Khan of the Steppes

Crimson Hoof had left and a sand-colored pony with an outfit made of small, bleached bones (probably from many birds and rodents) had taken the stage. His voice came through in a raspy, wispy way, and was hard to hear over the general noise of the crowd. "Udus Khan speaks wisdom in his plan to unite the tribes into one herd. However, Udus Khan is not of the Shamans. Only a Shaman Khan who can communicate with the Mother Spirit can truly lead a flock of such numbers to the promised lands beyond the Sands and Salt Sea. We should look to Shale Khan of Sunstone, greatest of Shamans, for leadership. Udus Khan, and all who follow him, should bow to her authority if their plans are to succeed. To do otherwise is to risk angering the spirits... and doom us all."

-Meanwhile-

Sleipnir had finally managed to get to the front of the line and enter the grand tent of Khan Udus. It was made apparent quickly that magic was at work, as the greeting entered his mind. He bowed back. "Udus Khan, I am Sleipnir, representative of the Prairie Strider Tribe. I am interested to learn more of how you plan on uniting the tribes under one banner."

There were many ways that Khan Udus could proceed with his plan of unification: He could go and plead his case to each Khan and attempt to win them over to his way of thinking, becoming a Khan of Khans. He could try to bribe or buy their loyalty. He could attack and absorb the other tribes. He could try to influence the Shaman caste to be named a great spirit given mortal form, a creature worthy of reverence. He might have also came into possession of an artifact of the First Khan, a part of the royal regalia, that could be used to claim leadership. If he had a part of the First Khan's regalia, he could invoke the Sacred Rite of Leadership. It would be an open challenge to any Khan to either submit to his leadership, or fight to see if they could claim it. But once the Rite was over, all would have to heed the will of the holder of the relic, as the First Khan did centuries ago to win the loyalty of all tribes. Until his death, where no one was able to complete the Rite, which led to the fracturing of the tribes and the loss of the royal regalia.

Azureink wrote:Crimson Hoof had left and a sand-colored pony with an outfit made of small, bleached bones (probably from many birds and rodents) had taken the stage. His voice came through in a raspy, wispy way, and was hard to hear over the general noise of the crowd. "Udus Khan speaks wisdom in his plan to unite the tribes into one herd. However, Udus Khan is not of the Shamans. Only a Shaman Khan who can communicate with the Mother Spirit can truly lead a flock of such numbers to the promised lands beyond the Sands and Salt Sea. We should look to Shale Khan of Sunstone, greatest of Shamans, for leadership. Udus Khan, and all who follow him, should bow to her authority if their plans are to succeed. To do otherwise is to risk angering the spirits... and doom us all."

History Check:

"It is true," Cau'rha spoke up loudly, making his way to the stage, "That Muth-La, the Mother Spirit, is only heard directly by the Shaman Khan. But, is it not also her wisdom that brings leaders to do her will? Would Udus Khan have such wisdom if The Mother hadn't given it to him? While I agree we must consult the Shaman Khan, I do not feel that she would not dare lead such an effort, and it is foolish to imply otherwise. Kala nak maz suthi; Fasat Muth-La pahak nak."

Pahmuthi Translation:

Grey Pen wrote:Following Zane out of the tent, Cau'rha turned to his new companion. "It would seem you are in the lead for now; where shall we go?" he asked the zebra, his horn-hung bells jingling as he tilted his head upwards slightly.

"To the lowlands we will tread; once the Meet has had its lasts.
But for now as you have said, we each have our own tasks."
Zane just looks on as Cau'rha challenges the Sunstone tribe. This is a conflict of shaman; he has no place in it.

As he walked away from yet another uninterested steppe-dweller, Book Smart noticed Zane talking with a goat, from his dress, a shaman of some kind. After the shaman left to speak with another pony who had taken the stage, Book walked up to zebra and said, "I hope your talk with Udus Khan went well. I don't think I'm likely to learn much more here, so I think I'll head back to the Dark Water tents and see what our elders have to say about all this." He gestured back toward the rest of the camp. "I'll have more Royal Jelly ready tomorrow morning. If you see anyone else who might have a good story, maybe you could let them know!"

Waschbaer wrote:As he walked away from yet another uninterested steppe-dweller, Book Smart noticed Zane talking with a goat, from his dress, a shaman of some kind. After the shaman left to speak with another pony who had taken the stage, Book walked up to zebra and said, "I hope your talk with Udus Khan went well. I don't think I'm likely to learn much more here, so I think I'll head back to the Dark Water tents and see what our elders have to say about all this." He gestured back toward the rest of the camp. "I'll have more Royal Jelly ready tomorrow morning. If you see anyone else who might have a good story, maybe you could let them know!"

Zane smiles at the changeling-earth pony as he approaches.
"Yes, my talk with the Khan went quite well, and I thank you for your concern.
I'm sorry that none seem to have stories to tell; perhaps I could trade one of mine for a bowl in the morn."
Zane turns back towards the pulpit, before a thought catches him and he faces the changeling again.
"Err...this invitation might be premature, but there seems to be a group forming.
I cannot guarantee that it would be secure, but would you be interested in joining?

On its face, it appears to be just an average venture.
And I may be misplaced, but I know that destiny means it to be more.

Currently we consist of Cau'rha, the goat shaman near the pulpit.
As a head shaman he inspires awe; I'm sure he has more than a few stories to transmit.

There is also Anemone Gracehoof, a Gazelle entrusted to guard us on our trek to the lowlands.
Silver Steele also comes from the same roof; though she has only been mentioned.

And finally there is myself of course. If you come with us, you might end making your own lore.
This decision should not be forced. Take time to speak with your elders before."

OOC Notes:

Grey Pen wrote:"It is true," Cau'rha spoke up loudly, making his way to the stage, "That Muth-La, the Mother Spirit, is only heard directly by the Shaman Khan. But, is it not also her wisdom that brings leaders to do her will? Would Udus Khan have such wisdom if The Mother hadn't given it to him? While I agree we must consult the Shaman Khan, I do not feel that she would not dare lead such an effort, and it is foolish to imply otherwise. Kala nak maz suthi; Fasat Muth-La pahak nak."

Pahmuthi Translation:

The sand-colored pony (who could be mistaken for a goat due to his horned headdress and beard) moved to one side to give Cau'rha enough room to take the stage. The sand-colored pony nodded his head. "The Spirits are wise, this is not in question. And they impart their wisdom to he who listens. Many Khans have led their tribe to ruins by not listening. Has Udus Khan listened? Truly listened to the Spirits?" The pony shook his head. "The Great Sand Scorpion came to me in a dream, tail raised in warning, venom dripping."

It was pretty obvious by this point, by the way this pony was talking and carrying himself, and from the clothes that he wore, that he was a shaman of the Sand Scorpion Tribe. Known for being a hardy, extremely spiritual folk who lived in the inhospitable Dune Sea to the south. To see a scorpion spirit, especially a totem spirit, with stinger poised to strike, was considered a grave warning. Those still in the crowd that heard the pony's words began whispering with each other in hushed tones. Clearly such a sign could mean that Khan Udus' plan may bring ruin to them all.

"Greetings to you also, Sleipnir of the Prairie Striders. It has become clear to me that the current warfare between the tribes cannot continue, as the raids only manage to deplete our collective resources, and entire clans have dispersed or disappeared from the plains completely. As individuals band together to form families, and families join into tribes, I hope to bring the steppes together, based on their need for security and to be able to accomplish greater things. I am not naive, I realize I will need to use force to back up my vision. I will force none to join me, but will fight any who prey on my allies, or any who prevent others from joining me. Hopefully the Shamans will support me, as I believe my plan will benefit all, and that I will be the one to repeat the First Khan's success.

That in the most general sense is my plan and motivations. Let me know if you or your clan are interested, I understand if not or if you need time to think. Your assistance is entirely voluntary, but should you hinder me I will remember it. If you are indeed interested in my plan, you can help test my vision by working with a team I have put together of individuals of different clans and backgrounds, you can find them outside, I'm sure you can't miss them."

He turns is attention to Steele "Silver Steele, I think this ragtag band can use your services. Admittedly I must send you away for political reasons, as there are many who will be flocking to my banner who will want to blame you for a number of... missing items. But I know there is more to you than that, and I believe they can use a companion as fierce and devoted as you. I ask you to accompany them on their journeys, protect and aid them as I know you can, and keep ears and eyes out for any sign of any possessions of the First Khan, we could use the help that even a symbol would give to our cause."

Sleipnir listens to Khan Udus' proposed plan before nodding. "Very well. I shall forward your proposal to the Prairie Striders. I will also join this "team" of yours in order to learn more about your vision. If you'll excuse me, I shall depart to find these individuals you have spoken of." Sleipnir bowed his head to Khan Udus and excused himself from the tent. And did not make ten feet before he bumped into a zebra talking to an earth pony. "Excuse me," Sleipnir stated as he backed up and then began to move around Zane.

Steele paused, bowing before the Khan respectfully, silent for a moment...She knew she had a checkered past at best, and it felt like an insult in a way, but she knew he had to think of the clan first and foremost, and she had a knack for finding things...It made sense, even if her knee-jerk reaction said otherwise. "Of course, Khan. I'll keep them from harm, and I'll be sure to retrieve any I see, if there are any to be found." Plus, he was probably right...She might actually -be- responsible for a handful of items going missing, and it'd be wise to be out of reach of those who'd want a more physical means of payback. Though as she spoke, she couldn't help but try to remember any legends or myths of the First Khan...

Spoiler:

Book Smart blinked and looked up at the earth pony that had just bumped into Zane. Glancing back at the zebra, he noted with a chuckle, "You seem popular today."

He thought for a moment, his gaze lingering on his forehooves. Suddenly, he seemed to come to a decision as his head rose, an excited look on his face. "Is this for Udus Khan, or are you doing it on your own? Never mind! Either way, it sounds amazing. But, I guess I should talk to my elders first." Though, with all they've been telling me about the joys of travel, that shouldn't be a problem, Book thought to himself. "How about this," he said, nodding his head toward the Deep Water tents, "stop by tomorrow morning and I'll have your answer then."

Distracted by his own thoughts and not waiting for an answer, Book started off away from the zebra and earth pony, heading back toward where his tribe was set up.

OOC:

Sleipnir paused as Khan Udus was mentioned. Was the zebra the one he was supposed to meet? "Pardon me, but did I hear him correctly? Are you one of the members of the team Udus Khan mentioned needing assistance? I was going to seek them out after I reported the Khan's proposal to my tribe. In order to see what the Khan had planned through that group." Sleipnir paused again to hear Zane's answer.

Zane nods at the changeling's proposal before turning to the newcomer.
"Indeed, we have been grouped by Udus Khan...though I do not know I would call us his team.
The distance between our tribes has great span, but he has reached us with his uniting dream.

We are to return answer to those of Mist Tail, deep in the lowlands.
That is the only plan of which I am aware, after which our path expands.

You are welcome to come as well, if that is what your heart desires.
Any worries I will attempt to dispel, but the Meet's end will be when this offer expires."

Sleipnir listened to Zane's verse, then replied. "I understand. Do you plan on leaving soon or will you wait until The Meet is over? I still have some errands to attend to." Sleipnir needed to go back to his tribe's camp and relay the message of Khan Udus among other things. Though he was fairly certain that the camp was in good hands if he departed sooner rather than later.

Zane blinks a few times, confused, before responding,
"I suppose I was not clear enough; verse makes some things discrete.
I did not intend the rebuff; we will depart after the Meet.

Please take your time in making a decision; I am not in a hurry.
Though I would like an answer to be given, else your intent will remain blurry."

Sleipnir pauses for a moment, also confused, then something lights up in his eyes. "Oh! Yes. Yes I do plan on going with this group of yours. I guess I didn't state that for the record. I can understand your confusion." Sleipnir then begins to move off toward the direction of the Prairie Strider's camp. "I assume we are going to meet here after The Meet? I will see you then."

Zane shrugs and waves a nonchalant hoof.
"Here or there, we will group somehow.
Tend your affairs; we do not leave now."

... ... ...

Two days later, the Meet was wrapping up. The clans had enjoyed their Midsummer celebration, leaving behind the commotion following the Khan's announcement for the most part. Any tension in the air had been mostly the usual response of the games and competitions as part of the midsummer celebrations. Now, the campfires were extinguished, and the lingering smell of smoke and cooked meals was beginning to dissipate. The mix of creatures inhabiting the steppes were filing out in all directions, leaving the valley of the Meet, carrying or dragging their possessions and tents with them. Udus' tent had somehow been taken down and put away somewhere.

Anemone sends a letter (via arrow) to both Cau'rha and Zane to meet where Khan Udus' tent was before.

Steele had been busy during the meet, seeing what others had to trade...Though she refrained from 'helping herself,' not wishing to set a bad example of Udus's clan...At least not at such a crucial time. As the end of the meet arrived, she took a breath, walking the increasingly-deserted grounds...She chose to head to the site of Udus's tent, wanting to see the view from there before the group met up and began blazing a trail for the others to follow...Hopefully.

Prairie Grass, Silver Wind, and the rest packed up their camp and began the long journey back to Prairie Strider territory. Carrying the message of Khan Udus with them. Sleipnir remained behind and came upon the group forming up that was going to do whatever it was that Khan Udus had planned. "I am here. What is the mission?"

Zane smiles contently as he hurls his now compact yurt onto his back; the jostling poles conveniently muffling out the sound of the message arrow lodging itself into them.
His lodgings in tow, he heads for what's left of the Dark Water tents to collect Book Smart.

Lost in thought, Book Smart stood anxiously at the edge of what was once the Dark Water encampment as they got underway. Although he'd already said his goodbyes, the (newly transformed) changeling-unicorn found that it was harder than he'd thought to just stand there while his tribe left. To distract himself, Book went back over his preparations. Right. I've got saddle bags, some bowls, that ring the elders gave me. He glanced down at the string around his neck with a ring on it. I've got breakfast ready. I can do this. Just need to meet up with everyone and then we can leave. It's not like I forgot anything. Wait, what if I forgot something?!

Fidgeting indecisively, Book Smart didn't notice the zebra's approach.

Anemone showed up, with a new set of dark red tattoos, to see Steele already there. She nodded in greeting and said, "Well met sister." having learned she was also part of the Udus tribe.

Silver looked over, smiling at Anemone and nodding respectfully in turn. "Greetings. How have you been settling in?" she asked, smiling a bit. She remembered back when she joined, it had been worrisome. "I hope the others have been treating you properly, hmm, hmm." She was kind of excited to finally start this mission for the Khan...Hopefully, it would go smoothly...But then, such things were never easy, even when they went smooth.

"Half of yesterday is mostly just a blur but, I believe I have been treated quite warmly. The other two should be along momentarily. I sent them both a letter." Anemone replied.