Nemnosti session 1

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Summary

• Ifa is instructed by Nemnu Ula and a disgruntled Bura Hazh to welcome Lovosa Halunemni as a new acolyte, the first of her lineage ever to study at Nemnosti. Ifa meets Lovosa and tours her around the ulajeta.
• Izu encounters Verga Dendorfi who bemoans his situation, trapped in a position where he is not trusted and with a girlfriend who may soon be married off. While they are talking they hear an argument about theology between Voices Kailas Nemni and Imas Mundurir.
• Alai is approached by Avrubai Dusmanis while she is working; he expresses interest in her work, their shared training at the Academy in Ardukh, their mutual love of swimming and the sea, and possibly more?
• Kuspir drills with Ghorgimbe Sortusai and]] Bem Pekai; they spar with a bubun that Ghorgimbe inexplicably calls 'uncle', and then Bem and Kuspir run laps of the ulajeta and she asks for Kuspir's help with her imperilled relationship with Momuzai Nemni.
• Jevai receives a gift of mushrooms from Naka Igriz via her amni, Ghoko, and then goes to dinner with Naka where they discuss unrest in the high hills, Faja-dur Chuchuru and her ongoing belief that her brother is alive, and the marriage prospects for Jevai's brother Pughan Nadenigh.

Session

Session date: February 4, 2024

Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Fikho

Prologue

Welcome, acolytes! The road that heads east to west, uphill through Naftusa Province, from Ai Dandura at the east all the way up the Pardopasu, has many names, but most often it is just the West Road or the River Road. Once you leave Naftusa, it takes you through the rich beska fields owned by the Dendorfi and farmed by those whose loyalty they command. Then onward west into the village of Hertu, where many of the folks who support the ulajeta live. It's the start of the year, the month of Fikho in the Negili Reckoning, so the loza bushes are in bloom in early spring. From there, you wind around and down until the hard-packed soil road meets the Pasu River once more, down towards Nemnosti at the base of the Pardopasu, just before it climbs up into the Ghengom. The Outer Caves will be on your left here - here is where most of the ordinary Ancestors rest. A stoneguard may be outside, but often there's just a firm gate across the cave entrance to prevent intrusions. Wise heads know that the physical barrier is not the only defense. And then, at last, to the great gated entrance to Nemnosti itself, at the West Tower. It is a great structure built from local stone, four stories high and hexagonal, with a great fortified gate on the southwest face. Here, we find a scene where our own Ifa of the Nemni has come to greet a new and, until today, quite unexpected guest: Lovosa Halunemni, who, if the reckoners have calculated the descent right, would be the first biological descendant of the Grey Carver to ever set foot inside. Now pause: and let us walk upriver several hours, to earlier that morning, just past dawn.

Ifa meets with Nemnu and Bura and then goes to welcome her new charge, Lovosa

[NemnostiGM] Ifa, you are just finished your morning prayers when you hear a familiar voice in your head.
[Nemnu] My child, you are needed. We are to discuss a new arrival. Come to the map room, where I am with Larar.
[Ifa] (Can we respond, or it's just one-way?)
[NemnostiGM] (it's just one way, unfortunately)
* Ifa will dutifully make her way over to the map room as ordered.
[NemnostiGM] The map room, the designated location for the meeting, is on the first floor of the Carver's Hall, a long room with the cloister's signature alabaster windows along the far end, allowing light in from the north.
[NemnostiGM] As its name would suggest, long maps of the province and its communities hang along the west wall.
[NemnostiGM] Nemnu has been situated in place on her great chair of imported Hasmalan oak at the far end of the room, nearest the window, by the time you arrive, and Bura Hazh is already seated next to her, drinking tea. A cup has been laid out for you already. A bubun stands in the corner, awaiting any instruction.
* Bura is wearing a blue juskai decorated with hexagonal tifli that you believe signal something about her Hazh lineage, and a full mebel headscarf. Judging from first glances, she seems to be in a Mood, but that's not totally unusual for her.
* Nemnu is dressed in an off-white but relatively plain altala dress, but accompanied with a range of her finer amethyst and garnet bracelets and brooches.
* Bura sips her tea and sighs.
[Nemnu] Come, my child, and sit. Join us.
* Ifa enters and greets them both respectfully.
[Ifa] My lady. Reckoner Hazh. How may I serve?
* Ifa heads over to sit where indicated.
[Bura] Get yourself some tea. You'll need it.
* Ifa allows a bit of slightly concerned curiosity to cross her face, but does as instructed.
[Nemnu] Today we will be welcoming a new and very special acolyte to the ulajeta. She is Lovosa, of the Halunemni, daughter of Kufun, who styles himself their hengi.
[Nemnu] When you and the others put together the new class of acolytes, I expect her to be among them. That discussion is for another day. But her father and I wanted to give her a little extra time to become accustomed here.
[Ifa] That makes sense. I would imagine it will be something of an adjustment, for all involved.
[NemnostiGM] Ifa, you've never met one of the Halunemni, although you know your brother Dadim will have done so often.
[Ifa] (*nod*)
[NemnostiGM] They pretty much all live in Naftusa, as far as you're aware, and they stay well clear of the Nemni, as a rule.
[Ifa] (I know of them, though, right? at least as much as I, Josh, do?)
[NemnostiGM] (oh yes! definitely, definitely yes. You know all *about* them, although you can't be sure whether all the rumors are true.)
[Ifa] (Right)
[Ifa] Is it a good sign she is coming to us, and as an acolyte?
* Bura coughs loudly.
[Bura] It is a sign of something.
* Ifa looks at Bura for a moment, then Nemnu, even though obviously Ifa knows Nemnu doesn't have facial expressions to read.
[Nemnu] Her father and I have come to an agreement. Kufun of the Halunemni is not his grandmother.
[Ifa] Oh?
[Nemnu] I wish you to understand, dear Ramarima, that this day has been long in coming. Your own namesake spent long hours dealing with this novice's great-grandmother, Maigharinda the Huntress. Ramarima could tell you tales. It may be worth your time to speak to her.
[Nemnu] And Larar here, she also knew Maigharinda well, by reputation and occasionally in person. It was a difficult time.
* Ifa nods for Bura's sake.
[Ifa] As you say, my lady.
[Nemnu] She is expected to arrive around noon by carriage from Naftusa, where she has lived her entire life. You are to greet her, assign her to acolyte quarters in the lower level, and help her to become accustomed to this place.
[Ifa] Of course. I'll be very happy to do so.
[Bura] The child is wayward and ill-mannered. You will find yourself insulted, perhaps even assaulted. This experiment is ill-conceived.
[Nemnu] And yet I have conceived it, knowing that it may fail. All experiments can fail - if they cannot, then they are not truly aimed at discovery.
* Ifa smiles at that.
[NemnostiGM] Ifa, your many years of being around the Lady understand this as a firm direction, a decision already made.
[Ifa] Whatever the outcome, we will learn something, and the relationship between our lineages will further unfold.
[Nemnu] This task, I should stress, is not just for today. I expect and need you to see to her mentoring until such time as she has come to see her place here appropriately.
[Nemnu] It may be some time.
[Ifa] (Presumably we've had difficult acolytes before?)
[NemnostiGM] (Yes, absolutely. )
[Ifa] That is nothing new, though the situation may be. I will do everything in my power to help her acclimate.
[Nemnu] You should expect her to be very strong in the gall bladder, when you meet her. It will require kindness and compassion. Her head is full of many nonsenses.
[Ifa] (What would the gall bladder thing mean to Ifa?)
[Ifa] How old is she?
[NemnostiGM] (it would mean that she is pig-headed, strong of opinion)
[Bura] The child is fourteen. Old enough to know better.
* Ifa smirks slightly at Bura, but recovers quickly.
[Ifa] A stubborn fourteen-year-old? Hardly unusual, ma'am.
[Nemnu] I would not assign this task to you if I thought it impossible. But I would not bother you with it if I thought it were simple.
[Ifa] I am honored by your faith in trusting me with this task, my lady.
[Nemnu] Very well, that is all then.
[Ifa] By your leave.
* Ifa will take her leave as appropriate.
[Ifa] (What time is it now?)
[NemnostiGM] (dawn-ish, so you have a few hours before she arrives)
[NemnostiGM] (there isn't much specific you need to do in terms of the amenities. There are rooms available and all you would need to do is pick one, really.)
[Ifa] (I don't need to add a scene or anything, but, if time and other circumstances permit, I might try to track down Izu to help me talk to my dimirabas to get some more of the historical information.)
[NemnostiGM] (you can absolutely do that as a solo, sounds good. But for now, on to the main course?)
[Ifa] (Is there any specific room that would be seen as...welcoming, I guess? Like, "Oh, I got you the one closest to the meal hall" or something like that?)
[Ifa] (Yeah, sounds good.)
[NemnostiGM] (there isn't really. They try to not create intentional drama among the acolytes.)
[NemnostiGM] And back now to the West Tower, at noon, and the arrival of a fine carriage along the river road. A slender young woman, perhaps fourteen, with dark skin, her hair up in careful braids, dressed in a pale yellow dress with a fine brooch that looks like it may be gold with emeralds.
* Lovosa steps out of the carriage and looks around dubiously.
* Ifa will have dressed simply but well, trying to give a good impression of the ulajeta, and greet her with a genuine smile.
[Ifa] Lovosa?
[Lovosa] Good day, Hand. Indeed, I am Lovosa Halunemni, daughter of Kufun. I am to present myself for training.
[Ifa] (Please stop me if I make a mistep that Ifa would know but I, Josh, have missed/messed up.)
[NemnostiGM] (no problem)
[Ifa] You are most welcome to Nemnosti, Lovosa Halunemni, dauther of Kufun. I'm Hand Ifa Nemni. I'm here to give you the grand tour and show you to your quarters.
[Ifa] (I assume we have a bubun or two to help with her stuff?)
[Lovosa] Oh, an osper. Fascinating.
[NemnostiGM] (yes, you can direct the bubun accordingly)
[Ifa] (Does her using that name carry specific weight or meaning in this context, and would Ifa know?)
[NemnostiGM] (just that it's what they call Nemni, and it is not a term of endearment)
[Ifa] I suppose that's true, yes. It's fascinating to meet you as well.
[Ifa] Shall we?
[Lovosa] Are you taking me to see the ... to see Nemnu Ula?
[NemnostiGM] (you are not)
[Ifa] (Did she travel with anyone else? I'm assuming like a driver and whatnot, at least.)
[NemnostiGM] (yes, a driver, who will be heading back to Naftusa. But no family or other folks)
[Ifa] She did not instruct me to do so when I met with her this morning, but I'm sure she will want to meet you personally soon. She'll let someone know at the appropriate time.
[NemnostiGM] You can motion the driver in to the stables where she can rest and water her horse before the trip back to town.
* Ifa taps the side of her head re: Nemni letting someone know.
[Lovosa] Very well. Tell me, have you lived here always, Hand Ifa?
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] For most of my life, yes. I did Hand training in Onighus for a few years at the [Borgegus ulajeta, however that's phrased], but, other than that, yes.
[Ifa] This is your first time at Nemnosti, yes?
[NemnostiGM] (it's just called the Maze, or, very formally, Borgegus Osti, but no one calls it the latter)
[Lovosa] Yes, obviously.
[Ifa] (Okay, cool. Ifa would have said the Maze, then)
* Lovosa says, in the way only a fourteen-year-old can
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Welcome to Nemnosti, then.
* Lovosa tries to smile but it comes out as a scowl despite herself.
[Ifa] That's the Captain, there, and the temple of the Voice, then the Carver's Hall...
* Ifa is happy to dive right in to the grand tour.
[Ifa] (Something I'm sure she's given quite a few times.)
[NemnostiGM] The tour is as successful as it could be, given the circumstances. You definitely get the sense that Lovosa is not here of her own free will, but despite that, she manages to contain her scorn for the most part, and never once calls Nemnosti the Crone's Gap.
[NemnostiGM] You can then take her down to her new chambers on the lower level of the Carver's Hall, where all the acolytes live, and from there, leave her in the hands of the staff who will make sure she is fed and all of that sort of basic domestic thing.
[Ifa] (For my own brain, can I roll like Diplomacy or something to see how I do? Just to help gauge how it went?)
[NemnostiGM] Sure, give me a roll.
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+14
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 17 ].
[Ifa] (Oof, cold shoulder, I'm guessing)
[NemnostiGM] You didn't do or say anything deeply offensive, but definitely Lovosa is going to take a lot more work on your part to warm up. But you're no quitter!
[Ifa] (Oh, yeah, that's just gonna mean to Ifa that she'll need to double down and be *even friendlier* next interaction.)

Izu talks to Verga about his relationship problems, and they overhear a theological quarrel

[NemnostiGM] By midday, Taldafta, which is the formal name for the great Temple of the Voice here at the west end of the ulajeta, will be busy with visitors here to speak to an Ancestor, make a donation, say prayers, or seek guidance from one of the Voices.
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you like to spend time here in the early morning, just past dawn, before your duties to the Alabaster Lady begin. Hardly anyone is ever here, except sometimes your fellow Voices.
[NemnostiGM] You enter the temple from the east, where the Carver's Hall door leads into the temple, then walk directly across to the west wall where the great basin lies where you can do your ritual ablutions and look at the copper fangs and occasional silver tusks dropped into there by penitents.
[NemnostiGM] Most of the Voices would head from there to wherever they were going, but as a follower of the huthajai path, and following the principle of Quartering, you always head back to the south wall, and touch a small sconce where a continual flame lights the arch leading out to the courtyard, before heading through the temple northwards to the small prayer rooms.
[NemnostiGM] As you are doing so, you see your colleague Verga come from the west side of the temple, where the priests' chambers lie. He smiles as he sees you.
* Verga seems weary despite the early hour.
* Izu nods and offers a smile back.
[Verga] Hi, Izu.
[Izu] Good morning, Verga. You are up early.
* Verga pauses, as if trying to figure out what to say, and then comes out with simply:
[Verga] Yeah.
[NemnostiGM] (give me a SM check)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+14
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 25 ].
* Izu tilts his head slightly.
[NemnostiGM] You can tell that Verga, who is normally quite composed, is basically near tears and trying to hold himself together.
[Izu] (Is there anyone else around?)
[NemnostiGM] (right now, you're the only two in the main temple area. Of course it's not a private area so others could come in.)
[Izu] What troubles you?
[Verga] I ... I don't ...
[Verga] Can I ask you a question. How is it that you are so satisfied?
* Verga waves his hand around as if to suggest that this is a self-evident fact.
[Izu] I'm not sure I understand.
[Izu] Wait. Come with me.
* Izu will go into one of the more private prayer rooms.
* Verga follows you.
* Izu will close the door behind them.
[Izu] You are not satisfied here?
[Verga] It's like I feel ... separated.
[Izu] From your family?
[Verga] Like, my lineage sent me here, because it is such a great honour, but then they don't come here often, because they don't like the Lady. And when I visit home it is like I don't belong in Naftusa either, because I am here at Nemnosti.
* Izu nods.
[Verga] And here, I mean, everyone is polite, but I'm not an acolyte, so ... yeah. Separated.
[Izu] It is difficult to be at a place in between.
[Verga] Everyone here, I think, blames me because I'm my father's son. And because they think I'm only here to feed him information.
[Verga] Sometimes I wish that were true. It would give us something to talk about.
[Izu] Not everyone.
[Verga] No, not everyone.
[Verga] Nanga and I ... she has always been very kind.
* Verga seems like he's about to break down.
[Izu] She also had a hard time here as an acolyte, if I remember. I think she, perhaps, understands how you feel. As do I.
[Verga] She told me yesterday that her father has found a marriage partner for her in Onighus. That they are sending a Hand upriver to come here and make negotiations with Hojon and the folks here.
[Izu] Oh...
[Verga] Bistu wouldn't even look me in the eye yesterday at evening ablutions. I know that the Duke of Needs has had something to do with this. Putting a Nemni together with someone of interest to Him, how typical.
[NemnostiGM] (you would know that the Duke of Needs is a nickname for Borgegus Ula)
[NemnostiGM] (and Bistu is the Voice assigned here by Borgegus as Nemnu's ward, just like Ifa was in the reverse)
[Izu] I'm sorry.
[Verga] I know we're not supposed to have attachments, but Nanga is the only thing that has made being here bearable a lot of the time. You know, with not being an acolyte and everything, it's not the same here as it is for you. But I feel like I am failing in my calling and failing in the rest of my life too.
[Izu] You did not know me when I first came here. I was... different then. I struggled for a long time with who I was. What I wanted.
* Verga nods.
[Verga] I know it can't have been easy. But now you seem so ... like you have a purpose, and friends, and family, and it's all set.
[Izu] Nothing is set. Nothing is ever set. The Great Unfolding always surprises us. You have friends here, Verga. And you have a purpose. And when you do not, you have the chance to create a purpose. The Lady teaches us the we have no way of knowing where the river leads, but we can still steer our course.
[Verga] All right, I mean, I get it, the Courses, all that. But I feel that I have neither sail nor paddle.
[Verga] I've tried talking to my ancestors, but they have been unhelpful. They're Dendorfi, so of course they recommend getting married. That's where I just was, talking to one of the ancients. And that's the thing. I know that eventually, my father is going to come here and negotiate with Nemnu and then he'll marry me off as well.
[Izu] You would prefer a different path?
[Verga] I don't know. How do you even know?
[Verga] If I were to get married, it's not like I would be able to marry Nanga, or someone of my choosing.
[Verga] A lot of your ifti don't like the fact that she and I have a relationship. I think they're worried she's going to get pregnant and then I'm going to leave the order or something, like I am only a Voice to steal away their precious child.
[Verga] But I don't want to leave the Corps. Not really.
[Izu] To marry her, you would have to.
[Verga] I know. And I know it's not my right to say anything and I know Nanga is going to get married someday, unless I leave the order.
[Izu] What do she say about it?
[Izu] (Does)
[Verga] Well she doesn't know who this new person is. But her branch of your family is from Onighus so it's not like it's unfamiliar to her. There's money and a big estate.
[Verga] It's wrong of me to want to keep her here. I know that, Izu. But it's just like, the only thing I had.
[Izu] Has she already decided to go?
[Verga] No, the negotiations haven't concluded yet. When they come, maybe Ifa will be there for the Nemni side?
[Verga] If Hojon says so, though, it will happen. She 's not so opposed to it that she would stand against the Osper.
[Verga] She was trying to give me advance warning, not to come and suggest that we run away together or that I should get her pregnant to prevent the marriage.
[Izu] I will speak to Ifa about the matter. She is more adept at these sorts of issues than I am. But remember Verga, that in the end this is Nanga's decision. She must choose her own path, and you yours.
* Verga nods.
[Verga] I know. I know, it's just that ...
[NemnostiGM] As the two of you talk, you hear heated voices come through the door leading out to a hallway in the private section of the temple reserved for priests.
* Verga is broken out of his thoughts at the sound.
* Izu puts a finger up to his lips.
[NemnostiGM] (OK, give me a Perception)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+14
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 31 ].
[NemnostiGM] You hear the two voices more clearly now. Two Voices, in fact, who you can clearly recognize. Voice Kailas and Voice Imas, neither of whom have ever struck you as particularly ornery or loud.
[Kailas] Nonsense! You are inventing things out of your imagination!
[Imas] It's not imagination, it's called evidence, you weak-lung!
[Kailas] It's heresy, is what it is!
[Imas] Quiet, idiot!
[NemnostiGM] The voices get rather quieter after Imas' reproach of his colleague, and you lose track of it.
* Verga shakes his head.
[Verga] They're at it again.
* Izu definitely makes a mental note of that. With an underline. In red.
[Izu] They argue often?
[Verga] Well ... not like that.
[Verga] This is maybe better than last week, when they weren't talking at all.
[Izu] Do you know what they were talking about?
[Verga] I try to make it my business not to know. One of the things about everyone thinking you're a spy is that you don't want to do anything or say anything that proves them right.
* Izu nods.
[Verga] I imagine that Ingo will need to intervene eventually, if this goes on. We can't have this - people are bound to notice.
[Izu] I'm sorry they interrupted us.
[Izu] Are you ok?
[Verga] Other than needing a new girlfriend, sure. Why not?
* Verga sounds unconvincing.
[Izu] I'm afraid I cannot help you with that.
[Verga] Well ... I appreciate you talking to me, anyway.
[Izu] You are a good man, Verga. One day, things will become clear, but you must ask yourself who you are and what you want. Until you know that, you cannot hope to seek it.
* Verga smiles.
[Verga] Thanks.
* Izu smiles.

Alai is interrupted by Avrubai, and they talk about their common experiences

[NemnostiGM] Alai, since your return to Nemnosti around six months ago, your life has been both exceptionally simple and utterly impossible. Your rooms on the east wing of Carver's Hall were perfectly arranged for you, and your privileges at the ulajeta of course mean that you don't have to worry for food or drink or any basic needs.
[NemnostiGM] In another sense, though, it is as if these people, who you once knew very well, as if most of them were strangers to you. The same bodies, but different spirits. Although of course you know that it is not their spirit that has changed, but yours.
[NemnostiGM] You still haven't properly had a real conversation with Her since your return, and it would be audacious to demand an audience. Most of your research is self-directed, and that which is not comes to you through Elof or Jorota.
[NemnostiGM] You know this can't go on forever, but for now, it's just easiest. So today you find yourself buried in some old scrolls with material on the theory of divinatory combat and mind thrusting, a rare branch of magic but previously common in magical duels.
[NemnostiGM] It's interesting enough that you've mostly immersed yourself in it when you hear a voice behind you: "Mind some company?"
[NemnostiGM] You turn to see Avrubai Dusmanis behind you, wearing a white shirt and brightly patterned orange nazam leggings, with a dark grey sotogos belt. He smiles as you turn to see him.
[Avrubai] I was wondering if I'd find you here. They said you might be.
* Alai looks him up and down.
[Alai] Ah so. You have succeeded and finding me. Vhat of it?
[NemnostiGM] (So, you don't know him super well, but he is the only mystic, except maybe some old-timer, here at Nemnosti who studied at the Academy in Ardukh)
[Avrubai] I just thought, maybe I would take the time to get to know you a little better. If I'm not interrupting.
* Alai is wearing an Altala today, dark blue trailing into purple and blacks, a bone choker around her neck, the typical multitude of bracelets on her wrists, rings on her fingers and headband with black stones.
[Alai] That so, eh.
* Alai tilts her head a little
[Alai] It's an interruption, yes, but I could be convinced to take small break.
* Avrubai smiles.
[Avrubai] I was talking to some of my friends, people from the Academy, and they said they knew you, or knew of you, anyway.
[Alai] Yes, yes. I spent short time there. Did few things. Vhat they zaid of me brought you here?
[Avrubai] I know they said you didn't always seem happy up there. It's hard, believe me, I know, coming from Nemnosti to a place like that, full of bound mystics.
[Alai] So here you are? Concerned about happiness? Zalt and Sea, I need not your care. I am capable. Is that you're vorry?
* Alai gives him a solid stare
[Avrubai] Oh, no, I'm sorry, not like that, that wasn't what I meant. I meant that ... they made you sound interesting.
[Avrubai] They said you were a duelist, which surprised me a little. I guess I shouldn't assume based on someone's size, but I guess I always thought you were more studious. That's really neat, though. You were in the Sinews?
[Alai] Ya, it's true I vas. It vas not something not done here, so I thought I would try. It has moments for sure. You will be in much trouble making assumptions about size and what a mystic is capable of, if you keep doing so.
[NemnostiGM] (give me a Sense Motive please)
[Alai] :roll 1d20
[Alai] !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 17 ].
[Alai] (so 17)
[NemnostiGM] You definitely get the impression that Avrubai is interested in learning more about you. More friendly than most people, for sure.
[Avrubai] My friends said that in whispers people called you Kavalai. That seems unkind. Sometimes you have to be hard, when life is hard.
[NemnostiGM] A moment's reflection on your carefully learned Ombesh tells you that 'kavalai' probably means 'spattering' or 'repeatedly spitting'. It is also, presumably, a play on your name. Frankly you hadn't heard anyone call you that, but you're not that surprised.
* Alai rolls her eyes
[Alai] Fools make whispered names when they lack vill to speak to face. It speaks more to them than me.
[Avrubai] They said you were interested in strange magic, when you were up there. I tried to explain that here at the ulajeta things are different, we learn differently. But they seemed convinced you were doing some kind of forbidden stuff.
[Alai] I study divination... but it does more than just zee the world and anticipate. I lean to overwhelm mind with both. Zometimes in duels. It's different. But forbidden... bah.
* Avrubai nods.
[Avrubai] Of course. People don't understand and they make assumptions.
* Alai takes two fingers and hovers them between Avrubai's eyes for dramatic effect
* Avrubai laughs.
[Avrubai] I'm not overwhelmed yet.
* Alai gives a sly smile
[Alai] Ah, iz that vhat you are looking for? To be overwhelmed?
* Alai steps into him, looking up to his face
[Avrubai] Maybe.
* Avrubai smiles more broadly.
[Avrubai] And I think if you get to know me you'll find out we have a lot in common.
* Alai playfully runs a single finger along the knot of his belt.
[Alai] Vell, speak then... elaborate for me, before I decide that those scrolls will hold more interest.
* Alai gestures with her eyes back to her workspace.
[Avrubai] Well, I've been wondering. Your people here, the Vegrus, you're all Luetkan but you're really Luetkan. Like, from the islands, born on a whale's tail and nursed on the decks of a three-masted ship, like the old song says?
[Alai] Whale tail's far to uncomfortable for birth... a man wouldn't know though. They mean much to us. My necklace you see...
* Alai turns her head and tilts her neck back so he can see.
[Alai] It is whale bone... many of them.
* Avrubai nods admiringly.
[Avrubai] You know, the Dusmanis, we also come from the waters, sort of.
[Avrubai] We used to be well-off, but then they flooded our lands to build Ai Dandura. Our great iftibal is still underwater, and when there's a drought you can even see the stone chimney emerge from the surface of the lake.
[Alai] A so you live on tiny sea, inflicted on you.
* Avrubai laughs.
[Avrubai] Exactly.
[Alai] Tiz not the same. The oceans are vast and deep... some parts so deep that the peaks upside down could not reach the bottom. No drought will expose their depths.
* Avrubai nods.
[Avrubai] It's fascinating to hear about. Even in Ardukh, people don't talk like that. It's ... intriguing.
[Avrubai] I'd love to hear more about it sometime. About your home, and the sea.
[Avrubai] And whatever. Things you're working on or that you like.
[Alai] So curious. Being from tiny sea, you swim yes? more than the Courses?
[Avrubai] Definitely. We used to swim down in the lake and see the ruins down there. The lake is shallow, since it's not really natural. Or it is, but the flooding expanded it.
[Alai] Vell, lets meet for swim then... soon, and we talk about home and sea.
* Alai steps away from him
* Avrubai smiles and thinks about stepping in closer, but then thinks better of it.
[Avrubai] Sounds great, Alai.
[Alai] Maybe Marga enjoy leisure swim too. I'll see if she come as well. Sound good?
[Avrubai] Ahh ... sure, if she's interested. She might not be.
* Alai chuckles
[Alai] So you mistaken. She will love come swim.
[Alai] Must work now.
[Avrubai] All right, good talking to you.
* Avrubai leaves you to your work.
[Alai] but thank you for distraction.

Kuspir spars with Ghorgimbe and Bem, and then learns about Bem's relationship woes

[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, for the past several months, Ghorgimbe has taken to holding drills in the hour around dusk. Because Bem sleeps during most of the day, and of course you and others, such as Detevus and Marga, most often have your duties in the sunlight hours, it's one of the only times that works for everyone.
[NemnostiGM] Well, there was the one time you did them before dawn, but there were far too many complaints from the other staff, even though you thought you'd held the exercises far enough out on the courtyard not to disturb anyone's sleep.
[NemnostiGM] Anyway, these drills are not only for stoneguards, but anyone looking for arms training, but Ghorgimbe runs them and then sometimes hands some of it off to you or one of the others.
[NemnostiGM] Today, though, Marga is out patrolling and Detevus is on duty, so it's just you, Ghorgimbe, and Bem.
[NemnostiGM] Today, the exercises seem more vigorous than usual. Not that any of you are out of shape, mind you. But today, Ghorgimbe has brought out a bubun for you to spar with. Hand Jesa came out to give it some instructions before you started, and now you're going at it.
[NemnostiGM] When you do that, you use wooden weapons, of course, and the bubun really is just holding a stick and a shield. But Ghorgimbe, in demonstrating to you, has enormous energy, for a woman who you know is past fifty and who is at the end of a long day at the ulajeta.
* Ghorgimbe swings her hammer with great force against the bubun's shield.
[Ghorgimbe] Have to be quicker than that, uncle.
[Ghorgimbe] Now you, Kuspir.
[NemnostiGM] (OK, you can attack the bubun)
* Kuspir will step up and swing his hammer
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 28 ].
[NemnostiGM] (ok roll damage)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d12+5
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d12+5 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 7 ].
[NemnostiGM] You knock the bubun back a step as you strike it in the chest.
[Ghorgimbe] See, there, uncle, that ought to remind you of old times.
[Ghorgimbe] Now Bem.
* Bem steps forward to swing low, at the bubun's knees.
* Kuspir gets out of her way
[Bem] !roll 1d20+5
* Lan-werk rolls for Bem: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 6 ].
* Bem grunts as her wooden practice blade flies out of her hands and skitters across the courtyard.
[Bem] Sorry!
[Kuspir] Ah.. you all right?
* Bem blushes, perhaps?
[Bem] Yeah. Sure.
* Bem goes to retrieve it.
[Ghorgimbe] Well then it's got to be me then.
[Ghorgimbe] !roll 1d20+16
* Lan-werk rolls for Ghorgimbe: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 20 ].
[NemnostiGM] Despite what seems to be not Ghorgimbe's best effort, the bubun falls to the ground.
* Ghorgimbe says something very quietly.
[Kuspir] Good work.
[NemnostiGM] (you can make a Perception to hear that)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 32 ].
[NemnostiGM] You can hear it quite clearly, then, although you know you were not intended to.
[Ghorgimbe] [q] Fuck you, uncle, forever.
[Kuspir] (do I know if this is literally her uncle? or like... some relation?)
[Ghorgimbe] Leave it there, Jesa will be by later to round it up.
* Kuspir nods
[NemnostiGM] (hmmm, make a K:nobility or K:local)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+5
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 11 ].
[Kuspir] (add 1 if this is dealing with the Nemni lineage at all, also)
[Kuspir] (that's k: local)
[NemnostiGM] (you're not really sure, it sounds familiar, maybe? It would definitely be odd to call a bubun 'uncle', that's not some thing that stoneguards do)
* Kuspir will not pry, since it seems like something private
[Ghorgimbe] All right, soldiers, gather around, let's take a moment to rest our spleens before we move to the next drill.
* Kuspir will gather round as instructed
* Bem comes back with her weapon and gathers herself.
[Ghorgimbe] Just so you know, the Lady has asked me to keep these going daily, even to expand them to other folks, now that spring is here. Guess She must be concerned about raiders and brigands, I don't know, although Cascade and their bunch haven't been bothering us for a while.
[Kuspir] Makes sense. Our numbers are lower than I would like.
[Ghorgimbe] I think the plan is to bring in some more bubun from Naftusa, for the basic stuff. But we all know that's never enough.
[Ghorgimbe] Bem, Kuspir, I may need you to lead more of these than in the past.
* Bem just nods.
[Kuspir] Very well.
[Kuspir] We should be looking for some younger recruits, if we can.
[Ghorgimbe] All right, the two of you, run three laps of the courtyard.
* Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] All right then, get to it.
* Kuspir will set off at a moderate jog, not too fast.
* Bem is more than capable of keeping up with you, but definitely seems distracted during the run.
[Kuspir] Something bothering you/
[Kuspir] ?
[Bem] Uhh ... well ... no.
[NemnostiGM] (sense motive please? this is not a hard one)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 18 ].
* Alai (Mibbitcpe589630e09e0d-cm589630e09e0b.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) Quit (Quit: https://mibbit.com Online IRC Client )
[NemnostiGM] (Bem is definitely not telling you the whole truth. Something is definitely bothering her)
[Kuspir] Bullshit.
[Bem] Yeah, maybe.
[Kuspir] You don't have to tell me but don't lie to me at least.
[Bem] I don't want to upset you.
[Kuspir] So it's something that would upset me?
[Bem] Maybe.
[Kuspir] Do you think it'll upset me more to try and guess what it might be? I can make up some pretty awful scenarios in my mind if you'd prefer.
[Bem] All right. Do you, uhh, still write letters to Zurusha?
[Kuspir] Of course.
[Kuspir] I write to her every day.
[Bem] You say that like it's obvious.
[Kuspir] Isn't it?
* Bem shakes her head.
[Bem] I'm sorry, I don't mean to intrude, it's not about her, it's about someone else.
[Kuspir] Is it your boyfriend?
[Bem] How did you ... yeah.
[Kuspir] I'm not that stupid.
[Bem] I never said you were stupid, I'm sorry, I don't mean to ... whatever.
[Kuspir] You ask if I'm still writing letters to my wife, you say it's not about her, it's about someone else... it's going to be about your boyfriend, then. He's not paying you the same kind of attention as before, maybe?
[Bem] Lately it feels like he is losing patience with, with all this.
* Bem waves her hands around her face and abdomen.
[Kuspir] What makes you think that? Did he say something?
[Bem] He hasn't said anything, but he doesn't seem to want to spend time with me as much.
[Bem] I think it's my skin. My scars. Everything.
[Kuspir] That could be about lots of things. He's the son of the hengi, he could just be busy with matters that concern the lineage.
[Kuspir] You should talk to him.
[Bem] And say what?
* Kuspir shrugs
* Bem asks, sounding strangled, and not just because you're running.
[Kuspir] What you said to me. That you think he's not as interested in you anymore.
[Kuspir] If it's not true, and he has half a brain, he'll find ways to reassure you that he still feels as strongly for you as ever.
[Bem] Maybe I should just focus on the work. Until feet fail, and all that.
[Kuspir] If it's true, then at least it's out in the open. You can decide what you want then, if you know the truth.
[Bem] I'm not really good at talking to people.
[Kuspir] Well... you have been with him for how long now?
[Bem] Since just after my accident. It's not like it's news to him that I'm a cold corpse.
[NemnostiGM] (so that would be, like 2-3 years)
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] He knew what he was getting into, then.
[Bem] I guess.
[Kuspir] You still feel the same for him, I gather? Or you wouldn't be so upset by this.
[Bem] I'm sorry, I know it's not the same as you and Zurusha. But maybe that makes it worse.
[Bem] Like, it's been longer, and you write her every day even though you can't see her.
[Bem] I'm sorry.
[Kuspir] Things don't have to be the same as other things to still be bad.
[Bem] Yeah.
[Kuspir] If you don't want to talk to him, I can talk to him.
[Bem] ...
* Kuspir offers in a way that is not entirely not a threat
* Bem seems to not know what to say.
[Bem] Uhh ... you would do that?
[Kuspir] I would tell him to pull his head out of his ass and stand up straight.
[Kuspir] Politely. He *is* the son of the hengi.
[Bem] Don't terrify him. You know you do that right?
* Kuspir shrugs
[Kuspir] It's not entirely deliberate.
[Bem] Just ... I need to know, but I can't ask.
* Kuspir grunts in agreement.
[Kuspir] I won't try to frighten him.
[Kuspir] The answer wouldn't count then anyway.
[NemnostiGM] You finish up the laps and return to the courtyard, where Ghorgimbe is waiting, while Hand Jesa has brought the bubun back up and is taking it away to storage in the stables.
[Ghorgimbe] All right, good work.
[Ghorgimbe] Tomorrow we'll do it again.
[Ghorgimbe] Now to temple, for ablutions and prayers.
[Ghorgimbe] We fight on, stoneguards - until feet fail.
[Kuspir] Until feel fail.
* Kuspir echoes
[Bem] Until feet fail.
* Bem mumbles.
* Kuspir pats her on the back

Jevai gets some tasty mushrooms, and then goes to dinner with her aunt Naka

[NemnostiGM] Jevai, your chambers on the east side of the first floor of Carver's Hall are comfortable but hardly spacious. Some people practically beg for one of the scarce rooms with windows, but honestly, you're so accustomed to caves at this point that natural light is not a high priority.
[NemnostiGM] The big advantage of being up here, rather than down in the basement when you were a young acolyte, is that there isn't so much noise and disturbance. Really, it's not common for people to bother you at all.
[NemnostiGM] One afternoon, about an hour before dinner, though, there is a quiet tapping at your door. You were deep in reading a book on cosmology and weren't expecting anyone.
[Jevai] hmm?
[Jevai] Hello?
* Jevai will calls as she stands and heads towards the door
[NemnostiGM] There's no immediate response.
* Jevai will open it
[NemnostiGM] You open the door and look down to see a tiny figure of reeds, vines, and mosses, whose arms double as hair, and with soft blue-grey polished stones for eyes. It is Ghoko, the amni, or effigy, of your aunt Naka.
* Jevai smiles down at it
[Jevai] Hello Ghoko, does my auntie need something?
[Ghoko] Hello!
[Ghoko] Yes.
[Ghoko] The worthy Naka has asked me to bring you this.
* Ghoko pulls out a simple woven burlap bag and hands it to you.
[Jevai] thank you.
* Jevai will take it and look inside
[NemnostiGM] You look inside and see a selection of mushrooms, you think from the upper hills of the Ghengom.
[Ghoko] Also she wishes to see you for dinner in the Bent Hall, tonight if you are free.
[Jevai] I don't have other plans, I can join her... What are these for?
[Ghoko] I believe they are for eating, Lady Jevai.
[Ghoko] A gift that she wanted me to send up.
[Jevai] As long as she's not expecting me to *cook* dinner.. please give her my thanks and let her know I'll see her then.
[Ghoko] It is very nice to see you.
* Ghoko manages what passes for a smile made out of what passes for their mouth.
[Jevai] you too.
* Ghoko shuffles along then, leaving you to get ready for dinner later today.
* Jevai will try not to get too sucked back into her book, and will take time to sort through the mushrooms and see if they really are just food kinds
[NemnostiGM] (sure, make me a K:nature)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+10
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 27 ].
[NemnostiGM] (Definitely just for eating, these species grow only in the spring in the high hills, up by Vija Sogo)
[NemnostiGM] (OK, anything else you need to do before you head over for dinner?)
[Jevai] (I don't think so, no, book _)
[NemnostiGM] The Bent Hall is the main dining chamber in the Carver's Hall, located on the second floor at the south end of the building. Contrary to its name, it is not literally bent, but the wonderful patterns on the alabaster windows on the south wall give it the illusion of being slightly concave.
[NemnostiGM] Your aunt is sitting away from others, and looks up when she sees you and nods.
[Jevai] (Is this like cafeteria style sort of thing? Shoudl I get food the come sit? :x)
* Jevai nods back and smiles
[NemnostiGM] (yes, there are several big trays of food. Bubun and acolytes do much of the labor of cleaning up tables and refilling drinks though)
* Jevai will get something to eat and them come sit with her
[Jevai] good evening, auntie
[Naka] Hello, Jevai. It's been too long. Ghoko brought you the mushrooms, I presume?
[Jevai] he did, yes, thank you!
[Naka] I've been up to Vija Sogo. The growth is excellent this year, as the snows melt and the creeks grow thick.
* Jevai nods
[Naka] I spoke to Faja-dur Chuchuru while I was there. Her gardens are going to be lovely, I think, this year.
[Jevai] Is she well, then?
[Naka] She is, I think.
[Naka] She asked about you.
* Jevai nods
[Naka] Is there something I should have told her?
[Jevai] hmm?
[Naka] About how you are doing.
[Jevai] I don't think so.
[Jevai] I should go visit, but I fel bad that I don't have anything new I can tell her :/
[Naka] She still thinks her brother is out there somewhere, you know. Or at least, her hope exceeds her pragmatism, and she has always been a pragmatic person.
[Jevai] I know.
[Jevai] :/
[Naka] I don't claim to know everything about sigillants, but it seems to me far more likely that he had an accident. Nothing to do with Source is truly safe.
[Jevai] It's been four years ... Do you really think there's any way we can know, at this point?
[NemnostiGM] (roll me a Bluff please)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 25 ].
[NemnostiGM] (all right I'm not going to worry about her SM then)
[Naka] No, there's no way to know. Which is hard, but so are many things in the shadow of Momichas.
[Naka] Things are tense in the high hills. Not just in the villages, either.
[Naka] People are saying they're afraid to hunt fox at night.
[Jevai] Tense how?
[Naka] Neighbours suspicious of one another, that sort of thing. It's uncomfortable.
[Jevai] has anything been happening?
[Naka] Nothing specific that I could get from anyone. But you know, folks from Akapa Sogo can even be treated as Ombans, up that high.
[Naka] It's not the same up there.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] maybe I'll ask Marga
[Jevai] but maybe it will get better as the weather clears more
[Naka] She would know better.
[Jevai] but not wanting to go out at night sounds like more than just neighbourly disputes
[Naka] I'm afraid so.
* Jevai nods, thinking
[Jevai] but the foraging was good?
[Naka] Yes, quite good. And then I went down the slope to home.
[Naka] I dropped by the Igriz iftibal yesterday to have tea with your mother.
[Jevai] did you leave her some mushrooms too? :)
[Naka] I did, yes.
[Naka] She's worried about your brother.
* Jevai sighs
[Jevai] of course
[Naka] She's been working with Zenef to try to find a marriage partner for him, to maybe calm him down.
* Naka shakes her head, as if to dismiss the idea.
[NemnostiGM] (Zenef being the Igriz hengi)
* Jevai sighs again
[Jevai] well, who can say.
[Naka] Zhundul was bad enough, but Pughan is just so sure of himself, and of everything.
[Jevai] and that woudl be fine if he actually had any sense, I know...
[Naka] He's going to get himself killed again.
* Jevai look sad
[Jevai] He doesn't listen to me at all.
* Naka nods.
[Naka] Pughan is more like Zurusha than we would care to admit.
[Naka] Coming back ... wrong.
[Jevai] :|
[Jevai] It's not so unknown, with shororre
[Jevai] But worth the cahnce, and it is his life. I just wish he seemd more satisfied with it
[Naka] Of course. But still, hard. Irdomila, you know, she has had a hard time since the accident. But she is more like me and you, sister-daughter.
[Naka] Wanting to understand the world, to make it make sense.
* Jevai nods
[Naka] Has Kuspir talked to you at all about her?
[Jevai] how are you doing with these things?
* Jevai asks at the same time
* Jevai shakes her head though
[Naka] Oh ... I'm fine.
[Jevai] are you?
[Naka] Of course. I would like some more grandchildren, of course, but the two I have are lovely.
[Naka] And I have a niece who is often warmly in my thoughts.
* Jevai sighs
[Jevai] My poor mother, on that front -_-
[Naka] She simply wants to fix the problem by making it seem not so bad.
[Naka] But denial is not a strategy.
[Naka] Oh, or you meant about you?
[Jevai] no, and not fair to some poor girl, either who doens't know him
* Jevai shrugs
[Naka] You know, I had all my four before I was twenty-three.
[Jevai] I supose Pughan may father some children somewhere for her to coddle, at least
[Naka] If he even knows about them.
* Jevai laughs
[Jevai] someone would. She'll find out.
[Jevai] (she'd)
[Naka] Anyway, I am not suggesting you play matchmaker!
[Naka] That is for Ifa to do, if my sister cares to ask her.
[Naka] But honestly I hope this whole scheme of hers with Zenef and others is just idle thinking.
[Jevai] Good, because I'm not qualified, and anyone I suggest wydl surely be dismissed. So maybe if thre is someone they don't want him to consider, let me know, and I'll suggest her.
* Naka laughs.
[Naka] And if your mother ever asks me on your account, I'll remind her that you have duties here that preclude you from continuing the line anytime soon.
[Jevai] I think, by now, she knows better.
[Jevai] but I appreciate it, nonetheless
[NemnostiGM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes ...