAY: 02
KA: 190

Lilapaul rests warily. Today, she has spent much of the morning preparing for scrying spells. The evening was spent “entertaining” several members from the Trade House Vordon. Now she needs to spread her spells and contacts out to others.

The elf Freemaun has come and gone. He is going to Nibenay to contact House Shom and The Shadows. The elf Beleez left yesterday. He is also going to contact house Shom agents.

But for Olan….. Olan she must do herself. She sits down and leans forward to light several intense candles to lit the room. Next, she prepares her components and tools to reach out mentally and locate Olan’s family. He reacted the strongest with the mention of his mother. She will try to contact her tonight but first….. his sisters on the islands…….

THE KINGS DAY 05
Freemaun and Beleez both arrive in the City of Shadows- Nibenay. They traveled separate to get here so as not to raise any suspicions from the Trade houses or Templar wives.

LAKE ISLAND THE KINGS DAY 04
Lilapaul’s astral spirit floats about in the haze. She is unclear on the location but sees she is on a large island within the Sea of Silt. The land has small mountains and a ….lake? Moving closer she spots a small village. The people are…… are enslaved by people in grey cloaks. Among the people is a woman… human…. With black hair…. Much like Olan’s.

Could it be….?

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 036
“CLUTCH vs CLUTCH”
07/11/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE NOMAD
DAY: 27
KA: 190

It is early in the day (9am) and already the sun is blazing and the temperature is rising over 90. Koe and Olan are thinking about their recent visits with Lilapaul. Choro is thinking about the pictures in the book and the little Olan was able to translate. Drak is watching for possible food. Yaesha is hoping the crodlu they have makes it to Tyr without dropping dead.

Drak swivels his insectoid head and stops. “Klik-Klik…..Kreen”

Koe looks to where he is staring and spots two thin insectoid creatures…. That continue forward walking on two legs. Thri-kreen.

Yaesha, high on the wagon seat spots more coming….. in a hurry. “Raiders!”

Drak is lost…. His thoughts are reeling. Kreen…. His people…Thri-kreen are attacking. It can not be! Growing up in Raam, he had seen kreen. They were peaceful. He had heard stories of kreen being vicious hunters and raiders outside of the walls….. its part of why he escaped Raam…. To find out for himself. But within a few days he came across Koe and the others…..

In kreen “Why do you attack us? My Clutch and I have done nothing to you. ”

These kreen are all blurred images as they use their psionics. Yaesha fires his bow at them as they approach running. His arrows all seem to just miss. Choro uses his psionics and again, fire erupts from the ground near one as it runs at him and the caravan.

Koe kicks and swings at the leaping kreen raiders. He misjudges every attempt. Two kreen leap up and over Choro and Olan onto the cart. Yaesha purposely “falls” off the cart to avoid the attacks.

“Need food. Klik. Need supplies. Klik. Eggs hatching.” Clicks out the leader as he leaps onto Drak whom sidesteps his attack. Looking at this leader, Drak assumes he is a young adult.

“Klik- I do not klik understand.”

“Liar- or have you been corrupted by klik klik… these soft shells?”

The battle goes on. The visual disturbance caused by the raiders wears off. It is then the caravaners have more success against the kreen. At least some success. Yaesha’s arrows are sometimes deflected by the agile mantis warriors. One such deflection finds itself striking Olan.

“klik klik…. Call off your clutch…. Click clik…. My Clutch leader will destroy them…..” asks Drak as he struggling with the young leader.

“No! Hatchlings will..klik klik.. die.”

The two battle. Only one strong strike is landed. Drak’s experience comes out on top as he wrestles and grapples with the youngling. Arms pinned, Drak demands the young kreen to surrender one last time. In response, the younger kreen attempts to bite and paralyze Drak but misses. Drak doesn’t miss. However, it is too late, the other five young thri-kreen have all been defeated…. And killed.

Drak sets the leader on the ground and spots a shadow cover them both. He hears the creak of a powerful bow string being pulled back. “Step back Drak.” Commands Yaesha.

Continuing to feel around in his pack for the few healing fruits he has, Drak nods no with crossed antennae. “No kill. He is good. Seeking to…. Feed hatchlings.”

“Likely story. He threaten me. Threatened all of you. Threatened the cargo. If allowed to live he will do this to other caravans….. other people. Do you want their blood on your hands?”

Drak places the fruit at the mouth of the unconscious kreen and Taesha shifts to the side and just as he is releases the arrow Drak swats at him. The arrow embeds itself into the ground about an half of an inch from the kreen’s head.

Olan pulls the arrow from his back and reaches for his healing fruit. Yaesha reaches over and snatches the arrow from his hand and places it onto his bow again.

“No. Not like this.” States Koe as he steps between Yaesha and the two kreen.

“Koe….. step back. You know I am right.” Choro and Olan stare in disbelief. “Stand down dammit.”

“Hatchlings in danger…. Clutch in danger…. Klik…. His clutch.” He turns his head to look back at Yaesha. “My clutch….. you and klik… others… click-clik…. Are safe.”

Yaesha suddenly is torn between his House and his…. Friends? “He can not have the House cargo.”

“Food and some water…..” begins Koe.

“NOT the caravans.”

Olan tosses his water skin at the side of the downed kreen. “Mine….. not the House’s.”
Koe and Choro follow suit as they untie and down their water and whatever trail rations they had on them.

“Further more, we will take this kreen to his home.” States Koe.

Drak looks up at the mul and his antenna twitches a few times.

“You would abandon the caravan?”

“We are a day or two from Tyr. You said we would be there for a few days then go south to Alturak. We return to his home. Then return to Tyr and continue to Alturak.”

“You are placing yourselves on dangerous ground. The House can not support this.”

“You are assuming the House will learn of this side trek.”

Yaesha has rarely placed friendship and respect above House rules…. Very-very very rarely. “We will arrive at Tyr on the first. On the third we leave. The caravan will not wait for you. If any damage is done to the caravan in that time…. Your disappearance will be duly noted.”

“Yes.” Sates Koe.

“As you will be branded a traitor.”

“Yes.”

“As Yadda may place a bounty on your heads.”

“Hurrrm. Yes.”

“Begone” and Yaesha eases the bow string and walks to the cart.

Choro looks at Koe. “Stay here with caravan. Protect it.” Choro is saddened by this. Olan has already walked to the side of the cart.

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 037
“THE HARSH LANDS OF ATHAS”
07/11/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE NOMAD
DAY: 27
KA: 190

Drak has tied up the young thri-kreen so to safely carry him. Unseen by either Drak or Koe the young kreen awakens and chews free. Koe spots him trying to get free. “No.” Declares Koe and he back hands the kreen putting him out once more.

At mid day they stop and the kreen slowly awakens again. In kreen it speaks. “Klik kik….. Destroy me…..”

“No. Will not.” Says Drak as comforting as he can. “Why do you wish klik…. That?”

Koe listens but cannot understand them. He is watching for body language. He watches for any sudden movements.

“What are you…. Doing?” asks the young kreen.

“We wish to klik help you. Help your Clutch. Make it clik strong again. Need not hurt the others…. The non-kreen.”

The young kreen stares at Drak and gives way. Drak is superior to him. “I am…. Klok.”

In common- “His name is ….klok.” then reverting to the native tongue of the kreen- “Tell me of your…. Clutch.”

“We are hunters and gathers…… live deep in desert. Two days away……in that – clik- direction” and his head nods to the due east. “Home…. Nest in ruins…. In desert.”

“Ruins…?”

“Yes… klik kik…. Eggs there…. Ready to hatch. Vulnerable however.”

“How is weak?”

“Sick raiders…. Humans dressed in black….. with black ashe and green growth on bodies. Attack us for …. The ruins. Said they seek something….. maybe in the ruins.”

“Is there?”

“Our two greatest treasures. Our eggs and their ancestors. “

“Your…. Ancestors?”

“You are no kreen. You have been with… the soft skins too long.”

“I do not….klik… understand.”

Klok closes off and will not discuss anything any more. Drak is bothered by this. He still releases the young kreen and the three walk into the desert.

That night they set up camp. The two kreen are both anxious to be sitting to wait for Koe. They begin once more to discuss things Kreen.

“Can you…klik…. Tell me again….. about your…. Clutch.” Asks Drak.

“As my elder…. I will comply……” begins Klok.

“Black Sand Raiders used to attack us sometimes. Wanted the ruins for themselves.” Begins the young kreen. “Then they brought sickness and disease. Many of the Clutch died…. Many elder ancestors were put away. Including the Clutch Leader.” The antennae droop and cross. Koe knows this suggests sadness or regret. “Only seven of us remained along with six… unhatched eggs. Eggs that would hatch soon. We hoped our leaders would return to us.”

“Return?”

“How is it you know so little….of our ways?”

“I was hatched within a city. I had no kreen to teach me until later. I have limited….. ancestral knowledge.”

“It shows” states the young kreen. “How did your egg get taken away from Clutch?”

“I do not know.”

“Was it stolen? Was it taken from dead protectors?” Was it an evil kreen?”

“I do not know.” And Drak finds himself wondering now how did he come to be a city hatched kreen.

“Your spirit must be…. Broken. I pity you.”

“Pity me?”

“As young ones, we are exposed to ancestors. We identify with an ancestor. Our ancestor’s spirits then guide us….. teach us.”

“Exposed…. As you see their…. Dead bodies?”

“Yes. It saddens me that you neglected to bring my clutch with us….. to be reborn with a future egg.”

Drak feels bad now. He did not fully understand this process. An elderly old kreen in Raam tried to explain it to him once but he refused to understand. Now he wishes he stopped to listen and learn.

“The raiders stole our reserves. Destroyed whatever they could not take. They thought this would drive us away. But our eggs remained there hidden and our ancestors remain there waiting to be reborn. It was decided one would stay behind and watch over the eggs as the rest of us sought food and supplies.”

“I see no evil here. You merely wished to protect your clutch.”

“Yes. Protect. Protect and Provide for. That night a storm came. It drew us off course. We lost our own supplies. We do not normally bother the soft skins. Even the elves.” Klok pauses as if nervous. “Is it true what the soft skins say? Are elves delicious?”

“I do not know. Gith are not. Raiders have a bad aftertaste. Made me sick. Yaesha….. he helped me.”

Koe peers from his sleeping pad at the familiar name.

“He is a wise man?”

“Yes. But not always.”

Klok looks for an explanation.

“He is wise but wished for me to kill you.”

“We attacked him. He beat us. It was his rite.”

“I disagree.”

THE KINGS 01

“We are close Drak. There- see the wall?” exclaims the excitable young kreen. He hurries ahead. At the point of this ruin he grows concerned. He can see the second ruin clearly and it appears to be without anyone and largely buried under sand.

“Quickly! To the large ruin. Something is wrong.” And he hurries along. Both Koe and Drak hurry with him.

“Doke! Doke! Show yourself!” Klok calls as he races around the multi-story ruin. He enters a courtyard and sees nothing but broken columns and sand. “Doke!”

Drak enters the place and feels strange vibes here. It seems to speak to him.

Koe waits outside the courtyard and guards the entrance. He feels only kreen should enter and wishes to respect that.

“Doke!” and Klok begins to dig furiously along a wall exposed to the sun. Not sure if it is the right thing to do Drak also digs nearby. The sand is loose and slides about. It has not had time to set under its own weight.

Drak then feels something…… as does Klok. Klok emits a whining pitiful sound as he has found something. Carefully he pulls out a 10 inch tall kreen hatchling. Dead. “Dig. Maybe the others escaped or have yet to hatch……”

Drak feels a heavy heart as he has found something. An adult kreen. Dead. Buried in the sand. The two dig there further and find the other five hatchlings….. all dead. The storm came here and literally buried the just hatched kreen. The guardian tried to protect them but died as well….. shielding the just born. Drak helps Klok lay out the seven dead bodies then steps away.

“What is happening?” asks Koe outside.

“klik…klik… The storm that we fought…. B’rohg….. hit here. Buried everyone….. all dead…. Drowned in sand… and silt. His clutch…K’d g’tok (End of the Clutch).”

Koe asks if he can help and three solemnly moves the dead to another area that Klok has uncovered. The dead are placed with the other dead…. All facing NW.

THE KINGS DAY 2

Koe and Drak leave Klok. Klok refuses to come with them. He feels he must rebuild the Clutch….here… with his ancestors.

THE KINGS DAY 6

They reach Tyr and enter. They easily find the Tsalaxa building as they have been here before. Yaesha has already left. “We drink then walk…. Fast”

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 038
“TYR WITHOUT THE MUL & KREEN”
07/11/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE KINGS
DAY: 01
KA: 190

With a heavy heart, Yaesha gets the cargo into the walls of Tyr and to the Tsalaxa compound. “You have two nights. On the third we leave. There is a mid-year festival happening. Enjoy it but be careful.”

Olan and Choro check out a gladiatorial match. They are not as excited by it as the others seem. That night Olan tries to buy some poisons to use with his daggers. The few elves that said they would do business with him want more for the poison than he has.

That night they go over the book again. Yaesha spots it and grumbles about the contraband. He hesitates slightly when he learns it is about Kalidnay.

Kalidnay was a rich city located near the southern tip of the ringing mountains. It was well known for its source of wealth- diamonds and gems.

Kalid-ma, the ruler of Kalidnay, had everything but one thing- an heir. He had many wives and none produced a child. He started to become desperate and sought other means of having an heir.

“What did he do?” asks Choro.

“Not sure. I’ll have to look it over some more.”

THE KINGS DAY 3
“Can’t we wait one more day?” Asks Choro.

“No.” Says Yaesha. “We go.”

THE KINGS DAY 5
Outside of Alturak, The Tsalaxa Caravan reaches the gates. They spend one day here doing business.

DARKSUN: THE ELEMENTS OF EVIL
SEGMENT 039
“DRINK AND GO ”
07/25/19
SEASON: FRIEND’S VENGEANCE YEAR 24
MONTH: THE KINGS
DAY: 06
KA: 190

Koe buys an entire bottle of wine at the Tsalaxa compound in Tyr. “Tonight we drink and tomorrow we go.” He states to the thri-kreen Drak.

“Sweet Water….. I drink with you…klik kik… Koe.”

The first cup of wine each drinks quickly. Then they sip the second. Half way through the second Koe speaks breaking the silence. “Been thinking. Klok said something that seemed strange.” Drak’s antennae cross in apprehension. “He….whatever he said bothered you. Hurt you. What did he say?”

“….. hik…… He said I had …. No ancestors….. no connection…klik….to the kreen…. The people.”

“Is this true?” Koe asks as a young woman walks in and asks for a bottle of Broy. She pays and sits down on the other side of the small company tavern.

“Kik….It seems.”

“I don’t understand.”

“If klok…klik kik… is correct….. by being taken as …kik kik… an egg I was not allowed….. to commune with…. Ancestors.”

“How would you….. oh. The bodies.” Self-answers the mul.

“Maybe it would be best to start from the beginning.”

Drak finishes his cup of wine. “I was taken….. as an egg. Brought to Raam. Was to be…. Fighter.” Drak

Drak continues to retell his origin only this time in common to Koe. Koe is coming to understand the thri-kreen more and more. He understands why he helped Klok and still seems preoccupied about his fate.

“Do you….kik…. think he is right….Klok is right?”

“Which part?”

“I lack purpose. I lack spirit?”

“No. You make own fate.”

Drak remains quiet and stares at the wine bottle. “Can I tell you….. a secret.”

“Go.”

“I ….felt something….. when burying the hatchlings. An awareness.”

Koe stares at him trying to determine what Drak is getting at.

“I think…kik….klik…. I think I am done talking tonight.” And with that the thri-kreen picks up the bottle and steps outside and settles down on the porch.

Koe wonders a bit about his life then suddenly realizes the woman is still here and watching him. “What?”

“You are….. Koe. I have heard of you.” She slurs slightly.

“I don’t have a name tag on me.”

House Tsalaxa has only two muls under its service currently. Bartus and Koe. Bartus I have met and he is in Urik now. Only house members may drink here….so you are- Koe.”

“Then you are correct.” He watches as she gets up and walks to his table. She has an athlete’s body and the face of a noble. Her hair is silver with bright blue tips. Her armor is well made leather. Finely made…. Maybe even magic. He approves.

“Your friend seems to be having an identity crisis. That is too bad.”

“His problem. Not yours.”

“Do you wish to know what my problem is?” she asks.

“Not especially.”

“I am horny.” She pauses for a reaction which Koe gives none.

“I hear Muls are incredible. Is that true?”

“It would seem so.” And he thinks about his last time. It has been six years…… in the monastery.

When they upstairs there is no else there. In the morning Drak goes up and finds them there asleep.