The Traveller’s Luminaries - Warband of Shefdu Sootootma

When ‘the Scroll Traveller‘ first discovered his ability to ‘walk the scrolls’ he found himself in the midst of the Pandora Crisis. His sense of duty to Ægyptus caused him to gather together a warband and lend this might to the Forces of Order. Several heroes and heroines from the scrolls called out to young Shefdu and he did his best to bring them forth as part of his warband.

Excerpts from Shefdu Sootootma’s Scrolls:

Young Seshat (Tethru Mistress of Words)

 Young Seshat, Arcanist of the Ancient Lore Archives, was my first recruit. As a young scribe I marvelled at tales of Seshat’s skills and exploits. Her use of the hekau became the standard by which all future Masters of Words would be measured. Her presence will greatly add to our success….

Sefkhet-Aabut the Polemicist (Tethru Heroine)

I have always admired the dry sharp wit of Sefkhet-Aabut, the Polemicist. Also known as ‘the Poison Quill’ for her scathing criticisms of the conduct of the Anubi Harbinger An Abasi, Sefkhet’s skills were not limited to her writings. She was one of the last apprentices of the Swordmaster, Hoethet. Her martial skills with a pole-sword were as exceptional as her writings. Hoethet’s own writings mention how often she came close to besting the Master in their time together.

Kortosis the Impregnable (ToTanem Artifex)

Kortosis the Impregnable was deemed an average Artifex until the events of the Babylonian Incursion of Lugalbanda of Uruk. The frontier post of Arish stood as the last obstacle between the Uruk hordes and their entry into Æyptus. The post commander looked to Kortosis for guidance in the coming battle. The Artifex immediately went to work designing and constructing defenses for the post that held up Lugalbanda’s horde for days. It was long enough for reinforcements to arrive and push the Babylonians back into their own lands.

Menthu Hathorhotep (Apis not-Beloved-of-SobeK)

One of the Apis sons of Hathor, Menthu was a great hero of Ægyptus in the time of Osiris’ rule. Menthu’s most well-known adventure is the 5 Endeavors. To win the hand of the Sebeki Nomarch Gnarah’s daughter, Hesthuti, Menthu was tasked by the Nomarch with 5 Endeavors to prove his worthiness.

The first Endeavor was to kill the Red Ram, a vicious beast that caused havoc in the outskirts of Crocodiliopolis, and bring its meat back for a feast. This was an easy hunt for Menthu. He tracked the Red Ram for miles and found its lair. After a bloody struggle Menthu was victorious. Nomarch Gnarah was unpleasantly surprised by this success and reluctantly held a feast for Menthu.

The second Endeavor was to destroy the Nekharu Raiders who had been plaguing Crocodiliopolis  for years. Menthu laid a trap for the Nekharu by organizing a false caravan to draw them in. During the battle he killed their leader and scattered the survivors to the four winds. Nomarch Gnarah was grateful but secretly displeased.

The third Endeavor was to bring some of the Obsidian Fruit of Punt to the Nomarch. The Obsidian Fruit groves are guarded by gargantuan serpents. Menthu decided to charge his way into the groves, throwing goats he had collected along the way at the serpents to keep them occupied. As the serpents feasted Menthu gathered three large baskets of the Obsidian Fruit and returned to the Nomarch unscathed by the serpents.

The fourth Endeavor was to capture one of the Babylonian Bulls of Heaven to be returned for a feast. Nomarch Gnarah was certain Menthu would fail in the Endeavor. For months Menthu travelled through the Babylonian lands seeking one of the Bulls of Heaven. Finally an old shepherd whom Menthu had shared a meal with told Menthu where a beautiful heifer that was sure to attract the attentions of a Bull of Heaven could be found. Menthu put the heifer in a valley and waited. Soon a magnificent giant bull entered the valley to investigate the heifer. Menthu struggled with the Bull of Heaven for three days, finally besting it late in the night of the third day. Nomarch Gnarah was furious when Menthu returned with the Bull of Heaven but held a feast for Menthu despie his anger.

For the fifth and final Endeavor Nomarch Gnarah believed he had devised the most impossible task for Menthu. Menthu was to bring the headdress of Isis to Hesthuti to enhance her beauty for their wedding. After much consideration Menthu decided to approach Isis directly and ask for the headdress instead of devising some elaborate plan to attempt to steal it. Isis gladly gave him the headdress, understanding Menthu’s love for Hesthuti.  But when Menthu returned to Crocodiliopolis with the headdress, he went into a rage when he discovered that Hesthuti had been married to a Sebeki Harbinger with whom her father had long been trying to form political ties. Menthu laid waste to the Nomarch’s palace and vowed never to love again.

Iodah the Hero of Kashik (Bes Hero)

The Bes Hero, Iodah, is perhaps most well-known for his leadership of the routing army at the Kashik Oasis. Kashik Oasis is an important site to the Bes people; it is where Bes is believed to have recovered the staff of Ra from a spurned foreign goddess. The army had been formed under the Heru General Hakarathy to travel into the Western Desert and punish a band of Libyan marauders. But the marauders were much more organized and prepared than anyone could have guessed. Under the command of a Nekharu Witch Lord, the Libyans routed the army and relentlessly pursued the ragged remains back into Ægyptus. With General Hakarathy dead, Iodah managed to reform some of the army into a viable force and they made their stand at the Kashik Oasis. Iodah’s leadership managed to crush the Libyans and their Nekharu allies, protecting the Ægyptian frontiers from certain enslavement to foreign predation.

Warband 

 -Shefdu Sootootma ‘The Scroll Traveller’ Tethru Harbinger (double-handed weapon, hand weapon, bow, medium armor)

 -Swordmasters of Hoethet, Thatched Roof School10 Tethru warriors (double-handed weapon, bow)

 -Young Seshat Tethru Mistress of Words (double-handed weapon, light armor)

 -Sefkhet Aabut ‘The Polemicist’ Tethru Heroine (polearm, bow, light armor)

 -The Council of Minch” 10 Bes {Asar} Warriors (spear, light armor)

 -Iodah ‘Hero of Kashik’ Bes {Asar} Hero (double-handed weapon, bow, light armor)

 -Kortosis’ Corps10 ToTanem Warriors (double-handed weapon)

 -Kortosis ‘the Impregnable’ Artifex (2 items)

 -Sons of Hesthuti 6 Sebeki Warriors (double-handed weapon)

 -Menthu Hathorhotep {Apis/Beloved of Sobek”}

 -‘Wenenut’s Pride’ Asar Chariot and Driver (hand weapon, light armor)

A Slight Alteration to the Duelling Scrolls

I’ve been thinking about starting a WarGods blog where I could put random thoughts and stuff having to do with various WarGods-related topics. I’ve got this Shefdu-Mabuki 'Duelling Scrolls' blog that seems like it would be a one-trick pony. Sure it could be maintained by the mass of unwritten material about 2 of my top 5 favorite Harbingers. But  it could also be expanded to cover my whole WarGods obsession.

That’s what’s going to happen.

We’ll still have Shefdu and Mabuki stuff (especially with Shefdu’s Luminaries being my warband for the Pandora’s Box Campaign) but we’ll also have this and that. From theoretical warbands- the Sebeki slinger warband, the ‘Chariot Wind’ warband, the illegal and immoral Babylonian warband of God-King Hammurapi – to scenario ideas and more.

Finally, a goal we’ll all be working towards is to have pics of the Anubi  “mutant” Master of Words conversion I sent off to Alex far too long ago to worry about when it’s coming back. :) Even if it arrived tomorrow, he’d only be the 5^th or 6^th finished Anubi mini in my collection so I’m not urgently needing it, take your time Alex…

PS- And now the stupid 'spell-checked' version of Duelling into "Dueling" is fixed for good. What is the deal with this change from how I learned to spell? Double "L"s are cool!

The Kekooee Seshket

The Kekooee Seshket

from the scrolls of Mabukitoth-Re:
In my continued search for Sootootma to rid the land of his special evil I find myself reviewing the old bird's tales to me from when I sat at his knee soaking up all the knowledge and advice he would relay. One such tale has recently come to prominence in my memory because of reports from Ankhara- Kekooee Seshket, or the Black Quill. Two young Dark Harbingers dueled over which would possess this artifact Sootootma allegedly lost durign the Rise of Khepri. Even in his current debased state Shefdu would not unintentionally let such a prized possession slip from his grasp.

Young Shefdu the scribe was the object of ridicule amongst his fellow scribes. His obsessive research and double-copying skills were the main reason for the torment. To his fellow scribes he seemed to live in the libraries of Hermopolis. His studies of ancient scrolls, forgotten all but but the most meticulous librarians and specialists in the most obscure arcana, was a deep passion of the young Shefdu. These studies opened him to what would become his lifelong (and beyond) obsession with the Uraei Harbinger Hemati, Protectrix of the Lands. His studies also opened him to the existence of the Kekooee Seshket created during the Aten Heresy.

 Phasop, Scribe of Akhenaten, created 16 Black Quills to be distributed amongst the Scribes and Priests of Aten.  The Quills were said to bring their bearers a measure of good luck, provide an aura of protection, and enhance their writings tenfold.  Seven of the Quills were lost during the Heresy. The surviving 9 were scattered amongst private collections and the tombs of the fallen bearers. One of the Kekooee Seshket could be viewed by special permission in the collection of the Library of Forbidden Knowledge.

 Shefdu tried to gain access to the Library of Forbidden knowledge many times before the Chief Librarian granted him an audience. The Chief Librarian was so taken by young Shefdu's knowledge and determination that Shefdu was invited to join the Library’s staff as a novice. Every chance he had, Shefdu would look at the Black Quill in the Library's collection, longing to take it up and write something to see if the tales were true. He managed to suppress the urge to simply take the Quill and turned his attention to reports of the supposed whereabouts of the other surviving Quills.

After reviewing all the scrolls he could find on the Kekooee Seshket, Shefdu decided the tomb of Guylanhi the Scribe was the most promising location of one of the Quills. When he arrived at the tomb he found it was guarded by Anubi Tomb Guardians. They denied him access even after he had explained the merits of his quest in extensive detail. This only served to make young Shefdu even more determined to enter the tomb. He observed the Anubi schedule and found several periods when none of the Guardians were present. After reviewing his notes one last time and collecting all the equipment he might need inside the tomb Shefdu made his move.

He would never tell exactly what took place in the tomb. There were dangers and traps which he obviously survived. Some of his comments imply an encounter with Guylanhi’s disembodied Ka took place, but this is merely an inference on my part. Whatever the circumstances of his investigation of the tomb, Shefdu emerged with the long-dead scribe’s Kekooee Seshket in his possession. The Anubi Guardians were furious but let him pass when Shefdu produced a scroll, allegedly from a prominent Embalmer, granting him access to the tomb. Although he would never directly admit it this forged scroll was most likely his first work written with the Black Quill.

All this took place before Shefdu became a Harbinger of Thoth, though it may have contributed to that transformation.  The Kekooee Seshket was always with Shefdu from that time on. From the libraries of Hermopolis to the fields of battle, he carefully protected his prize. Only those he trusted most were ever allowed to use the Quill. I can attest to its mysterious power, having once been granted its use after my first battle as a Harbinger of Thoth.

Unofficial Rules for a Black Quill in a WarGods Warband

Kekooee Seshket or Black Quill (40 points)

These ancient artifacts from the dark days of the Aten Heresy are highly sought after by many throughout Ægyptus and beyond. They have become legendary among Masters of Words, Embalmers, and Witches who would all likely kill to possess one of these magic Quills. This ready market has led to many a Basti merchant selling fake “one-of-a-kind” Kekooee Seshket to the overeager. Buyer beware!

A Kekooee Seshket provides its bearer with a magical aura of protection. It also enhances their magical abilities and even their turn of phrase on and off the papyrus.

These magic items should be rare and limited to only one per warband (unless used as the basis for a campaign in which the objective is to collect as many of the Quills as you can). Only Characters who may carry equipment should bear a Quill. A character may only gain the effects of one Quill at a time.

-       ARC +1

-       AR 1 Hard (2 Hard against magical attacks- including Harbinger powers)

-       +2 Renown after each battle the bearer survives (+3 if the bearer is a Scribe)

The 2010 Golden Fleece Campaign- Nabchukh the Nefarious

Since the 2009 campaign was set back in the Aten Heresy neither Shefdu nor Mabuki were involved (both became harbingers sometime after then so the timeline doesn't fit- there are some temporal rules not to be broken!). That meant I could use the other awesome Harbinger character with a rather large amount of fluff- the hare-headed Wenenut 'Daughter of Isis Chosen of Thoth.' More on her some other time, even though she's one of my favorites.

So the 2010 Golden Fleece Campaign came along. Dave Williams and I were the coordinators of this epic quest. Unfortunately it was set soon after the Horus Vs Set Civil War campaign which meant using either Shefdu or Mabuki as my main warband would diminish their formidable powers. They're both still around in the background of the Civil War but this time I got the opportunity to put my Eater of the Dead side-project of a Nekharu-themed warband into action. Nabchukh the Nefarious was (re)born.

From the Scrolls of Sootootma, Chosen Scribe of Khepri, Founder of the Recondite Cabal:
The living Nabchukh was a Nekharu Witchlord who delighted in causing havoc wherever he could. His warband was filled with the worst scum the Nile had ever seen - Asar cutthroats, Nekharu of all kinds, Pygmy Zombies and more. Outlaws of Ægyptus flocked to Nabchukh's banner whenever he would make his presence known. His favorite targets were Khemru and Heru villages. It is said he liked the taste of them best of all the Children of Ægyptus, although the accuracy of reports of his alleged cannibalism is still unconfirmed. Nabchukh's days of raiding along the Nile came to an end when the whelp Mabuki took it upon himself to track down the Witchlord. The Grudgebearer sallied forth from the Court of Harakhty at Hierakonpolis to hunt Nabchukh and his Raiders. Mabuki caught up with Nabchukh at a bend along the Southern Nile deep inside the land of Kush. From all accounts the battle was very bloody and Mabuki's warband suffered at the Outlaw's hands. But in the end Mabuki stood triumphant over Nabchukh's broken body. Mabuki's bloodied but triumphant warband hobbled back to Hierakonpolis. The whelp learned well from me when I was counted among the breathers - he shall be dealt with when the time is right.

Most of Nabchukh's warband survivors dispersed after this setback, but a small Nekharu coterie sought out a Necromancer to revive their Witchlord so he could continue to strike at Ægyptus from beyond death. They found a willing Necromancer in the form of 'Midnight Serpent' - one of those females from some far off land or other. Many of these Nekharu unwillingly gave their lives in the search for components so Midnight Serpent could construct an intriguing contraption she calls a Sarcophagus Suit. Since Nabchukh was missing some limbs and not properly mummified, this suit served to replace that process and allow him some mobility. Once revived, Nabchukh set about gathering a new warband to serve the cause of Khepri and the Eater. First he sought an old comrade who had gone into the Tuat before him, Shemakh the Greedy, and raised him with Midnight Serpent's help. He then embarked on a search for a rare two-headed Nekharu Abomination in the southern forests (likely an ancient witch experiment). They were successful and dubbed the creature 'The Shame of Nekhebet' as another insult to the former godess of the Nekharu.

With all the recent talk of the Golden Fleece in the breather community, Nabchukh announced to the Cabal that he shall go forth in search of the prize so many others now seek. As he shambles off to Pharos I wish luck to him in this quest. Personally I see it as a waste of time since the evidence for the existence of such an artifact seems questionable at best... 

That was about all the commentary from Shefdu and Mabuki about this whole Golden Fleece Quest. I started a battle report by Mabuki about Nabchukh and another Dark Harbinger seeking out the Kekooee Seshket (Shefdu's Black Quill) in the ruins of Ankhara, but I couldn't finish it to my satisfaction until very recently (that's the next poste here!). As part of the campaign team I didn't have as much time or energy to devote to excellent battle reports for Nabchukh, his fluff suffered but he was pretty successful. 

At the big finale in the Lair of the Hydra, Nabchuckh was hacked to pieces by the Hydra and some do-gooder breahter. Luckily he had the 'Unstoppable' Dark Harbinger power that turns him into several flailing body parts if he's 'killed'- and if the separate parts survive he can eventually pull himself back together to fight again another day. Nabchuckh is fine and he'll be back...

Mabuki's List of Grudges

-Unknown Typhon murderer of Shefdu Sootootma 'Scribe of Oblivion' (now known to be Neper-Hotep)

-Simbu 'Cracking Maw of the Marsh' for his wanton destruction of civilians

-Chaggutai Babylonian God-King murderer of Sampau 'The Hammer of Memphis'

-Sneferu- The Sting of Set, for his dastardly tactics in Pharos and wanton disregard of civilians on the field of battle

-Nisari 'The Widow's Wail' for her borderline use of witchcraft

-Akila, Upholder of Ma'at's Decree, for his stubborn interpretation of the Scrolls of Ba'Olath, and failure to see the merit of new interpretations

-Mo-Seth, the Warden of Ankhara for failing in his duty to protect the City of the Dead

-Nebseni Hammerhand Famous Anubi harbinger, for joining the Typhon faction despite long sessions of reason pointing out the error of that choice

-Setnakht the Grievous Glaive, Infamous Typhon Harbinger of Set  for his lawless attacks outside the city of Pharos, especially the murders of a school of young Scribes

-Hetshepsu 'Banisher of the Undead... Defender Against Set'- cowardly attack from behind

-Ak'ama the Bloodboil for turning his back on the Horus Faction and becoming a complete outlaw, neither for nor against the Horus or Typhon Factions

- Ashai-Menetnashte one of Shefdu's cabal- conduit to Sootootma

-Harakhty self-appointed head of the Horus Faction- mismanagement of the struggle against Set and general haughtyness

-Chike Harakhty's lapdog- cowardly attack from behind

{Autor's Note: This list contains some actual harbingers that have been whacked and some made up ones for Mabui's fluff. The ones with lines through them have been smote by Mabuki or someone else (mostly by Mabuki).}

Battle at the Pool of Everlasting Serenity, Mabuki's Take on the Horus vs Set GenCon Finale

The visions of my death have returned since our victory at the Pool of Everlasting Serenity. I reluctantly joined forces with Harakhty and Chike to confront an unholy alliance of foreign beasts from far off lands, led by a pale Asar witch; two Khemru harbingers in thrall to the Typhon, no doubt convinced to join the Set Faction through threats and lies; and a band of Olympian mercenaries, led by an exotic Demigoddess. This massive force was spotted entering Upper Ægyptus some days before they were confronted in battle. I soon discerned their destination.

Although his self-appointed post as Commander of the Horus Faction in the Nome is frustrating, Harakhty's efficiency helped greatly to determine the alliance's destination. The Heru and his brute, Chike, came to our camp under the Horus banner seeking my help confronting this alliance before they could do any harm to the Nome. Going over Harakhty's various reports it soon became clear to me where their destination lie. One unconfirmed report was of a strange glow at the Colossi of Memnon. This incident stuck out as the most likely target for the alliance. Somehow they had either caused or learned of whatever was causing this magical glow. It took some convincing but eventually my reluctant comrades agreed it was worth investigating further.

When we arrived at the Colossi the foreign alliance was also arriving. As Harakhty barked orders to our combined army, I noticed an object of unmistakable power resting in the Pool of Everlasting Serenity at the abandoned temple complex near the Collossi. As we prepared to engage, the Ice Witch caused a terrible storm of frozen air to swirl around the Pool and a great distance from it.

Harakhty and I charged forward to the Pool to investigate the object at the center of the conflict. Being in the Aspect of the Defender, Harakhty easily arrived at the object first and displayed typical Heru erudition by attacking it with his flail. His pounding threw sparks but did little, if any, damage. Before I could reach the Pool and properly investigate, a pack of giant wolf-like beasts were upon Harakhty. Investigation of the object would have to wait as the immediate battle now took precedence.

The battle was fierce on all sides. Chike and I held the Pool from the Wendigo attempts to seize the object as Harakhty engaged the Ice Witch. A fierce day of fighting saw us beat back the foreign alliance. Harakhty made preparations to set up a garrison to guard the Pool until the object could better be investigated and possibly moved. I was discouraged from further investigation because my presence was required back at Hierakonpolis to report on the conflict and help protect the city from an unlikely attack. At least Chike was also sent away, assigned to patrol the coast to the East.

Upon our return to Hierakonpolis the visions I had thought I was rid of returned to me in the night. Long ago the Harbinger of Isis, Nisari, placed a vision of my final fate into my mind. Her witchcraft haunted me for quite some time until I found some relief from an herbalist in Pharos. It is the same as before, but I now understand more of the details.

I awaken in a dark tent. I emerge into a great hall filled with many people. In the vision I know them all, but in wakefulness I still only recognize a small number of them. I am led to the front of the hall and given a drink. In the liquid I see my reflection, but my reflection is that of Thoth! As I ponder this oddity the living Shefdu Sootootma comes to my side and says 'It is the time.' He leads me outside and hands me his mace. 'Yours now.' I now recognize the setting of this part of the vision as somewhere in Ankhara. I am facing a faceless army with only Sootootma at my side. The faceless army charges and we are engulfed...

Mabukitoth's Account of the Search for the Golden Fleece, A Return to Ankhara and Shefdu Avenged

Hoethet the Swordmaster said 'Let the winds of battle buffet you toward your goal.' I have once more confirmed the wisdom of Hoethet.

Weeks of seeking Sootootma had led us nowhere. We traveled the Nome from Kharga to Fokhara and from Kom Ombos to Dhakala following every hint of the old bird. It is now clear that much of the information we came across was of Shefdu's own making. He skillfully directed us away from Hierakonpolis just days before he personally led the attack there. We found ourselves outside the gates of Eleithiopolis when the battle raged across the Nile. Our presence did offer the chance to fight an Eater of the Dead warband that came from the quiet city, though we did not manage to destroy all of them.

We entered an area of Ankhara which had not been pillaged by the warbands that came to the rediscovered City of the Dead in the time before the Rise of Khepri during the Second Battle of Ankhara. Other warbands had also received word of a Dark Harbinger with some artifact of great power that was sought by unknown foreign monsters. Moving through the tombs towards us was the unmistakable form of a Typhon Aspect of the Hunter Harbinger. His warband fanned out away from us probably searching for the alleged artifact we had all come seeking. The Typhon bellowed his name, Neper-Hotep, encouraging us to flee in fear of him. Ra-Sobek, the Beloved, and Sakharra, my Heru heroine and longtime advisor, charged into combat with Neper-Hotep. I held back and called for them to leave the beast to me. As with all Typhon Harbingers I meet, I asked if he had killed Shefdu Sootootma, Scribe of the Dawn. The answer he gave was a snarling 'yes.' I uttered the challenge of Provocation and the beast and I were locked in combat. It was over quickly. Neper-Hotep was dead and his Ka was mine. Master Sootootma's murder was avenged although his resurrected form still roams the land. This too will soon be ended.

Sakharra and Ra-Sobek came to my aid as the assassin from Neper-Hotep's warband charged from a nearby tomb. The Typhon was quickly put down and dropped a quiver he had likely found in the tombs. As I studied the quiver, the Ptah-worshiping limb of Set, Chike, attacked me from behind. He took the quiver and no doubt went off to find others to pillage. Chike is Harakhty's frequent pawn in dealing with non-Heru members of the Horus Faction. This unprovoked attack on me was likely a message from Harakhty of his displeasure with my absence at recent large battles. We are all brother-Ægyptians, yet I am close to committing fratricide against one or both of these fellow Horus Faction members...

Despite my encounter with Chike, the rest of my warband came away from Ankhara relatively unscathed. Shai, my Basti Mistress of Words, found an enchanted axe we have discovered is called 'Souldrinker.' The Mallets under my To-Tanem champion, Lazuli, defeated a massive Olympian monster and recovered a 'Circlet of Thoth'- this will go to Shai to enhance her spellcraft since Nefibi (my Tethru Mistress of Words) is already very formidable with a spell. Finally, Sakharra discovered an ancient chariot after battling an Abomination. This was the 'Chariot of the Western Winds.' It will make a welcome addition to our ranks as soon as we find crew and horses for it.