EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei nodded to Sabine. "Good, good. It would likely be best if we started right away. I am sure what you will make will be most helpful." She said, making sure to alter the appearance of what Sabine intended to do to anyone listening in. "We should be sure to speak again later, Vera. Be sure to be attentive to everything Vera shows you today, Kaleeth. To keep this place secure, we will need as strong of an understanding of the details of the clan as we can manage." Standing up, Meesei took Rhazii from Kaleeth, then looked to Sabine. "Come, let us go. If the scholars are not down there already, they should be soon." Last time Harriet asked to spar, Lorag was anxious for the chance to fight, but now, he was obviously less receptive. It wasn't that he didn't want to fight; he would normally jump on the opportunity, but since he had an important task, he felt he needed to be as close to his best as possible at all times. He still felt he could beat Harriet in this duel, but last time, the fight left him tired and wounded. If she was the traitor, he didn't want her taking advantage of that. Once they were in the hall between the chambers, Lorag spoke in a serious tone. "Look, ask me any time after all this is over and I'll beat you down in a heartbeat, but now, we got to be serious. You know this is important, and we got to be alert for it all. Meesei said for you lieutenants to show us around and teach us what you do here, right? So do that. It's boring, but we can put up with it."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

It is unknown exactly what happened. No records of the event exist, and what little can be gleamed from what they left behind, it all happened at once. Humanity was erased, and in their place, many other species arose with unnatural speed. The time between the fall of Humanity and the rise of the new civilizations is unknown, but many of their creations can still be found across the planet, albeit in decayed states. The new races have widely varied myths and legends on the earliest parts of their civilizations. Some say their gods destroyed their predecessors and created them in their place, some tell tales of being gifted thought and language, but most agree that their time in the world has been brief. The new species are scattered across the planet, with widely different levels of civilizations. Some form tribes or small, nomadic villages, using tools and technology created from their own ingenuity. Others have formed relatively complex city-states, and have even rediscovered some of the secrets Humanity left behind. The world has been reborn, but it is not finished being reshaped. --- Tarentek collapsed to his hands and knees on the sandy dune, panting from exhaustion. Every breath that passed through his frighteningly dry mouth was almost painful. He did not even know how long he had been walking, wandering, trying to find some vestige of civilization. Days? Weeks? It did not matter, for he was reaching the end of his capabilities. Allowing his arms to stop supporting him, Tarentek dropped down to lay on his side. He tightened his hand, grasping the sand beneath him before slowly turning himself and grabbing the canteen from his belt. He opened it up and looked inside, checking for the twentieth time for that one last drop of water that might remain in the empty container. His survival skills had kept him alive since the attack; he knew some places where he could find water to keep him going. But now, his luck was running as dry as his canteen. After what he had survived, all he had been through, was it now going to be his fate to waste away from dehydration? As he replaced his canteen on his belt, he glanced down at his rifle. The lens on the weapon’s scope had been destroyed in the attack, so it now had only its iron sights, but it was still quite functional. In his current state, staring down the barrel of the rifle seemed almost…inviting. He laid there staring at it for what seemed like hours, though only a few minutes passed. However, despite his weakness, he eventually dragged himself to his feet, giving one final effort to press on. Again, Tarentek did not know how long he walked. The rolling dunes all blended together into a mess of amorphous shapes, something his dizziness was only serving to make worse. Eventually, as he crested a dune just like all the others, he saw something that caught his eye. He did not want to get up his hopes as he had for countless other mirages, but it looked like water. The closer he drew, however, the more clear it became. It looked like a lake larger than any he had ever seen. It must have been it; the sea that the old human maps showed to the southwest of Amman. It had quite an ominous name, the Dead Sea, but for now, that did not matter. All he saw was the much-needed water. Tarentek’s pace picked up to being as close to a run as he could manage. Finally, he had some hope of survival, something that could keep him going. As he made it to the edge of the sea, he dropped down to his knees and bent down close to the water. He cupped his hands in the water and brought it up to his mouth, only to spit it out a moment later. The water was perhaps the saltiest thing he had ever tasted; completely unpotable. Regardless, in his delirious desperation, he tried again, in different spots, but each attempt had the same result. The entire sea seemed to consist of terribly salty water. For a city, it could be an excellent source of salt, but for him, it was devastating. To him, it was the final insult that fate was casting upon a doomed man. Tarentek collapsed to the ground once more, the water brushing lightly against him. Were it not for the dehydration, his eyes certainly would have been filled with tears.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Name: Tarentek Age: 23 Gender: Male Appearance: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Lizardman-166185819 Tarentek is a tall individual, with scales to match the sands of his desert homeland. He does not have quite as strong of a build as some of his fellow warriors, since his specialization is not strictly in combat, but he still has appropriate strength and physical fitness. Equipment: A light brown set of full, hooded robes. A long machete, similar to this, made from scavenged metals. A salvaged and restored M-14 Designated Marksman Rifle. Skills: In combat, Tarentek has been trained in melee combat and archery, but in practice, his specialization is in using firearms. Otherwise, his skills have been shaped by his role in society. Numerous excursions outside the city with scouting teams have necessitated he learn skills for surviving in the desert. As well, he is knowledgeable enough on human technology to identify what is useful, and potentially repair simple mechanisms. Background: Tarentek was hatched from parents of the warrior class of his city-state, a place ruled by his race, the Karisskan. Originally, the city was given the name Sritti by his people, but after they translated the language of the mysterious civilization whose ruins their city was built upon, they elected to give the city its original name: Amman. Once the Karisskan were able to translate the human language, their society gave focus to learning from what they left behind. They learned what they could about the world before from the records they could recover. Though many records were decayed and unreadable, they were able to make the leap from learning about human culture, to scavenging and re-purposing some basic human technology. It was this around which Tarentek's life among his people revolved. His parents were warriors, so he was destined to learn how to fight for his people, but he was able to take up a specialization that better suited his interests. Throughout his training, Tarentek also made an almost tireless effort to learn about the technology their scouts recovered. He learned which materials were best for building their homes and fortifications, which of the human tools could be repaired, and which seemed to be forever broken. He learned about how to use and repair the old firearms some of their warriors used. With all of this, he was able to take on a role more complicated than a simple fighter. After his training was complete, Tarentek was placed in a scouting team tasked with exploring surrounding ruins, looking for old human technologies and materials his people could use. It was dangerous work, but even so, it was work he enjoyed. The thrill of uncovering these lost relics was something that inspired him through years of service to his people. In his travels through the region, the rumors of trouble in the east did reach his ear, but he never could have anticipated what they would truly mean for him.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Alright, here is the thread. I will put up my CS shortly.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Oh wait, forgot Lorag. Do you think I need to add something for him? Not sure I can think of anything that wouldn't be filler.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei patiently waited with Vera for Sabine and Kaleeth. Mostly, she allowed Vera to talk to the others and simply observed, chiming in when addressed, or when she felt she had been silent for too long. The others around them seemed to accept Vera's explanation for where Jerrick had gone, which made sense. After all, what reason would they have to doubt her? As well, no one seemed to pay attention to the fact that neither of them were eating, which was also sensible, since the clan had no particular reason to scrutinize them at the moment. If someone did ask about it, she could simply say they had already eaten. Eventually, Meesei spotted Kaleeth and Sabine entering the dining chamber, prompting her to wave them over to her. It took a few moments, but Kaleeth noticed, then joined Meesei and Vera along with Sabine. "Ah, good morning, Kaleeth, Sabine. I trust Ahnasha told you about what you will be doing? You will be with Vera for the next few hours. She will be teaching you more about the clan, just like the other lieutenants. Do not worry, myself and Sabine will watch after Rhazii." Meesei explained. Her voice was loud enough that others around them could hear, but not so loud as to call attention to it. "Did you get everything you will need from our room, Sabine?" She continued.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

After gathering up enough furs to make the cold bearable, Ahnasha was stopped by Sabine. “Like I said, just head to the dining chamber with Kaleeth and find Meesei. Make sure to get whatever you will need for the day. Just…do the best you can with whatever Meesei needs from you, Sabine, but don’t fear failure. If you worry yourself too much, you will make yourself make mistakes. Take care.” Ahnasha said, finally departing from the room and heading towards the ruin’s exit. Kaleeth gathered everything she thought she might possibly need, especially her weaponry. She carried her shield on her back and her weapon at her side so that she did not look as if she was expecting a fight, but she felt she was practiced enough to reach them quickly enough. Once ready, she picked up Rhazii, then made sure to set out something for Leaps to eat and drink while they were away. Everyone was too busy to look after the wamasu personally, so they would have to keep him locked in the room most of the day. They could clean up after him later. Kaleeth stood by the door as she waited for Sabine to finish getting whatever she needed, already starting to become anxious about the day ahead. --- Meesei was pleased to see that Vera was able to at least maintain the appearance of normality, and even somewhat of an upbeat attitude. Cooperation from the lieutenants was greatly helpful, and she would be sure to pay close attention to anyone who did not. Trouble from any of the lieutenants would not necessarily be proof of guilt, but it would certainly push suspicion onto them. If it turned out that Vera was not the traitor, Meesei was going to be sure to find a way to express her gratitude to her for her efforts. Like Vera, Meesei smiled in response to Anders. “Thank you. Be assured, I will be working tirelessly to keep the clan secure. Take care in the city.” --- Lorag gave a smirk and a chuckle. “Not yet.” He responded, giving no more hints as to what happened before adding his own comments to the conversation. All this subterfuge was really not his element, but he could at least give Harriet’s pack something to believe. “Wish the Champion wouldn’t at least given us a full night’s sleep, but there’s always somethin’ to do. All these preparations and everything; she’s really on top it when it comes to defense. Vile’s lackeys won’t know what to do once she’s finished. Hopefully we won’t end up needin’ all this preparation, but at least we’ll be safe.”

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

After Vera produced the gold for Ahnasha and Darahil recorded the expense, it seemed as if everyone was ready to move, but before they left Meesei quickly approached Ahnasha. "You can go ahead and be on your way. I will stay with Vera for the moment. On your way out, stop by our room and get Kaleeth and Sabine. Send them both to the dining hall to find me, and be sure to remind Sabine to gather everything she will need for today. Also, stay safe, Ahnasha." Ahnasha nodded in understanding, splitting off from the group as they all left the meeting room. Meesei stayed within sight of Vera, but also made a point to approach Darahil and speak specifically to him as they walked along. "We did not get a chance last night, but just as a reminder, I still need to see that rune in the meeting room." She said quietly before quickly returning to Vera's side. Once in the dining chamber, Meesei remained close to Vera. She was hungry, but she, and the rest of her pack, could wait for Ahnasha to return just as well as the lieutenants. Indeed, the likelihood of this specific meal being poisoned was almost none, but Meesei wanted to get into the habit of relying only on food she knew was safe. When Oswall asked if she wanted to make an announcement, she shook her head. "Thank you, but I do not have anything I wish to say at the moment. I will notify you if I do." Kaleeth had been awake along with Sabine for a short while before Ahnasha arrived, thanks to Rhazii. When she stepped into the room, she saw Rhazii, freshly clothed and freshly fed from the spare milk Ahnasha liked to keep among their supplies, in case someone else needed to feed him. He was sitting propped up against Kaleeth, playing with her tail. It seemed that there was still some food left over among the pack's supplies, as Kaleeth was just finishing up her breakfast. Ahnasha had gathered up as many empty bags and pouches as she could find from in and around the meeting room before she left, which Kaleeth immediately noticed. "What is going on? Are we going somewhere?" She asked. Ahnasha shook her head. "Not all of us, just me. Meesei tasked me with heading to Bruma to pick up food for us and the lieutenants. She's afraid the traitor might try to poison someone else. She wants you to stay with Vera while I'm away, Kaleeth. You're supposed to both protect her if the traitor tries to hurt her, and watch her closely to make sure she isn't the traitor. I also think she is supposed to teach you about the clan and her duties as a sort of...cover. Both of you are supposed to head to the dining chamber and find Meesei. She will tell you what to do from there. " There was a brief pause where Ahnasha's attention shifted to her son. Being separated from Rhazii brought back memories of Black Marsh and the cult of Molag Bal; memories that she wished she could be rid of. Since then, she had been dreading any sort of separation from Rhazii, but at least this time, one of her pack would be watching over him. "And...take good care of Rhazii, okay? You should have enough milk for the day; I'll try to prepare more when I can."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Through the night, each of the pack, including Meesei, took turns on watch, with the last being Fendros. Thankfully, it was a boring night for all involved, as they each started to awake in the morning with no one having been harmed. Meesei was among the first to rise, and she did not delay a moment in starting on her business for the day. As everyone did not awake at the same time, she was able to take a brief moment to speak to each of her pack individually while the others were either still asleep, or preparing for the day. With each, she made sure to stress that they keep an eye on their charges at all times, but to also be cautious. She warned them to try and make sure the lieutenants did not take them to too secluded of locations and, if the traitor did reveal themselves, to run instead of fight. As long as the traitor could be identified, their power to harm the clan would be diminished, so her pack's safety was more important than capturing the traitor. Eventually, everyone awoke in varying states of fatigue and general grogginess. It was fair to say that no one in the room was in a good mood, and there was no indication that would improve anytime soon. Regardless, out of duty to Hircine, Meesei would press on no matter what. After everyone looked to be reasonably awake, Meesei spoke up to the group as a whole. "This will be the first real day of the investigation. Hopefully, it will also be the last, but be prepared for it to go on regardless. To reiterate what I said last night, the lieutenants are going to need to go about their duties in as normal of a manner as possible. Obviously, you cannot leave the ruin, and I would strongly advise against going into the uninhabited sections as well. I am sure you can imagine how the traitor could take advantage of that. The clan knows I am here to bolster our defenses against Vile, so if anyone inquires on any kind of unusual behavior, you may cite that as the reason. Again, I need your help in maintaining order through all of this. You all can help to prevent the clan from falling into chaos, and for that I will be grateful. For now, I need enough coin so one of my pack can buy food for us all. You can choose to eat food from here if you cannot wait, but in doing so, you accept the danger that comes with it. Ahnasha, I will send you to Bruma for the supplies. Vera, can you acquire the coin for her? Another of my pack, Kaleeth, will stay with you while she is gone. We can go to collect her on the way."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei waited in complete silence as she allowed the traitor to consider her offer. As much as she wanted to make sure the traitor was punished, it was best for the clan if the situation was resolved as soon as possible. Therefore, she was honest in her offer. As an exile, the traitor could no longer cause harm to the clan, or at least, not from within. However, after a short time, it became clear that the traitor was not willing to step forward, so Meesei uncrossed her arms and stepped forward closer to the center of the room. "Very well." Meesei said, her tone firm and disappointing. "If you do not wish to admit to the betrayal in front of the others, you may approach me any time before the end of tomorrow. Until then, the offer stands, and you will be allowed to leave unharmed. However, after that point, your fate is sealed. Now, as for right now, I acknowledge that the day has been long, and stressful. There is more I need to do before I can question you further, but since I cannot do them until tomorrow, then we are done for today. We can all retire for the night and get as much rest as we can. First thing tomorrow, I am going to need enough coin for one of my pack to head to Bruma for food, so as to eliminate the possibility of another poisoning. I will not stop you from eating what is already here, but you do so at your own risk. Also, to prevent harm from coming to any of you, or my own pack, we should all sleep in the same room. I can have one of my pack up as a lookout at all times to ensure the traitor is unable to enact any plans in the night. Tomorrow, you will need to go about your duties as close to normally as possible. We need to be careful not to cause any alarm among the clan as a whole. According to Jerrick's warning, it is divisive chaos among the clan that will threaten to tear it apart. If you are wondering what you can do to help in all of this, that is it: preserving the peace, keeping the confidence of the clan. I need your cooperation. One of you is a traitor, but the rest of us are all on the same side. Ideally, the clan should not know of Jerrick's death until after the full moons have passed. I will not directly lie to the clan, but word will get around that he is away on important business. Do whatever you can to avoid contradicting that rumor. If it becomes necessary to tell the clan before the full moons, then be sure not to indicate that any of you are suspects. If the people do not think we are divided, then they will not be divided either. Now, are there any questions before we retire for the night?" Meesei did not want to reveal too much of her plans to the lieutenants, but there was no way they could be successful without their cooperation. As well, if the traitor wanted to reveal the truth to the clan, they would have to take a heavy risk of exposing themselves.