----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Excerpt from The Book of Hands We see the sky, we see the land, we see the water; and we wonder - are we the only ones? Long before we came to exist, the Humans ruled the Earth. They made marvelous things, and moved whole mountains. They knew the Secret of Flight, the Secret of Happiness, and other secrets beyond our imagining. The Humans also knew the Secret of Life, and they used it to give us The Four Great Gifts - thinking minds, feeling hearts, speaking mouths, and reaching hands. We are their children. They taught us how to use our hands, and how to speak. They showed us the joy of using out minds. The loved us, and, when we were ready, they surely would have given us The Secret of Happiness. Now, we see the sky, the land, and the water that we are heir to, and we wonder - why did they leave? Do they live still, and whence? In the stars? In the depths of the ocean? In the wind? We wonder - was their fate good, or evil... ...and will we also share the same fate one day? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Book of Tribes Elk Tribe The Elk Tribe is regarded as perhaps the most noble of all tribes, with a long history of chivalry and bravery in the aid and defense of other tribes. In fact, they are generally recognized as the guardians of the forest, although their authority is constantly being challenged by other, more belligerent tribes. Their king is recognized as the King of the Forest, and many disputes between other tribes are taken before him for arbitration. His kindness and wisdom are well known and respected throughout the Known Lands. Rat Tribe The Rat Tribe is perhaps the oldest of the Morph tribes, and the most mysterious. They are also the only tribe which keeps a written record of their history dating back almost to the time of the Humans. The Rats lead a monk-like existance in their underground dwelling. They rarely have contact with other tribes, although their wisdom and secrecy have made them highly effective diplomats bewtween tribes. They are almost obsessive about gathering and logging information, and are excellent puzzle-solvers. Fox Tribe The Fox Tribe is a Gypsy-like tribe, generally considered to be rather rustic and backward. They are, however, quite clever, and are excellent survivors. Although they are extremely loyal and loving to their own families, they have acquired the reputation of being sneaky and untrustworthy, and are regared as thieves by most of the other tribes. Boar Tribe The Boars are perhaps the most belligerent and warlike of all the tribes. They are, for the most part, bullies, and will fight for the pleasure of fighting. They are extremely hedonistic and chauvinistic, valuing food, wine, sex, and mudbaths above all else. They deal with other tribes through intimidation, and are hated and feared by most other tribves. They hate and fear the Elk, and see them as the only barrier to domination of the other tribes. Ferret Tribe The Ferrets are among the hardest workers of any of the tribes. They love to build things, and have a constant curiosity about anything new and different. Extremely clannish, they meet daily in their Lodge to discuss new ideas and methods of construction. They are compulsive tinkers, and are valued for their fine crafts, ranging from woodcarvings to blown glass. Mouse Tribe The Mice, for the most part, are a cheerful, pragmatic race. Most families tend to work in the field, but they also tend to be excellent businessmen. They get along well with other species, and tend to be good traders. Socially, they are very close-knit and family-oriented. Dog Tribe There are very few Dogs in the Known Lands. Most have gathered in a solitary fortress far to the north. They tend toward militaristic behavior, but are much too lazy to successfully pull it off. They much prefer to lie in the sun and play. They are extremely self-indulgent and elitist, thoroughly believing the old legends that they were the Human's favorite, and much too good for the rest of the tribes. The Dogs can also be quite vicious, and are known to have a short fuse. The Dogs that have chosen a life-style indepentent of the pack tend to be tradesmen. They are more social, and are generally valued as good friends. Cat Tribe The Cats, as you might expect, tend to be rather mysterious and solitary. They are excellent hunters, warm and loving to their families, and proud of their heritage. Also, they, of all the tribes, lean most toward a primitive spirituality. Mole Tribe Alas, the poor Mold has a rather tough time of this worls. Still afflicted with exceedingly poor eyesight, they nonetheless try to carve a niche for themselves in whatever trade the ply. However, they are known to be rather ill-tempered and easily confused, so they are neither generally considered to be desirable workers nor acquaintances. Bear Tribe The Bears are the gentle giants of the Morph world. They seem to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and are quite good at manual labor as long as they can keep their minds on it. They are slow to anger, but more than one Morph has fallen by pushing a Bear too far. Ram Tribe The Rams live in the more mountainous areas, and only occasionally deign to mix with the "lower Morph". They are extremely haughty and elitist, although the Rams as a species are not known for any particular contribution to Morph culture. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Few Notable Morph Elk Tribe First King Relah Current King Tallek Captain of the Guard Feowah First winner of the Highest Bravery Award Lenmar Rat Tribe Head Librarian Thane Chief Researcher Sar Master Indexer Nylock Latest Historical Scholarship Award Cowl Fox Tribe First Chieftain Rass Current Chieftess Yisha Boar Tribe Current King Broug Head Chef Hok Captain of the Guard Chun Keeper of the Royal Mud Krohag Ferret Tribe Chief Tinker Zak Current Guildmaster Daggle Youngest Apprentice to achieve Journeyman Jark Discoverer of glassmaking Zheet Mouse Tribe Latest Best Salesman Award Winner Callis Bluebridge First Explorer of the Eastern Forests Chabys Morningbell Current Western Regional Dance Champion Tyran Whitebrook Dog Tribe First King Hunter Newmoon Duke of the Bone Hills Laddie Redfur High Chancellor Honey Fleetfoot Knight of the High Keep Max Sheperd Cat Tribe Chieftess of the Northern Tribes Miwrrow Consort to the Northern Chieftess Prriwan Chieftess of the Southern Tribes Mirrm Consort to the Southern Chieftess Tirrm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pictures Elara at the Sanctuary of the Orb of Storms Rhene and Rif In the Hall of the Elk King The Guards of the Boar King Sist in his Office Prince and his Harem The Wildcat Tribe The camp of the Dark Claw Wolves The Ferret Village ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inherit the Earth Prologue The campfire painted a warm, yellow glow on the surrounding trees, replacing the soft silver of the full moon. Rif slowly rotated a freshly-caught trout over the fire as Rhene combed the burrs and briars from her long, bushy tail. They were but three days journey out of the camp of the Fox Tribe, but already Rhene was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Rif, on the other hand, seemed to gather strength with each step, fueled by the excitement of the coming day. "When do you think we shall arrive at the Faire, Rif?" asked Rhene. "If we leave at daybreak, we should arrive by mid-morning." replied Rif. "Then perhaps you should get some sleep." said Rhene. "I'm too excited to sleep. I've waited all year for the Puzzle Faire, and tomorrow we will be there." Rif's eyes watched their dinner, but his mind was already into the next day. Although Rhene did not share her friend's excitement, she understood it. After all, Rif was the best puzzle-solver in the Fox Tribe. He had defeated all of his tribe's challengers at many types of games, and was now ready to take on the best of the other tribes. Rhene knew here friend better than anyone, though, and she knew that in order for him to be at his best, he needed to be well rested. Perhaps if she got his mind of of the Faire... "Isn't the sky beautiful tonight?" asked Rhene, moving closer to the fire. "Er... yes. Quite nice." replied Rif, abesntmindedly. "Do you ever wonder if the Humans are actually out there somewhere, watching us?" wondered Rhene, dreamily. "Humans! Humph!" scoffed Rif. "You don't really believe those old stories, do you?" "But what about the cave paintings? The artifacts?" "Perhaps some strange, hairless beings did walk the earth long ago, but I don't believe the part about flying machines, and the humans ascending into the clouds, and all that nonsense." Rhene pulled her blanket around her. "What about the Book of Hands?" "Just stories to lull the kits to sleep." replied Rif. He had heard all of the stories when we was a kit - about how the Humans were here long before the Morph, that the Humans had taught the Morph how to use their hands, gave them voices, showed them how to walk upright, rode in great skyplanes, and went to live in the clouds, someday to return for the Morph. He didn't really believe the stories when he was a kit, and he certainly didn't believe them now. The Morph had always been here, thought Rif - like the trees, the rocks, or the sky. He would not be fooled by some silly myth. "Besides," continued Rif, "if these Humans had the ability to travel back and forth to the clouds, don't you think they would have come back by now? Why did they leave? Why did a whole race just vanish?" Rif looked over at Rhene. The gentle rising and falling of her blanket told Rif that she had fallen fast asleep. It was just as well, thought Rif. There would be little opportunity for sleep once they got to the Faire. Rif took the trout and wrapped it in a leaf. It would make a fine breakfast, he thought. As the coals of the campfire began to dim, Rif leaned back and gazed at the stars overhead. Could there be someone else out there, he wondered? What if the legends were true? Rif shook the questions from his mind. Better to think of more practical matters. His eyes closed as his thoughts drifted to the Faire, and to the challenges that lay before him. Little did he know just how challenging this journey would be! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The final round of the Ground Tournament. Rif was seated across a checkered gameboard from the only other Morph to make it this far, a cloaked Rat. Behind each of them were bleachers, filled with interested onlookers. Rif moved a piece, then his opponent did. He moved another, and the Rat triumphantly moved his. "Haha! I won! I won! I knew I could defeat you." "What? Why...how did you...?" "My Paladin made it through the forest to home base. While your pawn was still searching in the Cave of Tears." explained the Rat. "You were taken totally by surprise." Rif covered his face with his hands. "How could I have allowed myself to be defeated by such a simple trick?" "You weren't defeated by a trick. You were defeated by your own cockiness. You were already polishing the Victory Medallion instead of concentrating on the Puzzle." "That's not true! I was... I was..." Saving him from an explanation, the Master of the Faire walked in. He was another rat, dressed in purple robes accented with gold. He walked in front of the finalists, and called out "Hear Ye, Hear Ye! It is time for the awarding of the prizes. The Silver Medallion for second place is awarded to Rrif, of the Fox Tribe." Rif knelt, and the Medallion was hung around his neck. "And, the First Prize of the Gold Medallion goes to Scorry of the Rat Tribe." Scorry recieved his medal. "Congratulations to both of our winners. Now, everyone enjoy the Faire!" From one of the bleachers, Rhene came over to congratulate him. "Oh, Rif! You won! You got the Silver Medallion for second place!" "It's not first place. I should have won FIRST place! I was too busy thinking about the prize instead of the puzzle. I should have -" Saving him from another explanation, five elk dressed in the uniforms of the Forest Guard entered the tent. One, wearing the colours of a captain, shouted "Attention, everyone! By authority of the Forest King, I hereby declare this Faire officially closed!" The Master of the Faire hurried in. "What is the meaning of this?" "The Orb of Storms has been stolen from its resting place." "The Orb of Storms!" exclaimed the Master. "This is most distressing." "Until the Orb has been returned, everyone is confined to their homes while a full investigation is conducted." Suddenly five boars entered the tent. They were also dressed in uniforms, and the one in front angrily said, "Confined? Boars cannot be confined! We go where we want! We do what we want!" "Including, perhaps, stealing the Orb of Storms?" demanded the Elk captain. "Boars do not steal! Why would we steal it?" "The Orb predicts storms. Storms bring rain. Rain brings mud! And who likes mud better than anything?" he asked rhetorically. "Boars!" "Bah! If we has wanted the Orb, we would've just walked in boldly and taken it. No, elk, we are not thieves. We do not sneak around and steal - like the fox!!" "Hey...!!!" exclaimed Rif. "Quiet! Or is there something you'd like to tell us?" asked the Elk captain. "Ju... just that foxes don't always steal. Some of us have never stolen anything." "Confess, fox, tell us where you were last evening before sundown." "I camped in the woods overnight on my way here." "And I suppose someone saw you and can confirm this?" Rhene jumped in. "I can! I was with him the whole time." The Boar Captain laughed. "Harrr!! First, one fox lies and then the other fox does by saying the first one was telling the truth. We Boars want the Orb returned! As much as I hate to admit, there is truth in what the Elk Captain has said. Without the Orb, we will not know when the rains will come. We will not know when to prepare the mud baths. All this makes the Boars very mad!! We want answers now!! And Morphs without answers will get hurt!" The Elk captain asked, "Are you threatening us?" "Boars will hurt! Boars will hurt all! Boars want the Orb back - NOW!" "Very well, Captain, I'll deal with this." He turned to Rif and Rhene. "Under the authority granted me by the Forest King I arrest you both for the theft of -" "But you can't do that! We haven't stolen anything." Rif objected. "I'm afraid I'll have to hold the two of you in custody until this puzzle is solved." "Puzzle? You say, this is a puzzle?" He laughed. "Them I'm the last person you want to arrest." "What do you mean?" "See this medallion? This is for second place in the Puzzle-Solving Contest. If anyone can find the Orb of Storms and bring it back to you, it's me." "Well then, Fox, I suppose it is up to you after all. Very well. You have until the next New Moon to find the Orb." "Okay, see you then! C'mon, Rhene..." "...However, just to make sure that you return, I will send one of my warriors along with you. Lieutenant Eeah, please step forward." One of the Elk advanced a pace. "Lieutenant Eeah, you will accompany them on their quest. Aid them wherever and whenever you can. But if they try to escape or refuse to return, your orders are to use whatever force is necessary to return them to stand trial. Is that perfectly clear, Lieutenant?" "Yes, my Captain." "Wait! Boars do not trust foxes. Boars do not trust Elk. Both are weak fools! I will send along a true warrior - one who will get the job done. Okk!!" A Boar stepped forward a pace. "Okk! Go with them. Find this Orb. If they do not find the Orb... kill them!! If you suspect treachery, kill them. If they try to escape, kill them. If they are lying, kill them." "What about if we snore too loudly?" Rif asked sarcastically. "Rif!!" exclaimed Rhene. The offended Boar captain growled, "Maybe I won't wait. Maybe I'll kill them now!" "ENOUGH!" shouted the Elk captain. He turned back to Rif. "Now go. Remember, you only have until the next New Moon to complete your quest." "Wait!" said the Boar captain. "I do not trust you most of all, young fox. So, to make sure you come back... we will keep your little friend." He grabbed Rhene, and pulled her into the middle of his group. "Owww! Rif!!" "Rhene!!" "If you don't return by then, why I'll just have me a new pelt for my wall! Mruhahahaha! Remember. If you return by the next New Moon, your friend will be released unharmed. Now GO!" The Boars turned and left. "Rhene! Rhene..." The Elk captain offered, "I suggest you concentrate on completing your task. Remember, you only have until -" "- the next New Moon... you don't have to remind me. I'll be here - and I'll have the Orb with me." "I hope that you do. Lieutenant Eeah, you're in charge. Carry on, and Godspeed." "Yes, sir." With that, the Elk captain took the rest of his men. Rif turned to his companions, and said, "Well, my new friends, our quest lies ahead. Let us not keep it waiting." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rif: A Fox, with red fur, black ears, hands and feet, white tip on tail, blue eyes, white chin, cheeks, neck and chest, yellow vest with red lacing, light brown breeches. Okk: A Boar, dark brown fur, tusks, blue tunic with leather shoulder pads(?), darker blue breeches, brown shoes. "I have my orders to help you. Lead on as you wish, but I'll be watching everything you do." Eeah: An tall Elk, large (at least 4-point) antlers, green tunic to mid- thigh, orange-brown breeches to knee, studded leather bracers. "I'm here to assist you, not intimidate you. I'll do as you wish." Game table: R:"This is the scene of my humiliating defeat." Game board: R:"I'll get a rematch! Then they'll see!" Silver second-prize medallion: R:"Next time, this will be gold!" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The faire: there are many empty stalls and several tents, lined up on the sides of some paths. On the north and south of the fairegrounds are some empty buildings. O:"I barely got a chance to enjoy the faire and here I am on assignment again." E:"This was one of the best faire we've ever had. Well, for most of us, anyway." A scowling Ram, brown eyes, light brown fur, large curling yellow horns, brown vest and breeches, wandering about the faire. R:"This is a handsome Ram. Not as handsome as HE thinks he is, but..." Rif:"Good day to you, sir. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?" Ram fairegoer:"Ah! If it isn't the fox that closed down the faire and ruined my vacation. Would I mind if you asked me a few questions? Of course not. You may wasts all of my time if you wish." R:"Er...ah,... would you tell me..." "...what I was doing at the time of the theft? Of course. I was butting heads with one of the other fairegoers." R:"You were having an argument with him?" "I didn't say I was arguing with him. I said we were butting heads." R:"Who do you think might have stolen the Orb?" "I think it was the Rats. No, no. On second thought, I think it was the Bears. However, it could have been the Dogs. My vote, however, is with one of those crafty foxes. All the fingers seem to be pointing to them, and to one in particular...and I have seen no evidence to the contrary. Have you?" R:"Do you have any idea why someone might have wanted to steal the Orb?" "Hmm. Something that predicts the weather, tells us the seasons -- something upon which out entire agricultural existence depends -- I can't possibly imagine why anyone would want to steal that old thing. Perhaps to make into a necklace. What do you think?" R:"What do you know about these Orbs?" "Only two things. One, they are round. Hence, the name Orb. Two, the theft of one has caused the complete ruination of my vacation at this faire. That is all I know about them, and that is all I want to know about them." R:"Can you give me any advice in looking for the missing Orb?" "Yes, I can. I suggest you take the longest, most difficult route available. Don't forget to stop occasionally and bang your head with a large rock or other blunt instrument. Bury your face in a hill of red ants whenever you can. And, if you should run across any Rams that might be on holiday, don't forget to take time out and TOTALLY RUIN IT FOR THEM!!!" R:"I ...er,... thank you for..." "Farewell, young Fox. If we never meet again, it will be too soon." He walks off. R:"Wow! What a sorehead! Hey! A Ram. Butting heads. Sorehead. That's pretty good! Heh heh heh!" A Rat in a blue robe with gold trimming, hood up, a purple cape with a gold clasp, wandering about the faire. R:"The Rats have always aroused my curiosity." Rif:"Good day to you, sir." Rat:"Humph! Forced to pack up and move out before my wares are sold -- this is not a good day, sir!" R:"Would you be so kind as to tell me where you were evening last?" "I was working my booth, trying to make a meager living. I am a merchant. Where else would I be?" R:"And what is it you sell around here?" "I am a bookseller." R:"Can you think of anyone who would want to steal the Orb of Storms?" "The Orb is valuable to many races. It could have been anyone here -- it could have been no one here." R:"Why would anyone steal the Orb?" "The Orb has great value. It could be used by many races." R:"How would you use it?" "I am a merchant. If I has such an Orb... I would sell it to the highest bidder. Then, I could retire and live the rest of my days in luxury." R:"What do you know of these Orbs?" "I only know that they came from the Time Before, when Man walked the Earth. I do not know how they were made, not how they came to contain their powers." R:"Can you offer any advice for my quest?" "Trust no one -- not even your travelling companions. Sleep lightly. Watch your back at all times, and, should you obtain the Orb's return, get rid of it as quickly as you can, or it will become a curse upon your life." R:"Thank you for your time and trouble, good sir. You have been most helpful." An smiling Otter, with green eyes, dark brown fur and lighter chin, neck, and belly, pink vest, wandering about the faire. R:"This fellow obviously lives by his wits. I must use care in dealing with him." R:"Excuse me, friend. Could we ask you some questions?" Otter:"Time is money, my friend. If you want one, it will cost you the other." R:"But, we have very little money, and we will need it for our quest to find the Orb of Storms." "Sorry, friend. Like I said--no dime, no time. 'Bye now." O:"Perhaps keeping your head attached to your body has some value to you." "Y..Y...Yes. It cer...certainly does. R:"Now then, what were you doing last night when the Orb was stolen?" "I was playing dominos out behind one of the tents. Honest! I was there all evening." E:"And others can vouch for that fact?" "Sure! Plenty of people saw me." R:"Do you know of anyone who might have stolen the Orb?" "Are you joking? I know plenty of people who might have stolen it, but I don't know of anyone who DID steal it, and that's the truth!" E:"You seem to associate with a fairly unsavory lot. Have you heard any rumors among your companions?" "Not a thing. Most of the people I know are into petty theft...nothing as big as an Orb." E:"But the Orb is quite valuable. You and your friends have every motive for stealing it." "Suppose I did steal the Orb. What would I do with it? You can't fence something like that. No. Stealing the Orb is way out of my league." R:"What do you know about the Orb?" "No more than anyone else. It's the Orb that predicts the weather and tells us when to plant the crops. It's been around since the time of Man. That's all I know. Honest." E:"Do you have any advice for us on our search?" "This thing is big. It's much too big a job for one person." R:"You mean one person could not have stolen it?" "One person might have stolen it...but it would take a whole syndicate to either use it or get rid of it. Whoever made off with it is bound to have some really powerful contacts." E:"Well, my friend, if you run across any information, we would be most grateful if you would share it with us." O:"And if you don't let us know, it will make me most displeased. Do we understand each other?" "W...w...we most certainly do! If I hear of anything, you'll be the first to know!" R:"See that we are. Farewell." A white Ferret with blonde hair, pink eyes, a purple headband, purple tunic, blue half-cape, and yellow breeches, standing in frone of some glass sculptures, to the south of the gaming tent. R:"I don't trust this ferret." R:"Excuse me, my good lady, but my companions and I are in search of the Orb of Storms." Ferret merchant:"The Orb? Go on..." R:"Perhaps you could tell us where you were evening last." "I was in my wagon preparing my sculptures for today's sale. They are quite beautiful, are they not?" R:"Is there anyone who could vouch for your whereabouts?" "I'm afraid not. No one saw me from early yesterday evening until today." R:"Can you tell me who might have stolen the Orb?" "Someone very clever. I understand Orbs are heavily guarded. In order for someone to steal one, he would have to be very clever indeed -- or be someone that even the guards would not suspect. R:"What would you do with such an Orb if you had it in your possession?" "I'd try to take it apart -- find out how it worked. What a feat of engineering! What skill that would take!" R:"What do you know of these Orbs?" "I know they contain the secrets of nature itself. I do not understand how they work. It has been my fondest wish to be able to take one apart and look inside for myself. Perhaps someday..." R:"Do you have any advice to help us on our quest?" "I cannot help you find the Orb, but once you find it, I suggest you learn all you can about it. Then bring your knowledge to me and I'll see if I can make another. Together, we could become very rich." R:"Thank you for your time, friend Ferret. I must be off." "Don't forget what I said. I will anxiously await your return." A tall brown Bear, dark green fur-trimmed robe, black belt, light green fur- trimmed half cape, puzzled expression, standing in front of a lot of jars/pots to the northwest of the gaming tent. R:"Things could be worse. They might have sent the Bear along to search for the Orb." R:"Pardon me, my friend. I'm conducting an investigation. Would you mind answering a few questions for me? "You want to ask me questions? I'm not very good at answering questions, but I'll try." He smiles. R:"Where were you last night?" Surprised look. "I KNOW THIS ONE! Don't tell me. Let me think." R:"Er. Mr. Bear..." Smile. "WAIT A MINUTE! Let's see...last night...today, I'm here,... Oh yeah! Last night, I was here too. I was getting my wares ready to sell." R:"And what exactly is it that you sell?" "Sweets. Fruit on a stick, honey on a stick, honeyed fruits on a stick. It it's sweet and will fit on a stick, I'll sell it." R:"Who do you think might have stolen the Orb of Storms?" Puzzled look. "Hmmm... That's a hard one. Who stole the Orb? Let's see. I thnk it was...THE THIEF." R:"ER,...the thief?" Smile. "That's right. If you find the thief, you'll have the person who stole the Orb." R:"Why do you think some...er, the thief, might have stolen the Orb?" Puzzled look. "Maybe it was pretty. Maybe it tasted good. Maybe it was fun to roll around and play with." Smile. R:"What do you know about the Orb of Storms?" "It's been stolen!" R:"I know it's been stolen! I just don't know by whom!" "I'll bet it was that thief you were talking about!" R:"I didn't say there was a thief -- you did!" Surprised look. "There wasn't a thief? Whew, that's good! It would be awful if someone stole one of those Orbs." R:"Aaaarrghhh!!!" Smile. R:"What advice would you give in searching for the Orb?" Puzzled look. "Umm. Let's see. Take some warm clothes, especially your mittens, and a warm hat. And don't forget your galoshes. Always be polite and say "please" and "thank you"." Smile. R:"What's that...?" "What's what?" R:"I believe I hear someone calling me." Puzzled look. "I don't hear..." R:"Thank you so much for your time and trouble, Mr. Bear." Smile. "And don't take any wooden nickels!" A tent, with a purple circular sign in front, a picture of a crystal ball with lightning bolt shooting out of it. Inside, the room has a lot of red drapes on the walls, a thick carpet, and a cat sitting behind some colored crystals standing on end between two candles on a very short table. The cat is wearing a purple dress with green sleeves, a golden necklace and a golden hairpiece. She has dark blue eyes, brown fur fading slightly in the muzzle, and purple mascara. R:"Perhaps she can provide me with some answers. R:"Excuse me..." "Ah! You wish to have your fortune told. What is your name?" R:"My name is Rif, and I come here seeking information." "Information is my business." R:"Not about myself but rather...about the Orb of Storms." "Ah, so you are the one sent to seek the Orb. Bid your friends wait elsewhere, and I will supply the information you seek." Okk and Eeah leave the tent. Rif kneels. R:"Now then, about the Orb of Storms..." "Patience, my handsome friend. First, let me see your palm." Rif stands up and shows it to her. "Interesting, you may now ask your questions." Rif kneels again. R:"I suppose you were in your booth last evening telling fortunes?" "NOW who is telling fortunes? I was here, kitling, all evening." Rif stands up and walks next to the crystals.. "Perhaps you could look into your crystal and tell me who did this deed." "Very well." She looks. "I can see forms--many forms--but I cannot make them out." She looks. "I sense great power." She keeps looking. "Your quest will be a most dangerous one." Rif kneels back down. "For what purpose was the Orb stolen?" "If the thief would sell information on the seasons and weather to other tribes... it would make him very rich indeed." R:"What do you know of the Orbs?" "I know that the Orb of Storms is but one of several. I also know that all of the Orbs are somehow linked to a Great Intelligence from which their powers are derived." R:"And what is the source of this Great Intelligence?" "That is a mystery that died with the humans." R:"What advice can you give me on my quest?" "I suggest you examine the scene of the crime." Rif stands. "You may find other pieces to your puzzle there." R:"You mean journey to the Sanctuary of the Orb of Storms?" "Yes. There you will find the Old One, Elara. She may help you, but, first, you must convince her that your heart is true." Rif kneels yet again. Rif stands. "Then I shall be on my way. Thank you for your help and counsel." "Will you not tarry a while longer? Perhaps a soft bed will rest and refresh you for your journey." R:"My friend is being held prisoner. Until she is free, there will be no rest for me." "I see. Then off with you, handsome one. May fortune smile upon you." Rif leaves the tent and rejoins Okk and Eeah. An old woman rodent (possibly a Hedgehog), wearing a fraying brown robe and leaning on a wooden cane on the path leading to the faire's entrance. R:"Methinks her personality is as prickly as her skin." R:"Excuse me, my good woman, but could I trouble you long enough to ask you a few questions?" "Oh, very well. Ask your questions, but make them brief!" R:"Where were you last night just after dusk?" "Where I was and what I was doing is none of your business." R:"Do you have any suspicions of who may have stolen the Orb of Storms?" "There are plenty around here who would be mean enough to do it. I wouldn't put it past any of them." R:"Can you suggest why someone might have stolen the Orb?" "Because people are mean! They're just plain mean! The minute you get anything nice, someone is going to come along and steal it from you. It's always been that way, and that's the way it'll always be!" R:"Do you have any information about the stolen Orb?" "Now, do I look like the type of person who would have information about these silly Orbs? Seems like people put so much importance on these Orbs, they've forgotten how to do anything for themselves. Know what I mean?" R:"Could you offer me any advice on my search?" "The only advice I have is to not take any advice from anybody! They don't know what they're talking about. They'll just try to steal from you, or cheat you, or get whatever you've got. People are like that!" R:"Yes ma'am." R:"Well, I must be off. Thank you so much for your time and wisdom, my good woman. It has truly been a pleasure talking to you!" She smiles. "Well...er, thank you, young man. It was nice to talk to you, too. Such a polite young man! Good luck to you and your companions, just you be careful. There's so much meanness out there, you know!." R:"Yes, ma'am. Fare you well." A tent just inside the entrance to the faire. A mole moneychanger is walking between several chests and bags of gold coins. He is dressed in a light grey vest, dark brown shirt and breeches. Eeah waits outside, E:"I'll wait out here, the tent is small enough without me." O:"This little sneak can't be trusted. Believe me." R:"Good day to you... Friend Mole... I was wondering..." "...If I can still exchange your currency? What would be your pleasure?" R:"We are seeking information. We are investigating the disappearance of the Orb of Storms." The mole takes a step back. "So!" He steps back forward. "You are the ones who have ruined the faire!" He walks to one of the bags. "Begone! I have nothing to say to you!" Rif steps closer. "Then you have no knowledge of the Orb's disappearance?" "I have no knowledge of anything! Now leave me alone!" He walks to one of the chests. R:"Tell us what you know about the Orb!" "I told you, I know nothing! Now begone!" He makes shooing motions. R:"Have you noticed any large amounts of money changing hands of late?" "No, and if I had, I wouldn't tell YOU. The only hands I care about are mine..." he looks at them "...and since there is no money to be changed here, I'll bid you adieu. ...adieu!" R to Okk:"I see I will have to try a different approach with this one." to the mole:"It seems that of all people at this faire... you are the one who would have the most to gain by the theft of the Orb!" "I? What would I have to gain?" R:"A thing of such value would surely bring a good price... and a moneychanger would be the first to which the thief would go to ransom the prize. Tell us what you know, or we will turn you over to the authorities." "You can do nothing. You have no evidence, you have no proof... all you have are wild accusations. Now, go away. You waste my time. R:"We have very little money. Can you help us?" "That depends on what you have of value..." he walks around Rif, looking him over "...nothing." R:"except my silver medallion." "Ah! Silver! I'll give you twenty credits for it." R:"My medallion is not for sale." "Twenty credits is the best I can do. Take it or leave it!" R:"You don't understand. A friend once told me that I should be proud of this medallion. It is for her that I wear it." "Very will, my sentimental young friend." R:"Find then. Goodbye!" "And don't come back!" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sanctuary: R:"Wow! Look at the size of those knockers!" E:"Indeed! Let's hope those inside are responsice to our inquiries." O:"I don't care, as long as they answer our questions." O:"I like big gates, they give me a good, secure feeling." E:"I'll bet I could jump this gate if I really wanted to." Okk knocks thrice. The gates squeak open. The three walk in. There's a smaller, single gate in front of them. There are many buildings, and several yellow-robed rabbits can be seen moving around inside. O:"Be careful, Rif. Overlook nothing!" E:"We're on the right track! I can feel it." Rabbit:"Where is my cup? Has anyone seen my cup?" Rif eventually find the cup under a bench. They follow the most obvious path to another closed gate, open it, and walk through. They see the Sanctuary, a strangely rounded building. R:"Very interesting architecture." Two statues of cats guard the stairs leading to the entrance. R:"Pretty foxy-looking statues." O:"The temple looks quite boring from here." E:"The temple looks quite beautiful from here." They walk to the temple. Inside, a cat in a purple robe with gold trim asks "What do you want?" R:"We seek Elara, Matron of the Orb." "You have found her. Identify yourselves!" R:"My name is Rif. These are my companions...Eeah...Lieutenant of the Forest King. ...and Sergeant Okk...of the Boar Guard. We have come to find the Orb of Storms." "For what purpose?" R:"To return it here." "How do I know you're not planning to keep it for yourself?" [R:"You have my word of honor." "And what do I know of your honor? There are rumors that the Orb was stolen by a fox. How do I know that you are not the thief himself?" R:"There is no evidence of my guilt -- only the prejudice of small minds. If I were in possission fo the Orb, why would I return?" "Perhaps to see what else you can steal." R:"But, I..." "Enough! The Orb of Storms was in my care, and now it is gone! I will not risk further desecration by allowing outsiders to poke their noses around this Sanctuary. Leave at once!" |R:"I have no personal interest in the Orb." "Then why do you search for the Orb?" R:"I have been falsely accused of the theft, and my friend is being held hostage until the Orb is returned." "I see." R:"So, my only motive in locating the Orb is to obtain my friend's release." "I sympathize with your situation. However... you and your friends are outsiders, and, as such, cannot be allowed to stay."] E:"Wait! I represent your great friend, the King of the Forest. Does that mean nothing to you?" "Our friendship means a great deal, but how do I know you represent him?" E:"Do I not wear the uniform of the Elk Guard?" "Anyone can wear a uniform. Bring me a token of authority from the King himself, and you shall have my cooperation in conducting your investigation." O:"What shall the token be?" "The King will know." R:"But, our time is short. We have only until the New Moon to find the Orb." "Then I suggest you make haste. Now, go! Go! Return when you have the token." Just before the forest. Birds twitter. Flowers Bloom. E:"Ah! Home at last! Every time I stand at this hallowed gate, I am in awe of what lies within. Trees, flowers, streams, fish, an abundance of food -- what more could anyone ask?" O:"Mud, of course!" R:"The Writ of Authority will suffice for me." Large Tree. R:"A sturdy old tree, but impossible to climb." Flowers. R:"A beautiful sight, a lovely scent... It's nice to be able to pause like this." Rocky Outcropping. R:"Nothing special about it." The Forest King's inner court. He sits in a throne, while several courtiers stand nearby, as do several guards. E:"Your Majesty, we are most grateful for this audience." FK:"This, of course, is the fox accused fo stealing the Orb, and the representative of the Boar Guard." R:"I see your sources keep you well informed, Your Majesty." FK:"You did not come here to compliment my knowledge of current events. How may I be of service to you?" R:"I didn't steal the Orb. I really didn't." FK:"Then let Truth be your sword and Honor your shield, and you shall have nothing to fear." R:"I ask your mercy, mighty King. I have been wrongly accused of the theft." FK:"I am well aware of your predicament. However, the Orb must be found if war with the Boar is to be avoided. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if the Boar are the ones who stole it." O:"The Boars have stolen nothing! We do not want war." FK:"Perhaps your people do not... But your leaders most certainly do." O:"That's a lie!" R:"Your Majesty, if we do not succeed, many innocent people will die. Is this justice?" FK:"If you cannot find the Orb, we will be unable to plant crops and grow food. Is that justice? It will turn tribe against tribe; neighbor against neighbor. There will be war. Is that justice? If the Orb falls into the wrong hands, it will be used to blackmail all of us. Is that justice?" R:"But, Your Majesty..." FK:"The theft of the Orb demands blood -- yours or someone else's. [R:"In our investigation, we sought to explore the Sanctuary of the Orb. We were, however, stopped by Elara, Matron of the Sanctuary." O:"Yeah! She won't let us in unless you say so." E:"What the Boar Guard means is that she requires a token of authority before she will grant us admittance." O:"Isn't that what I said?" FK:"Elara is wise. There is no one more qualified to guard the Orb than she, and of all of us who feel its loss, it is she who feels it most deeply. Here, take this to her. This will convince her of your authority." O:"A golden apple? That's IT?" FK:"This apple will speak volumes. Now, go! Your quest will be an arduous one, and time is of the essence...if war with the Boar is to be avoided." R:"We are in your debt, Your Majesty." | R:"Our search has come to a standstill, Your Majesty. I have come to ask your advice." FK:"Very well. I shall give it to you... Get back out there and keep looking, and don't come back until you have enws of the Orb. R:"But, Your Majesty..." FK:"Say no more, fox. You try my patience. Now, begone! I have no more to say to you." | R:"Good day to you, Your Majesty." FK:"Go in peace. And hurry, my children. Hurry!"]