3rd day, 2nd week, 4th month
Prime Sun afternoon, (Second Sun heliopoidal)
BGM https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QLnTRwpmCGs "Witch" -- Helen (some italo disco to set the mood! what do the lyrics mean? who knows!
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The BarrensAstlumia"Buubi-a-buubia, but for simplicity many a master & mistress have called me Buubi," she says eyes downcast, still in thrall to your majesty. "I hope my pirouetting pleases you, my Lassy Astlumia --" looking shocked at her faux pas she tries to recover, "-- oh I presume! Is it Lady Astlumia, and there is a Lord yet to meet?"
In this space you get to unwind and bond with your new gold lamé wrapped luggage dancer assistant at your prerogative. The luggage seems interesting, faint glittery fingerprints remain near the locked clasps. Brushing up against them leaves a dissipating tingle...? When up close and the surrounds quiet down a muffled ticking sounds from inside.
**
GhandusYour mangonel lizard looks fat & happy, enjoying the afternoon breeze in the cargonet hold. Occassional snorts on the breeze speak of it sensing land lizards and possibly other mangonels out there in the sun blasted saltpan. She keeps sniffing North-Westerly as if teased by ripened cantalopes; could be a hint towards an emergency oasis? You do worry about any wild stallions out there however...
**
ALL At sunset the Za woman asks for everyone's attention. "As Thigriz I cannot in good faith ask intruders to walk towards our Zaran shame, let alone face shared death in the 'Pan of Contrition'. Your kind come into the fallen ruins of our homeland without proper permission ritual and try to continue as if nothing is amiss. But you also offered help in the face of a grinding death to our clan's honor, and great enemies to yourself.
"So you wish to share our pulverizing fate and make shelter in the forsaken dust and salt of our ancestral folly? Well, any so crazy might be strong enough to understand a Za's Fate to Zaran and be welcomed as guest into 'Our Collapsing House'. If you are so ready, send forth your emissary to brand your request for permission to enter Zaran." Upon a lamp she heats a black iron brass-knucle brand, of a pattern noticeably smaller & different than the brand upon each Za.
/if and when whoever volunteers, she will brand you upon the exposed back or shoulder
"I welcome you to the House of Zaran, participants in bringing the Fall upon Talislanta, cursed for our abetting hubris, and whose generations are tasked to keep innocents and fools from coming here uninvited and rebuilding the Nightmares Age again.
"I am Calla. I am a Thigriz, like a shamen or witch to you. Feel safe to call me Calla. We are the almost-shattered Equus Bladder clan. We owe you a clan debt. The men are given license to speak plainly with their public names to you. Respect to you as you respect our house.
"The brand will give pause to other Za. But we are each tasked differently by the Tirshata, and often fight to 'do the right thing, even unto death!' So while we shall not slaughter you, our guests, sometimes our extended family will atone with your blood even after knowing you have been admitted. Apologies, but the way of righteousness is hard, mysterious, and mostly violent...
"Speaking of which, we ask a favor to meet up with our remaining number deep into the 'Pan of Contrition' at the 'Western Annex'. It is asking you to walk into death. There you can find a slice of our forefathers' sins, and much reassuring black iron besides. But it is a lot to ask immediately... as long as we are travelling within what you call The Barrens we will wait a week or two to get there, as you need to prepare."
"... and, thank you, guests."
**
{OOC: You have time to dawdle on another adventure on the way to the meeting point!} Quest: Go to the 'Western Annex' in the 'Pan of Contrition', meet up with rest of Equus Bladder Clan. Maybe see the sins of the Zaran forefathers?
Rumor: Apparently a Bandit Gang, 'Screamers to the Purple Sun', is teetering upon collapse somewhere in the Western Barrens. Maybe another boat can be stolen for the flotilla.
Rumor: The Salt Devils are said to have some of the sweetest soul music. The performing imps nod, but shiver at the thought, demons often being food for rampaging devils.
Rumor: City of Muruk has new curse-breakers (idiots) requesting a topaz boulder from the Topaz Mts. Apparently more than a few boulders passed through Akmir onto The Barrens in the past year.
Rumor: Eastern Borderlands hills has a hidden Mongrelmen hamlet ripe for the picking. Some arenas and wizards are offerering double the typical chattel price.