Nemnosti session 4

Nemnosti session logs Previous Session 4 Next

Summary

A group of sentinels led by Pomirabe Sortusai arrives to help secure Nemnosti; Kuspir, Pomirabe's longtime friend, greets him and learns that his son Rembes is coming to train as an acolyte. Marga gets a visit from her mother Vaika Zainai and her stepbrother Dodemozh Vegru; the latter is coming to Nemnosti to seek admission for study. Alai, researching Hulti temples and powers, consults both Elof Losturi and Tamandu Sempi (Pavavi) and learns about shamanic beliefs. Ifa helps in making admissions decisions for the new class of acolytes, along with Jorota Vuvrugh and Bura Hazh. Izu talks to Rupun Lurusiri, only follower of Lurusiru Ula, about his patron, and learns a vital secret about the saint. Jevai is interrupted to learn that her brother Pughan is attacking a man, who turns out to be Echu Pekai, whom he suspects is a Hulti.

Session

Session date: March 17, 2024

Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Khurar

Prologue

Greetings, acolytes! Strange as it may be to think, every one of the Lady's acolytes here, no matter how many grey hairs or wrinkles, was once a new acolyte here at the ulajeta. Perhaps they were raised here from birth, but until they began to study the Courses, they were not an acolyte. And of course, for every Nemni raised in the iftibal here, there are many more acolytes who still remember their first day crossing the threshold at the West Gate. Coming to a place like this, it can be hard to know who to trust. You may remember - as it was not so long ago - how you first met those who would become your fellow acolytes, who now sit beside you, hands clasped in the flickering shadows. Those first, faltering days where everything was new. We can think of trust as a well-worn groove in the soil, worn by the flow of rivers, earned through time and labor. We trust our community here not because we blindly follow the river's course, but because we learn to trust that this path is one we share together. We know, still, that there is always a risk. Trust earned can be broken, just as the river can overflow its banks. So we always have an obligation to one another, because once the flood has begun, it is hard to contain it. Learn that lesson, and you will live a fruitful life here.

It has been a couple weeks since you returned from your trip to the Ghengom and Gil Hargush, and now on to the month of Khurar. Here in the Pardopasu the mornings are foggy but it burns off in the warm spring sun. Rechegoko headed off to wherever he spends his time as soon as he had healed up, without much of a word to anyone other than Marga. As for the rest of things, it would be hardly fair to say that things are normal here at Nemnosti, but by and large, the activities of the cloister have continued without interruption. There have been visitors in and out from some of the major noble lineages of the Empire, to pay respects to their Ancestors here, and of course to leave an appropriate donation. But nonetheless the spectre of your investigation lies upon the ulajeta, like the Khurar morning fog...

Kuspir meets his sentinel friend Pomirabe Sortusai who has come to assist with security at Nemnosti

[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you hold your wife's latest missive in your pocket (Zurusha's correspondence), feeling against your finger the thin channel where her quill indents the page. It is at times like these that you remember all the more keenly what it is here that you defend.
[NemnostiGM] Ghorgimbe and Rubo were unsurprisingly eager to increase the security here at the ulajeta, with fewer idle drills and more patrols around the walls and gates. It is hard with so many visitors coming to the ulajeta in spring to visit ancestors, but this is nothing compared to how this place will be during Romokh at summer's end.
[NemnostiGM] They were slightly more reluctant, but ultimately willing, to concede that they need more people here in the defense of the ulajeta than can be provided by the stoneguards in place. And while the ultimate goal might be to train more of the same, that is a project of years.
[NemnostiGM] For now, you put out the call to your friends among the garrison at Naftusa. And today, you are at the West Gate to greet your friend Pomirabe Sortusai, who will be bringing ten sentinels with him.
[NemnostiGM] You have already made arrangements with Regivus Losturi, who manages the provisions, to ensure that the guests will be accommodated here. And of course surely that means that She knows of their presence, though whether that is comfort or not, who can say?
[NemnostiGM] You see them from afar along the road as it winds up towards the ulajeta, and as they approach, you see not only Pomirabe and nine other sentinels, but a thin youth who you almost don't recognize at first, but must surely be his son Rembes.
* Rembes has surely grown three inches since you saw him last.
* Kuspir will greet them at the gate
[Pomirabe] Medimur, old friend!
[Pomirabe] How does your watch pass?
[Kuspir] It goes well enough, though better now with some added reinforcements. How was your travel?
[Pomirabe] Well enough. It always feels so much longer to travel up the valley.
[Kuspir] And is this Rembes? I almost didn't recognize him, he's grown up.
* Pomirabe smiles.
[Pomirabe] Yes, they call him the Cub. After his namesake, the Lion, of course.
[Rembes] Good afternoon, sir.
[Kuspir] Good to see you, young man. Did you come to assist your father?
[NemnostiGM] (You know, of course, that Pomirabe's grandfather, and so Rembes' great-grandfather, is the great military hero, the Lion, Rembes Kaisastelovis)
[Rembes] Not exactly sir, though I will help as I can.
[Pomirabe] It's the boy's turn at the Courses, I figure, if She will have him.
[Kuspir] Ah, that's good.
[Pomirabe] Figured, I was coming anyway, bring him along, keep an eye on him if I can.
[Kuspir] You will be welcome, of course, I'm sure. My daughter Irdomila is just about your age, I should have her show you around. Once you are settled in, that is.
[Pomirabe] And these are my soldiers. Not as many as I would have liked, but it's what Nezel would spare.
[Pomirabe] She promises, and I promise, they will be well-behaved here during their service.
[Kuspir] Any aid you can lend is appreciated.
[Kuspir] Let me take you to your quarters, not keep you standing here at the gate.
[Pomirabe] Yes, that will be good. And then, beska beer and I have much news to share.
[Kuspir] Oh? I'm interested to hear this news. Come with me, then...
* Kuspir will deal with getting the sentinels to wherever they're supposed to stay
[NemnostiGM] You arrange for the sentinels to get to their quarters, and Rembes goes off to separate quarters with the acolytes.
[Pomirabe] So ... this latest business, it seems to have rattled everyone.
[Kuspir] Yes... it's very troubling.
[Pomirabe] At first it sounded just like some strange Ravre business, but apparently not?
[Kuspir] I don't think so. It's some sort of Hulti threat, or so it appears.
[Pomirabe] The Lion and the Chimney had a meeting about it. Well, that and other things.
[Kuspir] Oh?
[Kuspir] And what did they determine, in this meeting?
[Pomirabe] Well, you know, Rosem has no love for this place. I think he thinks it's weird business and he should stay out of it. As for old Rembes, I think he's eager for a new Purge before he dies.
[Kuspir] Hm.
[Kuspir] It doesn't sound like much agreement was reached, then.
[Pomirabe] Well, not on that matter. But I'm here, and of course he's my grandfather so I guess i'm here for whatever purging we've got going on.
* Pomirabe sips his beer.
[Kuspir] So far there's nothing to purge. It's a defensive action, not offensive.
[Kuspir] And as far as we know, only one person.
[Pomirabe] I understand. And unlike the Lion, I have no taste for purging.
* Kuspir nods
[Pomirabe] If there are Old Folk up in the hills, let them be, as long as they aren't practicing their dark business.
[Kuspir] There is some dark business, but as I said, only the one person that we know of. They could be acting of their own accord, it could be a personal grudge, they could be a madman, it's hard to know.
[Pomirabe] But does She really see this as a single individual? That seems ... well, like you say, crazy, if so.
[Kuspir] One powerful shaman could do a lot of harm.
* Kuspir says with a shrug
[Pomirabe] I suppose that's the point.
[Pomirabe] Well I don't know how much my silk will add to your hammer for such a task, but you have it as you need it, Meddy.
[Kuspir] I appreciate that.
[Pomirabe] Other than that, Rosem and Rembes are doing what they're always doing. Plotting marriages. Maybe Voice Verga's name has come up.
[Kuspir] Oh? Do they see some future there that is not in the priesthood?
[Pomirabe] I don't imagine they ever saw his future in the priesthood.
[Kuspir] What do they intend, then?
[Pomirabe] Not sure. Honestly they keep the Sortusai out of their plans, most of the time, those two.
[Pomirabe] Lion still thinks that it was a mistake to marry his daughter to my dad. She's been dead almost thirty years and he still blames her for dying.
[Kuspir] They haven't made plans for your son yet, I imagine? He's still a bit young for that, surely.
[Pomirabe] Well he's a Sortusai, so out of their immediate eye. Whatever their designs may be, it won't be for them to decide.
* Kuspir nods
[Pomirabe] Sortusais who come here seem to do all right for themselves lately. My cousin Afra is due soon, I'm sure.
* Pomirabe rolls his eyes.
[Kuspir] Ah... yes, I guess so.
[Pomirabe] The osper's privilege, I suppose. Though I really would have recommended to him that he find a commoner for that purposes instead.
[Pomirabe] This is going to have a long-term consequence, even though Hojon seems not to care.
[Kuspir] I don't really understand what her ambition is.
[Kuspir] Or perhaps neither of them have thought that far?
[Pomirabe] I think Hojon is thinking with his member and not looking at the good of the ulajeta. As for Afra, I can't say. I don't think it was that there was an unsuitable marriage being offered to her by my clan.
[Pomirabe] Maybe ... maybe it's love, sadly if true.
[Kuspir] I suppose so.
[Pomirabe] I'm not really close to her, her branch of the Sortusai is not very close to mine. And of course I'm not here anymore, and wasn't ever here when she was.
[Pomirabe] What I do know is that Tairasta is not taking it lying down.
[Kuspir] Well, perhaps while you are here you have a chance to find out more.
[Pomirabe] I think when it was just an amicable separation, her in Naftusa, Hojon here, that was fine. But now you've got a young noblewoman pregnant, and that changes things.
* Kuspir nods
[Pomirabe] She's stirring up trouble in town.
[Kuspir] Trouble of what sort?
[Pomirabe] Dendorfi trouble, I imagine. A Sortusai and a Nemni are having an adulterous affair and about to have a baby, well, you have to believe that the Chimney wants to take advantage of that.
[Pomirabe] She's been talking to him, for sure.
[Kuspir] What can they actually do about it, though?
[Pomirabe] I don't know. Honestly, I try to stay out of it. But I get sucked in through my iftibal.
[Pomirabe] Some days I wish I could just be like cousin Ghorgimbe, wander off here and tell the rest of them to get stuffed.
[Kuspir] Your wife would not like that, though, I imagine.
[Pomirabe] There would be consequences.
[Kuspir] There often are...
[Kuspir] But things are well for you at home?
[Pomirabe] Oh, yes, well enough. Kizne is a little perplexed at all this acolyte business, with Rembes and me coming up here, all that. But it's fine. It's not like Naftusa is a thousand miles away.
* Kuspir nods
[Pomirabe] And the younger kids are all well taken care of at the iftibal, which is a very pleasant place for kids to grow up.
[Kuspir] That's good.
[Pomirabe] And what about you?
[Kuspir] Oh, I'm all right. The children are doing well, and otherwise matters are... as they ever were.
* Pomirabe nods.
[Kuspir] I try to keep occupied.
[Pomirabe] Well, look, Meddy, let's not make this visit all about work. I should check in on the soldiers but I'm here. Just promise me that you'll share what you can about this business, so I don't make any foolish or dangerous mistakes.
[Kuspir] I will.
[Kuspir] I do appreciate your help. It puts my mind more at ease to know you and your soldiers are here if needed.
* Pomirabe smiles.
[Pomirabe] Of course, brother.

Marga gets a visit from her mother and her stepbrother Dodemozh, who is coming to hopefully study at Nemnosti as an acolyte

[NemnostiGM] Marga, you were a little sad to see Rechegoko go, but you could tell how antsy he was getting the day he was healed up fully.
[NemnostiGM] You'll see him again soon enough, probably.
[NemnostiGM] As for things at the ulajeta, Meze and the other vultures have been increasing the intensity of scouting trips, but there hasn't been any sign of strange masked figures or ritual sacrifices or anything else. You're starting to wonder whether maybe this person has left.
[NemnostiGM] You've just returned from a scouting trip one morning when a random acolyte / messenger hands you a note from the West Gate saying that you have visitors, and to come meet them.
[Marga] (me personally? :O)
[NemnostiGM] (seems so)
[Marga] Who could that be??
* Marga heads on over.
[NemnostiGM] You head out there and you see two figures. The first is your mother, Vaika Zainai. With her is your stepbrother, Dodemozh Vegru.
[Marga] Oh! Oh hello!
[Vaika] Hello, Marga.
* Marga is not *relieved* that it's them, because why would she be relieved? Who could she have imagined it might be that she would be relieved now?? How silly.
[Marga] What brings you guys here?
[Vaika] Well, a couple of things. I wanted to see you, of course.
[Vaika] But also we are going to present Dodemozh to be a candidate for being an acolyte.
[Marga] Oh wow!
[Marga] Good luck!
[Dodemozh] Thanks.
* Dodemozh says quietly.
[Vaika] I think that with one child as successful as you already here, it should be straightforward, don't you think?
[Marga] I really wouldn't know, hahaha.
[Marga] I have no idea how She picks. I still don't even really know why She picked me!
[Vaika] Well, regardless.
[Marga] (has he been here much before?)
[NemnostiGM] (nope, not really. Mostly he lives in the town of Bemnes, where his dad, your stepdad, is a brewer)
[Marga] Want me to show you around some?
[Vaika] Ahh ... sure.
[Vaika] Dodemozh, come along, your sister is going to show us around.
[Dodemozh] All right.
[Vaika] So how have they been treating you here?
[Marga] I got no complaints! :)
[Marga] How're things in town?
[Vaika] Bemnes is quiet. Pazo is becoming very close with the Lion, which is very good for the boys' prospects, we hope.
[Marga] Oh yeah? Nice!
[Vaika] I know there are some of the Vegrus who are interested in inciting trouble, Luetkan stuff. But that's not Pazo. He just wants to provide for us, no trouble, no drama.
[Marga] I dunno anything about politicky stuff... I'm all for no drama :)
[Vaika] Hmm.
[NemnostiGM] (you can give me a SM if you like)
[Marga] (lol I can certainly try that)
[Marga] !roll 1d20+2
* Lan-werk rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+2 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 2 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Marga] (huh not too shabby)
[NemnostiGM] (that is the noise your mom makes when she doesn't believe you)
[Marga] What?
[Vaika] How is your father?
[Marga] OH.
[Marga] Well! You know! Great!
[Marga] Same old Dad, hahahahaa.
[Marga] How'd you know I saw him?
[Vaika] Well, you know, my family is still up in Hong Sogo.
[Marga] Right, right!
[Marga] We really weren't there very long.
[Vaika] I still do talk to some of the Zainais sometimes, when they think it's important.
* Marga nods.
[Vaika] What was it all about?
[Marga] Uh well... I found this dead guy on Istu Levunu, and people wanted to find out how he died and stuff. He'd been camping up that way so I took a bunch of them up to look for the campsite -- that's supposed to be where he got killed.
[Marga] I mean, a pretty important dead guy.
[Vaika] Did your father kill him?
[Marga] WHat? No!
* Marga laughs nervously.
[Marga] It was some... weirdo in a mask, from what I understand...
[Marga] And the guy's son works for Daddy...
[Vaika] Ahh. Well then perhaps your masked weirdo has another problem, now.
[Marga] Yeah probably!
[Vaika] Well I don't want to bother you ... should I just go and leave Dodemozh here?
[Marga] You're not bothering me :)
[Marga] D'you wanna come for the tour?
[Vaika] Ah, sure.
[Marga] Great!
* Marga will show them around, focusing unintentionally or not on the more natural aspects of the setting :)
[Dodemozh] So, uh, Marga, uh, what's Nemnu like?
* Dodemozh seems to be overwhelmed at the size of the place.
[Marga] That's kind of tough to answer even now...
[Marga] I mean. SHe's dead
[Marga] So that's weird.
[Marga] BUt she talks like... I don't know, a grandma, or your great aunt, who knows what's best for you...
[Marga] And she likes to give people her dead friends' names as nicknames.
[Dodemozh] Do you have one?
[Marga] Yeah, it's Ivis.
* Vaika shakes her head, perhaps in wonderment or confusion.
[Vaika] This place is so strange.
[Marga] You just kind of go with it.
* Marga shrugs :)
[Vaika] I'm glad you're here. Just ... strange.
[Marga] Yup!
[Vaika] So, what we have been told is that Dodemozh is meant to present himself to Bura Hazh, and she will help him to settle in until, I guess they decide?
[Vaika] Your father didn't come down here with you when you began your studying, though, did he? You were just on your own?
[Marga] Bura came to get me.
[Marga] From Hong Sogo. :)
[Marga] I'll make sure she takes good care of you ;)
[Dodemozh] Thanks.
* Dodemozh still seems unsure.
[Marga] I know it's a lot!
[Marga] My best advice is, don't think too hard about it.
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can take them on the tour. At the end of the day, your mom leaves to go back to Bemnes, while Dodemozh goes off to be taken care of by the teachers. Your mom talks to you one last time before heading back.
[Vaika] Marga ...
[Marga] Yuh huh? :)
[Vaika] I want you to ... take good care of Dodemozh.
[Marga] Of course I will!
[Vaika] He's not simple, I promise.
[Vaika] He even knows a few letters.
[Marga] Well he's probably ahead of where I was then!
[Vaika] Yes, well ... yes.
[Vaika] Thank you, Marga.
[Vaika] I should go now.
[Marga] It was nice seeing yoU! :)
[Vaika] You too.
* Vaika manages a thin smile.
* Marga hugs her anyway :v

Alai speaks to Elof Losturi about her research, and he leads her to talk to Pavavi about Hulti and shamanic powers

[NemnostiGM] Alai, you have been making yourself busy since your return, trying to make sense of the situation and learn what you can. There's only so much there is likely to be in books, though, and many misleading paths.
[NemnostiGM] One afternoon you're in the library when Elof Losturi, the keeper of Nemnu's magical spells, approaches you.
* Elof is a tiny, thin little bald man in his middle years.
[Elof] Any luck?
[Alai] Very little... these paths have not been as fruitful as I wished.
[Elof] Is the problem a lack of information, or a lack of magical power?
[Alai] Some of both unfortunately, although my magics have been successful so far, I'm just need to narrow things down closer.
[Elof] Narrow down how? Maybe I can help.
[Alai] Maybe you could... are you certain you want to involve yourself in this?
* Elof gives you a strange look.
[Elof] Are any of us at Nemnosti truly uninvolved?
[Elof] If Nemnu is under threat, we should all be doing everything we can.
[Alai] very well... I am attempting to glean any information on protections in Hulti temples against location detection with divination.
[Elof] Hmmm.
[Elof] Well I know that shamans themselves have protections against magic. That spells often bounce off them.
[Elof] You want to know if the temples themselves have these protections?
[Alai] As I have read on the shamans themselves, although I believe there are techniques that I can practice and employ to assist in breaching those protections... but yes I am seeking to understand potential defense of the temples.
[Elof] Do we know if there is such a temple, anywhere near here? I mean, other than going to Malfan.
[Alai] I have reason to believe one exists nearby yes. Musune, or the parts of the Ghengom.
[Elof] Fascinating.
[Alai] although the information I have is limited. If I go to that area, I want to have some assurance my divinations will be able to locate it.
[Elof] If you are wrong, and identify none, then you will not know whether that is because your casting did not work, or because there was none to begin with.
[Elof] The most powerful spell I know of, which contravenes many such protection efforts, is Discern Location. It is very powerful, though, not for a novice caster.
[Elof] It finds objects and individuals, though, not places.
[Alai] my plan was to try and commune with the land for its presence, the range is limited in miles, but if, with more conventional wilderness skills, get reasonable close, I could find it.
[Elof] Ah, I understand.
[Alai] So do you have any suggestions?
[Elof] Well, the simplest suggestion would be to go ask an expert. You know that Tamandu Sempi, our own Pavavi, was trained as a shaman?
[Elof] He would surely know more about Hulti temples than either of us.
* Alai slams the book she was reading closed
[Alai] Such an elegant and obvious source of information.
[Alai] My focus must be off.
[Elof] Come, then, he's just down the hall.
[Alai] Yes lets go
[NemnostiGM] You and Elof head down to talk to the elderly curator.
* Pavavi smiles as he sees you. He's polishing Nemnu's collection of magical orbs.
* Alai is a little extra jingly as she walks, from her own frustration.
[Pavavi] So nice to see you fine youngsters!
[Elof] Good evening, Pavavi. Although I'm not nearly young enough to qualify anymore.
[Elof] Alai and I, well, mainly Alai, have some questions for you.
[Alai] It is good to see you as well. If I had been more prompt in visiting, I may have saved myself several hours of minimally productive reading.
[Pavavi] Very little reading is truly unproductive.
[Alai] True, I now know what not to read in the future.
[Pavavi] How can I help you?
[Alai] but reading is not what I wish to ask about. Hulti temples. Do you know of one in the area and where it is located?
[Pavavi] Near here? No, not for centuries and centuries, surely.
[Alai] I have information that implies one may be in Musune, or the parts of the Ghengom. I want to find it, if it exists.
* Pavavi scratches his head, frowning.
[Pavavi] Hmm. Well, come, sit, let's drink and consider the matter.
* Pavavi heads over to a small table and pours three small glasses of some clear liquid.
* Elof sits and sniffs it skeptically.
* Alai will follow allowing her elders to sit before she does.
[Pavavi] So, what you must understand is that for Voices and Hands, temples are places. Even if there is no Voice or Hand there, it is still a temple. They hallow a place and it becomes ... well, hallowed. You understand?
* Pavavi drinks his drink and sets it on the table.
[Alai] I am aware of the principles yes.
* Alai will take a sip of whatever the drink it
[Pavavi] But a shaman is not tied to a place.
[NemnostiGM] (whatever it is is very, very strong, and not local)
[Pavavi] "Hulti" is not the right name, you know. Among themselves, they call the faith "The Truth Journey" and the shamans, they are ildir - "wanderers" or "travellers".
[Pavavi] So to be a temple, what is needed is not just a place, but a shaman to travel there to empower it. Like so.
* Pavavi pours another drink for himself.
[Pavavi] You see, *now* it is a temple.
[Alai] Yes but you still needed the cup for it to be filled. Is there nothing special about the place that is the cup?
* Alai takes another sip
[Pavavi] Nothing that you would be able to detect, in the absence of the wanderer to fill it. Now, there would be specialists in architecture and temples who would be able to know more about what old temples look like. Voice Imas knows about that kind of thing, more than I would.
[Pavavi] I know what the temples looked like in Malfan, when I was a boy, but what does that tell us about a temple here in Khutu, probably hundreds of years old?
* Alai nods
[Alai] Would our 'wander' want to empower a temple. What do they gain by doing so?
[Pavavi] By being in a temple, it might be possible, or desirable, to perform some rituals. Specifically, though, I couldn't say which ones, or for what purpose.
[Pavavi] I'm afraid I was a mere novice when I left the faith.
[Alai] empowered would the temple be able to located with divination? Does it have protections like the Shaman?
[Pavavi] When it was empowered, I believe it could be protected, yes. Perhaps not automatically, but a shaman could do so.
[Pavavi] But once the shaman leaves it, it would no longer be empowered.
[Pavavi] You could be standing in a temple and not know it.
[Alai] So anywhere can be thier temple?
[Alai] But they do have temples... specific locations.
* Alai looks down at her cup and finishes her drink
[Pavavi] They have places that they prefer, or that they design for that purpose.
[Pavavi] But yes, I think it is fair to say that anyplace they choose could be made a temple.
[Pavavi] If they choose to return to the same place, it is for the same reason that any of us might construct an edifice for some design.
[Alai] So unless our "wanderer" has a specific reason to go to this supposed lost temple, there is little to be gained by locating it. We are not denying them a stronghold, or sanctuary.
[Pavavi] I'm afraid that is correct.
[Pavavi] Shamans are not dependent on places in that way. There might be historical things to learn there, but that is all.
[Alai] These events seem drenched in past wrongs... it still may be worth it to find this place. I'll learn what I can on local descriptions.
[Alai] Thank you for your time, and the drink.
[Pavavi] I do think it would be worth talking to Voice Imas about Hulti temples. He specializes in temple architecture, and while he is not Old Folk, of course, he would know more about temples than anyone else.

Ifa meets with Jorota and Bura, and they make decisions regarding some incoming acolytes

[NemnostiGM] Ifa, the Hand serves in many ways. In times of war, you lead bubun into battle. In peace, you help forge the marriages that keep communities and alliances strong. And it is through the Hand that the fields are seeded and harvested each year.
[NemnostiGM] But here at Nemnosti, of course one of your key duties is keeping good order among the community. The Voices may be more numerous and more prominent given Nemnosti's special role, but you are well aware that many of them, not to mention any names, are so lost in their books sometimes that important things get missed.
[NemnostiGM] In the wake of Surgu's death and your investigation, things have certainly been tense, made moreso by the fact that Nemnu has not spoken publicly to the ulajeta about the matter. But for now, things must go on.
[NemnostiGM] Today, you have been invited to a meeting of some of the senior women at the ulajeta. Hand Jesa might normally do this in years past, but she is away in Naftusa attending to some duties there and has assigned you to do it. The goal of today's meeting is a sacred one: to discuss several of the candidates for the new class of acolytes.
[NemnostiGM] In attendance today will be Jorota Vuvrugh, the Preceptor, and Bura Hazh, Nemnu's chief recruiter among the rural communities.
[Jorota] Well, here we are again.
[Jorota] I forget, Ifa, have you done this before?
[Ifa] (No, right?)
[NemnostiGM] (nope)
[Ifa] No, Preceptor, this is my first time.
[Jorota] Well, this time feels a bit unusual, because of what's been going on. But we've talked about it and it's not right to disrupt the ordinary functioning of the ulajeta.
* Ifa nods.
* Bura rolls her eyes.
[Bura] Some people are cowards.
[Ifa] How do you mean?
[Bura] To close the gates would be folly. Show weakness.
[Bura] People who spend too much time in books and not enough in the outside world, they get comfortable, and then afraid.
[Ifa] But...we're not closing the gates?
[Jorota] There's new security. Sentinels from Naftusa. That's fine. But we are a place of strength, and so we show our strength by keeping ourselves open.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] And it seems like we're doing that, so...distinct lack of cowardice, I would think.
[Jorota] Our opinions are not shared by everyone.
[Jorota] Some people not in this room.
[Ifa] Ah. Well, it sounds as though wiser heads prevailed.
[Jorota] We love our brothers in black but Voices are not suitable for this kind of strength.
[Jorota] Ahh, no offense to your brother, Ifa. I don't know what he thinks of this.
[Ifa] None taken. I'm sure he's got a strong opinion; whichever is the Lady's.
* Bura laughs sharply.
[Bura] You were right, Jorota.
* Ifa looks at Jorota.
[Jorota] Never mind.
[Jorota] Let's get started here.
* Jorota pulls out a stack of papers.
[Jorota] All right, I have seven here today for our recommendation to the Lady.
* Ifa will take a look.
[Jorota] First, Irdomila Nemni. Are we all agreed here?
[Bura] Yes, I assume so. She'll keep the others in line.
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Ifa] I think she'll do well here, yes.
[Bura] Zurusha is in support, that's really the only concern I had.
[Jorota] All right, no need for further discussion. Next up. Ahhh ... Fultukhari Nemni.
[Bura] I'm not going to vote no on your son, Jorota.
[Bura] But I will note that he's too young, and too green.
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Ifa] What constitutes green in this context?
[Ifa] We're all new to being acolytes at some point.
[Bura] Likely to get himself killed. He has his father's temperament.
* Jorota shoots Bura a Look.
* Ifa glances between them curiously.
[Jorota] Amasa is getting Marga to help him out.
[Bura] And that's the only reason I'm willing to let this play out.
[Ifa] Marga is a good match for a mentor for him, I think.
[Bura] Marga is hard inside. She seems like a child but she will burn the stupid out of your wee rebel.
[Jorota] All right, then. We don't need to discuss this more.
[Ifa] Not how I would have put it, but...I agree with Bura.
* Ifa nods.
[Jorota] Next ... Dodemozh Vegru. Another task for Marga?
[Bura] I vote no.
[Jorota] Come now, Bura. He needs this place as much as his sister did.
[Ifa] What's your reasoning, Bura?
[Bura] His mother acts as if he's entitled. And the child himself has no passion.
[Jorota] I don't deny either of those things, but isn't the point to let the child discover their passions?
[Ifa] The second is an issue, but the former sounds as though you want to punish him for a problem with his mother.
[Bura] Not being an acolyte is not a punishment.
[Bura] It's a decision we help Her make.
[Jorota] Ifa, your thoughts here?
[Ifa] Being an acolyte is a privilege, yes, but it is one we can offer, and in so offering give Dodemozh a chance to, as Jorota said, find his passion.
[Jorota] All right, then. If he doesn't find something here, he'll leave regardless.
[Jorota] Two to one, we will recommend him upstairs.
* Ifa manages not to smile, but makes a mental note to tell Marga later.
[Jorota] Next, Lovosa Halunemni. I think our vote here is irrelevant, but we have the file, so here is our chance to voice our views.
[Jorota] Ifa, my understanding is that you have been tasked with helping this one out.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] She...will take some time to adjust, I'm sure.
[Bura] My views on this matter are well-known, and have been heard and disregarded already.
[Bura] But who am I to tell Her that she is letting the goat into the pantry?
[Jorota] Well, yes.
[Jorota] Ifa, anything else to add here? Our recommendation here is really not going to affect the outcome.
[Ifa] She will likely be a disruption, but I think her own attitude will keep her from causing too many ripples.
[Ifa] Her place is already spoken for, we'll just need to keep an eye on her.
[Ifa] I think, if we make an effort to make a place for her here, she'll see we're not her enemies.
[Jorota] Well said.
[Jorota] All right, moving along then.
[Jorota] Ghalaimi Gamusuldi. Hojon's nephew.
[Jorota] He arrived last week. And ... well, there was a surprise.
[Ifa] Oh?
[Jorota] It turns out the young man has recently died.
[Ifa] What? When?
[Jorota] A few months ago.
[Ifa] How?
[Jorota] Well, they say it was an accident.
[Ifa] 'They say'?
[Jorota] His family, from Onighus.
[Ifa] Do you suspect otherwise?
[Bura] I do.
[Ifa] Why?
* Bura purses her lips, but doesn't say anything.
[Jorota] Speaking for the formerly dead among us, I do have fears for my own safety, and if I have those fears, well ... I worry that we are not in a position right now to care for a young revenant new to the status.
[Ifa] Is your concern he wouldn't take the threat seriously, and thus possibly put himself in danger?
[Jorota] I want to say yes, but caution dictates that we recommend him back to Onighus. At least for now. He's young, only thirteen, give him another year.
[Jorota] Yes, exactly, Ifa.
[Jorota] Thirteen-year-old boys ... well, and girls, but especially boys ... they are stupid. And he's had one accident already.
* Bura looks like she is going to say something, but remains silent again.
[Ifa] (Do I have any idea what's up with Bura?)
[NemnostiGM] (give me a SM)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 17 ].
[NemnostiGM] !roll 1d20+14
* Lan-werk rolls for NemnostiGM: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 33 ].
[NemnostiGM] (that's a definite no)
[Jorota] Ifa? Any further thoughts?
* Ifa frowns in thought.
[Ifa] I think it best for his safety if he doesn't start acolyte training until we sort things out here, but we should emphasize that he *does* have a place here when it's safe.
[Jorota] All right, I'll convey that to Her.
[Jorota] Next up. Rembes Sortusai.
[Jorota] Father is Pomirabe Sortusai, Elof to the Lady. Arrived a short time ago with his father, who's come to help out here with security.
[Jorota] That's mostly a coincidence, we've been expecting to consider Rembes for a while.
[Ifa] From what I've heard, he seems a good fit.
[Jorota] Yes, and we need all the good relations with the nobility in Naftusa that we can get.
* Ifa looks to Bura to gauge her thoughts.
[Bura] No objection from me. As long as he doesn't take after his namesake.
[Jorota] Respect to the Lady, but that's not how names work.
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Jorota] Seems like we are all in favour then?
[Bura] Yes.
* Ifa nods.
[Jorota] All right then, we have only one more to consider. This one is a strange one. Win - ta ... Tsa - morg. Or Vinda Zamurg. Or some such.
[Jorota] From the old Aummesh nobility, an applicant from Kaskind.
[Ifa] Oh! That's really interesting.
[Jorota] It looks like the family decided to send her abroad for training rather than the little Academy they have down there.
[Bura] I've met her.
[Ifa] What did you think?
[Bura] I think she's not as smart as she thinks she is. But she will be interesting.
[Bura] Not as naturally gifted as Alai, probably. But reminds me of her
[Bura] Very ... firm, strong.
[Jorota] And will face many of the same problems. How is her Ombesh?
[Bura] Adequate. Accented. She reads already.
[Ifa] Sounds like a solid candidate, then.
[Jorota] I am sure She will be interested in admitting her.
[Jorota] So, that's all we have for today, then.
[Ifa] An interesting mix, certainly.
[Jorota] I agree.
[Ifa] We'll need to keep an eye on them, but that would be the case regardless.
[Jorota] We can adjourn, then. Thank you for your guidance.
* Ifa nods and smiles.

Izu talks to Rupun Lurusiri about his patron saint, and learns an important secret

[NemnostiGM] Izu, in the aftermath of the conversation you and Kuspir had with Nemnu, now a couple weeks ago, things around the ulajeta and your responsibilities in particular have been tense.
[NemnostiGM] Nemnu is seeing far few visitors than would normally be the case, and is clearly ill-at-ease. You can sense it now clearly, despite Her emotionless face and centuries of practice at giving little away.
[NemnostiGM] You continue the little routines that make Her happy, but anything that even comes close to an inquiry on your part has been shut down. She is spending more time than usual with Veruve, Her Vessel, but otherwise, little with anyone else.
[NemnostiGM] The one other exception is Rupun Lurusiri, whom She had you summon to Her in those first days after your return. He came down from his small house up near the old ruined temple, Lurusiru Osti, and has been staying at the ulajeta for over a week now, and has spoken to Her three times already - each time, alone.
[NemnostiGM] Much of his time, though, is spent in the sealed tomb within the Inner Caves where Lurusiru Ula rests. Although Voices generally have access to any of the Ancestors at the temple, Lurusiru is an exception and They may only be visited by Rupun himself, or perhaps by Ingo in an emergency.
[NemnostiGM] Today, you are awaiting his exit from Nemnu's chambers, for his fourth visit to Her. Each previous time he has come out with a look of inscrutable sadness. Today is no exception - you see that he has been weeping.
* Izu will approach the older man after a moment.
[Izu] Are you alright?
[Rupun] Hmm? Ohh ... Izu ... you should not ask such things.
* Lan-phone (~Lan-phonelns5-pool7-088.adsl.user.start.ca) Quit (Ping timeout: 189 seconds )
[Rupun] You do not want the trouble that knowing brings.
[Izu] I am sorry. I only meant that you seem... unwell. If there is anything I can do to help...
[Rupun] I am unwell, it is true.
[Rupun] I had hoped never to be faced with ... well. I am sorry that you have been brought into all of this against your best interests.
[Izu] My best interests are those of The Lady. I have never been one to fear knowledge, even the troublesome kind.
[Rupun] You are, how old, twenty-one, twenty-two?
[Izu] Twenty seven.
[Rupun] So ancient, truly?
* Rupun laughs morosely to himself.
[Rupun] Well ... still.
* Izu smiles.
[Izu] I know I am young, but I am not dull. I can see that The Lady is troubled beyond anything I've seen before.
* Rupun pauses, then nods.
[Rupun] I had hoped to die before I would have to see Her so.
[Rupun] But that only would put Her grief and Their troubles on another.
[Rupun] So it is no point wishing.
[Izu] Their troubles?
[Rupun] One imagines that when one's time is done, one's troubles are done. But Their transformation has not alleviated Lurusiru's burdens.
[Izu] The Lady Never mentions Lurusiru. I know of Them only in stories.
* Rupun looks about.
[Rupun] Come, if you wish to speak about this, it cannot be in the hallway where we might be overheard.
* Izu nods.
* Rupun takes you aside to a small reading room.
[Rupun] I know that She has involved you in the investigation of the murder of Surgu Takovenga. I am glad that She chose you, even though it puts you at risk.
[Izu] Me? Why me?
[Rupun] Because you are not prideful. Because unlike some of our brothers here, you serve without much thought of yourself.
[Izu] Is The Lady in danger?
[Rupun] She perceives Herself to be in danger.
* Rupun pauses, as if uncertain what to say next.
[Izu] Rupun... why did she call you here?
[Rupun] She called me here because She sees a ... recurrence, I suppose. A re-happening of events centuries past, which She has not resolved for Herself.
[Rupun] About the Great Purge.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] I suspected it had to do with that. But what is happening? And why now?
[Izu] The Great Purge is long over.
[Rupun] She believes that in the minds of whoever is attacking us or threatening us, it is definitely not over.
[Rupun] And that for Her, frankly, it is not over.
[Izu] Then it is important we find who it is and stop them.
[Rupun] How much do you know about that time?
[Izu] Some. I have read the books in the library on it, but there isn't much.
[Rupun] There is more, but She does not allow some of the more local material to be shared with young acolytes. You might get access from Her, if you asked. Or you might not.
[Izu] I doubt she would be so inclined right now.
[Rupun] Perhaps not. You must understand that in Her and Their minds, the threat from the Old Folk was very real and very imminent. It was not merely a phantasm, but truly, that both of their ulajetas were at risk.
[Rupun] I do not think I am saying too much if I tell you that Nemnu, who was an older saint even then, and who had many ties to the Emperor, was more convinced that direct action was needed. Whereas my patron Lurusiru was more cautious, more inclined to wait.
[Izu] Of course. At the time there was a real danger. Why did Lurusiru hesitate?
* Rupun considers his next words carefully.
[Rupun] They were convinced that with words and kindnesses, the larynx might be brought to hold sway over the gall bladder.
[Rupun] That there was no need to follow the Emperor into direct confrontation.
[Rupun] Nemnu felt otherwise. They fought often, in those years.
[Rupun] And you understand that Lurusiru would have felt much guilt over this. They were a new saint, only thirty or forty years awakened, and Nemnu was still supporting Them, and the ulajeta at Lurusiru Osti.
[Rupun] They did not have - they never had - the kinds of protections that we have here at Nemnosti.
[Izu] ...does The Lady blame herself for Lurusiru's second death? Because she chose to fight?
[Rupun] Yes, that's certainly part of it. She chose to fight, and They suffered for Their friendship with Her.
[Izu] And now she believes that her choice is once again putting others in danger.
[Rupun] Again, yes, that is part of it.
[Izu] Only part?
[Rupun] She has a kind of ... theory of history, we might call it. Not just that things recur, but that at particular junctures, things ... cascade? That there are long periods of nothing, followed by sharp periods of disjuncture, where matters get out of control.
[Rupun] She calls it levununde, the Cataract or the Falling.
[Izu] And she believes we are crossing that threshold into freefall.
* Rupun nods.
[Rupun] As you know, She values certainty, constancy, a kind of normal. That when things are unexpected, it causes Her distress.
[Izu] Yes. That much we share.
[Rupun] At some such times, She has shut down entirely. Sometimes for months, years.
[Izu] But... that is when we would need her guidance the most...
[Rupun] Three years, after Lurusiru Osti was abandoned. Three years, and She was enclosed in Herself.
[Izu] I know my dimirabas brought her back from one such spell.
[Rupun] Farai.
* Rupun nods.
[Rupun] And that is another reason I am glad it is you whose counsel She sought in this matter.
[Izu] I think... I understand.
[Rupun] That was a different time, an earlier war, but no less harsh on Her.
[Rupun] You know, as well as most, that despite Her inestimable strength, She can be brittle.
[Izu] Like granite. If you know where to hit...
* Rupun nods.
[Rupun] She knows stone, of course. And She sees, in the cracks in things in nature, the essence of this Cataract.
[Rupun] The idea that Unfolding wields creases that weaken pattern.
[Rupun] (*yields)
[Izu] Is it possible that someone is trying to force her to shut down? To make things appear as though there is a cataract so that retreats?
[Izu] (so that She retreats)
[Rupun] It is possible.
[Rupun] I worry, more than the death of one man, that whoever is doing this has powerful knowledge that only someone who has spent time here would be able to know.
[Izu] Yes. I believe whoever it is has been here. Perhaps for a long time.
[Rupun] I do not know if this person, shaman, whatever, is an acolyte themselves. That seems unlikely. But they surely are doing things that would suggest they know what will hurt Her most.
[Izu] We must find them. Soon.
[Izu] I am sorry that you have been so troubled by this, Rupun.
[Izu] I do not like to see you troubled.
[Izu] Nor Her
[Rupun] I am going to ask of you something now. A promise as solemn as a reckoner's oath.
[Izu] Ask.
[Rupun] Promise me, Izu-who-is-Farai, that no matter what, you will serve Her and no other.
[Izu] That is a promise I have made to myself a thousand times.
[Rupun] I ask you to promise it to me, to swear it.
[Izu] I swear it.
[Rupun] Then I am going to tell you something, and you must understand that when I tell it to you, it cannot be untold.
* Izu nods.
[Rupun] But understand this: if I tell it to you, that if you tell anyone else - even your own sister - it would harm Her. So if I tell you ... you cannot tell anyone else. Anyone.
[Rupun] Or you would break the oath you just gave.
* Izu considers that.
[Izu] I am no stranger to secrets.
[Rupun] So that is a yes, you do wish to know?
[Izu] Tell me. I swear that I will do nothing to harm The Lady, even if it means keeping this secret.
[Rupun] Very well.
* Rupun breathes out, a tear running down his cheek.
[Rupun] I am sorry.
* Rupun says, to you? to Them? to Her? to no one?
[Rupun] Lurusiru Ula is not an Ancestor.
* Izu looks confused.
[Izu] What are they?
[Izu] They... are They still a saint?
[Rupun] They are Asleep.
[Izu] But... why? How?
[Rupun] If I knew the full answer to that, I would be a wise man.
[Rupun] Two hundred and twenty-nine years now They lie silent, asleep.
[Rupun] Their name, and their fate, is Forgotten.
[Izu] You have been under the burden of this secret for so long. I will keep it for you.
[Rupun] I do not know if any others here know it. Ingo, I suppose, must.
[Izu] I still do not understand why people knowing would put The Lady in danger.
[Rupun] Because if They can be put to sleep forever, then so can She.
[Rupun] Saints may be unkillable, but can still be defeated.
[Rupun] She is afraid that one might be able to learn how to render a saint dormant. Which would not only imperil Her, but all of Them.
[Izu] It is no secret that saints have been destroyed before now. How is sleep different?
[Rupun] Because it is so hard to kill a saint, but perhaps, when one is brittle like stone, not so hard to put one to sleep.
[Izu] I see...
[Izu] And she suspects that this... shaman... may know how.
[Rupun] Or that they may know that it is possible, at least.
* Izu nods.
[Rupun] And the question then is, if one knows, how many others do also.
[Izu] Thank you for telling me this. I don't know how much I can do, but I will protect Her as much as I am able.
[Rupun] Malung Ula, who was killed when I was a young man, He was also a strong supporter of the Purge.
[Rupun] No one knows to this day who killed Him.
[Izu] You believe it is related?
[Rupun] I don't know. And I don't know enough about the current organization and structure of the Hulti to really know much about any of that.
[Rupun] It's just not what I do. My job is to wait, as I have done these past decades.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] Do you believe that They will yet wake?
[Rupun] I am sworn so to believe.
[Rupun] But there are days when I doubt.
[Izu] Have faith, Rupun. Not even The Lady knows what The Unfolding will bring.
* Rupun smiles.
[Rupun] She does not take much comfort in that lack of knowledge. But I thank you for the kindness.
* Izu smiles.

Jevai keeps her brother Pughan from killing Echu Pekai, who he suspects is a Hulti

[NemnostiGM] Jevai, you have been very contemplative of late. You may not have any solutions to the various problems, but your head is swimming with information that you are trying to make sense of.
[NemnostiGM] Today, you have made the trip up to the Nadenigh caves, a place for you to clear your head and reflect, to spend time in the places of your ancestors, up to Sharusila and then onward to you.
[NemnostiGM] You have been there for around an hour, spending time with ancient dislodged glyphs, and with those like the Fingerprint that are active still.
[NemnostiGM] (make a Perception check please)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+10
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 24 ].
[NemnostiGM] In the distance, you hear a commotion in the direction of the iftibal, i.e. out towards Akapa Sogo.
* Jevai will listen for a moment, and then head that way
[NemnostiGM] As you head out, a youngster from your lineage, one of the young cousins, maybe nine or so, comes running towards you.
[Nadenigh_Kid] Jevai! Come quickly! Come!
[Jevai] what's happening?
[Nadenigh_Kid] Fighting!
* Jevai says, picking up her pace immediately
[Jevai] who's fighting?
[Nadenigh_Kid] Pughan!
[Jevai] okay
* Jevai hurries a little faster
[NemnostiGM] You rush out and through the iftibal, and then you see a bunch of people gathered just outside the entrance, on the outskirts of the town.
[NemnostiGM] Pughan is there, beating on a middle-aged man with a club.
[Pughan] Here's for Surgu!
* Jevai will dislodge calm emotions on her brother
[Jevai] Pughan!
[Pughan] !roll 1d20
* Lan-werk rolls for Pughan: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 2 ].
[Jevai] What is going on - who is this man?
* Pughan calms down - he's breathing heavily but the spell has clearly had its effect.
* Hurt_Man backs away, bloodied and beaten.
[Jevai] Someone - tend to him. But I will want to speak with him if he can.
[Pughan] I was going to take care of him before he and his ilk could hurt anyone else.
* Pughan says calmly.
[Jevai] I understand.
[Jevai] If he's dangerous, we he won't be allowed to harm anyone else.
[Pughan] We can't have Hulti in our community, threatening us.
[Jevai] (Is anyone coming to take care of this man?)
[Jevai] who is he?
[NemnostiGM] After a moment of uncertainty, once it becomes clear that you are dealing with Pughan, other people come to help the man out.
[Pughan] Echu Pekai.
[NemnostiGM] You know him, Jevai. Not well, but you know him.
* Jevai nods
[Echu] Get this dog away from me!
* Jevai gives him a 'don't make this worse' look
[Pughan] You did something to me, sister.
[Pughan] You did, I can tell.
[Jevai] I need you to come talk to me, please. Or it will be father and Chiselfoot.
* Pughan comes towards you.
* Jevai will try and get him to ome somewhere less 'standing in front of a gawking crowd after he just beat a guy half to death'
[Pughan] You warned me, and you were right. That man is a shaman. He cursed me.
[Jevai] tell me what happened?
[Pughan] He spat at me and cursed our family.
[Jevai] (is he telling me the truth?)
[NemnostiGM] (SM, if you wish)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+8
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 27 ].
[Jevai] what did he say?
[NemnostiGM] He's definitely not telling you the whole truth.
[Pughan] He said I was worthless trash.
[Jevai] you were just walking along and he said this?
[Pughan] I was defending us.
[Jevai] people can be cruel without being Hulti.
[Pughan] He's a Pekai, everyone knows they are. Why are you defending him?
[Jevai] if everyoen was so certain, it would not be tolerated. There are many rumours - that is not the same thing
[Pughan] So I'm just supposed to leave myself unprotected?
[Jevai] you know his daughter is Shoror, yes?
[Jevai] the same as you.
[Jevai] if their family were hulti they woudl not tolerate *that*
* Pughan is definitely getting agitated again - the spell has worn off
[Pughan] You don't know that!
* Jevai is just trying to stay calm herself
* Jevai takes a deep breath
[Jevai] I want you to be safe, Pughan. But acting on things that you cannont prove will turn people against you.
[Jevai] If the town is busy fighting over who *maY8 be hulti, it will make it easy for outsider to prey on everyone, and do their work for them
* Pughan appears to be considering your words.
[NemnostiGM] (ok, make a Diplomacy check)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+3 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 3 ] totals [ 9 ]
[Pughan] You know what, fuck you, Jevai.
[Pughan] I won't kill Echu, but not because you said not to. Because I decide who to kill, and when.
[Jevai] ...Who gave you the authority to decide such things as who should be killed?
* Jevai seems actaully kind of stunned that he woudl say something like that o_O
[Pughan] I did. For my own protection, and my community's.
[Jevai] it is the communitys job to help protect you. Please don't turn them against you.
* Pughan turns away in disgust.
[Pughan] I'm going home. You need to figure out whose side you are on.
* Jevai is gonna go back to her caves and have a Sit until someone with more actualy authority comes to talk to her
[NemnostiGM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes ...

Solos

Ifa and Alai talk about Alai's research as well as attractive older men

• Ifa will be making tea early one morning in the lower levels of the Carver's Hall.

* Alai will wander down, a little bleary eyed in the morning, bracelets clattering.
[Ifa] Good morning, Alai. Tea?
* Ifa says perhaps a touch too cheerily.
[Alai] Ah yes, please.
[Alai] You must sleep better than me, so happy.
[Ifa] Honestly, I haven't been sleeping well since...well, everything that's been going on. But I try to keep upbeat. Did you not sleep well either, then?
* Ifa will get a second cup for Alai.
[Alai] I have bad headache and no medicine to relieve, so I suffer. Why worried? Not pleased with actions being taken?
[Ifa] No, I think we're doing everything we can, I just...I worry it won't be enough to keep people safe.
[Alai] Is hard to keep all safe without making prisoners. Not best way to endear oneself.
[Ifa] (q) Some of us are prisoners regardless.
[Ifa] You should go see my mom if your headache persists. I'm sure she'll have something.
[Alai] She is not medicine I need, but thank you for thinking of me.
* Alai gives her a wink
[Alai] I plan to try find old Hulti temple nearby. Might have clues to why all this happening.
[Ifa] You're not planning on going by yourself, I hope.
* Alai smiles
[Alai] I am quite capable, but I also know wandering in wilderness is best with friends.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] I don't doubt you can take care of yourself, just being careful. Let me know when you're planning to go, I'm sure we can get a group together.
[Alai] Still need reseach on what exactly to look for... so few days. I'll keep you informed.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] What are you researching right now? I feel like there's so much we don't know, it's hard to know where to start.
[Alai] Temple architecture... features that will help locate, with divination spells.
[Alai] Is little likelihood our malevolent shaman is there, but may give insights, like I said.
[Ifa] Right, that makes sense. I guess we need to keep finding you more information about who and where our mysterious assailant could be, so you can narrow down with your divinations.
* Alai nods
[Ifa] This is really outside my experience, but you're pretty much made for this sort of hunt.
[Ifa] Awful that its something like this that calls for it, though.
[Alai] Investigating magical phenomena is what I practiced, and other skills... hunting down killer is not exactly what I expected to do with such skills.
[Alai] I am happy to help. Is good challenge. Wish for less dire circumstances.
[Ifa] Don't we all.
[Alai] How is Kuspir? You speak to him?
[Ifa] Often. He's worried, I think, same as us, but it's sort of been put on him specifically, so I think he's feeling it more...acutely.
[Alai] How does he manage it? The feeling?
[Alai] Maybe I should just ask him.
[Ifa] Couldn't hurt. I think he tends to bottle it up, though I don't think he would think of it like that. I would imagine he thinks he's just not bothering other people with his problems.
[Ifa] I worry sometimes that he doesn't realize how much support he has here.
[Alai] Is what I thought. I talk to him. Try and help.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] He could probably use some stress relief.
* Ifa says completely innocently.
* Alai nods
[Alai] Any plans in works on your side of house?
[Ifa] About Kuspir? o.O
[Alai] Ney, about our assailant
[Ifa] Oh, right, of course. I suppose it depends on what you mean by my side of house. I'm sure our bubun will supplement the new guards, and I know Izu is still looking into things. I'm more here to supplement all of you. :)
[Alai] Izu handling all this as well as expected? As grim as all this I did enjoy him blushing.
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Ifa] I think as long as he thinks of it as a mental exercise, it's fine.
[Ifa] Easier for him to live in his head and his books.
[Ifa] Surprised you haven't ended up spending more time together in all this, but I guess your research runs in different directions.
[Alai] I'm not sure he cares for me.
[Ifa] I'm sure that's not true. He's just...not great with people. Living ones, at at rate.
[Alai] Maybe is me... envious She at least talks to him.
[Ifa] Have you not spoken to Her recently?
[Alai] We have not spoken since I left for Ardukh.
* Ifa looks genuinely concerned at that.
[Ifa] Have you asked to speak with Her?
[Alai] You don't ASK to speak to Her.
* Alai sets her tea cup down
[Alai] Is fine. She has her reasons.
[Alai] Is good chat. Thank you for the tea. I'll keep you in loop on any explorations.
[Ifa] ...you're welcome.
* Ifa says with a worried look, but doesn't press.

Ifa talks to Jevai about whether to intervene between Alai and Nemnu

• Ifa will go find Jevai in the reliquarium a bit later.

* Jevai is putting away some things that had been pulled ut for some pilgrims a few months ago, and seems lost in her thoughts
[Ifa] Hey Sifri, anything I can help with?
[Jevai] hmm?
[Ifa] You seem like you're busy...
[Jevai] Just gettting caught up on some things that have been lingering, that's all
[Jevai] it's not pressing
* Jevai put the box back in its place
[Jevai] were you looking for something?
[Jevai] Or someone?
[Ifa] Not in particular. I was just wondering...did you know Alai hasn't spoken to Lady Nemnu since she got back?
[Jevai] yes.
[Jevai] :/
[Ifa] It came up earlier, and she was...well, strange, I guess. I don't know Alai as well as you, obviously, so I thought I'd ask you about it.
[Ifa] It seemed like...like it was bothering her, but she was adamant it wasn't a big deal.
[Jevai] ahh, of course it is a big deal for her, but she is very proud
[Jevai] so, also of course, she woudl never admit it
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] My instinct is to try to help, but would Alai resent me getting involved?
[Jevai] hmm.
[Jevai] I don't think she would resent you, but I think that there would always be a question, or a doubt, in her heart if she knew that someone had prompted Her in some way
[Ifa] So I need to leave her and, well, Her to figure it out on their own?
* Jevai smiles slightly
[Jevai] is that what I said?
* Ifa gives a Marge Simpson grumble.
[Jevai] For Alai is it a very personal thing
* Ifa nods.
[Jevai] but for Nemnu?
[Jevai] I don't know how she feels about it, if she thinks of it even in the same terms we would
[Ifa] I'm sure she doesn't. Or, at least, not only in our terms.
[Jevai] She cares for us all very deeply, but it is personal, and also not, you know?
* Ifa sighs.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I want Alai to know she belongs here, and I suppose I should trust Nemnu knows what she's doing.
[Ifa] But I don't want my friend hurting in the meantime.
[Jevai] Alai is tough.
[Jevai] strong.
[Jevai] I do think it is good that she has something to focus her attentions on though. If she didn't, I wold worry more
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] It's good to find a silver lining in all this horribleness.
[Ifa] How are you doing?
* Jevai gestures to the other boxes
[Jevai] Keeping busy
[Jevai] taking a break from thinking too hard
[Ifa] Sounds like a solid plan. What needs doing?