Nemnosti session 33

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Session

Session date: October 12, 2025

Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Zhuno

Prologue

[Nemnosti-GM] Greetings, acolytes! You are all too young to remember the transition when the old hengi Multur died, and Hojon Osper took control of the Nemni. The fact that you are all too young makes me feel very, very old, as it does not feel so long ago. A change like this is an eddy in a stream. It is a disruption, but not a permanent one, and not one that alters the river's main course. It is not a branching off, nor a blockage, in other words. At least, when it is done well. In fact, when I was your age, the hengi before Multur, the first Ajemika Osper, died. At that time, she was nearly ninety, and I only ever knew her as an old woman, but we all esteemed her greatly. This new Ajemika ... well, she is my little cousin, born the year after the first Ajemika died, and given her name. Will she be the same sort of leader? Well, that is hard to say. I find it hard to think that way, because I saw our new hengi when she was not yet weaned, hurling handfuls of goat-pebbles across the courtyard. Yes, it's all right to laugh. She would be cross with me for telling you that. But we should never forget that a hengi is just a human. Only our great Mother Nemnu transcends that boundary, and even then, She remembers her mortal time, long ago though it was. The transition will be hard for her, as it would for anyone. So we must all remember to support her in this time. But enough about that. Tomorrow you all have exams, so tonight, you should rest!

Ifa meets with Ajemika regarding clan politics, and whether and how to consider the Halunemni petition for adoption

[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, over the last week or so you've been busy helping Ajemika get settled into her new role. Fortunately, thanks to those last months caring for her father, she already knows much of the role. You do definitely notice a few people giving you a little side-eye now and then, as you go about your duties, though, whatever that is about.
[Ifa] (Any chance I could roll Sense Motive or something to try to see what that is about?)
[Nemnosti-GM] After your morning prayers and rounds at the little Hand temple, and a brief meeting with Jesa, you have an appointment to meet with Ajemika herself, privately, in what used to be Hojon's chambers but now of course are hers.
[Nemnosti-GM] (sure, I'll give you a roll)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+15
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Ifa] (*sigh*)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yeah, nothing)
* Ifa will be sure to arrive promptly to meet with Ajemika.
* Ajemika is in the process of having some art installed on the walls as you arrive.
[Ajemika] Ah, hello, cousin. What do you think?
[Ifa] It looks nice. I'm glad to see you're settling into the role and space nicely.
[Ifa] I'm sure it can't be easy.
[Ajemika] This piece was last displayed during the reign of Boldogra, the last female hengi before the first Ajemika.
[Ajemika] This was just after the Great Purge and the destruction of Lurusiru Osti. Nemnu Herself had just awoken from a period of slumber, and Boldogra, as a woman, had many detractors.
[Ajemika] There had never been a female hengi of the Nemni, then. And many thought she would fail.
* Ifa nods.
[Ajemika] She reigned for thirty-five years, and died peacefully at ninety-two.
[Ajemika] I wouldn't call her transformative, but she kept this place going when it was at risk of failure.
[Ifa] Let us hope you can follow in her footsteps. I'm here for anything you need.
[Ajemika] Well, that is what I wanted to talk to you about, in part. Not just the decor.
[Ajemika] Similar to my ancestor Boldogra, there are certainly some who would prefer to see me fail. Even those who had no great love for my father.
[Ifa] Anyone in specific?
[Ajemika] Well, Detevus, certainly, some of that branch of the family.
[Ajemika] And, I would wager, some who see the release of your father as something I demanded, which is, at best, a misunderstanding.
[Ajemika] If any single person contributed to your father's exoneration, it was Conduit Ingo.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Surely the best defense against such sentiments is to do the job well, but you're already on that...
* Ajemika shrugs.
[Ajemika] So far it is mainly fine.
[Ajemika] I have been thinking about a few things, and would seek your counsel, though.
[Ifa] Of course. What's on your mind?
[Ajemika] My goal is complex. I need to ensure continuity, not seem radical, not seem as if I wanted this role so that I could change everything my father and grandfather set into place. But at the same time, I cannot be seen to simply be continuing with the style of governance my father embodied, especially in the last two years.
[Ajemika] It feels like a fine balance.
* Ifa nods.
[Ajemika] Do you have any ideas? I have many thoughts, but I'd love to hear yours.
[Ajemika] How I might navigate these waters?
[Ifa] (I'm sure Ifa would have some ideas, just general management/organizational things, but I, Josh, can't offhand think of anything specific?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (that's fine, I have things to offer)
[Ajemika] What if I built an advisory council?
[Ajemika] I'm torn.
* Ifa considers.
[Ifa] I have mixed thoughts as well, but, please, tell me yours.
[Ajemika] Well, advice is always good, and seeking advice from other Nemni was not my father's strength.
[Ajemika] There is precedent for it. Not recent - but several hengi, especially young ones, used to do it all the time.
[Ajemika] But it does tend to contribute to the idea that I *need* help.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] That would be my concern as well.
[Ajemika] That I need to surround myself with wise people because I am not sufficient as leader, on my own.
[Ifa] I think if you create a council, but are careful to maintain your own voice and perspective, you can thread that needle.
[Ifa] But your concern is certainly valid.
[Ifa] Better to do the wise thing and take counsel where you can get it and deal with detractors if and when they become an issue, rather than not do something helpful just because some might look askance.
[Ajemika] I will surely rely on you greatly, in the months ahead.
* Ifa gives a small smile.
[Ifa] I'm at your service.
[Ajemika] Well then, counselor, tell me about the Halunemni and this whole adoption business.
[Ajemika] Are they really serious and earnest, do you think?
[Ifa] I think now is when we'll learn, honestly. Have you spoken to them?
[Ajemika] I have, of course. I don't know Kufun well, but he seems like someone we can deal with, at least.
[Ajemika] My belief is that he came with both the request to be adopted and to be considered hengi, not out of a belief that he would be granted both requests, but out of a sense that adoption was his true goal, and that it would be offered to him and the others as a compromise.
[Ifa] A wise enough strategy, I suppose.
[Ifa] I certainly would like to believe they are sincere, and it would help heal an old wound.
[Ajemika] Savvy. But also showing he is thinking politically.
* Ifa nods.
[Ajemika] It is in your nature to want to seek compromise and togetherness, though, cousin.
[Ifa] That is true.
[Ajemika] Well ... I know from Nemnu that She has asked you to help discern all this as well.
[Ifa] (Just a sec, checking something from that conversation to make sure I remember it correctly)
[Ajemika] (sure)
[Ifa] When I spoke to Her about this, I suggested perhaps we ask some sort of task of them as condition for the adoption, to gauge the seriousness of their intent. At the time, it would also have delayed it until after the hengi decision as well.
[Ajemika] A task, yes, I like that notion. What kind of task do you think would be suitable? Certainly something that is dignified, but that represents real effort, not just a token.
[Ifa] And, well, you're right that my preference is for unity and reconciliation, but I try my best not to be a fool about it. I suppose I have my own council to help with such, like Izu and Jevai. They trust people less than I'm inclined to do. :)
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Perhaps that's something a council could help ideate?
[Ajemika] Well, talk to Izu, then, see what he says. You're right that he might be helpful in this. And while you're at it, I have another task I'd like you to propose to him. I'd do it myself but telling you to do things feels pretty good.
* Ajemika smiles broadly.
[Ifa] (There's not some glaring issue they could specifically be helpful with I'm missing, is there? ].])
* Ifa laughs at that.
[Nemnosti-GM] (no, not really)
[Ifa] (Okay, cool, just checking :) )
[Ifa] What do you need?
[Ajemika] I was thinking to commission a sculpture. I know that Izu is not as skilled as Junu, but I do know he trained with him, and he is a Nemni, after all.
[Ajemika] I don't know what I want but I do know what I don't want, if that makes sense.
[Ajemika] I don't want it to be a statue of my father, or anything that's ... backward-looking.
[Ajemika] And of course, certainly not anything glorifying me particularly, before I've even done anything.
[Ifa] Oh, that's a great idea. I'm sure he would be proud to carve something for you, and I'd bet he can come up with a couple of good ideas.
[Ajemika] But he could perhaps come up with some designs, some ideas, for things that symbolize unity, or looking forward, or ... I don't know.
[Ajemika] It took me long enough to pick these damn singing fish out of the gallery.
* Ajemika waves her hand in the direction of the landscape of fish jumping upstream in the Pasu River.
* Ifa idly says "Siri" to the painting.
[Nemnosti-GM] (fine, it plays a little folk tune about fish. happy now?)
[Ifa] (hee, now it's canon :D)
[Ifa] I always liked this song.
* Ajemika laughs.
[Ajemika] It's fine.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] You're doing great.
[Ajemika] All right, so we're agreed, you'll go talk to Izu about the Halunemni, and about this commission. We can source whatever stone he would need, of course. Alabaster if it's to stay indoors, otherwise perhaps marble. But again, I leave that to him.
* Ifa nods.
[Ajemika] There is, ah, one other thing.
[Ifa] Hmm?
[Ajemika] I, ahh, don't know whether you remember this, but ... well, after Henda was born, Regivus and I had another little one, a girl, Safena. She didn't live long.
[Nemnosti-GM] (you definitely do remember)
* Ifa nods sympathetically.
[Ajemika] It was a hard pregnancy, and a hard birth. Since then, well, Regivus and I have kept trying, but without any luck.
[Ajemika] It may not be in our journey.
[Ajemika] We have been thinking, now that I am hengi, perhaps an adoption. Not of a Halunemni - we'd figure something else out for them. But perhaps a child of Corpseborn, or perhaps some other situation.
[Ajemika] I would like to think that it would be a good idea regardless of whether or not I am hengi. But now that I am ... well, you are the Hand, and I trust you to help me figure this out.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Of course.
[Ifa] (Are there any children I know of currently in need of adoption?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (not immediately, but it hasn't been high on your list of things to even think about until now)
[Ifa] (gotcha)
[Ifa] I'll look into it, and it would be a blessing upon our new hengi, I'm sure. ;)
* Ajemika smiles.
[Ajemika] Thank you, Ifa. If I ever decide to name a council, I'll put you first. But regardless of whether I make it formal, you have the job.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] Happy to help, always.
* Ajemika smiles.
[Ajemika] That's all for now, then.

Jevai and Alai meet with Nemnu to discuss Alai’s strange Abyssal transformation; She tells them about the Disc of Tethers, and Jevai shares about Eng-dur’s condition

[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, with all of the excitement and intrigue with the Hulti coming to the Pardopasu and your efforts to rescue Bem and Kibai, and with your conversation with your aunt Naka, you've had other things on your mind than your and Alai's fateful trip through the crack in the Fingerprint into ... wherever that was.
[Nemnosti-GM] But you can hardly have forgotten it.
[Nemnosti-GM] As for you, Alai, well, as expected, Pavavi has been keeping a very close eye on you since your recent excursion away from the ulajeta. He of course told Nemnu about what happened (although any of the details of your journey are yours to reveal, or not) and since that time, definitely others have been checking in on you more regularly than you would prefer.
[Nemnosti-GM] It comes as no surprise really to either of you, then, that you are summoned to consult with Nemnu, about a week or so after Ajemika is announced as hengi.
* Alai has been taking great pleasure in making those checking on her as uncomfortable as she can.
* Nemnu has summoned you to her chambers. She is decked out in a long indigo altala, but one ancient in style, with heavy frills, that make her look more austere and old-fashioned than usual, perhaps.
* Jevai will have probably tried to check on Alai at least once but will leave her to her own devices if that's clearly preferred... but summoned to visit nemnu is another thing
* Alai has her hair up and loosely held by laquored bone pins, wearing a tight bodiced blue black dress that hugs her hips before flowing into a loose skirt.
[Nemnu] It seems we have much to talk about.
* Alai flits a little around the room, her gaze never lingering long on anything
[Nemnu] Alai, have you told Jevai about what happened?
[Nemnu] If not, I will insist that you do so now.
[Alai] Too many people watching me... I may have not been in a telling mood.
* Alai looks back to Jevai
[Alai] I am sorry about that.
[Jevai] its alright
[Alai] I'll be to the point.
[Alai] When I extracted us from the crack, I tapped in to the power there. The Abyss.
[Alai] It filled me. Its been a little much. Hard to keep in check.
[Alai] I'm trying to figure this out, but its a struggle.
[Alai] I lost control and had to seclude myself for a bit to let it out.
[Jevai] is it a matter of letting it out?
[Alai] I wish I knew for sure. I've been thinking of ways to keep distracted.
[Nemnu] I have always allowed you space to explore this Abyss. But there is surely some limit, and having this power take you over arbitrarily is surely past it. Intervention is needed.
[Nemnu] Pavavi was inconsolable when you disappeared.
* Jevai 's brow has a slight furrow of concern, but she stays quiet
[Alai] I am more than capable, even if impaired.
* Alai says firm
[Alai] His concern is appreciated, if unneeded.
[Nemnu] I will remind you that this is not only about you. Your feelings are not the most important thing here.
[Jevai] hmm.
[Nemnu] When you went to that place, I was inconsolable. I am sorry that you saw me in that state, but I am not sorry for those emotions while I am in my Vessel.
[Nemnu] That ... realm, that you described, through the Fingerprint.
* Jevai nods
[Nemnu] Explain to me again, what happened when you ... escaped. How did that happen? How did that feel?
* Alai looks at Jevai
[Jevai] For me it was simple there in one moment, and returened to the fingerprint in another
[Jevai] But yous said, it eas your power
* Alai nods
[Jevai] that you wanted to see if you could
[Jevai] I still don't understand what it was, how these thigs are connected. i have... thoughts.
[Alai] I opened up... tapped the power of that place, the primordial Abyss. I felt it fill me up... the power... and I willed us back like teleportation magic by tapping the source.
* Alai looks at her hands
[Alai] I still feel it... the fullness of what I drew in.
[Nemnu] While that does not make me feel great comfort, it does give me a sense of opportunity as well.
[Jevai] is it a matter of... holding too much power, or... tappign into a new...source? Forging that connection?
* Jevai hopes Alai understand what she means
[Alai] It could be one or even all of those. A leak in a hull, filling the bilge until I sink, not knowing how to plug it.
[Nemnu] I have some thoughts.
[Alai] I am fumbling in the dark on this. I am clever and may eventually find my way, but any help is appreciated.
* Jevai turns back to Nemnu
[Nemnu] I do not think it can be a coincidence that the crack in the Fingerprint appeared, well, at the Fingerprint. A place of sigillant power. And more than that, that you described to me, that in that Abyssal place, there were inscribed stones and a spiral.
[Jevai] yes
[Nemnu] It makes one wonder not only how that realm came to be, but how those stones came to be.
[Jevai] There is something in the symbol, for certain
[Jevai] thers is... I don't know if it is the same 'place', or same... I don't know. But where the hulti go. Where Guniremai tried to abandon me
[Jevai] is...something like the Abyss.
[Nemnu] Linked to Musune's End. Again, a sigillant place.
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] clearly, the monoliths, however they work, those connection points, I beliebve are also linked to that place, and some can allow passage to it
[Nemnu] Have either of you ever heard of the Disc of Tethers?
[Jevai] but at the Crevasse, there were the ammonites. Ushukuna called them stone ancestors
[Jevai] is that...liek the slate we recovered?
[Nemnosti-GM] (you can make a K:arcana if you wish)
[Alai] (ok)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+17
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Jevai] !roll 2d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Jevai: [ 2d20+16 ] getting [ 10 9 ] for a total of [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 35 ].
[Alai] (I am obviously distracted)
[Jevai] (lol whoops0
[Jevai] (I cna take the 10 for a 26, or reroll)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yeah that's fine)
[Nemnosti-GM] Neither of you have heard of it.
[Alai] I have not.
[Jevai] But I have not herd the name
[Jevai] (heard)
[Nemnu] It is something I had not thought of in many years.
[Nemnu] It is a book, cut into round pages, with words spiralling outwards on the page. Centuries old, perhaps as old as the Empire itself.
[Jevai] hmm
[Jevai] is it held here?
[Nemnu] No, and indeed, I have only held it once.
[Nemnu] While I was still a person, when writing my book, Anchors, Eddies, and Lodestones.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] where did you encounter it?
[Nemnu] In Basai, at the Academy. But even that copy, I believe, was not original.
[Nemnu] The text is supposed to have a chain linked to the spine, to which several aisamonne were to be attached.
[Nemnu] The copy I saw mentioned those tablets, but there was no chain, no tablets.
[Jevai] hmm
[Alai] Do you have an idea where the actual tome is?
[Nemnu] I do not. I had not thought particularly to need it, until now.
[Nemnu] Perhaps the Duke of Needs could find it; if anyone could, he could.
[Jevai] what did it contain?
[Nemnosti-GM] (you will remember that that is one of the nicknames of Borgegus Ula, Nemnu's ally in Onighus)
* Jevai glances at Alai, certain she coudl find it, really
[Jevai] (I ddi in fact recall :V)
[Nemnu] The reason I mention any of this is that although the book is cryptic, it is about, I suppose, the nature of stone serving to bind. A major theme of my own work.
[Nemnu] At the time, I hypothesized it was about using soil and stone to bind Source to the fos root. You will of course remember this from my own writing.
[Nemnosti-GM] (you definitely had to memorize large parts of Anchors Eddies & Lodestones for your Tenths on Source magic)
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] yes I believe I had... thoughts on that in my tests -_-
[Nemnu] Later, after founding this place, I thought it was more about sigillants' stones serving as a similar binding of Source from the earth.
[Jevai] But perhaps it binds something else
[Nemnu] But now I am thinking, what if the binding is something more? Binding not just Source, but binding place to place?
[Nemnu] Exactly, Hestur.
[Jevai] Life into stone into something else, somewhere else...
* Jevai muses, thinking about howe the unkind stone petrifies, and the fossilized ammonites
[Jevai] I would like to see this text
[Alai] So would I
[Jevai] there is... there is another aspect that I am not sure how to link yet, also
[Nemnu] What is that?
[Jevai] the astrological
[Nemnu] Tell me more about that.
[Jevai] the slate, the Hulti one, with the star signes it represents and...
[Jevai] there is another... piece of this.
[Jevai] Lady, I think you.... may know, some of this
[Jevai] There is something wwith the moon, with the lanky stones
[Jevai] that...makes some kind of connetion possible
[Jevai] easier, at least
[Nemnu] Hmmm.
[Jevai] ...I have been speaking with.... whatever it is that Eng Dur has become
[Alai] Hmm... the moon touches the tides of the sea, which links it back to the Abyss that I know of.
* Jevai says cautiously
[Nemnu] Explain yourself, Jevai.
[Jevai] I don't know if I can, I still don't understand how it is possible, or even what is happening
[Jevai] He can appear to me, at the stones, on the new moon
[Jevai] he has tried to explain ...'where' he is
[Jevai] he knows no passage of time, other than what he marks on those visits, he is alone... I think, mostly
[Jevai] he is not any easier to deal with than he was before... possibly less, as he doesn't even have so any answers
[Jevai] (so many)
[Nemnu] And your thought is that the Lanky Stones are serving the same sort of role, as a tether binding him, or wherever he is, to this place?
[Nemnu] But that there is also something to do with the stars and moon in all of this?
[Jevai] to the last, yes, there must be. And the stones surely serve some role. I don't know if it is a tether, or if there is some other kind of conjunction that they draw their power from...
[Jevai] it is hard to know what questions to examine, let alone how to go about answering them
[Nemnu] Alai-who-is-my-Ozel, have you any thoughts on this, then?
[Alai] There are currents in the flow of the Source that are difficult to detect or percieve. Those flows being connected to the stars and the moon does make certain sense, although you would think that if it was something so regular, more would have been known about it by now.
[Alai] The bindings may be creating ripples in the currents, and by placing them just so, amplify eachother to something that can be sensed.
[Alai] once the current is flowing in the right direction.
[Alai] Is just supposition from what we have discussed.
[Alai] This book, if it has clues as to what is happening to me, then I want to find it.
[Nemnu] Yes, you do remember. These are the 'eddies' I refer to in my book. Temporary, but not ephemeral, disjunctions in the flow.
* Jevai nods
[Nemnu] Although these eddies are quite different than anything I could have imagined, five hundred years ago.
[Nemnu] I will see what I can find, about the whereabouts of the Disc. Ideally, the true one, but even a copy would be helpful.
[Alai] I could try myself to divine its location.
[Nemnu] You also have my encouragement to search, or at least, to search our libraries for anything that might be a clue. I assure you I do not own even a copy.
[Jevai] I will help however I can.
* Jevai is trying to remember if any of the things ewhe ever pulled for ED havd any kind of references to sometyhing liek that
[Nemnu] Well, you can start by being more forthcoming in future about your interactions with your not-so-late Upward.
* Nemnu definitely sounds peeved.
* Jevai lowers her head contritely
[Jevai] Yes, Lady
[Alai] Don't begrudge a girl a secret or two.
[Nemnu] A nefarious power randomly possessing you is not a secret to which you are entitled.
* Jevai gives a little smile at that
[Nemnu] You should both remember that your privileges here are to serve me, and the ulajeta, and our greater purpose, not your own.
[Nemnu] Am I sufficiently clear?
[Jevai] Yes Lady.
[Alai] Yes Lady
[Nemnu] Very well. You are dismissed.

Jevai and Alai discuss Alai’s condition after their meeting with Nemnu, and make plans for Alai to see Eng-dur at the next new moon

* Jevai sighs deeply after we are dismissed
[Alai] I am sorry I did not talk to you after I had to let go.
[Jevai] I wasn't sure whether I shoud press
[Alai] You are my friend. Please press. I can be a real bitch at times, but please don't let that stop you.
[Jevai] I will remember that
[Jevai] is there any way I can help?
[Alai] Find six burly men to tie me down and have thier way with me? Ha, I just kid... maybe help find this book.
* Jevai smirks
[Jevai] surely you will have better luck finding men on your own, in any case
[Jevai] I can search the librsry for information, but beyond that, I'm not sure how I can help wth that
[Alai] Is probably true... also we could muse on these connections. Sigils, tides, the moon, the Abyss.
[Jevai] perhaps, though, it is worth keeping a record, for yourself, to better understand if there are any cycles to the effects of this connection on you
[Alai] A good point... is hard these days to stay focused. I could use my apprentice to keep records, just not exactly reveal why.
* Jevai nods
[Alai] they mystery would intrigue her.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I'd like to examine the slate again more closely, with some of this in mind, and perhaps talk to pavavi about it
[Jevai] perhaps we can induse it to reveal more of its secrets now that we ourselves know a little more
[Alai] is very good point.
[Alai] Just another question... what is story with not so dead Upward?
[Jevai] I don't knwo what he is.... not a Kind, perhaps Unkind, btu not like Azolte was...
[Jevai] (not a known kind, that shpuld say)
[Alai] Not a haunt... but somewhere and trapped?
[Jevai] Whatever he is, is heresy. but so is all of this. it is very dangerous, all of this
[Alai] If I wanted a safe life, I would still be in a fishing village.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I just don't know what the consequences will be, of looking so closley into so many mysteries...
[Jevai] in anycase. He is not a haunt. and trapped, I suppose.
[Alai] I have something, an heirloom passed down to me... it allows me to touch the incorporeal... even with magic, although that is much more limited. I can try and help next time he is around.
[Jevai] he still will not tell me what he did to himself, but he was trying to emulate some of nemnu's reasearch into unkindness, without knowing what it was, ands mixed with some Hulti theories as well...
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] Ifa can see him, becauxe of...what happened to her. do you think she reached out with source and accidentaly touched the Abyss?
[Alai] Unkindness and the Abyss seem to dwell adjacent... not really best word but best I can come up with. She may have touched one or the other.
[Alai] I should not be surprised of lingering consequences.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I thkn it woudl be good to see if you can see him, that may give us more information as well
[Alai] just let me know when the next opportunity arises and I will avail myself to you
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] at the new moon, then.
* Alai nods

Marga consoles Fultukhari after Lovosa breaks up with him in advance of their relationship becoming incestuous, yikes!

[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, it's been about a week or a little more since the big excitement that you are engaged! You are very good at not thinking too hard about whatever thing Rechegoko is not supposed to tell you. But the big news, you've been sharing around, at least with your friends here at the ulajeta, if not proclaiming it from the top of Hul Hai.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are just returning from your morning scouting (thankfully, quiet, with no further signs of Hulti incursions or anything like that) when you run into Fultukhari carrying a sack that looks full and heavy.
[Marga] Hey thre, whatcha got!
* Fultukhari definitely looks pissed off, and possibly that he's been crying.
[Fultukhari] Fuck off, Marga.
[Marga] whoah hey what?
[Marga] What's wrong?
[Fultukhari] I don't need you or anyone else asking me any stupid fucking questions.
[Marga] uh... okay...
* Fultukhari tries to go around you, heading ... maybe out towards the courtyard?
[Marga] (any way I could guess what's in the bag?)
[Nemnosti-GM] It definitely looks like there are maybe some logs in there.
[Marga] Well uh, if you change your mind and wanna talk I'll be.. around?
* Marga says awkwardly after him
* Fultukhari sets down the bag, and sits down next to it, and begins to cry.
* Marga sits down next to him
[Fultukhari] She broke up with me.
[Marga] Aw shit. THat sucks, I'm sorry
[Fultukhari] So, will you help me?
* Fultukhari looks up through his tears
[Marga] Help you how?
[Fultukhari] Well ... ok, I need to explain to you.
[Fultukhari] It wasn't her choice. Her family made her do it.
[Marga] Okay... she told you that?
* Fultukhari nods.
[Fultukhari] They're trying to get adopted into the Nemni.
[Fultukhari] And, well ... if they do, well, that would be incest.
[Marga] Ohhhhhh. Awkward.
[Fultukhari] So I guess they figured, to show they're serious, to make Lovosa break up.
[Marga] would she *have* to get adopted with them?
[Fultukhari] I guess. I don't know.
* Fultukhari furrows his brow.
[Fultukhari] I keep on fucking up on tests. I had to to one of my Tenths yesterday, I was so distracted, I know I failed it.
[Marga] Oh, those tests... I had to re do some of the smart people ones :(
[Fultukhari] Lovosa did great.
[Fultukhari] Even Irdomila did great, and I was hoping after last time, she'd be stupid like me.
[Marga] You don't have to be super smart to be an acolyte. And you're not stupid.
[Fultukhari] I know. I just know that my moms are disappointed. Cause, you know, they are the teachers, you'd figure I would do good.
[Marga] People have different skills, that's why there's not just voices in the ulajeta, or whatever. You need differnt things wo make the whole ...thing ...work
[Marga] Maybe they're just worried, cause they care about you.
[Marga] I dunno, I don't know my mom very well.
[Fultukhari] My moms are ok I guess. I just can't really go to them for advice about this kind of thing.
[Fultukhari] Lovosa is like ... she's so ... you know?
[Fultukhari] And now I'm supposed to sit here and just wait for her to become, like, my cousin, for the rest of our lives.
[Marga] Yeah. That's awful. There's gotta be something...
[Fultukhari] You're friends with Hand Ifa, right?
[Marga] Yeah, that's right!
[Fultukhari] If you could like, convince her that this adoption thing is a bad idea, then Lovosa and I could get back together.
[Marga] Well, I dunno if it's gonna be up to her... But she *is* real smart so she might think of something that would work out.
[Fultukhari] The other thing you could do is help me with this.
* Fultukhari points to the bag.
[Marga] Yeah what is that, logs?
[Fultukhari] Yeah and sticks and boards and a little saw, and hammer and nails.
[Marga] What's it for?
[Fultukhari] Making an effigy so I can burn it.
[Fultukhari] Oh yeah, and a bunch of oil is in there too.
[Marga] An effigy? of what?
[Fultukhari] I was going to make it of Lovosa's dad. But then I realized, it would just look like logs.
[Fultukhari] So I guess I'm just going to burn some shit.
[Marga] Burning shit can be a pretty good distraction at least!
[Fultukhari] So you'll help?
[Marga] Sure!
[Fultukhari] Awesome! You're the best teacher a vulture could ever want!
[Marga] Aw, thanks :D
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you can go somewhere that is relatively safe, and hopefully without too much oil, make a great effigy. I'll have you make a Survival check just for fun.
[Marga] !roll 1d20+12
* lan-werk2 rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 23 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you have a lovely fire and don't light the valley ablaze, and Fultukhari seems to feel much better.

Ifa and Izu talk about Ajemika’s desire to commission Izu to create statuary for the start of her reign, and about the Halunemni adoption controversy

* Ifa will come find Izu wherever he happens to be at the moment.
* Izu is in the tombs, surveying the epitaphs and making notes on upkeep and cleaning needs.
* Ifa will do the classic tap on one shoulder then step to the other side.
[Izu] Mmm?
* Izu looks over his shoulder and frowns.
[Ifa] Good morning, brother.
* Izu looks over his other shoulder.
[Ifa] How go your tasks?
[Izu] How are you the older of us?
* Ifa smiles broadly.
[Ifa] The mystery of the Unfolding, I guess.
* Izu smiles despite himself.
[Ifa] What are you doing?
[Izu] Just taking notes. People keeps telling me my time is too valuable to waste on details like this now, but... I enjoy it. It's relaxing to come down here.
[Ifa] Then it's not a waste.
[Izu] That's what I keep saying.
[Izu] How are you lately? I know things have been happening fast.
[Ifa] Well enough. As you said, things are happening fast, with the hengi decision, father...everything else.
[Ifa] Speaking of our illustrious new hengi, though, I come bearing a request.
[Ifa] She wanted me to ask you if you would be amenable to a sculpture commission. :)
[Izu] A sculpture... what kind of sculpture?
[Ifa] Well, she didn't have a specific idea, but she was hoping you might have some. Something forward-looking, and/or symbolizing unity. Definitely nothing about her or her father; something for the lineage as a whole.
[Izu] Ahhh... I see. Surely Junu would be the obvious choice for such a thing, though.
[Ifa] She asked for you specifically.
* Izu seems genuinely surprised at that.
[Izu] I see.
[Izu] Then yes, of course. I'd be honored to take on such a project.
[Izu] Hmmm... unity.
[Izu] Yes, I think I can do that.
[Izu] I'll need some time to plan. I'll call on her when I have some free time.
[Izu] How is she adjusting to her new role?
[Ifa] It's a lot, but it's not as if she hasn't basically been doing it already for the past couple of years.
[Ifa] On that note, the both of us were wanting your advice about the Halunemni. You know about their seeking adoption, right?
[Izu] Yes. An interesting situation.
[Izu] Refusing would only further drive a wedge between us, and I see no reason to do so, but at the same time, unconditional acceptance seems dangerous. Tricky.
[Ifa] I've suggested setting them to some task or another as a condition for acceptance, but none specifically have come to mind. Can you think of anything they could help with?
[Izu] I wouldn't say no to help polishing the tombs, but I think perhaps you had something more meaningful in mind.
* Ifa chuckles at that.
[Ifa] Sorry, no, but I can see about getting you some bubunne help with that if you like.
[Ifa] It needs to be significant enough to demonstrate their intent, but not so arbitrary that it would feel as though we're simply lording it above them
[Izu] Hmmmm
[Izu] Perhaps we could require a show of their commitment to stay and be a part of the community. A sort of... symbolic sacrifice. Perhaps one male and one female of their number to join the Voice and the Hand here. To serve as ties to better connect their family to our Ulajeta.
[Izu] Much as we serve our family in that role.
* Ifa considers.
[Ifa] Hmm.
[Ifa] (Let me check a thing real quick)
[Izu] (k)
[Ifa] I'm not averse to the idea, but it would mean, at least symbolically, having two of them give up their lineage for the rest to join.
[Izu] Perhaps we could see if any of their number have aspirations in that direction before we make our request. I would not want to force anyone into a role they do not want if it can be helped.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Perhaps Lovosa can help with the transition, and might know if any of them would be so inclined.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] It's a start.

Kuspir goes with Izu to talk with his Pillar, Fezef, about Bem’s problems and how he can support her

[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Kuspir, you've had a lot on your mind lately, although your responsibilities at the ulajeta are all pretty manageable.
[Nemnosti-GM] Because you have a number of questions that require confidential advice, you have thought about going to your Pillar for a consultation.
[Nemnosti-GM] Now that Izu can manage the Death Dialogue, you can even keep it in the family, presuming you don't have any awkward questions about Ifa for The Captain.
[Kuspir] (that seems unlikely)
[Nemnosti-GM] Anyway, you head down to the temple where you can find your brother-in-law making some sketches.
[Kuspir] Hello - what are you working on there?
[Izu] Ah, Kuspir. Our new Osper has asked me to make a statue for her. I'm making some sketches.
* Izu will pass him the diagrams of the unfolding statue.
[Izu] Tell me what you think. Honestly.
* Kuspir takes a look
[Kuspir] It seems interesting - it isn't like any of the sculptures I've seen before. Am I understanding correctly that it has some way of moving?
[Izu] Yes, that's the idea. It will be hinged on the bottom with a latch and lever to operate it. It I can make it work, of course.
[Kuspir] It seems complicated, but I'm sure if anyone can manage it, you can.
[Izu] I want to honor the unfolding by making a statue that does exactly that.
[Kuspir] Very clever.
[Izu] I will probably need to consult with Junu on the mechanism. I'm sure he will have ideas.
* Kuspir nods
[Izu] How are you? Is everything going well?
[Kuspir] I'm all right. If you aren't too busy, I was hoping to consult with the Captain.
[Izu] Ah, of course. I have time before Nemnu will need my attention for the evening.
[Kuspir] Thank you.
* Izu will put away his drawings and start leading Kuspir towards the mausoleum.
* Kuspir accompanies you
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you head to the Inner Caves where Fezef lies in a place of great honour.
[Izu] You now what it is you need to ask?
[Izu] (know)
[Kuspir] Yes, well, I know at least my first question. I suppose after that it depends on what he might say.
* Izu nods and finishes preparing the ritual.
* Izu will begin the death dialogue and open himself to channel the ancestor, Fezef Takovenga.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you make contact and begin the death dialogue, as Fezef comes through you to speak to Kuspir.
[Fezef] Hmm? Who comes?
[Kuspir] It is Kuspir, a stoneguard.
[Fezef] I see. And am I your Pillar?
[Kuspir] Yes, Captain.
[Fezef] Then I am honoured to serve even still.
[Fezef] How fares the ulajeta?
[Kuspir] It is safe at the moment, although there remain threats which we must stay alert for.
[Fezef] Eternally it is so.
[Fezef] So, Kuspir, what threat brings you here today?
[Kuspir] I wanted to ask your guidance about a matter of stoneguard leadership.
[Kuspir] There is a stoneguard, younger, who made a mistake recently, one which could have brought her and others to harm. Fortunately, none were lost on this occasion. She knows that she was in error, and I cannot say it is entirely her fault either, as she was manipulated into her decision.
[Fezef] Hmm, that is difficult.
[Kuspir] I am not certain how best to guide her in this - to overcome the feeling that she was foolish.
[Kuspir] To regain confidence in her ability to guard the ulajeta and make wise decisions.
[Fezef] Do you still have confidence in her, then?
[Kuspir] I think she lacks confidence in herself, but I don't think she is as weak as she fears she is. I believe she has had a number of blows to her confidence but that she could yet regain her strength with the right leadership.
[Fezef] I do not know this stoneguard, of course, but my first advice would be: do not tell her not to feel foolish. Rather, tell her to feel foolish, if that is how she feels.
[Fezef] If you tell her not to feel the way she feels, how can she ever trust her own feelings and instincts again?
[Kuspir] Hm, I see what you are saying.
[Kuspir] Would that not suggest that I do not have confidence in her though?
[Fezef] It would be acknowledging her error, and acknowledging that if you made the same error, you would also feel foolish.
[Fezef] Thus, if she trusts you, then she can see that her feeling is how you would feel, in the same situation.
[Kuspir] That is wise.
[Kuspir] Is there anything else you can think of that I could do to help her? I think she is concerned about being on guard alone, but I cannot stand at her side forever.
[Fezef] You will need to give her challenging tasks. Things that you think she can do, but that are not just simple everyday things.
[Fezef] The longer you avoid that, the weaker her mind will become.
[Kuspir] I see.
[Fezef] Trapped in the sense that she is merely a guardian, rather than a stoneguard.
[Fezef] I assume that difference is clear to our Order still, in your time?
[Kuspir] Yes, I understand your meaning.
[Kuspir] She worries that other stoneguards - and others outside the order - will hate her for what she did, but I have tried to reassure her it is not so.
[Fezef] What did she do?
[Kuspir] A young girl went out from the ulajeta and called for help, but it was a trap - she had gone to the Hulti. Bem - the stoneguard - went after her, and did not tell others where she was going, and became captured. We had to send out a group to rescue her. Fortunately no one was hurt, although the girl who left went with the Hulti - but that could have happened anyway.
[Kuspir] It was more complicated than that, but that is the gist of it, anyway.
[Fezef] Hmm. Why did she go alone?
* Kuspir considers how to answer that
[Kuspir] There was some magic involved, I think, the shaman or whatever of the Hulti using tricks against her. Bem said she felt this girl's pain and heard her voice, from across the valley, a great distance.
[Fezef] So, Hulti tricks. Well, I am sorry to hear that conflict with the Hulti continues even in your time; it was quiet during mine.
[Kuspir] Bem is a revenant and they probably chose her particularly because of that, to target her.
[Fezef] Oh. So she understands that she could have been killed, going off alone.
[Fezef] Has she been a revenant long?
[Kuspir] A few years.
[Fezef] And her deathcurse?
[Kuspir] She is active at night instead of in the day.
[Fezef] Well, that is useful, at least. We need night watch every day. But it may be that she is lonely.
[Fezef] Is she close with family? A husband?
[Kuspir] Her boyfriend broke up with her some months ago. I think it's true that she is lonely.
[Kuspir] Not because she was a revenant - at least, I think not. His family, the hengi's family, didn't like the match and thought he could do better.
[Fezef] The hengi, being the Nemni hengi, you mean?
[Kuspir] Yes
[Fezef] So she has lost status and face, perhaps, at the ulajeta. And then this means that even her role seems at risk.
[Kuspir] The family... it's complicated. But I told her if he wasn't willing to tell his family he wanted to be with her, he was too much of a coward for her anyway.
[Fezef] I know, Stoneguard Kuspir, that you would not be here if you did not believe in your soldier's worth and capacity. And while I do not know you, there is one thing I do know.
[Fezef] Which is that if I am your Pillar, that whoever chose that, be it Nemnu or whoever leads our order at Nemnosti, trusts you greatly.
[Fezef] And so I say that it is not only this Bem who needs confidence in her decisions, but also you.
[Kuspir] Yes, this is true.
[Fezef] So find roles for Bem, but more importantly ,find roles for yourself.
[Fezef] I command it, if that command means anything to you.
[Kuspir] All right. Thank you, Captain, I will do my best.
[Fezef] Until feet fail.
* Izu will end the dialogue.
[Izu] I hope you received the answers you sought.
[Kuspir] It was good counsel. I'll do what I can to follow it.
* Izu nods.

Izu and Kuspir learn from Ghorgimbe that a new saint, Sanar Gargimnai, has Awakened, and Nemnu charges Kuspir assemble a welcoming party to go to Zhustir and honour the new saint

[Nemnosti-GM] The two of you leave the Inner Caves, where you run into Ghorgimbe, who seems to have been waiting for you.
[Ghorgimbe] Kuspir. Voice Izu. You are done your consultation?
[Kuspir] Yes.
[Ghorgimbe] We need to speak, then.
[Izu] Of course. Is all well?
[Ghorgimbe] Well enough, although chaotic. I had hoped, with Ajemika's appointment, for some peace for a while.
[Ghorgimbe] There has been an Awakening.
[Kuspir] What?
* Izu 's eye widen at that.
[Ghorgimbe] A young girl in Zhustir has Awakened and a new saint has unfolded.
* Kuspir looks surprised
[Izu] A new saint? In Zhustir? Who is she?
[Ghorgimbe] Her name is Sanar Gargimnai.
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, of course you recognize your mother's lineage, although you're not sure who Sanar is to you exactly or how she's related to your side of the family.
[Kuspir] ...
[Kuspir] That is my mother's lineage.
[Kuspir] I don't know that name but I suppose I must find out.
[Ghorgimbe] Yes, which is why I am here specifically.
[Ghorgimbe] The news just came, and Nemnu asked me to ensure you were apprised immediately.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] What should I do?
[Izu] I should speak with The Lady. There will be much that needs to be done. Perhaps you should come with me.
[Kuspir] All right...
* Kuspir is still kind of stunned
[Ghorgimbe] Yes, I agree. Let us all go.
* Izu will put a hand on Kuspir's shoulder, although there is probably little he can do to physically steady the larger man.
[Nemnosti-GM] You head up to the upper levels of Carver's Hall, where Izu can quickly get Nemnu set up.
[Nemnu] My children, so speedy to gather.
[Nemnu] This glorious news will spread quickly.
[Nemnu] But that also will require quick action.
[Kuspir] What would You have us do?
[Nemnu] The child, she is from your mother's people, is that right, Medimur?
[Kuspir] It seems so, Lady, but I do not know the name.
[Nemnu] The time of awakening is always complex, no matter what the situation
[Nemnu] My own awakening was greatly aided by the fact that my dear Elujen was near me, and well-equipped to marshal support.
[Nemnu] Even then, I do not know how I could have succeeded, or even survived, without my dear friend Borgegus.
[Nemnu] This new saint, Sanar, will be surrounded with new supporters, but also many dangers.
[Nemnu] Not least of which, when the Old Folk learn about a new, vulnerable saint - all their work here may shift, in part, to the lowlands, to Zhustir.
[Nemnu] The new saint will need support, protection, and above all, wisdom.
[Nemnu] Other saints will occupy whatever space we do not. Borgegus, if we are lucky. But Fedifre Ula has been very active in the lowlands, all this year.
[Nemnu] A new saint's first months and even years are a very dangerous time.
[Nemnu] It may even be that Prime takes an interest in this one.
[Nemnu] There will be those who call themselves "Sanari" who have ill intent.
[Kuspir] Should we go to Zhustir?
* Nemnu pausess.
[Nemnu] Well, I think you should go to Zhustir. Along with a team that you select. We will need to send many supplies, and gifts.
[Nemnu] I fully expect that our Hulti problem will quickly become this new saint's Hulti problem.
* Kuspir nods
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!