RocksfallWiki - User contributions [en]

Thirteen 2 session 9

2022-03-13T19:30:46Z

Induriel: /* Meanwhile, Welumque dissuades Lucas from reentering the cave */

{{logtoc|Thirteen 2|9}}
==Summary==
Skalla, Hilde and Svald go to investigate the gunshots and find a party of Tsonnontouan Atenrosra who claim to be an advance scouting group for the local Katkwarà:yę'uhchírę' Karagwasischijro who are also interested in retrieving the guns. Back at the cave, Lucas feels pulled to return. When the others return with the elves, T:chuuoneega, one of the Katkwarà:yę'uhchírę' who was serpent-marked during the war, tries to draw Lucas into his confidence. The party also investigate older tracks found at the cave.

==Session==
: Session date: 2022-01-22
: In Game date: Picking up from last session

===Skalla, Hildie, and Svald go to investigate the shots===
 <Narrator> All right, so, last we left off, you were in the cave where the cannons are buried, and you all heard gunshots in the middle distance. What're you doing?
 * Pierre looks alarmed
 <Skalla> We need to find out what's going on.
 * Hildie readies her rifle and heads toward the cave mouth
 * Skalla goes with
 <Welumque> (this doesn't seem like it could be a hunting party or something like that, does it?)
 <Hildie> Stay behind me
 <Skalla> pfft
 <Skalla> Svald?
 <Welumque> Let's be cautious. These are not familiar lands.
 <Narrator> (A hunting party wouldn't likely be shooting this many shots.)
 * Skalla nods in agreement
 * Hildie will look out and see if anything is visible
 * Lucas will close his eyes and try to concentrate on what the spirits might be telling him - if they are alert to danger or seem agitated, etc.
 * Svald creeps up with them
 * Skalla will keep her behind her and Hildie
 <Skalla> let us know if you sense anyb more.. active spirits.
 * Svald nods
 <Narrator> (Roll me Notice, folks)
 <Skalla> Lucas, I need you to keep anyone in the cave safe from.. whatever is in there.
 <Svald> !roll 4d3-5
 * Skalla rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 3 2 1 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 2 ].
 * Skalla rolls [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 3 3 1 1 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 1 ]
 <Hildie> !roll 4d3-6
 * Skalla rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 2 3 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 3 ].
 <Welumque> !roll 4d3-7
 * Skalla rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 3 3 3 3 ] for a total of [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 5 ].
 <Svald> (wait I did that wrong)
 <Welumque> (woot!)
 <Svald> !roll 4d3-3
 * Skalla rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-3 ] getting [ 3 1 3 2 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -3 ] totals [ 6 ].
 <Lucas> !roll 4d3-6
 * Skalla rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 2 3 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 2 ].
 <Skalla> (I also forgot if this counts as wilderness or not - if it does I get 3 instead of 1)
 <Svald> (it did last time(
 <Narrator> (It is)
 <Narrator> (Svald, why did you roll twice?)
 <Narrator> (Oh, wait, I see)
 <Narrator> You can all get a sense that it's a small party to the north of where you are now. Svald and Welumque can narrow that down to it being about 300 yards northeast. Svald, you've got a little experience with this, so you'd say it's roughly 10 or so people firing.
 <Narrator> Lucas, the spirits do seem agitated, but it feels more...anticipatory than angry.
 <Svald> ... (q) there's about ten people shooting
 <Lucas> The spirits here aren't angry, they're waiting for something.
 <Hildie> Whatever it is, they're not shooting at us. Not at that distance.
 * Lucas says to Skalla
 <Welumque> (do I know anything / can I recall what was to the northeast of here? Or is that not where we have been / seen yet?)
 <Skalla> (same)
 <Skalla> (and are they shooting this way?)
 <Skalla> well, let's go see
 <Pierre> All of us?
 <Skalla> no.
 <Narrator> (I don't think you've been out that way yet.)
 <Welumque> This place is strange. I don't want to leave any of us in the cave until we know what this is. For all we know, it's far more dangerous in here than out there.
 <Skalla> YOu stay with Lucas and Welumque
 <Skalla> (bah, timing)
 * Skalla makes a face
 * Skalla looks to Lucas on what he thinks
 <Svald> She's right
 <Lucas> We can go to just outside the cave, and wait there?
 <Hildie> Maybe the others should wait in the fort itself. Try to stay out of sight for now.
 * Welumque nods.
 <Pierre> Well... alright, Mademoiselle. Please be careful.
 <Skalla> (Is there any fort left standing?)
 <Skalla> Okay.
 <Narrator> (There's bits, yeah. A couple of pieces of wall that you could hide behind.)
 <Narrator> (Okay, so who's going where?)
 * Hildie is going to investigate
 <Skalla> (same)
 * Lucas will go to the outside of the cave and wait.
 <Svald> (same)
 <Svald> (as skalla)
 * Welumque is with Lucas, as always.
 <Narrator> All right, how do y'all want to approach?
 * Pierre follows Wellumque and Lucas
 <Svald> (there aren't really animals around iirc?)
 <Narrator> (Lucas, Welumque, and Pierre in #thirteen02 if y'all want to discuss things/just talk?)
 <Narrator> (How do you mean? None immediately within sight, but I'm sure there was birdsong earlier, the usual type stuff)
 <Svald> (ok well I would like to borrow a bird)
 <Narrator> (How so?)
 <Svald> (can I sort of cast about spiritually and find a bird to look through to see what's happening?)
 <Narrator> (I'm going to rule you need to be able to see a specific bird, but you could try calling one to you first)
 <Svald> (ok I will do that)
 <Narrator> (Roll Will)
 <Svald> !roll 4d3-4
 * Skalla rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 2 2 2 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 4 ].
 <Narrator> (So many fun choices for this, but) A blue jay will alight on a rock a few feet away.
 <Narrator> (Are Skalla and Hildie pausing for Svald to do this?)
 <Svald> (q) hello, friend... I need to borrow your eyes
 <Hildie> (If they say that's what they are doing)
 <Skalla> (If Svald stops, I'll stop and gesture for Hildie to slow down)
 <Narrator> The bird chirps nervously, but hops and seems to signal assent.
 <Svald> (q) thank you...
 <Svald> (bird time!!)
 <Narrator> It's always a little bit of an adjustment, but your senses shift to those of your new friend, and you can mentally nudge her to take flight towards the gunshots, which have faded away. It's a quick flight for her, and you can see figures moving around and billows of smoke still disappating near a small pond to the northeast.
 * Svald will alight near them and try to figure out what's going on.
 <Narrator> There's a group of native elven people with the look of warriors. A few of them have arrow wounds, which are being seen to. They look wary but not frightened, scanning the surrounding trees.
 <Svald> (and they hhave guns?)
 <Svald> (and how many are there)
 <Narrator> (Most of them are armed, yes, and there look to be about twelve)
 <Svald> (are they saying anything that I can understand?)
 <Narrator> (I don't think you speak Atenrosera, do you?)
 <Narrator> (They're a major tribe north of where you live, with one or two nations between you, depending on how you count it.)
 <Narrator> (I don't *think * Svald has had much contact with them.)
 <Svald> (I do not)
 * Svald will fly back to the group, and release the bird from their influence, thanking her again.
 * Svald shudders slightly.
 <Skalla> see anythign?
 <Svald> There are about a dozen. Indigenous people. warriors, armed. Something attacked them with arrows. I didn't see what.
 <Svald> I think they are Atenrosera. I couldn't understand what they were saying; they seemed wary but not... afraid.
 <Svald> If we approached carefully, maybe they would speak to us and tell us what's going on.
 <Svald> I mean, speak to you. not me.
 <Hildie> Arrows. Probably got ambushed by another native group.
 <Svald> I didn't see anyone else.
 <Hildie> Any bodies?
 * Svald shakes their head.
 <Skalla> Well, they were shooting at someone
 <Svald> SOme were wounded, but not seriously.
 <Hildie> Well, at least we know both sides were probably lousy shots.
 <Skalla> pfft. I woudln't assume that.
 <Skalla> But I am wary pf approaching them - they outnumber us, we don't knwo who their enemies are, or what they're doing here
 <Hildie> Maybe they'll leave on their own, but either they or their enemy might comne this way.
 <Svald> (did it look like they had been coming our way?)
 <Skalla> this is't really their territory, and Svald sais warriors, not just traders
 <Hildie> You think they came for the guns too?
 <Skalla> no, unless they're part of a bigger group.
 <Svald> It would be a long way to take them back to their lands...
 * Skalla nods to svald
 <Skalla> we brought wagons for a reason
 <Hildie> And a helluva coincidence besides.
 <Hildie> So do we try to talk to them?
 <Narrator> (As they had paused to take care of wounded, it's hard to say which direction they were headed)
 <Skalla> yeah. This is probably the best time - but keep your eyes peeled for anyone else in the area
 <Svald> (right)
 <Svald> if they come this direction, there is no way we will escape their notice
 <Svald> so...
 <Hildie> Ugh... I hate that expression. Reminds me of peeling grapes. But yeah, I will.
 * Skalla nods to Svald
 * Svald nods to Skalla
 <Narrator> You can make your way over in that direction. How do you want to do this?
 <Hildie> We should probably make ourselves known. Sneaking up on them would be a bad idea right now.
 <Svald> Yes.
 <Skalla> yes. We'll just take a direct route and announce ourselves when we get closer
 * Hildie nods
 * Hildie keeps her gun at her side, but loaded and ready.
 <Svald> Just tell the truth... we heard the shots.
 * Svald shrugs
 <Skalla> exactly
 <Hildie> And if they ask why we're here?
 <Skalla> I'll handle it Hildie
 * Svald looks to Skalla.
 <Hildie> You're the boss.
 <Skalla> let's go

===They approach the Atenrosera party===
 <Narrator> You can enact your plan, which works in that they don't shoot you, but you are greeted by several rifles pointed in your direction.
 <Skalla> Hey there
 * Skalla raises her hands in a non threatening way
 <Skalla> We heard gunshots
 * Svald raises their hands as well, watching the Atenrosera with unguarded curiosity
 * Hildie reluctantly raises her hands, but keeps hold of her rifle
 * Atenrosera_Man (webchat@216.45.76.50) has joined #thirteen
 * Atenrosera_Man steps to the front of the group, but none of them lower their weapons.
 <Atenrosera_Man> Who are you?
 * Atenrosera_Man asks in pretty good Stordammer.
 <Narrator> (Actually, scratch that last bit)
 <Narrator> (He'll answer in Tsonnontouan dialect)
 <Skalla> I am Skalla Beritsdottir of the Stormsvallvåg, and these are some of my people
 * Atenrosera_Man nods.
 <Atenrosera_Man> Óhontekahèn:ta of the Tsonnontouan.
 * Atenrosera_Man is now known as Ohontekahenta
 <Skalla> we are both fairly far from home out here - who attacked you?
 <Ohontekahenta> We didn't get a good look. They ambushed us, but luckily they were mostly poor shots.
 * Ohontekahenta nods towards where two of his group are tending to the three wounded, none of them looking serious.
 * Skalla nods, survey the injured
 * Ohontekahenta looks over the three of you.
 <Hildie> <w> toldja
 <Ohontekahenta> Trappers?
 <Skalla> (Can I guess, uh, based on the size of the arrows, if it was more likely halflings or elves?)
 <Skalla> We're here to survey the fort
 <Skalla> You?
 <Narrator> (Looks like it could be a mix.)
 <Ohontekahenta> Similar. What is your interest in the old fort?
 * Skalla grins, recognizing that they still have guns trained
 <Skalla> I suspect rather different than yours, if this is your party
 <Skalla> maybe we can help each other out, if we can speak in friendship
 * Ohontekahenta looks at Skalla, then turns his head and nods to his men, who lower their weapons.
 * Svald puts their hands down then
 * Hildie will as well
 * Skalla also, and extend one for a more formal greeting
 * Ohontekahenta steps forward to shake Skalla's hand.
 * Skalla can shake, then
 <Ohontekahenta> We're here on behalf of the Katkwarà:yę'uhchírę'.
 <Skalla> (Do I know who or what that is?)
 * Ohontekahenta nods again, this time towards the tallest member of his group. They're unusually dressed, in the usual mix of native and colonial styles, but with a scarf wrapped around their lower face and a wide Mariannais hat covering most of the rest.
 <Narrator> (It's a Karagwasischijro tribe, you know that much.)
 <Skalla> oh?
 * Skalla looks up at him, guessing he is probably serpent marked
 <Skalla> I know of them, a little
 <Narrator> You can't see much, but you can probably see a bit of scales on the thin line of skin showing above the scarf.
 <Skalla> Are you here because of the spirits?
 * Ohontekahenta narrows his eyes.
 <Ohontekahenta> Spirits?
 <Svald> There is... something here.
 <Svald> I am, uh, I sense it.
 <Skalla> As do other in our group.
 * Ohontekahenta turns towards the two healers. One of them looks up, pauses for a long moment, and frowns, shaking his head.
 <Ohontekahenta> That's not our concern here, but it is a concern.
 * Skalla nods
 <Ohontekahenta> I ask again: what is your concern with the fort?
 <Skalla> We're recovering some materials that were left behind
 <Ohontekahenta> What sort of materials?
 <Skalla> Canon.
 <Ohontekahenta> Then we're at cross-purposes, I'm afraid, as that's why we're here as well. The Katkwarà:yę'uhchírę' wish to recover said cannons.
 * Skalla frowns
 <Skalla> they should talk to the [Owähé'sda'ga'gá' 's tribe]
 <Ohontekahenta> Perhaps that is so, but these are their lands.
 <Skalla> (are they?)
 <Narrator> (Roll me...Lore or Contacts, your choice)
 <Skalla> (I will roll lore and can I use my ties to the Karagawsischijro?)
 * Skalla rolls [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 2 3 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 1 ]
 <Narrator> (Sure, you just spend a Fate point for +2)
 <Skalla> (done)
 <Skalla> (so 3)
 <Narrator> He's technically right, but it's not like that's an entirely convincing legal argument, tribal or colonial, in regards to the guns. It's basically salvage.
 <Skalla> Sure, but not their guns. You don't seem equipped for it, though.
 <Ohontekahenta> We're the advance party. They've left these lands alone for some time, and were worried who might be here. Clearly, they had reason.
 <Skalla> what timing we all have!
 * Ohontekahenta nods.
 <Svald> Who was shooting at you?
 <Ohontekahenta> I'm not sure who or what that was. Karagwasischijro would have charged, and I don't think they were Lèxkweyok.
 <Svald> Hmm.
 <Skalla> Look. I'm a buisnesswoman. I think we can figure out some kind of compromise here.
 <Skalla> At the moment, it doesn't seem like any of have anything in hand to fight over
 * Ohontekahenta nods.
 * Skalla nods to the wrapped up person.
 <Skalla> Are you able to soeak for the Katkwarà:yę'uhchírę', or is he?
 * Katkwarayeuhchire_Person (webchat@216.45.76.50) has joined #thirteen
 * Katkwarayeuhchire_Person steps forward a bit awkwardly.
 <Katkwarayeuhchire_Person> I suppose I can, yes.
 * Skalla nods
 <Katkwarayeuhchire_Person> I am T:chuuoneega.
 * Skalla offers him her hand to shake
 * Katkwarayeuhchire_Person is now known as Tchuuoneega
 * Tchuuoneega pauses a moment, then reaches out to shake Skalla's hand.
 * Skalla shakes
 <Skalla> I am surprised tat your people knew of the canons - they were well hidden when the place was abandoned
 <Tchuuoneega> ...I was here when the cannons were hidden.
 <Skalla> With the fort's forces?
 * Tchuuoneega stares angrily at Skalla for a moment.
 <Tchuuoneega> Yes.
 * Svald shifts her weight uncomfortably
 * Skalla just nods
 <Skalla> (sec, dog)
 <Skalla> We were told of them by another veteran
 <Skalla> I guess he considered them more fair game.
 <Hildie> Interesting that we both came looking for them at the same time.
 * Skalla nods to Hildie
 <Skalla> regaedless - we came here prepared. It would save your people some effort, wouldn't it if we can work this out
 <Ohontekahenta> We have more people coming.
 <Tchuuoneega> They are on *our * land.
 <Skalla> (is Ohontekahenta bluffing?)
 <Skalla> Sure, but you know that doens't make them yours.
 <Narrator> (Roll Empathy)
 <Skalla> (lol)
 * Skalla rolls [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 3 1 2 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ 0 ]
 <Skalla> If they are yours and your people wnt them - why not send your own people?
 <Narrator> (Got anything you can invoke with a Fate point?)
 <Skalla> (I'm not sure anything applies without stretching - I culd say that I am part of a trading family and probably have some experience in these situations, or that I'm tryng to look out for my own by protecting my friend's interest here)
 <Narrator> (I'd be okay with the latter)
 <Skalla> (okay, then I'll take the +2)
 <Narrator> There's definitely more to it than he's saying. If you had to guess, he's just here for the cannons and some or all of them aren't going to make their way to Tchuuoneega's people.
 <Narrator> As to more folks coming, that would almost certainly have to be the case, but there's no telling when.
 <Skalla> (cool, thats about what I figured)
 <Skalla> We could take some of these guns to your people, and some for my friends, now.
 <Skalla> My family trades fairly.
 * Tchuuoneega looks nervously at Ohontekahenta.
 <Ohontekahenta> Why would the Katkwarà:yę'uhchírę' pay for cannon already under their control?
 * Skalla considers.
 <Skalla> Well, I wasn't saying we would sell them. As for their control - my people are the ones who are on site right now
 * Pierre (Mibbit@bras-base-mtrlpq4396w-grc-01-65-92-225-196.dsl.bell.ca) Quit (Quit: https://mibbit.com Online IRC Client)
 <Ohontekahenta> But they are not here right this moment.
 <Narrator> The Atenrosera tense, not raising their weapons, but clearly ready.
 * Hildie does the same.
 <Skalla> no, they're on alert, because of the gunshots
 * Pierre (~Mibbit@bras-base-mtrlpq4396w-grc-01-65-92-225-196.dsl.bell.ca) has joined #thirteen
 <Skalla> So - what would you like to do, T:chuuoneega?
 * Tchuuoneega pauses, looking nervously looking back and forth between Skalla and Ohontekahenta.
 <Tchuuoneega> Why don't we all just secure the cannons first?
 * Skalla nods
 <Tchuuoneega> So we're not arguing about something not in hand?
 * Ohontekahenta scowls, but, after a second, nods.
 <Skalla> a reasonable compromise for the moment
 * Skalla smiles at him
 <Ohontekahenta> Let us go, then.
 <Skalla> The cave is this way.
 <Narrator> The party will accompany you, still watching their surroundings.

===Meanwhile, Welumque dissuades Lucas from reentering the cave===
* Pierre looks worried
<Welumque> It's not all like this, young Pierre.
 <Welumque> Nature, out here, it's dangerous, yes, but beautiful.
 <Welumque> My people have walked these forests for centuries.
 <Pierre> Yes, it is beautiful.
 <Pierre> I'm just concerned about the shots.
 <Welumque> And so you should be. But whoever is out there shooting, they aren't shooting at us or our party.
* Lucas is mostly trying to keep focus on the spirits and so is fairly quiet for now
<Pierre> No... I don't suppose it's just a hunting party, though?
 <Welumque> No, I don't suppose so.
 <Pierre> And who are they shooting at? Perhaps there are two groups.
 <Welumque> It could be.
<Pierre> No point speculating, I suppose.
* Pierre watches Lucas in his apparent trance
<Pierre> (to Welumque) <q> What about the, ah, the spirits? Are they guarding this place? Do we have to appease them in some way?
 <Welumque> These words ... guard ... appease ... they are often not the right ones, when it comes to spirits. But perhaps, yes. We don't know yet why they are here, what are their intentions.
<Pierre> I suppose Lucas will be able to tell us, once he's done?
 <Welumque> I hope so.
* Pierre looks around the area
<Pierre> !roll 4d3-5
* Skalla rolls for Pierre: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 2 3 3 3 ] for a total of [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 6 ].
<Narrator> (You do see some tracks in the area that look like they wouldn't have come from your party: human- or elf-sized, older than y'all's recent tracks, but relatively recent.)
* Pierre points them out to Welumque
<Pierre> These could be the same people who were shooting...
<Welumque> Hmm, perhaps.
<Pierre> (Can I tell how many people the tracks represent?)
* Welumque looks at the tracks; can I tell anything more about them?
<Narrator> (You're not quite sure. Several different people, at least.)
 <Narrator> (Roll...Investigate, Steve)
<Welumque> !roll 4d3-5
* Skalla rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 1 2 2 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Narrator> The tracks go into and out of the cave, over time it looks. You know it hasn't rained in a few days, so they're reasonably fresh. You'd guess they were elven; lighter than humans but the same size.
 <Welumque> Elves, most likely. Recent, but more than one trip, and more than one individual.
 <Welumque> This is their land, I suppose we shouldn't be surprised.
 <Pierre> (Did the tracks go into the cave, or are they just in the area?)
 <Narrator> (They do go in and out)
 <Pierre> They do go into the cave. :/
 <Welumque> I'm not surprised. We should not be so arrogant as to assume we are the only ones who know of this place.
 <Narrator> (Lucas, the spirits seem a bit disappointed at this point.)
 <Pierre> No, but I hope they won't object that *we* are going in there.
 <Lucas> (disappointed like "oh nobody's going to kill each other?" disappointed we left the cave or something?)
 <Narrator> (The former, you're guessing)
 <Welumque> Well we don't know what their connection is to the guns we've come for. Not really. But one thing's clear, this place is more than just a cache of war loot.
 <Lucas> The spirits are ... settling down. I think there will not be violence right now.
* Pierre turns to look at him
<Pierre> Oh... that's a relief. I hope they're right.
<Narrator> (Lucas, you probably do feel a pull towards the cave, even out at the mouth now.)
* Lucas turns his gaze towards the interior of the cave
<Lucas> I need to go back in...
<Welumque> Not now, Lucas. For now we must stay here.
* Lucas looks uncomfortable with that, and will try to reach out to the spirits inside nevertheless, to get some idea of what they are trying to achieve from him.
<Narrator> (Roll Empathy)
* Pierre also looks uncomfortable at these statements, though probably for different reasons
<Welumque> (me or Lucas?)
<Lucas> !roll 4d3-3
* Skalla rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-3 ] getting [ 2 3 2 1 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -3 ] totals [ 5 ].
<Lucas> (that's with my +2 for dealing with spirits, if that doesn't apply then 3)
 <Narrator> (There's a sense of searching, like a child reaching for their mother.)
 <Narrator> (That shouldn't have been in parentheses :P )
 <Lucas> I'm sorry, but I do need to go back in. I won't go far.
 <Pierre> I... are you sure? Mademoiselle did say to wait here..
 <Welumque> Lucas, mem. Do not go in. Not now.
 <Welumque> (is this something I can do something about, to reduce the pressure on Lucas?)
 <Narrator> (Oh, actually, yes. You'd roll something like Rapport to create an Advantage that Lucas can use to resist)
 <Welumque> !roll 4d3-5
* Skalla rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 3 3 3 2 ] for a total of [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 6 ].
<Welumque> (not too shabby)
 <Welumque> Child, you don't need to do this now. They'll be here still, waiting for you, when the time is right.
 <Narrator> (Basically, Welumque is making a pretty good argument, but I will leave it up to Julie whether or not Lucas listens. :) )
 <Lucas> but they need me
* Lucas looks unhappy
<Welumque> I need you, mem. Come, sit with me.
* Lucas will compromise by staying outside the cave and going to sit with Welumque, but continuing to try to communicate with the spirits mentally, in a way to try to keep them calm.
<Narrator> There's a lot to sort through, but you have a sense of dangerous innocence, like an immature viper, coiled and frightened, unaware of how dangerous it is.
 <Welumque> That's it. I'm here with you.
 <Narrator> (Ugh, double dangerous. That's what I get for writing on the fly :P )
 <Lucas> (I guess question - do I feel like this is one single spirit/entity, or do I feel like there are multiple at play here?)
 <Narrator> (Prrrrrobably just one, if you had to guess, but they can be weird like that.)
 <Lucas> (okay)
* Pierre watches them for a bit, unwilling to interfere, and settles on keeping an eye out for anyone approaching instead

===Skalla, Hildie, and Svald bring the elves back to camp, and T:chuuoneega approaches Lucas===
 <Narrator> Pierre, Lucas, and Welumque, your companions return with quite a few new faces.
 * Skalla will turn to take the lead, making an "FUCK, ARGH" kind of face at Hildie and Svald
 * Pierre shifts uneasily
 * Welumque stands, making sure Lucas gets up with her too.
 * Lucas looks up as the others approach and will stand when Welumque remind him to.
 * Hildie looks tense.
 <Skalla> Thank you for your patience
 * Skalla says to those who were waiting
 * Pierre nods
 <Pierre> Is, ah, is everything alright, Mademoiselle?
 * Ohontekahenta nods curtly in greeting.
 <Welumque> These are not the shooters, then, I take it.
 <Skalla> This is T:chuuoneega of the Katkwarà:yę'uhchírę, and a vetran of the conflict at the fort hre - his poeple also have an interest i the cannons. Óhontekahèn:ta of the Tsonnontouan and his peopel are here acting for them as an advance party for their own recovery project.
 <Skalla> For the moment, we have agreeed to work together to secure the cannons, and then we will... continue out dicsussions as to how we will distribute them.
 <Welumque> That's well enough I suppose, except for the fact that you folks were just being shot at.
 * Ohontekahenta nods again.
 <Hildie> Yeah, that is still concerning.
 <Skalla> there is that detail.
 <Ohontekahenta> We should all be on guard. There's someone else out there.
 <Svald> (m) or something
 <Ohontekahenta> Have you set up your camp?
 <Skalla> Oh yes. That is where the rest of our guards are - we were confirming the location within the cave when we heard the shots
 <Skalla> We would not recommend camping at the fort.
 * Skalla says, glancing at Tchuoneega, and the cupke of healers she noticed earlier.
 <Tchuuoneega> Hmm. That's probably for the best.
 <Skalla> (couple, bah)
 * Tchuuoneega nervously casts his gaze about, which lingers for a moment on Lucas before continuing.
 <Narrator> The healers do look a bit concerned, now that they're this close.
 <Skalla> Would you liek to set up your own first?
 * Lucas is used to being stared at.
 <Ohontekahenta> Perhaps we should consolidate our camps, in case whoever that was before returns.
 * Skalla nods
 <Skalla> alright then.
 <Welumque> Agreed.
 * Skalla will take them up to her camp
 <Skalla> I'm sure your men and ours can work out a watch system that will be amenable to all
 <Skalla> Hildie can help coordinate
 * Hildie will set that up
 <Skalla> (actually scrap the 'help', and I'd probably use her rank/title)
 <Narrator> You can get camp sorted, with the Atenrosea and their ally(?) incorporated.
 * Tchuuoneega will try to catch Lucas alone at some point during that.
 * Lucas looks up at the newcomer with some wariness
 <Lucas> what do you want?
 <Tchuuoneega> (quietly) Brother, it is good you answered the call.
 <Lucas> I came to help my friends. I didn't hear anything until I got close to here.
 * Tchuuoneega lowers his scarf to reveal scales across much of his lower face and along the right side.
 <Tchuuoneega> But you feel it? The serpent calling to us.
 <Lucas> Yes. It's ... young. like a child.
 * Tchuuoneega nods.
 <Tchuuoneega> It needs care.
 <Lucas> is that why you came here? not the cannons?
 * Tchuuoneega nods.
 <Lucas> what about the others?
 <Tchuuoneega> I would imagine it's why you are here, as well, though you may not have known it.
 <Tchuuoneega> Hmph. Tsonnontouan bullies.
 <Lucas> so what is your intention? to let them take the cannons they came for, and stay behind?
 <Tchuuoneega> They will not have the cannons.
 * Tchuuoneega says, his voice hard.
 <Lucas> no?
 * Tchuuoneega pauses, giving Lucas an evaluating look.
 <Tchuuoneega> Can I trust you, brother?
 <Lucas> You do not know me. Perhaps we share some... past experiences. But I am not what you think I am.
 * Tchuuoneega nods, looking a little disappointed.
 <Tchuuoneega> Then trust at least that what I say is true. And your friends had best be wary.
 * Tchuuoneega puts his scarf back in place and walks away.

===Everyone else checks in with Lucas. They investigate the tracks to the cave and briefly discuss options===
 * Lucas will go back to Welumque and Skalla, unsettled.
 <Welumque> What is it, mem?
 <Skalla> YOu okay?
 <Lucas> The one with them, who keeps his face covered, spoke with me. He came with them to answer the call of this spirit.
 <Lucas> He thinks the same of me, I believe.
 <Skalla> I wondered. The Tsonnontouan want those cannon for themselves
 <Svald> SO this isn't going to go well.
 <Lucas> He says they will not have them. I don't know why he is so certain of that, but I fear there are several answers, none favourable.
 * Skalla nods
 <Skalla> I have been worried about that - whether theres some kind of magic on the canon, plus whatever svald sensed in there...
 <Lucas> The spirit in there is like a child, young, new. It will seek... nourishment to grow.
 <Welumque> One must ask why the locals hadn't simply taken them before, if it was so easy.
 <Skalla> oh.
 <Skalla> I don't knwo that the locals all knew about them
 <Skalla> T:chuuoneega was here when they were hidden
 <Skalla> but if the spirit called him, that explains the timining
 <Skalla> well I'm not really keen oh, uh, feeding any fledgeling snake spirits
 <Skalla> but the Tsonnontouan are goig to be a problem
 <Lucas> could they be dissuaded, with reason?
 <Skalla> I don't know what kind if reason we have to apply here
 <Skalla> they do have people coming, I'm just not sure when
 <Welumque> Whereas we have everything here already to take them with us now.
 <Welumque> Hmmm.
 <Skalla> maybe they yes, but there are nearly half a dozenof them, and their warriors are tough
 <Welumque> Oh, of course we can't take them by force.
 <Welumque> I simply mean, they had planned perhaps to come, find them, then leave and come back. But now they can't leave, because we're here.
 <Skalla> I'm hoping they feel the same at this point
 <Skalla> but if their reinforcements are close.... then that tips things again
 <Skalla> I don't get the sense that they are, though
 <Skalla> Lucas, how dangerous is that spirit?
 <Skalla> or the cave?
 <Lucas> I think it doesn't know its own power. It is ... innocent, but may be dangerous without intent to harm.
 <Skalla> what do you mean by innocent?
 <Lucas> I don't feel that it is malicious. I think it is dangerous, potentially, but not because it wishes to hurt people.
 <Lucas> It may harm if it feels threatened, or because it doesn't understand... but that is just my sense of it.
 <Skalla> or because its hungry?
 <Lucas> Maybe. I still think I could try and communicate with it further, and maybe understand more. But there are... certain risks to that.
 <Skalla> what kind of risks?
 <Lucas> Mm... it's hard to explain >.>
 <Welumque> Risks to you personally? To all of us?
 <Lucas> this is a part of my life I have tried to put behind me, and doing this may open me up again to such spirits.
 * Lucas says as carefully as he's able
 <Skalla> I'm not asking you to do that
 * Skalla says firmly
 <Lucas> I don't think simply communicating would put you at any greater risk.
 <Skalla> what about the markings that svald saw?
 <Lucas> (what do I think about those, if anything? does it seem like there was some ritual or symbolic purpose to them that I might recognize?)
 <Narrator> (They seemed both ritual and symbolic, but not one you're familiar with. They seemed haphazard, unskilled.)
 <Lucas> (I forget if this was mentioned, apologies if so, but did they seem new or like they'd been there a while?)
 <Welumque> This is a place that the elves have visited. They know about it, and probably know more than we do. Pierre found some footprints that show they've been here recently.
 <Welumque> I know little of elven marks - but surely these were left by them?
 * Skalla frowns
 <Skalla> Lucas do you think this spirit could have been 'fed' before? >.>
 <Skalla> maybe this isn't the first group he'd guided here
 * Lucas shrugs
 <Lucas> It could be...
 <Narrator> (They've been there at least a little while)
 <Lucas> I don't know, but it's possible.
 <Skalla> I want to see those tracks
 * Welumque can show Skalla where they are
 <Welumque> Good eyes on that Pierre there, to spot them. If I were fifty years younger, perhaps ...
 * Welumque chuckles to herself
 <Skalla> (first I want to look back at the tracks we made on the way here and uh, familiarizi myself with someon fo them >.>)\
 * Skalla gives Welumque a bemused look
 <Narrator> (You can familiarize yourself with the tracks easily enough.)
 <Skalla> (Okay, then back to the cave to look - I want to see if there are any that match up at all, but also get a sense of like - is there the same amount of tracks out as in, can I get any sense of general numbers. I feel like one of my wilderness specializations wshould help here, depending on whether it is perception or survival)
 <Narrator> (Roll Investigate, and you can invoke an aspect)
 <Skalla> (nuts, but yea
 * Skalla rolls [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 2 2 1 2 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ -1 ]
 <Skalla> (pfffft, well, I can invoke my comfortable outdoorswman I guess)
 <Skalla> (for a 1 :p)]
 <Narrator> It looks about the same amount going in as out. You'd guess somewhere between five and ten people, over the course of the last week or two, depending on environmental factors you can't be entirely sure of.
 <Narrator> None of them match your new "companions."
 <Skalla> (okay)
 <Skalla> well. This is someoe different.
 <Skalla> aybe someone else answering the call
 <Skalla> maybe whoever attacked them in the woods
 <Svald> That would make sense...
 <Skalla> well, form the weaponry that seemed like a more mixed group
 <Svald> I wonder if there is a reason they didn't attack us
 <Svald> Or if we just passed through when they weren't around.
 <Skalla> maybe
 <Skalla> maybe its because Lucas doens't hide himself as much, who knows
 <Skalla> whoever these people are aren't ooking for the canon as far as I can tell
 <Skalla> we'd have to look at the tracks *in* the cave to get a sense of that though
 * Svald nods
 * Skalla looks aroudn at (whoever is with us I guess) to see if they seem up for that or not
 <Welumque> Hmmm.
 <Welumque> I think we should be careful. That cave is a powerful place.
 <Svald> Yes... very careful.
 * Svald peers in uneasily
 * Skalla nods
 <Skalla> well, we're going back in for the cannons, at least. I can see then
 <Skalla> ugh
 <Skalla> I'm torn between just tryng to scare off the Tsonnontouan or having them on hand in case we do need extra support if we get in trouble in there
 <Skalla> Svald, do you think you cood see if you can find who or where this other grou out there is?
 <Skalla> maybe we can make contact there too, or at least get some more information

==Solos==

{{13II}}{{13II-logs}}

Ashnabis session 68

2022-03-06T01:51:11Z

Induriel: /* Atsa tells them of her worries about the cult's current activities */

{{logtoc|Ashnabis|68}}

==Summary==

==Session==

Session date: February 27, 2022
 Fair Cycle date:

===Introduction===

 <AshnabisNarrator> What now will bind, when no rope holds
 <AshnabisNarrator> Fast the hound against the tether?
 <AshnabisNarrator> What silent chain can keep us still
 <AshnabisNarrator> Before the surging tide and wretched weather?
 <AshnabisNarrator> The human cord, our merest heart
 <AshnabisNarrator> A soft smile by the warm hearthstone.
 <AshnabisNarrator> These words, from the Silver Children of Silikam, are taught to the children of the effete nobility of the Omban heartland, but nonetheless resonate even here, far west in the Sestapor, at the end of the Empire's gaze.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Pulled in many directions, cast by foul fortunes into unwelcome decisions, and yet, still, you are bound together by the human cord, despite it all. And despite what still may come.

===Katenzhi gathers the others to help with Bivizmi's compulsion===

 <AshnabisNarrator> When we last left you, Katenzhi, you, almost unthinkably, had had to bind Bivizmi against whatever compulsion she was under. Leaving her under the watchful eye of Gefraz, you left to seek whatever assistance you could for whatever it is that is affecting her.
 <AshnabisNarrator> It is the middle of a cloudless night, warm and musty with the scent of yesterday's light rain still lingering at the edge of perception. But here in the city, the smells of civilization mingle against the Sestapor's gentle odour.
 * Katenzhi will head first to the Menagerie to grab Jimba and anyone else who is there
 * Jimba is presumably sleeping belowdecks.
 * Katenzhi will rouse you none too gently or quietly
 * Katenzhi shakes you awake
 <Katenzhi> Jimba!
 <Jimba> Wha?!
 <Jimba> Kat? What's going on?
 <Katenzhi> It's Biv! They did something to her!
 <Jimba> (We can just skip to gathering everyone, if folks want)
 <AshnabisGM> (You can gather the others in order to explain your problem.)
 * Katenzhi will get everyone together at the boat as soon as possible.
 * Katenzhi will explain what happened, how Bizizmi was packing in the middle of the night and talking about the cult and the Spell That Could Not Be Broken
 * Daifan will pull themself into something a ittlev more presentable while we listen
 <Katenzhi> I tried everything I could think of and nothing would snap her out of it.
 <Katenzhi> Right now she's with Gefraz but I had to... restrain her...
 <Katenzhi> I... I didn't know what else to do...
 <Daifan> we could let her go and follow her?
 <Veznara> Can you take us to her?
 * Jimba pats Katenzhi's shoulder in a comforting manner.
 <Jimba> Hey, we'll figure it out. It'll be okay.
 <Katenzhi> I don't want her to be in danger. What if they got hold of her?And we know where she's going. Basically. Yeah, she's at home.
 <Llillilli> Maybe Veznara can do... something
 <Veznara> Yes, perhaps the Ancestors will help.
 * Katenzhi nods.
 <Katenzhi> Please just... help her.
 * Katenzhi will lead everyone back to her and Gefraz's house to see Biv.
 * Bivizmi is still restrained and struggling without much success to get out.
 * Katenzhi will check in with Gefraz.
 <Katenzhi> How is she?
 <Katenzhi> Any change?
 * Gefraz is sitting there, a kitchen knife in hand.
 <Gefraz> She's been pushing against the bonds. Pretty much constantly.
 * Katenzhi sighs.
 <Katenzhi> Gefraz, I am so sorry... I never meant to bring this here.
 <Veznara> Let's see whether there's anything we can do for her.
 * Daifan will try a dispel magic just to chek?
 <Bivizmi> I need to go...
 <Veznara> Where, Bivizmi? Where do you need to go?
 <AshnabisNarrator> OK, you can try that Daifan.
 <Daifan> !roll 1d20+10
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 27 ].
 <Bivizmi> To help her.
 <AshnabisNarrator> OK, spell is cast, now you can make a dispel check, 1d20+your level
 <Veznara> To help whom?
 <Daifan> !roll 1d20+14
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 32 ].
 <AshnabisNarrator> At last, Bivizmi's gaze softens, and her muscles relax against her bonds. She begins to tremble.
 <Bivizmi> ... Kat?
 <Katenzhi> B-Biv?
 <Katenzhi> Are you...
 * Bivizmi starts to cry
 <Katenzhi> Biv, talk to me, please... are you here?
 <Bivizmi> I'm ... I'm all right, I'm me...
 <Katenzhi> Oh thank the ancestors!
 <Jimba> Oh thank goodness...
 * Katenzhi throws her arms around Bivizmi and starts untying the ropes
 <Veznara> Thank the Ancestors.
 <Llillilli> Thank Daifan
 <Katenzhi> Daifan, thank you... thank you so much... how did you do that?
 * Bivizmi has rope burns on her wrists and ankles where she was tied.
 * Veznara looks at Daifan
 <Daifan> If Katenzhi coudln't so it - I just got lucky
 <Katenzhi> I tried and I tried and... nothing worked...
 <Junan> you were distracted
 <Daifan> YOu were upset - it makes everytig more difficult
 <Junan> understandibly so
 * Veznara continues to look at Daifan
 <Daifan> mmhmm.

===They speak to Bivizmi about what she remembers===

 <Daifan> She's alright now - do you remember anything?
 <Katenzhi> Daifan... I owe you. Big.
 <Veznara> Perhaps it wasn't just luck.
 * Daifan asks her
 * Daifan just shrugs
 <Bivizmi> I... I was dreaming. It was ordinary, at first, I don't really remember. And then I saw her. The girl. She whispered to me. She said she needed my help.
 <Bivizmi> I awoke, and it was as if my body was not my own. I knew I needed to gather my equipment. My narrow alembics, and the copper retort I made for processing the pale oracle.
 <Katenzhi> Did you know why she needed you? What she wanted?
 <Bivizmi> I just know I was going to her. To help her. I don't know why she would need any help with the pale oracle. It was hers to begin with...
 <Veznara> Do you know *where* she wanted you to go?
 * Llillilli frowns.
 <Bivizmi> To her. I felt like I knew where to go, that she would guide my steps there.
 * Katenzhi will get some lotion to rub on Bivizmi's rope burns while she talks.
 <Bivizmi> She said she needed me. Only I could help her.
 <Veznara> How could you help her?
 <Katenzhi> The equipment she wanted you to take... it's what you would use for processing the Oracle, into powder, right?
 <Jimba> With alchemy, it seems.
 <Bivizmi> Yes, for refining it, purifying it.
 <Katenzhi> She needs a lot of it for something then. But what? Some kind of scrying?
 * Gefraz goes to make some tea for everyone, since apparently there will be no more sleep tonight.
 * Bivizmi picks up Vuchu, her little plant friend, to reassure him that she's okay.
 <Bivizmi> I guess some powerful divination? That's all it's really good for - it's not as useful for other kinds of magic.
 * Katenzhi pets Vuchu if it will let her.
 <Veznara> But surely they know how to prepare and use the Pale Oracle already?
 <Katenzhi> Whatever it is, it can't be a good thing.
 <Bivizmi> You can use fos straight out of the ground if you have to - refining it and processing it helps, of course. I've developed ways to strengthen it still further.
 <Veznara> More than they can already, perhaps?
 <Bivizmi> Maybe?
 <Katenzhi> I am going to find that bitch and personally put her back in the ground for this.
 <Junan> or its a way to suggest you come to them that may be more "acceptable" to your mind... calling you for your skill
 <Bivizmi> My memory is clouded. But I think she said she needed my help to be able to find a way home. I don't know what that means... maybe I'm remembering it wrong.
 <Veznara> Maybe there's a peaceful way we can find out?
 <Bivizmi> I didn't have a feeling like she meant me harm, but I guess she wouldn't say that if she did.
 <Llillilli> Harm to you, or harm in general
 <Veznara> Maybe... maybe she's tired of being a Saint?
 * Daifan considered
 * Veznara says dubiously
 <Jimba> I mean, she was also taking you against your will, which is harm.
 <Daifan> They wanted to use Khozra to strengthen her some how
 <Daifan> many they wanted to find some other way to do that
 <Katenzhi> We need to find them and put an end to this once and for all.
 * Jimba nods.
 <Bivizmi> This could just happen again the next time I go to sleep, or whenever they decide to try it again.
 <Veznara> Or maybe it's the opposite. "The way home" sounds like it could be a reference to joining the other Ancestors.
 <Jimba> Well, they can answer that question when we see them, right?
 <Veznara> I think that depends on the circumstances.
 <Bivizmi> I want to go with you, if you're going to try to contact them. I need answers.
 * Jimba frowns.
 <Jimba> Are you sure? It's likely to be dangerous.
 <Jimba> And we know they want you.
 <Veznara> Can we contact just her? Use the Pale Oracle in some way to meet in dreams, or something like that?
 <Bivizmi> If you leave me behind, I don't know that they won't try the same thing again, except without Kat here to stop me.
 <Katenzhi> I don't like the idea of taking you to her, but... I don't want to leave you here either..
 <Veznara> Kat, are you proposing that we go to that village?
 <Jimba> Then we'll just have to be on our guard.
 <Katenzhi> I'm going there. I would appreciate all of your help but... I would understand if anyone doesn't want to.
 <Katenzhi> This is my problem and I need to fix it.
 <Llillilli> You are family.
 <Veznara> Kat... before that, there may be other ways to find out what's going on.
 <Katenzhi> You mean scrying?
 <Katenzhi> We can try
 <Veznara> Perhaps. Or talking to that woman... Atsa? Or even trying to talk to Sashni herself with magic, or the Pale Oracle.
 <Veznara> I think... do you remember that vision she started to give us, at the temple ruins?
 <Katenzhi> Yes, I do.
 <Veznara> It was distorted... but I think it's something that really happened.
 <Veznara> I think that back in Imperial days, a group of Stoneguards came to her village in search of an Ancestor they had traced to there.
 <Veznara> And although the vision stopped before we could see it... I think they may have killed everybody in order to take that Ancestor away from them.
 <Veznara> That may be how she died, how the people she loved died.
 <Jimba> Doesn't give her the right to take other people's loved ones.
 <Veznara> No, but it does give her cause not to trust us or expect us to help voluntarily. To her, we're the same people.
 <Katenzhi> So what do you suggest?
 <Veznara> All the things I mentioned before. Scrying, asking Atsa, or even trying to contact her directly, if we can do that safely.
 <Veznara> I wonder what she means by "the way home".
 <Veznara> Is it possible she just wants to die?
 <Veznara> And if so, what would her priests feel about it?
 <Daifan> isn't she already dead?
 <Jimba> Is that like a theological thing?
 * Jimba nods towards Daifan.
 <Veznara> Well - become like other Ancestors, then.
 <Veznara> I don't know.
 <Jimba> Do you know how one goes about doing that?
 <Katenzhi> Lightning bolts?
 <Jimba> Can you kill what's already dead?
 <Katenzhi> I can try
 <Jimba> That's not, like, a philosophical question.
 <Jimba> Seriously, can we kill her if it comes to it?
 <Jimba> Because it's feeling real one-sided right about now.
 <Katenzhi> And even aside from her, the cult has shown that they are more than willing to kill anyone they think is a threat.
 * Jimba nods.
 <Veznara> Trying to kill their saint won't make that better, though.
 <Veznara> I'm willing to try to contact her with the Oracle.
 <Katenzhi> Ok. We can try. And if that doesn't work we can see if Atsa knows anything, although it didn't seem like she was in their inner circle.
 <Veznara> She probably knows someone who is, though, and might be able to arrange for us to meet them on neutral ground.
 * Katenzhi nods.
 <Katenzhi> Should we talk to her first then?
 <Veznara> I'd rather contact Sashni herself, actually. As I say, I think it's possible her priests may not know what she's up to... I don't know.
 <Daifan> that may be safer than trying to contact her directly
 <Veznara> I'm willing to risk it. But please keep an eye on me in case it goes wrong...
 <Daifan> we know she can draw people into dangerous visions, an her influence is difficult to break.
 <Katenzhi> Contacting her directly is very risky.
 <Llillilli> I don't know what you think we could do if it goes badly
 <Daifan> mmhmm.
 * Veznara glances at Daifan
 <Veznara> Well, maybe it won't go badly.
 <Katenzhi> That's reassuring.
 <Daifan> I think we should try Atsa first
 * Veznara ponders

===They attempt to scry on Sashi, but fail, then contact Atsa and arrange to meet her===

 <Daifan> I'm not sure we could find her at this time -n but we *could* try scrying now
 * Daifan looks at Kat
 <Katenzhi> I'll try scrying on the village then.
 <Daifan> do you want to give that a shot?
 <Daifan> trying scrying on her directly, maybe?
 * Katenzhi nods.
 <Katenzhi> Do we have a connection to her I can use?
 <Daifan> no
 <Veznara> I can't think of one. Persimmons?
 <Daifan> unless the oracle itself would count - but that shoudol make it easier
 <Katenzhi> Alright, I'll give it a shot.
 * Daifan nods
 <Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+19
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 22 ].
 <AshnabisGM> (what are you actually trying? Scrying on Atsa? Sending to Atsa? something else?)
 <Katenzhi> (Scrying on Sashni)
 <AshnabisNarrator> Make a caster level check, Katenzhi
 <AshnabisNarrator> 1d20 + level
 <Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+14
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 17 ].
 <Katenzhi> (OMG)
 <AshnabisNarrator> The spell returns no result.\
 <Katenzhi> Nothing...
 * Veznara sighs
 <Katenzhi> Dai, you wanna give it a shot?
 <Daifan> I can try....
 <Daifan> !roll 1d20+10
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 13 ].
 <Daifan> (I think that fails lol)
 <AshnabisNarrator> (on your scrying magic check? Uhh, yes, that fails by 1)
 <Daifan> !roll 2d100
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 2d100 ] getting [ 21 18 ] for a total of [ 39 ].
 <Daifan> ...... no
 * Daifan says as the area arounf them gets really cold
 <AshnabisNarrator> OK: harmless visual effects or area in a 10' radius becomes hot or cold?
 <AshnabisNarrator> OK the spell still goes off, though.
 <AshnabisNarrator> You can now roll a caster check, 1d20 + level
 <Daifan> (oh cool, I mathed wrong ;p)
 * Daifan rolls [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 23 ]
 <AshnabisNarrator> The spell returns no result.
 <Daifan> she's too powerful
 <Llillilli> :/
 <Katenzhi> She must have a scrying shield of some sort.
 <Daifan> maybe
 * Veznara grimaces
 <Veznara> Well... Atsa next, then?
 <Katenzhi> Yeah, I think so.
 <Daifan> lets try sending - it will probably wake her up at least
 <Daifan> tell her that we need to talk to her about Sashni and can she meet us somewhere
 <Veznara> (what time of night is it?)
 <AshnabisNarrator> (probably closer to dawn than midnight, by this point. Still dark though.)
 * Katenzhi will cast sending then. "Sashni is planning something. She tried to kidnap Bivizmi to process oracle for her. We need to talk. Meet us somewhere neutral?"
 <Katenzhi> 20+19
 <Katenzhi> (Gah)
 <Katenzhi> !roll 1d20+19
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Katenzhi: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 30 ].
 <Daifan> !roll 1d6
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d6 ] getting [ 1 ].
 <Daifan> (Okay, the cold was gone pretty fast ;p)
 <AshnabisNarrator> After a moment, an answer: "My shop will be safe. At dawn. What you say is true, and more. Perhaps worse."
 <Katenzhi> She wants to meet at her shop. At dawn.
 <Katenzhi> And apparently there's more we don't know.
 * Veznara nods
 <Veznara> I thought there might be. I'm glad we didn't just rush in.
 <Veznara> I don't necessarily trust everything she's going to say... but we'll see.
 <Junan> we'll just watch her carefully to make sure
 <Katenzhi> Biv, are you ok to come with us?
 <Bivizmi> I think so.
 <AshnabisGM> Okay, so you want to head to Atsa's shop at dawn?
 <Katenzhi> (Yes)
 <Veznara> (Yes!)
 <Daifan> (yes)

===Atsa tells them of her worries about the cult's current activities===

 <AshnabisGM> You make your way to the herbalist's perfume shop as the sun is rising, and she opens the door to let you in, looking around in case anyone might be observing you although the street is deserted.
 * Katenzhi will hurry in
 * Veznara will join them
 * Atsa looks concerned as she ushers you inside.
 <Katenzhi> Thank you for meeting us.
 <Atsa> I'm glad you could come... I wasn't sure if it was safe to reach out to you.
 * Atsa is wearing a white dashi that appears to be newly made. She looks tired, though.
 <Veznara> I think there have been a lot of misunderstandings... and we'd like to clear them up.
 <Atsa> My children are in the back room, so please speak quietly.
 * Katenzhi nods.
 <Atsa> I brought them because I am afraid for our safety.
 <Veznara> So please, Atsa... what is happening?
 <Katenzhi> I'll do what I can to keep all of you safe.
 <Katenzhi> You've helped us and I appreciate it.
 <Atsa> For weeks now, all the talk among the family has changed. Before you intervened with the other saint, they had a different goal. Now, though, their mood has changed - more resigned, but strangely hopeful as well.
 <Atsa> Bakkus and Ragamen, especially, have talked about a place called the Headwaters. Someplace that they're looking for, but they can't find. And they're writing or drawing something - a map, I suppose?
 <Katenzhi> What is this place?
 <Atsa> I don't know. They won't talk to any of us about it, except to say it is a place we'll be safe. But we've been told to prepare for a journey ... and not to expect to come back.
 <Katenzhi> So... they want to leave?
 * Daifan will cast Silence
 <Atsa> My husband, Watskas, he's a priest of the Maiden and even he won't tell me anything. Whether because he doesn't know - or because he does, I'm not sure.
 <Daifan> !roll 1d20+10
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 11 ].
 <Daifan> (lol NOPE)
 <Katenzhi> So they need to oracle to find this place.
 <Atsa> I'm afraid that... that the journey they speak of is not in this life.
 <Daifan> (rather it still goes off but I get a bad effect)
 <Daifan> !roll 2d100
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 2d100 ] getting [ 64 46 ] for a total of [ 110 ].
 <Veznara> A mass suicide? :O
 <Daifan> (I'll just takr the half duration, anyway)
 <Atsa> I'm not sure. I fear that could be the worst outcome. I'm not willing to put my children in danger, but I didn't know where else I could go to seek help.
 * Llillilli frowns.
 <Atsa> We have earned no trust from our kinfolk in Timiil, much less Kaskind.
 <Daifan> maybe whateverbpower they were hoping to get from Khozra they are now hoping to take t=from her followers?
 <Katenzhi> Daifan, do you know anywhere Atsa and her children can stay for the time being?
 * Daifan considers
 * Daifan looks to Junan
 <Daifan> Do you now what is happening with the khultu inn?
 <Junan> (do I? I assume someone is taking over it?)
 <Daifan> if things are in disarray because of Zefa, maybe we could hide them there for now
 <Veznara> Atsa, what was that all about? Does the Maiden use others to gain power? Or does she need them... is she, well, dying?
 <Atsa> I don't know. I'm not in the inner circle of her followers.
 <AshnabisNarrator> (right now no one is really running the kelta but Jaigadu is keeping an eye on it)
 <Veznara> During that encounter, she showed us a vision of the past... Ombans came and took the Rushultagri from her village. Do you know about that? What happened?
 <Atsa> I know that long ago soldiers attacked the village and she died, but I don't know what you mean about a rushultagri, I don't know what that means.
 <Veznara> It was the name of an Ancestor...
 <Llillilli> Mmm.
 <Atsa> There's a lineage, Ruzuldaar. I don't know about a specific person, and the name is sort of different.
 <Daifan> -_-
 <Daifan> lets worry about the living for now
 <Veznara> The Rushultagri - the one I just mentioned - was said to be the child of the Prophetess Zunuga...
 <Daifan> do you think that we can ke hem to the kelta?
 <Daifan> (take them)
 * Daifan asks Junan
 <Atsa> My husband... the others... they are still in danger.
 <Junan> I should be possible in the short term at least, until we find something better
 <Atsa> Either they might die, or they might go somewhere where I can't follow.
 <Daifan> we will try and sort this out
 <Katenzhi> We'll do what we can. But at the very least we can keep you and your children safe.
 <Atsa> They will follow her wherever she leads - even if that means their deaths.
 <Atsa> Thank you...
 <Daifan> where are they now?
 <Daifan> are they gaterhing at the village?
 <Daifan> (gathering)
 <Atsa> I know they haven't given you any reason to help them. They've even tried to harm you. But ... they are still my husband's family, and I don't want them to die because of some ... some misguided insane plan.
 <Atsa> Yes, they're at the village. They've been gathering supplies that are supposed to be for this journey.
 <Atsa> Food, clothing, fos, everything.
 <Katenzhi> Atsa... they've killed for her. I don't know if we can talk them back from that. I don't want to give you false hope. But if we can end this for good without bloodshed, we'll try.
 <Katenzhi> I just want this to be over.
 <Atsa> If they are truly leaving - if it's not a ruse or a suicide pact - would you help them? if they just want to go away to somewhere they can be safe, is that enough?
 * Katenzhi looks at the others.
 * Jimba sighs.
 <Atsa> I could live, I think, if I knew they were safe - I would miss my husband and grieve for him, but if I knew it was what he really wanted, and he was somewhere safe, I could live with that.
 <Jimba> (Bivizmi is with us, right?)
 <AshnabisGM> (yes)
 <Jimba> Your call, Biv, Kat.
 <Jimba> I've got your back whatever comes.
 <Katenzhi> Biv? It's your blood that they owe.
 <Bivizmi> If I knew it was over and wouldn't come back on us somehow... then yes. I'd let them leave.
 * Katenzhi nods.
 <Bivizmi> I don't want more people to die.
 <Bivizmi> On either side of this.
 * Katenzhi takes her hand and squeezes gently.
 <Katenzhi> Then let's get Atsa somewhere safe and then pay them a visit.
 * Veznara nods
 <AshnabisGM> Okay - are you escorting Atsa to the kelta, or just telling her to head there?
 <Daifan> (we can take her)

===The group make further plans===

 <Veznara> (After we've dropped her off...)
 <Veznara> I know where their Ancestor is.
 <Veznara> I don't know if that will be important to them.
 <Katenzhi> You mean the one that was stolen?
 <Veznara> Yes.
 <Veznara> Do you remember when we went to the Auggi?
 <Katenzhi> Yeah...
 <Veznara> When he was trying to impress me, Bitsaar gave me a tour of one of the crypts.
 <Veznara> Anyway: we went back later, and he spoke to the Ancestor in the main sarcophagus there.
 <Veznara> That Ancestor claimed to be the Rushultagri
 <Katenzhi> And they're still there?
 <Veznara> As far as I know. Harder to get to, now, if so... they built extra protections to wall that section off.
 <Veznara> You see, after the Stoneguards took him away, they were in turn betrayed by the Voice, who had them massacred.
 <Veznara> Presumably that's where they took him after that.
 <Katenzhi> Why did they take him in the first place?
 * Daifan sighs
 <Daifan> I'm not sure it will help, or if they'd just want to feed him to Sashni too :p
 <Veznara> He's the child of Zunuga! If what he says is true. That has tremendous implications for the Corps. He isn't supposed to exist.
 <Veznara> Their main Ancestor? I doubt it.
 <Veznara> I just don't know if they know about it. I do know the Voice made some sort of deal with the Sashnir.
 <Katenzhi> It could be leverage. Or a bargaining chip.
 <Veznara> Perhaps. I thought you all should know before we go in.
 <Veznara> But be warned; the Voice would go to great lengths to keep this secret.
 * Veznara glances at Daifan again
 <Veznara> ..for many reasons.
 <Veznara> :/
 * Daifan sighs again
 <Bivizmi> About what she said about them looking at maps, papers - the Headwaters? Maybe they need a strong divination to find this place.
 <Katenzhi> That's what I assume, yes.
 <Daifan> yes, that makes sense
 <Katenzhi> If it's a physical place
 <Daifan> if we can speak to them, maybe we can find out more
 * Veznara nods
 <Bivizmi> Do we just... go out to their village and ask to speak with their leaders?
 <Katenzhi> If we go to their village... they'll know why we're there.
 <Bivizmi> Maybe if we make it clear we just want to talk, they won't attack or something reckless like that? I mean - they wanted me there, so if I'm at the front...
 * Bivizmi shrugs a bit anxiously
 <Junan> we can try and negotiate something
 * Daifan nods
 <Katenzhi> If you're the one they want you should stay behind us.
 <Bivizmi> All right.
 <Junan> I could disguise myself as her and stay up front
 <Daifan> Junan can talk to them - I would hope they wud still respect an envoy. If they dont - they will regret it
 <Daifan> let them know she is with us and then see if they will talk
 <Junan> or that could work too
 <Daifan> I thikn it would be better if you could speak as yourself
 <Junan> alright sounds like the basis of a plan
 <Daifan> enough to get started?
 <Junan> at least find out what they want
 <Daifan> okay
 <Daifan> then let's go
 * Veznara nods
 <Llillilli> Yes,
 <AshnabisNarrator> OK so you're going to go over openly towards their village / temple area, when, in the morning? And Bivizmi is coming with you, but at the back?
 <Katenzhi> (Yes)

===They go to the Sashnir village where they speak with Sashi herself about her search for "The Headwaters"===

 <AshnabisNarrator> All right, by the time you get Atsa safe and take a little time for breakfast and preparations and probably more arguing, it's mid-morning.
 <AshnabisNarrator> You cross the Kaskos at Timiil and head west into the light part of the swamp towards the Sashnirs' encampment.
 <AshnabisNarrator> You don't see, hear, or feel anything untoward.
 <AshnabisNarrator> The village, or what passes for it, is really just a lineage longhouse, the Voice temple, and a few additional outbuildings. You guess there can't be more than fifty adults at most here.
 <Junan> so who should I be looking to talk to?
 <AshnabisNarrator> You do see signs of activity, once you get there - a large clearing west of the temple is being prepared as if for a ritual of some sort.
 <Katenzhi> The priests, I guess. Or Sashni herself.
 <AshnabisNarrator> The leaders you are aware of are the lineage elder, Bakkus Sashnir, and his brother, the high priest of the Maiden's Voice, Ragamen. Of course the last time you faced them it wasn't under pleasant circumstances.
 <Junan> well no time like the present
 <Daifan> I'll go with you
 <Veznara> I will as well, if you want.
 <Junan> sure
 <Katenzhi> We should stay together.
 <Jimba> Are we not sticking together?
 * Llillilli nods agreement
 <Junan> yeah, just keep Bivi in back and be ready if things go badly
 <Bivizmi> Okay.
 <AshnabisNarrator> All right, you head into the village and are rapidly seen, of course. A child scurries into the temple, and a moment later, Bakkus Sashnir emerges.
 * Gefraz is now known as Bakkus
 * Jimba will stick close to Bivizmi.
 * Katenzhi as well.
 * Daifan stands by Junan
 * Bivizmi stays near the back, as requested
 * Bakkus is an elderly man, thin but not stooped, with a well-trimmed beard, and wearing a brown dashi as well as the iftijasi showing that he is the lineage elder
 <Bakkus> What is this, then?
 * Katenzhi struggles but manages to keep her mouth shut for the moment.
 * Junan will try his Calm effect before talking
 <Bakkus> (what's the DC on that?)
 <Junan> (22 will)
 <Bakkus> !roll 1d20+12
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Bakkus: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 13 ].
 * Bakkus relaxes a little
 <Junan> We are here to talk. Discuss several issues actually, if you will hear us out.
 <Bakkus> All right. We are busy here, but I will listen.
 <Junan> Thank you
 <Junan> I guess, right off, I'd like to know what you need Bivizmi for?
 <Bakkus> I do not need her.
 <Junan> She was magically influenced to come to you, but you had no part in that?
 <Junan> to your group
 * Bakkus pauses.
 * Junan will sense thoughts on him while he thinks on that
 <Junan> (ill use moment of prescience too)
 <Junan> !roll 1d20+19
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Junan: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 20 ].
 <Bakkus> !roll 1d20+22
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Bakkus: [ 1d20+22 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 22 ] totals [ 30 ].
 <Bakkus> The Lady would speak with you.
 <Junan> and how is that to happen?
 <Katenzhi> <w> I bet
 <AshnabisNarrator> A group of bearers bring out the Maiden Sashni Ula on a carved chair.
 * Sashni is dressed in simple brown robes.
 * Sashni does not move, of course, but at once you can all hear her voice projected into your heads.
 <Sashni> You are not welcome here. You should go.
 <Llillilli> :|
 <Bivizmi> Look, um, ma'am. You tried to bring me here. I want to know why.
 <Katenzhi> You invited us here when you tried to steal my friend.
 <Junan> an explanation is owed
 <Sashni> The time for talking is over. The time for going is now. The Headwaters await us.
 <Veznara> Please, Sashni Ula. What are the Headwaters? Why must you go there?
 <Daifan> what's the rush?
 <Sashni> To rid us of this land, and to rid you of a problem.
 <Sashni> Where we go, none will follow.
 <Bivizmi> Is there help you need with a spell, or with fos? Is that why you tried to draw me to you?
 <Sashni> You are gifted, in the way that few ever have been, in the ways of the oracle.
 <Bivizmi> Welll...yes. But what do you need from me? If I understand more, I might be willing to help.
 <Katenzhi> Do you know where the headwaters are?
 <Sashni> We are finding them. And when we do, we will go.
 <Veznara> What are they?
 <Daifan> what are you just going to drown everyone here? >.>
 <Sashni> No, you don't understand. But that is all right. It is not for you to understand.
 <Sashni> In fact, I owe you a great debt.
 <Sashni> I thank you, for making this path clear to me.
 <Veznara> How did we do so?
 <Sashni> At our last encounter, you attempted to reason with me. You said to me that I can't guarantee that we'd be left alone.
 <Sashni> You were right. If not you, there would be another group, other soldiers, other priests. Ombans are not going away, and I can't kill them all.
 <Sashni> No matter what I desire, you have infected this place, and so all that remains for us is to leave.
 <Veznara> But can you not live with them?
 <Veznara> I know they did you a great wrong.
 <Veznara> But you also saw in the vision that we tried to stop what was happening.
 <Veznara> We do not wish your people harm.
 <Sashni> You say 'them', but you mean 'us'.
 <Sashni> Your faith will never tolerate mine. You will regard us as heretics. You will extirpate us.
 <Veznara> There are those who would. But there are many more who do not know the whole truth.
 <Veznara> I have learned some of it... and what I have learned has horrified me, at how I may have been misled.
 <Sashni> It is the many more that I fear. More every year. More than you can control or convince.
 <Daifan> do you really think there is anywhere they won't go eventually?
 <Sashni> You are but children. You think that the world will bend to your will. I thought that, once. But sometimes, the best one can do is to acknowledge the reality of the situation.
 <Veznara> I do not understand everything. Will you explain?
 <Sashni> We will abandon the cords that bind us to this place, to this realm. It is the path open to us. Now that we have found it, that the map has been drawn. We will go where none can follow.
 <Sashni> And then we would trouble you no more. That is what you want, is it not? For us to nevermore bother the folk of the Sestapor. You shall have your wish.
 <Veznara> But you are a living connection to the Prophetess!
 <Bivizmi> Is it ... a real place? in the living world?
 <Sashni> It is real.
 <Daifan> And it is a place where poeple can actually live? How do you know?
 <Sashni> We know many things hidden from sight. The pale oracle, it is new to you, but for us, it has been a part of our lifeways for generations.
 <Daifan> that's not an answer
 <Daifan> if you were so confident, why did you try and steal away Bivizmi just hours ago?
 <Sashni> You do not have the right to demand answers of me.
 * Llillilli snorts.
 <Veznara> But we do ask them. What of your Founder?
 <Llillilli> The one you tried to abduct does.
 <Daifan> That's never stopped me before
 <Bivizmi> You didn't entirely answer me. It's a place in this world? a physical location?
 <Sashni> You will simply ask questions forever, will you not? Again, and again, and again, you seek truth. Are there no mysteries in your world?
 <Bivizmi> I want to understand before I know what I'm helping with.
 <Bivizmi> If you need my help to get to this place, then I want to know that I'm not just leading your followers to their death.
 <Sashni> We will be going away to a place where none can follow. Not a place of death. A place of creation and life.
 <Katenzhi> If any of your followers wish to stay, would you let them?
 <Sashni> I have chosen those who are to join me.
 <Katenzhi> So that's a no, then.
 <Veznara> How will you get there?
 <Sashni> The path is one of powerful magic. Finding that path, that is why the oracle is so valuable. If you would help me, wielder of flame and glass, then I can achieve it.
 * Sashni says, apparently referring to Bivizmi
 <Daifan> so you don't know where you are going.
 <Bivizmi> So to find the path... or the place... you need divination magic.
 <Junan> They know where they are going, just not how to get there.
 <Daifan> mmhmm.
 <Sashni> Yes, very powerful magic. Far beyond that commonly known.
 <Sashni> Finding that path to the Headwaters, and to discern its ancient name. That is what we need to know.
 <Sashni> I know you fear that I intend to kill my beloved followers, but if that were true, I assure you, I have the means to do so already.
 <Sashni> I would not need your help to divine how to do that.
 * Bivizmi looks to the others
 <Bivizmi> She has a point there... I suppose.
 <Daifan> Oh I don't think you're trying to do it on purpose
 * Katenzhi considers that.
 <Junan> So once you find the path, you just leave... no consequences here from that powerful magic you are going to do?
 <Sashni> That is so.
 <Sashni> The consequence is that we will forever be no longer here. And no longer where we can be reached.
 <Veznara> That... would be a great loss for the world.
 <Bivizmi> And everyone who's going is willing to go?
 * Llillilli shrugs
 <Bivizmi> can I talk with my companions for a minute? I just want to make sure we all agree.
 <Sashni> Of course.
 <Katenzhi> Do I have your word that Bivizmi won't be harmed?
 <Sashni> You have my word.

===They discuss how to proceed===

 * Bivizmi will step aside with you for a word in private
 * Katenzhi will join her.
 <Veznara> (As we all do, I assume?)
 * Daifan will also
 <Junan> (yes)
 <Katenzhi> I don't like it... but I don't think we have any other choice. They're going to go one way or the other.
 <Katenzhi> And if it means that we're safe...
 <Bivizmi> I think if I agree to do this, I need you to stay and make sure I'm safe, and that whatever they're doing is truly what they say. I know she says it won't be harmful but I still don't entirely trust her. But if it really does mean they go somewhere so far away, or so inaccessible, it can't be found, that's what they seem to want.
 <Daifan> I don't think she has any real idea what this place is they are tryingto get to and what will happened to peopel who go there. If I also believed they were all willing to take that risk, that's one thing, but I don't.
 <Bivizmi> Maybe we can talk to the followers?
 <Jimba> If she doesn't understand it, they certainly don't.
 <Llillilli> If they *are * going into it with eyes open, and it's not some kind of swindle, then what right do we have to stop them leaving?
 <Daifan> indeed
 <Llillilli> The divination would clarify it, wouldn't it?
 * Daifan nods to Llillilli
 <Katenzhi> It might
 <Bivizmi> Maybe, depending on what it is exactly.
 <Daifan> but if she is casting it, she's the only one who would kow the answer....
 <Junan> She's dooming them just so she can get away because she is unable to accept the world the way it is today and cannot change to it
 * Daifan nods to Junan
 <Junan> these people will be forever severed from the rest of the world. It will destroy them.
 * Llillilli shrugs.
 <Llillilli> Maybe
 <Llillilli> That's a big assumption
 <Daifan> we don't know, and neither do they.
 <Bivizmi> I can offer her conditions. That we get to talk to her followers first, and that we get to stay and watch what they do - so if she's trying to do something sneaky, we have a chance to avert it?
 <Veznara> Also... I want to know the history of their people. Particularly the Rushultagri.
 <Bivizmi> I agree that I think they're doing it either with or without us. With us, maybe we at least have some hope to influence the outcome, or to help people who might be uncertain.
 * Jimba nods.
 <Veznara> And Kuga Sashnir... she should be treated properly.
 <Katenzhi> No offense Veznara, but I think history lessons are the least of our concerns right now.
 <Veznara> If they leave, all that knowledge is lost! And it's important. The Rushultagri...
 * Veznara puts her head in her hands
 <Veznara> Oh. This is...
 <Veznara> If what he said is true, his mother died when he was born.
 <Daifan> how would he know if he was just a baby
 <Daifan> who knows what he was told and by who, or why
 <Veznara> Because her followers took care of him.
 <Daifan> clearly not all of them
 <Daifan> or he woudln't have been way out here
 <Veznara> No/ Perhaps his life was in danger.
 <Daifan> it doens't matter
 <Bivizmi> I'll give her my terms, I guess. If she refuses, then I'm not sure what more we can do here.
 * Katenzhi nods.
 * Daifan nods
 <Katenzhi> If they want to go, we can't stop them, but if they do maybe we can give them a way out.
 <Daifan> yes

===They agree to help, but also want to speak with some of the cult members to ensure they really want to leave===

 * Bivizmi nods and will walk back to where Sashni Ula waits.
 <Sashni> Very well, I agree.
 * Sashni says to Bivizmi.
 <Bivizmi> I guess you were listening in?
 <Sashni> My way is that of knowledge and divination. It is hard not to know, not to listen.
 <Bivizmi> Fine, then let us speak to your followers.
 <Sashni> All of what you say is true. My followers do not know what lies at the Headwaters, because no one knows, because no one is there.
 <Sashni> If you need to speak to them first, and if you wish to stay for the ritual, then that is a small price to ask.
 <Veznara> Then you cannot know that it is better than here, Sashni Ula! Please...
 <Bivizmi> I just want to know that they agree to this uncertain plan. It's fine if they are willing to take such a risk, but I want to know that they do so willingly.
 <Sashni> I agree.
 <Daifan> then let's talk to them
 <Sashni> Go, then.
 * Daifan will find some peeps
 <Daifan> (Like another mom with kids or something)
 <Katenzhi> Where is Watskas Sashnir?
 * Atsa is now known as Watskas
 * Watskas will approach at his name being called.
 <Watskas> I am Watskas - what can I do for you?
 <Katenzhi> Atsa begs you to reconsider this. She wants you here with her.
 <Katenzhi> It's not too late.
 <Watskas> How do you know my wife? She has spoken with you about this?
 <Katenzhi> She is a friend.
 * Watskas frowns
 <Daifan> she makes very nice perfumes and make up
 <Katenzhi> She does not want you to leave.
 <Watskas> She should not speak about it with outsiders. She was never as dedicated to the faith as she should have been...
 <Katenzhi> She only cares for the safety of her children. And for you.
 <Katenzhi> You have no idea where you are going or what will be there.
 <Watskas> I regret that she has chosen this path. I wish she could understand that this is what is safest for us and our children - by keeping them here, she only puts them in more danger.
 <Daifan> you say that but have no ide what dangers you may face ahead
 <Junan> what makes you so certain of that
 <Daifan> the poeple who first came to the sestapoop from OMba were not expecting to find anyone living here
 <Watskas> I have faith in Sashni Ula's guidance, she will not lead us astray. She has watched and protected our village for many generations, she will continue to do so in our new home.
 <Daifan> she's had you kill your own people before
 <Daifan> who know what this new land will have her ask of you, and your children
 <Daifan> she doesn't
 <Watskas> When they threatened our safety, regretfully, and after much deliberation, it had to be done.
 <Daifan> you coud have made other changes
 <Watskas> I am glad that it will not have to happen to my wife - if we were to remain here, with her actions, she might be under such threat. As it is, she can live.
 <Watskas> For as long as your people permit her to, at any rate...
 <Katenzhi> I'll make sure she's safe. And the children too.
 <Watskas> Thank you.
 <Katenzhi> You won't reconsider then?
 <Watskas> Tell her I wish things could have been different, but that I must follow my family's path.
 <Daifan> you don't
 <Daifan> have to
 <Katenzhi> I'll tell her.
 <Daifan> there is room to forge new paths in the world you live in now
 <Watskas> It's what I believe is best. It's what I believed was best for my family too, but Atsa has chosen differently, and I did not seek to prevent her.
 <Daifan> . o O (because you dind't have time :p )
 <Veznara> What about your Founder? The Voice have his body... will you leave him behind?
 * Daifan will shake their head and try someone else
 <Daifan> Are you conviced that this is a risk you want to take for your children?
 <Junan> this feels like a waste of time... the people here have chosen to some very immoral things for questionable reasons and as such they have become totally entrenched in their mindset. If we had days to work with them, maybe we could change some minds, but in 20 minutes... unlikely
 <Katenzhi> This is their whole lives.
 * Daifan will ignore Junan for the moment - he is probably right but it feels better to try
 <Watskas> Sashni is our founder, any others do not matter.
 * Watskas will say to you, Veznara
 <AshnabisNarrator> You find a woman around thirty, Yepri Sashnir, who is willing to speak to you, Daifan.
 * Bakkus is now known as Yepri
 <Yepri> All of life is a risk. Plant your field here, not there - that is a risk. Marry a man who leaves you for another woman - that is a risk.
 <Yepri> If you ask me, do I know what lies at the Headwaters, I do not.
 <Yepri> But I do know that our community here, my family, values me, and will protect me. They always have.
 <Daifan> that is a bold and brave statement. I wish I had more time to help you see the ways in which what they claim is protection has caused much harm
 <Yepri> I do not wish to quarrel. I just wish to leave. I do not want to argue with Ombans about how my life is to be led.
 * Daifan nods
 <Daifan> Well. Good luck.
 <Junan> If you have any doubts about this, any, even if you are afraid to say it, tell us now.
 <Junan> (suggestion)
 <Yepri> (is that also a 22 DC?)
 <Junan> (DC 23)
 * Daifan will go and stand by Junan
 <Yepri> !roll 1d20+2
 * @Lan-werk rolls for Yepri: [ 1d20+2 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 2 ] totals [ 4 ].
 <Yepri> I worry, of course! How could I not? But I worry about many things, and I trust in the Maiden and in my grandfather and my other kin. I am afraid, but I fear other things more.
 <Yepri> If I told you I had no doubts, I would be lying. But if I said that, you would probably also think that someone without doubt could not be reasonable.
 <Junan> I wish I could have talked to you days ago
 * Junan sighs
 <Yepri> I'm sorry, then, that we did not have more chance to know one another.

===The ritual is performed and everyone in the area is pulled into another world===

 * Bivizmi has in the meanwhile set up her alchemical equipment, and is working with someone you guess is a village herbalist on refining the pale fos.
 * Katenzhi will hang out nearby just to keep an eye on thihngs
 * Bivizmi will be working on this for a while, so you do (out of game) have more time to talk to people, but we don't have time to play it all out. In general, your impression is that a few people *have* left the village in recent weeks - Atsa among them but a few others too. Those who remain are the most devoted followers.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Bakkus and Ragamen spend most of the day together, working on what you presume are elements of whatever it is that they're doing, to reach the Headwaters.
 <AshnabisNarrator> As Bivizmi does whatever it is she is doing with the pale oracle, it is brought to them, for their workings.
 <AshnabisNarrator> The Maiden herself has been taken back into the temple for whatever preparations are needed.
 <AshnabisNarrator> You are free to wander around, to watch - they don't seem concerned that you are here or that you know what is going on, to the degree that you do.
 <AshnabisNarrator> At last, the time is right for the ritual to proceed.
 <AshnabisNarrator> As dusk fades and the stars emerge, it seems as if the whole community has emerged into the small grove of persimmons next to the Maiden's Voice temple. The blossoms on the trees are fully open.
 <AshnabisNarrator> The high priest, Ragamen, stands at the center, with his brother Bakkus, lineage elder of the Sashnirs, beside him, both dressed in white dashis. Their white-clad junto surrounds them in a semicircle.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Out of the temple, six young people carry a curtained palanquin into the gathered group, who have begun to sing a low hymn of ancient words.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Four leaves / My bones that fly and wither / Upon the ground and scatter thus / Their prophecy, the roots a-dusting
 <AshnabisNarrator> Four winds / Against my bark they shiver / Upon the winter’s west lament / My scale-song weeps, its tears a-chanting.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Four drops / pitter-patter, hither-thither / Upon my fruit, upon your brow / We taste again the world a-healing.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Four leaves / The seasons, winds and weather / Upon your cardinal decree / The spring will soon be new a-borning.
 <AshnabisNarrator> They bring their charge to the center, and then lay it down. The curtains are cast aside, revealing the Maiden Sashni Ula herself, resplendent in orange robes and ancient jewels.
 * Yepri is now known as Ragamen
 <Ragamen> We are here in the lands of the Ruzuldaar, of the Olodzoi, of the Aummesh, the lands of our ancestors' ancestors.
 <Ragamen> But this place has become infested. It is sick, it is dying, it is dead.
 <Ragamen> And so we, who have remained loyal to the Maiden these many generations, show our loyalty once more, by accompanying her on a historic journey.
 <Ragamen> The Headwaters, hidden from all, lie pristine, just beyond our sight, their secret name lost. Until now.
 * Ragamen pulls out a scroll and hands it to Bakkus.
 * Sashni is now known as Bakkus
 * Bakkus begins to trace his finger across its lines and murmur quietly to himself, placing one hand on Sashni's shoulder.
 <AshnabisNarrator> As Bakkus speaks, a low rumble can be felt beneath you, and Sashni herself seems to be glowing with a dull crimson and blue flickering light.
 * Bakkus turns to Ragamen, who continues:
 <Ragamen> With our own Pale Oracle, we extend our reach through Source to streams untapped and futures unwritten.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Katenzhi, you are struck by those words. The last time you heard them spoken, it was by Bivizmi, who was reading from the manuscript where she first learned about the esoteric root.
 <Ragamen> And from those streams, to the place we now name, the Headwaters nameless no more.
 * Ragamen nods to Bakkus.
 <Bakkus> Fenead Asath.
 <AshnabisNarrator> As Bakkus speaks these words in a tongue unknown to any of you, the rumbling grows and the ground begins to ripple around you. At first, you wonder whether perhaps it is an earthquake.
 <AshnabisNarrator> The soft swampy earth near Ragamen parts, as if pushed aside by a great invisible branch, revealing a crimson and blue rift of light, flowing downward - flowing away. And as he speaks the name, others in the group, not all, but some, begin to chant the same words, "Fenead Asath."
 <AshnabisNarrator> The rift shudders once, then twice, and then as if a dam had cracked, expands far beyond itself. The chanting Sashnirs are enveloped by it, drawn into this thing, this river of pure Source, and disappear.
 <AshnabisNarrator> And then it is your turn, as all around you, every living thing is in a flash drawn beyond all human power into the churning light and warmth.
 <AshnabisNarrator> And then ...
 <AshnabisNarrator> It is difficult to convey, to those possessed of the sanity of an ordinary human, what it is to be in that place between, in the stream.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Later, you would all agree that it was deeply beautiful, but that its cognizance was beyond mere words. Bright colours and shimmering lights - a formless aurora of pure Source - but nothing more.
 <AshnabisNarrator> Were you amidst its dazzling waters a minute or an hour or a day? Who can say? But at the end of it all, a flatness, a new Coherence, a tiny fold cut sideways into the nothingness.
 <AshnabisNarrator> You come to rest in a place like none other. You are all there, apparently unharmed, along with the various members of the Maiden's Voice, who mostly seem to be as stunned as you are. Amidst them all is Sashni Ula, still motionless, but you think if saints could smile, she would be smiling.
 <AshnabisNarrator> And before you, its thick trunk at the center of a world a-borning, is a mighty persimmon tree.
 <Katenzhi> Oh for fuck's sake...
 <Jimba> Umm...

{{ashnabis}}

Veznara

2019-03-18T21:10:52Z

Induriel: Minor formatting

== Veznara Kezondo, Hand of the Dead ==

Veznara was born as the second daughter into the Kezondo, a noble house of Taizi, after her older sister Menali, in the lakeside city of Fuvuri. While not especially wealthy or well-connected to the imperial family, the Kezondo have a proud history and have managed to maintain and even expand their traditional lands along the northern shores of Lake Bunduga. Early in life, it was expected that she would marry into another noble family of the realm, in accordance with Taizi custom. Discussions for her betrothal began almost immediately, and she was pre-betrothed (so to speak) to the son of a similarly noble family, Khumos Mulduvasi.

She soon displayed remarkable intelligence, and a forceful personality. Her parents did their best to direct her energies into the pursuits deemed appropriate for a young girl of noble lineage.

As her parents continued to produce girls, they began to worry about finding suitable marriage prospects for all of them. It was actually something of a relief when Veznara began to display an aptitude for study, as it opened up other avenues for her. Then, after four daughters, her parents finally produced a healthy son to be their heir. He immediately became the darling of the household.

When she reached the age at which betrothals are normally formalized (12 or 13), Veznara was instead committed to study with the Hand. This was something of a disappointment for her proposed match, with whom she had become friends in childhood; but he was soon betrothed to her next youngest sister instead, so the tie between the two families was maintained.

As a novice of the Hand, Veznara proved to be a capable student. She added esoteric studies of religion and the occult to her repertoire, but her main interest was the history and geography of the fallen Empire. She developed a particular interest in Marshal Kezand, her lineage’s apical ancestor and a patrician military leader of the early Imperial Omban period who had been famous for his bold risk-taking - one of her own distant ancestors. Kezana’s remains are held in a place of honour at the chief temple in Fuvuri, where Veznara was occasionally able to visit and ask questions through the intermediaries of the priests.

Veznara's natural charm and forceful personality, combined with her noble standing, often persuaded her teachers to grant her access to sections of the Hand libraries that were usually off limits to students. Unfortunately, she abused her noble standing and social gifts in other ways. Although she lived up to the responsibilities of her new position, she was often the ringleader in assorted naughtiness. She usually avoided any major punishments for these incidents.

However, that changed a few months ago. Shortly after finishing her Novitiate and joining the next stage of her priestesshood, Veznara was embroiled in a scandal. She ran up some large debts gambling, and although her religious and noble status was enough to protect her from the penalties that a less well-connected person might have had to pay, it was still a very serious matter.

After separate dressings-down by both the temple leader and her own lineage elder, her great-uncle Umurt Kezondo, Veznara was shunted off to Ashnabis. There were strong hints that this was as much for her personal safety as for punishment. She has since become skeptical of this implication.

The severity of this punishment came as quite a shock to Veznara. The blow has been softened somewhat by her family's granting of a suitable allowance (Wealth 2) and allowing her to continue to hold onto a family heirloom of some worth (Special Gift 1). Still, she is all too conscious of the disgrace.

Fortunately for her, Veznara does have friends in Ashnabis (Allies 2) who can be counted on to help her get settled. The Taizi consul, Zeba Mopister, is eager to earn her gratitude, and Dezmali Jesha, the high priestess at the main temple in Kaskind, sees her potential and wants to help her develop it.

It remains to be seen whether the change in her circumstances motivates Veznara to change her behaviour. However, she is determined to make the best of her new situation - either by performing admirably and earning back her family's and the Hand's trust so she can return to Taizi, or by striking out and making a permanent place for herself here in Ashnabis.

== Description: ==

Veznara is a striking young woman, willowy and tall, with even dark skin and an attractive figure. Her hair is long, but she usually wears it in a tight chignon to keep it close to her head, and often covers it with some sort of cloth. This is a common hairstyle among the Hand, as it is said that otherwise hair picks up the scent of death easily.

Beyond her physical appearance, she radiates a strong sense of personality that can be difficult to resist (Cha 18). She is skilled at capitalizing on this natural gift, and can be alternately charming and/or imposing (Diplomacy and Intimidation both +9) as the situation demands.

She has never had to perform physical labour (Str 8), but moves with a certain amount of grace (Dex 12) and demonstrates fair physical resilience (Con 12).

She is very well educated. Veznara has studied a great deal of the Empire's geography, and even honed a skill for making maps. In the course of her devotion to the Hand, she has also learned much of the Arcane arts and of religion. However she continues to study history above all else, perhaps hoping that it will lead her to rediscovery of lost treasures of the Ombesh.

Veznara still displays some of the vices that got her into trouble. She can be selfish, self-indulgent, and impulsive. However, she does take her responsibilities seriously. She pursues them with energy and sincere devotion, and hopes to prove herself worthy of the important role that the Hand plays in society, particularly the administration of justice.

File:Veznara1.jpg

2019-03-18T21:02:45Z

Induriel: Depiction of Veznara

Depiction of Veznara

Veznara

2019-03-18T21:02:02Z

Induriel: Created new page for Veznara's background and description.

Veznara was born as the second daughter into the Kezondo, a noble house of Taizi, after her older sister Menali, in the lakeside city of Fuvuri. While not especially wealthy or well-connected to the imperial family, the Kezondo have a proud history and have managed to maintain and even expand their traditional lands along the northern shores of Lake Bunduga. Early in life, it was expected that she would marry into another noble family of the realm, in accordance with Taizi custom. Discussions for her betrothal began almost immediately, and she was pre-betrothed (so to speak) to the son of a similarly noble family, Khumos Mulduvasi.

She soon displayed remarkable intelligence, and a forceful personality. Her parents did their best to direct her energies into the pursuits deemed appropriate for a young girl of noble lineage.

As her parents continued to produce girls, they began to worry about finding suitable marriage prospects for all of them. It was actually something of a relief when Veznara began to display an aptitude for study, as it opened up other avenues for her. Then, after four daughters, her parents finally produced a healthy son to be their heir. He immediately became the darling of the household.

When she reached the age at which betrothals are normally formalized (12 or 13), Veznara was instead committed to study with the Hand. This was something of a disappointment for her proposed match, with whom she had become friends in childhood; but he was soon betrothed to her next youngest sister instead, so the tie between the two families was maintained.

As a novice of the Hand, Veznara proved to be a capable student. She added esoteric studies of religion and the occult to her repertoire, but her main interest was the history and geography of the fallen Empire. She developed a particular interest in Marshal Kezand, her lineage’s apical ancestor and a patrician military leader of the early Imperial Omban period who had been famous for his bold risk-taking - one of her own distant ancestors. Kezana’s remains are held in a place of honour at the chief temple in Fuvuri, where Veznara was occasionally able to visit and ask questions through the intermediaries of the priests.

Veznara's natural charm and forceful personality, combined with her noble standing, often persuaded her teachers to grant her access to sections of the Hand libraries that were usually off limits to students. Unfortunately, she abused her noble standing and social gifts in other ways. Although she lived up to the responsibilities of her new position, she was often the ringleader in assorted naughtiness. She usually avoided any major punishments for these incidents.

However, that changed a few months ago. Shortly after finishing her Novitiate and joining the next stage of her priestesshood, Veznara was embroiled in a scandal. She ran up some large debts gambling, and although her religious and noble status was enough to protect her from the penalties that a less well-connected person might have had to pay, it was still a very serious matter.

After separate dressings-down by both the temple leader and her own lineage elder, her great-uncle Umurt Kezondo, Veznara was shunted off to Ashnabis. There were strong hints that this was as much for her personal safety as for punishment. She has since become skeptical of this implication.

The severity of this punishment came as quite a shock to Veznara. The blow has been softened somewhat by her family's granting of a suitable allowance (Wealth 2) and allowing her to continue to hold onto a family heirloom of some worth (Special Gift 1). Still, she is all too conscious of the disgrace.

Fortunately for her, Veznara does have friends in Ashnabis (Allies 2) who can be counted on to help her get settled. The Taizi consul, Zeba Mopister, is eager to earn her gratitude, and Dezmali Jesha, the high priestess at the main temple in Kaskind, sees her potential and wants to help her develop it.

It remains to be seen whether the change in her circumstances motivates Veznara to change her behaviour. However, she is determined to make the best of her new situation - either by performing admirably and earning back her family's and the Hand's trust so she can return to Taizi, or by striking out and making a permanent place for herself here in Ashnabis.

Description:

Veznara is a striking young woman, willowy and tall, with even dark skin and an attractive figure. Her hair is long, but she usually wears it in a tight chignon to keep it close to her head, and often covers it with some sort of cloth. This is a common hairstyle among the Hand, as it is said that otherwise hair picks up the scent of death easily.

Beyond her physical appearance, she radiates a strong sense of personality that can be difficult to resist (Cha 18). She is skilled at capitalizing on this natural gift, and can be alternately charming and/or imposing (Diplomacy and Intimidation both +9) as the situation demands.

She has never had to perform physical labour (Str 8), but moves with a certain amount of grace (Dex 12) and demonstrates fair physical resilience (Con 12).

She is very well educated. Veznara has studied a great deal of the Empire's geography, and even honed a skill for making maps. In the course of her devotion to the Hand, she has also learned much of the Arcane arts and of religion. However she continues to study history above all else, perhaps hoping that it will lead her to rediscovery of lost treasures of the Ombesh.

Veznara still displays some of the vices that got her into trouble. She can be selfish, self-indulgent, and impulsive. However, she does take her responsibilities seriously. She pursues them with energy and sincere devotion, and hopes to prove herself worthy of the important role that the Hand plays in society, particularly the administration of justice.