U'Donnawannagothaire
It's a Jungle Out There

Warriors (Massai)

By Jim Morgan

Though on friendly enough terms with Tarzan and his mate, from ancient times, you have considered yourselves the true kings of the forest and the guardians of the Fountain of Youth. Outsiders are not to enter your kingdom unbidden, and no one who partakes of the sacred pool is allowed to leave the hidden valley alive. Of course, only you know the secret of the fountain. About half of your warriors are uninitiated ones who have never tasted the waters and may freely exit the plateau (you always need a few captives for the sacrificial rites, so you don't have to tap the local citizenry). The uninitiated need to perform an act of bravery to advance in rank.

Starting Position(s): The veterans must start on top of the plateau. The warriors may start on top of the plateau or on lower ground between the waterfall and the mouth of the pass. your tribesmen haves become fatalistic about becoming the chosen sacrifice making them less suitable for the role. Far better to capture and bring in fresh victims from the outside.

The fountain's waters cast a powerful addiction on all who partake, and the need for more must be satisfied at least weekly or insanity will result. But the water cannot be transported or preserved. Outside the plateau it reverts to blood. Because the aging process stops, young warriors are not permitted to partake until they reach their prime and have proven worthy, by guarding the pass, capturing victims, and liberating cattle and food from other tribes.

Outsiders are unsympathetic to your needs. Among native tribes there is a great fear of your plateau. A successful torture session will send horrible screams echoing through the valley below. Tarzan, when young was drawn by curiosity to learn the source of the screams. You learned to your cost that he is unstoppable. He alone from the outside has ever survived your secret. Since he declined to taste the waters, and seems to accept your customs and privacy--as long as he and his friends are not molested--he alone is permitted to enter your realm and live.

U'Donnawannagothaire It's a Jungle Out There

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© Copyright 2003 Hal Thinglum
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