Traveling Wajas - Chapter 3

A note about breeds:

Africans are the only breed that face directly toward you and are sitting. So you get a full face and chest with the long front legs and a bushy tail. Africans have big rounded ears and a calm appearance.

Divines are an odd breed. They're definitely not doglike in any true way. They are the only breed that have wings that are NOT mutations. They have a strong regal appearance and have a kind of a resemblance to a Griffon.

A note on items:

Although War mentions that the pears made his claws grow, that did not happen. Claws are actually an accessory item by themselves. Pears only raise stats, but it worked for the story to have the pears have an added 'side effect'.

Also, as was mentioned in the Prologue, what items you use is only limited by how much you want to spend. Dog tags are not cheap, but when War was introduced as a traveler, I grabbed the first slot for him and went shopping long before he ever arrived.

A note about Kerioth's Nightling. It is a winged creature. Not feathered wings like a bird, but more leathery in appearance. A rather dark and evil looking little creature. Just the right companion for this hunter.

- War was a plain orange African that received orders to patrol the world and report back to his base cave with information. My cave was first stop. From his short description…

1st stop, Base Katoteros. A guard led me to the mess hall for a meal of pears and a drink. The pears made me feel stronger and made my claws grow while the drink added a dark mark to my fur that will help with future deployments. Before leaving, I was truly honored as a set of dog tags and one of their tribal spears were bestowed upon me.

From the board…

War arrived safely and, as a traveling weary soldier, he was warmly welcomed by the ladies ;)

After a good meal and some 'quality time' getting to know some of my pack, he decided it would be acceptable to depart early since the cave was so well protected. He did not leave empty handed though.

One of my bane generals had a special set of dog tags made for War and, in a grand ceremony, he was given a very rare present from the pack... a spear especially made for him by one of the elders.

In a speech made by the elder divine Odin...

"It is a rare honor that we welcome such a distinguished guest to our cave. Nothing is more precious and sacred than that of a brave warrior always at the ready to defend all that are in need of his protection. For this reason, we would like to acknowledge our young soldier with two special gifts..."

At this point War tried to refuse any gifts stating that it was his honor and duty to protect all that were weaker than himself and that he was proud to do just that.

Gently growling a warning, Odin continued, "Never argue with your elders, young one. You are a brave warrior, but know that tooth and claw can only do so much. We hereby bestow unto you a mere token to represent our gratitude for your selfless courage and devotion."

Waving two young bane guards closer and addressing War, "Bow your head, son. We had these dog tags made especially for you." Slipping the chain around War's neck, the elder held out a paw toward the second guard.

"This was made by our elders when we learned of your upcoming arrival. May this spear serve you well. Use it only in defense of those that need it most and it will remain a formidable weapon. However, if it is used in anger, or used against those weaker, it will shatter."

Accepting the spear, War held his head high as the cave erupted in thunderous roars and howls of appreciation. Bowing his head to the elders, War graciously accepted his gifts and vowed that he would only use the spear in defense. Clearing his throat gruffly, War announced that it was time for him to journey onward but that he would always remember and cherish his time at Base Katoteros. He was proud to call them friends and comrades in arms.

Leaving the cave, his claws clicking on the floor, his dog tags jingling at his chest, War's heart swelled with pride as he bravely marched to his next assignment.

Kerioth was a plain red Bane with this message…

My fight to break the spells that held me captive for all these years was not without injury, but I bear my scars proudly because after all this time, I am free of the bonds and spells that held me! …

1st stop - I have sworn to take my revenge against those that sought to imprison me, and as my quest has led me across this vast world, I have learned that it is best to travel at night. My keen eyes have served me well as I have collected the blood of many of my captors. My coat seems to have even been dyed with their blood as I have long since stopped trying to wash it away. It is a warning to all those that would dare cross me.

As I was stalking the night, a stealthy black female bane somehow got the best of me. However, instead of attacking as I thought for sure she would, she instead offered her name, Morrigan. She raised her head to the bright moon and howled long and hard. I heard the answering howls and growled low in warning, but she merely shook her massive head and moved to my side as other banes came slowly between the trees. A large black with powerful wings stepped forward, and I could tell from the narrowed look in her eyes that she could smell the blood on me. She asked for my name and my story. So I told her.

Growling to her pack, she sent them running as she stepped forward and nodded to Morrigan. She introduced herself as RayvnWolf and offered me the protection of her pack and the shelter of her cave for as long as I needed. It had been days since I had slept or ate, so although hesitant to accept their help, I followed them.

When we arrived, there was a platter of food set before me, and as Morrigan stood watch, I ate greedily. As I finished my meal, she took me to the back of the cave and told me to relax. Named for the Celtic goddess of war, she knew battle, and she would help me in any way she could. Slowly she painted my fur. She refused to wash out the stained blood, she said it made the design impressive. I like it.

Morrigan stood guard as I slept and when I awoke, she pierced my ear with a bone earring that matched her own. When I left the cave, RayvnWolf approached with an axe and laid it at my feet. Bowing her head close to mine, she told me that she could not allow any of her pack to accompany me, but she would give me the tools to protect myself. She gave me a vial to drink that made my claws grow long and sharp, and then barked toward the trees and a dark Nightling darted toward the cave to perch on my shoulder. Standing back as I picked up the axe, she nodded and said that I was ready. Placing her front paws on my shoulders, she wrapped her wings around me and said anytime I needed help, or a place to rest my weary body, her cave would always be open to me.

There was nothing I could say as she stepped back and Morrigan walked out of the cave with me to the tree line where she said goodbye. Looking back over my shoulder at her, I find that I will miss her and her pack. For once I had felt safe since my escape. Perhaps one day our paths will cross again.

Racing through the woods, my nose to the ground, the Nightling flying ahead, I continued my hunt.