Welcome to Tacharis ( RPT)

[Soria]

According to legend, hundereds of years ago, Tacharis was lush and green, brusting with life. There were forests and grassy plains, and sky of the most beautiful crystal blue. The civilization of the time, called now the Ancient Ones, by most peoples any way, was leaving in a peaceful time, where their society had reached the pinnacle of achievement, and there was no one in need. Then the Disater struck. No one knows that the Disater was. Some say it was caused by the Ancient Ones, either directly, such as a war, or prehaps their technology blew up, or indirectly such as the Anicient Ones began to think themselves higher then the Gods, and the Gods punished them. Others think that it had nothing to do with the Ancient Ones, such as a natural occuring eco disater. Whatever caused the Disater, it turned into a desert planet. The forests became ashy hills, the grassy plains became sand and the crystal blue sky turned an ashy gray-blue. Although some say that forests and plains still exist beyond the Black Teeth Mountain Range, a Mountain ranged believed to circle all the world, none have ever seen it. Most people live a nomadic live style, traveling from water source to water source. There are a few towns, built around or near great Oasises. The biggest and most important being 'New Haven' a city built on six underground springs. A place of great Merchant and Trader busniess, then kind of place you can buy anything, or anyone. This is where our story begins.


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Rules.

JUst a few basic rules.

Plot holes are allowed, but that does not mean we can Godmode or be uber powerful.


Okay, that's it for rules, but there are limitations...

Races: Okay, you can be any race you want, just no demons, elementals or demi-gods. ( I'll introduce some self made races later.)


Technology: No many people can get a hold of great technology, are are a few cars and motorbikes here and there, and some people even have flying machines, but you are more likely to see someone riding horses or camels to car or motorbike, and more likely to see someone riding a dragon then a flying machine ( Although dragons you can ride are still fairly rare.)

Weapons: There are guns, yes. Mainly handguns and rifles, Machine guns are a bit harder to get, and anything beyond that, expect for maybe canons, are mpratically unheard of.

Quickie wildlife: There are dragons, but really only two breeds, Blood wings, which are smaller, but fiercer, more feral and more numberal ( more of them) dragons of all colours, that have streaks of blood red on their wings, and Royals, larger, stronger, but less of them, dragon that are a golden brown colour.

I think that's it... PM if you guys need to know anything else.


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Char:

Clara Rinner.

Occupation: Bar maid

Apperance: Straight reddish brown hair, Grey-blue yes. Thin and tanned.

Weapons: Carries a knife tucked in her boot.

Bio: Has lived in New Haven all her life, more like the a slum of New Heaven. Works at the ' Sweet Water' inn and pub.

Clara sighed, leaning back against the bar, the pub was dead save a hand full of customers. Gods she hated the times between merchant waves. Then the inn would be fulled with elves, ranging from the black skinned drow to the tanned Sand elves to the Pale skinned gold tinged High elves, lizard men and orcs, humans of all shapes and sizes, and the occiantional bestmen.

[Coffee]

Name: Cesan Obarneithich

Occupation: Ecologist, musician (singing, piper (nothing like elvish bagpipes)), and mercenary

Race: 3/4 Sand elf, 1/4 human

Appearance: Stands at roughly 1.7 meters tall, shoulder length auburn hair, with just the tips of his pointed ears showing. Bright yellow eyes gleam from above an aquiline nose, set in a lean face with hollowed cheeks and a sharp chin. Build is more heavily muscled than that of a typical sand elf. Wears earth-toned clothes that blend with the sand. Looks to be in mid 20's but it's hard to tell with elves...
As a Sand elf he has very thick skin the colour of the dunes. His biology is adapted to lose as little moisture as possible while still regulating temperature.

Weapons: Carries a pistol, a rapier, and a long knife.

Bio: Raised in the deep desert by his tribe. Knows the ways of the desert and can survive for days in the wilderness. For company and transportation he has a horse bred by his people specifically for the harsh arid climates of this world.

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As Cesan approached the inn he leaned over his horse and whispered something in his Aidhel language, after which he took the horse into the stable and saw to her comfort before going into the pub. "Goodnight Sihaya. Rest well, we'll both need our strength in a few days."

Cesan approached the bar and sat down on one of the stools. "Hello," he said in slightly accented Tir'nech, the most common language of this world "I need water or something that won't dehydrate me too much. And what do you have to eat?"

[Rookie]

Sounds cool, i'll join in.

Name: Barod Hajjock

Race: Human.

Age: early 30's.

Occupation: currently Bounty Hunter for the Trade Alliance (a high-ranking business)

Appearence: Usually never seen without his helmet on. It covers his whole face witha black visor covering the t-shaped area over his eyes nose and mouth (think jango-fett from starwars) He wears a suit which includes plating on his chest, arms, abdomen, thighs, shins, forearm, and a protective collar around his neck. A renowned rutheless killer, does what he's paid to do to the letter. His roughneck tactics have earned him a harsh reputation.

Weapons: Semi-auto rifle. He uses it for shooting down his targets at either close or long range. He carries two high-powered pistols on both thighs for close range combat. He has a single knife at his belt which is a little over six inches, some say it is forever stained in blood.

Personality: Bad-ass character. When he walks into a room everybody knows he means business. Able to hold his own in a fist fight if necessary. He began working for the Trade Alliance when they were having trouble with renegades and outlaws raiding their supply trains. They highered him because of his reputation on a previous job. He speaks in a rough voice, rarely kindly to anybody. He is viewed as a rutheless killer. Some idolize him for his strength and toughness.

*IC: Barod strode into the bar with his hands at his sides. The young bar-maid looked up. "Alright," The bounty-hunter said, "Which one of you is Varance Felheid."

The bar watched silently as his gaze (or his helmet) scanned the room. A man suddenly stood up.

"I'm him, and who might you be?" Varance said.

"Don't mess with him man, you've only been here a while, but he's bad business." his friend tried to reason.

"I don't care. He doesn't look that tough." Varrance said raising his chin slightly.

"I have a warrant for you issued by the Trade Alliance. You are to come with me to accept your punishment."

"Why? they aren't the law." Varrance said arrogantly.

"As good as any in this place. Now come along before i shoot you."

Varrance was not amused, "Bring it on tough guy, i aint coming along with you."

"Your funeral." Barod said creully drawing his pistol.

He fired and Varrance dove away, sending dust into the air. The crowd moved out of the way as Varrance poked out and shot at the bounty hunter. Barod stood calmly firing back. A bullet deflected off his shoulder pad. Varrance tried to run behind the bar but a quick shot felled him. Barod put his gun back in its holster and went to retrieve Varrance who lay shaking. Barod hefted him up and carried him outside over his shoulder.

The bar resumed its chatter.

[Soria]

Clara peaked out from behind the bar, and took a deep breath. One of these days I'm going to move some place where gun fire isn;t common day occurance... She told herself getting the sand elf looking fella his water.

" What brings you to town stranger?"

[Rookie]

**OOC: Soria, how advanced is there technology? Cause i kinda wanted Barod to have like a Starcraft Vulture type motorcycle. Just making sure.

[Soria]

OOC: Hmmm You mean like with wheels and weapons? Or are those hovercraft?

[Rookie]

**OOC http://www.sclegacy.com/ghost/vehicles.php the first vehicle is t he one i'm talking about: The Vulture. It's like a hoverbike. On the thing it says it has laser mounted stuff that, of course, i will exclude. The description says: ultimate scout vehicle. In Ghost, this single-person, sleek hovercraft is the fastest and most maneuverable vehicle. It also boasts a mounted laser cannon to give it offensive capabilities as well.

So, besides the laser cannon, is that ok?

[Soria]

OOC: Sure. I'll allow minor hover vhelicles, since sand would cause problems with wheels...Mind it'd probably be hard to fuel the thing.

[Rookie]

**OOC: Cool, and I may have a way to fill that hole.

**IC: Borod tossed the wounded man over the back of his Buzzard, which was a model of a sand-speeder. Its elongated front carried the engine. He sat down on the seat and revved it up. It roared down the street as he rode back to the Trade Alliance headquarters in New Haven.

"We told you to bring him to us alive." an elven secretary said.

"He is." Barod said sternly, "Is Kallhed in?"

"Yes, the manager is in." the secretary said shaking her head.

Barod walked down the hall and turned on the second left and kicked the door open. "I told you to use the handle!" the high elf known as Kallhed said.

"I kicked the handle. That count? Here's your man." Barod said swinging his arm forward to bring the wounded man before Kallhed.

"Good, he's alive and may yet survive to stand persecution."

The bounty hunter stood awaiting payment. "Of course," Kallhed said, "Your usuall two gallons of fuel and four hundred in cash. Your lucky that Buzzard is good on mileage."

"And that you control all the fuel supplies. In a place like this i need to get that kind of mileage."

"How is your mileage by the way?"

"One gallon a month if i don't work."

"A month!? you must have stores of fuel!"

"I said if i don't work, since i'm always working, i need about one gallon a week." Barod said casually, "I modified the engine, sweet deal. I'll take my pay and go then."

"One more thing," Kallhed said, "There's a desert tribe thats been causing a bit of trouble down near Dagad Canyon, i want there chiefs head on my desk."

"Excellent. I'll get on it later." Barod said putting the cash in a cannister and carried out the two gallons of fuel.

[Korkskrew]

Name: Draksin

Race: Human

Description: Only 18, about 6 feet tall, normal build. Shaved head. Wears a long black flowing leather jacket down to his feet. Wears a black hood and veil to hide his face. One of few remaining "Wing Riders". The few remaining people who can tame and ride dragons and other dragonkin. Carried two sawed off shotguns and a Nodachi(real long katana). Very nice and helps people who are down on their luck. Has strong . Values and stands for them.

IC:
Draksin burst into the small tavern guns drawn and at the ready. This didn't really startle anyone as this crap had been going on all day.
"Another bounty hunter eh? Get in line."

"Actually I'm looking for a theif, he stole a womans bag and I'm getting it back for her."

"Oh, sure... getting it for her."

Draksin was about to say something when he caught the theif out of the corner of his eye. He unloaded a round from each shotgun into the man and watched with satisfaction as he flew across the room.

"Well, theres my good deed for the day." He smiled and sat down.

[Soria]

OOC: Guys, ease up on the gun play, eh? It rough and tumble, but braging and shooting without getting so much of a blink..


Clara jumped a good foot in the air as the masked man fired.

" Gods help me, I'm going to have a heart attack before my 21th Birthday." she mumured, turning to the shooter.

" You wanna drink?'

[$tormin]

Errard "Preacher" VonPayne
Occupation: Traveling Priest
Apperance: Tall and skinny looking. Wears black pants and T-Shirt with crusifix cufflinks (really magnesium flares). Always carries with him a large cross that is almost as tall as he is. Though it looks very heavy, it is nearly hollow and light. Its external appearance does not give any hint of its contents. Does not appear to be armed in any way.
Inside the arms of this cross is a rack carrying 6 loaded .45 cal 1911 pistols and spare ammo clips. The main body of the cross is a shoulder mortar with 6 rounds stored.
Drives an ancient looking and well worn ethenol burning jeep that is in very good runing condition. A shotgun is velcroed in easy reach from the drivers seat.

Skills:
Small Arms: Better than average with firearms of all types (not including untrained exotic firearms)
First Aid: In field conditions can work with medical kits or improvise to treat the wounded and ill.
Mechanic: Able to service mechanical vehicles.
Martial Arts: Better than average with unarmed melee.

IC:

Errard VonPayne sat at the corner table, his cross leaning against the wall behind him and a bottle with a half emptied small glass beside the small pile of money on the table. This money was what the servers took from when they brought his drinks or smokes. Nobody was particularly overjoyed to serve him but the tip left over every night, for the past three days he had been in town, more than made up for it. He never spoke a word.
He was an island of complete calm in the bar. Though violence sometimes broke out, it never went near him. Whether it was respect for his profession or a subconsious hint of danger none knew.
Reaching, he drained the glass and emptied the bottle. A server noticed the empty bottle and Errard's barely perceptable nod and rushed to bring him another.

[Rookie]

Barod rode back from his home on the outskirts which was thoroughly locked.

He slid in next to a horse staked outside the bar he had just been in earlier.

He walked to the bar, "I need these three canteens filled with water." And put down the money to pay for it. Water was a payable resource in a desert such as this.

"You seem more the kind to order alchahol." Draksin said, not knowing who Barod was.

"I know what works in the desert. Alchahol won't save me out there." he replied.

"True." Draksin replied.

He left a tip for the maid and was about to walk out.

"Say, if i may ask, where are you heading?"

"Dagad Canyon." He replied walking out the door.

He sat down in his seat after putting the canteens in a trunk in the Buzzard. He fired it up and revved it a couple times. He backed up then rode down the streets and out into the wasteland.

**OOC: We need to find a way to get our characters to get together somehow, get Soria's char out from behind the bar and get them trying to fix something.

[Korkskrew]

"Hey you!" Clara yelled at Draksin, "Why did you give that guy such a strange look when he mentioned Dagad Canyon?"

"You don't know about Dagad Canyon?"

"Can't say I do, care to explain?"

"Terrible place, once you get past the bandits and the blistering heat, you've got to deal with the dragons."

"Dragons you say? I thought they were simply folk lore?"

"Heh, nope. They're as real as you or me. They just don't like to be seen."

"If that's true then how do you know they exist?"

"Well for one, I have one tied up outside..."

Claras jaw dropped to the floor as Draksin laughed.

[Rookie]

Barod sped across the desert, dodging between pillars of rock and over sand dunes. Suddenly he power slid to a sudden halt as he came to a body in his path. He threw his leg over and walked to it.

It was a young girl, mid-teens he guessed. He turned her over and felt for a pulse. "Still alive?" He thought to himself.

He hoisted her up and made sure she wouldn't fall off as he rode back to town. He carefully navigated the rocks this time, as opposed to the recklessness of before. The girl still unconcious.

He kicked open the door, carrying the girl in both arms, "Get some water and clear a table!" He yelled.

Draksin was astonished, "Back already?"

"I found her ten minutes out of town, this was more important than a bounty."

Clara rushed to the table the girl was propped up at and carefully poured water into her mouth. The girl swallowed and came to conciousness.

The man with a cross was watching intently as she took the water and gulped it down.

"Who are you?" Barod asked.

"I am Kasey." she said quietly, "I was captured by one of the tribes and they abandoned me out there. I don't remember much after the raid where they captured me."

"Nothing?" Borad prodded.

"No sir." She said shyly at the rugged voice.

"Your alright now, dear." Clara said, "Your in New Haven, although it is not really New, or a Haven."
This made the girl smile slightly.

**OOC: I have plans for this, I'm hoping to move this plot along.

[Coffee]

Cesan approached Errand as the latter was draining yet another glass.
"That your Jeep outside friend?" he said in Tir'nech.
"That it is." said Errand.
"Good. What plans do you have for the next few weeks? I've heard talk you've been here awhile."
"Why d'ye ask?"
"Well, I'm sure you know the lore, how this land was once fertile, and my people lived in the forests?"
Errand nodded.
"What would you say if I said that I think I know a way to change the climate here back to before the time of troubles?" He looked over at Clara and the others where they were gathered. "I'll need a lot of help."

Leaving the priest to think matters over, Cesan went over to where Barod and Draksin were standing. "She is suffering from heatstroke friends."
Cesan moved to stand over the young girl and, with very slight gestures, mutters something in Aidhel. As he does so a soft blue glow, barely visable, eminated from his hands. "There. That should bring her closer to equilibrium."
To the girl "Kasey, what can you remember of the band that captured you?"

[Soria]

Clara walked back from the group, they were hunters and adventurers, they would be able to deal with this kind of thing.

Hopping over the bar to get back behind it Clara sighed, grinning when she felt something rub against her pant leg.

" Hello Ace, enjoy the stables?" As if to to reply, something that could be described as a fuzzy ignauna jumped up onto the counter the cat like grace and chittered. Clara's grin grew wider as she scratched Ace between the eyes.

[Coffee]

Before Kasey could respond Cesan turned towards the door suddenly. "The wind's tone is changed. Barkeep, quickly! Bring up the house-shield. There is a great sandstorm coming."
"How do you know that?" asked Barod.
"Young man, you don't spent much time with my people do you?" Cesan asked rhetorically as Clara punched buttons on the control panel on the wall behind the bar. "In a couple hundred years maybe you will develop the knack."
Cesan then placed a bag of coins on the counter. "Dinner and rooms are on me. Nobody's going anywhere tonight."

[Soria]

OOC: Slight change in Clara's description, she's now owner of the bar.

CLara took a quick looked around, and realized that it was only her, the bounty hunters, the sand elf, the preist and Kasey left in the bar. everyone else had left before the sheilds had been put up.

" Might as well make dinner.." Clara said, hopping over the bar again, going over to Kasey.

" Think you can manage some broth hun?"

" I think so...Thank you ma'am.." Kasey said softly.

Clara chuckled, " It's just Clara, ma'am is for old folks." Clara turned and headed to the kitchen.

" Hey! Doesn't the rest of use get to make a request?" The masked man asked.

" Nope, only Kasey and the gentle elf whoes buying this meal." Clara called over her shoulder, " Come on Ace, there's some rats in the kitchen for ya."

With a happy chitter Ace followed his mistress into the kitchen.

[Rookie]

The others gathered around the table as Kasey began to speak, "I was visiting here when i went outside one day to help my mother unload something from our pack horses, we were camped outside. Then, on motorbikes, the tribe came riding in with lances," with a stifled sob she said, "they killed my mother."

"Poor girl." Errand said, "this must be a rogue tribe."

"Then, then they stopped and took me. They dragged me around for three days, barely feeding me at all. Then they dropped me down where this kind man found me."

"Kind isn't usually my thing." Barod replied.

Cesan approached the young girl, "Where is it exactly you are from?"

"The other side of the mountains, of course." She said.

The others looked at eachother in shock.

"Are you serious? That heatstroke must have hurt your head worse than we thought." Draksin said.

"No! It's true! There are lush forests, blue skies, and the people there are so nice! But then, the bad times came, the forests are beginning to die, we are almost out of supplies. That is why my mother and i came here, to see if there was somebody to help."

Cesan was in awe, "So the stories are true?"

"It is as real as you or i." Kasey replied.

"She tells no lies." Errand said.

"There is a pass that we discovered, but those who now rule us, the ones who brought the dark times, they allow nobody to leave or enter."

"That would explain why we have never heard any knews of passes, nobody ever lives to tell." Borad said, "The mountains are too tall to climb or fly over without killing yourself."

"How did you get across."

"we had a magical powder that made us invisible, but now it is all gone." Kasey replied.

"These people have kept us ignorant for years, all the other cities never knew about these passes." Cesan reasoned.

"Well, i say we take her back." Draksin said.

"You mad boy? they couldn't get through without magic we don't have." Borad said.

"True, but we're all professionals here, we could pull it off. Theres enough of us we could get get through." Draksin said.

"Aren't you just a little ray of sunshine." Borad said.

"It would be truly amazing to see what it was like! Maybe even find a way to restore this world to its natural state." Cesan said.

The others quickly agreed, "Alright, when this storm blows over, we'll all get ready. Two days at the least to prepare, we're going to need all the supplies we can get. Kasey, how long did it take you to get from the pass to here?" Draksin said.

"About a month on horseback." She said, "We stopped at Oasis city before here if that helps."

"It does, its a long way from here to Oasis City." Borad agreed, "I'll need to modify my buzzard more to take less fuel, thats going to take a day by itself, then the rest of us need ways to keep up with the dragon and the jeep."

"The jeep can hold at least four." Errand said.

"Settled. We leave in two days."

[Coffee]

It was early morning and the storm had passed. A lone figure entered the stable through the bar and approached the sole horse within. "Sahaya, we must part ways for now," he said in Aidhel, "you can not keep pace with a dragon, fast as you are. Make haste to our tribe and bear this parchment. It details where I have gone. Artair will know what to do." He said this as he tied the note into Sahaya's mane. "Make haste girl. Graze where you can."
The horse exited the stable alone, heading east, towards the deep desert at a gallop.

[Soria]

CLara sighed, sweeping up the inn floor. The idea of going to a land that had trees thrilled her...but she was no adventurer, she would just slow these folks down.

[Rookie]

Barod returned early in the morning to the bar the team had designated temporary base until they left.
Clara remained behind the counter, living a dull life.

Barod suddenly remembered something, "Oh crap." He cursed.
"What?" Clara asked.
"I can't cook, i know Draksin can't cook, and i don't think any of the others could even dream of it."
Clara's mood brightened, "Maybe i could come along! I could tag along and cook for you guys!"

"Hmmm," Barod thought, "Sounds like a good idea. Talk to the others about it. I'm sure your services will be welcome. In the mean time, i need a small glass of water before i get to work."

"On what?"

"Installing a very expensive part." The bounty hunter replied.

He drank the water quickly and pulled the yellow component out of its packaging and set it on the compartment just behind the seat. He went under the Buzzard and began to remove a part.

A loud wooshing sound came in as Draksin came in on his dragon. "Whatcha doing there?" the happy man asked.

"Nothing." Borad replied gruffly.

"Somebodys grumpy pants fit." Draksin replied walking into the bar. (**OOC: A bounty hunter and a happy man walk into a bar...)

A couple hours later, the priest pulled up in his jeep with some equipment he was going to assemble with Cesans aid.

After a while, Borad came out from under the bike and went back into the bar. A couple of members were inside while the usual patrons milled about.
Kasey saw Borad and went over to him with a cup of water.

"Your a quick learner." Borad said.

"I am a good observer." She said, "I thought you might like to know, Errard and Cesan have put together a device that will slowly collect the little humidity in the air and make water from it. At least thats what they're planning. Its still in progress, and they doubt its going to produce much considering the lack of humidity."

"Interesting, but it may come in handy if the legends are true." Borad said, "Too bad you weren't my own daughter, i'm beginning to like you."
The girl blushed and went back to Clara, who had apparently been using the extra help.

Borad went back under the Buzzard and continued his work.

[Soria]

Clara whistled happily, mixng drinks for customers, when suddenly one of them roared.

" CLARA! GIT YER NO FEETS AWAY FROM ME!" Roared a half-orge, standing quickly.

Clara rolled her eyes, " Honestly Bargoth, a big 'un like you afraid of some snakes..." Clara sighed, three snakes slithering away from Bargoth's table.

" You really like animals huh?" Kasey asked. Clara wrinkled her nose. " Not really, I could live without rodents, and cats are so...uppity. Just repitles."

[Rookie]

Borad put the component into place and had secured it and was replacing the parts he had taken out to fit it in.

"There." he said tightening his last bolt. He paused hearing somebody stepping towards him. He quickly slid out and pulled his pistols.

Draksin was standing over him with his hands raised, "Whew, spooked me. We're having a meeting inside, thought you'd like to know."
Without replying, he returned to the bar and sat with the others.

[Coffee]

"Aye, we have a moisture collector now." Cesan's voice was heard, but his mouth did not move; it was a mental strain, but he was conserving moisture. "Won't be much, but it's something. Back in the seitch we have several of these set up. Really, you should see some of the things we do out there in the desert."
Errand feigned interest in what the ecologist was saying.
"It's a slow process, but we've collected a fair amount of seeds of plants that are well adapted to arid climes, each with moisture percipitators planted around it's root systems. It's taking a lot of work, but gradually we're bringing life out there. Whole gardens of cacti and dry clime grasses for our horses to eat. By introducing life into the area we are improving the conditions for life. Now, if what Kasey says is true, and she seems honest and forthright enough, there are endless possibilities of the flora we can bring back over.
"We've already collected several small caches of water within our scattered cave and tent dwellings, and there is rumour of more vast stores underground. Maybe we-"
"Wait," Errand interjected. "The others are coming back in." The priest was very relieved. Due to his profession he did not want to seem rude, but he was growing tired of listening to the elf talk shop endlessly. "I guess when you live a millenia or two you really have to enjoy what you do." thought Errand.
Borad and Draksin sat down at a table accross from the priest and the ecologist.
"Alright" said Cesan "We need to start making plans. This will not be easy. I sent a letter back with Sihaya to my brother Artair, requesting him to send aid. I don't know how much he'll be able to help, given the problems we've had with nomads raiding our seitch communities, but he may be able to send a few warriors and vehicles."

"Any help is better than no help," said the bounty hunter. "Now, we must plan in ernest."

I know I'm borrowing, thematically, heavily from the Fremen and Dr. Kynes in Dune. Given the world this is set in though, can you blame me?

[$tormin]

ooc: Errard not Errand ;P.
IC:

Calmly and silently Errard watched the planning, saying nothing. He wasn't a strategist or tactician, he would go along with it up to a point but at this time he didn't have much to add.

[Rookie]

"I personally have a store of fuel for the jeep and my Buzzard. We will need a trailer to drag our supplies along the jeep." Barod said.

"There's a trailer shop a couple blocks down, easy." Draksin said.

Clara had been accepted into the group, if only for the cooking. She sat next to the others. Kasey listened intently as they discussed plans.

"We'll need plenty of extra ammo." Draksin ponted out.
"I've got barrels of ammo for my guns, i'll just load up one of each gun and i'll be set." Borad said.

"We are all not so fortunate." Cesan said, "We'll have to shop."

"In other words, everyone get supplies for a really long camping trip riddled with gunfire." Borad said.

[$tormin]

ooc: The jeep runs on Ethanol, which is fairly easy to come by, rather than gasoline which would be much harder to find.
IC:

"My vehicle is fine for fuel, I have enough stores and I am already as well equipped as I need to be. I will wait in here for you to get ready." Errard VonPayne lit another cigarette and poured himself another glass.

[Rookie]

**OOC: I never said it was gasoline that i ran on :) it could run on a *ahem* special mixture of a certain mineral and water that the Trade Alliance has access to the only field of this mineral that they know of.

[$tormin]

ooc: At a gallon a week, call it magikked juice and leave it at that ;P

[Rookie]

OOC: Yee!

[Korkskrew]

"You guys sure you can keep up with my dragon? He can't fly but he's fast as a greased sand hopper."

"I'm sure we'll manage."

"Hey, why can't he fly?" Clara chymed in.

"Because, there are only about fifteen flying dragons left in the world. And because they're so fast and quiet, they are only seen when they want to be. I've only seen one in my entire life. Since then my entire order has all but evaporated..."

"Your order?"

"Wing riders, we're the only ones who can tame dragons. I've been trying to find others of my order or those with the skills to learn, but I'm beginning to think I'm the only one left."

"Hmm, that sucks." Clara replied.

[Soria]

Later that night Clara began packing two simple bags, one filled with canteens and simple foodstuffs, the other... well, the best way to describe it was a den.

[Rookie]

They slept in the bar last night as Clara shooed away the bar-goers.

Borad had taken off his helmet, it was the first time Kasey had seen his face. It was covered in a couple days beard growth and black hair. His features showed a man of ruggedness and adventure, but something told her he was almost caring in some ways, like he would help anybody if they were in danger, or kill anybody that stood in his way.

Kasey lay down in a chair and fell asleep, awaiting her saviors departure the next day.
------------

The next day, Borad awoke and stretched, put his helmet on and went back out to his bike. He found he was not the first to wake. Draksin was carefully dragging a steel trailer behind his dragon. "One large bullet proof trailer coming up." Draksin said.

Borad helped hitch the trailer to the jeep. "Thats a nice trailer." Borad commented, "Should be able to hold everything we need securly. I like the racks on the right side."

"Yep, for extra weapons or something, and i got windows so those in the back could climb out and shoot if we were being chased."

"Nice foresight." Borad said locking the trailer into place and opening the back, "I'm going to grab my supplies from my house, i'll be right back." Borad said. He fired up the Buzzard and roared off down the street.

[Coffee]

*edit* Posted below as part of a larger post. Ran out of time earlier.*edit*

[Rookie]

The others were milling about, Daksin had gone off with Errard to pick up parts and tools for the jeep.

Borad roared into the bar and untied his barrels of ammunition. The Buzzard creaked as the heavy loads came off. He loaded them into the back of the trailer as easily as one individual could: rolling it up a ramp and propping it back up.

He put in his tool set and loaded the weapons rack with an extra shotgun, a couple of pistols, a pair of rifles, and a couple of swords he had taken from his small armory. He loaded his extra parts into a box in a corner next to his ammo along with his other supplies that he didn't need on his Buzzard.

Errard had said the engine in the jeep would be strong enough to pull alot of weight, but it may be difficult to keep up with the dragon, so he left it at that, it was more than he would need.

Kasey was sitting down behind the counter. "Kasey!" Barod said.
She looked up, "Come with me, we're going to find Draksin and Errard."

"On the Buzzard?" She asked.

"Yes, now come on young lady." He said.

They went outside and Kasey sat behind Barod on the long, sleek, hoverbike. He backed it up slowly, but then with a quick movement of his toe to adjust the gears, they took off down the sandy road.

They scanned the stores until they saw Draksin and Errard carrying out a couple boxes. "Need help i'm guessing." Borad said.

"Yeah, would be appreciated." Draksin said as Borad grabbed the other end of the box he was carrying.
"Lots of extra spark plugs, fuel pump, bearings, parts for the transmission..." Errard began going down his list, after a few moments he said, "Good, got everything i need for repairs."

"I'm ready, we just need Cesan and Clara. I told her two measly bags wont last her long so shes going to try to pack bigger."

"Umm," Kasey said, "Do you think, just maybe, you could teach me to shoot?"

The others looked at her quizzicly.

"Why would you want to learn that?" Draksin asked.

"It has been a long time and i want to get better in case we have to fight, i don't want to be a burden."

"She has valid reasons, i can teach you a bit, but it won't be an overnight thing. You'll have to practice alot to get good." Borad said.

"Thank you Borad!" She said.
--------------

Outside behind the bar, Borad lined up tin cans and tried teaching Kasey how to shoot. "Now, breath in, breath half out to steady yourself, and squeeze the trigger, don't pull it." He said. Soon a loud bang was fired and the can fell off.

"Its going to take you a while to be able to shoot fast, or hit a moving target, but at this point, if they're holding still long enough, you could hit them." Borad said, "Keep practicing, try to go a bit faster with breathing in, breathing out, and squeezing. And don't forget, line up the sights." He said.
He sat and watched as Kasey took aim, and tried to increase her speed and fired. She missed, "Slow it down a bit, just remember to aim first, aiming and breathing at the same time takes practice."

"Whats the breathing for?" Errard asked as he walked up to them.

"Steadys the aim, thats how i first learned, now its second nature to me." He said.

"It must have taken years." Errard said.

"It did."

Errard departed and went back into the bar.

[Evil_Gondi]

Kurik was crouched down, cleaning out the bowls of the tribesmen. He was almost finished when he felt a sharp tug at his neck. one of the tribesmen said something to him in a language he didn't know, trying his best to gesture something.

Kurik didn't know the exact words, but he knew the gist of it. They wanted him to fight again.

Walking into the circle of men, he sized up his opponent. It was the same one as before, probably trying to get his pride back. They had done an amazing job at setting his arm back. Kurik wondered how badly he had to mangle this man before he would stop.

The fire in between them, Kurik guessed, was more for an obstacle than a light source, given as the sun hadn't even set. The enemy before him started to proclaim something, the words jaunting and goading.

When the man was done jeering, Kurik walked over to him. The man punched Kurik in the chest, a glancing blow if anything. Kurik grabbed the man's arm, the same one he had broken last time, and started to bend it in the wrong direction. The man "tapped out" and Kurik pushed him down.

"Weakling." Kurik declared before busying himself with his duties.

[Korkskrew]

The day moved at a crawl and the it was hotter than ever. Drakksin decided to take a break from working and lie down. He took a seat next to Borad and removed his hood and mask.

"Wow..."

"Hmm?"

"You're younger than you sounded before. I never realized. How old are you?"

"Eighteen, just turned."

"Really? That's surprising. Say, how long you been riding those things?"

"Err... Only about a month or so of actual riding. I know all about taming and that kind of thing but it took me til I was eighteen just to find a willing dragon. I'm decent, I can ride at his top speed without falling off, but can't do much else. I learned to shoot off his back while he was stationary but my accuracy isn't as good. But hey, I'll be getting a ton of practice over this next little while so I'll be an accomplished rider in no time at all!"

"I hope... for your sake. Hate to have you fall off and get stranded in the mountains."

Draksin gulped at the image.

[Coffee]

It was the evening of their departure. Cesan set his new recurve into the back seat of the jeep and began loading other supplies into the trailer and trying not to look too excited; he'd seen adventures and expeditions before, but he'd always known the mountains were impassable. Now he was about to see the other side of the range; something that none of his kin, or anyone for that matter, had done. He finished loading the tents into the back of the trailer, locked it, and took his place in the caravan.
Now was the time for departure. Kasey sat in the front seat of the Jeep next to Errard, with Clara and the elf in the back. Draksin followed behind on his dragon (so he wouldn't get run over if he fell off) and Borard preceeded them on the Buzzard. They set out on the road west, with the sun setting before them.

[Rookie]

There formation did not hold long, on this road to Oasis City, it was a flat out plane. Borad and draksin went in front of the jeep, which was holding its own well enough, despite the heavy load. It was a couple days drive to Oasis City, and from their they would follow Kasey's memory back to the pass and who knew how long from there.

Borad turned on his head light only a couple hours after departure, the late evening leave was planned to give them a head start in the morning, plus it would allow them to miss the heat of the day which they would have to endure the next day until they arrived at Oasis City the next night, assuming they didn't encounter one of the rogue tribes.

There were tribes that were friendly enough, but others not so. They rode hard that first night, eventually stopping under a tall rock formation and making camp for the first night.

[Evil_Gondi]

Kurik felt the tug at his throat. He stood up and brushed the sand off himself, still half asleep. A man was yelling something at him. From what he could interpret, he needed to load up the motorbikes.

"Great, I'm not going to get any rest tonight."

As Kurik loaded their things, the tribesmen were bickering amongst themselves. The yelling was loud, and eventually the whole encampment was in on it. Finally, one declared something in a threatening manner. The rest of the tribe grew silent, looking shamed. Then the menacing man said another thing. The tribe seemingly agreed with him, raising their weapons and yelling at the top of their lungs.

All that Kurik knew was that they were going to raid again.

"Each time they bicker, each time they are quelled by the same man, each and every time, I help them kill mercilessly. Gods, just grant me death already." Kurik said to no one. Even if they heard him, they couldn't understand him.

Kurik finished loading the last bit of equipment. They started up motorbikes. Everyone, even the women and children got on one and prepared themselves for a charge. Kurik took his weapon, ten feet of spiked chain, and attached it to the back of one of hte motorbikes. They would not let him ride on one, even if he couldn't escape. Taking a large piece of heavy cloth, he crouched down on it, gripping the cloth with one hand, the chain with the other.

The tribe revved their engines before taking off, in the direction of a rock formation.

"I will not help them in this slaugter no more. I will take vengeance for those I have killed tonight, even if I must die.

[Grand Inquisitor Cyrilus]

Name: Novib Operuimo
Race: Human

Appearance: Early thirties, brown hair, brown eyes, pale skin. His hair is oiled back, and his moustache and beard are always neatly trimmed.

Occupation: Merchant.

Weapons: Being inept at just about every form of combat, Novib prefers to talk, bribe or run his way out of any dangerous situations he finds himself in, and almost never carries a weapon. However, when fighting it totally and utterly unavoidable, he resigns himself to using a powerful rifle which, despite the sophisticated scope attachments, he is still an alarmingly poor marksman with.

Personality: Greedy and opportunistic, Novib only thinks of his own best interests when making a decision. That said, he is no conman – his endeavours may sometimes be little short of extortion, but his sense of pride always compels him to fulfil his end of a deal (after the paying customer has fulfilled theirs, of course)
Despite earning a decent profit, Novib’s frugal habits remain largely intact. His vanity and love of vehicles continue to be his major (financial) downfalls, and are generally the only things preventing him from amassing some kind of permanent capital.

Bio: For many years, Novib trained and worked as both a medic and a surgeon in his hometown of Quarry’s Ridge. He was relatively successful in his work, earning a decent living and even a small amount of respect, but after several years of working as a physician he abruptly abandoned his career. Offering no excuse or justification, he simply sold up his assets, paid off his debts and turned his back on everyone who’d known him.

Over the last few years, Novib has roamed from settlement to settlement, operating independently as a merchant. His resourcefulness, stingy spending and pragmatic attitude ensured moderate success, with most of his profit going towards buying elaborate vehicles. He rarely speaks of his ‘old life’ anymore, and only applies his medical skills on the very rarest of occasions (typically ones where there is a great deal of money to be made, though once or twice he’s settled for particularly valuable cargo).
His latest indulgence, a large beast-drawn carriage, has brought him to New Haven where the story begins…

~~~~~~~

Standing amid a frenzied swarm or workers, Novib watched carefully as a small army of porters offloaded cargo from an old armoured hovercraft and stacked it next to his latest mode of transportation, a massive carriage mounted onto treads. The carriage alone was an impressive sight, and standing at five meters in height it was larger than many of the houses in New Haven.
The bottom deck was little more than a wide metal box with a ramp hatch at the back, while the smaller top deck (which was mostly built out of wood – a rare sight indeed in Tacharis!) contained a berth large enough for five passengers, or one self-indulging merchant. At the last minute, Novib had even ordered the construction of a rope handrail and canvas tent that ran along the top of the metal cargo deck, converting the unused roof space into a balcony for the narrow upper floor.

But despite the outrageous displays of excess and waste so far, it all paled in comparison to what the two huge harnesses attached to the front of the carriage promised. Just as the merchant was about to start berating several workers for not applying the garish red paint fast enough, a low pitched animal call echoed from somewhere nearby. With almost childlike glee, Novib instantly forgot his latest grievance and instead began yelling excitedly for the construction yard gates to be opened.
The sound of large hoofs crunching on the dirt road steadily grew in intensity, until finally two huge yak-like beasts slowly lumbered into view. Despite standing two and a half meters tall and having an enormous amount of muscle, the hefty beasts calmly plodded behind a lone animal handler, who was leading and restraining them both with nothing more than loose rope collars.

Clapping his hands together, Novib was oblivious even to the sound of a cargo crate being dropped as he strode over to the handler. “Ha! These beasts are just as impressive as you said they’d be!”
“Beasts!? They are the achievements of an ingenious breeding system, brought to fruition through countless generations of unwavering patience and expertise… and you dare call them beasts? No my friend, these…” the handler gestured grandly towards the two animals, “…are some of the finest creatures ever to have walked the sands of Tacharis, and shall continue to be so unto the breaking of the world itself!”
Uninspired and presumably oblivious to their flamboyant introduction, one of the animals let out a low pitched warble while the other one continued staring docilely into space. “Anyhow, that’s probably enough banter… time for business, eh?”
Vehicles, and all things transportation related, were one of Novib’s few monetary weaknesses. With none of his usual dread at having to lose coinage, the merchant eagerly fished out a bulging coin purse from his brightly coloured robes. “Indeed, indeed. Name your starting price, and we’ll see where it goes form there.”
“Fifty plat coins and they’re both yours, my friend.”
“Wait a minute… what aren’t you telling me? Why are they so cheap?”
Several of the nearby workers faltered and stared at Novib incredulously. Fifty platinum coins were enough to buy a modest home, a pair of healthy horses and a month’s worth of water… and here the merchant was ready to squander it all, and more, on what appeared to be two oversized yaks.
“I know what you’re thinking, and I assure you you’re getting exactly what I promised. They’re healthy, they’re purebred and they’ll still be walking the desert sands long after we’re dead and buried.”
Novib continued to glare at the handler. “Then why so cheap!?”
For a while, the handler didn’t reply, content just to smile smugly at the merchant. Finally, when Novib was suitably agitated, he decided he was about ready to answer. “Because, my friend, you’ve yet to pay for their yearly meal.”
A terrible sense of foreboding swept over Novib, and he unconsciously withdrew the coin pouch. “Wait… yearly meal?”

[Coffee]

Actually, the night departure was, when I mentioned it, a matter of practicallity and survival; during the night is the best time for desert travel. the dry air doesn't retain heat well and the temperatures are far cooler. On a desert world, this would be standard practice.

[Soria]

Clara sighed, leaning back against her seat. Her mind was turning with thoughts. She just knew she'd never see New Haven again, ever, so she had given her bar to her good dwarf friend, Loka. He was a good sort, tough as nails, but as as pure as water straight from the spring. Pluse he'd be able to fight off anyone who'd want to buy the bar.

Ace, who was sleeping in Clara's lap, sprung up suddenly, making nervous chittering sounds.

" What is it boy?" Clara asked, then listened hard. In the distance she could her the reving of motor bikes.


" Ah sh*t."

[Rookie]

**OOC: Whoops, got my desert lore screwed up. And me tinks we being set up, cause my character is too smart to taunt a tribe of dudes.

*IC:

"Son of a..." Borad said, "Kasey, Clara, get in the trailer and open the windows. Shoot at them if one gets in your view, or just sit there and wait."

Borad jacked a shell into his chamber as the bikes began riding up.

"They must be offended by where we're camped," Cesan said, "They have no other reason to attack us."

"Or we're being set-up." Borad said taking careful aim. The others were in a skirmish formation around the vehicles, with their backs to the rock formation for protection. The bikers began to draw near.

They fired brief shots as they rode towards the semi-circled group. Borad fired their first shot but a loud tink off the bike indicated a miss. Draksin waited for them to get close.

Borad fired again, and hit his target in the waist. His lead was just right, but he hadn't aimed far enough up, but it was enough to send the bike and rider hurtling.

Kasey remembered what Borad had said about lead. She drew her bead cautiosly and pointed just ahead of the target and fired. a spark went off the back of the bike, but otherwise no damage.

Borad leaned to his left as a tribesman came after him with a lance. He stood up and fired and dismounted the rider, sending the bike into the rock. The tribesman lay still. Borad grabbed the lance and waited for the right moment to use it.

[$tormin]

Errard leaned his giant cross against the armored side of the trailer and pulled the cloth covering off of it. Then he touched a spring-loaded button on one arm and a pannel popped open revealing a stash of pistols.
Taking one of them, Errard took very careful aim and began to fire small bursts at the bikers. Not a marksman by any means, Errard was still able to aim well, his cover giving him the safety he needed to target and shoot unhurried.
"They are not normal bandits!" Errard yelled to his comrades. "Bandits would have passed us by the moment we were able to get setup like this."

The bikers didn't stay long though. After losing three people and five bikes, they picked up the wounded and went off. It was pointless to assualt a defended position like that one when they could follow and wait for a better time to attack.

[Soria]

Clara uncovered her head an sighed in relief.

" Thanks heavens that's over."

[$tormin]

"keep your fool head down. Barod, want to parallel them with your hoverbike? I got some flares in the jeep, we can give warning if they turn back."

[Rookie]

EDIT: OOOH! OK I GET IT! I posted at same time as $tormin, i like his plan better.

[Soria]

OOC: He's yelling at Clara.


Clara glared at the priest a moment, Ace giving an angry growl at him.

" Well excuse me all to hell. " She grumbled.

Errard grumbled, " This what I get travelling with an epmty headed Bar wench."

[Evil_Gondi]

The tribe was once more bickering amongst themselves, anger fueling more anger. Kurik busied himself with his duties. Licking his bloodied fingers from whence they scraped a rock, he bandaged them as best he could and started maintenance on the bikes. His duties were cut short, however, as the tribes set to move once more.

"If they're going after that group again... bah, ruled by their pride. Weaklings and fools to let their anger drive them."

[$tormin]

"Lord god watches over all fools, but do not send yourself unto his mercy untimely." Errard looked over to the bounty hunter. "Yes or no on the scouting, your ride your call."

[Rookie]

"Dang i will. I'll see about taking some out to make then think twice about following us."

"We'll let you know if they come back, like i said." Errard said.

Borad fired up the Buzzard and rode out.

He turned his visor to a nightvision mode. He could see the tribes man lined up just a head of him. He flicked it off, able to see them better now.

He rode straight at 'em and power slid, causing sand to fly at them. He fired a couple random shots, from a scream, one hit. He rode around a formation as the bikes roared back around in another direction. He pulled a u-ey and took off after them. The lagger was having difficulty and Borad rode up and shot him as he pulled up next to him, and rode up to catch up with the rest of the group to follow Errards original plan.

OOC: Dangit, it happened again! I should just shut up and wait from now on :D, it'll work for now. We'll just say he rode off before Errard to say otherwise, it makes sense with Barods stubborn nature.

[Soria]

" Stupid bastards are following us alright."

Using night vision binocolars, Clara took a closer look.

" Hey! I think they got a slave with them! He's all chained up and stuff!"

" I told you to get your fool head down!" Errard barked.

Clara got down, grumbling softly.

[$tormin]

ooc: Actually errard was asking if you wanted to scout and saying it was your call on going out since it was your vehicle ;P He wasn't going to say don't go.

[Evil_Gondi]

OOC: CONFUSION IN THE RANKS! CONFUSION IN THE RANKS!

IC:

Kurik could feel his arms tire. His gloves had worn through and now his knuckles were starting to be scraped off slowly.

"I've got half the mind to just go on a rampage right here and now. Lucky for a few of them, the other half is right."

[Coffee]

*edit* Remind me to refresh between going to bed, waking up, and posting.*edit*

[$tormin]

ooc: heading to work soon so I can't post, but I gotta say that the fight is already over there, coffee. They pulled off when they saw that they would take unnacceptable losses and now rookie's toon is scouting them.

[Rookie]

Barod followed behind the leader, although he was parrallel to th rest of the bikes. They were dragging a slave along with them.

He decided he might as well help the poor man whoever he may be, it was the right time of night for him to find cover, and these rocky formations would allow him to find shade, if he followed these formations for a couple days, he may yet find Oasis City.

Anything was better than servitude, Barod reasoned. He weaved between a couple boulders and pulled up next to the bike pulling along the slave. The tribesman was surprised and tried to veer (spelling?) away. He shot him twice with the pistol and the bike just tipped over and skidded a ways. The man looked up at him as he carefully shot the chains off, hopped on his Buzzard and rode off after the main group.

He followed them as they rolled over some sand Dune's to where they circled around and dove into a hole in the ground. Borad had an explosive charge with him at the moment, the only one with him, so he decided to seal the hole for a while. He lay the charge on one of the sides of the cave wall and ran back and detonated it. Sand flew up as he looked back. The enterance was collapsed, so he decided to rejoin the others.

[Coffee]

"Where are you going!?" shouted the cleric as the ecologist ran out to where the corpses of the fallen lay in the sand.
Cesan projected back "I've got to leave a signal." He started dragging the bodies in closer proximity. "The scavengers will eat these soon; they must move quickly."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm planting a beacon here so my tribe can come and collect their water before the buzzards eat them."
"Their water? It should be in their canteens, if they have any."
"Their bodies have large amounts of water. Fully seventy percent of their weight. For our projects we need that water." Cesan stopped and thought for a moment; "If you're going to give them Last Rites, now is the time Father."

[Rookie]

"Better make it quick." Borad said thundering back to the others.

"Where have they gone?" Errard asked.

"A ways from here, i sealed off the enterance to their base, we can make it to Oasis City by early morning if we leave now." Borad said.

"Agreed, but i dont know about how early, lets roll." Draksin said climbing onto his dragon.

[Coffee]

"Signal's set. I'm ready when you are," said the elf, as he clambered back into the jeep.

[Evil_Gondi]

Kurik felt the band on his neck. It was not choking him, so that ment his slaver was dead.

"It seems you killed the child." Kurik said coldly.

"What did you say?" Borad asked in a confused tone.

"My slaver was a child, barely half my age and you killed him. I must offer my gratitude for where I have failed. I offer you my services until my debt is paid."

[Soria]

Clara shivered seeing the slave for the first time, something about him just made her feel...creepy.

[Rookie]

They rode out from the camp, Kurik joining the others in the back of the jeep.

Barod rode up next to Errard, "Dont forget to be on the look out, they may have other bands nearby."

"I won't." Errard assured him.

[Grand Inquisitor Cyrilus]

Close to tears, Novib stood aside helplessly as the two enormous yaks stood by a large trough by the bottom of a grain silo. The silo had been completely full prior to their arrival, but the yaks had effortlessly brought the grain store down to half its capacity and didn’t seem to be slowing down. Naturally, the grain salesman was delighted, and even the animal handler had a smug expression on his face at seeing Novib’s horror.

“What is wrong with these creatures? First, they drink an entire reservoir of water each, and now they’re going to follow up with the whole blasted silo!”
The animal handler let out a hearty chuckle. “Perhaps now you see why the sale price was so low, eh? Ahh, cheer up, my friend! If you only ate and drank one day of the year, you’d get through just as much when you did get around to it!”
“But… I mean, where’s it all going? There must be nothing but stomach on the inside of those fiends… they must be magikked!”

Where there had ever been a misfortune in the world, a bad deal or a poorly timed coincidence, Novib was certain that ‘magik’ was the cause of the evil. Such was the case in this instance.
“Ah, I know it seems a bit rough now, but over the span of an entire year they’re very cost efficient… given how much they can haul, anyhow. Believe me, between the two of them that little wagon you’ve got won’t even slow them down.”
“But this… this is horrific! Look, the silo’s three quarters empty now!”
“You should count yourself lucky, they’re only a little peckish this year. Besides, our friend the grain salesman over there seems cheerful.”

Nodding happily in agreement, the salesman pointed to the cost-meter attached to the through, whose numbers were still spiralling upwards. “With good cause! You’re already going to pay enough for a bigger house, and by the looks of things I might even be able to afford a motor vehicle!”
“Ah, see? Doesn’t it feel good to give something back to the community?”
It was all becoming too much for Novib. After glancing mournfully at the cost-meter one more time, he miserably began tottering his way back to the construction yard, where his carriage and cargo were stored. “I’ll be right back… I’m probably going to need to liquidate all my cargo to pay for these damnable brutes.”

[Rookie]

**OOC: ohhhh, sad :cry:

*IC:

The sun was beginning to rise and an early morning dew had formed on the sand.

"Thats a good sign if theres dew." Cesan remarked.

"Makes travel easier for the moment temperature wise, but we've got to get to Oasis City before the dew all evaporates and the sun gets higher or we'll cook." Errard said.

Kasey looked around as they gained a little air going over the edge of a sand dune.

The Buzzard was airborne, though more-so than the others. Draksin merely clambered over the dune, but Borad braced himself as he came down. the hover system was just powerful enough that the bottom didnt touch the ground, but he came really close, a cloud of sand kicked up and they kept going, trying to beat the sun.

[Soria]

Clara covered her mouth as the jeep jumped again.

Must not be ill...

[Evil_Gondi]

"Instead of fighting the bumbs, move with them, and you will be less likely to lose breakfast." Kurik instructed as he saw the ill looking woman move her hand to her mouth.

[Korkskrew]

Draksin found that his dragon was much more maneuverable on the dunes than the other vehicles and thus had decided to take it upon himself to scout ahead. No sign of the bikers but he did spot something worse. He did a complete 180 and came back towards the group. He flagged them down and they stopped next to him.

"What is it boy? This better be good."

"Kannoks!(ooc: go starwars!) I saw kannoks! Just over that large dune there!" Draksin stammered.

"What in gods name is a kannok and why are you so jumpy!?" Errard demanded.

"They're a very rare animal, found only in the most desolate parts of the desert."

"Why should we worry?" Barod asked.

"Because, the reason their surroundings are so desolate is because they kill anything and everything they see. They're faster than a dragon and can take a shotgun blast to face at point black. They're tough as nails and all they want in life is to kill."

"And how do you know this?"

"I spent most of my life studying animals, especially dangerous ones."

"What do you propose then?" Cesan chymed in.

Draksin sighed.
"The only thing I can think to do is for me to draw them off while you make a run for it. I only saw about 5, with a little luck I can take them out before they overtake me... Wait until you see them all trailing me then bolt. I'll send up a flare if I'm clear. When you see it you send up another and I'll come to you ok?"

"I guess that should work..." Barod spoke, sounding a little doubtful.

"It'll have to..."
With that Draksin spurred his dragon and ran onward towards the voracious beasts.

He held on tight while the dragon began to move quickly in different directions trying to throw the kannoks off. They were gaining ground quick. Draksin drew his sword and one of his shotguns and leveled the barrel across the blade as his old teacher had taught him. Firing from a moving dragon was difficult and very few could do it consistenly. Draksin was lucky, he was born ambidextrous so he could fire with either hand while using his sword.

He leveled the blade and took aim, trying hard to compensate for the bouncing beast beneath him. As one of the kannoks approached he squeezed off a shot. It went wide but the wide spray managed to clip the beast and slow it a bit. He fired the second shot and hit the creature dead on. It tumbled and rolled but got up and kept moving.

He quickly ejected the shells and slammed two more in. He decided to use slugs this time, maybe they could do more damage. He aimed carefully and fired. He missed by a longshot as the beast jumped over an obstacle as he shot. He looked to his left just in time to see a kannok leap for him. He slashed it with his sword and fired. The slash cut through it's tought hide and exposed its neck, the bullet hit home and finished it off.

"Wow, luck is with me today..."

He jacked in two more buckshot deciding he wasn't good enough to use the slugs just yet. He fired again and slowed two more down. Damn those things were tough he thought to himself.
Another leapt at him and he rammed his sword down it's throat. He wrenched it free just before it carried him off his mount. But alas he had been knocked so off balance that as the dragon jumped to clear a sand dune he fell. He drew his gun's quickly and fired at the oncoming kannoks, but they were fast as hell and slammed into him before he could kill them. He rolled to his feet once more and drew his sword. He holstered one gun but kept the other out. The shotguns were still useful in close combat.
The remaining three encircled him and growled viciously. He rolled to the side narrowly dodging two as they swiped at him, and shot two rounds into another, he then charged and slashed several times at it before it died. Although it was still thrashing about so it was likely only incapacitated. The other two turned to him and charged. He readied his blade in anticipation but before he was attacked his dragon crested the dune and launched itself at the kannoks. It knocked both down and struggled to hold them. Before they could get up Draksin sliced one cleanly across the throat and put a slug into the others skull.

He mounted the dragon and shot his flare into the sky. As he lifted his arm he winced, he must have bruised a rib when he fell. He saw another flare in the distance and headed towards it.

---------------------------------------------------------
"I honestly had my doubts that he would live, those things were bloody fast." Barod said.

"He's quite handy with a gun though, at least, when he isn't mounted." Cesan added.

OOC: Ooo big post.

[Coffee]

"Kannok hunting party. Nice. I hope Draksin brings some of one of them back." said Cesan.
"Why on earth?" ask Clara.
"It's a delicacy. Really, quite good."

[Daiv]

Name: Jarek Euri

Race: Human.

Age: In his 20's - 30's. No one can be sure.

Occupation: None/Wanderer. Former Close Quarter Combat Instructor/Consultant.

Transportation owned: None. He often walks or aquires other means of transportation.

Weapon/Equipment: 1 small Pistol (2 shot capacity). 1x28' Single edged Sword. 5 throwing blades. 2xKnuckle Duster Mitts with dual blades (Useful for crushing and slicing in close range).
Basic first aid kit and light weight back pack.
His Martial Art knowledge and skills are matched by few. His prefered techniques are grappling.
Clothing ranges between the light weight and baggy (For cooler temperatures during combat) and tight light weight armor (For cooler nights). Colours range between the dark and light.
Dark colours are mainly used for when he's working to aid camoflage.


Bio: Jarek Euri, was trained by a tactical night assult instructor for many years. Most of which involved combat training with little or no light. As a result of this, his skin has a very pale hue, also his eyes are able to adabt briliantly to low light. Thus, able to see a lot more clearly in the dark than any average Human.
During his teen years Jarek spent his spare time instructing those who were willing to pay for his teachings. This, did not last long when he heard the tragic and unbelievable news that his instructor was found dead.
Shocked and in dispair, Jarek now wanders around looking for clues as to the reason why his instructor died.

Personality: Before his instructor died, Jarek was a very placid type, overly quiet and shy. It made life difficult to obtain work, however with the help of his instructor, he was introduced to those who sought to learn.
Now as a result of his travels, he has come out of his shell.
A droll guy, quick to anger, yet freakishly calm in all situations, Jarek is stubbern, persistant, and understanding. Very emotional, he often struggles to keep anger and rage at bay, however he has never given into them.
Jarek is also able to deceive some people in order to obtain what he requires. Although he is very reluctant to do so.
A powerful man, with natural leadership qualities. His most outstanding quality is his ability to stay calm and think clearly in even the worse situations.

Interests and Disslikes: Jarek has a passion for food. He is trying to learn different styles of cooking as he always wanted to become a Chef. He hates consuming alcohol.

[Rookie]

Borad watched as Draksin came riding back over the sand dunes.

"Your a lucky son of a B****, you know that?"

"short answer: yes, long answer: Hell yes!" Draksin said excitedly.

[Soria]

Clara giggled softly at the two men.

" Boys...can't live with them, can't figure out how to hide the bodies afterwards."

[Evil_Gondi]

"Throw 'em in the sands, they'll eventually get covered up and no one will ever find them." Kurik said in cold humor, a smile on his lips.

[Rookie]

Borad shook his head, "Leaving them anywhere in a wasteland where everything looks the same will do the job just fine. The sand does cover them up, but what are the chances somebodys going to be in the same area you are?"

"You guys sound like you have experience in this?" Draksin said.

"I do." They said in unison.

"Lets roll, we've wasted too much time as it is. Its starting to get hot." Borad continued.

"Definetly, we're only a few minutes away now i think." Errard said consulting the formations and a small map.

With that, they roared off to find Oasis City.

[Coffee]

The sun was high in the eastern sky when they reached "The Hrulie Inn & Tavern" and the humans were sweltering...Cesan, though better adapted, was nonetheless quite happy to get into the climate-controlled inn. Draksin had his hands full aquiring accomodations for his dragon; the stables were not designed with such beasts in mind.
The bar was surprisingly well furnished; red velvet cushioned chairs and benches surrounded well polished rectangular tables that dotted the room. The light was dim, but quite enough to see...a comfortable light level for most humans. The bar's common-area was relatively large, but mostly empty. Behind the bar stood an unhappy looking half-drow, whose expression brightened only slightly as he saw he had customers.
Each wasted little time in getting a room and heading off to it; they were all tired after a long time on the road.

------------------------------------

Late evening arrived. Cesan came out of the trance used by elves in place of sleep, and went downstairs to the bar. The half-drow was apparently off shift as a grim-faced middle-aged human woman now stood behind the bar.
The others were still asleep in their rooms, so Cesan went to the bar and asked for ice water and pertás (a bread made from desert-rye; the only grains that would grow in these parts.) He tried to make conversation with the woman (her nametag read Ellen) but she was not very talkative. So the elf took his food to a table and waited for the others to wake up.

[$tormin]

"Slow year when the biggest talk is about someone buying animals." Errard thought to himself as he sat in the counter of a bar far removed from the hotel the rest were staying in.
"What will you have?" The orcish bartender asked gruffly.
"Anything that won't make me go blind." Errard replied tiredly.
Looking at the large cross, the bartender's tone became more friendly. "So you are a priest? If you are looking for work around here you might try the church. Our last preacher got shot up. Nothing fancy, but people here haven't been getting the last rites and that upsets some."
"What is happening here?" Errard asked.
The orc leaned forward and spoke in low tones. "Wells here have all but gone dry, pulling up more mud than water. Few spots around are still flowing but some are disputing ownership and heavies are being brought in. Last preacher, he got involved if you know what I mean. Picked one side and all the rest came after him. He went into the open one time too many, and he had his weight doubled in lead."
Errard considered a moment before swallowing the entire contents of his glass. It was some sort of very poorly made grain mash booze. "I am not going to be staying long, but I will see what I can do."

[Evil_Gondi]

Kurik awoke on the floor. He lay there for a few more moments, staring at the ceiling and scanning for imperfections. He finally rolled backwards onto his feet and did a few stretches. When he finished with that, he went downstairs.

Approaching the bartender, Kurik waved at Errard before asking, "Where can I get a quick job?"

The bartender looks him over before replying, "You might be able to find a job as a bodyguard, but it'll probably be the end of you. The land disputes going about will provide for the 'shadier' members of society, if you catch my drift."

"None of it looks promising. And that all sounds like it will take too long."

[Rookie]

Borad walked outside, trying to find a well. As he came to one he saw a crowd gathered around it.

"What the hell is going on here?" Borad shouted stepping to the front of the crowd.

"He's trying to take water from the well without paying!" one dirty looking man said.

"Well you snuck it before, and i aint stealin' neither!" A tall goblin said, "And don't go interfering stranger, we'll shoot the hell out of you."

The goblin began to reach behind his back but Borad whipped out a pistol and pointed it at him, "Don't even try."

"Who is you to go pointing pistols at people? how do you..." The man said beginning to step forward.

A moment later the man was staring down the barrel of Borads other pistol, "Ok, here's how this will work."

"You, will pay for your water, and you...will let him pay for it. The rest of you, will go about as normal. Is that understood?"

"Now look whos making rules. Its mr. sheriff!" someone shouted.

"And the next person who makes a wise crack will get shot." Borad said, "Pay the man."

The goblin paid the well propriator, and the other man looked grudgingly as the goblin scooped up a bucket and walked carefully away.

"You," Borad said, "Are a racist pig. Goblins got as much right to get water as you do. don't go kicking people when they're down."

"Mark my words, stranger. I never forget a face, even if i havent seen it."

"Neither do i." Barod pushed him away and walked back through the crowd, deciding to get water from the bar instead.

[$tormin]

Errard nodded as borad sat near him. "Rather diplomatic handling of that one. I would be careful though, there is enough tension in this city to blow it all sky high."
Borad nodded and ordered a drink.
"That particular well...hasn't produced anything but dust for weeks. The owner has been having water trucked in and pretending nothing is wrong. Everyone knows the truth but nobody really want's to face it."
"He isn't going to last long, not charging that much." Borad drank.
"Indeed not. I have been checking around all last night, finding out what has been going on. Five major families were running this town, owning most of the wells and almost all of the farms. An earthquake a few months ago must have shifted the water table though, the wells stopped producing." Errard refilled his glass of the murky vodka. "There wasn't enough water left for the people, the food crops AND the money crops. Things didn't blow up, literally, until one of the families had an accident or assassination. The fuel tanks at one of the compounds blew up taking out most of the family.
"The damnfool preacher here tried to play off all four remaining families to try to take over this place using his position and the recient religious fervor that took over this area. He got what he deserved but now everyone is ready to kill. Nobody seems to want this to happen but nobody can see a way to end it. Negotiations are usually ending up murders as each side tries its hardest to keep the others from teaming up or gaining advantage." Errard lit up a cigarette. "Part of me wants to try to stay, but the smarter part wants me to get out of here as quickly as possible."

[Korkskrew]

Draksins dreams were uneasy and every time he tossed his injury would wake him up. After several hours of trying to sleep he gave up and went down stairs.

"Does no one here sleep anymore?"

"'Spose not, say, why are you limping like that?"

"When I was fighting those kannoks I think I bruised a rib, hurts like a beast, but it'll heal up in a weak if I rest it. I'll have to hang back if we get into a skirmish though."

The bartender heard kannoks and spoke up.
"Kannoks you say? You kill em? How many?"

"5, killed em all."

"Impressive. Say, you didn't happen to keep any of the meat did you?"

"Just the tounges..."

The bartenders eyes lit up.
"Ooo, I've been needing something fancy to serve the richer folks here, this would be perfect. I'll give you 2000(whats the currency?) for them!"

Draksin eagerly accepted and pocketed the large sum of money.

"Nice goin' Drak, what are you gonna buy?"

"I dunno, probably some new riding equipment, new guns, ammo for said guns. Most likley water though...."

[Coffee]

"Yes, the water table has shifted, and from this town's perspective, for the worse," said the ecologist. "I can't believe these people don't have percipitators." The elf thought for a bit. "Draksin, we can't solve these people's water woes, but I think we can alleviate them somewhat. Care to donate some of those earnings? If they've got a decent hardware store I might be able to teach them how to build their own percipitators...just...let's not let the water-sellers know about it until we leave town."

[Soria]

Hearing the conversation as she headed downstairs, Clara sighed, " It's probably because of the water sellers that there isn't any of your.."

" Percipitators." the sand elf repiled.

Clara nodded, " I remeber when there was some built in New Haven... The water merchants raised a royal sink over it."

[Daiv]

Nearing a settlement, Jarek noticed a bit of commotion by what appeared to be a community well. Some trouble involving a Goblin by the looks of things.

Standing close by but undetected, Jarek stood waiting for violence to erupt. The tension was there, yet nothing happened of any interest to himself.
He sighed "I've not had any practice in 7 days, I don't want to get rusty."
feeling hopeful he said to himself, "Ah, I might get some work, ya never know!"
Glancing around, looking for a nice resting spot he noticed a bar which offered good protection from the light he was uncomfotable with. He was parched from his 3 day walk and the thought of refreshment, no matter how slight was most appealing. Not wanting to be the cause of trouble himself, he decided best not to take water from the well. So, he headed for the bar, equiped with his handsom smile.

[Rookie]

They sat calmly eating and drinking, Barod prefering the latter. Kasey sat between Barod and Errard, liking and trusting them the most.

All was calm, casual talking, suddenly the talking became more heated, and Borad turned around in his chair, "Ah hell." he muttered.

"So thats the way it is, is it McClant?" a man said angrily.

"McClant is one of the familys that controls the water." Errard said, "This must be one of the boys."

"I'll have to shoot somebody if this gets too heated." Barod said.

"I can understand, maybe you can do what you did earlier?" Errard suggested.

"If i can, but i dont have the ideas to seperate these to at the moment." Barod said making sure his pistol was loose in the holster, "Drak, i may need you to cover my back if this gets nasty."

"I can do that." Draksin said.

"Kasey, stay with Errard if something happens, hopefully it wont come to that." Barod said furthering the protection.

"Nice preperation." Cesan commented.

Borad nodded, but put his helmet back on and had Draksin follow him as the men began to stand.

"Hey! you two back up!" Barod said.

"Its the sheriff again!" somebody said.

"And whoever says that again, will get the same threat as they did earlier." Barod replied, "And from what i can tell, you were the same fella who was stirring up trouble at the well with the goblin. What is your problem punk?"

"And whats with your hero act?"

Barods pistol was out, "I really don't want to use this, but you better get your act straight."

"Well, let me tell you..." BAM! a shot was fired that killed the man instantly. more shots were fired and soon a fight was erupted.

Barod picked out one of the shooters and shot him in the arm. thus, the fight ensued.

[Coffee]

Cesan fired his pistol at one of the others, killing him.
The fighting halted.

"Enough of this!" shouted Barod. "What is with you people?"
"The determining factor in all situations is the resource that is most limited. In this case, it's water. These people need percipitators."
"The water sellers will not stand for that." said Draksin.
"Then only tell the well owners how to make them." said Kasey.
"Eh?"
"Only teach the well owners. Then they will still control the supply and the water sellers will have no cause to complain."
"As brilliant as you are beautiful." said the elf.

-------------------------

Later that night Cesan found himself in a meeting with the five well owners.
"...and so that's the basic physics behind how they work. For the sizes you'll need you won't be able to get the supplies at your local hardware store, but I'm sure you all know a fabricator or two."
But how do we keep this technology out of our customers hands? What's to stop them from building their own?"
"The fact that they don't know how. The science behind them is the development of thousands of years of my people's research and not generally known outside our seitch communities."
"Then why do you share this with us?"
"You've been buying your water from Seitch Teio, according to a message I got from their chief. That is one of our communities. We need our water far more than we need your guilders. I must stress however, this will not solve all your problems. You will need to research; find how the water table shifted in this area, and dig new wells."

[Rookie]

**OOC: Coffee, we haven't seen you on the OOC discussion, you may find that you will be up to date there?

**IC:

Kasey sat at the bar, she had hid behind Errard who had held up his gun in defense.

Barod walked up to her, "I was thinking." he said thoughtfully taking off his helmet, "You weren't able to defend yourself, and we know we may not always be able to protect you. I think you should have this." He withdrew a black pistol.

"What is it?"

"9mm, hollow point tips in it right now. it's enough to protect you if we get in a tight spot. You're old enough, i think if you have to, you can hit a man if he's close enough. Thats the safety there, and if you ever need more ammunition, here's a spare loaded clip, you eject the clip with this, and just ask me for more ammo if you need it. Here's a holster, now i think you're ready to defend yourself."

"Thank you, Barod!" Kasey said throwing her arms around him. He was a bit taken aback, but returned the hug lightly.

"Now, we've got to rest. Cesan will be teaching these people to use the precipitators they've been building in the morning while the rest of us get more supplies."

"Can i come with you?"

"Sure, i don't see why not." Barod said.

"Thanks again."

"No problem." he replied.

She smiled and went up to her room. Barod was fond of her, but as a father protects his daughter. He would be sure to compliment her father if they ever met.

[Daiv]

Meanwhile, Jarek finaly arrives into the now bloody bar.

"Gah! Who keeps the peace around here?" Said he.
He continued, "I only wanted a sodding drink!".

[Soria]

Clara arched an eyebrow at the new comer.

"No one as far I've heard, although me thinks they have their sight on making Barod over there their new sheriff." Giggles at the thought.

[Rookie]

Barod came down the stairs and went outside. Cesan was gone somewhere, probably teaching the well-owners how to make Precipitators.

It was already bright out, but not near its hottest. He walked around and mounted his Buzzard. He rode around town, searching for a shop which may interest him. He needed a little spare cash so decided he might exercise his services.

He found a building with a Bounty Hunter wanted sign in the window. It wasn't really a sign, it was a symbol that bounty hunters knew meant possible business. Barod parked the long, lightly armored hoverbike outside and went in.

A woman sat behind a desk, "Im here for the bounty hunter job." Barod said.

"Third door on the left down this hall." She said barely looking up.

Barod went down and opened the door. A tall man sat behind a desk as he filled out paperwork. "Who are you?"

"I'm a bounty hunter. i see you have a job?"

"Yes. The problem is we dont get Bounty Hunters around here lately. Now, theres a man whos been stirring up trouble at my wells, too much."

"Let me guess, kind of tall, rugged faced, black vest?"

"You know then?"

"Stopped him a couple times. Should be easy."

"I've lost 3 contracts becuase he's shot the other Bounty Hunters and Mercenaries too many times. You think you can handle him?"

"I've fought worse." Barod replied.

"Then he's yours. 2,000 (**OOC: yeh...whats the currency?) for him dead."

"Alive?" Barod asked.

"Don't want him alive."

Barod took the contract and went back to the Buzzard. He fired it up and went to a bar. He inquired within.

"Seen a man in here? roughly this high, rough looking, black vest, dark dirty hair?" Barod asked.

"Uhh, yeah, he's right over there."

The man was sitting alone at a table. "You again? the sheriff everyone keeps talking about?"

"And you've been stirring up trouble." Barod replied.

"Whats it to you?"

Barod held out the contract and pulled out his pistol.

"Oh hell!" the man yelled diving out the nearby window as bullets chased him. Barod leaped through the window and fired at the man as he took cover behind a barrel. He heard a bolt-action rifle being worked. Barod tried to keep moving as the man poked up with a rifle. Barod dove behind some barrels on the other side of a street.
Barod had left his rifle on the Buzzard in its slot.

Barod waited a moment and watched through the barrel. the man was waiting for him to poke his head up. Barod picked up a rock and hurled it high so that it arched behind the man and hit the building behind him. Barod peaked up and fired. The man ducked as bullets struck his barrel.

Barod fired as he began to poke up with the rifle. he apparently grazed him, because he clutched his face but no blood flew off.

Barod waited, he could fire his pistols faster than the other man could fire a rifle. The man was apparently able to dish it out, not take it. If only he could get to the Buzzard. He looked behind him and saw that the alley way turned to the right and probably led to across from the buzzard. he fired another shot but ducked down and crawled, to make sure the man thought he was still there, sure enough he fired a shot at the barrells Barod had hid behind.

He stood up once he got around the corner and ran around the building. The bar was on the far side of the street. He ran silently, but the man noticed movement. Barod suddenly jumped backwards and ran side ways, constantly doing back and forth jumps to make sure he was a harder target.

He then leaped beside his bike as a bullet deflected off the bikes armor. He pulled out his shotgun which was most accesible and fired. He stood up and let a steady barage on the man. Finally he got up close. He leaned right as the man suddenly fired up at him. He peaked over the barrel to finish Barod off, but was greated with a shotgun barrel already leveled at him.
-----------
Barod dragged the body into the office and threw it down. "By jove!" the surprised manager exclaimed.

"Now, about that reward?"

**OOC: theres a monster post if i ever saw one.

[Soria]

Clara sighes, everyone gone somewhere else, bored she flipped through her books of medinces, with a bizarre looking snake drapped over her shoulders.

[Rookie]

Barod walked back in, "What the hell is that?" he asked indicating the snake.

"A pet of mine."

Barod raised an eyebrow, but she couldnt see it through his helmet.

Kasey came down the stairs, "We heard shots."

"I got into a bit of a skirmish. I'm alright though, a bit of a dent in the Buzzard, but thats about it."

"Thank goodness!" She said, "Whats that, Clara?"

"Book of medicines." Clara replied.

"Oh, i know a bit about medicine and a little first aid. Mind if i take a look?"

[Soria]

Clara handed over the book to Kasey. The winged Cobra over her shoulders hissed softly.

[Rookie]

Borad turned around as the snake hissed and had his pistols out.

"Don't shoot him!" Clara pleaded.

"That thing could have been going for Kasey. I would have had to have shot it if it was going for her."

"What if you missed and hit me!?" Clara asked.

"I wouldn't." He said coldly.

Kasey looked from Clara to Borad.

"I hate snakes." Borad said to nobody in particular holstering the guns and walking away bitterly.

[Soria]

Clara sighed, stroking the cobra's head.

" What's his name?" Kasey asked.

" Kilth, don't worry, he's gentle." Clara grinned as Kasesy stroked the Cobra's head, producing an almost purring noise out of him.

[Rookie]

"I'd be carefull about letting him anywhere though, Barod may shoot him, or somebody else might if they don't know about him."

"I hope he doesn't find the other critters..." Clara said.

"Other critters?" Errard said walking in, leaning his cross against the table, "How are they going to feed?"

"They only need to be fed once in a while." Clara assured him.

"But when it does come time to feed them, how many are there, it adds up later on."

"I'm sure we'll find rats and stuff along the way." Clara said cooly.

"Dont be so sure, the route Kasey has mapped out for us is mostly through desert, with only three oasis villages along the way." Errard said dropping the subject. He picked up the cross and followed Barod where they went into discussion.

[Swarfy]

Name: Celes Ann

Alias: C.A.

Race: Human, 20 years old

Occupation: Unknown by most.

Looks: Short Blond Hair, Blue eyes, 5'5" Average weight.


---------------------------------------------

Celes walks out of her house from her nap. "i wonder what all teh commotion was about..." she thought as she wandered over to the bar.

"ah new comers!" she thought gleefully as she stood by the bar.

"give me a whiskey." she told the bar tender. "so where you from?" she asked looking at the new comers.

"New haven." Replied Clara.

"What you doing over thisa way?"

"Going on Vacation." Said Clara "why you so interested?"

"Nobody comes thisa way with out having a reason. now howcome i really don't believe that your "on vacation?" Said Celes witha smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

[Evil_Gondi]

"Curiousity killed the cat." Kurik said warningly, taking a drink of whatever the bartender gave to him "on the house".

[Soria]

Clara looked over at the new comer.

" It's a private matter."

[Evil_Gondi]

Kurik gets up to leave, whispering something to Clara as he leaves, "If she causes any trouble, just scream."

**OOC: Swarfy, just so ya know, the OOC Thread relates to Tacharis as well, please read up the last few pages or so.

[Soria]

Clara nods, going through her book on poisions.

[Swarfy]

OOC: i have i read all the pages plus i've been following along.

"ok, fine i understand. Have fun on your "vacation" " said Celes as she put her glass on the counter and dropped 5 (what IS the currency here???? I don't think i saw anything else about it...) onto the counter and walked out of the bar and into the building down the road.

"I'm here for a job." she said at the front desk.

"Down the hall third door on the right if you like killing" Said the Receptionist.

"Thanks" Celes said as she turned on the ball of her foot and walked down the hall.

Celes knocks on the door.

"YEAH!" Came a voice from within.

"Hey, i'm looking for another job, seeing as sombody already picked of the one i was hoping to get." She said with her hand on her hips.

"Ahhhh, Celes, now don't be having a grudge against the man, i know how you are." said the man.

"yeah i know, 'jsut like your mom' Blah blah blah." she said coldly. "you know better than to bring up my mother."

"I know, that's why i didn't say anything."

"Just give me a job, and i'll go home and prepare."

"I was hoping you'd come along anyways. It's not in town, but i know how you like traveling, you always had a knack for surviving in the desert." the man said handing over an evelope. "200c if you bring him in.. ALIVE. No killing on this one. Don't give me that look, it's the only job i have open! sorry."

"Fine, i'll do it." Said Celes as she opened the envelope and took out the picture. "oh my god."

"what?"

"You know who that IS?" Asked Celes Angerly.

"No, who?" Said the guy confused.

"It's my Uncle! Why is there a bounty on HIM?"

"don't know, i just get information and give it out."

"fine..." said celes spinning on her heel and leaving the building, Breaking into a run to the bar again.

"which way is New Haven?" Asked Celes as she burst into the bar. "I need to get there to meet up with somebody, with urgent matter."

Celes looks around the bar sees that noone is wanting to help so she turns around and walks out into the street and over to her place to get ready for her long trip across the desert to New Haven. "Great!" she said to herself as she strapped a gun to her thigh and puts her holster belt on. " The time when I need help noone wants to. Just fricking GREAT!"

Celes looks out the window and sees a rouge group coming. "oh no!" She yells as she runs downstairs and out of her house yelling "the Rouges are coming!" in the middle of the street.

[Rookie]

"Rogues?" Borad blurted out, turning to Errard, "Lets have a look."

The group at the bar ran out to see what the fuss was about. Men riding horses, bikes, cars, all kinds of things, but going for town, shooting as they came.

"Thats the woman who was asking me what we were doing." Clara said off-topicly as Celes ran by shouting.

Borad stared after her, "If she gives you any more trouble let me know, in the meantime, lets try to route these boys."

[Soria]

Clara quickly ran upstairs to get her medical supplies. " If anybody gets hurt, bring them in here!"

[Evil_Gondi]

Kurik was standing in the middle of the street when he saw them. He walked calmly into the building farthest on the outskirts of town and proceeded to enter.

"Rogues are coming. Stay down low. Hope you don't mind if I try and ambush them." Kurik said quickly to the woman cooking at her stove.

"Elsa honey, remember that game mommy taught you?" The woman was talking gently the the girl that was clinging to her dress. The child nodded at her as she stared up at her with her doll-like eyes.

"Take you brother and go play it, I'll be playing the same game with this man here. Remember, you're the ones hiding, not the bandits." The child nodded again and took the baby from her mother. As the children went upstairs, the mother went into another room and retrieved a hunting rifle.

"I was hoping to never use this again." She said as she loaded shells into the rifle.

"Then don't, go hide with your children. Innocence should not bloody their hands with filfth blood."

"If I do not learn to protect my children, no one will. I will be strong for them." She replied as coldly as Kurik.

"Then try not to hit me." Kurik said, mocking the woman now as he looked out the window of her house. The mother crouched down beside him, whispering a prayer to her god.

OOC: I assume the townspeople won't just take it, will they?

[Rookie]

Barod pumped his shotgun and took careful aim. They were riding in his direction and firing at townsfolk as they fled. Barod fired a shot and several swerved and then they seperated at the intersection behind Barod.

Draksin ran to follow them, but Barod remained where he was, watching silently.

[Evil_Gondi]

Kurik watched them pass by then heard a gunshot that sounded different from the arms the rogues had been firing thus far. Gesturing for the woman to stay here, Kurik slinked out the door and into the alleyways.

Making his way at the end of an alleyway, Kurik heard the roar of a car engine. Peeking out the hallway, he judged the distance and the speed of the car. Picking up a large stone from the ground, he hoped his timing was right and threw the stone. Just as it appeared his throw would fly untrue, the car whizzed by, the stone knocking a woman that had been sticking out of a window from the car.

The rogues continued on, whether oblivious or uncaring, and Kurik rushed out to her. As she slowly rose, clutching her bleeding side, Kurik kicked her elbow of her other arm, bending it entirely in the wrong way. He then clutched her head and proceeded to dash her brains on the ground.

His dirty deed done, Kurik ran back into alleyways, lurking about for more miscreants to kill.

[Rookie]

"They've spread around the city and are dissapearing!"

"Dying?" Borad asked the townsperson.

"No, dissapearing, they're thinning out and hiding all over the city, our local law inforcement is going to be locking down the city I'll bet you anything!" the townsperson replied contuing to run.

"Great..."

[Soria]

Clara growled trying to stop the bleeding of a leg wound:: Come on...

[Rookie]

Kasey ran in to help Clara who began giving directions to stop the leg wound.

"We've got a big problem." Borad said.

"What can be worse than this?"

"We may be locked in here, Cesan is still missing, and the Rogues are moving in." Borad said.

Clara looked up, but only caught him closing the door behind him on his way out.

[Coffee]

Cesan groggily awoke where he lay sprawled on the floor. His meeting with the well owners had gone well, but now two of them lay dead from the explosion that knocked him and the others unconcious. They were now trapped in the cellar where they had met; the building above them had collapsed when one of the rogues' gunshots had exploded a vehicle too near.
He took stock: there were two dead humans, and three unconscious; it was pitch dark-he could see because of his infravision, but when the well owners awoke they would be blind.
"They'll die quickly down here if we can't get out; there are no supplies and they won't survive more than a week without water," he thought.
He looked around; there were no digging or cutting tools aside from his rapier and dagger; not much good for this kind of work.
He started walking around the cellar and tapping the walls...listening. "Tap tap." Sounded solid. A few feet. "Tap tap." solid. He slowly, methodically, explored the room. "Boom boom." Empty space behind this one. "Plaster wall, not too tough," he thought. He picked up a heavy brick and smashed it into that section of wall. Through the hole he saw a tunnel.

The noise aroused the remaining well owners. "Wha'? What happened? Eh?" they said as they were startled alert.
"An explosion outside collapsed the building overhead. Don't know what's going on up there, but I've friends I should be helping."

After some conversation, and after he widened the new entrance to the tunnel enough, he said a small cantrip that allowed the humans to see infravision and led them out, into the tunnel.

[Soria]

Clara was cursing softly in string under her breath while removing a bullet from a man's arm.

" Is that even possible?"