Author: Silanus, Posted: Tue Dec 5, 2017 11:16 AM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

After hearing her answer, Silanus simply rode his horse with the witch doctor behind him. It was not a long way back to their encampment, so they would arrive, hopefully, not too late. They would use an alternative way and not the main road, to avoid any bounty hunter or patrol like the one they encountered before. The soldier looked back at his companion while riding and spoke to her: "You see. This encampment is like a hideout, or a sanctuary if you want to call it like that. Not a prision." He said, with a satirical voice tone. "You are not forced to be there all the time, just so you know… Everyone can leave and come back as they please." After saying that, the leader awaited a brief moment before speaking once again: "I don't care if you or anyone else takes a boat and goes to Parvpora and returns when he pleases." Silanus suspected that, someone who is used to the wild life such as Inka, would not feel comfortable in an urban enviroment all the time, so he hoped that would make things clearer.

After a rather short moment passed, they finally arrived to the encampment. The main "district" as the Fratis called it, was surrounded by a three meter high wall. The wall was made of "stone" (which was actually primitive cement). Outside the wall, there were some cabins and shacks made of wood, unlike everything else. Small trees plenty of fruits could be seen too. Unlike the rest of the wall, the gate was made of wood and had a bunch of soldiers on it. They had a gear similar to Silanus, infact, every armored man had a gear like his. The gate was opened and they entered. Inside, plenty of buildings and even a street, all made of cement, could be seen. It was too small to be called a village or town, but too big to be called a simple encampment or hideout. Not everyone inside were soldiers. Some orcs and humans wielding ordinary tunics were inside, doing rutinary things. There were only three large buildings: The royal house, the barracks and a temple; the rest were ordinary houses, made of cement too.

"Welcome to the Fratian lair. Someday it will be bigger than this and hopefully it will look like a proper village, instead of what travellers call "a fortress"." After saying that, Silanus dismounted his horse and helped Inka dismount it too. "There are some free houses. They're not big but have what's necessary. Better than sleeping under a tree huh?" He said with a grin. "You can come and go whenever you want, just be sure to occasionally help with affairs such as healing wounded people or the like." Silanus did not care how Inka used her house. If she lived there or simply used it as a storage room, it didn't matter. It was hers after all. "Oh… And if someone messes with you, show them this." From a satchel that the horse was carrying, silanus took a scroll. Inside the scroll, many words in an unfamiliar language were written. "Now… Don't scare the children with that skull in your head…" His last words had a humorous tone. Without expecting Inka to follow him, Silanus walked towards the barracks to see if the goods they sacked earlier had arrived. 

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 10:00 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

She truly meant no offense, Inka could see for a brief moment that her wording may have bothered Silanus. His metaphor made true sense to her and she left it at that. She was glad he was accepting of her small gift. That magma vile would do him some good and she felt no matter how he chose to use it. This again pleased her. Even if he were to use it as a weapon Inka would still feel pleased. After all that was his choice now that she have given him the gift - it was his to do whatever if. But she did linger on the thought of using it with a catapult - that would be a rather interesting sight to see indeed. 

Inka procured a small portion of mutton from one of the other men in Silanus' group. She ate silently watching those with Silanus. It was now that she found herself thinking about what would become of her when they reached their larger encampment. Would she find a way to fit in? Perhaps. Inka found it out that she felt worried that she would ultimately be rejected. Perhaps that was become she was already becoming comfortable with the idea of a "new tribe". Something she had deeply longed for since the passing of her own people nearly 200 years ago. 

When Inka had finished her mutton she wiped her hands clean (not on his cloak of course). Golden spheres once again found themselves on Silanus. He was speaking to her in a much softer way this time. "Sounds…nice." Sometimes Inka struggled to find the right words so he speech could be a bit delayed. She had never met a person who could create stone so this intrigued her greatly. Was it some type of elemental magic user perhaps. "I am unfamiliar with Adeluna….slums" Another smile, softer this time and rather awkward. Inka stayed away from major areas of all types, expect maybe market squares once and a while for trading purposes. 

"I never have…many questions." Inka supposed it was time to go if she was going to stick with this choice she had made. "I am prepared to see your home." 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 9:36 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka's words made the scowl on Silanus' face turn into a neutral look. Even if her "compliment" belittled him, it was quite pleasant to hear. Her question seemed a mock to him. "Hunted? Me? Oh no no no… I don't like that metaphor… It's more like, a little, innocent infant with merely a butterknife, running towards a minotaur with the poor expectations of killing it. I am the metaphor, and the goons they send are the infants." as Silanus spoke, a cold smirk was drawn on his face. Finally, he added: "Yes… I prefer that metaphor. As they spoke, the other soldiers were roasting some mutton in the fire they hardly made.

When Inka spoke about better brews, and then gave him a magma-colored bottled-vile, Silanus opened his eyes wide. Just after looking at it, he imagined how to turn it in a weapon… So is war, right? Exploiting any mean and turning it in an advantage. When he grabbed it, his hand warmed up… It was truly fascinating! "My men will love this… My gratitude towards you, Inka! This is amusing." He snurkled when gazing upon the bottle and it's charming looks. "Imaging mounting this in a small catpult and throwing it towards the enemy encampment! Huh, sounds as captivating as it's deadly…!" 

When the food was finally done, Silanus walked and sat around the fire, accompanyning his soldiers, and expected Inka to join them, but that was up to her. The mutton was well cooked. Half an hour passed after the men discussed, talked, joked and ate. After that, they once again mounted their horses, except for Silanus, who awaited for the "witch doctor" . Before mounting his horse, he turned his look at her and spoke with a softer, relaxed voice than before; resting really calmed him down. "We're leaving now, we will soon arrive to our settlement. You can make a new home there. Some say it's like a small city, other say it's like a town. I just call it a settlement. My people, other than warriors, have been builders since ages. We have an unique way to create stone, something I dare to say few or none can do. So you can just expect how our houses are better made those lowly slums of Adeluna. you got anything to say? Any question? Or we can leave now?"

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2017 8:49 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Golden eyes once more observed what had happened around her. It had been many a year since she witnessed any sort of battle on any scale. It was however, amusing. She had forgotten what battle looked like. Inka seemed pleased with herself - her complicated brew worked! it was one of the many newer brews she had been tirelessly working on - seeing it effect those orcs how it had made her extremely happy. A smile had crept across her lips, yet it was hidden behind the skull of bone that covered most of her face. Her mist had settled rather quickly - the orc mage who had at one point been hovering in the air had made quite a mess of these dry  lands.

She shivered slightly, until Silanus handed her his large cloak. Inka took this as a kind gesture and wrapped it tightly about her form, of course by now she had slid off horses back and stood near the beast. Helm of bleached bone was pushed back up once more so it rest upon the crown of her head, no longer covering most of her face. Inka muttered something regarding the nerve of orcs, brews were more then alchemy! they embodied the souls of life itself, orcs should feel more threatened. Oh..her muttering stopped rather rapidly..Inka had forgotten that Witch Doctors hadn't been seen for quite sometime…so never mind. Inka shook it off before she turned her auburn haired head to Silanus. 
"Danks for this." She pulled his cloak about herself a bit tighter, it was amazingly warm already. She would return it to him as soon as it was not so chilly - He wasn't wrong she did have few clothing - actually, all that she wore was all that she owned. Ragged tribal cloths that were definitely not made for cold climates. 

"You are good with skill" Inka's horrible common was going to have to be her next venture, make it better she thought; she sounded as silly as those orcs! Inka did not mind all orcs mind you - just ugly ones. "I am good." She nodded. "are you the hunted?" What Inka meant was - was there a bounty on your head Silanus? She moved slowly over closer to him - inspecting him from the inside out - no damage. "I have many better brews then todays" She smirked. Food sounded good. 

Inkas hand moved about beneath the cloak, digging in her bag again. After a moment she removed another vile, this vile was small, round and had a string attached to it from the cork so it could be worn if desired. The vile was no bigger than a quarter and it was the color of liquid fire, reds and oranges swirled within the glass container. 
"Here." Her hand was poking out from under the cloak, extended to Silanus. "Dis be liquid dragon fire…" A gift for Silanus. "You take…Orcish winter no match for dis". Inka shook her hand slightly urging him to take it. When he did, if he did, he could feel the warmth that emitted from the small round vile. "But take care with it…deadly…big boom" He could use this in many ways. Throw it so it acted like a bomb or he could open it and drop a small bit of it onto wood or kindling and create instant flame. It could be helpful or it could be destructive, it only mattered how you intended to use it. 

Once he took it she would turn about upon the heels of her feet and look about to see whom had started and fire and where.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2017 3:14 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

It was incredible to see how his foes fell on the ground, yelling and moving as they laid on the floor, until they finally stopped. Were they dead? They seemed to be. Silanus immediately covered his nose; at first he thought Inka's brew would damage him too, but later one he realized he was immune. She must have used a spell to protect him, how convenient!

The other soldiers that accompanied Silanus simply stood back and watched. They didn't know if they were immune to Inka's brew, so they preferred to not risk it. The field was cleared, every orc was on the ground, even their "chief". "Look, over there, in the air!" Exclaimed one of Silanus' soldiers that watched from the distance. It was the orc that was wearing a vestment, the one who didn't charge to battle and stood besides his boss; he was levitating in the air!

"Think you can of striking sorcerers with simple brews? Offensive!" Yelled the levitating orc. "But it is of brew and alchemy I have never seeings before, must admit. T'was hard to counter it, but immunity magic always beatings alchemy!" Immediately after he finished speaking, the sorcerer fired a huge ice icicle at Silanus, but luckily he was able to block it with his large shield.

An icy wind soon surrounded the orchish mage, and then a powerful blizzard took place in the grasslands. Without thinking twice, Silanus sheated his sword and pulled out his javelin, then tossed it at the sorcerer. It was a perfect shot, and managed to pass through the powerful wind. However, even if the orc now had a large javelin through his abdomen, it was still in the air, with his eyes glowing with energy, as if nothing happened. Soon, the other troopers did the same and threw their javelins at the sorcerer, but he was still there, resisting their piercing blows.

The orc pointed his hand at the people below and the blizzard's wind covered them, freezing them in solid ice. Everyone except Inka, who the mage didn't consider as a threat, and of course, Silanus, whose burning sword protected him. Silanus dropped his shield, and with his free hand he casted an agility spell; now that his mobility had increased, the general sprinted towards the levitating orc, then jumped about seven meters in the air and with his blazing sword, slashed the sorcerer in half. A truly amazing sight to see! The blizzard had stopped and the frozen soldiers broke free. The threat was finally over.

A boastful laugh interrupted the scenario, it was, obviously, Silanus'. "Damn, this must've been the third bounty hunter group in this week, right boys? Never seen a mage though. Go and try to make a fire, lets just hope the snow in the floor is not a problem… And cook something I'm damn hungry!" As he ordered, his troops obeyed and soon started a new fire. The general walked towards Inka and asked "Are you fine? That poison of yours really made things easier, truly impressive really! …here, take this, the air is still cold after that 2 minute-blizzard, haha!" After finishing speaking, Silanus removed his large cloak and gave it to Inka, who seemed to have few clothing. "We will eat and rest a little, then we'll go to our main camp… Then we can finally end this gods-forsaken trip!"

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:06 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka had enjoyed the ride, however far or long it may had been. Upon horse was something she hadn't done in ages, so it was a nice change and oh how her worn bare feet thanked her. "I see." So they hadn't gone as far as she felt they had. Trees had just been unexpected to her. "Camp looks nice" Inka nodded her head firmly, it was very suiting after all she had lived and grown in many camps such as this one. Golden eyes drifted as Silanus kept speaking, glancing about the faces whom were nearest to them. Memorizing those that would now be "friendly" to her. "You are right. Survival of the strongest is the simplest truth. If not strong, you die." Inka shrugged her shoulders rather casually, after all her people had become weakened themselves and had been lost to those who were greater than they had been. To Inka, it was just a part of the cycle of life and she understood it better than anyone. 

She smelt them before she saw them. Orcs. Inka had yet to slip from horses back. But her hand moved down slowly, slipping into the small leather satchel that she had been carrying close to her hip. A vile is what she would grasp, filled with a strange purple liquid. Her auburn head tilted to the side - fingers which grasped the vile worked softly to push the cork firmly into the vile, tightness was key. The bridge of her nose wrinkled as Silanus jumped into action. Of course she had some ancient sorcery - some she would easily lend to her new friend, Silanus.

The hand in which held the vile would lift just enough to toss the fragile container at the feet of the Orcs whom threatened Silanus. When it hit the group beneath the feet of the Orcs it would break open - Inka muttered a few things to herself as she lifted her hands again. Sliding her bone mask down to shield her face. From the broken vile a thick yet thin mist spiraled up towards the faces of the Orcs - if they inhaled the purple mist - they surely would have one hell of a trip. Now, Inka was unsure of what scared Orcs - but whatever it was that did is what they would see. For some they saw and felt spiders, or scarabs crawling on or beneath the surface of the skin. Others were attacked by face-eaters, which dwelled within the sands of some places and sucked the life from their very lips. And yet - it was always just an illusion - something to terrify them so badly that they became petrified and unable to move. This was the type of brews Inka had been working on lately. Illusionary brews, battles within the mind. They were complicated, so complicated that if they failed to bring illusionary terror that they would slowly be nothing more than a lingering poison that paralyzed the limbs slowly. 

Oh, and don't worry - Silanus would be unharmed if he himself inhaled the fumes of her brews. After all, that's what her muttering had been about - a bit of protection gifted from Inka, making him immune to anything she threw at them. 

"Maybe da brew shall help". Inka remained where she had always been, upon horse back. However, if needed she would assist Silanus on foot but she figured he could handle them with out without her. And here, high up was the best view for her currently. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:08 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

"Mmh? We didn't ride very far. Still the same region, we just got away from the commercial road. There are very few trees in this condemned place, but atleast they are sturdy and quite large." As Silanus answered to Inka, his other henchmen were preparing a fire. They have been on horseback since early morning; they deserved a rest. It was not easy to do a fire with such tall grass, but it was not impossible either. "No wonder there are few trees here! It's mostly hills in this place, and the few trees that grow are chopped down to build tribal camps… Such as the one we live in…!" The general remembered he hasn't spoke to Inka about their "almighty hideout."

"Y-you see… We have not quite a good reputation. The governors of almost every large city in Canelux wants me and my people dead… Don't think of us as bad people, you see… But we usually raid, loot, sack and raze small, insignificant villages or trade caravans." Silanus knew his acts were wicked, unethical and wrong. However, in such savage times, the man with the strongest sword-arm is the one who rules, and the weakest one must submit or perish.

"But isn't that what every empire does? Impose their rule on the weakest? Annihilate any rival? Place their banners on foreign lands? We are as good as any other empire." With a smirk on his face, Silanus continued his speech: "The only difference is that nobody recognizes our territory in their maps, so we must remind them."  Almost interrupting him, 6 armed orcs showed up. 5 of them had a thick armor and maces or axes made of orchish craftmanship, the remaining one was dressed in a vestment, probably a mage.

"We heard nuff!" Said one of the orcs, who seemed to be the leader. As he spoke, Silanus and his few soldiers stood up and readied their weapons. "So you are the infamous Tacitus Silanus huh? A rich fella in the city of Sviet has paid large amounts of silver to bring you to justice. It seems you have ruined one of his contracts! Hah! Take him out boys!" When the orc finished speaking, he pointed his large hammer at them, and 4 of his underlings ran towards them, ready to attack. The leader and the mage stood back, observing. "Sellswords to take ME out? How naive!" Yelled Silanus, igniting his sword in fire with a spell, readying himself to fight. "Unless you have some ancient sorcery, stand back Inka..!"  He concluded. It was so unexpected to find bounty hunters here!

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 7:05 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka eyed Silanus. She could read his wonder regarding her bizarre request.  She did not expect him to know what it meant or to understand it, but she would always happily explain it. Witch doctors, gain their power through the dead and their spirits. In order to have a successful and powerful brewer the more spirits she can appease the better it would be, more potent if you will depending on the brews purpose. They never took long and always only occurred briefly during her brewing. Her physical body would actually remain and yet her own spirit would part and then return. Sometimes she didn't not even need to depart - a simple dance with rattles and bobbles was all it took for most but at times when she had a more challenging spirit or she was trying to connect with one she was losing she would depart into the grey. 

"I understand…different tinking…" Inka sort of chuckled "Much different den 200 year old tinking eh?" She raised a finely kept brow. Following the pull of her hand Inka settled upon the back of her mount. This was odd for Inka she had not been much of a rider but she would definitely figure it out. "Don' worry Silanus, I wont scare them once they understand I am good". She was confident in this statement. And Inka rarely angered anybody, she liked different people different cultures they were something of interest to her. Golden eyes would gaze around as they traveled to some unknown area. She had placed her bone mask so that it sat upon the top of her head, rather than allowing it to cover half of her face. She realized this was an odd look for some, and could definitely be intimidating or strange enough to cause tension. 

So she tried her best to make herself appear …easier on the eyes if you will. Which, considering there wasn't much to her…shouldn't be that hard, or at least one would think. her hair was an auburn mess, wildly kept and pinned down in areas by random bobbles and trinkets. Her attire was extremely…simple green cloth which was lined with gold. Her feet?  Bare! the only other bits of her that were unusual was the several golden bands she wore around her wrists and upper arms, probably the only things of value she had always had. Today she dawned none of her spiritual face paint - but she did have odd tattoos which were covered by some of her golden hoops. Generally, she just looked like some tribal mess. 
"Where is this place?" Tall grass, strong trees? Inka hadn't been this far before. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:35 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

"A condition? Let's hear it out…" Thought Silanus after listening her first words. At first, he supposed she would ask for silver pieces, but later he guessed Inka wasn't quite a city girl, so she would find little use for such things. Silanus would accept whichever condition she had, if it was not unrealistic or excessive, of course.

After listening to Inka's condition, Silanus frowned and suddenly, a short moment or silence took place. "Walking with the spirits…" This was the first time the general heard such thing. Why would she need that? How often was that "once in a while"? He was doubtful to allow such a particular condition, but… Why not? It didn't hurt anybody, and she didn't take THAT much to come back and return to the "normal, mundane world", so why wouldn't he allow her only requisite, her only condition?

"Our culture, our gods, our way of thinking… All of those are different. But we have one thing in common, and that is that we are both seeking for a way to survive in this mundane, unforgiving world…" Said the general. His words interrupted the brief moment of silence. As Silanus extended his arm and held Inka's hand, he continued speaking: "You are free to go with your spirits, as long as you come back and help us once again. I don't see any problem. Just try to gain my people's trust, don't anger nor scare them…" He pulled her hand and mounted her in her horse. After that, he and his other underlings rode their mounts back to their homes. However, to avoid any patrol, they rode far away from the main road.

After some hours of riding, the soldiers stopped their horses, they would rest a while amongst the tall, strong trees and the tall grass of this region.

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 7:29 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka would literally follow his every footstep, listening. She could understand she supposed. Many feared Inka because of the way she looked, she was something long lost, long misunderstood and to those who loathed magic they loathed ones like Inka. "I see". Her voice was lower than usual, softer now. Less than a hundred was better than none, or one she thought to herself. Now Inka could definitely do as she was told but she did have at least on serious condition. 

"If I go, join, I have one…condition I tink is the word." Inkas eyes closed for moment as she thought. "Once a while I must walk with da spirits…freedom do walk may make Inka vanish for a day or two.." Spiritual walks were highly important, typically she would leave and walk through the spirit realm, appease her kind and supportive spirits and return. If she appeared many her brews became better stronger. "I always come back". 

If he agreed to this one condition Inka would happily try her luck with a new….family. A word or feeling she had long forgotten, long lost. Her hand extended directly towards Silanus who now extended his down towards her from atop his horse. If he took hold of hers she would take that as agreement to her simple condition. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sun Oct 8, 2017 9:50 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka asked Silanus a slightly innocent question. In these unforgiving lands, any man who didn't adapt to the main religious cult was considered a madman, especially if they praised ancient gods of a cult disbanded hundreds of years ago. "They simply fear what the do not know." answered Silanus, frowning his face. He now walked towards his horse and men, expecting Inka to follow his steps behind him.

As he walked, the general continued speaking, answering her other questions: "We are less than a hundred. If you join you are simply expected to do as you're told… You know, prepare concoctions, brew elixirs to help our warriors in battle… and perhaps even poisons and venoms, to help them in battle too…!" a brief moment of silence interrupted them.  As he arrived to his horse, Silanus began to simply caress it's fur, while still looking and speaking to Inka: "You simply gave a bad first impression, witch." Jokingly said Silanus, with a smirk on his face. "Those grunts that didn't trust you will do it once they see you have earned my trusts… Am I right men?" he asked, turning to the remaining soldiers. "Of course sir!" they replied, standing firmly.

Silanus mounted his horse and so did the remaining underlings. Now, the general extended his arm to Inka, and asked once again: "Perhaps a new… tribe… won't hurt, Priestess. Someone skilled in something else than combat would be a fine addition to our humble Genus, our clan… Family. Our city is not bad either." Of course, the Fratians, sadly, did not live in a city. Their "city" is actually a settlement, with some rather large wooden walls and gate, where their soldiers and so called "citizens" habited. It was something to be proud of, however!

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Sun Oct 1, 2017 12:17 AM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka understood his disappointment because not many, nobody really had ever heard of her ancient people. She always figured it was because there was little to no record of them and they had vanished 200 years ago. Inka listened intently as he spoke about The Fratii - his story was something she could relate too. She believed him to be lucky that he was not alone but had managed to survive with others. What is wrong with praising the Gods of your people? Inka tipped her auburn haired head to the side, it moved like a messy wave, clinking and clanking variously because of all the bobbles and beads and other random things she had strung and braided into sections of her hair. This oddly angered her - she found the many Gods of different peoples so interesting. 

Healing, brewin, tis what I do. Inka shrugged her shoulders casually. She had never really thought about joining a clan before. But at this stage in her ancient life she really didn't see why she shouldn't. Inka eyed Silanus carefully for a long moment. If I join what is required of me? Her lips pressed into a flat line again. Her hands folded across her bare abdomen and rested there as she awaited his response. Aye, her brews were powerful and she was talented in many types. From poisons , gasses, to miracle elixirs  she was armed with many brewing possibilities. Did she mention she could do some pretty fun things with voodoo too? Inka's lips moved from a flat line to a sort of odd smirk. Will dem men accept a witch like me? A slender auburn brown arched with question. They had after all been so frightened of her upon their initial encounter, could she trust them? 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 10:49 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Poor Silanus, he was slightly dissapointed to hear that she doesn't know about the Fratians, about his roots, he really hope she did, since the dates were strictly similar. However, what he said was sadly, not fully true… The Fratians, even if in the past they were a much larger coalition of tribes and towns, united under one flag, it was never a vast empire as Silanus described. It was an empire merely by title.

The ancient Fratians were men and orcs who allied and attempted to leave their mark in history, competing against the much larger realms in Canelux. They used old-fashioned, out-dated equipment and armory, which, compared to the knightly armament, was way inferior. Perhaps that was the reason they were crushed and vanquished, forcing them to scatter and divide in small groups, or as they called it, Gens. Among those groups, only one survived the barbarian, orchish and human hordes; that group was the one that is currently ruled by Silanus, who dreams to reclaim his clan's past glory.

"Th-thrilling indeed Ink-Inka…" Said the leader of the men, with a serious look on his face. "The Fratii, as they called themselves in their ancient, forgotten language, have been defeated in a dark past, and we are the last remnants, the last survivors. Although very few of us come from a direct Fratian Bloodline, many are enlightened outsiders, who volunteered to join us!"

Silanus paused briefly, before continuing to speak: "Some people say that we are nostalgic fanatics, praising ancient people and Gods… The most daring ones say that we are reenactors and mere bandits and brigans… But, those who don't value their own life, call us maniacs… One day, even the Queen of Adeluna shall bow to us, the Fratian Gen!" Said Silanus, with a slightly malicious grin. "A Gen, or clan, that would surely welcome someone skilled in healing and brewing…" He said once again, with a smirk on his face, staring at Inka. 

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 8:13 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka was filled with an odd sense of you when the orc accepted her trinket. Ambers watched as he backed away and returned to his commander. Inka once more shifted her weight from one side to the other, the discomfort of sore feet was bothering more than usual. 

Inka froze again when the man whom identified as this clans leader approached next. Yes her story could be viewed as tragic, and it once was. However, now Inka thought of it as an end of one cycle which made way for an entirely new One. Tacitus Silanus, was this strange mans name. His words met her ears and she of course listened with some respect. His title was long and Inka could tell that he was proud. So, she nodded her head in such a way that was a bow of respect for his power. Yet she was clearly not submitting, just acknowledging his authority, which was rightfully his. 

I never heard of that clan. Now it wasn' because they weren' worth being known it was truly because Inka was a wanderer, and spent many of her years alone. So unless she had first hand encountered them, she wasn' too knowledgeable in these areas, espeially in these dry lands. 

But it sounds like a mighty one. She attempted a soft smile of her own. He did bring up a rather interesting point. They were both seemingly ancient remnants of long lost empires. It was sort of exciting, a feeling she hadn' felt in ages. 

It be very thrilling, Tacitus Silanus!. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 6:57 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Silanus and his armored companions listened carefully the conversation between the orc and Inka, reacting slightly at every detail. It was amusing, yet saddening to hear it; the tale of a lonely druid, who, 200 years later, still wandered alone, brewing her mixes, speaking the memories of her perished tribe and kin. Even if they had no idea about what was an Omawii, the sole fact that she was over 200 years old was… Good to know. Right now, it was very convenient for them to have them to have Burluk, as he seemed to be who the stranger trusted more. In any case, why did these men want to speak or gain this witch doctor's trust? Perhaps it was pure superstitiousness and curiosity, or maybe, just maybe, they thought they could find an use to her… 

The orc observed how Inka took something out of her satchel and gave it to him… It was… A frog? No, not a frog, but some sort of baubel or amulet with the form of a frog. Similar to the amulets the orchish tribal shamans used to ensure their warriors fought to the fullest, and their hunters had a good hunt. "Your gift is of welcomed" said burluk, with his rough accent, as he took the trinket. The orc removed his heavy gauntlet and removed a bloodied piece of cloth that was covering his hand, a rag  the After their talk, Burluk returned to his leader, who had seen and heard everything.

The leader dropped his large, heavy shield and helmet to the ground and walked towards Inka, with a smirk on his face and his thick, decorative red cloak covering his right arm. "A tragic anecdote indeed, Inka…!" He said, his face turning serious as he spoke: "I am Tacitus Silanus, rightful leader of the Fratian Gen, or, as you people… may call it, the Fratian clan." Silanus cleared his throat and continued to speak: "And legitimate heir of the once powerful Fratian Empire…! An ancient empire, filled of civilized, truthful citizens! Unlike the ones that fill and roam these gods-forgotten lands today…!" Now, as he spoke, he grinned in a slightly arrogant manner. "What a coincidence huh? The remnants of an ancient empire meet a two hundrer plus yeared woman… How thrilling!" As he ended his speech, he left out a small chuckle.

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 10:01 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

To her they truly were the threatening ones. Inka shifted her weight from one side to the other - her feet were sore after all, this terrain had been rough on her bare feet. Amber orbs moved between Silanus and Burluk before bouncing to the member of their clan whom spoke about her possible use of organs in her potions. Again her nose wrinkled, this time at the word potion. How insulting, brews were much more complex than mere potions! Her right eye seemed to twitch ever so slightly. Inka reminded herself that they were clearly unware of her kind. 

Burluk, whom now approached her had gained her full attention for the most part. She was careful to listen to him, her common was not the strongest so sometimes it took her a moment to process. She gathered this much from him - Lands were not safe, shamans do not walk alone, and then lastly he asked about her tribe. Where was it? Sorrow filled her eyes for a brief moment before she cleared her dry throat. 

Shaman I am not… Witch doctor Inka pointed to herself, her index finger pressing against her own chest. Similar yes, very. A nod of confidence followed. My tribe is gone, dead. She tried to produce a half smile, but even after 200 years it was hard to accept that fact that she was most likely the last of her people. My people died, 200 year ago. Inka shrugged her shoulders lightly. I am the last of the Omawi - not of this land not of this time. This simple statement would explain why she was alone and why her outfit was unlike any of the other human tribes from these lands. Inka was what they called an Ancient Human. Ancient Humans were not immortal however, they did have unusually long lifespans. 
I am called Inka, Inka Achomawi former High Priestess of the Ancient Omawi. But now I simply a Witch Doctor, spirit mender. I roam and gather tings for my brews. Why I visit strange lands you see? Hopefully now Burluk could convince his leader that she was truly harmless and if he were a smart orc realize that it was actually most beneficial to be on good terms with such an individual. The benefits of friendship with an Omawi were endless. Inka moved her hands so that they swooped down into her small leather satchel she had hanging from her side. Fingers dug around within it for a few moments before she removed her hand and extended it towards Burluk. There, sitting upon her palm was a small figure that she had carved from the bone of an animal. It was in the shape of a frog. Gift for you. It was rare for a witch doctor to offer such trinkets freely, frogs, in her tribe were special. They acted as a sort of protection and could lead one to water if they ever found themselves dying from thirst. She hoped the Orc would take it in good faith that she would bring no harm to him or his friends, unless they of course tried to destroy her.

Take. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:16 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

It was interesting how this woman changed the moral ground, and now they were the threatening ones. Instead of an evil witch awaiting to ambush the men, she was now  an innocent doctor, trying to not get mugged. Who would blame her? Silanus would hide too, if he saw eight men assaulting a caravan of merchants! The stranger said that Burluk, Silanus' loyal orc companion, was right. Knowing that was a soothing feeling.

"Well… Who knows what does this witch doctor use in her potions, huh? Human organs perhaps?!?" said one of the anxious armed men, backing off some steps. Such a cowardly act was not welcomed by his leader, Silanus. If she was an enemy, the soldier should get closer, not backing off! "If a mere doctor murders you and takes your organs, let me say that the carrier of those organs was a complete idiot…" Answered Silanus, with a grin on his face. 

Burluk, the orchish warrior, got closer to his leader. Tacitus Silanus spoke to his men: "Burluk, my friend, you seem to understand the challenging tribal life better than any of us. Have a word with this one… You boys, lower your weapons… But not your guard." At his word, the orc walked towards the "shaman"  and said, with his rough words: "A shaman should not of walk into here alone, these lands not safe… Where is your tribe?" he asked. "Human tribes are far off, and never use outfit like yours…" 

As the orc and the woman spoke, Silanus turned back to his men and ordered: "Two of you, stay with me. The rest, go and carry our hard-earned loot to our village before the sun sets… We'll reach you quickly" Two of his soldiers nodded and got closer to him, while the rest mounted the carriage and horses. "Ave, farewell!" Said one of the soldiers, with his fist in his chest as they left. Silanus now observed his orc companion and the woman speak.

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2017 7:13 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Inka stared blankly at the man before her. You got to be serious? She thought and yet at the same time Inka understood their caution. Her eyes finally moved again to rest upon the orc. Inka lifted her hand slowly, her pointer finger was extended in his direction. The ring, which encased her entire finger like a boney metal claw pointed directly at the orc. You be wise to listen to da orc. He be most right - shaman I be, at least that is one name. I be a witch doctor.

Her hand dropped slowly down to her side again. She allowed her lips, which were dry and cracked from exposure and the lack of water to press into a fine line. Her nose wrinkled ever so slightly. Shaman, witch doctor, spirit mender, all of these were names for her. 

I be not evil, I be no threat. I heal I mend I fix da spirits of those who need fixin.

Her attention had returned to the man who was so loud, in her opinion. 

I hide because there one of me many of you? I watch you take from caravan, you take from me? 

One of her eyebrows arched in question. Her arms folded across her lower abdomen. Now she would wait. What did he have to say about that. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2017 5:04 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

"In a sense we are thinking… The hag just admited to be a damn witch!!!"" Exclaimed one of the armed men. The eight men were nervous, but ready to strike. One of them, who was an orc, said: "She may be a shaman like the ones in the tribe I belonged to. Not evil, I hope." As he spoke, the orchish warrior, who was equipped and armed just like his companions, lowered his spear. He was used to love among tribal mages, and knew not all of them had ill intentions.

"If you mean no violence, what are you doing here among us, hidden? Perhaps you wanted to ambush us?" Asked the suspecting leader Silanus. His weapon lowered, but still pointing at her. "Steal our loot, or use us for your alchemy experiments? Reveal yourself and your intentions, I demand!" 

The men were close, but not surrounding her. If the woman was fast enough, she could easily outrun the heavy-armored, slow men. However, that would also anger them…

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:08 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Amber colored spheres had watched the events before her unfold. She had hoped to remain hidden, however, this was made impossible due to a rogue horse. Of course it HAD to flee in her direction, it HAD to expose her. Inka muttered something in her people' long forgotten tongue before she decided she might as well just stand up right on her own two feet. She had been exposed anyway, so her hiding squat just made her vulnerable. 

Her eyes traced over the faces of the men whom absurdly now pointed their pointy sticks her way. A heavily hair head of auburn tipped slowly to the left, a wave of charms, trinkets, bones and chimes, all things which had been worked into her wild auburn locks swayed and flattered against one another with this movement. 

Her mask of bleached bone still rested upon the crown of her head. She did indeed look as they thoig it,  but she was far from a witch, at least she never truly considered herself a witch in the aspect they were insuatiting. But she supposed at the same time they weren't wrong. 

Greetings. Inka was unsure of the greetings in these parts so she tried her best. Not a witch in da sense you be tinkin Inka, whose common was heavily laced with an ancient accent was poor. 

Na need for violence I mean no harm. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 10:07 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

The caravan was already getting closer and closer to Silanus and his men, the prey was approaching his predator. Large, bulky oxen pulling their carriages and cargo, full of lootable goods… Goods that would soon be in the brigands' grip! Once the merchants got too close, the troop got out and ambushed them. Pointing his spear at them, Tacitus Silanus demanded: "We will execute whoever pulls out a damn weapon! Now, cooperate with the glorious successors of the Fratians, and nobody will get hurt…" Without retaliating, the guards dropped their weapons and allowed the armed men to loot their hard earned merchandise.

Tacitus and his people seemed to be satisfied. One soldier boarded the carriage, this way, transporting the stolen loot would be easier. "We thank your cooperation, we'll be leaving here… Your goods will be in good use, hehe…" Said Silanus, before getting to his horse. Of course, the terrorized merchants ran away as soon as they could… Suddenly, without any explication, a thunderous lightning roared, scaring one of the horses; this horse fled, curiously running towards a mysterious, hidden woman, concealed in the bushes. Obviously, Silanus and his cultists saw her, now that a horse had opened way through the bushes, her hideout was useless.

"W-who's that?" Asked one of the confused soldiers. "Look at her outfit, she's obviously a sorceress of some sort of tribe!" exlaimed another one. The doubtful soldiers raised their spears and poitned them to the woman. The members of the Fratian cult were truly supersticious, seeing someone dressed like this woman was really discouraging. Witches were not someone you wanted to cross with, if they did not use you for any of their experiments, perhaps they would simply lay a curse on you. "A hag-witch here, nearby civilization and roads? What do you want, you witch? I can assure you we are not afraid of you, we've dealt with sorcerors before!" Exclaimed Silanus, as he un-sheated his sword and dismounted his horse, walking closer to the stranger.

Author: Wildheart, Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 4:10 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Inka had been making her away across the vast grassland of the Steppes when she heard what in her mind was the voices of far off men, she felt the vibrations of hooves in the soles of her bare feet. Inka was quick to drop into a low squat in an attempt to blend in to the grassy terrain. If they hadn't already seen her then she might be successful if any had seen her well then she would have to see what would come of the immediate encounter. Now granted her rather tribal attire was unlikely to blend against the terrain and the mask of bleached bone sat wildly bright on the top of her head. Perhaps though she would be mistaken for something that belonged there in the grasslands. Something not interesting.

Inka did not fear encountering strangers on her journeys she actually quite enjoyed them. But typically groups of strangers posed problems for her. They were usually bandits, or something close to that. And since she dealt very little with currency she never had much on her. This fact tended to cause her more trouble then one would expect when it came to encountering bandits. 

Inka remained still and hoped she would be missed this day. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 3:41 PM, Post Subject: Perilous Roads [P][R]

"Carry on boys, highness awaits us!" Exclaimed Tacitus Silanus, looking back at his 8 companions, all of them riding their horses in two lines of four, led by Tacitus at the front. It had been a slow day for the cultists, who had been marauding through the the vast grasslands of the Steppes. Their objective, a slightly guarded route in the trade district, place where the human caravans usually passed by. It was the weekly routine; loot their merchandise and, if fortune favored them, perhaps even abduct someone! The extra money the orcs pay for slaves always helped!

Silanus spoke once again to his companions: "You know the drill! Anybody pulls out a weapon, even if it's a butter knife, you slay the bastard!" The men guffawed at his words, it was their favorite part of the job. 

Finally, the "troop" had arrived. Of course, they didn't get too close to the caravan, as it would ruin their plan. The caravan had merely six ill-equipped guards, and a lot of goods, a combination that always attracted the wrong attention! Silanus and his men dismounted their horses and, quietly, hid among the large bushes and trees that surrounded the dirt road. The assault was ready, they just had to wait until their prey walked to the trap…