The Thirteen Moons of Shamballa (in-character thread)

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"What a fantastic imagination you have," remarks the gnome as he struggles to keep up, his short legs working overtime. You notice he's chewing on some kind of black stick as he adds, "Are you a storyteller? Spin me a yarn while we hike, please. It makes the time pass!"
"Imagination?", Spisarevski raised a brow. "Do you insist that I make it up? If not, I can tell you a children's tale from...well, kinda my homeland, but not quite. Anyways, if it would please everyone else...it might help us passing the time."

Assuming nobody objects, Spisarevski speaks.
"There was once a king and a queen who had three wonderfully beautiful daughters, and their one thought, from morning till night, was how they could make the girls happy.


One day the princesses said to the king, ‘Dear father, we want so much to have a picnic, and eat our dinner in the country.'


‘Very well, dear children, let us have a picnic by all means,' answered he, and gave orders that everything should be got ready.


When luncheon was prepared it was put into a cart, and the royal family stepped into a carriage and drove right away into the country. After a few miles they reached a house and garden belonging to the king, and close by was their favourite place for lunch. The drive had made them very hungry, and they ate with a hearty appetite, till almost all the food had disappeared.


When they had quite done, they said to their parents: ‘Now we should like to wander about the garden a little, but when you want to go home, just call to us.' And they ran off, laughing, down a green glade, which led to the garden.


But no sooner had they stepped across the fence, than a dark cloud came down and covered them, and prevented them seeing whither they were going.


Meanwhile the king and queen sat lazily among the heather, and an hour or two slipped away. The sun was dropping towards the horizon, and they began to think it was time to go home. So they called to their daughters and called again, but no one answered them.


Frightened at the silence, they searched every corner of the garden, the house, and the neighbouring wood, but no trace of the girls was to be found anywhere. The earth seemed to have swallowed them up. The poor parents were in despair. The queen wept all the way home, and for many days after, and the king issued a proclamation that whoever should bring back his lost daughters should have one of them to wife, and should, after his death, reign in his stead.


Now two young generals were at that time living at the court, and when they heard the king's declaration, they said one to the other: ‘Let us go in search of them; perhaps we shall be the lucky persons.'


And they set out, each mounted on a strong horse, taking with them a change of raiment and some money.


But though they inquired at every village they rode through, they could hear nothing of the princesses, and by-and-by their money was all spent, and they were forced to sell their horses, or give up the search. Even this money only lasted a little while longer, and nothing but their clothes lay between them and starvation. They sold the spare garments that were bound on their saddles, and went in the coats they stood up in to the inn, to beg for some food, as they were really starving. When, however, they had to pay for what they had eaten and drank, they said to the host: ‘We have no money, and naught but the clothes we stand up in. Take these, and give us instead some old rags, and let us stay here and serve you.' And the innkeeper was content with the bargain, and the generals remained, and were his servants.


All this time the king and queen remained in their palace hungering for their children, but not a word was heard of either of them or of the generals who had gone to seek for them.


Now there was living in the palace a faithful servant of the king's called Bensurdatu, who had served him for many years, and when Bensurdatu saw how grieved the king was, he lifted up his voice and said to him: ‘Your majesty, let me go and seek your daughters.'


‘No, no, Bensurdatu,' replied the king. ‘Three daughters have I lost, and two generals, and shall I lose you also?'


But Bensurdatu said again: ‘Let me now go, your majesty; trust me, and I will bring you back your daughters.'


Then the king gave way, and Bensurdatu set forth, and rode on till he came to the inn, where he dismounted and asked for food. It was brought by the two generals, whom he knew at once in spite of their miserable clothes, and, much astonished, asked them how in the world they came there.


They told him all their adventures, and he sent for the innkeeper, and said to him: ‘Give them back their garments, and I will pay everything that they owe you.'


And the innkeeper did as he was bid, and when the two generals were dressed in their proper clothes, they declared they would join Bensurdatu, and with him seek for the king's daughters.


The three companions rode on for many miles, and at length they came to a wild place, without sign of a human being. It was getting dark, and fearing to be lost on this desolate spot they pushed on their horses, and at last saw a light in the window of a tiny hut.


‘Who comes there?' asked a voice, as they knocked at the door.


‘Oh! have pity on us, and give us a night's shelter,' replied Bensurdatu; ‘we are three tired travellers who have lost our way.'


Then the door was opened by a very old woman who stood back, and beckoned them to enter. ‘Whence do you come, and whither do you go?' said she.


‘Ah, good woman, we have a heavy task before us,' answered Bensurdatu, ‘we are bound to carry the king's daughters back to the palace!'


‘Oh, unhappy creatures,' cried she, ‘you know not what you are doing! The king's daughters were covered by a thick cloud, and no one knows where they may now be.'


‘Oh, tell us, if you know, my good woman,' entreated Bensurdatu, ‘for with them lies all our happiness.'


‘Even if I were to tell you,' answered she, ‘you could not rescue them. To do that you would have to go to the very bottom of a deep river, and though certainly you would find the king's daughters there, yet the two eldest are guarded by two giants, and the youngest is watched by a serpent with seven heads.'


The two generals, who stood by listening, were filled with terror at her words, and wished to return immediately; but Bensurdatu stood firm, and said: ‘Now we have got so far we must carry the thing through. Tell us where the river is, so that we may get there as soon as possible.' And the old woman told them, and gave them some cheese, wine, and bread, so that they should not set forth starving; and when they had eaten and drunk they laid themselves down to sleep.


The sun had only just risen above the hills next morning before they all woke, and, taking leave of the wise woman who had helped them, they rode on till they came to the river.


‘I am the eldest,' said one of the generals, ‘and it is my right to go down first.'


So the others fastened a cord round him, and gave him a little bell, and let him down into the water. But scarcely had the river closed above his head when such dreadful rushing sounds and peals of thunder came crashing round about him that he lost all his courage, and rang his bell, if perchance it might be heard amidst all this clamour. Great was his relief when the rope began slowly to pull him upwards.


Then the other general plunged in; but he fared no better than the first, and was soon on dry ground again.


‘Well, you are a brave pair!' said Bensurdatu, as he tied the rope round his own waist; ‘let us see what will happen to me.' And when he heard the thunder and clamour round about him he thought to himself, ‘Oh, make as much noise as you like, it won't hurt me!' When his feet touched the bottom he found himself in a large, brilliantly lighted hall, and in the middle sat the eldest princess, and in front of her lay a huge giant, fast asleep. Directly she saw Bensurdatu she nodded to him, and asked with her eyes how he had come there.


For answer he drew his sword, and was about to cut off the giant's head, when she stopped him quickly, and made signs to hide himself, as the giant was just beginning to wake. ‘I smell the flesh of a man!' murmured he, stretching his great arms.


‘Why, how in the world could any man get down here?' replied she; ‘you had better go to sleep again.'


So he turned over and went to sleep. Then the princess signed to Bensurdatu, who drew his sword and cut off the giant's head with such a blow that it flew into the corner. And the heart of the princess leapt within her, and she placed a golden crown on the head of Bensurdatu, and called him her deliverer.


‘Now show me where your sisters are,' he said, ‘that I may free them also.'


So the princess opened a door, and led him into another hall, wherein sat her next sister, guarded by a giant who was fast asleep. When the second princess saw them, she made a sign to them to hide themselves, for the giant was showing symptoms of waking.


‘I smell man's flesh!' murmured he, sleepily.


‘Now, how could any man get down here?' asked she; ‘go to sleep again.' And as soon as he closed his eyes, Bensurdatu stole out from his corner, and struck such a blow at his head that it flew far, far away. The princess could not find words to thank Bensurdatu for what he had done, and she too placed in his hand a golden crown.


‘Now show me where your youngest sister is,' said he, ‘that I may free her also.'


‘Ah! that I fear you will never be able to do,' sighed they, ‘for she is in the power of a serpent with seven heads.'


‘Take me to him,' replied Bensurdatu. ‘It will be a splendid fight.'


Then the princess opened a door, and Bensurdatu passed through, and found himself in a hall that was even larger than the other two. And there stood the youngest sister, chained fast to the wall, and before her was stretched a serpent with seven heads, horrible to see. As Bensurdatu came forward it twisted all its seven heads in his direction, and then made a quick dart to snatch him within its grasp. But Bensurdatu drew his sword and laid about him, till the seven heads were rolling on the floor. Flinging down his sword he rushed to the princess and broke her chains, and she wept for joy, and embraced him, and took the golden crown from off her head, and placed it in his hand.


‘Now we must go back to the upper world,' said Bensurdatu, and led her to the bottom of the river. The other princesses were waiting there, and he tied the rope round the eldest, and rung his bell. And the generals above heard, and drew her gently up. They then unfastened the cord and threw it back into the river, and in a few moments the second princess stood beside her sister.


So now there were left only Bensurdatu and the youngest princess. ‘Dear Bensurdatu,' said she, ‘do me a kindness, and let them draw you up before me. I dread the treachery of the generals.


‘No, no,' replied Bensurdatu, ‘I certainly will not leave you down here. There is nothing to fear from my comrades.'


‘If it is your wish I will go up then; but first I swear that if you do not follow to marry me, I shall stay single for the rest of my life.' Then he bound the rope round her, and the generals drew her up.


But instead of lowering the rope again into the river, envy at the courage and success of Bensurdatu so filled the hearts of the two generals, that they turned away and left him to perish. And, more than that, they threatened the princesses, and forced them to promise to tell their parents that it was the two generals who had set them free. ‘And if they should ask you about Bensurdatu, you must say you have never seen him,' they added; and the princesses, fearing for their lives, promised everything, and they rode back to court together.


The king and queen were beside themselves with joy when they saw their dear children once more. But when the generals had told their story, and the dangers they had run, the king declared that they had gained their reward, and that the two eldest princesses should become their wives.


And now we must see what poor Bensurdatu was doing.


He waited patiently a long, long time, but when the rope never came back he knew he had been right, and that his comrades had betrayed him. ‘Ah, now I shall never reach the world again,' murmured he; but being a brave man, and knowing that moaning his fate would profit him nothing, he rose and began to search through the three halls, where, perhaps, he might find something to help him. In the last one stood a dish, covered with food, which reminded him that he was hungry, and he sat down and ate and drank.


Months passed away, when, one morning, as he was walking through the halls, he noticed a purse hanging on the wall, which had never been there before. He took it down to examine it, and nearly let it fall with surprise when a voice came from the purse saying: ‘What commands have you?'


‘Oh, take me out of this horrible place, and up into the world again; ‘and in a moment he was standing by the river bank, with the purse tightly grasped in his hand.


‘Now let me have the most beautiful ship that ever was built, all manned and ready for sea.' And there was the ship, with a flag floating from its mast on which were the words, ‘King with the three crowns.' Then Bensurdatu climbed on board, and sailed away to the city where the three princesses dwelt; and when he reached the harbour he blew trumpets and beat drums, so that every one ran to the doors and windows. And the king heard too, and saw the beautiful vessel, and said to himself: ‘That must indeed be a mighty monarch, for he has three crowns while I have only one.' So he hastened to greet the stranger, and invited him to his castle, for, thought he, ‘this will be a fine husband for my youngest daughter.' Now, the youngest princess had never married, and had turned a deaf ear to all her wooers.


Such a long time had passed since Bensurdatu had left the palace, that the king never guessed for a moment that the splendidly clad stranger before him was the man whom he had so deeply mourned as dead. ‘Noble lord,' said he, ‘let us feast and make merry together, and then, if it seem good to you, do me the honour to take my youngest daughter to wife.'


And Bensurdatu was glad, and they all sat down to a great feast, and there were great rejoicings. But only the youngest daughter was sad, for her thoughts were with Bensurdatu. After they arose from the table the king said to her, ‘Dear child, this mighty lord does you the honour to ask your hand in marriage.'


‘Oh, father,' answered she, ‘spare me, I pray you, for I desire to remain single.'


Then Bensurdatu turned to her, and said: ‘And if I were Bensurdatu, would you give the same answer to me?'


And as she stood silently gazing at him, he added: ‘Yes, I am Bensurdatu; and this is my story.'


The king and queen had their hearts stirred within them at the tale of his adventures, and when he had ended the king stretched out his hand, and said: ‘Dear Bensurdatu, my youngest daughter shall indeed be your wife; and when I die my crown shall be yours. As for the men who have betrayed you, they shall leave the country and you shall see them no more.'


And the wedding feast was ordered, and rejoicings were held for three days over the marriage of Bensurdatu and the youngest princess".

He stopped and looked at the gnome.
"That kind of tale, Lord of Picklenut Forest?"
 
"Imagination?", Spisarevski raised a brow. "Do you insist that I make it up? If not, I can tell you a children's tale from...well, kinda my homeland, but not quite. Anyways, if it would please everyone else...it might help us passing the time."

Assuming nobody objects, Spisarevski speaks.
"There was once a king and a queen who had three wonderfully beautiful daughters, and their one thought, from morning till night, was how they could make the girls happy.


One day the princesses said to the king, ‘Dear father, we want so much to have a picnic, and eat our dinner in the country.'


‘Very well, dear children, let us have a picnic by all means,' answered he, and gave orders that everything should be got ready.


When luncheon was prepared it was put into a cart, and the royal family stepped into a carriage and drove right away into the country. After a few miles they reached a house and garden belonging to the king, and close by was their favourite place for lunch. The drive had made them very hungry, and they ate with a hearty appetite, till almost all the food had disappeared.


When they had quite done, they said to their parents: ‘Now we should like to wander about the garden a little, but when you want to go home, just call to us.' And they ran off, laughing, down a green glade, which led to the garden.


But no sooner had they stepped across the fence, than a dark cloud came down and covered them, and prevented them seeing whither they were going.


Meanwhile the king and queen sat lazily among the heather, and an hour or two slipped away. The sun was dropping towards the horizon, and they began to think it was time to go home. So they called to their daughters and called again, but no one answered them.


Frightened at the silence, they searched every corner of the garden, the house, and the neighbouring wood, but no trace of the girls was to be found anywhere. The earth seemed to have swallowed them up. The poor parents were in despair. The queen wept all the way home, and for many days after, and the king issued a proclamation that whoever should bring back his lost daughters should have one of them to wife, and should, after his death, reign in his stead.


Now two young generals were at that time living at the court, and when they heard the king's declaration, they said one to the other: ‘Let us go in search of them; perhaps we shall be the lucky persons.'


And they set out, each mounted on a strong horse, taking with them a change of raiment and some money.


But though they inquired at every village they rode through, they could hear nothing of the princesses, and by-and-by their money was all spent, and they were forced to sell their horses, or give up the search. Even this money only lasted a little while longer, and nothing but their clothes lay between them and starvation. They sold the spare garments that were bound on their saddles, and went in the coats they stood up in to the inn, to beg for some food, as they were really starving. When, however, they had to pay for what they had eaten and drank, they said to the host: ‘We have no money, and naught but the clothes we stand up in. Take these, and give us instead some old rags, and let us stay here and serve you.' And the innkeeper was content with the bargain, and the generals remained, and were his servants.


All this time the king and queen remained in their palace hungering for their children, but not a word was heard of either of them or of the generals who had gone to seek for them.


Now there was living in the palace a faithful servant of the king's called Bensurdatu, who had served him for many years, and when Bensurdatu saw how grieved the king was, he lifted up his voice and said to him: ‘Your majesty, let me go and seek your daughters.'


‘No, no, Bensurdatu,' replied the king. ‘Three daughters have I lost, and two generals, and shall I lose you also?'


But Bensurdatu said again: ‘Let me now go, your majesty; trust me, and I will bring you back your daughters.'


Then the king gave way, and Bensurdatu set forth, and rode on till he came to the inn, where he dismounted and asked for food. It was brought by the two generals, whom he knew at once in spite of their miserable clothes, and, much astonished, asked them how in the world they came there.


They told him all their adventures, and he sent for the innkeeper, and said to him: ‘Give them back their garments, and I will pay everything that they owe you.'


And the innkeeper did as he was bid, and when the two generals were dressed in their proper clothes, they declared they would join Bensurdatu, and with him seek for the king's daughters.


The three companions rode on for many miles, and at length they came to a wild place, without sign of a human being. It was getting dark, and fearing to be lost on this desolate spot they pushed on their horses, and at last saw a light in the window of a tiny hut.


‘Who comes there?' asked a voice, as they knocked at the door.


‘Oh! have pity on us, and give us a night's shelter,' replied Bensurdatu; ‘we are three tired travellers who have lost our way.'


Then the door was opened by a very old woman who stood back, and beckoned them to enter. ‘Whence do you come, and whither do you go?' said she.


‘Ah, good woman, we have a heavy task before us,' answered Bensurdatu, ‘we are bound to carry the king's daughters back to the palace!'


‘Oh, unhappy creatures,' cried she, ‘you know not what you are doing! The king's daughters were covered by a thick cloud, and no one knows where they may now be.'


‘Oh, tell us, if you know, my good woman,' entreated Bensurdatu, ‘for with them lies all our happiness.'


‘Even if I were to tell you,' answered she, ‘you could not rescue them. To do that you would have to go to the very bottom of a deep river, and though certainly you would find the king's daughters there, yet the two eldest are guarded by two giants, and the youngest is watched by a serpent with seven heads.'


The two generals, who stood by listening, were filled with terror at her words, and wished to return immediately; but Bensurdatu stood firm, and said: ‘Now we have got so far we must carry the thing through. Tell us where the river is, so that we may get there as soon as possible.' And the old woman told them, and gave them some cheese, wine, and bread, so that they should not set forth starving; and when they had eaten and drunk they laid themselves down to sleep.


The sun had only just risen above the hills next morning before they all woke, and, taking leave of the wise woman who had helped them, they rode on till they came to the river.


‘I am the eldest,' said one of the generals, ‘and it is my right to go down first.'


So the others fastened a cord round him, and gave him a little bell, and let him down into the water. But scarcely had the river closed above his head when such dreadful rushing sounds and peals of thunder came crashing round about him that he lost all his courage, and rang his bell, if perchance it might be heard amidst all this clamour. Great was his relief when the rope began slowly to pull him upwards.


Then the other general plunged in; but he fared no better than the first, and was soon on dry ground again.


‘Well, you are a brave pair!' said Bensurdatu, as he tied the rope round his own waist; ‘let us see what will happen to me.' And when he heard the thunder and clamour round about him he thought to himself, ‘Oh, make as much noise as you like, it won't hurt me!' When his feet touched the bottom he found himself in a large, brilliantly lighted hall, and in the middle sat the eldest princess, and in front of her lay a huge giant, fast asleep. Directly she saw Bensurdatu she nodded to him, and asked with her eyes how he had come there.


For answer he drew his sword, and was about to cut off the giant's head, when she stopped him quickly, and made signs to hide himself, as the giant was just beginning to wake. ‘I smell the flesh of a man!' murmured he, stretching his great arms.


‘Why, how in the world could any man get down here?' replied she; ‘you had better go to sleep again.'


So he turned over and went to sleep. Then the princess signed to Bensurdatu, who drew his sword and cut off the giant's head with such a blow that it flew into the corner. And the heart of the princess leapt within her, and she placed a golden crown on the head of Bensurdatu, and called him her deliverer.


‘Now show me where your sisters are,' he said, ‘that I may free them also.'


So the princess opened a door, and led him into another hall, wherein sat her next sister, guarded by a giant who was fast asleep. When the second princess saw them, she made a sign to them to hide themselves, for the giant was showing symptoms of waking.


‘I smell man's flesh!' murmured he, sleepily.


‘Now, how could any man get down here?' asked she; ‘go to sleep again.' And as soon as he closed his eyes, Bensurdatu stole out from his corner, and struck such a blow at his head that it flew far, far away. The princess could not find words to thank Bensurdatu for what he had done, and she too placed in his hand a golden crown.


‘Now show me where your youngest sister is,' said he, ‘that I may free her also.'


‘Ah! that I fear you will never be able to do,' sighed they, ‘for she is in the power of a serpent with seven heads.'


‘Take me to him,' replied Bensurdatu. ‘It will be a splendid fight.'


Then the princess opened a door, and Bensurdatu passed through, and found himself in a hall that was even larger than the other two. And there stood the youngest sister, chained fast to the wall, and before her was stretched a serpent with seven heads, horrible to see. As Bensurdatu came forward it twisted all its seven heads in his direction, and then made a quick dart to snatch him within its grasp. But Bensurdatu drew his sword and laid about him, till the seven heads were rolling on the floor. Flinging down his sword he rushed to the princess and broke her chains, and she wept for joy, and embraced him, and took the golden crown from off her head, and placed it in his hand.


‘Now we must go back to the upper world,' said Bensurdatu, and led her to the bottom of the river. The other princesses were waiting there, and he tied the rope round the eldest, and rung his bell. And the generals above heard, and drew her gently up. They then unfastened the cord and threw it back into the river, and in a few moments the second princess stood beside her sister.


So now there were left only Bensurdatu and the youngest princess. ‘Dear Bensurdatu,' said she, ‘do me a kindness, and let them draw you up before me. I dread the treachery of the generals.


‘No, no,' replied Bensurdatu, ‘I certainly will not leave you down here. There is nothing to fear from my comrades.'


‘If it is your wish I will go up then; but first I swear that if you do not follow to marry me, I shall stay single for the rest of my life.' Then he bound the rope round her, and the generals drew her up.


But instead of lowering the rope again into the river, envy at the courage and success of Bensurdatu so filled the hearts of the two generals, that they turned away and left him to perish. And, more than that, they threatened the princesses, and forced them to promise to tell their parents that it was the two generals who had set them free. ‘And if they should ask you about Bensurdatu, you must say you have never seen him,' they added; and the princesses, fearing for their lives, promised everything, and they rode back to court together.


The king and queen were beside themselves with joy when they saw their dear children once more. But when the generals had told their story, and the dangers they had run, the king declared that they had gained their reward, and that the two eldest princesses should become their wives.


And now we must see what poor Bensurdatu was doing.


He waited patiently a long, long time, but when the rope never came back he knew he had been right, and that his comrades had betrayed him. ‘Ah, now I shall never reach the world again,' murmured he; but being a brave man, and knowing that moaning his fate would profit him nothing, he rose and began to search through the three halls, where, perhaps, he might find something to help him. In the last one stood a dish, covered with food, which reminded him that he was hungry, and he sat down and ate and drank.


Months passed away, when, one morning, as he was walking through the halls, he noticed a purse hanging on the wall, which had never been there before. He took it down to examine it, and nearly let it fall with surprise when a voice came from the purse saying: ‘What commands have you?'


‘Oh, take me out of this horrible place, and up into the world again; ‘and in a moment he was standing by the river bank, with the purse tightly grasped in his hand.


‘Now let me have the most beautiful ship that ever was built, all manned and ready for sea.' And there was the ship, with a flag floating from its mast on which were the words, ‘King with the three crowns.' Then Bensurdatu climbed on board, and sailed away to the city where the three princesses dwelt; and when he reached the harbour he blew trumpets and beat drums, so that every one ran to the doors and windows. And the king heard too, and saw the beautiful vessel, and said to himself: ‘That must indeed be a mighty monarch, for he has three crowns while I have only one.' So he hastened to greet the stranger, and invited him to his castle, for, thought he, ‘this will be a fine husband for my youngest daughter.' Now, the youngest princess had never married, and had turned a deaf ear to all her wooers.


Such a long time had passed since Bensurdatu had left the palace, that the king never guessed for a moment that the splendidly clad stranger before him was the man whom he had so deeply mourned as dead. ‘Noble lord,' said he, ‘let us feast and make merry together, and then, if it seem good to you, do me the honour to take my youngest daughter to wife.'


And Bensurdatu was glad, and they all sat down to a great feast, and there were great rejoicings. But only the youngest daughter was sad, for her thoughts were with Bensurdatu. After they arose from the table the king said to her, ‘Dear child, this mighty lord does you the honour to ask your hand in marriage.'


‘Oh, father,' answered she, ‘spare me, I pray you, for I desire to remain single.'


Then Bensurdatu turned to her, and said: ‘And if I were Bensurdatu, would you give the same answer to me?'


And as she stood silently gazing at him, he added: ‘Yes, I am Bensurdatu; and this is my story.'


The king and queen had their hearts stirred within them at the tale of his adventures, and when he had ended the king stretched out his hand, and said: ‘Dear Bensurdatu, my youngest daughter shall indeed be your wife; and when I die my crown shall be yours. As for the men who have betrayed you, they shall leave the country and you shall see them no more.'


And the wedding feast was ordered, and rejoicings were held for three days over the marriage of Bensurdatu and the youngest princess".

He stopped and looked at the gnome.
"That kind of tale, Lord of Picklenut Forest?"
"Pretty good, but not salty! I like a yarn with more heaving bosoms and bawdy puns!" says the gnome.

Meanwhile, as you proceed across the plain, you find that there is a subtle grade and the land slopes downward to a wide, shallow vale running east and west with a stream running westward, perhaps meeting the river into which the tank fell. From your vantage point, you see tiny figures below that you take to be herd animals of some kind. The animals appear to be drinking from the stream. The stream appears to be not very deep, as the animals have no trouble crossing it and the water comes up to no higher than the base of their long necks.

Servitor-1 states, "Observation: numerous dromedons."

"Yes," says Desideria. Turning to Spisarevski, Hunter, and Gilipollas, she says, "We can try to capture several as mounts and ride downstream, or if you prefer we can travel on foot, but it will take longer and be more tiresome. However, we are likely safe from mutants if we travel on foot as dromedons are by no means quiet beasts."

As if to punctuate her remark, you hear honking and hooting sounds originating from the dromedons, which must be incredibly loud to be heard so clearly from a distance. It appears something unseen from your position has disturbed the herd.
 
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"We don't tell salty stories to kids, and I'm not a bawdy storyteller", Spisarevski answers. "You can tell one of those later, if it wouldn't disturb the lady..."

"Safer by mutants sounds good. What do you say, Major?"

Shemek hiTankolel Shemek hiTankolel
 
I'm going to assume Shemek hiTankolel Shemek hiTankolel is still with us and didn't see your post. I'll also assume Major Hunter agrees to your preference to continue on foot unless he protests before tomorrow. So either way I'll update this tomorrow.
 
OOC: I'm not sure what's going on, but I am not receiving regular updates from this thread. I will just check it manually from now on.

IC: "I agree Spisarevski old bean. Let's move out then."
 
OOC: There seems to be an in-built limit for alerts from a single forum, or something. I got notified for this, Saguaro and Traveller, but not for OD&D.
 
Continuing on foot, you hear the gnome grumbling, "No reason to walk when we can ride! What nonsense is this? Led by a woman and rubbing our feet raw? Ridiculous!" He falls into silence as time elapses, either because no one is listening and he tired of moaning our possibly because Gilipollas kicked him hard in the rump. The sun moves across the sky from the east to the west just as it does back home on earth. You round one large, grassy hillock and then stride over to the crest of another, and you see across a plain, standing about 200 yards off, a strange cut-of-pyramid structure with a single opening at its base and a group of antennae at the top. It appears to stand approximately 100 feet high.

Servitor-1 stops suddenly and states, "Observation: experimental weapons testing station ahead. Calculation: high probability of mutant infestation."

Desideria responds, "Yes, but there will also likely be salvageable mechanized transportation within." Turning to Hunter and Spisarevski, she asks, "Do you fear to enter?"
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"You really are a sassy one, aren't you? Let's approach cautiously in case some one is inside, and doesn't want visitors.
Spisarevski, shall you and I go in, or do you want the Sergeant and I to go, and you provide covering fire if needed?"

OOC: Does Gilipollas have a raygun with him? Who else has long distance weapons?
 
"You really are a sassy one, aren't you? Let's approach cautiously in case some one is inside, and doesn't want visitors.
Spisarevski, shall you and I go in, or do you want the Sergeant and I to go, and you provide covering fire if needed?"

OOC: Does Gilipollas have a raygun with him? Who else has long distance weapons?
Gilipollas has no raygun, nor any other weapons. The Lord of Picklenut Forest is armed with a rock he picked up somewhere. Desideria has a sword. Servitor-1 appears to but unarmed, but could possibly have built-in weaponry that you don't know about.
 
"Servitor-1? Do you have any long range weaponry on you?"
"Response: affirmative. Suggestion: Demonstration. Request: have the sub-man stand clear and I will safely vaporize him with a high-powered omega-ray beam."
 
"And lose our best cook? I disapprove on both moral and practical terms, Servitor-1!"


He turns towards the Major.
"It was fun sneaking together, Major. Let's give a chance for fame to our sworn companion, though!"
 
"Quite! I would feel safer with you providing covering fire, than our tin-brained companion, if you follow my drift.

" Sergeant, let's investigate the building. The rest of you stay here and wait for my signal to approach. Alright then, let's spread out, you take the left flank, and I'll take the right. Keep low, and watch for my signals. Once we arrive at the building I'll cover you as you go in. Hopefully we can find a ray gun for you soon. Are you clear about my instructions Sergeant?
 
Spisarevski handed the ape-man his dagger. The same one he'd used to deadly effect on other ape-men.
"I wouldn't have you going in unarmed", he stated clearly. "But I can't cover you with a close-combat weapon. And you, provided you're agile and remain unseen, could put it to good use."
 
Gilipollas takes the dagger, mutters something it being a job for an expendable such as the gnome, and resignedly salutes you.
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Imagine this skillfully drawn or Photshopped

He ambles odd toward the entrance, getting smaller and smaller from your perspective. There is no cover to speak of in the 200-yard space he must cover, but he arrives unscathed at the entrance, from which he raises a hand and signals you; unfortunately the gesture is so distant and brief you can't quite make out what meaning he intended and it's debatable whether he lifted just one finger in indeterminate meaning or gave a thumbs up, or if he gave you the two-fingered sign of victory. In any case, it was possibly a gesture entirely foreign to your experience. Gilipollas then disappears into the darkness of the opening, his blue-furred form immediately unreadable in the shadows. Long moments pass and he does not return...

....and then suddenly you hear a faint guttural shriek echo to you from across the field.
 
"Bloody Ape!" Major Hunter dashes forward his weapon ready. "Spisarevski! Follow at a 50 yard distance and be prepared to cover me if something starts shooting! the rest of you stay here until we signal you"
 
Spisarevski follows exactly as instructed.
 
"Bloody Ape!" Major Hunter dashes forward his weapon ready. "Spisarevski! Follow at a 50 yard distance and be prepared to cover me if something starts shooting! the rest of you stay here until we signal you"
Spisarevski follows exactly as instructed.
Hunter's sprint across the field in unchallenged, and soon he finds himself at the impenetrably dark entrance into the pyramid.

He sees no sign of Gilipollas, and the only sound he hears is a faint buzzing akin to an electric light on the fritz. Judging by the flow of air, the portal enters onto a large chamber, but to know more he feels he would have to proceed inside.

The gnome tugs at Spisarevski's sleeve and asks, "Do you want me to sing a song of the Lords of Picklenut Forest to pass the time while we wait?"
 
OOC: I feel there was a misunderstanding. Since Hunter said to follow at 45,5 meters, that'sexactly what Spisarevski would do. Or do you mean there's less than that to the entry point?
If there's less, he'd follow immediately after losing eye contact.
 
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OOC: That was my understanding was well. As soon Hunter got to the door he signalled Spisarevski to join him at the portal so that they could combine their firepower/strength in case something is inside.
 
When Spisarevski joins Hunter, with the gnome still tugging on his sleeve and offering to sing for him, he sees no sign of Gilipollas but hears a faint buzzing sound not unlike that of an electric light on the fritz. The airflow at the entrance indicates that the portal is the entry to a large chamber, but to know more you would have to venture inside. Looking back, Hunter and Spisarevski see Desideria and Servitor-1 still in position. Servitor-1 has an arm outstretched in your direction, presumably his means of firing the high-powered omega-ray beam he mentioned.
 
"No songs. No sounds", Spisarevski ordered courtly. "That's a matter of life and death".
When seeing Hunter, he nods in the direction of the chamber, and moves to take a peek, if it's at all possible.
 
"No songs. No sounds", Spisarevski ordered courtly. "That's a matter of life and death".
When seeing Hunter, he nods in the direction of the chamber, and moves to take a peek, if it's at all possible.
" Just a minute Spisarevski. " Major Hunter says as he puts his hand on the Bulgarian's shoulder. "Something's not right here. I have a strange feeling... Let's try an experiment, shall we?" Major Hunter digs into his pocket and digs out some coins. He will toss the largest in size, probably a penny, through the door way, keeping it at chest height.
 
As soon as Hunter's penny passes more than a few inches past the threshold, a weird green beam shoots out from somewhere within the darkness. The beam seems to envelop the coin in a green aura and hold it stationary in midair for a moment, and then the coin slowly revolves and turns end over end as if under close scrutiny. Then suddenly the green beam blinks off and the coin, visibly unharmed, drops to the ground in the deep shadows. You hear the metallic sound when it hits the floor on its edge and then spins to a stop. All of this takes perhaps ten seconds.
 
Spisarevski looks at the Major.
"My thanks, Major...but where is our boon companion?"
 
"I think that he wasn't as fortunate as the penny. What!
Let's get that shrew and tin man up here. Perhaps they are familiar with this green light?"
 
"I think that he wasn't as fortunate as the penny. What!
Let's get that shrew and tin man up here. Perhaps they are familiar with this green light?"
IC: Spisarevski looked at the room and blinked.
"That...would be unfortunate. Poor ma...ap...our poor comrade in arms! OK, let's call the amazon with the nice legs and her Servitor. We should stop them from pushing the gnome in, I can gather."

OOC: My knife is lost:grin:?
 
"I think that he wasn't as fortunate as the penny. What!
Let's get that shrew and tin man up here. Perhaps they are familiar with this green light?"
IC: Spisarevski looked at the room and blinked.
"That...would be unfortunate. Poor ma...ap...our poor comrade in arms! OK, let's call the amazon with the nice legs and her Servitor. We should stop them from pushing the gnome in, I can gather."
They're about 200 yards away from you. Are you somehow signaling them or going back to where they're waiting for you?
OOC: My knife is lost:grin:?
Who can say? You could go inside and look for it...
 
Desideria and Servitor-1 cross the distance to the pyramid and await explanation.
 
OOC: Major Hunter will explain what his experiment with the penny showed, and what he thinks may have happened to Sergeant Gilipollis. He will then ask the servitor if there is some type of trap on the doorway.
 
OOC: Major Hunter will explain what his experiment with the penny showed, and what he thinks may have happened to Sergeant Gilipollis. He will then ask the servitor if there is some type of trap on the doorway.
Servitor-1 replies, "Answer: Affirmative."

"You primitives know nothing of technology," states Desideria. "One needs merely play the correct sequence of notes on a quasiflute to override and bypass any booby trap of the sort you have described."
 
Servitor-1 replies, "Answer: Affirmative."

"You primitives know nothing of technology," states Desideria. "One needs merely play the correct sequence of notes on a quasiflute to override and bypass any booby trap of the sort you have described."

"After you young lady. Perhaps you can have your tin-man generate the appropriate sounds?"
 
"After you young lady. Perhaps you can have your tin-man generate the appropriate sounds?"
Before Desideria or Servitor-1 respond, the gnome butts in and says, "Bah! You big 'uns think only of machines and weapons! If you need music, you come to a Lord of Picklenut Forest!" He bends over and reaches into his sock, from which he produces a hand-carved wooden flute with six holes and intricate engraved decorations. "A quasiflute, she says! A real flute in the hands of a Lord of Picklenut Forest is worth a dozen quasiflutes or my name isn't Buttersocks!" Looking from Hunter to Spisarevski and back again, he then asks, "So! What notes do I play?"
 
Turning to the headstrong girl Major Hunter says: "Well? Tell him the tune young lady, or do you fancy standing out here all day?"
 
Turning to the headstrong girl Major Hunter says: "Well? Tell him the tune young lady, or do you fancy standing out here all day?"
"How should I know the tune?" Desideria with a shrug. "That's why a quasiflute is better. It could detect any signals emanating from the security device." She then kicks Buttersocks hard in the rump and adds, "Useless sub-man. Perhaps we can use him to trigger the device and rush in while it's occupied with him."
 
"A handful of coins would be more useful", Spisarevski replied. "It would at once test the number of rays the machine can produce at once".
 
"All right then let's have them." Major Hunter says to Spisarevski as he starts to dig out some more coins from his pocket. "Buttersocks is it? Listen closely my good chap and see if you can here anything that might help you find the tune."
OOC: Once Major Hunter has a handful of coins he will try an experiment. He will toss in three at once and see what happens to them. He will then toss in five and see what happens to them. Hopefully he will have enough coins. If not, he will look for pebbles and small stones.
 
"All right then let's have them." Major Hunter says to Spisarevski as he starts to dig out some more coins from his pocket. "Buttersocks is it? Listen closely my good chap and see if you can here anything that might help you find the tune."

OOC: Once Major Hunter has a handful of coins he will try an experiment. He will toss in three at once and see what happens to them. He will then toss in five and see what happens to them. Hopefully he will have enough coins. If not, he will look for pebbles and small stones.
As soon as Hunter's first coin passes more than a few inches past the threshold, a weird green beam shoots out from somewhere within the darkness. The other two coins just drop to the ground with a metallic echo from somewhere in the shadowy interior. The green beam envelops the single coin in a similarly green aura and hold it stationary in midair for a moment, after which the coin slowly revolves and turns end over end as if under close scrutiny. Then suddenly the green beam blinks off and the coin, visibly unharmed, drops to the ground.

"Although I am a master of song and flute," says Buttersocks, "I confess I don't understand what that was supposed to tell me. Pray, sir, call the tune and I shall play, but no more of your maddening riddles!"

If you proceed to toss in five more, the result is the same: one is examined under the green aura and the others fall unharmed to the ground.
 
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