HH Productions

Yusef #1


The Streel Plain vanishes around you and in the wink of an eye you're somewhere else. You find yourself on a small ledge on the side of a hill. It is night, so vision is limited. At the base of the hill is a small valley. A large encampment has been set up here with numerous tents. Campfires burn here and there, permitting some illumination. Next to the camp is a small lake and on that lake a small sailing ship sits.

While Yusef cannot feel it, he gets the impression that it is much colder here. Hardly anyone is in sight and the flaps to the tents that he can see are closed. Snow covers the ground here and there. It collects in places where the wind blows it. An ogre patrols the camp, suggesting that he is a guard.

Past the camp and the lake, you can see a few peaks and spires of buildings that are now buried beneath the earth. The scene suggests that there was once a city here, but some cataclysm in the distant past caused it to be hidden and perhaps lost from the memory of men. It's impossible to tell just how large this city was now.

"Your mother is down there in the camp," Abigail states. "After your father tired of her, she was sent her. She spends her days cooking for the slaves who work in the dig. Knowing what your father does to his women, she's probably not in the best of health. She probably doesn't look the same either. I can take you part of the way, but I cannot enter the camp myself. Follow me."

Abigail begins to walk down a path down from the ledge down the side of the hill to the camp below.

Now what?

Yusef:

Yusef's heart is beating fast and heavy when they arrive. Being teleported is such a strange sensation, and seems to conflict with the self-discipline he was taught by the brotherhood.

A quick look around shows Yusef that they are nowhere he has ever been before. Looking out over the valley, he notes the camp on the edge of the lake and the snow on the ground. Clearly, they have traveled quite some ways. Even at this distance, Yusef can make out the ogre patrolling the camp. And in the distance, what appear to be the ruins of a city push up from below the ground.

Abigail wrote:"Your mother is down there in the camp," Abigail states. "After your father tired of her, she was sent her. She spends her days cooking for the slaves who work in the dig. Knowing what your father does to his women, she's probably not in the best of health. She probably doesn't look the same either. I can take you part of the way, but I cannot enter the camp myself. Follow me."

Hearing that his mother was all but tossed away like an old rag, Yusef grits his teeth in anger at the treatment she has received. A couple of seconds of silent meditation allows him to get a grip on his anger and shunt it aside.

Once again, Abigail mentions that she cannot enter the camp. "Where are we, Abigail? And what is this place that you cannot enter? It is hard to imagine any place being barred to you." Unless it were a holy site, or something of the sort, he be cannot imagine his family having any dealings with such a place.

It occurs to Yusef that this matches some of what he has heard of the ruined city of Old Elcadan. However, he had expected that Lake Amsorak would be larger than the one he sees here.

Post Continued:

Yusef and Abigail have appeared on a hill overlooking a small valley. An encampment of slave labors is here and what appears to be the ruins of a city poke from the ground here and there.

Yusef wrote:Once again, Abigail mentions that she cannot enter the camp. "Where are we, Abigail? And what is this place that you cannot enter? It is hard to imagine any place being barred to you." Unless it were a holy site, or something of the sort, he be cannot imagine his family having any dealings with such a place.

"This is the legendary Lost City of Oos", Abigail answers with a sweeping gesture. "The base of operations for the Lich Lords long ago. Supposedly they are imprisoned in the city and then a group called the Fellowship of Mages buried it. They left behind protective wards to prevent certain creatures from going down there. Undead, devils, and demons such as myself can only get so close. But humans and other native creatures are not affected. Thus they are the idea labor force."

Continuing onward, an ogre moves to intercept you both near the edge of the camp. The hulking creature calls out a challenge in its brutish native tongue. While Yusef does not understand it, Abigail does not have any such trouble.

"Back off, maggot or I'll grind your bones into dust!" Abigail threatens her demeanor quickly changing to anger. Strangely enough both Yusef and the ogre understand her words clearly. "Don't you know who I am?"

The ogre seems to offer his apology, but again only Abigail understands what it says.

"That's better," Abigail answers, her mood softens just as fast as it changed before. "This is Yusef. You will escort him to the cook's tent and return with the cook."

"I'll wait for you here," Abigail says to Yusef. "Then we can talk some more about what your future plans are. There is a place for you among us, should you want it."


Now what?

Yusef:

Abigail wrote:"This is the legendary Lost City of Oos", Abigail answers with a sweeping gesture. "The base of operations for the Lich Lords long ago. Supposedly they are imprisoned in the city and then a group called the Fellowship of Mages buried it. They left behind protective wards to prevent certain creatures from going down there. Undead, devils, and demons such as myself can only get so close. But humans and other native creatures are not affected. Thus they are the idea labor force."

"Oos? Never heard of it. Heard of that Fellowship, though."

Then a thought occurs to Yusef. "Why are you digging here? Do you seek to release these Lich Lords you mentioned?"

The ogre approaches menacingly, but Abigail dealts with the monster efficiently enough. Soon, the creature appears submissive, which brings a smirk to Yusef's face. Had it been just him, he probably would have had to kill it.

Abigail wrote:"That's better," Abigail answers, her mood softens just as fast as it changed before. "This is Yusef. You will escort him to the cook's tent and return with the cook."

"I'll wait for you here," Abigail says to Yusef. "Then we can talk some more about what your future plans are. There is a place for you among us, should you want it."

Based on what Abigail said a few moments earlier, Yusef isn't certain he'll be able to approach any closer than she is. However, he must try.

"Okay," Yusef says with a nod. "This shouldn't take long." In truth, he's curious about just what is going on here, but getting his mother out is his top priority. The rest can wait until later.
______________________________________________________

For some reason, I was convinced that Yusef had shared the information on the location of the Deville estate with either Validar or Corley. However, Validar's post seems to contradict that. Am I mistaken? It was certainly my intention, as there was never any guarantee that he wouldn't get killed in battle along the way.

Post Contnued:

Yusef wrote:"Oos? Never heard of it. Heard of that Fellowship, though."

Then a thought occurs to Yusef. "Why are you digging here? Do you seek to release these Lich Lords you mentioned?"

"That would be interesting," Abigail excitedly states, "wouldn't it? That would give those pitiful humans something else to worry about! I doubt the wards imprisoning the liches would be easy to circumvent. So, we're more interested in whatever magic and spells they left behind. There might be something of use down there to us."

Yusef wrote:Based on what Abigail said a few moments earlier, Yusef isn't certain he'll be able to approach any closer than she is. However, he must try.

"Okay," Yusef says with a nod. "This shouldn't take long." In truth, he's curious about just what is going on here, but getting his mother out is his top priority. The rest can wait until later.

"You'll be fine," Abigail adds, somehow sensing Yusef's thoughts. "In spite of the demon blood in you, you're not a true demon like I am. Things that affect me, will not affect you. Of course, that's a mixed blessing. While I can't be killed in this world, you can."


Led by the ogre, Yusef's moves deeper into the slave labor camp. No one is out this time of night and the wind rips through the camp. It appears to be freezing out, but Yusef cannot feel it. In short order, the ogre leads Yusef to a tent. He mutters something that is incomprehendible to Yusef, but the meaning is clear. This is your destination.

The tent flap is pushed aside and Yusef steps inside. The tent is dark, but that is no hindrance.

"Who's there?" A familiar, but tired voice calls out.

In the darkness, Yusef can make us his mother sitting up from her cot. She's not quite the way he remembers her. She appears much older now and her hair has correspondingly changed color.

"Is there someone there?" She asks.

GM Notes:

My best guess for your mom's real age is around 45-50 or so. She looks to be about in her 80's right now.

I did exchange an email with Steven about the Deville Estate in Akorros. He agrees that Yusef did speak about that. What Validar was speaking about in his post having someone to accurately lead them to that location, not what was there.

Now what?

Yusef:

Abigail wrote:"That would be interesting," Abigail excitedly states, "wouldn't it? That would give those pitiful humans something else to worry about! I doubt the wards imprisoning the liches would be easy to circumvent. So, we're more interested in whatever magic and spells they left behind. There might be something of use down there to us."

Yusef frowns at his great-aunt's enthusiasm for releasing that kind of terror on the world. "Spells and such. I can see why you would be interested in that. I've heard tales that the magicks of the ancients were greater than what we're familiar with."

Abigail wrote:"You'll be fine," Abigail adds, somehow sensing Yusef's thoughts. "In spite of the demon blood in you, you're not a true demon like I am. Things that affect me, will not affect you. Of course, that's a mixed blessing. While I can't be killed in this world, you can."

"I hope you're right," Yusef replies before turning to follow the lumbering ogre. Part of his mind wonders just what it would take to force her from this world. Obviously, Crysania's magic achieved that with his grandmother, but would anything else be as successful? His mind turns briefly to the cold iron throwing spikes in his pouch and he wonders how they would affect someone like her.

Eventually, the ogre brings him to a specific tent and holds the tent flap open for him. It is dark within, and Yusef steps through the opening as his unnatural eyes allow him to see without the need for light. An old woman, appearing far too old to be his mother, laboriously sits up on her cot.

Nerita wrote:"Is there someone there?" She asks.

There is no mistaking that voice. What have they done to you, Yusef thinks angrily to himself.

<"Mom? It's Yusef. Is that you?"> He asks as he steps closer, not wanting to frighten her, but wanting to be nearer to his mother.

Post Continued:

<"Yusef?"> Nerita asks. <"Are you really here?">

It's clear to Yusef, as he gets closer, that his mother's eyesight is poor. Most likely due to her advanced age. She is understandably excited by your presence.

When asked how she ended like this she'll say, "Every time I laid with your father, I felt drained from the experience. As did all his other women. At first it only took me a few hours to recover, but then it became days and then weeks. Finally, I could no longer recovered and became old."

"What didn't understand at first, was that your father gains strength and vitality from his woman. He gains what we loose. That is why he has so many of them and why our lives are so short."

"It is so good to see you again, Yusef. I had wished it before I passed on to the next life."

Now what?

Yusef:

<"Yes, mom. I have come to take you home to Zakhara.">

His mother's explanation of her unnatural aging seems to fit, as unholy as it might be. His father is even more of a monster than Yusef had realized; it is just who and what he is. Still, he has much to answer for.

Nerita wrote:"It is so good to see you again, Yusef. I had wished it before I passed on to the next life."

<"It warms my heart to find you still alive, though I cannot forgive my father for what he's done to you.

"Come, it is time to go home, so that you can spend your remaining years among those who care for you."> Yusef steps forward and helps his mother to rise, then escorts her back to the waiting Abigail. He will provide whatever assistance his mother requires, carrying her if necessary.

Post Continued

Yusef wrote:<"It warms my heart to find you still alive, though I cannot forgive my father for what he's done to you.

"Come, it is time to go home, so that you can spend your remaining years among those who care for you."> Yusef steps forward and helps his mother to rise, then escorts her back to the waiting Abigail. He will provide whatever assistance his mother requires, carrying her if necessary.

Nerita just puts on some on extra clothing to protect her against the cold. She doesn't have any possessions to speak off. Her movements are quite slow and she'll lean on Yusef for support. Carrying her would be faster, but she won't ask for that.

Eventually you return to where Abigail is waiting.

"Ah, you've made it back. So what do you plan to do now, Yusef? You could always have a place among us. You are of our blood after all. Or do you thirst for revenge against your father? Kill him if you wish and take his place and rule over his household. It matters not to me, he never was of much use to us anyway."

"Our do you have something else in mind? We could help each other after all."

Now what?

Yusef:

Yusef carefully supports his mother as they make their way back to Abigail. If she appears to be struggling, Yusef will offer to carry her.

Abigail wrote:"Ah, you've made it back. So what do you plan to do now, Yusef? You could always have a place among us. You are of our blood after all. Or do you thirst for revenge against your father? Kill him if you wish and take his place and rule over his household. It matters not to me, he never was of much use to us anyway."

"Our do you have something else in mind? We could help each other after all."

"That's the question, isn't it, aunt Abigail?

"You've been kind to me this day, and I bear you no malice. At the same time, I feel no personal connection to the Deville family and have no desire to be a part of it.

"At this point, I have two priorities: To return my mother to her family in Zakhara, and - as you said - gain vengeance upon my father. Once those are done, I intend to wander the world and see what else is out there. Hopefully, I will never return to the land of my birth again."

Post Continued

Yusef and his mother have returned to the waiting Abigail.

Yusef wrote:"That's the question, isn't it, aunt Abigail?

"You've been kind to me this day, and I bear you no malice. At the same time, I feel no personal connection to the Deville family and have no desire to be a part of it.

"At this point, I have two priorities: To return my mother to her family in Zakhara, and - as you said - gain vengeance upon my father. Once those are done, I intend to wander the world and see what else is out there. Hopefully, I will never return to the land of my birth again."

"Make no mistake, this was for both of our benefits," Abigail explains. "You get what you want and my enemies now have less help. This will just make it easier for me to pick them off. Outside of your father, vow to me that you will not interfere in our business any further and we'll get along just fine."

Turning back to the ogre, Abigail instructs the brute to fetch the captain of the sailing vessel in the lake.

"And to complete our agreement, I'll have the slaver sailing vessel take you and your mother back to her homeland. From there, you are on your own."

Abigail then asks where Nerita is from. She's from a small island in an area called the Crowded Sea or Barh A-Izdiham in the local tongue. The region she's from is collectively called Al-Sartan or The Crab. Her home village is called Sams Bandar on the island of Jazirat al-Sadaf, literally Island of the Shell.

The captain of the vessel, a man in black leather, arrives. He speaks to Abigail for a few moments. She makes it clear that he is to take you to your destination and that neither of you will be harmed.

Abigail turns back to Yusef. "It's done. Captain Gorton here will take you where you need to go. Good luck to you. I trust we won't meet again."

With that, Abigail teleports away, leaving you alone with the slaver captain.

"Let's get moving," the Captain suggests. "I've got places to be and deadlines to meet."

The captain turns and begins to walk back towards his waiting vessel. The ogre returns to his rounds.

Now what?

Yusef:

Abigail wrote:"Make no mistake, this was for both of our benefits," Abigail explains. "You get what you want and my enemies now have less help. This will just make it easier for me to pick them off. Outside of your father, vow to me that you will not interfere in our business any further and we'll get along just fine."

"No doubt," Yusef replies to his aunt's first comment with a shrug. He doesn't make any comment regarding picking them off, though he suspects it will be harder than she expects.

"Fair enough, though I make no promises regarding anyone who gets between Daniel and I, or otherwise tries to defend him. Outside of that, I have no interest in your affairs, one way or the other."

"Speaking of whom, care to tell me where I might find my father?"

Yusef is actually surprised when Abigail provides transportation for him and his mother.

Abigail wrote:Abigail turns back to Yusef. "It's done. Captain Gorton here will take you where you need to go. Good luck to you. I trust we won't meet again."

"Thank you. And pleasant travels to you."

Captain Gorton wrote:"Let's get moving," the Captain suggests. "I've got places to be and deadlines to meet. I'm familiar with the islands you speak of"

Yusef turns to the captain after his great aunt departs. "Very well."

<"Let me carry you, mom. I have no wish to risk missing our ride home."> Unless she refuses, Yusef will do so and stride after the captain with his mother in his arms.

Yusef #7

Yusef wrote:"Speaking of whom, care to tell me where I might find my father?"

"He's typically in Akorros at his villa these days," Abigail answers. "If you do succeed, then all he owns becomes yours. No one will question you in this matter."


Mother allows you to carry her. She's already tired from all this walking around and falls asleep in your arms. You easily keep pace with the slaver captain. The small ship in the lake is cargo ship with the main hold converted to transport slaves. It is empty right now.

Walking up the plank, Yusef is surprised to find that the environment on the ship is different from the outside. There is no wind and Mother is no longer shivering. The shady looking crew is dressed for warmer weather the there is here.

The captain gives you a place to sit while he gets the ship moving. The plank is pulled up and the sails unfurled. The captain nods to a half-elf man in black robes who stands near what appears to be a small furnace of some kind.

All of the sudden, the ship lifts up into the air! None of the crew is surprised by this event. The ship rises higher and higher. The valley below becomes more and more faint until it vanishes completely. The entire content comes into view and still the ship continues to rise. The ship is now above the clouds and yet keeps climbing. The oceans surrounding the continent can be seen, as can other landmasses. Yusef quickly realizes that the world below is spherical in shape as the ship rises out of the atmosphere.

The rising stops and the half-elf directs the Spell Engine to a different task. The cargo ship suddenly accelerates at unimaginable velocities. The entire outside world suddenly turns gray and seems to lose all its color. The effect only happens for a few seconds and then everything is normal again. However, you're in a different location over the globe. You're much farther to the south and west.

The ship begins to lower itself down and it re-enters the atmosphere. From this new vantage point, you can see the sun beginning to appear just over the horizon, although it is still dark down below.

You begin to see what your destination is as the ship gets closer to the ground. A collection of islands can be seen down below. One particular group reminds you of something. There is a large main island, with many smaller islands to curving away to both the left and the right. At the far end of these chains of small islets are larger ones that seem to resemble claws from above. The whole thing looks like a huge crab!

A large island sets in between the claws and that is your destination; the island of Jazirat al-Qraidis. While Yusef soaks all of this in, the cargo ship gently lands on the waters just off shore of your destination. The ship then moves closer to shore and the gangplank lowered once more.

"You're a few miles from the local village," the captain explains. "We can't take you any closer. You should be there by dawn."

GM Notes:

Just to clearly explain what happened, the cargo ship rose up and out of the Arret's atmosphere. Once there, the Engineer had the ship to go Faster Than Light velocities for a few moments (the graying affect) and then back to normal. This moved the ship over a thousand miles in a few heartbeats. Then the ship simply lowered again.

And yes, the same thing could have been done in Elfquest is anyone had realized that this was possible.

Now what?

Yusef:

Abigail wrote:"He's typically in Akorros at his villa these days," Abigail answers. "If you do succeed, then all he owns becomes yours. No one will question you in this matter."

"Then it seems I will have to visit there one last time."

The trip to the ship is not long, and Yusef easily carries his mother the distance. Once on board, he finds a comfortable place for her to sit or lie down, the takes the place assigned him by the captain.

Moments later, the ship begins to rise into the air! Yusef is startled by this, but cannot help marvelling at this display of magical transportation. As soon as he gets the chance, Yusef moves to the edge of the ship and looks over the side to watch the earth dwindle away beneath them.

Yusef had never imagined having the opportunity for such a view as this. He stands as though transfixed, the vista of the entire world spread out below him. From here, he can see the curvature of the planet's horizon, and realizes that it must be spherical, or at least round. And so very large! In truth, he has only visited the mearest fragment of this world. Celestian must be so disappointed in him; Yusef realizes that he must travel far more to honor his patron properly.

There is a momentary blurring experience. When the world becomes clear again, Yusef realizes that they have travelled quite a ways. Yet the horizon is still round and demarks a different boundary than before. This can only be true if the world is truly spherical! How many know this to be true? Certainly, he had not been aware of this, despite his training.

Looking down, Yusef can see that they are descending, though in a very different location than where they left from. The land below resolves itself into a group of islands. As they descend further, he can see that they form a shape like that of a crab! Amazing! Is this the land of his ancestors?

There is an island between the claws of the crab, and this is where the ship settles. Yusef can only stare at the strange sights of this - his homeland.

Captain Gorton wrote:"You're a few miles from the local village," the captain explains. "We can't take you any closer. You should be there by dawn."

The captain's words shake Yusef from his reverie. "Ah. Thank you, captain. This has been a most amazing trip. Do you come this way often? I would love to ride your wondrous ship again some day."

Once the captain has replied, Yusef gently gathers up his mother into his arms. Turning toward the gangplank, Yusef strides off the ship into this strange new land of his ancestors.

<"I'll have you home soon, mother,"> Yusef whispers.

Post Continued

The slaver ship has taken Yusef and his mother to Jazirat al-Qraidis or the Island of the Shell in the local tongue. The island is poised between the crab's claws.

Yusef wrote:The captain's words shake Yusef from his reverie. "Ah. Thank you, captain. This has been a most amazing trip. Do you come this way often? I would love to ride your wondrous ship again some day."

"We come here once or twice a year for cargo," the captain simply answers. "I've completed my obligation, now you should go."


Behind, you the gangplank is pulled up once more the slaver ship rises into the sky and is gone.

The island is about 90 miles wide and some 75 miles across at the longest points. A mountain ridge dominates the island's geography and occupies the middle of the island. Three great peaks rise from the mountain ridge and these tops out at nearly 9000 feet. Narrow spans of jungle and beach fill in the space between the mountains and the ocean.

The island is covered with coconut palms, thorny brush, grasses and flowers. Mother will explain what these are as they are new to Yusef. Banana's and coconuts are the main fruits here. Goats inhabit the island and they provide meat and milk. But the main food source of those who live here is fish and shrimp. Looking out to sea, you can see the fishing boats moving out already in the pre-dawn light.

A strange unfamiliar odor permeates the air. Mother will say that is the smell of shrimp drying in the sun mixed in with the odor of coconut oil. It covers everyone and everything here.

The village is reached, but it is nearly deserted this time of day. It is a shabby looking town of mud-brick and wood shacks. Running the lengths of the beach are frames for drying shrimp and coconut meat. A rickety wharf thrusts out into the water and there is a small bazaar of tattered awnings near the beach, but the area is currently deserted.

A few people are noted in the village, primarily the very young and the very old. They are normal looking humans lightly dressed with darkly tanned and bronzed skin from the tropical sun.

"This is Sams Bandar," Nerita says, her voice chocked with emotion. "My home."

GM Notes:

From Yusef's observations, can you give me some idea of where this lost city was, relative to the Outer Kingdom map?

The lost City of Oos is in the area of the N in Brun on the Arret Map. The Crab shaped island chain is the in the most enclosed body of water to the southwest from the Z in Zakhara. The main problem with adding the Arabian Adventures stuff to this world is that their geography in no way fits with this world, so adapting as needed.

Yusef:

Captain Gorton wrote:"We come here once or twice a year for cargo," the captain simply answers. "I've completed my obligation, now you should go."

It seems this is as much information as he's likely to get from the ship's rather grumpy captain. "That is good to know," Yusef answers. "As you wish."

He lifts his mother once more and begins his trek inland. As they travel, his mother points out and explains various things he's never seen before.

Everything is so different! It's almost as though he's entered a different world. Even the scents are alien to anything he's experienced.

Eventually they reach a run-down village. Nerita calls it home with emotion in her voice, but Yusef cannot help being surprised. From all he had heard, he had expected... more, somehow. It seems the al-Rashid clan has fallen upon hard times. But what could have happened to lower the descendents of warlord Rashid to this level?

<"Where should we find our family, mom?"> Yusef has no idea which house would belong to their relatives.

Post Continued

Yusef and Nerita have arrived at Sams Bandar, her home village. Nerita takes a few moments to get her bearings, before finally pointing the direction to go in.

As you move along, the two of you receive some stares from the locals as you pass by. They don't get many visitors here. Yusef's dark complexion fits in here much better than it did among the more fair-skinned Cynalonians. Only your eyes suggest that there is something different about him.

As you get near Nerita's home, you see an elderly man setting on a stool next to the front door. Several small children play nearby. As you get closer, an older woman emerges.

"Momma!" Nerita calls out.

The older woman looks around in confusion at first, before gazing in your direction. She stares are you both strangely for a few moments before realization sets in.

"Nerita!" The woman calls out. She then runs forward to greet you. Explanations as to what happened to her long lost daughter follow and you're introduced.

Nerita's mother is named Jamida and is hence your mortal grandmother. The elderly man is Husar, Jamida's father, Nerita's grandfather and your great-grandfather.

The children are all Jamida's grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and your cousins. Nerita has three brothers whom are all married and live elsewhere in the village. Jamida watches the children while the others are out fishing. The most forthcoming of the children is a little girl named Sita and a boy named Jamal.

Jamida welcomes you to her home.


Now what?

Yusef:

As they move toward "home", for it both is and is not that to Yusef, many of those few present turn to look at the newcomers. While his skin bears a redder tone than that of the natives, the difference is not great and does not seem so obvious here.

Soon his mother is reunited with her parents, both of whom actually look younger than she does due to the unnatural aging that Daniel inflicted upon her. Still it is a pleasure to meet both of them, and to realize that they are his grandparents. They welcome him with no sign of hesitation and Yusef begins to wonder if he hasn't finally found the one place in the world where he truly belongs.

They introduce Yusef to his many cousins, which brings a smile to his too-often stern face. He is especially charmed by young Sita and impressed by the outgoing courage of Jamal.

Yusef finds a place on the floor or the front steps where he can sit and begins chatting with his cousins. Smiling happily, he asks them all manner of questions about life here and encourages them to talk about the things that seem important to them. Hopefully, he can get to know them a little and help them feel comfortable with him.

Post Continued

Yusef and Nerita have reached the home of her mother in the fishing village. While Nerita and Jamida talk in private, Yusef speaks with his great-grandfather Husar and his younger cousins Sita and Jamal.

Life here in the village is fairly simple. Early each morning the fishing fleets go out to catch some fish, but mostly shrimp. They return before the sun is high in the sky and the heat to unbearable. The shrimp is laid out to dry in the sun. Still others go out to harvest coconuts and bananas. The coconut palms turn out to be very versatile trees. Milk is drained from the coconut and copra cake from the dried meat. The husks are used to form rope and the trees themselves for lumber. A reddish palm oil is collected from the palm that the villagers ship out to the nearby cities. Every so often visiting ships arrive in the village to trade.

Husar will regale Yusef with stories of the area, in particular the exploits of the so-called Warlord Rashid. It's clear to Yusef that these are just tall tales Husar told his children, but they are based on a real person.

The islands in this area are fairly dangerous place. The village is on the ocean side of this island chain and the villages never go deeper into this chain of islands for several reasons.

Other tribes are also natives to this island chain. On the northern chain of island claws lives a tribe of small humans called the Tarangu. (Halflings actually.) On the southern chain of island claws is another tribe of dark-skinned humans called the Haifami. Both are territorially fierce, warlike and believed to be cannibals.

The large island, the main body of the crab is the most forbidding in the area. It is believed to be the home of monsters, cannibals, and worse.

But the most dangerous place is the Batihati Al-Saji, the large lagoon that engulfed by the crab-shaped islands. Tales say that it is a very beautiful place, teaming with fish and coral. There is an unusually large population of crabs. The reason for this is that the lagoon is the home of the Great and Dread God Kar'r'rga, a horseshoe crab of great size and power.

As noted above, the Warlord Rashid was a real person, Husar's own grandfather. Unlike most villagers here, he was not content to simply eke out a living by fishing and foraging. He explored and had wanderlust unseen by most. The Warlord nickname was given from his battles and conquests. He battled the Tarangu and the Haifami on many occasion. His last adventure involved seeking out the Great and Dread God for the giant pearl it is said to guard as a treasure. His ship, the Wanderer, was never found and his scimitar was found on a deserted beach. The fate of the Warlord Rashid remains unknown is he is assumed to have perished at the claws of the Great and Dread God.

Yusef quickly comes to understand that here in Zakhara loyalty to ones family is precious and irreplaceable. They value large families and they welcome all new children to the family. Loyalty to your family and personal honor are nearly the high laws of Zakhara.

After the fishing ships come back in, the family gathers for the main meal of the day. Everyone is there, your uncles, their wives, and their older children in addition to those that you already met. The local bazaar opens after the ship returns and vendors hawk their goods.

Nerita, given her advanced age will most help around the house and watch the younger children. Your youngest uncle, Fahid, will over you a place on his fishing boat and to teach you the ways of fishing.

Jamida is grateful for the return of her daughter and to have gained a grandson. She is curious as to what your plans are.

Now what?

Yusef:

There is something very refreshing about the simple life they lead here. So different from the politics and constant strife of his life back in Cynalon. He might even eventually come to love that odd scent in the air.

The tales his grandfather tells are wonderful, if somewhat fanciful. Still, they are familiar, as his mother had told him less-detailed versions of the same tales when he was a child. He enjoys hearing them again from him, as the man fills the telling with a richness that is hard to beat. The stories almost come to life in his head.

Despite the simplicity, there is much here of danger. It is no wonder that his people don't travel or explore beyond their own island. After getting some questions answered, Yusef is able to figure out that the Tarangu are actually halflings. He suspects that, if approached right, they could become pleasant allies. As for the tribe to the south - who knows?

Yusef has some trouble picturing the crab god, but who is he to argue with the divinity of something he's never seen?

Loyalty to family. Such an incredible concept, yet it seems to infuse every aspect of their lives here. Other than his loyalty to his mother, Yusef has little basis to even understand such a perspective.

Eventually the fishermen return and the village bustles with activity as the markets suddenly bloom into business. There are so many people to meet and so many things to see. It will take time to really learn everyone's name, much less really get to know them all.

"Thank you, Fahid, I am blessed by your offer to teach me. While I am here, it would be my pleasure to learn what I can from you."

As they settle in after dinner and the kids have all been put to bed, Jamida asks the difficult question. "Unfortunately, I have unfinished business back in Cynalon that needs to be resolved. Afterwards, well, I'm dedicated to the god Celestian and the duty of all of his priests is to travel the world. Still, grandmother, I hope to be able to consider this my home and my family, and to return here whenever I weary of my travels."

_________________________________________________________

By the way, his grandfather's name should be Falawi, not Husar. That's why his name is Yusef ibn Nerita bint Falawi Al-Rashid, i.e. Yusef son of Nerita daughter of Falawi of the clan of Rashid. Not a big issue, though.

Post Continued

During the telling of his tales, Falawi stops to show you the precious family heirloom. He retrieves something wrapped up in a large cloth. Unwrapping it, you can see that it is an exquisite scimitar. The craftsmanship is apparent and it still looks as good as new. A large sapphire rests in the base of its hilt. Yusef has not doubts that the blade is enchanted.

"This was his sword," Falawi says with pride. "The Sapphire Sword of the Warlord Rashid. It was all that was left behind by him."


Yusef quickly learns that the Zakaharaians are fond of proverbs as they are commonly used by all every day. Among the more popular ones are:

"Live without honor is meaningless"

"A man without family is not a man"

"The guest is the lord of the house." Although a few days later, this one is followed by "Guests are like fish; after three days, both stink."


The Zakaharaians are tolerant of other faiths and gods. It is clear that one god does dominate and that is Lady Fate. Each believes that fate guides their destinies and in their mythos, Istus is supreme and the mother of the gods. However, very few actually worship Istus. Instead, she is portrayed much like an elemental force instead of a god-like being.

The day progresses on and more and more of the extend family arrives and greets Yusef and Nerita. They easily accept you and welcome you into their family.

Yusef wrote:As they settle in after dinner and the kids have all been put to bed, Jamida asks the difficult question. "Unfortunately, I have unfinished business back in Cynalon that needs to be resolved. Afterwards, well, I'm dedicated to the god Celestian and the duty of all of his priests is to travel the world. Still, grandmother, I hope to be able to consider this my home and my family, and to return here whenever I weary of my travels."

Jamida nods her understanding. "There is much of my grandfather in you, Yusef. He too was not content to stay in one place for too long. I wish you success with your mission. And yes, you will always be welcomed here among us. May you someday find whatever it is that you are looking for."

As the evening winds down, sleeping arrangements are settled. They don't have true beds here like back in Cynalon. Instead there are hammocks or you can sleep on the ground.

The first day home quietly comes to an end.

Now what?

Yusef:

Yusef waits patiently while Grandfather Falawi - he's still struggling to get used to the idea that he's really here with the family that he'd heard so much about from his mother - retrieves an heirloom. When the item is bared, Yusef finds it to be the most beautiful scimitar he's ever seen!

"Wow..." he murmurs, running a finger down the flat of the blade. "That's beautiful, grandfather. It is quite an honor to have such a blade in the family. Perhaps someday, one of your descendents will earn the right to bear this wondrous sword."

There is much wisdom in the proverbs these people are so fond of. Admittedly, the one about guests and fish brings a smile to his face, but it yet bears a grain of truth within. Much of what the proverbs contain seems to fit their connection to Istus. In this land, the connection seems an obvious one, as fate plays so much a part in their lives. Loyalty to family and hard work are clearly how they offset the capriciousness of luck.

Jamida wrote:Jamida nods her understanding. "There is much of my grandfather in you, Yusef. He too was not content to stay in one place for too long. I wish you success with your mission. And yes, you will always be welcomed here among us. May you someday find whatever it is that you are looking for."

Yusef nods, pleased to be compared with his ancestor. "Thank you, grandmother. I have never known acceptance of the kind offered to me today. Even if I were to die tonight, I would be thankful that I lived long enough to come here and meet you all."

Yusef accepts a hammock and eventually gets the hang of it. Sleep is long in coming, and he spends many hours staring up at the stairs, contemplating the strange path his life has traveled and the road before him.

Come morning, Yusef rises with the sun and performs his morning devotions, then prepares for his first day as a fisherman...

Post Continued:

"Wow..." he murmurs, running a finger down the flat of the blade. "That's beautiful, grandfather. It is quite an honor to have such a blade in the family. Perhaps someday, one of your descendents will earn the right to bear this wondrous sword."

The touch of the blade feels almost electric to Yusef. He can feel the power of the blade and it does seem to call him. It's as if it too is eager to go out and explore once again. For a split second, the image of a small ship appears in Yusef's mind. It's laying on its side seemingly underwater. It bears the name, "The Wanderer". The image is then gone.


Next morning, most of the villagers are up before sunrise. A large morning meal is shared and the day's work begins. Uncle Fahid arrives and you're off to the beach. The fishing vessels are little more than outrigger canoes. The first part of the morning involves the tedious task of rowing to the shrimp beds. Once there, nets are cast out to capture the bountiful shrimp. These are then dragged behind the boats and then pulled up. The shrimp are literally dumped out in the bottom of the boat. Then the process repeats itself.

The fishermen swap stories as they work. When asked about the lagoon on the other side of the island, all of them are clearly frightened of the place. No local will steer their boat into those waters. Some claim an evil mage throws flaming death from the mountaintops or that a giant beneath the surface pulls boats to their doom. Others insist that they've seen a giant, red-shelled creature rise from the waters. From a far distance of course.

Before the heat is too overwhelming, the fishermen pull up their nets for the last time and row back to the village. Once there, the shrimp laid out to dry the previous day is collected up to make room for this days catch. The work is hard, but none here seem to mind. The smell will take getting used to.

While helping, Yusef is introduced to Najib al-Samsi, the titular ruler of the island. He is a gaunt, balding man so heavily weathered that his age is almost impossible to determine. He greets Yusef to the island.

While working, the locals can't help but notice the stranger among them. Some wills stare and whisper things, but none are outright rude. Many of the locals are introduced and more than few of the young women will step up to say their hellos.

Once finished up with the days fishing, the local bizarre opens up and goods are hawked. Once finished, you all return home for the evening meal.

Now what?

Yusef:

"Ohhh..." Yusef murmurs as the vision flows through his mind at the touch of the blade. He can feel the sword's desire, and it calls to him. The vision itself seems to reflect the stories his grandfather told earlier.

"Wow." Yusef shakes his head, and then looks up at his grandfather. "Does a ship named The Wanderer mean anything to you, grandfather?"

===

After the morning meal, Fahid takes him to the boats and they set off. They use nets to collect shrimp all morning and into the early part of the afternoon. Between the stories and the work, time seems to pass quickly. The stories are entertaining, of course, though Yusef finds himself wondering at the nuggets of truth inevitably buried within.

Once the boats are full, they return to shore. Then comes the next phase of work - they gather up the shrimp from the previous day, then lay out today's catch for its sunbath.

"A pleasure to meet you, sir," Yusef says when introduced to al-Samsi. They chat a little, then Yusef brings up the question that's been nagging at him. "Master al-Samsi? How might I go about finding out when the next ship bound for Cynalon will be?" From what he's gathered, they're fairly seldom, and Yusef doesn't want to miss the chance to catch the next one.

As they work, Yusef finds himself the object of a lot of attention. Due to his unusual heritage, he's grown somewhat used to this treatment. Still, it's a little uncomfortable. The interest of the local young women is flattering, though to his eye none can compete with the raven-haired beauty Sherra. Still, he chats politely with them and answers whatever questions are asked.

The bazaar is interesting. Yusef mills about some, seeing what kind of things are sold here, though he's not really shopping to buy. Part of him wonders whether gifts for his family are appropriate, but he knows little of what they would like and nothing of local traditions in this area.

He'll need to find someone to ask about that...

Post Continued

Yusef wrote:"Wow." Yusef shakes his head, and then looks up at his grandfather. "Does a ship named The Wanderer mean anything to you, grandfather?"

"That was the name of Warlord Rashid's vessel. It vanished when he did when he went to see the Great and Dreadful God for himself. All that was found was this blade washed up on the beach. If the blade calls to you, Yusef, then perhaps it wants you to carry it? Perhaps it senses that you are a kindred spirit to it?"


The fishing boats return the next day with their catch. While working, Yusef meets more of the islanders. Including the titular ruler of the island.

Yusef wrote:"A pleasure to meet you, sir," Yusef says when introduced to al-Samsi. They chat a little, then Yusef brings up the question that's been nagging at him. "Master al-Samsi? How might I go about finding out when the next ship bound for Cynalon will be?" From what he's gathered, they're fairly seldom, and Yusef doesn't want to miss the chance to catch the next one.

"Sin-ah-lon", the man repeats as if he's never heard the word before. "I cannot say that I've heard some such a place. Most of the ships that come here hail from Ajayib, the City of Wonders. Rarely there is a vessel from Gana, the City of Riches, but none that I know from this Sin-ah-lon. I am sure that such a place would be known to those in Golden Huzuz, the City of Delights."

(Basically you're on the far end of Zakhara when compared to Cynalon. Those areas closer would know more. If you noticed on the map that the waters to the north of the chain are still shallow. Just past those northern most islands is the continent. The cities mentioned above are located there. Ajayib is roughly 500 miles to the north. Golden Huzuz is the capital of Zakhara.)

As they work, Yusef finds himself the object of a lot of attention. Due to his unusual heritage, he's grown somewhat used to this treatment. Still, it's a little uncomfortable. The interest of the local young women is flattering, though to his eye none can compete with the raven-haired beauty Sherra. Still, he chats politely with them and answers whatever questions are asked.

The stares that Yusef's receives are more along the lines of curiosity then anything. Strangers are rare here, so anyone new is the subject of scrutiny. And a few of the local women will show interest as for the same reasons. These ladies will nod their greetings, but none make any physical contact.

The bazaar is interesting. Yusef mills about some, seeing what kind of things are sold here, though he's not really shopping to buy. Part of him wonders whether gifts for his family are appropriate, but he knows little of what they would like and nothing of local traditions in this area.

The bazaar primarily has goods needed to survive here in the islands. There is clothing and goods for the home. There is a very small selection of jewelry, with anklets being the most abundant followed by bracelets. They go barefoot here, so having jewelry about your ankles is the height of fashion. There is a small selection of mundane weapons, daggers and spears mostly, and some armor made from goat hide.

Material wealth is considered transient here, so gifts are not necessary to one's own family. If you were meeting some one of importance, then it would be a different matter.

As the day goes along a few more tidbits of Zakharan culture emerge. Enlightenment is the very foundation of their culture. Long ago, Zakhara started out as a colony to an older empire called Nithia. The old empire became corrupt, filled with decay, and was later destroyed by the gods. Zakhara escaped this fate with the discovery of Enlightenment. Enlightenment comes down to treating others with different ways without malice, to be tolerance of other gods and other points of view. Naturally when it comes to outright forms of evil, Enlightenment does not apply!

Purity is another important thing. It is improper for a woman to touch another man whom she is not related to or married to, except in an emergency. (That's why none of the local woman above would touch you.) One's own purity is an important asset. While most of the islanders here go without veils, those in the larger cities do. In such places it is proper for woman to only show their eyes, hands, and feet while in public. Those it is these features that men are drawn to and why women favor anklets and bracelets for jewelry. There are even a few places where women only go out in public in complete concealment.


Now what?

Yusef:

Falawi wrote:"That was the name of Warlord Rashid's vessel. It vanished when he did when he went to see the Great and Dreadful God for himself. All that was found was this blade washed up on the beach. If the blade calls to you, Yusef, then perhaps it wants you to carry it? Perhaps it senses that you are a kindred spirit to it?"

"Perhaps," Yusef replies softly. "It does seem to call to me, but I don't believe I'm worthy to bear such a blade. Before I can do so, I need to cut my ties to my father and his family."

al-Samsi wrote:"Sin-ah-lon", the man repeats as if he's never heard the word before. "I cannot say that I've heard some such a place. Most of the ships that come here hail from Ajayib, the City of Wonders. Rarely there is a vessel from Gana, the City of Riches, but none that I know from this Sin-ah-lon. I am sure that such a place would be known to those in Golden Huzuz, the City of Delights."

"Ah, I'm still realizing just how far we are from the land of my birth," Yusef says apologetically. "How then would I find out about the next ship to one of those cities?"

Browsing the market, the most appropriate gift item appears to be anklets. Yusef will try to find a nice one that he can afford. Traveling back to Cynalon may well eat up most of the money he has, so he can probably only afford 20 gold pieces or so.

It occurs to Yusef that Sherra would look quite fetching in the right anklet...

At least he is starting to understand the culture and traditions here a little. They are very different from what he has known in the past, yet intriguing at the same time.

Once he has finished his shopping, Yusef returns to the home of his grandparents. The evening meal is tasty and refreshing, if a bit strange to him like everything here.

After dinner, Yusef will explore the area a bit more, perhaps with one of his cousins as a guide. Still, he makes sure to return to town before dark. Then, before retiring to bed, he will chat a while with any members of the family who are still up. The more he can learn of life in this part of the world, the better.

Post Closed