ALARM

[RAGNAR]

 
(00:54:24 ) ST
: All is quiet as the camp sleeps. The Watch is in place and the camp is illuminated by the various fires and torches. A light misty rain falls and the air is cool. The Ubar sleeps by the fire beneath a fur to ward off the mist. Rounds have been made by the Watch and nothing out of the ordinary was found. A lamp left burning in a Clan wagon, a kaiila off his tether. A giggling slave girl running from a Man’s wagon and the ancient KAMCHAK venturing out from beneath Ubar’s wagon to seek water, empty his inboard liquid tank, and then empty his inboard solids unit, before returning beneath the wagon to sleep some more.   
 
(00:56:48 ) ST
: The alarm sounds from the Southeastern most boundaries of our lands. Ubar awakens and throws aside his fur and scrambles to his feet heading for his mount, held ready for action by a Warrior of the Watch. Other Warriors begin pouring from the wagons and begin mounting up. Already the Ubar rides towards the area from which the alarm went up. Other Warriors follow close behind forming their units along the way. Women, old Men, and the young old enough to do so arm themselves with what they have and wait. All know it is an attack from the signal raised upon the Tuchuk Standard by a Warrior of the Watch, but who and how many is not yet known.   
 
(00:57:59 ) ST
: The ground seems to tremble from the paws of the kaiila as hundreds and thousands of Warriors speed towards the area. It doe not take long for the Warriors to clear the camp’s footlight as fast as their mounts carry them. As they move into the open Plains, already wounded are returning to have their wounds tended. Raziel is o stranger to tactics. He makes certain additional Units are dispatched to the various herds and to the Camp perimeter should the initial attack be a ruse or diversion to draw attention away from other areas.   
 
(00:59:22 ) ST
: As the additional Units approach the designated area of alarm, Outriders are moving that herd Northward and closer to camp. A good many of them have already been engaged in action and it shows. Riders and mounts alike carry arrows jutting from various parts of their bodies, yet they continue to ride. Mounts without Riders continue to move with the Outriders relocating the bosk. Far too many riderless mounts to be just a smaller raiding party.    
 
(01:00:36 ) ST
: The Ubar arrives and is quickly briefed of the situation. He begins issuing orders to the newly arriving Units before heading for the main combat area. He can see by the bodies on the ground, not only Tuchuk Warriors, but also Kassar, who the adversary is. Into the fray he goes leading an Orlu of his Oralu. The punctuated sounds give signal additional forces have arrived. The yells and screams of Men, the squealing of kaiila and the hissing of sleen mingles, accompaniment to the sound of shields being battered and the sounds of the dying and wounded.   
 
(01:02:59 ) ST
: Raziel, certain the Camp is as closely defended as possible amid the expected confusion, begins issuing commands for all Healing staff and support Clans to make ready to receive wounded. Most will head for the camp perimeter to assist in bringing in the wounded and dying… while the others prepare their Clan wagons for what is ahead. Kajira with little training in treating wounds, will assist Women of the camp in making the wounded that can wait as comfortable as possible, and to give water to the wounded where it is worth it. Thralls will start the fires and place the heavy cauldrons over them and see they are filled in order to keep up a steady flow of boiled water. Sleen are to be caged within the camp as a precaution against an attack given the expected amounts of blood and fresh meat that will be arriving. All Clans having to do with intoxicating drink are to organize and make available drink in sufficient quantity to relieve pain in those without serious wounds in order to preserve the actual medical supply of pain relievers for the more serious cases. Cooks and support will open the commissary wagons and fires immediately to provide nourishment to those who will be in need.   
 
(01:04:49 ) ST
: At the front, the main engagement continues. The ground is saturated with blood, vomit, and rain, ripped and pummeled into mud by the paws and claws of kaiila and the mostly booted feet of the dismounted. In the mud lays an array of weaponry, bodies of Warriors and beasts, body parts, and miscellaneous gear and tack. Though not letting it show, Ubar is concerned. The clouds obscure not only most of the moonlight, but the brightest star which guides him. The rain falls heavier reducing what little light there is to see by. It becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between friend and foe. In the dark rainy confusion of battle, at times brother fells brother and has no knowledge they have felled one of their own. The main engagement must be pitting at least two to three Oralus against a like number. Outside of the main engagement, skirmishes take place between various other Ors and Orlus. Running engagements are commonplace. Archers ambush from dismounted positions in taller grasses.    
 
(01:07:30 ) ST
: These smaller engagements, against what one may think, result in a greater percentage of Warrior deaths than most main engagements. The wounded and dying remain where they fall unless those with lesser wounds are able to assist fallen brothers… that is… if the fallen are not killed and left in place by the victor in the skirmish. It is these skirmish areas that are most difficult to locate and render assistance to. In this rain, and low light conditions, most will remain where they fell until the light of day can assist in their discovery. The Kassar begin to fall back in the main engagement area. Units begin breaking off and retreating a safe distance beyond Tuchuk lands. It does not take long before the main body disengages and retreats leaving the field in Tuchuk hands. Now assistance can be rendered to those that fell there. The wounded Warriors removed from the field for treatment, mounts wounded too badly are put down, and Dead Warriors will be cleared away and taken to camp for identification and claim by families.   
 
(01:09:26 ) ST
: It seems, for now, the main engagement is over. Brief, violent, and deadly skirmishes and ambushes will continue throughout the night. Kassar will launch probes of our defenses along our borders looking for a way to exploit any potential situation. Tuchuk will engage whenever possible, and set up their own ambush positions. The fallen are arriving in Camp by whatever means available, be it mounted, on foot, by stretcher bearers, again… any means available. Kassar prisoners not put to death are disarmed and secured by chains, cages, or by close guard. More of their wounded will die, as they will receive medical attention after Tuchuk wounded are treated. Tuchuk freight wagons holding weaponry are opened so Units may replenish their supply of arrows and quivas, shields and lances. Thankfully the distribution of these items is seen to by our Women as the loads are prepared by the Older Men no longer young enough to join the main fighting. Even young Children do their share by counting out arrows and packing quivers, handing out bowstrings, quiva to complete sets, bolas and rope to replace those lost or destroyed in action.    
 
(01:10:41 ) ST
: Stock tenders tend to wounded mounts of both Tuchuk and Kassar… all now belonging to Tuchuk. Every Clan, every slave, every set of hands is doing their duty. Prism… Ubar’s girl, along with flame and familure have opened the commissary in Ubar’s wagon to assist with food and drink. A few dying Warriors softly sing the Blue Sky song as they await their own passing. The sounds made by the wounded awaiting treatment must be blocked from the mind save for the calls for drink or for assistance with fresh bandages to replace those already soaked with blood. This can be overwhelming to those not so familiar with it… and THIS… may only be the beginning.   

[RAGNAR]

 
(22:24:36 ) ST
: The rain has continued on and off all day. Skirmishes continued along the Tuchuk borders until midday. Both Tuchuk and Kassar were in need of rest. During the lull, the targeted herd was inspected, and the Outriders watching over the herd is to be commended. Not a single bosk was injured or lost. The same cannot be said for Warriors on both sides. Wounded are still being located upon the Plains, and being brought to camp for tending. For now, the dead are being marked to be picked up as soon as possible. The Healers and their support is exhausted. They continue to see to their duties with nothing more than occasional brief pauses to eat a few bites and to slack their thirst, and then it is back to work.   
 
(22:26:52 ) ST
: The commissaries are operating at peak levels. Meat roasts, stew simmers and broth heating are the main course. Bread and cheese are available on the side. Eggs are depleted, as are the supply of suls. The last of the suls went into the stews, as did most of the remainder of vegetables. These are seldom kept in huge quantities anyway, as food from the dirt is frowned upon by most of the Wagons. Vulo, verr, and tarsk are not even being considered as yet since the bosk naturally feed more people. The main drinks offered are water and milk. The rest is marked for the wounded. Ubar’s girl prism, along with flame and lure has taken pause to catch a few moments of sleep. Kadi, kiah, and tharn relieved them keeping the Ubar’s commissary putting out food and drink as well.   
 
(22:31:18 ) ST
: RAGNAR, Raziel, Salem, and Cassius have met out upon the field and have held council there, settling on the best course of action to take which also allows flexibility should things not go exactly according to plan. Reporting Units have been rotated to maintain as many fresh Warriors as possible in the field. Several units have not yet reported and it is unknown if they remain a combat force, if they have become ineffective as a combat unit, or if they are dead or taken captive. Only time will tell. It is know, that Kassar has not yet withdrawn back to their wagons, and therefore this is not yet over. Fires and torches come to life as the day begins to yield to the night, and the rain begins to fall again. RAGNAR, stepping off by himself, summons Raziel with a nod of his head. The Ubar seeks his True’s opinion of an attack on Kassar’s wagons. The rain makes it difficult to move the heavier wagons due to the softness of the ground. Their wagons sit in their migration formation within three pasang distance. Their own herds merged into one massive herd grazes to their left flank. Even with their increased patrols, the situation does offer some interesting possibilities. The two of them converse, covering all the various scenarios, the “what If’s”, numbers and timing. No decision will be made until as many aspects as possible can be considered. Potential gain must always be weighed against possible risk.   
 
(22:34:10 ) ST
: Cassius, against his own wishes, returns to the main camp to take over as Watch Commander. Naturally he would much rather remain in the field taking part in any active combat taking place, but he follows his orders and tends to his duties. He notes Taryn upon the medical wagon platform getting a few breaths of fresh air. He approaches and requests a brief supply report. Not casualties, just supplies. Cassius listens as the most needed items are stated. There is much he has no control over. However, there are some things he can do. Leaving Taryn to her duties, he summons KnightStorm, Serinna, Sarant, and Sidona, to Ubar’s wagon steps. When they arrive, he instructs them to gather whatever spare cloth people have for bandages, dressings, and such. Collect all the spare thread that can be spared. Gather the furs, hides, and blankets that can be spared to replace those too wet, muddy, or bloody for continued use by the wounded. When the items have been gathered, see to it all is delivered to the main medical wagon area for distribution.   
 
(22:37:42 ) ST
: Kaysa and Mercilayne… having relinquished their inventory of intoxicating drink, render assistance to Boris allowing him to get off his feet for a moment. Boris is no longer a young Man, and even his old wounds and injuries cause him pain. Since the first casualties arrived, he has been busy collecting weaponry and personal effects, taking them to an empty medical freight wagon for safekeeping until their Owners are able to reclaim them. His ass no sooner finds a spot on the freight wagon’s platform, than he is asleep. The Women will wake him when he is needed again. The other prominent Women are still involved with their Clan duties. Even Lilac is too busy tending kaiila to take an iron skillet to Wapike’s skull when he is returned to her wagon to recover from a deep lance wound to his thigh. OR… perhaps she grows soft and feels his pain. That theory is quickly laid to rest as she steps on his belly in passing making comment he is in her way. Even Wapike has to chuckle as his Mother is not heavy and he knows if he were in danger of further injury or death, such would not happen.   
 
(22:39:11 ) ST
: Night has fully come, and still the moons and stars are cut from view due to the rain clouds above. Kassar forces once again initiate brief but savage skirmishes as they probe for weakness in the Tuchuk defenses. Thus begins another long night, hopefully much longer for Kassar than for Tuchuk.   

[RAGNAR]

(Condensed script)


(23:05:53 ) ST
: The dawning of the day brought continuing on and off rains. It also brought fresh casualties from the field where skirmishes had taken place all through the night. How long could this continue? How long WOULD this continue? All through the day it continues the skirmishes like the rains, on and off. Hit and run tactics, running skirmishes all along the border. There has been little if any rest for most, as duty not only calls, but screams loudly for attention. Wounded that were able brought themselves back into camp and took up places where they could find them. Some fell in the open, others took up places beneath wagons. Others collapsed upon steps and yet even others upon wagon platforms. There are even those whose kaiila carry them still, the mounts standing still in exhaustion as their riders remain mounted, slumped in the saddle, too weak or too injured to dismount. Some will never dismount under their own power again. They are dead.   
 
(23:06:51 ) ST
: Wapike, though recovering from a deep thigh wound, temporarily takes over as Watch Commander from his Mother, Lilac’s wagon platform. RAGNAR, Raziel, Salem, Cassius, Subodai, Temji, Kubilai, Chuchak, Kutemchek, Kuchan, Gheen, Khaing, all Oralumen have joined together on the field for yet another war council. The other Oralumen are either stood down to rest and re-arm before returning to the fight, missing, dead, wounded, or tending to camp perimeter duty or herd duties. As casualties rise, the younger Men still in training Units are “drafted” to maintain the ranks in the active Units. Many will earn their Scars if they survive.   
 
(23:07:23 ) ST
: Once again time has circled and the daylight gives way to darkness. The camp is illuminated by torch and firelight. The fighting grows more savage as each side seeks an end to the combat, naturally with a victory. The war council has decided it is time to take the fight to the Kassar wagons themselves. RAGNAR, Raziel, and Khaing will each take 500 of their best, half their Oralus, and strike at Kassar. Cassius will take half his Men and strike at the Kassar herd. That will be more of a diversion than a desire, but if bosk are taken… all the better. The wagons and their supplies are the targets. Damage the wagons… they must leave the field for damage control. Take or destroy their supplies… they must withdraw. Losing is not a Tuchuk option.   
 
(23:12:48 ) ST
: Word is sent back to camp to prepare to receive even more casualties. 2,000 Tuchuk Warriors will soon engage the Kassar, over the existing number of combatants. Those that fall, be they wounded, or dead, will most likely remain where they fall. Only those that remain mounted or can withdraw on foot are likely to return.   



 
(00:27:37 ) ST
: There becomes visible a glow on the southern horizon. The attack on the Kassar wagons has begun, and by the looks of things it is burning wagons which create the glow. Indeed the attack ha begun and is still taking place. The Distraction created by the assault on their herd was successful. As their focus turned to their bosk, the others had slammed hard into their right flank. To use an earth phrase, The Tuchuk, at full charge, went through the Kassar defenses like shit through a goose. Hundreds fell as the defenses were breached, both Tuchuk and Kassar, but the charge never wavered. They pounced upon the wagons even as the Kassar Women and old Men loosed arrows until quivers were emptied. Empty freight wagons were set ablaze in attempt to strain even further Kassar manpower, as the fires must be fought to prevent the spreading to other wagons. Freighters containing supplies were quickly sacked and Warriors retreat back to Tuchuk in order to drop off what they were able to carry. Then they change mounts and thunder back to the fighting. Raziel caught glimpse of Ubar leaping onto a wagon platform. A young Kassar Woman loosed her last arrow to strike the Ubar in the back of his upper left arm. He turned and charged the Woman, slapping the bow from her hands… grabbing her braid and stealing a kiss before commending her. “Well done Woman! This will surely leave a mark!” And with that Ubar whistles loudly for his mount, and leaps from platform to saddle to continue the fight. Raziel can only shake his head and chuckle before turning focus back to killing.   


 
(01:07:22 ) ST
: Sarant joins Serinna and NightStorm, and those three relieve Kaysa and Mercilayne in tending their wounded. NightStorm, being a Woman of Council commands them to seek some meat and drink for strength before catching a few winks of sleep. The Warriors that attacked the Kassar wagons will be returning soon in force, and everyone will be needed to tend their wounds.   

 
(01:40:16 ) ST
: The Tuchuk Warriors returned triumphant in the wagon assault. Ubar had ordered the withdrawl before too much damage was caused. When questioned on the way home by a Young Warrior, RAGNAR replied, “The Plains needs all her peoples, even Kassar.” That gave the young Warrior something to ponder for quite some time. As the Warriors reported to their Commanders, just under half the attacking Warriors returned with the initial group. Many had fallen, some will yet return on foot or assisting wounded brothers. They will trickle in all night long. There are very few if any returning Warriors returning unscathed. Assaulting wagons in migration formation is always risky business, especially due to being subjected to crossfire between the wagons. The risk does seem to be worth the gain thus far. Kassar has fallen back to their wagons and the skirmishes have ceased. Preliminary reports indicate the Kassar are working hard to get their wagons rolling through the soft rain soaked earth towards their wintering lands. Cassius’ units even managed to remove from Kassar the “burden” of having so many bosk to tend by bringing home 1,003 of the huge shaggy beasts. They will be kept as a herd and most will in turn be slaughtered to feed Tuchuk. Fresh patrols will be dispatched to make sure Kassar has had enough. Three full Oralu will stand ready to throw their full weight against the Kassar should they unwisely choose to further press the matter. Tuchuk is still horribly low on supplies, but the raided Kassar supplies will help. The rain continues the rest of the night and will not cease until mid morn. Tuchuk will likely have time to try and catch up with tending the wounded since combat has ended for now. At first light, missing units and Warriors will be searched for so long as Kassar keeps moving. There is little hope for those lost within the Kassar wagons. They will either die or be enslaved, though Ubar expects a Kassar Rider under truce to approach him regarding exchange of surviving Warriors, and terms will be agreed upon as neither Kassar nor Tuchuk seek to further reduce numbers of Warriors needlessly. Victory is not always measured by gain, but by survival. Victory is assured when both survival and gain are achieved.    

[RAGNAR]

Curious? Wish to see more?

Come in and see for yourselves. Take part in the RP. Enjoy! And you may learn something before we are through.