Nemnosti session 32

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Session

Session date: September 28, 2025

Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Zhuno

[NemnostiGM] Welcome, acolytes! I know it's been a difficult couple of days, with Kibai's disappearance. And I wish I had better answers for you. What I can tell you is that she has returned to her relations; that to appearances, it was of her own free will; that she is healthy and well; and that there is nothing any of us could have done differently to change the outcome. The stoneguards who know the most about her departure have been questioned by the Lady Herself, and that will have to be enough for now. I am sure that someday, if Kibai wishes to return, the Lady will consider that at that time. I will not tell you not to be sad, if your larynx is tight. I will not tell you not to be curious, if your spleen is throbbing. I know you all have your Tenths coming up very soon, as she also would have. I know there is much work to be done that is less cheerful without your friend around. So tonight let us just take a moment by the firelight to harden ourselves for that work, while keeping ourselves soft and flexible in hopes of unfoldings yet to come.

Nemnu talks to Kuspir in the aftermath of Kibai’s departure and instructs him to talk to Bem, who is distraught

[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, it is a few days after your expedition, and you are summoned to speak to Nemnu privately in Her chambers.
* Kuspir will present himself as requested
* Nemnu has been seated in a long chair in Her parlor, with an empty seat across from Her for you, apparently. She has cleared the room of any attendants or others.
* Kuspir salutes her respectfully
[Nemnu] Sit, Medimur, we have much to discuss.
* Kuspir sits
[Nemnu] I have had many conversations over this matter of Kibai. It has not been easy.
[Kuspir] I can imagine so, Lady.
[Nemnu] When I made the decision to accept her as an acolyte, it was not with this in mind. Trust has been lost.
[Kuspir] Whose trust?
[Nemnu] Mine, but more importantly, those who are teachers and acolytes at the ulajeta.
[Nemnu] A sense of unbelief and confusion, that we would go to such lengths to rescue her, put ourselves in danger, only for her to depart.
[Nemnu] Bem-who-is-Lozla has been very hard hit, as I understand.
[Kuspir] I understand that to be the case, yes.
[Nemnu] To be direct, my instruction to you today will be to speak with her. Not about the Hulti; I will tell you what I have learned about that.
[Nemnu] But to ensure her wellbeing. Ghorgimbe suggested you in particular.
[Nemnu] I understand that she trusts and respects you immensely.
[Kuspir] I will do my best, of course.
[Nemnu] She was quite injured, by the shaman who was with their group. More, I think, than we had expected.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] They could have killed her, but they did not.
[Nemnu] My understanding is that the group, though having some powerful individuals among them, also had several youths, and the purpose may never have been to kill anyone. More to send a message.
[Nemnu] Is that your assessment as well?
* Kuspir considers that
[Kuspir] I think that could well be the case, although it might also be that their numbers are such that bringing youths was the only way to make up a sufficient appearance of a threat. They tried to make themselves seem more numerous, with added signal fires and so on.
[Nemnu] I agree.
[Nemnu] Obviously, they wanted their prisoners back, the person and the ancestor.
[Kuspir] Yes, I agree.
[Nemnu] Kibai was ... a bonus? I do not know if they felt they were extracting her from Nemnosti, but it is clear at least that they did not draw her out there without knowing her background.
[Kuspir] It might have been a ploy all along. I am not certain.
[Nemnu] Pavavi was hard-hit; he had worked with the girl quite a bit, and he is now worried that she might have taken something from the treasury with her, before her departure.
[Nemnu] He has asked not to involve your Order with that, until we know more. No sense in causing undue alarm.
[Nemnu] But I shared this with Ghorgimbe, and now also with you.
[Kuspir] She asked to apologize to him. I think she did respect him and felt bad for whatever she might have done.
[Nemnu] That is sad, but also hopeful.
[Nemnu] Ghorgimbe knows as much as anyone, and if needed, you are free to speak to her. And, of course, to any members of your team, because whatever else is going on, it relates to our ongoing conflict with the Hulti.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Do you have any other instructions for me, Lady?
[Nemnu] Unless you have more questions for me, no, other than to go to Bem, ensure her wellbeing. Speak to her both as her superior but as her friend. Use your judgement; as you know, such personal sentiments are distant from me now.
[Kuspir] All right. I will try to do so.
[Nemnu] Then that is all for now.

Kuspir comforts Bem about her feelings of guilt at having failed the ulajeta, and offers to share her watch together

* Kuspir will pay his respects and depart to go see Bem.
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can go and see Bem before her shift starts, so, just before sunset. Would you like to visit her in her room, or somewhere else?
[Kuspir] (her room is fine)
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can go there to see Bem.
* Bem answers the door. You see that she must have been in the midst of polishing her armor when you knocked.
[Kuspir] Good evening - how are you doing?
* Bem looks down at the floor, then up to meet your gaze.
[Bem] I am well, sir.
* Bem does not sound well.
[Kuspir] Are your injuries recovering?
[Bem] Yes, sir. As quickly as one might hope.
[Kuspir] I'm glad to hear that.
[Kuspir] I wanted to see how you were feeling. It has been a difficult few days, and I was worried about you.
[Bem] On top of every other vulnerability and weakness I have ... it was quite a shock to realize that their shaman could simply kill me at any time, simply because I am shoror.
[Bem] I knew that was true in principle, certainly since Surgu, but I suppose before that, as history.
* Kuspir nods
[Bem] But it is different to be there, to feel what each of those slain must have felt, the twisting inside, as if your organs are being wrested from you.
[Kuspir] Do you have any thoughts on why they did not kill you?
[Bem] I suppose, because they got what they wanted.
[Bem] Which means that I was bait.
[Kuspir] It does suggest a certain honour, though. Or a willingness to fulfill their promises.
[Bem] I suppose.
[Bem] The girl, that is the hardest thing.
* Kuspir nods
[Bem] I went out to protect her, but it was all a trick.
[Bem] They knew who Kibai was. She was a prisoner, I suppose, but not in the way that I was.
[Kuspir] You did what you felt you had to do. I cannot say you made the wrong choice in trying to save her.
[Kuspir] I can only wish that you had told others before doing it. But what's done is done.
[Bem] I should have waited. I should have gotten support.
[Bem] Ghorgimbe has explained to me in great detail what I should have done.
[Kuspir] I'm not here to reprimand you.
[Bem] It was that I felt her voice, her pain, across the valley. When I think about it, I know it was trickery, some magic, and I should not have fallen for it.
[Bem] No reprimand you could deliver would be greater than my own self-reproach.
[Kuspir] In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to take precautions when you know someone is in danger and you are the one who is called upon to help them. Can you explain a little more what you mean by feeling her pain?
[Bem] It was as if the voice was not only a physical voice, across the valley, but an experience of her voice, immediately before me, in my mind.
* Kuspir listens with concern
[Bem] These shamans, of which I know some, and these Writhing, of which I know only little ... they have such power to deceive. And I simply went along with it, until it was too late.
[Bem] I do not deserve any kindness or mercy from you or from this place.
[Bem] They knew who I was. They targeted me, because of who I am, because of my grandmother, because of ... all the taunts that have been levelled at me.
[Bem] And now they hate me, just as people here must hate me for different reasons.
[Kuspir] Bem... you are my friend and a valued colleague. You have vulnerabilities to them, but all of us have weaknesses that we must contend with. I don't hate you and I don't think any others here should hate you either.
* Bem sits on her bed.
[Bem] Why are you so good? Why are you so kind ... so ... ?
* Bem begins to weep softly, her torso heaving as she tries not to break down completely.
[Kuspir] I am sorry that you have been holding this back. You didn't have to.
* Kuspir puts a hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her.
* Bem starts weeping, and leans into you.
* Kuspir just lets her cry for a bit and makes general comforting noises
[Kuspir] Do you want to go on duty tonight, or do you need some more time? You don't have to if you aren't ready yet. Others can take the watch.
[Bem] I worry ... I worry that if I do not take my watch, that I will never feel like I can take a watch again. That it will be just another weakness.
[Kuspir] Well, what if I take the watch with you?
[Kuspir] Not because I think you aren't able to do it.
* Kuspir adds hastily
* Bem looks up at you.
[NemnostiGM] (give me a SM, Kuspir, why not?)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 20 ].
* Bem nods.
[Bem] I would like that.
* Kuspir nods
[NemnostiGM] There's definitely something more going on in her mind, but she does seem happy about that offer.
[Kuspir] Very well. I'll let you finish getting ready and meet you at the gate.
[Bem] Yes, sir.
* Kuspir will leave her to get ready

Alai talks to Pavavi while assisting him in inventorying after Kibai’s departure, and then the Abyss begins to take her over out of her control

[NemnostiGM] Alai, ever since you and Jevai were pulled through the strange crack in the cave, into whatever sort of Abyssal realm that was, you have not been the same.
[NemnostiGM] It is as if, in drawing you two back out, to the cave where Nemnu awaited you, you were filled with whatever essence is in that place, whether it be called Abyss or something else.
[NemnostiGM] As if you had absorbed it, and brought it back into this realm, filling you up like a sponge that cannot be squeezed dry.
[NemnostiGM] You've even found yourself with less appetite, as if you are always full.
[NemnostiGM] Worse, whenever you stand before a mirror, or a reflective pool, your Dark Half seems closer to the surface than it should be, as if seeking to get out, against your will.
[NemnostiGM] You are starting to think that whatever experience this is, it is, if not unique to you, rare enough that you are unlikely to find the plain answer sitting on a page in a book, no matter how ancient.
[NemnostiGM] In the meantime, you have been enlisted to assist Tamandu-who-is-Pavavi in his survey of the treasury. He is wary that Kibai might have had more than one opportunity to take something, and so is conducting a thorough, though quiet, inventory, with your aid.
* Alai is helping, but her mind is spinning, trying to develop plans to find answers for what is happening to her.
[NemnostiGM] You're in a large square chamber full of cabinets and shelves along three walls, and two great sofas along the fourth. It's well-lit but with shadowed corners where boxes block the light.
[Pavavi] I keep telling myself that it's not my fault, but I should have seen signs that she was unhappy.
[Alai] Is done now. Lets make sure there is no real damage.
* Pavavi is going through one list, while you have another. The room you're in right now is mainly for smaller items: brooches, knives, magical stones and baubles, that sort of thing.
[Pavavi] She seemed to be taking to this place.
[Pavavi] I thought I had reached her.
* Pavavi checks off another page and flips it over.
[Alai] Who knows... if left on her own, maybe things different.
[Pavavi] Mmm, perhaps.
* Pavavi turns to you.
[Pavavi] She reminds me of you, you know. Not now, perhaps, but when you first arrived.
[Pavavi] Private, not sullen, but just ... happy to be alone with thoughts that maybe the rest of us cannot conceive.
[Alai] I was achieving something new for myself. My goal was here. For her... might have been true as well.
[Alai] Feels like forces not from here is what changed her.
[Pavavi] You're right, of course.
[Pavavi] I'm done this wall.
* Pavavi turns to face you, then looks concerned.
[Pavavi] Are you all right, child?
* Alai narrows her eyes, her guard up
[NemnostiGM] Alai, make a Will save.
[Alai] Why do you ask?
[Alai] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 26 ].
[Pavavi] Your eyes.
[NemnostiGM] Alai, you feel that fullness, practically leaking out of you, as if you are weeping Abyssal tears.
[NemnostiGM] You are holding on for now, but the Dark Half is pushing at you from inside.
[Alai] It seems I have feasted on the sun itself, and I am having trouble containing my meal.
* Alai turns away trying to bring herself under control
* Pavavi comes over to you, concerned.
[Pavavi] What does that mean?
* Pavavi rests his hand on your shoulder.
[Alai] You may not wish to be close to me. I am dangerous.
[Pavavi] You do not know me well enough, if you think that would make me back away.
[NemnostiGM] Alai, you look down and you see that the knife you were inventorying, is in your hand, which is clenched hard around the handle. You do not remember picking it up.
[Alai] I went to the Abyss and by my own will, used its power to bring me back. I may have drunk to deep.
[Alai] There is no help for me here though.
* Alai tries to drop the knife
[Pavavi] Who else knows this?
[NemnostiGM] (all right, roll me another Will save)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 11 ].
[NemnostiGM] (nope!)
* Pavavi sees you have the knife.
[Pavavi] Put it down, child.
[NemnostiGM] The Dark Half is now right near the surface, and you feel your eyes blackening with its power.
[Alai] You asssume I have not tried. As if a blade would be my weapon.
* Pavavi steps back and takes some fos.
[NemnostiGM] The Dark Half rages, as if it knows (just as you know) that Pavavi is going to try something against it.
[Alai] I need to go...

Alai teleports away to her home in Luetka, encountering her father Gwanoz, but then leaves as quickly as she arrives

* Alai will use whatever fos or power she has in her to teleport from this room... away.
[Nemnosti-GM] (all right, you can take some fos and try to teleport)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 28 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (OK, where are you going)
[Alai] (good question... I was going to say home...Leutka, if I can reach it... not sure of the distance)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, that's doable within your 100 mile per level range)
[Alai] !roll 1d100
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 59 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you find yourself back in your home village in Luetka. Now what?
[Alai] (at least im on target)
* Alai will stash the knife and start heading towards what she remembers is her home.
[Nemnosti-GM] It's definitely not just as you remember, but it hasn't been so long. Definitely the villagers who see you don't recognize you though, with your strange garb and, of course, your Dark Half still within you.
[Village-Child] Hey, lady, is something wrong?
* Village-Child is a girl, maybe nine or ten, with no apparent guardian nearby to pull her away from the danger.
[Alai] Leave me be child. Go fix a net or mend a sail.
* Alai says more sharply than she wants and continues on her way
* Village-Child scurries off in alarm.
[Nemnosti-GM] A short time later, you arrive at your childhood home, where as far as you know, your parents still live.
[Nemnosti-GM] The scent of the sea, so foreign to you in Nemnosti, is almost overpowering, though it does not allay your condition.
* Alai aproaches the house... and pauses...
* Alai thinks to herself... how can they help me... they don't know me anymore. Why did I come here?
[Nemnosti-GM] Your father opens the door and looks out.
[Gwanoz] Alai? Is that you?
* Alai turns away.
[Alai] I... I cannot be here... not now. I need to go.
* Alai will take more fos, likely most of what she has left.
[Gwanoz] Wait, what is happening? I'll help.
* Alai turns back to him, her eyes black.
[Alai] You can't help me.
* Alai teleports away
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (is that exactly what you needed, or one short?)
[Alai] (its exactly what I need 22-3= 19... but you can plot backlash if you want)
[Nemnosti-GM] (So I actually think you got 1 Strain by failing to end Dark Half early, earlier (failed Will save), so your DC was actually 21)
[Nemnosti-GM] (so yes, spell succeeds but with minor backlash)
[Alai] (works for me)
[Alai] !roll 1d100
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 57 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (stunned for 1 round, not too bad)
[Nemnosti-GM] (so, where are you going? Remember that you cannot teleport directly into Nemnosti)
[Alai] (I was porting back to my favourite swimming hole outside Nemnosti)
[Alai] !roll 1d100
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 49 ].
[Alai] (on target)

Alai teleports back into the swimming hole outside Nemnosti, but drops the magical knife she was holding and needs to retrieve it before returning to an alarmed Pavavi

[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Alai, you find yourself in the water, which gives you some comfort. Except that you are stunned, so at least for several seconds, you find yourself falling down towards the bottom, unable to keep yourself afloat.
[Nemnosti-GM] It is as if the Abyss is pulling you down towards the bottom of the pool against your will.
[Nemnosti-GM] Then, finally, you come out of it, and are able to try to escape.
* Alai will swim up stripping away anything that hinders her
[Nemnosti-GM] Give me a Swim check.
[Alai] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you are back at the surface, although you feel the Dark Half pulling at you still.
* Alai floats face up in the water, taking a quick look around to ensure she is alone
[Nemnosti-GM] You seem to be alone.
* Alai lets the Dark Half wash over her
* Alai will ride the chaos
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, the cool water of the pool mixes with the feeling of dark, inky coolness of the Abyssal power. It is wrong to say it is inside you - it *is* you, you realize, and the fullness you sensed is really just an awareness of its presence *as* you.
[Nemnosti-GM] The feeling lasts for a while - though your sense of time is clearly distorted - but eventually, it subsides, and you are, at least for the moment, safe from further danger.
* Alai will fish out her clothes from the water and dry herself with a cantrip
[Nemnosti-GM] That's fine, but you realize that the knife is no longer in your hands.
[Nemnosti-GM] Wherever you stashed it, it's no longer there either.
* Alai tries to think back... where did she loose it? Is it in the water?
* Alai will try to sense its magic in the area
[Nemnosti-GM] You can detect what seems to be its magic, at the bottom of the pool.
* Alai sighs, strips down again and will dive in to get it.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, give me another Swim check
[Alai] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 11 ].
[Alai] (I
[Alai] (ill destiny a swim check)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] It takes some time, and you're feeling exhausted and strained, but are able to eventually get the blade out of the muck.
[Nemnosti-GM] (you have, uhhh, 3 Strain by the way, 1 from failing to end the DH, one from failing the magic check by 1-4, and a third from actually ending the DH just now)
[Nemnosti-GM] (that doesn't have an in-game physical effect on things like Swim, but you are pretty screwed up right now)
* Alai will take an hour to rest and tidy herself up
[Alai] (I raised my con up the last few levels so I could handle more strain)
[Nemnosti-GM] (an hour at the pool, you mean?)
[Alai] (sorry yes)
[Alai] (then head back)
[Nemnosti-GM] OK, that's fine. By the time you get back, the ulajeta is definitely on alert, and you're met at the West Gate with a mixture of relief and confusion.
[Nemnosti-GM] Pavavi quickly comes out to meet you.
[Pavavi] Alai! We were so worried.
* Pavavi frowns.
[Alai] This is for you
* Alai hands the knife to him
* Pavavi laughs.
[Pavavi] You think I care about this?
* Pavavi takes it nonetheless.
[Pavavi] We were ... we are ... worried about you!
[Pavavi] And whatever this is that you are going through - you will not be alone.
[Pavavi] The Lady has been informed and seems to have a sense what this might be about. I have not inquired further.
[Pavavi] But everyone knows you were missing.
[Alai] At time, may be best I am alone.
* Pavavi nods.
[Alai] I will consult with our Lady.
[Pavavi] For now, you can rest, then.
[Pavavi] I can see, poor child, you're exhausted.
[Pavavi] Go, then.
[Alai] Is true, but I can still put in a good effort, if needed.
* Alai will head to rest

Marga and Rechegoko get engaged, and he definitely didn’t make some sort of strange bargain with her father in order to get his permission!

[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, with all the excitement with the campsite and everything, you could almost forget about the even more daunting expedition of Rechegoko up north to the high hills. Almost.
[Nemnosti-GM] But true to his word, Rechegoko comes down to Nemnosti, just as you were about to think about going after him yourself. He clearly has not stopped to bathe or tidy himself.
[Marga] You're back!!
[Marga] (how does he look)
* Marga masks relief with mad glee
* Rechegoko looks tired and grumpy.
[Rechegoko] I told you I would.
[Marga] Well of course, haha!
* Marga hugs him fiercely.
[Marga] I just missed you!
[Rechegoko] And I missed you too.
* Rechegoko kisses you.
[Rechegoko] I have news.
[Marga] Oh?
[Marga] What kind of news?
* Rechegoko pauses, as if composing your thoughts.
* Rechegoko pulls out a long black feather with a hint of brownish-red along the tip.
[Rechegoko] Marga of the Gago, I give you this token, taken of me, given freely of me, to you. A token of my love, and of our bond.
[Marga] This is... your feather?
[Rechegoko] I ask you to take me as your bonded partner, united in talon and hand, if you will have me.
* Marga blinks slowly as realization dawns.
[Rechegoko] Will you marry me?
[Marga] Of... of COURSE!
* Rechegoko smiles broadly and kisses you.
* Marga screech-squeals (sort of like a vulture) and throws herself at him
[Marga] this is the best day EVER!
* Rechegoko nods.
[Rechegoko] I ... I hoped you would say yes.
* Rechegoko pauses, as if he has more to say, then looks down at you.
[Rechegoko] It makes it all worthwhile.
[Nemnosti-GM] I'll let you make a Sense Motive, Marga.
[Marga] !roll 1d20+2
* lan-werk2 rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+2 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 2 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Yeah, something is definitely not right with Rechegoko.
* Marga looks worried suddenly.
[Marga] Wait... what's wrong?
[Marga] What happened up there?
[Rechegoko] Nothing.
[Marga] What kind of nothing
[Rechegoko] I am not supposed to say.
[Marga] Well I'm not going to tattle on you...
[Marga] What... what did he do?
* Marga asks in a small voice
[Rechegoko] You are the one I am not supposed to say to. I'm sorry.
[Marga] Well what if you told Jevai
[Rechegoko] Is your dad the kind of guy who would think that kind of trick is ok?
[Marga] I promise I know what kind of guy he is
* Marga 's expression goes funny for a half second
[Rechegoko] If I tell you ... you might be punished.
[Marga] OK don't worry about it. I'll find out.
[Rechegoko] No, Marga! I'm sorry, I didn't want this to be like this.
[Rechegoko] He ... made me make a promise.
[Marga] It's fine :)
* Marga hugs him again
[Rechegoko] What do you mean, I'll find out?
[Marga] Oh just. I know smart people :)
[Rechegoko] What does that mean? I don't understand! Marga, please, I can't let this put you at risk.
[Marga] Me? I can handle Daddy. I've been doing it my whole life.
[Rechegoko] I ... he's worse than my uncle. He's a monster.
[Rechegoko] I know that must be hard for you to hear.
[Marga] Is he? Gosh.
* Marga seems surprised.
[Rechegoko] I don't ... know what to say.
[Marga] It's okay... really.
* Marga sighs.
[Marga] I should be happy you still wanna be with me at all.
[Rechegoko] With you ... with YOU?
* Rechegoko asks incredulously
[Rechegoko] I would do anything for you. Which, unfortunately, I made too clear to him.
[Marga] He is... he is part of me. Whether I like it or not
[Rechegoko] I guess I understand that.
* Marga brightens up. "But someday he'll die!"
* Rechegoko looks at you strangely, and pauses.
[Rechegoko] I don't know anything about Corps weddings. Do you even want a Corps wedding? Are they going to insist? Do I need to wear fancy things?
[Marga] I don't need fancy stuff, or a Corps wedding...
[Rechegoko] I was thinking, if there was a ceremony...
[Rechegoko] Well ...
* Marga looks at him expectantly.
[Rechegoko] What would you think about having it up at the ruined temple, by Voice Rupun?
* Marga smiles widely.
[Marga] I think that's a GREAT idea! :D
[Rechegoko] Like I say, I don't really know much about Corps weddings.
[Marga] I've been to a couple but... Honestly I didn't pay that much attention, I was waiting for the food.
[Rechegoko] Well, I guess we don't need to do anything by anyone's rules except our own.
[Marga] Yeah! :D
[Marga] It's going to be GREAT!
* Rechegoko smiles and kisses you.
* Marga kisses back happily
[Rechegoko] I love you.
[Marga] I love you too :))))

Jevai talks to Naka, who has been researching herbalist magic to alter Kinds, and Jevai reveals that Eng-dur is not dead but something Else

[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, you've been assisting Giri wth various little projects around the ulajeta, while the big question, about the nature of the strange realm you and Alai entered, continues to plague you.
[Nemnosti-GM] The distraction of the Hulti setting up their campsite added chaos to your life and further distraction, without providing much else of benefit.
[Nemnosti-GM] You're just lying down on a divan in one of the small libraries, taking a break, when Naka enters the room.
* Jevai will sit up when she sees who it is
[Jevai] hello :)
[Naka] Oh, there you are. They said you might be in here.
[Naka] Do you have a few minutes?
[Jevai] were you looking for me?
[Jevai] I do
* Jevai stretches
[Naka] I was.
* Naka sits down next to you.
[Naka] I actually was speaking with Nemnu earlier today. She told me I might talk to you about some research I've been doing.
[Jevai] oh?
[Jevai] what research?
[Naka] Well. How much do you know about my craft? I don't mean the little things you learn in the Courses about herbalists. More about ... the deeper things.
* Jevai consideres
[Jevai] not so muc, I haven't su=tudied it greatly. It certainly has its own mysteries
[Naka] Well, of course you know about effigies, that we can create this very special Kind, which cannot reproduce, but which can be sentient.
[Jevai] yes
[Naka] But beyond that, there is the prospect, not often achieved if ever, but talked about as our greatest mystery.
[Naka] The power to transform Kinds.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] is that what you have been researching?
* Naka nods.
[Naka] It is infuriating. For every herbalist who can reliably be said to have mastered such an art, there are a dozen who are either charlatans or who are misguided.
[Naka] It means that separating true knowledge from false is no easy task.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I'm sure
[Naka] Add to that the fact that such ideas are very dangerous, perhaps even heretical, and, well ... you can imagine the difficulty.
[Jevai] are you researching whether it has ever really been done before, or whether it is possible?
[Naka] I'm not a historian. That isn't my interest.
[Naka] I am a practitioner.
* Jevai nods
[Naka] So I am looking to put it into practice.
[Jevai] is there a specific kind you are looking to change, or to change into?
[Naka] It is, if I am on the right track, something of almost inestimable capacity. To change appearance, age, gender, anything, within a Kind ... and then to transform one Kind into another.
[Naka] I have been pursuing this since Geme died, in one way or another.
[Jevai] I wondered about that
[Naka] But also, my sweet Izu, he might want such a thing. I don't know.
* Jevai nods
[Naka] A mother is always a mother.
[Jevai] that is a question for him
[Naka] This thing, this power, it goes by many names. Herbalists do not talk about it outwardly, because it is so powerful. To turn a person into a mushroom, not as a spell, but as a fundamental change of Kind.
[Naka] I have simply been calling it the Mystery. But that is like, a placeholder.
[Jevai] ...that is not a possibility I had considered for this power, can it really do that?
[Naka] [q] If it could change a revenant back into a person ...
* Naka doesn't complete her sentence.
[Jevai] that does not mean that it would... chage the things that were changed, when they were first transformed by rite
[Naka] I don't know what it would mean.
* Jevai nods
[Naka] But I have to try. For my family.
* Jevai nods
* Jevai is thinking about her brother
[Naka] I have just been talking to Nemnu about this.
[Jevai] what has She said?
[Naka] And She said, strangely enough, that it might have some bearing on things you have been researching.
[Naka] She would not say what those were.
[Jevai] Interesting
[Naka] Interesting that she would say that? Or interesting in some other way?
[Jevai] both
[Jevai] I wonder... well
[Naka] Well?
[Jevai] I have been studying some... strange Kinds
[Naka] What do you mean?
[Jevai] I am not entirely sure myself
[Naka] Well, I think that we have the Lady's blessing to share. Based on this last conversation.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+11
* lan-werk2 rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 14 ].
[Jevai] (sm lol)
[Jevai] well. I don't know that anything I have encountered would be.... any good, for Zurusha
[Naka] No, perhaps not.
[Naka] But whatever you are doing ... it relates to all of these trips you have been taking?
[Jevai] Soem, yes
[Jevai] It is connected, in some way, to the Hulti
[Jevai] they have ways of, hmm... reweaving the unfolding?
[Naka] Hmm, you mean, not like source?
[Jevai] possibly?
[Jevai] I have studied this some, and also had opportunities to observe soem Hulti magic, in different contexts
[Jevai] Marga said, when she was fighting that woman we had captured, that she could just... mke it as though a blow hadn't landed, even though marga knew it had
[Jevai] they talk about... strands. Possibilities that they cna choose from.
[Jevai] not infinite ones, perhaps, but it almost seems leik thee is a point before the unfolding has... settled
* Naka nods.
[Naka] I don't know of any writer from my tradition who thinks of this as an infinite power.
[Jevai] But this suggests that it jsn't fixed
[Naka] Exactly. We know that there are ways to transform within the six human Kinds, so perhaps other ways exist as well.
* Izu_ (uid188916id-188916.helmsley.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity )
[Jevai] I think... Eng Dur was interested in this.
[Naka] That doesn't surprise me, really.
[Jevai] did he ever ask you about it?
[Naka] I mean, he asked about treatments for his illness, mainly.
[Naka] But in principle, at least, some version of this might be able to treat some kinds of illness.
[Naka] But also, there are many of the Chuchuru who are at least half Hulti. If that is relevant.
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] that woman claimed it is her lineage
[Jevai] but tha's not really pertinent I think
[Jevai] ....what do you think happened toi him?
[Naka] To Eng-dur? I mean, I think he went off into the hills and died alone, like we talked about. Do you disagree?
* Jevai spreads her fingers
[Jevai] what is 'death'?
[Naka] Now you sound like him.
* Jevai smiles slightly
[Jevai] well - it's a change of kind, isn't it
[Jevai] one 'dies' when they cease to be a person, whethe you bceomone an ancestor, or shoror, or a saint
[Naka] Yes, of course.
[Naka] But dying alone in the hills with no one but vultures to pick at your bones, that is hardly just a change.
[Jevai] I don't know what exactly happened, in the hills
[Jevai] But... I trust that you understand that this cannot be widely shared, though Ifa knows.... whatever happened, he is not any of those kinds
[Naka] He ... exists in some other way? Some way that we can know that it is so? Not in some ... conceptual sense only?
* Naka says, sounding cautiously excited.
[Jevai] Yes. In some other way, but it is not....desirable
[Naka] And is it this that She was referring to?
[Jevai] well... I don't know. I haven't spoken to Her about it. But it is related, maybe, to other things... oher places, other Kinds...
[Jevai] that She has seen
[Naka] You have been very busy indeed.
* Jevai gives a sort of stressed laugh at that understatement
[Jevai] There is a thing that She calls.. Unkindeness
[Jevai] That i am trying to understand
[Naka] Strangeness upon strangeness.
* Jevai sighs heavily
[Jevai] It is so much to grapple with
[Naka] I think perhaps what She is saying is, you do not need to do so alone.
[Jevai] how, or if, these things donnect, and to what else they may eb tethered
[Naka] I may not be of your Order nor you of mine, but that doesn't mean we can't help one another. We are, after all, family.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I would value your insights but it is all...complex, and hard to explain when I barely understand
[Naka] I feel the same way.
* Jevai smiles
[Jevai] perhaps we can make more headway together, then
[Naka] I look forward to it.

Izu talks to Zaren in the wake of his release, and they talk about what comes next for their family

[Nemnosti-GM] Izu, Conduit Ingo has now headed back to Onighus to serve the Prime, but not before speaking to the reckoners about your father.
[Nemnosti-GM] That leaves the temple in the control of Voice Faifir, who Nemnu has put in charge, at your recommendation, at least as a placeholder for the time being.
[Nemnosti-GM] But Faifir is old, and despite his wisdom, no great administrator.
* Izu will help however he can with keeping the temple running.
[Nemnosti-GM] Which leaves a lot of the daily work to you, which makes you happy enough, although Nemnu also has Her own various needs.
[Nemnosti-GM] But the big news for you, and your family, is that your dad has now been released from his imprisonment, and the reckoner has decided to rule him not responsible for Hojon's death.
[Nemnosti-GM] Which of course raises the whole question of who is responsible, but that, you leave to the Ancestors.
[Nemnosti-GM] As you're at temple, your father comes by, the day after his release.
[Izu] Father! I'm so glad to see you. Are you holding up alright?
* Izu will embrace his father warmly.
* Zaren smiles and embraces you back.
[Zaren] I am ... well enough. It has been hard.
[Izu] Please, sit...
* Zaren sits.
* Izu will make sure they have at least a semblance of privacy.
[Izu] I'm... sorry. I know you have been through much.
[Zaren] Having this time to think, alone. It has not been all bad. Time to think about all my choices, not just the last one.
[Zaren] I wish I could have seen Ingo while he was here. Is he well?
[Izu] He is troubled by everything, which is understandable. But I think he will be ok. We spoke to Hojon together.
[Zaren] That is good, at least. For him, to have some peace.
[Zaren] I will not ask you what Hojon said.
[Zaren] I do not think I am entitled.
[Izu] Father, you did only what he made you do. This was not your fault.
[Zaren] I have told myself that a hundred different ways. But that is small comfort, when it was my blade and his blood.
[Izu] Would it help ease your mind to speak to him yourself?
[Zaren] I ... don't know. Part of me wants to.
[Izu] If you want to, we can. I'll be there with you.
[Zaren] Part of me feels that I should not.
[Zaren] Do you think I should?
[Zaren] As a Voice, I mean. Not as my son.
[Izu] I cannot answer that for you. I think you have a right to. He put you in an impossible position and left you to deal with the consequences of his actions.
[Izu] If it would give you peace, then yes, I think you should.
[Izu] But that is for you to decide.
[Zaren] Not today, I think. Today, mainly, I wanted to come to you, for whatever comfort you can provide.
* Izu will put his arms around Zaren again.
[Zaren] I need to talk more with your mother, too. She has been hard at work on some projects of her own, but this has all hit her in different ways too.
[Izu] Perhaps we should all get together, you, mother, myself and Ifa.
[Izu] We all need each other right now.
[Zaren] I know you're all busy.
[Zaren] But it would be nice to have everyone together. Get Dadim up here too, while we're at it.
[Izu] We are also a family. Family makes time for each other.
[Zaren] Kuspir could bring the children.
* Izu pauses for a moment. Then nods.
[Izu] Of course.
[Zaren] He's been such a support too. Like another son to me.
[Izu] That's... good to hear.
[Izu] Think about it. Rest and speak with mother. It has been long since all of us were together.
[Zaren] I will.
[Zaren] I'm sorry, for any trouble this has caused you.
[Izu] Me?
[Izu] I am sorry for the trouble it has caused you. You did not deserve any of this.
[Zaren] Perhaps not, but my actions were my own.
[Zaren] I can only take responsibility for them.
[Izu] Responsibility is one thing. Blame is another. Do not confuse the two.
[Zaren] Is that one of Zunuga's Maxims, or just one of yours?
[Izu] No, just something I've also had to learn.
* Zaren chuckles.
[Zaren] Well. I should also go visit your grandmother in Hertu. She'll have been worried about me, in her way.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] Have you spoken to Ifa?
[Zaren] Not yet. She's busy with lineage stuff.
[Izu] She is worried about you. She will make time.
* Zaren nods.
[Zaren] You're right, I should trust what I know, which is that my family always will support me.
* Izu smiles.
[Izu] You have always supported us.

Izu talks to Ifa and reveals that he knows about her new relationship with Kuspir

* Izu will try to find Ifa after his talk with Zaren.
* Ifa is presumably busy with regular ulajeta business.
[Ifa] (Let's say she's at the forge.)
* Izu will approach and see if it is a good time to talk.
* Ifa is focused on her work, but will quench what she's working on and give Izu a smile when she sees him.
* Izu will smile back.
[Izu] What are you working on?
[Ifa] Some armor repairs. Thought it best not to let it lie.
[Ifa] What brings you by?
[Izu] I just spoke with father.
[Izu] He wanted to speak to you, but was afraid you are too busy. I told him that wasn't true, but perhaps you should find time to see him briefly if you can.
[Izu] You know how he can be.
[Ifa] I'll make sure to do that.
[Ifa] How is he?
[Izu] Troubled. But that is to be expected. I think he will be alright with time.
* Ifa nods.
[Izu] We spoke about getting the family together soon. You, me, mother, father, Dadim... Kuspir...
[Ifa] This has been very hard on him, I'm sure.
[Ifa] (Just for fun, why don't you roll a SM?)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+18
[Izu] (lol 37 XD)
[Ifa] (Dang. I got an amazing 28 Bluff check, but that knocks it out of the water :P )
* Ifa clearly freezes a moment when Izu mentions Kuspir.
[Ifa] That sounds good.
* Izu glances around to make sure we are alone.
* Ifa gives Izu a curious glance.
[Izu] Ifa, you know that I care about you, and about Kuspir. I don't want to see either of you hurt...
[Izu] You need to be more careful together.
[Ifa] ].]
[Ifa] ...What do you mean?
[Izu] You do not always see yourself the way others do. The small glances, the seeking hands... You think they are discrete. I will not judge you for what you two share but others might. And if mother or father found out... Just please be careful.
* Ifa sighs and hangs her head for a moment.
[Ifa] I don't want to cause any trouble for anyone.
[Izu] I know. Nor do I.
[Izu] Also... you are using an anti-fertility potion, right?
[Ifa] -_-
[Izu] I can get you some.
[Ifa] We're being careful, idiot.
* Ifa shoulder bumps her brother.
[Izu] I worry.
* Izu puts an arm around his sister.
[Ifa] So do I. About everything. Except when I'm with Kuspir. :/
* Izu sighs.
[Izu] That, I think, may be the issue.
[Izu] I am glad that you are both happy. I just want to make sure that you stay that way.
[Ifa] ...Zurusha knows, by the way.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] Was she told, or did she piece it together?
[Izu] And how did she take it?
[Ifa] I'm...not sure?
[Ifa] Kuspir wrote to her.
[Izu] Ah. Yes, that seems like him.
[Ifa] They had a kind of weird conversation through Ghoko.
[Izu] So... Ghoko knows as well?
[Ifa] Then she wrote me a letter about it. It was...something.
[Ifa] I suppose? I know mom knows they had some serious conversation, but I don't think she knows what about.
[Izu] What did she say?
[Ifa] Mom or Zurusha?
[Izu] Zurusha
[Ifa] Um...well, mostly she said don't leave the Hand, and then, well...
* Ifa blushes.
* Izu cocks his head.
[Ifa] The rest was pretty graphic. Let's call it advice. ].]
[Izu] ...
[Izu] ,,,huh,
[Izu] I was going to ask to read it, but... I don't think I want to.
[Ifa] You *really* don't want to.
[Izu] I will take your word on that.
[Ifa] Please do.
[Izu] Is she angry?
[Ifa] I think so, at least some. Understandably.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] How is Kuspir taking it?
* Ifa snort laughs despite herself.
* Izu seems puzzled at her reaction.
[Ifa] Um, I mean, I think he's...ha...he's taking it well.
* Izu suddenly blushes.
[Izu] You are horrible.
* Ifa just loses it laughing.
[Izu] After a moment Izu begins laughing as well.

Ifa talks to Nemnu about whether to adopt the Halunemni, and they develop a plan to ensure that they are seeking it for the right reason

[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, today you have been summoned for a private meeting with Nemnu. You don't know what this is about. Izu is there only briefly, to settle Nemnu into Her position in the chair, and then you find yourself alone with Her.
[Ifa] I am at your service, my Lady.
[Nemnu] I wanted to speak to you about lineage matters.
[Nemnu] Specifically, at least, to start, with the Halunemni.
* Ifa nods.
[Nemnu] I have spoken with Kufun. He wishes, as I understand it, both to be adopted and to stand for hengi?
[Ifa] That is his wish, yes.
[Nemnu] When you met with him, did it seem that these desires were coming from the right place?
* Ifa considers.
[Ifa] I believe he believes he is acting in good faith.
[Ifa] But it is clearly complicated.
[Ifa] He claims he will abide by whatever decision the lineage comes to regarding the hengi.
[Nemnu] Well, does he have any choice?
[Nemnu] Isn't that claim a sign that he does not truly understand?
[Ifa] He could try to leave again if he doesn't get it.
[Nemnu] If he wants to leave, there are two gates, one east, one west, both open.
* Ifa chuckles mirthlessly.
[Ifa] I suppose I just worry that it will cause even more trouble in an already troubled time. I would welcome them back with open arms under other circumstances, but I'm not sure if he'd look to join our lineage if he didn't believe he had some chance at becoming its head.
[Nemnu] Exactly.
[Nemnu] By taking advantage of an unexpected vacancy.
* Ifa nods.
[Nemnu] I am not unsympathetic to their request for adoption. But it is so unusual.
[Nemnu] Those who I adopt are those like Veruve, or your own dimirabas Ramarima, whose service merits it.
[Nemnu] Or like Susuva, who suffered so much, and needed a home.
[Nemnu] Those who demonstrate by their actions that they wish to be Nemni, not that they are entitled to it because of some vague descent by blood that cannot even be confirmed to a certainty.
[Ifa] Perhaps asking some service might both demonstrate the purity of their intent, and also delay their entry such that the hengi question is no longer relevant?
[Nemnu] Perhaps. In any event, that cannot possibly happen until after there is a new hengi.
[Nemnu] But it raises further questions. Other than Lovosa, none of these other Halunemni are known to me.
[Ifa] What would you know of them?
[Nemnu] I would know, beyond anything else, whether they seek adoption out of a true motive, or because Kufun tells them it would be desirable.
[Nemnu] This is not a merger of lineages.
[Ifa] Perhaps you should recall my brother; he is better at reading ill intent than I.
* Ifa nods.
[Nemnu] I may ask him to do so, although he is not so deft with social matters as you are.
[Nemnu] So then perhaps I will ask the two of you to develop a ... plan, I suppose we could say. Upon the new hengi's selection, you could begin, in conjunction with that person, to put this into place.
[Ifa] As you say, my Lady.
[Nemnu] Which, of course, brings us to that question, who should that new hengi be?
[Nemnu] I assume you have a preference.
[Ifa] While I know I should be at least somewhat impartial, I will admit I think Ajemika represents our best choice.
[Nemnu] Tell me why.
[Ifa] First and foremost, she has essentially occupied the position for some time as her father's condition worsened. If her greatest drawback is a surfeit of loyalty, I think we could count ourselves lucky.
[Nemnu] Understood.
[Ifa] She's the daughter of the previous hengi, and thus it is less likely to cause further disruption.
[Ifa] I believe she has the temperament and skills to succeed in the position.
[Ifa] If it's not impertinent, my Lady, do *you* have a preference?
[Nemnu] I do. But I have also learned not to take my preferences in human matters too weightily.
[Nemnu] In any case, I agree with your assessment that this may not be the time for a radical change. Someone who embodies continuity - it makes sense.
[Nemnu] I will summon the lineage to the iftibal and announce my choice. You and your twin will of course be there.
[Ifa] I don't suppose you would deign to share your preference with me, my Lady?
[Nemnu] All that matters is my choice, which will be Ajemika.
[Nemnu] But my preference would be for someone bolder. If there were such a person.
[Nemnu] I heard that you berated Hojon, in the weeks before his death, and that he struck you.
[Ifa] It was necessary, and I would gladly suffer worse for our people.
[Nemnu] Well, then you will be a canny advisor to the new hengi, and a loyal one too, I am sure.
[Ifa] I feel I am overstepping myself even further, but may I ask a further, perhaps bolder question?
[Nemnu] You may.
[Ifa] Do you think I should be putting myself forward as a choice for hengi?
[Nemnu] Do you wish to be hengi?
* Ifa pauses before answering.
[Ifa] I want to serve my community. It has been my belief that serving as a Hand was the best way in which to do that. My path through this issue has been chosen with that in mind. If I was called upon to serve in another capacity, I would be as dedicated to it as I have been to my chosen vocation, but I worry that my actions would unfavorably color that service or the attempt to rise to it.
[Nemnu] Very well, then. A good answer.
[Nemnu] Well, if there is nothing else, then?
[Ifa] By your leave, my Lady.

Epilogue: Nemnu announces that Ajemika will be the new Osper of the Nemni

[Nemnosti-GM] The winter sun sets early over the high hills now getting later in Zhuno and towards the new year. Over the last month, the Nemni lineage has been in thoughtful seclusion after the untimely death of the old Osper, Hojon.
[Nemnosti-GM] For any lineage, the selection of a hengi is a solemn moment, but perhaps more for the hengi of the Nemni, the Osper, not only the leader of the living and dead Nemni but guardian of Nemnosti. And so when one evening, there is an unannounced gathering at the Nemni iftibal at the east side of the ulajeta, open to all, many, not only the Nemni, come out for the event. And indeed, Hand Izu has brought Nemnu Herself out, where She sits in a great chair to address Her lineage and the others who have gathered.
[Nemnu] My children, my acolytes, I know your throats have been constricted for many weeks, over the loss of our dear Osper, Hojon-who-is-my-Taishukh. It is never an easy matter, to replace such an absence. So I shall keep my remarks brief. In troubled times such as these, it has always been my experience to rely on the constancy of this place, to remember that we are not merely a community of the present, but a repository of all the learnings of the past. And so, after consulting with the elders of my people, I call on Ajemika, known to me as Cheva, to serve as Osper, twenty-seventh of that name. May her rule be steady, firm, and kind, and her course lead us all to great achievement and satisfaction.
[Nemnosti-GM] At this, a great cheer goes up that resonates throughout the Pardopasu, with the selection of the new hengi complete, as Ajemika assumes the title of Osper, and is handed the iftijasi lineage stone of the ancient Nemni lineage.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!