PAXLAIR - February 18, 1999 - Jhym Songsmiths; graphics and additional material added by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

The Tribe Visits PaxLair and Exchange Gifts

On February 17, 1999, PaxLair was visited by Shaman Coweta of a group called the Tribe and his entourage. Their Shaman met with the townsfolk and visitors, exchanged gifts, visited the PaxLair chapel, and visited the Tribe's ruined village near the dungeon Shame. While at their village, orcs and other monsters attacked the group giving indication why the village was destroyed and the monsters continue to plague the area. Mayor Winfield offered that the Tribe could live and be protected in the town of PaxLair as friends until they could rebuild their ravaged village.

I (Jhym) went to the ceremony to see what these strange new folk might look like, as well as to sing a song specially for them by the behest of Mayor Winfield. As I arrived, the Emissary of PaxLair Christopher Wren attempted to get the greeters nominally into a line, however we were continually interrupted by Ork and thief attacks. After several poison fields and energy vortexes killed several, including Mayor Winfield and the Emissary, it was finally decided to lead the dignitaries up to the PaxLair mage tower where they could be better defended by the PaxLair guard. The small Tribe group was led by Shaman Coweta, a dignified looking man though he only wore bone arms and a bear mask; Elder Malabo, dressed in bone as well, with a deer mask carrying a spear; and two warriors, Hemauke and Nonoke dressed similarly and carrying spears. Tycho Veg, the Vice Chancellor, led the group to the tower, taking over until the Mayor could be found and returned from the dead.

Gifts from the Tribe

We arrived upon the roof and settled upon the benches. The Shaman took one of the provided thrones, while his elder stood behind and the warriors to either side of the elder. The folk of PaxLair talked with the Shaman for a time, then asked about his purpose there. The Shaman described a land that he and his Tribe lived in which had been gradually overrun by orcs and other evil creatures. One day as they returned from a hunt, they found their village burning, killing many of their families and destroying their homes. The Shaman then had visions of a green land, and other aspects of PaxLair, though I could not hear all of his visions because folk do not seem to know how to whisper.

The ghost of the Mayor appeared on the altar to the edge of the tower roof. The people quickly ressurected him and he stepped forward, coming out of a daze. He once again donned his official uniform, took his staff in hand, and greeted the Shaman once more.

Mayor Winfield then asked the townsfolk if they wished to give gifts to the Shaman. Several stepped forward. Ore Hound gave two sets of finely crafted ring mail armour. The Shaman commented on the fine armour and asked what Ore Hound's line of work was: mining; and Ore Hound gave a shovel as well. Nissa gave them some "shinie" gold and the Shaman shouted out "GLITTER", obviously being very pleased. Gliph, the King of the Goblins recently who returned to PaxLair, then came forward and made a statement. "Me think you was bad neked people from long time ago," he said and we all thought Gliph was about to turn the ceremony into a darkened event. He continued, "But me know you no is same neked people. Me sorry me try kill you." Gliph then searched his pockets and pulled out a bubbling potion and laid it at the Shaman's feet. He also gave a beautiful ring. The Mayor then stood and offered gifts from the entire town of PaxLair. He gave the Shaman a wooden box filled with wonderful things including notes passed on by the townspeople welcoming the Tribe to PaxLair. He also gave the Shaman new spears for the warriors.

The Shaman smiled and nodded at the gathering, thanking Winfield. He then presented their presents to PaxLair, including a pile of beads, a thousand fish!, a black dye tub, a hand crafted fishing pole, a lovely necklace, and a strong cider they had brewed. Winfield and the Shaman both took a long drink of the cider, causing everyone to chuckle as their words began to slur slightly. The gifts were then carefully put away to be used by the citizens later.

The Mayor called on me to sing the song I'd prepared. The Shaman and his Tribe seemed to enjoy the tune, as they clomped their spears upon the ground, while everyone clapped. The Shaman stood and gave me a hug to thank me for the tune.

The Mayor then asked of what their religion might be; they talked for a short time and the Shaman explained how the gods had foresaken them in their small village, allowing the orcs and monsters to ruin his village and kill his people. The Mayor suggested we head to the town chapel to demonstrate how PaxLair worships the gods. As we entered the chapel and healers building, the townsfolk and the natives quieted their talk. The Tribe entered the chapel room alone and asked others to remain outside; the Tribe seemed to talk to their own gods. After they finished, the Mayor suggested we head outside to talk some more.

As we stood in a clearing, the Shaman asked if we would all come to see their destroyed village; we all readily agreed. Coweta dropped his staff, then threw his hands into the air, seemingly channeling a great force. With a wave of his hands, sparks flew to the ground in front of him and three glowing gates immediately appeared! No one heard the Shaman mumble any magical words, yet the gates certainly came at his command. Everyone was very impressed with the Shaman's powers and stepped quickly through the gates.

We appeared beside the shell of a building, walls crumbling into the loam around it. We all wandered around the grounds, Malabo and the warriors stopping several times to cry softly about lost times and friends. While we stood there, orcs attacked us with an orc leader and his underlings. We quickly took care of the small orc band, then ran around the ruin to fight an ettin and an orc mage that hid nearby, along with an evil reaper. I carved a bow and some arrows for the Shaman from the reaper wood, hoping they could do a little better in their fighting. We talked further, then returned to PaxLair.

Winfield suggested to the Shaman that the Tribe take up residence in PaxLair or ask for help from PaxLair until such time as they could rebuild their homelands. The Shaman thanked everyone for their good wishes and promised to visit PaxLair again soon. And with a flourish of his staff, the Shaman collected his group and walked with deliberation out of town.

All in all, an interesting night, and a new group of friends for the City of Peace.

A Ranger's Call

Striding softly, soft boots worn,
Dark green cloak, brown shirt torn,
A ranger glides across the glade
Until he reaches welcome shade.
 

He tracks a bear, a wolf, a deer,
He follows each without fear
Smiling softly he draws with pen,
Upon some vellum the bear cubs' den.
 

Wolf and faun, pages filled,
With drawings live... No blood spilled.
 

Jhym Songsmiths of Sosaria