My name is Zhaal of the Plains, and I am a balancekeeper in the service of Nobanion of the surface. I would like to know if you know of a ritual that will breathe vigor and strength into the rothe that they may better defend themselves against those who would hunt them to extinction. I am gathering a herd that may better be able to wander the 'dark in peace, but they are still no match for the careless warriors of Dunwarren, Traensyr, and Mur. Please leave a reply here if you would be willing to aid me, and tell me if you know of anything else I can do.

-Zhaal

*bump*

Guard them from the hunter with a fiercer hunter. Let the hunters be the prey. Spells of bulls strength and powerful skins of bark and stone may help them for a short time, yet they will always be hunted. Night and day. Day and night. Dark and dark.

[A giant hand print is placed at the bottom of the zurkhwood log]

I will take heed of your wisdom, though I am no hunter myself. Have you come across any great or noble creatures in the 'dark whose aid I may call upon to defend the herd? I would enlist the strength of this region's greatest hunting beast to defend the rothe, if you would give me a clue as to where I should look.

-Zhaal