Tribe of the Tarak

[Neil Tathers]

http://www.shartak.com/clanview.cgi?id=587

Open to any native from any town or culture.

Details to follow in the New Year.

[Dani]

Where did the name Tarak's Spit come from?

[Neil Tathers]

I believe Black Fang coined the term.

[Neil Tathers]

Tribe of the Tarak - Beginnings

The fetid swamp air hung like a lazy blanket over the land of Tarak's Spit.  Alligators slept on logs, still alert, merely waiting for their next meal.  The next meal may be soon.

A female figure strode through the swamp.  The preceding months had taken their toll on her.  Betrayed by her own townsfolk, she was left to die in the caverns of Shartak, but Rachel Stone wasn't the type to take things laying down, no, she fought her own way back out, tooth and nail.  She had emerged from a nearby cave dirty, covered in spider venom, fungi slime and rat blood.  Her first glimpse of the sun in months practically blinded her.  And the smell of the swamp was welcomed from the dry dead smell of the caverns.

Filthly, covered in various blood and smell, even the alligators were put off.  None of them moved as she walked by.  Maybe it was the spider venom, maybe it was the joy of being freed from the caves, but Rachel Stone walked farther into the swamp, away from the welcoming sea and relative safety of the nearby grasslands, and deeper into the the Tarak.

She saw alligators that looked meaner, hungrier for human flesh.  Even these parted before her, and in the center of the swamp, a giant white alligator rested on a stump.  The air around it sparkled, and Rachel knew this was no ordinary beast.

This was her spirit totem.

In this flash of insight, she remembered stories from the lips of villagers when she was a child.  About Ancients, about totems, about life itself, and how culture is more important than actions.  Then the outsider came, with his guns, and his boxes, and his sharp curved steel, and changed their culture.  Ever so slightly, but still, the culture changed.  Rachel felt saddened by this, and curled up next to the white alligator, and feel asleep.

But, like the other alligators in the swamp, she wasn't truly asleep, and as one of these hungrier, meaner alligators came over to kill her, she struck quickly, her sharp blades cutting the alligator's head off.  Grabbing the severed head, she walked out of the swamp, the other alligators stayed out of her way.  Some would snap at her passing, and she would strike back with the blade, and they would steer clear. 

Days Later

Cleaned off by the lake water, new clothes bought from a traveling native trader, and the alligator head strung to her back, a headdress to go along with her teachings, Rachel set up camp in front of Tarak's Spit.

She is here to spread a simple message, Natives, Remember Yourselves and Your History.  Remember Your Culture.

[Katie Calhoun]

I have no idea where Tarak's Spit is. Got the coords?

[Simon]

It's in the north-east corner of the island - the swamp that sticks out into the sea.

http://www.itechsc.com/misc/shartak/ubermap/mapposgen.php?cx=-70177&cy=26473

(ubermap appears broken at the moment though, co-ords are -70.177,+26.473)

[Raan'dul]

It is the swamp where the Orwhan ritual was held to turn me.

Akiak

[Katie Calhoun]

Thanks...I thought that was it. I have always known it as Claw Swamp. So many names.

[Bobby the Hatchet]

I've always called it Tarak's Spit. Pretty sure it was a Black Fang name, he tended to use H. P. Lovecraft references. I'm in.

[Dani]

I'm going to wait and see how this goes. Besides, I'm having too much fun scalping Dalpokis to retire my pirate alt just yet.

[Neil Tathers]

The Tribe begins to Gather

You say “Welome to the Tribe Ruh'sil. ”
You say “Tell me Ruh'sil, what Demons do you follow? What is their purpose? What can you tell me about them?”
You say “We need to spread information of the native culture around, these demons seem to be part of that culture.”
You say “Good or evil means not to me, merely the knowledge of the past, and how it can help our future.”
Rachel Stone slits the stag's throat, bleeding the blood dry out of it. She begins the skin the beast.
SillyLilyPily nods hello.

Demons and Stags

Ruh'sil says “Well no one has really asked about the Demon Gods before, but I will not keep them from anyone who wishes to know about them.”
Ruh'sil says “There are hundreds of Demon Gods, all of which I cannot name, who are ruled by a King Demon named Mamorgoth.”
Ruh'sil says “They have lived in all parts of the world, but when fights broke out between the pale ones, they came to Shartak.”
Ruh'sil says “They dwelled in a large cavern that used to be connected to the tunnels under the island. Many were allowed to visit them as long as they earned it, such as myself.”
Ruh'sil says “They have millions of warriors who fight for a certain Demon God. Conflicts are daily amongst them. Once the pale ones came to this island, they sealed themselves off from all but the chosen ones.”
Ruh'sil says “The chosen ones are those who are Demon Warriors, the children of Rakmogak, and any who have proven themselves to the Demon Gods.”
Ruh'sil kills the large stag with a punch.
Ruh'sil sinks his teeth into the stag before pummeling it with his fists. When the stag falls to the ground he finishes it by biting it's neck. He then hunched over the body feasting on it's flesh.
SillyLilyPily cleans off her shovel and puts the empty seed pouch into her backpack.
You say “Interesting Ruh'sil, interesting indeed. Maybe once we gain more members you can lead an expedition into the caverns to search for these creatures.”
You say “And Lily, glad to see you here. I've noticed you planted some trees, good idea. We will need food if we plan to live far away from the towns. Food and herbs, which luckily, we can find here.”
Rachel Stone strides into the swamp.
The Demon Bear emerges from the swamp, spilling black blood everywhere. The grassland begins to stir with a foul breeze and you suddenly feel as if you are being watched.
The Demon Bear loses too much blood from a nasty looking wound and dies.
You say “Well, that was spectacular”

Beginnings

Rachel Stone constructs a pit, and begins a small fire, "Let me speak of totems, and how they influence our lives. Totems can come in several forms, they may be your life long totem.
You say “This totem is one that affects you through the biggest part of your life. If you need it's power, or it's guidance, this animal will be there for you.”
Rachel Stone bends down to water the small growing plant, "These totems are Mother's way of showing us the way through the world, our own special way. They choose what type of person we will be.
You say “Be that a warrior, a healer, a diplomat, or a crafty thief. If we ever try to go against our nature, these totems will remind us, and try to set us on our true path.”
Rachel Stone looks at the mountain in the distance, "Mother is always looking out for us. She let's us eat, let's us sleep, and gives us comfort. Mother guides us through these life long totems.
You say “But, only one can figure out their totem themselves. And keep in mind, their are other totems than a life long one. Their can be Journey, Messenger, or even the dreaded Shadow totem.”
Rachel Stone studies the alligators in the water, "Tell me, what do you think the alligator represents?"

[Fester Shinetop]

'Tarak Hai' would have been infinitely snappier.

Edit: I'm sorry - I just had to get that out, otherwise I would spent the rest of the evening muttering 'Tarak Hai' to myself under my breath. It's exorcised now.

[Neil Tathers]

Someone answers Rachel's Question

Ruh'sil eyes the alligator while sniffing the air. The smell of the swamp fills his nostrils as he thinks. After a minute he speaks in his usual growl like voice.
Ruh'sil says “The alligator are beings of Aggression, survival, and adaptability. They are cunning and deceptive.”
Ruh'sil says “They aren't very different from us in many ways. ”
Nokomis walks over looking tired after her long walk so sits down with her pack. "Hello" Nokomis yawns and lays her head down on her pack and falls fast asleep.
Ruh'sil is intrigued by the newcomer, sniffing the air as she arrives. He sees her eyes and picks his head off the ground. He sniffs the ground where she walked before stopping less than a foot away.
Nokomis opens one silvery eye and looks back at Ruh'sil for a second but sees he is just curious so goes back to sleep.

A learned soul arrives

SofaKing uses a healing herb on you and restores 5 health.
SofaKing sweeps aside the tall grasses and enters the clearing.
SofaKing says “Hello, brothers and sisters.”
SofaKing nods to each native in turn.
SofaKing says “Rachel Stone, I have heard that you are seeking out the old native ways. ”
SofaKing says “I have some knowledge of the Bear totem and would willingly share what I know so that I might learn of the other totem spirits.”
SofaKing says “I bring the wisdom of the Mountain, and whatever else I may share with my brothers and sisters.”
SofaKing tosses a handful of rune-marked sticks onto the floor. They land indicating Water, Air, Earth and Water.
SofaKing pours some water on the growing plant, then squats in the dirt.
Nokomis wakes just in time to grab her machete before the tiger attacked. Standing with feet apart she swings several times at the tigers neck eventually cutting it's head off.

Nokomis likes the third person

Nokomis kills the tiger with a machete.
Nokomis looks down at her wounds and was glad they weren't too bad like last time she killed a tiger. Nokomis pulls enough herbs out of her back to get the job done then lays back down to rest for a bit.

Questions about Cultures

You say “Weclome Sofaking, I'll address you in a moment.”
You say “As for the alligator Ruh'sil, the totem stands for wisdom, holding their emotions in check, patience, and survival.”
You say “Out of these, I think you represent the survival most of all, and be one of our respected warriors.”
You say “And to you Sofaking, any information you have on the old ways would be beneficial. I would love to hear about the Bear, and how that helps us in our life, and regaining our culture.”
You say “And to you Nokomis, I would like to hear about the Orwhan, and how they too will help us reclaim out culture and ways.”

We get Cereal and Sofaking trips on the growing bush

ManBearPig says “Gwabbgar!”
ManBearPig holds up a gruesome skull.
ManBearPig tosses a gold coin into the air and catches it. The coin shows tails.
ManBearPig munches on something unpleasant.
You say “Sofaking is in trouble”
You say “Welcome Manbearpig, it's been awhile since I've seen you.”
Rachel Stone pats ManBearPig on the head, "Where is your parrot?"
Ruh'sil comes out of the swamp covered in bloody wounds dragging two alligators behind him. "I tried to save Sofaking." he said bluntly.
ManBearPig stops munching long enough for a parrot feather to slip out from between his grisly teeth.
ManBearPig says “Gar?”
ManBearPig shrugs.
You say “Oh ManBearPig, you are a riot.”
You say “And Ruh'sil, maybe he did it for a reason, we should find out if he returns or not. Going into the swamp with eight alligators is pretty much suicide. ”

Rachel borrows something from Lily, and Lily gives a magic show

SillyLilyPily gives you a shovel.
SillyLilyPily takes out her only shovel and hands it to Rachel. The gems inset into the wooden neck glitter in the sun.
SillyLilyPily is happy that the tasty berry bush has grown so quickly.
Rachel Stone smiles, "Thank you Lily, you'll get it back in a few."
You give a shovel to SillyLilyPily .
SillyLilyPily nibbles a few very yummy and slightly sour berries.
ManBearPig says “Hrf grf.”
SofaKing says “Sorry friends. I tripped and fell in the swamp. Not a very nice place to take a nap.”
SofaKing says “It looks cozier under this tree. I will rest there, and tell you of the Bear totem when I awaken.”
Rachel Stone smiles, "I'm glad everyone is still here."
You have a look around but find nothing.
SillyLilyPily shuffles her feet and looks slightly uncomfortable.
SillyLilyPily says “have not done this for a long time, a very long time.”
SillyLilyPily takes a deep breath in and exhales.
SillyLilyPily says “but, I want to try.”
SillyLilyPily takes in another deep, slow breath and bends down on the exhale, takes a small handful of dirt as her fingers touch the ground.
SillyLilyPily cups the granules, letting a rougue blade of grass flutter back to the ground as she stands up slowly.
SillyLilyPily looks to her gathered company and counts," one, two, three, four, five and I am six."
SillyLilyPily opens her fingers and lets most of the grains trickle from her grass until six tiny fragments are left in her grasp.
SillyLilyPily holds the grains upto her mouth and blows. The granules begin to glow and grow in size, rapidly. She pushes her arm up letting the swelling bubbles free.
SillyLilyPily hums a single note as the balloons stop expanding and begin to swirl, suspended at face level in front of everyone.
SillyLilyPily uses her own glowing mass to manipulate each of the globes. As the swirl, silver and gold sparks whirl off in every direction.
SillyLilyPily rotates the sphere, pulling and pushing it's energy and changing the shape of the glittering, warm mass, enjoying the sensations.
SillyLilyPily raises ehr arms abouve her guiding all of the bloated suns up. With a flick of her fingertips, the balls all converge , swirling and spinning as a solid object.
SillyLilyPily hums a higher- pitched note, sending the sparkling mass higher as it stretches out, covering the sky above the grouping of six.
SillyLilyPily flicks her finger-tips and the stratified mass explodes, raining down flickering sparkles over them all. Like snow it layers on the ground and covering them all with glittering tiny specks.
SillyLilyPily stops humming and stands still, a smile on her face as she enjoys the shower of lights.
SillyLilyPily says dreamily, "it has been so long since I shared my gift. And blessed be my teacher, Etherdrifter for showing me the world beyond my eyes.
SillyLilyPily catches one of the last sparks before it hits the ground and holds it in her hand. She watches it flicker and gradually fade, along with all the others until they are all gone.

A Demon wakes up, and someone feelings seem to be hurt

Ruh'sil wakes up. The fur that covered his back receeds and reveals a large man with long white hair
SillyLilyPily did not intend to slaughter everone's spirits.
You say “Oh Lily, you haven't ruined anyone's spirits, we are merely involved in searching in the swamp for our ancestor's treasures. I'll continue my explanation on totems once I rested some.”

Crazy eyes!

Nokomis eyes fly open and flashed a brillant silver at the mention of a spirit. She looks around a little confused after being so sound asleep while trying to get her breathing under control.
Nokomis hears the voice of Rachel while her eyes turn her direction in hunger. Nokomis knows she has to get herself under control so opens her pack as fast as her fingers could open the fastners.
Nokomis she shoves her hand inside trying to find the gourd of wine with the last of the aether taken from her long ago kill. Nokomis finds and and yanks the stopper of and takes many big gulps.
Nokomis breathing starts to calm and she takes another drink before putting the stopper back into the wine gourd and places it carefully back into her pack.
Nokomis looks around a little nervously and hopes no one really noticed how close she got to losing herself for a minute. Nokomis likes the company she is in and does not what to harm anyone.

A parrot scares ManBearPig with it's Rachel Impersonation

A parrot squawks loudly.
ManBearPig says “GRARARRGG!!”
A parrot squawks "Oh Lily, you haven't ruined anyone's spirits, we are merely involved in searching in the swamp for our ancestor's treasures. I'll continue my explanation on totems once I rested some."
ManBearPig says “RARARGARGARARARARR!!!!”
A parrot makes a sound remarkably similar to a human cough.
ManBearPig slaps at the parrot with his piggish bear hands.
ManBearPig says “RARARARARARARRR!!!”
ManBearPig stomps the ground.
SofaKing says “ManBearPig! You are hurt! Have some healing herb, ManBearPig.”
SofaKing prepares a pipe of sacred herb and puffs away.
SofaKing says “I am tired, so I shall tell you of Father Bear later. ”
SofaKing says “This is a nice cozy spot though.”
SofaKing juices more berries, adding a touch of yeastweed for fermentation.
A parrot squawks loudly.
SillyLilyPily looks at the deranged parrot.
ManBearPig says “Rrrfg...”
ManBearPig swats at the parrot lazily.

Journey Totems explained

You say “Maybe these parrots will be the conveyors of our message to the natives of shartak.”
You say “I mentioned Journey, Messenger and Shadow totems. I will touch upon Journey totems now.”
You say “While Life long totems sta with you forever, Journey totems help you through periods of your life.”
You say “Some Journey totems will spend time months in your presence, or maybe years, however long it takes for a person to realize their message and use it to help their cause.”
You say “An example is a rabbit, which can represent danger, as a journey totem, it is a warning, and that warning needs to be heeded.”

[Neil Tathers]

While in Wiksik, the young Rachel Stone was murdered by Kalmogal's Champion.  She sent ManBearPig to find him and show him the error of his ways.  After some discussion about this with other Tribe members, they begin to talk about various dishes they like.

ManBearPig holds up a creepy skull.
ManBearPig says “Thar.”
Ruh'sil says “Oh the hunger, how I love you. I eat those who are not my friends.”
Nokomis looks at Ruh'sil and agrees to an extent since she eats their aether and not their body like he does but still understands what he means about the hunger.
SillyLilyPily is a happy, healthy vegetarian. And sits down in the tall golden grass to eat an apple.
ManBearPig does not understand eating something that is not meat, with exception to certain non-edible items.
SillyLilyPily says “the meat is chewie, tough and gamey. I don;t like to have eating be as much work as killing them.”
SillyLilyPily raises her arm to show a nasty scar from a large claw swipe. "I would rather eat food that does'nt try to eat me first.
SillyLilyPily digs 5 cylendrical holes in the ground and puts a tall gourd, half-burried into each one.
SillyLilyPily says “the tops are open and the sem to be frothing a whitish foam, smoke as she adjusts them perfectly upright.”
SillyLilyPily breathed in too much of the fumes and stays seated while tinkering with her wineing.

Shadow Animal Totems

Rachel Stone looks around, "I have mentioned Shadow Animal Totems before, I shall expand on that now."
You say “Shadow animals are sent to test you against certain fears in your life. They try you to your extant, and if you pass their test, then you are stronger than them, and they leave you alone.”
You say “Fail, and you will never recover from their test, and be a shell of who you really are. ”
You say “My test came in the caverns against the Giant Spiders. They led me into traps and try to eat me slowly, I managed to escape, and that has made me stronger.”

Visions of the Tribe

You say “Now, Tribe, what do each of you think of our island at the moment, what do each of you think we should try to accomplish.”
SillyLilyPily says “I think our island is beautiful, just as it always has been. ”
SillyLilyPily says “Personally, I hope to accomplish not becomming alligator appitizers as I remove every piece of metal that is not a heavy sword from the swamp.”
SillyLilyPily says “as for tomorrow, I don't really know.”
SillyLilyPily has stopped thinking she is anything more than a single, small soul among many.
Ruh'sil chuckles at the question. "I think that the pale ones are to be my next meal."
Ruh'sil says “They have come to this island, bringing nothing more than death and destruction.”
Nokomis corners of her mouth go up a bit "Their aether also tastes a bit off I hear. I am not as choosey as my dance partner is.
Nokomis says “Caranae prefers to eat from intelligent humans and we all know how most of the outsiders are dummer then mud.”
ManBearPig says “Habbagam rrf, hrm... ghrum Shargatk! ”

Rachel Stone almost pulls a Sofaking

You say “Whoa, I should be careful and not get lost in looking for treasures.”

A parrot returns, and a drive for Recruitment

You say “Look, another parrot, let's keep this one alive, shall we.”
You say “Thank you for the gifts Lily, they are wonderful.”
You say “I think we need to find someway to spread the word of the Tribe throughout Shartak and remind the natives of their heritage.”
You say “Ruh'sil, you are a warrior through and through. You shoudl head to outsider towns, making them understand that the Tribe will not be messed with. Spread the word of the Tribe through fear."”
You say “Nokomis, you are also a warrior, but you seem to prefer to hunt animals over humans. Spread our word by going into the jungles and finding other hunters like yourself. Tell them about the Tribe.”
You say “Lily, to continue our existence out in the jungle will we need not only trees, but herbs. You should find herbs, and stockplie them in the grasslands here.”
You say “But I won't just give you a meaningless task. While I was in Wiksik gathering herbs, I talked to the natives there. .”
You say “Try inviting them to the Tribe to learn about their heritage. ”
You say “ManBearPig, you are too cute to wander off on your own. You shall accompany me on my tasks, to visit that Skull Island over there, and see if anymore cannibals wish to join the Tribe.”
You say “As well as other, more hospitable villages.”
You say “How does this sound to everyone? Does it sound like a good plan? We need to many, to be strong. We should meet back up in three weeks, at this same spot, to discuss our luck and fortunes and to meet new members."
.

[Neil Tathers]

Go for Recruitment

Ruh'sil chuckles. "I like that idea. It sounds like I will feast for days." he said as he thought about where to go.
Nokomis grins "I let the parrot live but you said nothing about the tiger"

Rachel Stone's talents don't lie in Brewing, ManBearPig makes a feathery friend

You open the bottle and take a small sip of tasty berry wine. It tastes so foul that you empty the whole bottle onto the ground. You gain 2 XP.
ManBearPig swats at the annoying parrot.
ManBearPig nods to Rachel. "Gwabb ra."
ManBearPig swats at the parrot again, right before the bird poops on his head.
ManBearPig says “RARRAR!!!”
ManBearPig swats at the parrot furiously.
You say “Since there has been no objections, I will see you all in three weeks. Hopefully we have a good recruitment drive.”