Summer Migration

[RAGNAR]

Focus on making ready to move out. It grows entirely too hot for the herds where we have wintered. We must move South as soon as possible.

Make all wagons ready to roll. Break camp.

Warriors will need a main mount and one remount. All will be armed for the journey including Women with bows and small blades. Children with the skill to handle a bow and quia will also be armed. Slaves excepted of course.


RAGNAR

[jade{NS}]

Yes Master,
jade

[RAGNAR]

Good progress is being made even though unusually hot and dry.

No sign of any opposition or raiding parties as is the norm.

Thus far the main issue seems to be water. Given the excessive heat and lack of usual rainfall, the water sources are a bit low and depleted. The stock animals are drinking us out of wagon and home. Whereas we kept topping off the water casks in past summer migrations, this time we are having to fully refill them each time we find water.

I am giving serious consideration to saltlicks for the main herd when next we stop, and salt being supplied to the team bosk.

I am uneasy with regards to the peacefullness thus far. It is very unusual, especially given the efforts put forth by Kataii prior to migration to raid. It is just too quiet.

We should reach and cross the River of Tears this day if all goes well. The river is well within reach.

[RAGNAR]

So much for good progress.

Upon reaching the RoT Kataii forces were present blocking the crossing. After trying to peacefully reach a resolution, the Kataii Ubar refused what was offered, and instead decided he would take everything.

Bad decision.

An engagement took place between The 1st Oralu and three Kataii Oralu. Casualties were heavy, but the crossing is in Tuchuk hands.

The medical staff is overworked but doing all they can. Any assistance has been, and will be appreciated.

We must make the crossing, as additional Kataii Oralus are on their way.

Casualty reports pending.

[RAGNAR]

The column has pulled itself back together, gathered the wounded and dead and are moving towards the river.

Bosk teams in harness and yoke have been dispatched to remove he remaining Kataii wagons from the river and clear the crossing.

Use caution moving through the area of conflict. Gather all weapons and anything of use left about and watch where the bosk and kaiila step. We need no beasts pulling up lame at this point.

Though we have gathered our fallen, there are some still missing. Keep a watchful eye for them. We dislike leaving our own, but there are times when there is simply no choice.

The entire column will cross the river this day and press on.

[RAGNAR]

The column and herd crossed the River of Tears, collecting weaponry and goods along the way. Several missing Warriors of The 1st were also recovered from the river as well and were taken to the morgue wagon.

The crossing took the day to complete, and the column and herd is stopped on the Southern side of the river. The animals were checked, the wagons addressed, and fires were built so hot food could be made.

Eat, drink, rest, for come first light the column will move on.

[RAGNAR]

The column got off to a much later start than I had planned. Though the RoT of behind us, the Kataii are not. Brief skirmishes and raids continue.

The column continued rolling through the night, but I will have no choice but to stop long enough to water and rest the teams and move on again. Time is of the essence in order to both stay ahead of the Kataii main forces, and to get further south where water and grass should be in abundance as normal, and to get out of the extreme heat belt that is increasingly hard on the bosk.

[RAGNAR]

The column continued its march through the night and stopped only momentarily for brief rest periods.

Kataii were encountered on the way to a secondary water source after arriving and discovering the normal primary migrational water source was useless due to lack of rain. A running skirmish ensued until the water source was taken and secured.

A good defensive perimeter has been established around the herd and wagons so the column can rest and recover from the dry spell.

Due to losses, wounds, and other contributing factors, The 1st Oralu is being temporarily stood down.

Tend the stock, eat, rest as much as possible, bathe, and recover. It is unknown how long the column may remain in place, so use the stop to your greatest advantage.

A hundred bosk have been culled from the main herd for slaughter. 50 verr have been culled out for slaughter. 50 vulo have been culled out for slaughter and their use is confined to med wagon usage. 50 tarsk have been culled for slaughter. Eat well.

Various fruits and vegetables that are not traveling well must be used. Eat them or juice them, but do not waste them. Any spoilage beyond use are to be given to the stock.

All waste innards from the butchering process go to the carnivore stock. What few tarns along with the column will be released to hunt, as well as any kaiila not fed by the butchering waste products.

The Salt Hunters Clan is opening up one of their freight wagons so all may increase their salt intake while we have a good fresh water source at our disposal. Once we move on, decrease your salt consumption to avoid excessive thirst until we know for certain our water sources will provide us with an adequate supply for our use.

It is recommended the Ubara, Izee, and Mercilayne stand down from Healing duties except for the most serious cases. Taryn, Gheeta, and healing slaves will deal with the less critical care cases. As always, volunteers for medical details are always welcome.

The unusual high temperatures are building up within wagons. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. We do have a breeze, so seek shade beneath the eight foot high wagon platforms. If shutters and smoke hoes are opened in the wagons, secure them before we move or the wagons will fill with dust from the march.

Though on the dry side, the grasses are adequate for grazing stock. Take advantage of it. Leave the teams in their yokes and harness, but move them from grass to grass as they graze down what is around them.

If the column must move quickly, be prepared. Do not be left behind. The many will not be sacrificed for a few.

Think smart. STAY ALIVE!!!!!

[RAGNAR]

Morale seems to still be high, though as myself, many are looking forward to the end of this march. Our final destination is still a ways off yet.

The pyre for our fallen was held last night, and in doing so there was some degree of healing.

Continue to recover this day avoiding the heat as much as possbile, and make ready to continue onward when it is dark. Though traveling at night has its own inherent risks, I have weighted them and find them to be acceptable given the unusual dry weather and heat of the day. The Mother of Tuchuk must be utmost in our minds.

Make certain you have all the water that can be carried. Be sure to eat well now as it is unknown when we will stop long enough again for good balanced meals.

For those of Tuchuk who do eat vegetables, all that remains of those supplies in the camp supply wagons are onions, garlic, and potatoes. All leafy veggies and tuber types are finished. Fruits are down to tospits, larmas, dates, and some striped melons. Individual wagons may have a few other assorted items. If you wish it, bartering is encouraged for these things as always.

Many Warriors were released from the med wagon and I am hoping the majority of those still confined will be discharged before we move. They will be needed if things continue as they have been.

[RAGNAR]

The column traveled through the night and good progresswas made despite the heat. It did prove cooler moving at night and the wagons stopped just after midday to water the stock, allow them a rest, and to grease the axles and check the wagons over.

Another batch of Warriors were released from the med wagon, leaving only a handful still confined. After the rest, the column is on the move once again and will continue yet again through the night.

[RAGNAR]

The column halted just before sunrise to rest and water the stock. While stopped, the temperatures cooled, the wind picked up, and the column certainly got watered. A storm began that brought winds, thunder and lightening, and torrential rain that reduced visibility to roughly twenty feet.

The wagons were moved onto the wheelboards, and though the teams remained in harness, the tongue pins were pulled. While storming and blowling, the bosk teams did seek some degree of shelter between the wagons. Has they remained connected to the wagons, the column would be a mass of jumbled wagons going in all directions.

Additional Outriders were dispatched to the herd to help keep them together.

During the storm, a handful of Warriors of The 1st wandered into the column. They were wounded, and the Ubara directed them into the med chamber of Dragonslair being it was closest.

One was dead upon arrival, another passed on during the night and three remain stable. Orluman Raiden of the 3rd Orlu, Tristan of the 10th Or 3rd Orlu, and Orman Chen of the 8th Or 3rd Orlu.

From what could be ascertained, The 1st Oralu was spread out riding out in front of the column providing security when the storm began. When visibility was reduced, they dismounted to hold position until visibility could be regained. During this time.Kataii forces rode into the 3rd Orlu unknowingly and when lightning flashed and a bit of recognition was made combat ensued. The storm made it nearly impossible to distinguish friend from foe during the fight, and the winds made missile weapons useless. It generated into strictly lance and shield and hand to hand combat.

There is no way of knowing the strength of the Kataii force that engaged the 3rd Orlu. Some say it was another Orlu, some say two or more Orlus.

Though the worst of the storm has passed, it is still raining hard and the ground has become too soft for the wagons. Hold position and be on the lookout for stragglers of The 1st Oralu who may still be moving about following the engagement. Expect wounded. Even conservatively estimating only two Orlu engaged, certainly there will be more than three wounded and two dead from two hundred Warriors engaging in battle.

It is just before sunrise after a day and night of storms moving through. It has cooled and is certainly damp chilled enough for the braziers to be used inside the wagons for warmth, drying, as well as cooking. DO NOT WANDER from the column. Stay within the column to tend to what is needed, but do remain within the column. Watch for stragglers as well as possible Kataii.

The Butcher Clan is working and meat is available, as are other various Clans that may do so while on migration. Dry dung is available from the Dung collectors Clan. Though laying down, the grass is still good for grazing and standing water allows the teams plenty to drink.

Overall weather conditions;

Still raining heavily with intermittent winds. Visibility is about three pasang. Temperatures equivalent to earth 60's.


Temujin

[RAGNAR]

The column is still stuck in place as the rain and storms have not let up. The ground has become too soft for the wagons to move. Eat, relax, tend to the stock as needed, and make the best of it.

We are about four to five days out from Turia depending on the ground and rate of speed in which we can move.

There is still no definitive word on the number of Kataii in the area, nor word from any units of The 1st except for Chet's Orlu which returned to the column last evening with twelve dead and fifteen wounded. They have stood down overnight, received rations and are mostly hanging out beneath Sidona's wagon out of the rain. They have hung blankets, hides, and furs from the wagon platform as makeshift walls to keep out most of the weather, and with a small brazier they have a fairly cozy place to catch up on sleep and to fill their bellies. It is not ideal, but it is not bad.

Izee discharged Raiden and Tristan from the med chamber of Dragonslair, but Chen remains for another day or two. Raiden and Tristan returned to the field.

Warriors still hold the perimeter around the column and the Outriders still have the herd well managed. Though there is standing water, the grass is still green so the bosk have their fill of both water and grass.

Bosk have been butchered, and Riders are distributing meat throughout the column. If you are in need, just flag one down. Dry dung is available, and is being distributed in the same way as the meat. Do not expect an entire load all at once, but there is enough even if distributed  in shares.

Wagons and carts are not moving in this mud. Everything is being distributed by bosk or kaiila, so be patient. An entire Oralu of Outriders has been dispatched to each distribution item.

The weather front will not last forever, though it may seem that way when staring at your wagon box and the interior of the wagon dome.

Mounted Warriors are able to move in this mess, but wagons can not. Though this opens the opportunity for raiding herds, we need not worry about being overtaken or passed by the other wagon camps. Scouts report that it is an extremely large front covering a vast area of land. To go around would take entirely too long and be entirely too hard on teams.

The most difficult aspect to maintain is mental alertness. Keep a small brazier going to help ward off the damp chills at night, and during the day to warm drinks or food as desired.

Try to keep the Warriors on duty in mind. Something warm in their bellies will go a long way. Hot water to wash up with will make their lives easier. Not all Warriors have companions or slaves to see to their needs. If you are cooking, ask for an extra Or ration of bosk and cook it with your own. Nothing fancy is necessary. When you see an Or close by, call one over or send a slave with the hot bosk. It will be appreciated. survival depends upon teamwork. All working towards a common goal.


Temujin

[RAGNAR]

Two Orlu of The 1st Oralu have returned to the column. The remaining eight are still in the field though I would expect them to be returning as their field rations have been depleted. Water is certainly no issue, but food is. Without meat to warm beneath their saddles and to fill their bellies, there will be several hundred very hungry, very mean and nasty Warriors out there.

The storms have ceased just a short time ago and the moons and most stars can be seen again in the predawn sky. Hopefully the front has moved on and the ground will begin to dry enough the column can once again advance. We will know more as time goes by.

So again, continue as previously directed and remain alert, but relax as much as possible. The column will move as soon as it possibly can.

The wounded coming in with the newly returned Orlu were tended by Mercilayne and Gheeta and are resting comfortably it seems. The Ubara did have to crack a supply wagon to get more medical supplies. Those normally kept in the med wagon itself are being used up.

For those who do deviate from the normal meat diet and chose to consume vegetables and assorted fruits, your diet is now returning to meat unless you have a few remaining personal stores. All that remains of these for consumption are onions, garlic, and tospits. The Bakers Clan has set up minimal operations and there is sa tarna bread available. Cheese is still available in both bosk and verr. The salt supply is down to half but should not be an issue. The dry dung supply is now half and should not be an issue unless the column is delayed for quite some time which is not likely.

Those owning their own vulo may continue doing as they wish, but camp vulo are now reserved for med wagon use, and all camp eggs are reserved strictly for Warrior consumption aside from what the Bakers Clan requires.

The Seamstress Clan is being requested to crack open their Clan storage wagons to re-outfit Warriors in need of new clothing and to assist in mending when possible.

Lancer and Fenrir still have quite an assortment of captured weaponry, helmets, and shields at their wagons to re-outfit Warriors and an untold number of arrows to replenish anyone's low supply. Lancer does seem to have a few swords, Only a handful of Tuchuk actually wield them as they are not strictly of Tuchuk blood and ancestry, but they are available. The predominant hand weapon of the Wagon Peoples is the kaiila lance and they are in good supply both with and without rider hook.

Do keep in mind that it has been decided that all but slaves and those too young to defend themselves keep weapons at hand during this time. Women should always have a blade of some sort on their person and bows ready for use at their wagon. Though no wagons will be moving in this mud, mounted Warriors can still move and will.

Scouts have confirmed the column is four normal travel days from Turia where we will have to resupply. Note NORMAL days of travel. It could take longer given the ground, or it could take less if somehow the column could remain moving longer than the norm. Hope for a shorter period but prepare for the long.

The good news is the bosk are much fatter and better rested than past migrations at this time due to the downtime forced by the weather and the grass in the area. Though wet, they still graze and water is no longer an issue for them. It is everywhere!

The Cobbler Clan has opened its freight wagons so Warriors in need can re-outfit with new boots. While halted, it is recommended those not in the field wear sandals or go barefoot. It is only mud and water. A simple wash and dry solves most issues whereas such conditions are extremely hard on boots.

Continue to assist the Warriors and support them in any way possible. Even hot water and soap is appreciated. Whatever can be spared or shared. The Oralus do not carry their own braziers or pots and pans with them. The closest thing to a pot they have is their helmet. Then can form a tripod with their lances for cooking if they are able to secure a brazier to hold the fire as the standing water prevents ground fires. Offer your wagon railings for drying their clothing and gear. Even a corner to run a clothesline wagon to wagon for drying will help. Old cooking grease can be used to shine boots to repel water. You would be surprised at how many uses a Warrior can find for things many of you view as waste. Used oils can be used to combat rust on weaponry. Everything has its uses.

Never forget The 1st Oralu is predominantly Warriors without surviving family members. The barracks wagon from their Oralu area is loaded with gear for the move. They stay together in their units wherever they can find shelter while on the move. At this time, One Orlu is beneath Sidona's wagon platform and the other is beneath Dragonslair. The platforms of wagons being eight feet high provides plenty of headroom and shelters them from the rain. Hides, old blankets, etc hung from the platform provide adequate walls from the elements. Their biggest trial is the mud and water. An couple empty crates and some boards can get several Warriors out of the mud for some dry sleep. An empty cask provides a chair. Many would be grateful if you allowed them to get some sleep on your wagon platforms. They fight and die for you.

Tamujin

[RAGNAR]

The weather front seems to have mostly moved on. The rain has stopped and the sun was with us once again. It remained windy and on the chilly side, but the standing water is starting to vanish though the ground still remains soft.

Another Orlu made its way back to the column in worse shape than the two previous. The 2nd Orlu is using the space beneath Mercilayne's wagon. Something is in the wind, but the returning Warriors are not saying what it is.

When the sun rises, the ground will be evaluated and hopefully the column can begin to move. If not, then we simply continue as we have been.


Temujin

[RAGNAR]

The rain has ceased but the wind continues. At any rate, the sun and wind are helping to dry things out. It is likely we will move again as soon as possible.

The 7th and 8th Orlu's of The 1st Oralu returned last night. The 7th has been wiped out. All bodies were returned to the column and are accounted for. Those 100 Warriors held their ground against a much superior force. Nearly 300 enemy dead were counted with the fallen 7th. Though they fell, they did not yield nor surrender.

The 8th suffered heavy losses and it seems The 1st is taking the fighting extremely personal. There is more happening than they are telling.

Continue to help the returning Warriors. Fenrir's Iron Master Clan wagon has been opened and the weapons gathered from prior enemy confrontation are available to re-outfit the returning Units as needed.

Be ready to move whenever the word is given.


Temujin