Winter Migration Log

[RAGNAR]

Entry 1


RAGNAR


Up well before dawn and riding out to the outer wagons to assist in preparations to move out. All over the camp activity was taking place as the final bits of packing was seen to before the great task of harnessing the teams began.

The wagons had to be rocked to break them free of the snow and ice around the wheels. I worked my way inwards until reaching the main encampment and finding my Daughter had done a great deal to assist me in getting our people ready to move.

This was an all day event, and finally the Tuchuk Standard was loaded after dark and the wagons made ready to move.

The camp was broken and unfolded from within outwards, as usual encircling the perimeter of camp to make sure all the wagons were in motion before setting course for Turia.

Normally we would have halted for the night in formation and gotten an early start the next morning, but given the weather conditions the wagons will continue to move until we reach Turia barring serious interuption. Naturally short breaks will be taken to water stock and clean paws and wheels, but aside from this we keep moving.

The weather has gotten worse with temperatures dropping even lower. Blowing snow and tiny ice particles are making the journey extremely uncomfortable. Wagon platforms need to be kept clear of snow and ice or the additional weight could become an issue.

The verr herd is being driven along thus far without problem. The tarsk have been loaded onto freight wagons until temperatures and snow depth permit their being herded.

Thus far no casualties have been reported and only very minor incidents and accidents resulting in no injury to persons or stock.

I will leave any health warnings or advisories to our Healers to post and record.


End report

[RAGNAR]

Entry 2

RAGNAR


Rode ahead of the wagons to get a good look at what still lies before us. Returning, noticed a large glow.  Upon return to the column was informed a freight wagon of stacked sacks of dung for the journey had caught fire and burned to the ground. The team bosk were saved along with some of the cargo, but for the most part it was a complete loss. The column did stop and make the most of a terrible situation. The fire was used to dry wet articles of clothing and to warm ourselves for a time.

Preliminary reports suggest fire was due to accidental/careless handling of a lamp inside the wagon. The slave handling the lamp is reported to have died in the blaze.

Note.... make use of the chains and hooks and avoid simply setting lit lamps down in moving wagons. Too great a risk of the lamps falling or being knocked over as believed was the case in this incident.

The wagons are once again moving and will make only short periodic stops to tend the stock and check the traces. With any luck at all we should reach Turia before nightfall.

Only small mishaps have been reported thus far due to weather conditions and hidden sleen burrows aside from the fire and subsequent loss of the wagon.

As of first light, the snows have ceased but the winds still blow causing blowing and drifting snows and cold temperatures.

It has been some time since I can recall it being so cold and having such an accumulation of snow upon our Plains.

End Report

[Salem]

Tuchuk has arrived without further incident at Turia and has set up temporary encampment outside the city walls.

[RAGNAR]

Entry 3 Addendum


RAGNAR


It seems I pushed too hard again for too long and fell asleep in the saddle.

Tuchuk is camped outside the walls of Turia.

Tend to the wagons... tend to the wagons... tend to the wagons. Remove all ice and snow from wheels and axles and make sure to re-grease them well.

By nightfall, arrangements will be made for grain supply from Turia to feed the stock. See the bosk eat well. A few peasants from the east of Turia will be arriving with wagons of grasses put up for the winter. Supplement the teams diets with these grasses and grains. The verr will be limited on grain but will have ample grass stores from the peasants. Treat these peasants well. They are not our enemies nor are they Turian. They are simple people doing us a great service this season.

As mentioned by Kelsey in her logs, funds are available for the Healers to stock camp medical supplies.

If needed, funding is available for the Clans who may be in need. Loans may be arranged. See Amber, Sidona, Kelsey, and of course Nexhias or RAGNAR.

All slaves may pick up a gift of fifteen copper from the Askari located on RAGNAR's wagon platform.

Any camp member running short of funds may take out an interest free loan from the camp coffers. All loans must be repaid before summer migration begins. See Amber, Nexhias, Taryn, Shoko, or Salem for these funds.

Get some rest... tend what is necessary... enjoy Turia and take advantage of the city facilities. These will be the last luxuries Tuchuk is likely to enjoy until we venture to The Point following arrival at our wintering lands.

Try to behave and obey Turian Laws.

End Addendum

[RAGNAR]

Entry 4


RAGNAR


The wagons have left Turia and are well on their way once again. We have made good progress until forced to halt due to whiteout conditions.

The snow is thick and heavy and accumulates quickly on all cold surfaces. As of first light the blizzard conditions have eased off into a steady falling of wet heavy snow.

I expect to be held up most of the day while the wagons are dug out and cleared of the additional weight of the snow, an all the stock properly seen to. It is my hope we will once again be able to make way and not spend yet another night in place where the bosk are unable to properly graze.

The verr were herded beneath larger freight wagons for the night and due to the depth of the snow, they will have to be loaded up into empty freight wagons and onto whatever wagon platforms having room for them.

I was given the camp inventory reports for supplies from Turia and we are dangerously undersupplied. I fear this will have a dreadful impact on Tuchuk before we can resupply once again. We have only team bosk with us and a few extra teams as is normal. At last report the herd is a good two days ahead of us.

An Or has been dispatched to cut out additional bosk and return with them in order to have meat.

I suppose we are in the hands of Endless Sky.

End Report

[Raziel]

Entry 5

Commander's Report

A late start has found Tuchuk in deep snow in the beginning leg of the migration away from Turia.  There has been an impedance in our path Northward, being rocky terrain and we will once again fall behind the bosk.

The Ubar has gone ahead to scout a clear path for the column but the onset of a heavy snow has obliterated his trail rather quickly.  Salem and Terran had set out in search of any signs of Ubar, only to have Terran return and report on the proximity of the rocky terrain.  Salem remained out in search for the Ubar. 

After guiding the column to the east as far as necessary to clear the rocks, Terran returned to assist Salem in search of the Ubar.

The weather has not let up and now the snow is falling from the Skies in large quantities and with a greater degree of moisture in the mix.  Due to current conditions, I have had to call a stop to the slow progress of Tuchuk. 

For the night, we remain to rest and repair what we can.  The order passed down to keep each wagon in a clearing of the accumulating snow and all animals to take shelter under the wagons as the ground beneath the wagons themselves are also to be kept clear.

This is the worst case of snow I have seen in quite some time for our winter migration.  My only hope is that it does not warm up upon reach the River of Tears lest we find it swollen and the banks overran.  Tuchuk faces enough problems with just supply shortage.

A perimeter and patrol has been set along with central fire for those to find their way back.  The outer most wagons all retain their signal lamps out on the porch for navigation purposes.

Hopefully the Skies will show us a blessing on the morrow, lest we fall an additional day behind the bosk and out of support range if attacked.

End Report

Raziel

[RAGNAR]

Entry 6

RAGNAR


The snow has stopped but the day still remains dark and overcast.

The wagons have reached one of the smaller rivers and will make ready to cross. At the point of crossing I guestimate its depth to be about four feet deep on average. Ice has formed on both sides and only the center is still open with free flowing water. The water is extremely cold!!!

There is no easy way to do this. An Orlu will cross the river with the main dung wagon and start one hundred fires on the far side... spread out well... with the largest fire being used by those of the main area. Maintain formation of the wagons when crossing. The fires will be set up accordingly. Use the fires to warm yourselves and dry what is needed after crossing... then move on allowing those who follow to warm and dry themselves. This is how the crossing will proceed.

As I said, it will be hard for those crossing first to start the fires. The ice will need to be broken to enter.... crossing open water... and breaking ice to get out. Then while still cold and wet.... the fires will have to be started. I recommend starting the main fire first and warming and drying fully both Man and mount before moving on to start the other fires.

That will be done when all is ready and we shall all try to go at once. I do not wish to spread it out over the entire day as I expect the ice to try and reform quickly once broken. As far as I could tell the river bottom is softer smaller stone over a solid base with occasional larger rocks scattered. It was simply too cold for myself and my mount to remain in the water to try and fully map it out.

To make ready, lash everything down well on the wagons. Though I do not expect any water to wash over the wagon platforms as they will ride above the water by a couple feet, it is possible some wagons may find low spots during the crossing. Take this into consideration when preparing the wagons to cross.

My Daughter Amber and I discussed additional options to conserve fuel for our wagon fires. I will have her address these matters in an addendum to this entry in her own hand.

My Daughter has impressed me by becoming such a strong Woman of Tuchuk. During my Ubara's recovery in the wagon from the cold, my Daughter Amber has stepped up and for the most part has stepped temporarily into Nexhias' boots and has been seeing to our people in the finest traditions of our people. I find myself relying heavily upon her this migration.

Also for the record, my Son Terran, my True Salem, and Wapike my Daughter Lilac's unscarred Son, all receive accommodation for accepting increased responsibility and accepting responsibility for duties above and beyond their current ranks.

I hope Endless Sky smiles upon this crossing. Dangerous as it may be, I fear deep down it will be as crossing a puddle compared to the River of Tears.

Now I must seek some sleep before the crossing is attempted. When I am awakened, we shall go.


End Entry

[Amber]

Addendum:
Due to the low amount of fuel we have, a decision has been reached to conserve as much as possible, especially with fires having to be made to dry off after each river crossing.  As of now, we have two, meaning two sets of 100 fires will have to be set after each crossing.  We simply cannot collect and dry enough dung to also fuel every single wagon.

To help with this, Ubar and I decided..

Lilac, Kelsey, Terran, Sandra, and myself will return to our chambers within Dragonslair.  Shoko will be staying with me as well to conserve fuel in her wagon.  It is up to Lilac to have Wapike stay with her within her chambers, and Sandra to have Krul join her.  Others are welcome to join up in the main area of Dragonslair to sleep and have body heat also help to warm up the wagon.

Single Females and Single Males are suggested to join up with their same sex in Wagons to conserve fuel.

Terran and I have opened our wagons to Families who may wish to join other families within to conserve fuel in their wagons as well.

Families with elder members who will not leave their wagon, it is suggested that you move in with them to conserve fuel.

Kennel wagons, the female ones.  We would like the slaves to curl up with each other to conserve fuel as well.  Which means a few of the kennel wagons can remain unheated while slaves huddle in a few others.  It is suggested that slaves who move from wagon to the other, put their perfumes and other liquids into a heated freight wagon, so they do not freeze.  Small fires in the kennel wagons still occupied.

I am sure that kadi, chanz, lure, ke'tharn, haruki, gavin, snare, and leo will be joining their respective Owners in Dragonslair.

[sinnocent]

nods sagely taking note and slips away

[RAGNAR]

Entry 7

RAGNAR


Exhausted.... cold.... the river was successfully crossed. One wagon reported as seriously damaged but salvageable.... Sidona's.

Eleven Outriders listed as MIA.

General orders....


Repair wagons as needed.... double grain for the stock. Half the verr divided among the kailla.

After work is done, rest as much as possible.

We shall move again soon.

End Entry

[RAGNAR]

Entry 8


RAGNAR


The wagons continue to roll. Weather and supplies force us to keep rolling now with only periodic rest periods until we reach grazeable grounds.  Grain for stock is nearly gone. Dried grasses for stock is nearly gone. In my judgement, the situation is dire. Unfortunately the normal circle is interupted as well. With the stock consuming less, there is also less dung for the fires. Double up and keep warm as best Tuchuk is able. My Wagon is now open to all who can fit themselves in it. The white furs have been collected and stored. Foot washing is not required but is advised as it is a good way to check for frostbite and/or injury. Boot removal however is still mandatory.

It seems Silent Breeze decided to fall behind and meet up with our Guest Anhur who was trailing our wagons. Silent Breeze has taken up with this Man and left Tuchuk without so much a word. Her actions resulted in the deaths of three of Our Men who would leave none behind. Judging from the tracks Breeze also took the wagons of goods she had pledged to Tuchuk in addition to breaking her own personal pledge to Tuchuk. We will not hunt, but should the opportunity present itself, Anhur will be taken captive and returned to Tuchuk. If this is not possible, he will be slain. Breeze will be taken captive and returned to Tuchuk where I will lend ear to her side and pass judgement. If capture is not possible, she will be slain. Tuchuk forces no free to remain in Tuchuk who does not wish to be among us. We DO however expect those leaving to have the Honor to inform me they wish to go, and leave on as good of terms as they arrived.

My thoughts continue to return to the Oralu sent on ahead to secure grounds for our stock. I know they too much be low on supplies, if they have survived at all. If all goes well we shall reach the first of these locations within a day or so.

As it is, the wagon wheels must be watched closesly traversing the frozen ground we have come upon. It has been churned up by the moving main herd and then frozen into hard sharpened earth that can cut the leather bands and split the wooden wheels. Footing is treacherous at best.

We are Tuchuk... we will continue. We know no other way.


End Report.

[RAGNAR]

Entry 9

RAGNAR


Endless Sky has watched over Tuchuk. While stopped to check traces and stock, the winds brought the scent of fire and meat. Just to the NE of our position half of our advance Unit had secured an area and held it for our use during migration. Why some may ask? We were the last of the Wagon Peoples to move and were the furthest South. Our wagons follow three other herds including plus our own, and three other columns of wagons. To hold an area of slightly higher ground where the winds can keep the snow blown low to nonexistent, and to allow drainage for rain to prevent solid ice was necessary. Their mission was accomplished. They chose well... a position just off the migration route near a suitable spring fed stream about fifteen feet wide and no more than a foot or two at its deepest. The fresh clean water flows freely beneath a crusting of ice that can be broken away. The grass in this area is still green even if bent down somewhat and covered in a glazing of thin ice. It is still good for grazing along our route.

As we arrived the unit had fires built and bosk spitted for the main column. It was nothing fancy. No spiced or flavored meat, but it was fresh and it was hot. The wagons and Riders filed between the fires on the move and all were given rations of the fresh meat. THIS INCLUDES OUR SLAVES.

We were able to obtain enough dried dung for every wagon to burn one night. It is highly recommended to continue to remain doubled and tripled up, and to combine the dung ration to make it go further. I estimate two, possibly even three days of fire fuel if this is done and the fires within the wagons are not blazing hot.

The cooking fires were used to warm and thaw as needed until they burned out just after sunrise. Now only brazier fires inside the wagons are used and available.

Oil for our lamps is depleted. The freight wagons contain no more. There may be small amounts in individual wagons but that will not last much longer. We shall travel without lamps. Using brazier embers was a quick viable solution so long as it was wet and rainy. The windblown sparks could do no harm. Now that the rains seem to have ebbed, embers can no longer safely be used.

Allow the bosk to graze well first... then the verr... and then the tarsk if they show interest. Some of the lesser grasses around the perimeter of the area may be offered to the tarsk and feed the remainder of our grains to the vulo.

Piles of fresh bosk hides are available to those in need. Many will have to reband their wheels due to ice damage. A large pile of bosk horn is available for any who have need. The hooves have been taken to the Clan wagons for glue.

The guts and innards have been piled up and are being rationed out per sleen and per kailla. Remember to bring a bucket to secure your ration. I need none as I will cull some of my verr and tarsk from my own private herds to feed my carnivores. This serves me well as it cuts down on the grazing stock as well as nourishing my feeding stock. Others may opt to go this route as well if they desire. It is unknown how much stock is to be had at The Point so usecaution as we may have to wait for new stock to be dropped.

Though our water barrels hold potable water, I recommend dumping the casks used for personal consumption and refilling from the stream.

HEALERS.... The advance unit we have joined are roughly five Orlu in strength. They have been in the field for quite some time. They have been ordered to report to the Med wagon by unit for a going over to check them for any health issues. They will be on the weak tired side so expect this. They have been surviving on meat and water only while in the field. Last night was the first they had otherwise when Salem saw to it they were given juices to be shared among them. Confine only those absolutely necessary. I feel at this point most will be better off resting and recovering with their families. Many will be single Men and some may not have family anylonger. These Men usually seek their own company. Offer to take them in but do not force them. They might adapt better being left to gather in barracks wagons. This remains to be seen.

Use this as a learning experience. Two more groups are still ahead of us if they still live. If so, they too will require attention.

I estimate Tuchuk is 2/3 of the way home give or take depending where the main herd decides to settle.

REMAIN ALERT when on duty as we may begin to see long range patrols from the other Wagon Peoples.

We have picked up a Woman and her wagon last night. She is a Tuchuk who remained with her elderly Grandfather at The Point. He has passed on and she has decided to return to her people. It will take time as she once again becomes accustomed to our ways. Welcome her home and be patient with her. By Clan she is a fine cook and baker.

Remember to gather the dung from the bosk. Even if fresh it can be gathered and dried enough for our use.

Tend to required tasks and they try to rest and unwind. Maximum effort will be needed up ahead.


Addendum's may be added by Commanders, Healers, and Clan Elders as needed.


End Report

[Amber]

Migration Log: Senior Healers Report
(Addendum)

Kelsey, Taryn, Shoko, kadi, and myself have spent the majority of the day seeing to the 500 men from the group that we happened upon last night.

We have found that most, other than exhausted, and underfed are perfectly healthy.  They have been returned to their families, or if none, have been asked to double up with other single men to conserve fuel as much as possible.  They have agreed and most have found themselves in the barracks wagons, packed in like sardines.  Those who have been returned to duty have been told to take as much loose tea as they can should they go back on patrol, to make their own warm tea while out on patrol to help keep warm, and also give them some nourishment besides bosk and water. 

Our Tea supply is rapidly depleting, which is unfortunate, unless we find a caravan out here, or perhaps some helpful Camp folk along the way, I fear we are not going to have the warmth of the tea any longer.

23 men have been detained in the medwagon due to exposure and the beginning stages of frostbite.  Luckily enough, none of them have suffered any gangrene that can be seen thus far.  For now, they have been bundled with furs, and administered willowbark to help with the pain of circulation beginning to thrive once more.  They should be allowed to return to their families or barracks wagons on the morrow.  They will also be given a ration of tea to help them recover from their depleted nutrients.

It is suggested that all the men who have returned from long range patrol eat broth while they are still with us, and drink plenty of juice as long as supplies last, so that they regain what their bodies have been severely lacking since leaving the wagons before migration.

End Report

[Nexhias]

Entry 10

Ubara's Report

I have rejoined my Family in the ranks of getting Tuchuk to the homelands.  Though I have been given reports and regular updates, I was not prepared for the full dire straits with which we are in.

Leather oil from the Saddle Maker and Leather Worker clans has been made available for lamps during the night.  This is to be burned sparingly; there are other ingredients within the oil to be accounted for.  I have ordered three casks of paga to be set aside-- the  Candle Makers clan will soak wicking in the paga, then dip the wicks in wax-- the film of the wax will help keep the alcohol from evaporating, thus making the wicks self-burning.  Use these wicks in conjunction with the oil, and we should have enough light at night to see us through... with help from the Endless Sky.

Speaking of help, Tuchuk happened upon an abandoned Kassar freight wagon.  Salem investigated and discovered a jar of oil and a few dung sacks, as well as two empty water casks.  The items have been distributed to the areas most in need, with the oil going to the medical staff for appropriate distribution. 

The Wagon stopped for a period to rest and tend the stock and the wagons.  The grounds were grazable since the ground had only a dusting of snow.  Bosk and verr were allowed to graze:  they, like the People, will need their strength with what lies ahead. 

Dung was collected and is being dried.  Bosk and verr dung alike may be used. 

Tuchuk was again underway last night, and for the night time hours all was quiet.  The Sky found favor with us last night, for the clouds parted and washed the land with moonlight.  Let us pray such favor continues.

The River looms close now, and I worry over the always present possibility of carnage associated with traversing those waters.  With Tuchuk in this state, it seems that possibility increases tenfold.  I have visited the Haruspex and bade him pray for our People.  Tuchuk has alwas been strong-- but a little extra help never hurt.

Note to the Women of Camp:  with the River of Tears not far away, we must be ready for the potential dangers on the other side of those banks.  I want each Woman to check and have ready her hornbow and quivas the moment the River is crossed in case of enemy attack.  If Tuchuk is engaged within firing distance-- be ready.  We fight for Our Men, Brothers, Sisters and Children.  Our Men are the First line of defense- You are the last line of defense. 

Those Women unskilled with the hornbow or the quiva, make use of those things around you if we come under attack:  rocks, buckets,  and the almighty frying pan.  Know your target!

Lastly... Tuchuk, you've strength in you yet.  We are not the fiercest of the Wagon Peoples because we quit when the going gets tough- we are the fiercest because we don't know the meaning of 'quit'- we never say die- and it is in difficult situations that we band together like the Family that we are, and we see one another through!  Look out for one another, my Family- for it is in one another that we find our reasons for living. 

End Entry

[RAGNAR]

Entry 12


RAGNAR


Returned to the wagons shortly before dawn. Where to even begin logging the report.


Tuchuk has made good time and covered a good deal of ground. Currently the wagons sit atop the rise overlooking the River of Tears.

We have linked up with the remainder of our advance unit which has secured and held key locations for our migration. This was not accomplished without cost. Three Orlu held the rise and two held the crossing. Healers will be counted on to furnish exact numbers of dead and wounded, but initial estimates set less than two Orlu on the rise and less than one Orlu at the crossing still on their feet. Exact numbers may never be known of Kassar losses, but preliminary figures place the totals around 20 captives wounded, four hundred dead on the western slope and roughly the same amount on the western approach to the crossing.

Use caution around the surviving Warriors of the advance Units. All seems well but do not press matters. Many are having problems dealing with their four day diet of raw kailla meat and water. They have had no fires to cook for seven days nor any other food for nine days as they were unable to hold both their positions as well as their supply wagon that became bogged down in the mud attempting to climb the rise. All of these Men need attention of some sort be it nutritional or the treatment of wounds. A fire has been started last night to assist Healers and the Ubara commanded a dozen tarsk and like number of verr from Ubar's personal stock be cooked and fed first to these survivors and then distributed to others as needed until it runs out.

The remainder of the camp supply of juices and fruits were distributed to the survivors. Many of these Men are appreciative of simple sugar water. Many rations of whatever was available was turned over to these Men. Though appreciated, please turn these food items into the Healers for distribution. Several Warriors became ill after adding rich items to their bellies after living on the raw salty meat of the fallen kailla and water.

Once these Warriors are able to be moved, Tuchuk will approach and cross the River of Tears. I have scouted the RoT and I am troubled by what I have seen.

Accommodations noted for the following;

Liviana
Shoko
Orman Cassius............................Wounded
Haiti
Orman Shuzu
Tengri........................................KIA
Shaoli........................................KIA
MuShu.......................................KIA
Orluman Temugi...........................Wounded
Al Altan......................................KIA
Buqa
Orluman Yoseph...........................KIA
Simon
Orman Kangli...............................Wounded
Chang Li (Son of Chang Hai)..........KIA
Chang Lu (Son of Chang Hai).........KIA
Chang Puc (Son of Chang Hai).......KIA
Bayan (Son of Gan Chanua)..........Wounded
Batu (Son of Gan Chanua)............KIA
Nasan
Orluman Suren............................KIA
Amber

I must seek sleep before attempting the river crossing.

Make all ready for high rough water.


Addendums and recommendations may be added.


End Report.