Game Thread

[Cadogan Trahem]

(Phew, ok this turned out longer then I thought it would.)

Drawn to Pan-San on the Wei side of the Wei-Shu boarder by the Pearl Festival. Master Li, yourself and the rest of the troop approch the city. Pai-San, literally "the Crane's Mountain," is the seat of the wealthy Chiang family, which watches over a large stretch of the boarder for the warrior-king, Cao Cao. Though nominally Cao Cao's subjects, the Chiang really hold a great deal of autonomy. One of the many Shih houses, the Chiang worked their way back into prominence with the fall of the Han Dynasty, and their distance from Loyang's watchful eye allows them a great deal of freedom.

Recently there have been rumours of Lord Chiang himself seeking the aid of individuals for a mission, although what the mission is escapes the ears of all who speak the rumour. Some suspect however it has something to do with the Pearl Festival, others suspect it has something to do with the disappearance of the Lords daughter.

As you ride along the road you view the city. Pai-San is built on a hill overlooking a small, spring-fed lake. The Hill proper is dominated by the Chiang family's fortress home - a large stone and wood compound that perches on top of the rise. The stronghold itself is surrounded by a sturdy stone wall that has two gates, east and west. The town surrounds the base of the hill and is populated by farmers and craftsmen who live under the Chiang family's protection. In times of trouble, you've heard the entire town can withdraw behind the fortress walls for safety, where apparently well maintained food stores and water supplies help beat siege. Farms dominated the rest of the country side.

You've heard of the spring-fed lake, it is the key to Pai-San's prosperity. It provides water for drinking and farming and also supports a large population of freshwater shellfish. In addition to attracting the beautiful white cranes that like to forage in the shallows, the shellfish beds also yield some of the finest freshwater pearls in China. These are highly prized throughout the land and the Chiang family protects them fiercely, both to make syre that their resource continues to renew itself and to prevent outsiders from poaching. The Chiang only harvast pearls once a year, and they forbid anyone from disturbing the shellfish or the cranes which alert guards to the presence of poachers during the rest of the year.

As you ride into town you spot a group of soldiers, atleast five men. One of the many elite wardens maintained by the Chiang family no doubt, although these ones seem a little bored. You are also suprised that the number of peasants around you who are armed with some sort of weapon, it appears that the Chiang family has some sort of requirement for them to do so. There are several merchants as well, although most look like they are from out of town. The entire city is brightly decorated already, as many entertainers and merchants line the streets.

Master Li indicates for everyone to stop as they approch a building.

"I will see to lodging, enjoy the city for today tomorrow we will have business to attend to." His old face smiles with the many wrinkles that show wisdom and care, and with that said he disappears inside the building, some of the troop split up and begin to look around the city, others follow Master Li. Leaving you alone with an entire city to enjoy.

[Maeko]

I look around, fixing a few landmarks to be sure I'll not get lost, then I follow the flow of people, looking for the most animated part of town

[Cadogan Trahem]

((Any particular generic place or thing you would be interested in, as I could describe this place all day - of course I cant, since I would soon die. :)))

[Maeko]

Marketplace I'd say, :-), I'll behave, I promise!

Pai-san sounds very beautiful BTW

[Cadogan Trahem]

As you stroll down the streets (having left your horse with Master Li's and everyone elses) you are eyed suspiciously by nearly every Chiang soldier you see, however none of them bother you or ask you for anything. Soon enough you find yourself in the city centre, with entertainers of many kinds all around you. Towards the left there are martial artists, jugglers and acrobats performing stunts and flips, towards the right there are markets which contain many strange items.

As you approch the market you are shuved out of the way by a burely man and several others who follow. The man is half-carring half dragging what appears to be a women who is a little too drunk to care as she clings tightly to her "hero" In his other hand he holds a fighting rod that littles a little too heavy. The men that follow nod with an appolgetic face in your direction as they speak to the man.

"Tell us more..." They question.

"Lord Chiang doesn't know-wwwwhat heee's misssing." The mans words are slured and its obvious he himself is a little more then drunk.

"But what of the rumours?" The crowd pesters.

"Look! Leave me!" The man turns and swings his rod half cocked towards the crowd while letting his female companion drop to the ground. He staggers after the followers for a while before finally 3 Chiang soldiers come and subdue him, the obvious leader helps the female up before handing her to one of his suborniates.

"Take her to Grandmother's, and as for you." He glances at the man. "You've outstayed your welcome in Pai-San." With that he nods to the guards who disarm the man and drag him off towards the town exit.

[Maeko]

I approach the friendlier looking of the crowd : " Older brother, what happened? Who was that man?"

OOC That's assuming he is youger that my father could be, otherwise I call him 'uncle' or 'grand father' as the case is.

Cadogan, FYI, I'll be away with no computer access from June 1st to June 7th...

[Cadogan Trahem]

One of the men turns his attention towards you.

"That man came into the Tavern boasting how he had been offered to go on a mission by Lord Chiang himself. Im sure you are aware there are rumours abound about such a mission. Although no one knows for sure what the mission is about, and since rarely does the Chiang family actively engage in affairs it must be indeed dire." He ponders for a moment. "Well anyway, the man had a little too much to drink, and his stories got wildier and wildier but he never answered our question - although he did say Lord Chiang invited him, and Lord Chiang turned him down. So the Lord himself is behind the mission, and not any of his advisors, which truely means something serious is about."

One of the men taps him on the shoulder and he turns and glances to see his compansions slowly receeding down the street. He turns back to you bows and heads off towards his friends.

((Thats fine, Provided im aware you will be absent. :)))

[Maeko]

I bow back " thank you older brother".

This story has piqued my curiosity. I start following the guard who is escorting the drunk stranger out of Pai-san, trying to mix myself into the crowd, of course.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The man is half dragged half walked out of the town centre. Two of the guards easily overpower the brute, despite his ample size should have easily turned the tide against them. His curses and ramblings do not escape your ears however, and twice he attempts to free himself only to find himself overpowered.

".... Lord..... ... missing..... ..... senses, I ..... ..... mighty.... mission."

Finally you arrive on the outskirts of town, the Guards walk the men barely out of the town confines, since Pai-San has no walls or gates other then the Chiang family fortress they just lobb the man towards the road, he stumbles, gains his ballance and turns and attempts to walk back towards town yelling.

"He called me dimwited!" This is followed by the less civilized version of 'I wipe my buttox clean of excretement with his ceremonial robes.'

To your suprise the guards draw their swords, and charge the man slapping him on the thigh and backside with the flat of their blades before chasing him down the road. Finally the guards stop but the drunken man continues to run as though still under attack. The guards let out a half laugh before the one holding the mans fighting rod swings it only to let it drop to the ground with a thud, he then rubs his shoulder muscles before kicking the rod into the road side. It indeed must be as heavy as it looks.

The guards put their swords away and head back down the street completely oblivious to the fact you were watching them.

[Maeko]

I commit to memory the drunkard's ramblings about the 'mission', personally I tend to agree with Lord Chiang's opinion of the man's intelligence.

As soon as the guards are safely away and the drunkard isn't in sight, I carry (drag?) the fighting rod somewhere less conspicous and start examining it very carefully, I suspect it could be a way to carry 'dobious' goods without attracting attention.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The fighting rod is two and a half to three feet long to say the least a fair ammount longer then a standard rod, and weighs as much as you suspected. There is nothing special about the item however, it looks like most fighting rods you've seen. Made of steel, with carvings of creatures and beings around the outside as decoration. You could weild it - if you used two hands although it might be clumsy. However that man used it one handed is something you cannot answer as seen by the guard even he couldn't use it one handed properly.

[Maeko]

I leave it where the guard dropped it then, in case the owner comes back for it.
Have I heard before of somebody fighting this way?

I go back to the market square to have a look at the entertainers there, so that our troupe could avoid 'over-used' numbers.

Later I'll look for a likely tavern and listen very carefully to local gossip

[Cadogan Trahem]

While you've heard of people who fight with a fighting rod one handed, its more common to fight with them as dual weapons, or as a two handed weapon. Either way you leave the rod and head back into town and watch the entertainers for sometime noting different styles and techniques and what you should avoid come tomorrow.

After about an hour to find yourself at a small tavern called "The Pearl." Small by tavern stands although it appears to be clean and well looked after. Several young girls all who look alike serve the customers, all of which are younger then yourself by a few years. An elderly man of about 40 serves behind the bar. There are only a few tables and chairs and when you enter you feel as though you had done something wrong as everyone goes quiet, before a light mumble fills the bar again. You see the man behind the counter usher one of the young girls your way. She arrives and speaks.

"I appologise but we do not allow for your kind to work here." Her voice sounds young and innocent, but her tone does no wavery, she apparently has done this before. You are still confused however. 'your kind'? What kind? Entertainers? But how could they tell? 'work'? They surely dont expect you to do some tumbling tricks do they?

[Maeko]

I answer, calmly : ' I'm sorry younger sister but I don't understand... I came in as a costumer, not looking for work in your esteemed establishment'

[Cadogan Trahem]

"Oh." She replies. "We had mistaken you for a..." and then she said it, and you had never been more insulted in your life. Never (DM: Im assuming) would you sell your body as a means of income.

"You are quite," the girl glances back towards the man who nods. "Yes, you are quite welcome to stay. Would you like a seat and a drink?"

[Maeko]

'Yes, thank you' I answer, controlling my anger at the unintended insult.
Althoug many 'flower girls' have no choice I'd rather beg than become one.

[Maeko]

I sit where I am directed to and order a drink of the safest sort available here, then I look around and try to evaluate the sort of patrons frequenring The Pearl, I also keep my ears open for any interesting piece of news (ready to talk to the serving maid as soon as she's back).

[Cadogan Trahem]

You order yourself some cold slightly flavoured water as you sit down you look around.

Appart from yourself, the man behind the bar and the three girls serving there are about five other patrons. All look above middle age. They are divided into two groups, one group of two an old man of atleast 60 and a young man around your age sit eating some food. The other group consists of two men and a women. They appear to be discussing something.

As the serving girl returns another two patrons enter and are led to a table where they sit and make an order before quietly mumbling to themselves.

"Here is your drink, the cost 2 silver coins." she says and waits for you to produce the money.

[Maeko]

I pay, and drop another silver, behaving as if I didn't notice it falling.
" I have long heard of Pai-San's beauty, now I can say the tales don't do it justice" I tell the maid.
" Your renowed city looks peaceful and well ordained too, a welcome oasis in troubled times"

[Cadogan Trahem]

"Yes it is." she replies, picking up only two silver.

"Will you be needing anything else?"

[Maeko]

'No, thank-you.
Or better, yes, How come that everybody here mistook me for a flower-girl? I would like to avoid this sort of misunderstandings in future'.

[Cadogan Trahem]

"Rarely do women attend our establishment unattended. Those that do are here trying to get work among the male customers." He indicates that the large majority of people here are male.

"It disturbs business, if any of these men should seek the companionship these women offer, my father prefer they do it elsewhere and not here." She bows and heads away from your table towards the new pair of people who enter, they ponder for a while and banter before finally making an order.

[Maeko]

I stay for a while and listen, do I pick up any interesting bit of conversation?

[Cadogan Trahem]

All three groups of people are talking amongst themselves, although their exact conversations escapes your ears. One group however mentions the Chiang name more then once, but that is all you are certain of.

[Maeko]

if their table is on the route to the door I'll pass near it, trying to catch something more of the conversation

[Cadogan Trahem]

"...tell you, Lord Chiang is up to something."

"But even so, if it was dire don't you think he would have announced something publicly?"

"So are you suggesting its a personal matter that doesn't effect Pai-San?"

"It could be or It's..."


Is all you manage to hear after finishing your drink and walking past the table and out into the streets beyond.

[Maeko]

OOC: Which time is it?

I'll wander a bit around the market trying to struck up a conversation with bored vendors, trying to discover something more about Lord Chiang and the woman who was with the drunken man.

[Cadogan Trahem]

It is near 11 approching Midday.

You decide to wander the markets and talk to people who will about the Chiang family and the accurance that happened this morning. From the best information you gathered you learned that the man was infact a visitor, who had ventured here seeking work. Boasting about his abilities as a warrior he apparently recieved a message from Lord Chiang himself. The rest is a bit sketchy but ends with the man deciding to drink a large ammount of alcohol and get kicked out of the city.

The women has no name, and from what you've been told she was probably just a misfortunate drinking partner who got too drunk, or a professional girl who likewise got too drunk. Also the Grandmother character is mentioned too often to be concidered a generic term. Grandmother must refer to a specific person rather then someone of the appropriate age group and gender as per normal. Most people you ask dont know much about this Grandmother only that she is very old, and suposably wise. And that she likes to remain away from the sight of prying eyes.

[Maeko]

I buy something to eat at a stall,thinking I'll go back to the inn and report to Master Li, if he is free.
I wonder about 'Grandmother', the guards' leader seemed to be certain of her whereabouts, and that woman...
Lost in my thoughts I don't realze I've spoken aloud.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You buy yourself some cooked fish and make your way back to the Inn. Eventually finding your way there by 1PMish in the afternoon. A Cool breeze blows across the land indicating a change in tempiture and possibly a shower ahead, you worry that your performance tomorrow will be hampered by the weather.

As you approch the outside of the Inn you see Master Li escourt a lady of about 30 outside into the street, they bow and she departs and walks right past you. Master Li hardly notices you as you return, holding a peice of paper in his hand, and reading it carefully.

Finally when he does notice you standing vigil he greets you.

"Oh, back so soon?" He jokes as usual, though he notices you've got a thinking face on. "What is the problem?"

[Maeko]

" Something strange is going on, Master.
Lord Chiang is seeking out adventurers, for some sort of private endeavour it seems, there are rumors going around"

And I relate what I saw and what infos I have as carefully as possible, including the 'businness' bit about the other entertainers troupes

[Cadogan Trahem]

The old man nods quietly listening to every word you have to say.

"Well that will prove useful." He says refering to your comments about the other entertainers.

"However I think things will all become much clearer tonight." he passes you a piece of paper and you read it.


Li,

Lord Chiang Wishes for you to meet with him for dinner tonight to discuss a possible business arrangement. Guards will come to accompany you later tonight.

[Maeko]

I bow deeply.
" Thank you Master Li for allowing me to see this.
If you have no need of me I'd like to see some more of the city"

OOC in case I'm free to go, I'd like to see the artisans' district (or equivalent).

[Cadogan Trahem]

Unfortuneatly Master Li required your assistance untill nightfall and you never got to go back into the city.

Just after dark there is a knock at the door and 5 soldiers escourt you into the Chiang family home. From the court yard servants take you to the dining area.

"Lord Chiang will be with your shortly." Says one before leaving you and Master Li alone.

[Maeko]

I am curious about the Chiang's, and rather awed by their fame, so I look at the room trying to take in as much detail as possible, not touching anything but not afraid of looking like a country dolt, given that Master Li and I are alone.

[Cadogan Trahem]

I am curious about the Chiang's, and rather awed by their fame, so I look at the room trying to take in as much detail as possible, not touching anything but not afraid of looking like a country dolt, given that Master Li and I are alone.

Around the room there are many precious items, and many strange ones too. Such as an idol of a crane made entirely out of pearls and long thin peices of reed. Before you get to see much else an important looking man enters the hall and greets Master Li. A women enters shortly after and accompanies the two men towards the table. Master Li waves you over also.

Once everyone is seated the man begins to talk with master Li.

"It is a pleasure to meet you again."

"The pleasure is all mine I assure you." comes Li's reply.

"No doubt you have heard of the rumours which plague my name in the city streets bellow?"

"I have, however it was not my ear which was in the street." Master Li indicates towards you.

"Ah, What is your name my dear?" He questions, you barely stutter your name out.

"And how did you find the city? The pearl festivities will begin shortly." Before you can answer he continues. "However, if all things go well tonight, im affraid you wont have time to enjoy them. As you know Li, my need of your most tallented is dire. I am willing to pay you a handsome sum, and give you a place at every Pearl festivial from now till enternity for free."

Master Li nods, and you keep quiet also. The women begins to pour some water into the cups on the table and hand them out. Also in the background some servents enter and place some food on the table, one dish you recognise steamed Fish, Shellfish, Pork, Beef, Vegetables, and Chicken. Finally a single small bowl of rice is placed in the centre of the table. Far too small for one person let alone four.

"The Black Tigers have kidnapped my daughter." He says outright. "She was to be wed to Lim Jan Wei, the eldest son of the Lim family. As you know Li, the Lim family and the Chiang Family have had a long term misunderstanding. We had hoped this marriage would solve our differences." Li nods although this is news is new to you as well as the fact Lord Chiang seems to know Li.

"I understand Lord Chiang and you have my deepest sympathy. How can we be of assistance?" Li asks.

"I have no idea how the Black Tigers found my daugher, she had been traveling in the guise of a religious pilgrim when she was taken. The route was secret, and she left late at night so no one would discover her. I would ask you to send your most talented to find my daughter, I will open the my armoury to your choosen and they must leave by dawn by the western gate to avoid being seen. I will supply papers and maps of the route so we have a start."

Master Li nods. "This is my choosen." He indicates to you, you are both shocked and flattered.

Chiang looks you up and down before raising an eye brow at Li.

"Oh no need to worry my Lord, she is far more skilled then you can imagine and has the luck of dragons with her." Li says.

"Then let us eat and prepare." Chiang says before eating some chicken and fish.

[Maeko]

My thoughts and emotions are all in a jumble, I'm proud of Master Li's trust, but also scared to death to disappoint him, even more, what consequences would a failure have on the troupe?.

'A prince's friend lives in the tiger's lair' is a common saying in these parts, and the favor of the mighty it's difficult to get and easy to lose, the thought of being caught between two powerful families it is rather unconfortable.

Besides, who are the Black Tigers? A secret society like the Yellow turbans? A thieves' guild? Common bandits?

I keep silent during the meal, eating enough to be polite (although I never sampled food of this quality), and following Master Li clues on how to behave.

Meanwhile I think about preparations, thinking about what equipment I have and what I would need, and keeping my questions for afterwards, when it will be polite to ask them, Lord Chiang was rather unimpressed with me, it seems, better not to give him other causes to doubt.

And let's hope Luck is on my side ...

[Cadogan Trahem]

As Dinner concludes, servents reappear and clear the table. You notice no one touched the rice through the entire evening. And this makes the Lord and his wife pleased.

After you clean up Master Li and yourself are escourted out into the court yard and to a single stone building. An important looking man appears and greets you.

"I am Lieutenant Cho Lum Di. I am here to let you into the armoury and make sure you get what you require." With that the man turns around and unlocks the door infront of him and pushes it open. Inside there are racks of weapons of various kinds, Different types of armour as well as supplies of food and other provisions.

"What do you require?"

[Maeko]

I bow deeply.

"Lieutenant Cho, I could use some healing supplies, if possible.

Also, I fight with fighting wheels, they are an uncommon weapon for such a noble house, but if, perchanche, there is one forgotten in some corner I would like to see it...

I have food for six days and other supplies of my own, this person will not require anything else".


OOC if there is a better fighting wheel than my normal one I'll take it (the+1 one is my primary weapon)

[Cadogan Trahem]

The man moves towards the rear of the armoury and opens a wooden cabinet. Inside many fighting wheels are slung and lay leaning against the back.

He retrieves one, and examines the handle, before looking at the blade and rubbing his thumb over the blade. He grips it and swings it attacking the air and frowns.

"This blade has a fracture." He explains as he loosely tosses it into a wooden box of what appears to be other broken weapons. He retrieves another fighting wheel and examines it in the same manner before approching you.

"Its not magical, but the craftsmanship is superb." He hands it to you <Gained Masterworked Fighting Wheel - plz add it>.

He moves back to towards the front, and moves some linen revealing a saddle.

"If you're not used to riding you'll need that." He pauses. "What kind of armour do you favour?"

[Maeko]

" I have a horse and common riding equipment, Lieutenant Cho, the troupe moves around a lot...as to armor, I am used to leather,I prefer to be fast and mobile".

Difference in status notwhistanding, I start to feel at ease with lieutenant Cho, it is evident that he knows his job and cares about it.

[Cadogan Trahem]

The man nods at your comments about your riding equipment. He proceeds to re-cover the saddle with the linen.

"Leather.. hmmm." He ponders a moment. "Sort of rare, as cows are rather expencive but I believe we have a few suits, some magical others not. We'll see." He moves towards the back of the armoury and lights a lantern before using it to spy out some suits of armour. Eventually he finds one of your size and he checks it.

"This was originally made for the young miss, Lord Chiang's daughter. Not once did she wear it. To let it sit here would be a waste really." The man comments as he takes the armour down and passes it towards you. "It has a minor magical enchantment so it should serve you well." <Add +1 Leather Armour>

"Now for the food suplies." He comments as you finger your way around the armour. "Follow me." He says as he heads back towards the front of the armoury.

[Maeko]

I follow him, rather awed at the thought of the power and riches the Chiangs must command to be able to equip so lavishly a total stranger.

[Cadogan Trahem]

You leave the armoury and the Lieutenant locks the door. He crosses the compound to another similiar building and you follow, opening it and walking inside you are awestruck at the ammount of food stored within. Enough to feed a large army no doubt!

"Take what you need. I suggest atleast a weeks worth if not two." He passes you a bag and moves back out into the compound before turning and waiting for you to finish taking what food you think you'll need. <Post # and Add # Trail Rations and Water Skins your character takes please.>

[Maeko]

Trying my best to hide my amazement I follow Lieutenant Cho's advice and take enough food and water for two weeks, carefully avoiding the most 'exotic' supplies and staying with hale but common fare.

I will not shame myself by taking advantage, and I will not be seen as an uncouth lout.

[Cadogan Trahem]

After you have collected the food and water, you are escourted to a room where you find a nice warm bed waiting. The servant explains to you that you should get some sleep and that you will be woken when the time is right.

You prepare to go to bed and lay down. You drift into sleep almost instantly...

(Chance for some Bonus EXP, write a Mid-Long post about what your character dreams about, and I will award EXP for the story. :))

[Maeko]

...And I am awakened by the light of the full moon shining in my face. It does not surprise me, although I remember having seen just a slice of the moon, coming here.

I get up to drink some boiled water, and I realize there is a whispered discussion going on behind the bed-room door.

Barefooted, I approach it.

" ...I told you time and again that girl would get into trouble, did you listen? Oh, no, my opinions are not worth listening to" a woman's voice.

" If you weren't such a hag it would be easier to listen to you," a man's deep voice, " I had to do it for ages when we where both alive, I'm not going to do it now".

" And that's why you bought that tavern girl, right? And brought the family almost to ruin with your revels...But what's happening now it's not my fault!"

" Now, Now...calm down, we are all here because the family is in trouble" A different male voice, full of authority. " We have to decide what to do to help our common descendent".

The ancestor spirits!

Somehow I have stumbled on a gathering of the deceased Chiang elders; living humans aren't supposed to know of such things... I move back, trying to get back to bed before they notice me, the second male voice stops me in my tracks.

" Young Master Chiang has already decided on somebody, she is just behind that door, listening to us, I think we should meet her".

The bed-room door opens, and I found myself in what can only be the Chiangs' Ancestral Shrine: rows upon rows of spirits are in the room, all decked in official civilian and military dress, and yet the room does not feel crowded.
I feel a pang of sad envy: it must be nice to have such protectors...I do not even know my parents' names.

I kow-tow to the spirits, not daring to raise my head, conscious of my disheveled appearance after an half-night sleep.

" So, you are the fox-cub they are sending to hunt tigers, are you? Look at me, girl".

I obey; the speaker looks like a judge, he bears insigna of the highest rank, he captures my eyes with his, staring into my soul.

" You have courage, and honesty, fox-cub, but maybe you can use a bit of help...", a gesture: a Kirin materializes into the room, he lowers his regal head and offers his back to me.

" Ride fast, girl, he knows where the Pearl of the Chiangs is held, he will guide you".

I mount the Kirin and the wondrous animal leaps forward, in few bounds we are deep into the forest, my steed is faster than wind and lighting but I have no trouble staying on his back.

After what feels like hours I start hearing something: a sweet music both strong and sad drift from ahead, it feels like a bird's song but I know of no bird with such a voice. But for the music the forest is still...

I can see a faint light ahead, from the direction the music comes from, it is a golden-red glow as if a few paper-lanterns were hung over a tree.

The Kirin stops, he beats the ground once with a hoof and rubs his deer-like horns against a tree, as if preparing to fight. I slide from his back and, as silently as I can, move towards the glowing tree.

Something moves ahead, dark shapes with darker stripes, I hear them hiss and growl at the glowing bird-shape singing on the tree. A Phoenix! Black Tigers have cornered a Phoenix, but why doesn't she fly away?

Moving cautiously I reach a nearby tree and start climbing, the branches reach out to the other one, I should be able to get near the bird staying out of the tigers'reach.
And that's how I see it: the phoenix is bound to the tree by black thorn-chains biting into her feet and wings, her blood drops down the branches and her song is growing fainter.

Must reach her, must free her!

I creep along a branch, it lowers... and creaks! the tigers are there immediately, leaping and snarling, one of them bites through my clothes and pulls me, pulls me down...

[Cadogan Trahem]

(Very Interesting :) Add 500 EXP to your character sheet, and a further 250 EXP for advancing to Chapter1: Travel by Night. Please see the new thread.)