LunarTotems/Elephant

Introduction

Hukri sipped his wine as he watched his friend get drunk. Melancholy filled the room, as well as a touch of bitterness, Idinra had not yet come to terms with his wifes death three months ago. The hot headed warrior had become a near suicidal drunk, his drunked rages already causing much fear amongst the Tribe, and Hukri knew something must be done.

'A shame' Hukri thought, 'that the mother and child should both die during childbirth, for a son to care for would help Inidra maintain a grip.' Sighing, he reached out and grabbed his friends shoulder and spoke, "Inidra nothing I can say will lessen your pain, but my friend it hurts me to see you losing your will to the drink. I think old friend it is time for you to shake of this melancholy. The Tribe needs you. Go away for two weeks, wrestle with your demons and return to us. It disheartens the warriors and worries the Shamans to see you such." Closing his eyes, Hukri added, "and if you decide not to return I understand my friend."

Bleary eyed and heart broken, Inidra smiled sad smile, "Hukri, you are a pillar. I will do as you ask. For two weeks I will dwell in the desert depths, and I will find my way old friend."

The next morning Inidra packed a few belongings, bade farewell to the Tribe and headed into the South. After two weeks no sign was found of him, and the weeks turned into months, then, years began to pass by, and Hukri said his farewells to Inidras spirit, convinced his friend was dead.

Then one morning, almost twelve years to the day he left, a weather beaten and much older Inidra returned to the Tribe.

Many thought he was a vengeful spirit, or perhaps a slave to the hated Fae, for strange markings run up and down the length of his body and he seemed much different.

Sitting to dinner with his old freind, Hukri was surprised at the changes in Inidra, he seemed calmer, wiser, though still melancholy. But, it did not take Hukri long to believe it was indeed his beloved friend, and rather than be angry at the absence, Hukri celebrated the return.

Late into the night, in a scene much like the last time they had talked, they drank, and Hukri listened to his friend speak.

He was amazed as he heard of Inidras battle to survive in a sandstorm on his eighth night out, how he was captured by slavers, sold as a Gladiator in Gem. He listened with delight as Inidra spoke of how he had bought his own freedom by serving as a front line soldier against the Wyld Tainted. As the night grew deeper, he listened with awe as Inidras life as a mercenary slowly crept closer to home, but never quite made it.

As the suns rays began to touch the edge of the village, Inidra finished the bottle and smiled softly. "After almost ten years I was finally nearing the chance to come home, all my debts were clear, I had my Captains blessings and my heart was at peace. I was learning to read and studying old and esteemed texts of warfare and philosophy, I felt...complete." Grinning ruefully he shrugged, "the Silver Mother had other plans, for we were ambushed by another Mercenary Squad who wanted our contract. They came in out of the night, led by one of the Realms Outcastes. They tore through us, and no matter how valiantly we returned battle, we were tired from march, they were not. I remember running North and being chased by three of them, with the Captain and most of the squad dead, it was a fight to survive alone."

"Hard as I ran, these three refused to give up, and I used every tactic I had learned from two years campaigning to toss them. I got lucky when I almost stiumbled onto a Vipers nest. Slowing enough to allow them to see me, I drew them close, turned and ran, I assumed they would split up and go one to each side and one down the centre. The poor fool who came directly at me stumbled into the pit."

Pausing he sighed, "I can still hear his screams in my sleep. The other two redoubled their efforts and I was forced to run again, my luck held true, I came across an Elephant buriial ground, and it was there amongst the bones, with cover and distractions I turned to face my pursuers. Eventually, I managed to slay both, but not before being gutted. Thats when She appeared to me."

"beautiful as the frost on a windowpane and just as cold. She gave me a new life, for my struggle to survive. Not two weeks later, as I dreamt nightly of a Great White Bull Elephant, a woman who lived as a Jackal brought me to others like her, where I was sent on a crusade into the edges of creation. Although it will make a great story, I will tell it another, for I still awake with shivers of fear as I recall the terrifying days I spent in the lands of the Fae. But when I returned they marked me to protect my soul and I spent many months under a wise man who could be as a Falcon."

"I know many wonderous things now my friend, and I am home, and so long as I exist, you and your descendants shall know the protection of Lunas chosen."

Hukri wept with joy, finally, Inidra had returned home, and the Gods had brought great protection to the Tribe.

Inidra, the Many Handed Elephant of the Sand

Elephants are as often associated with Wisdom and Mysteries as they are with Death and War. Powerful creatures who are both intelligent and caring, the Elephant just begs to be played with.

Charms :
Finding the Spirits Shape: Elephant
Deadly Beastman Transformation (2)
Towering Beast Form
Ox Body Technique (2)
Spirit Scenting Technique
Sense Sharpening Change
Beast Instinct Method
Sense Borrowing Method

Elephant Form : Str: 11, and Stam: 9, Prehensile Trunk, Tusks, BIG.

Beastman Form : Str:+ 5, Stam: +5, Gift of Hands, Horrifying Might, Rugged Hide

Tell : Elephant Feet.

Inidra was once a hot headed warrior, the years have aged and mellowed him, though he has not forgotten his prowess, he has merely gotten better. Time though has brought Inidra much wisdom, and he is calmer and sharper of mind. Though not yet a Sorcerer, he awaits the day his Mentor deems him ready to begin his training as such. One of Inidras greatest advantages is that as a massive warrior looking fellow, many underestimate his intelligence, often believing the massive quiet man to be ignorant or stupid.