Tribal Storytellers

By the time we reached KTDA Season 2, someone invented a new tradition for us. It would help with continuity, help us remember events already in game, and give a new perspective on game history for veterans & newbies alike.

We invented sort of a new class of player: The Storyteller, or The Bard. Through their stories told at parties, in tribal gatherings, in bars & casinos or other venues, these special kids  bring past events into the present & keep game history alive. Whether we're doomed to repeat that history or not is another matter entirely!

Here's an example, from a storyteller competition during Season 2's winter solstice celebration. It's a brief re-telling of the battle of the plains, a pivotal moment in the Anti-kids War.

Tales of Heroes

Told by Jason of the River Rats Tribe

The cloud-choked sky hid the sun and darkened the southern plains as a harsh wind blew from the south. Tension filled the air with the sound of marching feet and men laughing, eager for battle. We waited, hidden, outnumbered.

Alone, Phoenix ride to draw them in. Astride Thunder, king of horses. In her hands, a bow. Deadly was her aim.

The trap was sprung, destroying many of the enemy. Then came the first meeting of champions. All eyes were on this fight, which could determine the fate of the battle.

Unblooded, heavily armed, hulking Barbaric Warlord of old.
Fel, leader of the AK forces.

Phoenix faces him with single blade.
Though Fel towers over her,
though fighting since battle began,
No fear or fatigue are seen in Fort River's Champion.


Law of the Wild. Death to one. Or Death to all.

Phoenix ducks under Fel's swing, spinning, meeting his blow. Her blade catches his at the hilt, locking them as each tests the other's strength. Phoenix looks into death-black eyes and growls, pushing back, breaking free, pressing an attack of her own. Fel barks a laugh, catches her stroke on his blade, spinning out, turning, lunging again.

Attack dodge feint move strike--blades ring! Sparks fly! Phoenix pressed harder, forcing Fel to drop his sword for his battle axe. Her hands are talons.

Loudly Fel challenged Phoenix with a blow that cut across her face. One that would fell another, did not stop this Phoenix.

Lightening flashes, thunder roars. Head-on they charge. Blows and counter blows with furious intensity. Talon to blade. Attack--twist--pivot--roll dodge strike! Blows causing and giving damage neither acknowledges. Each searching for the deathblow.

Forced is Phoenix to give ground, slowly, back toward sheer cliff side. With a shout fierce as any predator's cry, Phoenix is running towards the cliff. Up the face. Over Fel's head. He watches as in mid-air, she reaches out and grasps the Katana's hilt from his back!

She draws it and lands on one knee.
Turning to face her, Fel sees his death.

Ancient blade shot with blue fire, forged in fire in woman's hand. Death.

With her full might, through muscle, bone and sinew, the blade slices through his throat. Silences arrogance. Fel's head falls to the ground.

First one voice then another...ragged cheers of the Freedom Fighters. The AK enemy fall with their leader.

The battle is over.

It is won.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"