MCCD

22 March 2025 – John and Chris

Roll characters Hapili, a peasant shepherd (j) and Yaya (c) a townsman bodyguard in Durmitta, at the north of the Hittite central plateau. 

Approached by Tiwatipara, a poor nobleman, to accompany him on a job for 50s each. They need to bring a flock of 21 sheep to the temple of the Storm God of Nerik by the equinox, about 6 days away. He gives shekels to buy the sheep, which they do, including 2 extra.

Set out with minimal supplies, the sheep and Hapili’s dog, heading first to Kuranamit to get a military escort to go into Kaska territory. On the plain they stumble into a small troop of baboons in a creek gully, and demands for sheep quickly turn to a fight. An exchange leaves the lead baboon wounded with a javelin in the abdomen and Yaya seriously wounded in the arm, then Hapili is severely wounded in the abdomen and Tiwatipara calls for surrender. Baboons triumphantly take sheep and dog up the gully northwards.

Tiwatipara heals the party, and they look for a local shepherd to sell them new sheep. Debate options, but Yaya then realises that as a follower of Iyarri he must rescue the dog. Buy four more sheep, and one to eat. Hapili wears the skin as temporary armour. Follow baboons and find them at nightfall (and rain) at the edge of the forest eating a few sheep.

After dark sneak in using Silence spells, find the lead baboon and subdue him. Convince him to tell others to free the dog and remaining sheep, and get away.

Next day, arrive at Kuranamit. Guards are hungry, unpaid and unfriendly. Hapili befriends them with a shekel and a spare sheep; guards leave their posts to go and sacrifice/eat it. Tiwatipara goes to talk to the commandant in the central bailey, leaving his bag with Yaya and Hapili, but doesn’t come back. Yaya checks the bag and finds it contains a sealed jar of oil with something heavy in it. Hapili stays to guard while Yaya goes to investigate but is stopped by a guard at the bailey gate. Leaves, prays to Kasku to be made invisible, and passes in. Finds Tiwatipara being beaten and questioned by commandant and 2 soldiers. Prays for Firearrow on a rock, but misses his throw and sets fire to furnishings. Tiwatipara tries to grab a sword, Yaya fumbles his axe, the commandant fails a sword cut, one soldier falls on his own spear and the other stabs Tiwatipara in the leg, Tiwatipara finally gets a sword and cuts an arm off the soldier, Yaya hits the commandant in the leg with his axe. 

The gate guard rushes in, but Tiwatipara takes charge and is obeyed. Commandant’s sword was poisoned, but fortunately never scored a hit.