Nemnosti session 21
Summary
Session
- Session date: January 19, 2025
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Romokh
Prologue
[NemnostiGM] Two days before the acolytes gather by the firelight ...
[NemnostiGM] Romokh sakhara! A joyful Romokh to you! The ulajeta is lively and active as Romokh enters its third day. The third day is for the redistribution of goods, where the bounty of the ulajeta is distributed to the poor and needy of the Pardopasu. This comes in the form of food, when food is most needed, but given the challenges to get here, payment in coin is far more common these days. Not that food will be lacking! The provisioners and gardeners and cooks here at the ulajeta will have bountiful meals for all who wish to join. It is surely also the busiest day of Romokh, for that reason, as people who would rarely come upriver travel. Some even from Ai Dandura at the edge of the province, or even further afield, if they have some connection to Nemnosti. The Grey Carver has never forgotten her responsibility to the common and country folk of the province, even all these centuries later. And of course, with all these people come new encounters and new challenges. Romokh sakherre! A joyful Romokh to all!
Marga consoles Bem, who confesses to her that she has feelings for Kuspir
[NemnostiGM] Marga, after your performance at the scaling of the Pardopasu, you were feeling ok, but definitely needing more training for next year. And hey, running up the valley is fun!
[NemnostiGM] Bem Pekai is not feeling nearly so good; she finished near the bottom of the pack and so was feeling pretty disappointed.
[NemnostiGM] She has asked you if you would be free to do some practicing just near dawn, around the time when she needs to go to bed.
[Marga] (sounds good!)
[NemnostiGM] Also Fultukhari will be there watching you! He is very excited because next year he is planning to do it himself.
* Bem is stretching out before you make the first attempt.
* Bem is looking over at Fultukhari, but you're not sure what she's thinking.
* Fultukhari is just sitting on a rock, not bothering anyone for once!
[Bem] Ready, Marga?
[Marga] Yeah! Let's go
* Marga is doing a lil warm up bounce, shaking out her arms and legs a bit.
[NemnostiGM] You race up the top to Istu Levunu. You're definitely sore after yesterday, but mostly in a good way, except that one place on your thigh from when you fell. Bem is definitely trying to keep pace but is not really successful.
[NemnostiGM] (no need to make more rolls here, this is not really a competition, just training)
[NemnostiGM] By the time you're on your way back down, it's not even close. You can slow up a bit if you like just so it isn't a complete embarrassment, or you can plow forward and win decisively.
* Bem collapses at the bottom.
[Marga] (I feel no need to humiliate my friend)
[Fultukhari] Good job, everyone!
[Marga] Thanks, man!
* Bem barely even raises her head; she's almost in a little ball.
[NemnostiGM] Marga, it seems to you like she might be crying.
[Marga] Oh Bem...
* Marga goes over to her.
[Marga] Are- are you okay?
[Marga] It's just running, it's not the end of he world...
[Bem] It's not that.
[Bem] The baby was born last night.
[Bem] Momuzai' baby. Or, well ... what they will say.
[Bem] (Momuzai's)
[Marga] The... oh.
[Bem] And then ...
* Bem pauses, and then looks over towards Fultukhari.
[Bem] Never mind.
[Fultukhari] And then what?
* Fultukhari asks cheerfully.
[Marga] (I am not sure how much Marga knows about the whole situation)
[NemnostiGM] (you definitely know that Bem and Momuzai were together, and that now Momuzai is betrothed to Afra, who just had "his" baby. More than that ... maybe not?)
[Marga] (yeah)
[Marga] Could you give us just a minute, Fultukhari? It's um, girl stuff
[Fultukhari] Oh! Ewww. Yeah, sure.
* Fultukhari scampers off.
[Marga] What's going on, Bem? :(
[Bem] You know, it's not like I ever thought I was going to be allowed to marry him. I'm not stupid.
[Bem] He's the hengi's son. I never loved him like ... with all my heart or anything.
* Bem pauses.
[Bem] Rechegoko seems like a really good guy.
[Marga] He is, I think... and I'm sorry.
[Bem] Like, when you see him, your heart beats faster and you just want to smile?
[Marga] Yeah... yeah.
* Marga smiles a little in spite of the overall mood
[Bem] Okay ... I never felt that way about Momuzai. Not once.
[Marga] Well, I'm sure there'll be someone who you *do* feel that way about.
* Bem breaks down completely when you say that.
[Bem] I'm ... just ... so ...stupid ...
[Marga] Oh honey, no you aren't!!!
[Marga] Why would you think that?
[Bem] He's never going to love me the way I do.
* Marga puts her arm around her.
[Bem] (you have no idea what she's talking about now)
[Marga] ... Wait, who?
[Bem] ... Kuspir.
* Bem says, very quietly.
[Marga] K... Kuspir? Stoneguard Kuspir?
* Bem nods.
[Marga] Well he is very... large
[Marga] And I mean, he's nice.
[Marga] Do you have a lot of um, duties with him?
[Bem] I'm sorry, it's all so stupid.
[Bem] Yes, we're basically together multiple shifts.
[Marga] No it's not, feelings aren't stupid.
[Marga] They just are.
[Bem] I can't just avoid him.
[Bem] My duty is to serve, just as his is.
[Marga] Well, have you tried, um... talking to him?
[Bem] And saying what?
[Marga] Yeah, good question. :/
* Marga scratches the back of her head.
[Bem] I'm not good at talking, Marga.
[Marga] I mean his wife is... she's not really around is she
[Marga] Haha me neither :/
[Bem] Right, and it's like, she's a revenant, I'm a revenant ... I don't know what that has to do with anything, it's just ... like he is so kind when he talks about Zurusha, I just like ...
[Marga] You want that kind of thing for yourself?
* Bem nods.
[Marga] Well I dunno Bem, some people do have well, not room, that's wrong. But they can hold more people in their hearts than just one
[Bem] I know he's a commoner and I'm just a Ravre, but ... like ...
* Bem struggles for the words.
[Bem] OK, so ... you know that when I died, now I sleep during the day, right?
[Marga] He doesn't seem like the kind of guy that really would judge on that.
[Marga] yeah...?
[Bem] So Kuspir is clearly the kind of guy who doesn't care about your wife being dead and not able to touch her. And my thing is not nearly that bad.
[Bem] But the other way of looking at it is, Zurusha had this thing happen to her, and it was just awful. Like, I can't even imagine.
[Bem] And the sort of man who would set that aside, for me, well, maybe he would set me aside, for some even nicer person. Some Nemni girl who the clan presents to him.
[Bem] Maybe I'm not making sense.
[NemnostiGM] It occurs to you at this point that this is more words than you have ever heard Bem say at one sitting, Marga. Whatever this is coming out, it's *really* coming out.
[Marga] Maybe he wouldn't set either of you aside.
[Marga] Didn't he say no to a ton of Nemni girls already?
[Marga] Like after the thing... happened to Zurusha there was like, a parade of them
[Bem] Yeah but that was the family presenting them to him, like ... like a consolation prize.
[Bem] Like how Afra got Momuzai as a consolation prize.
[Marga] I don't really know enough about what's going on there to say :/
[Bem] That's the way the Nemnis are, very political.
[Marga] Yuck.
[Bem] So I respect Kuspir for not wanting that.
[Marga] I dunno, maybe just ask him if he wants to do something outside of work sometime, see what he says
[Bem] I'm just not that kind of person.
[Marga] You know, I'm friends with his sister in law.
[Bem] Ifa?
[Marga] Yeah, Ifa.
[Bem] Yeah. Sure, of course.
[Marga] She knows him pretty well.
* Bem nods.
[Bem] Could you ... talk to her?
[Marga] Yeah, or we could go together.
[Bem] She's very good at these kinds of things.
[Bem] I'll think about it.
[Marga] Alrighty, just let me know! :)
[Bem] I will. And ... thanks, Marga.
[Marga] Of course!! Any time, Bem.
* Marga gives her a big hug.
Alai talks to Dadim about the mutually acceptable end of their marriage plans
[NemnostiGM] Alai, on the third day of Romokh you've been enjoying the various foodstuffs being served as part of the great feast. You certainly don't need charity but if there is free food, you'll take it.
[NemnostiGM] You're walking along the row of stalls and then you look up and see who else but Dadim Nemni, serving liquor to passersby.
[Dadim] Alai ... hi!
[Alai] Hello Dadim.
[Dadim] I ... ahhh ... it's good to see you!
* Dadim seems honestly happy to see you.
[Alai] Is it? Why?
* Alai asks curiously
[Dadim] Because I don't want you to think badly of me, and am glad to be able to speak frankly.
[Dadim] I don't think we should get married.
* Alai laughs
[Alai] I am sorry. Is not funny, but really is.
* Dadim furrows his brow.
[Dadim] How so?
[Alai] I agree. We should not get married.
* Dadim smiles.
[Dadim] I have been so worried about talking to you. Almost as worried as talking to my parents, or Hojon.
[Dadim] I really think you're a fascinating person, and I really would like to get to know you better. Ifa and Izu think you're great. But this is not a good match.
[Alai] Feel less worry. I have already made my feelings know to the Vegru. You have escaped this drama. You may say thank you.
[Dadim] I was really worried I was going to have to justify myself. I have a long list of other justifications, if you want to hear them.
[Alai] You seemed to have thought much on them, so please do so.
* Dadim laughs
[Dadim] I was going to explain that I definitely have too much of a roving eye for this, but I then thought that you probably don't care about that much.
[Dadim] I was also going to say a bunch of bad things about myself, such as that I'm lazy, and only love being a bartender, but those aren't really true, but I thought it might convince you.
[Dadim] This is much easier, Alai, just saying the things I would have said, without worrying if they will convince you. It's kind of fun.
[Dadim] I was going to say that you are better for someone more intellectual, which is probably true, but you've already thought of that.
[Alai] I see you've taken some thought on this.
[Dadim] I thought you were going to kill me.
[Dadim] So I thought I should use what I was good at, which is words, to be as convincing as possible.
[Dadim] I didn't really think you were going to kill me.
[Dadim] Hurt me, maybe.
[Alai] I may still, day isn't over.
[Dadim] I have learned that you are a person whom one does not wish to disappoint.
[Alai] Very true. I'm glad you are taking this end so well... actually I felt that you would most likely be none ill effected by the end of our marriage.
[Alai] I am sure you are very good at your life, and very happy in it.
[Alai] It is just not my life.
[Dadim] I mean, I had thought of all of that. I'm not a genius but I know about bad marriages. Every bartender and innkeeper does.
[Dadim] Oh! How foolish of me. Here, have a drink.
* Dadim hands you a drink.
* Alai takes it
[Alai] what is it?
[Dadim] Queenshook. My specialty.
* Alai gives it a try
[NemnostiGM] (it's delicious!)
[Alai] clearly you have found where your talents lie
[Dadim] Anyway, ultimately I decided the only thing that this marriage had going for it, really, was that it would end my family's nagging. And that seemed like a very bad basis to go forward.
[Dadim] I mean, I like you well enough, but you and I are very different people. Very.
[Dadim] And I even thought, hey, Dadim, you're kind of a slut, you could fuck her once, maybe she's good in bed.
[Dadim] But then I thought, well, that also is not the best reason to move forward.
* Alai finishes her drink
[Alai] I do appreciate you direct you have been.
[Alai] While you do pose some curiosity, I think such relations, considering recent events, could lead to missinterpretations, do you not think?
* Dadim smiles.
[Dadim] I completely agree.
[Alai] You will have to find some other valley to ply your skills today, alas. I suspect you will have little trouble.
* Dadim laughs.
[Dadim] More than one, unless I'm losing my touch.
* Alai rolls her eyes
[Alai] I weep for you. If you would manage to find the right one, you wouldn't be capable of finding others, at least for that day... or more.
[Dadim] Someday, Alai, under different circumstances ... well, I'm sure we will be friends going forward.
[Alai] Say hello to my brother when you see him next. He could visit, maybe once a year.
* Alai waves goodbye and will continue on
[NemnostiGM] Ifa it's the third day of Romokh, in the evening. Last night, you didn't get much sleep because you were helping with the baby, of course. All is well there, with mother and son both resting at the iftibal. And you've managed to get some sleep yourself, at least a little.
[NemnostiGM] Jesa has given you a day of minimal duties in recognition that you're no good to anyone exhausted. But by evening, you're back up and around, managing some of the bubunne, getting them put away and brushed off after their long day of service distributing goods to the commonfolk who have come for the festival.
[NemnostiGM] You're just finishing that up when Ajemika Nemni comes into the bubun stables.
[Ajemika] Ifa, we need your help.
* Ifa looks up from what she's doing with a curious face.
[Ifa] Ajemika, what's up?
[Ajemika] Father.
[Ajemika] He is being intransigent.
[Ifa] That's not unusual...
[Ajemika] It's about the baby.
* Ifa puts down whatever she's working with at the moment.
[Ifa] What about him?
[Ajemika] He wants to name the baby Hojon.
[Ifa] (quietly)...Of course he does.
[Ajemika] So you are going to come with me, tell him he can't do that, and get us to a name everyone can live with.
[Ifa] I mean, I'll come talk to him, but he hasn't listened to me in any of this yes.
[Ifa] What did Afra and Momuzai say?
* Ifa will walk with Ajemika.
[Ajemika] Well it's not Afra's business. She's not a Nemni.
[Ajemika] And Momuzai ... well, he's a moron. You know that.
* Ifa stops in her tracks.
[Ajemika] He will want what Dad wants because he's a moron.
[Ifa] Did you or your father just give birth?
* Ajemika looks at you.
[Ajemika] You know how it is. This is a Nemni baby, Ifa. A male baby.
[Ajemika] There aren't that many of those.
[Ifa] Yeah, *because* of Afra and all of this. She loves your father and I will support her in that, and, Knots, I have a great deal of respect for you, but you can fuck **right** off with saying this is none of Afra's business.
[Ifa] If nothing else, she might be one of the few people your father might actually listen to.
* Ajemika sighs.
[Ajemika] Well you're not wrong about that. He is definitely entranced by her.
[Ajemika] All right, let's call a meeting, then. You, me, him, her.
* Ifa nods.
[Ajemika] I need you to mediate this, Ifa.
[Ajemika] This is not going to go easy.
[Ajemika] He's in an agitated state.
[Ifa] ...More that seems necessary or warranted?
[Ifa] (than*)
[Ajemika] Probably? I don't know. I'm pretty agitated myself right now.
[Ajemika] That old fucker just can't think of anyone else but himself.
[Ifa] -_-
[Ajemika] Come on, then.
* Ifa follows.
[NemnostiGM] You head to the ulajeta and soon enough, have assembled in the room where Afra is resting (but awake), along with Ajemika and Hojon.
* Hojon seems very cranky.
[Hojon] I don't know why we need a committee of the ladies to decide this matter.
* Ifa will go to check on Afra briefly.
* Afra smiles.
[Ifa] Are there other parties you would prefer?
[Afra] The baby is doing so well, Ifa. You did such a good job.
[Hojon] This is an internal matter.
[Ifa] (to Afra, obvs) You did all the work. :)
[Ajemika] Father, you know as well as I do that Ifa *is* internal. And also, she is a Hand. This is their sacred responsibility, the recording of names.
[Hojon] Recording, not deciding.
[Hojon] It's not every day that I get to name a son.
[Ajemika] Grandson.
[Ifa] (to Hojon) Internal to whom? For instance, I don't see Momuzai.
* Ifa nods towards Ajemika.
* Hojon laughs out loud.
[Hojon] He's done his job.
[Hojon] Now let me do mine.
[Ajemika] You cannot name the baby Hojon.
[Hojon] I can do what I want!
[Ajemika] It's gross and inappropriate and you know it.
* Afra is just lying there uncomfortably.
[Ifa] It would be a burden the child would carry around his entire life.
[Afra] (not that she's in discomfort - just the situation)
[Ifa] (*nod*)
[Ajemika] I had suggested that perhaps Gatiz, after my great-great-grandfather, also of the Sortusai.
[Ajemika] That way we recognize the Sortusai and honour their contribution to this child.
* Ifa looks to Afra to gauge her reaction to that.
* Afra seems uncertain, but doesn't say anything.
[Ifa] Gatiz is a strong name.
* Hojon scowls.
[Hojon] I want a Nemni name for a Nemni child.
[Ifa] (What's Hojon's father's name?)
[NemnostiGM] (Multur)
[NemnostiGM] Multur Osper Nemni was the hengi before Hojon, died in 755. You knew him. Nothing objectionable about that.
[Ifa] Multur? That honors the lineage without the underlying issue.
* Hojon shakes his head.
[Hojon] No. Hojon is a better name.
[Ajemika] Father, you're being an ass!
[Ifa] Why?
[Hojon] My father was a fool and a lecher.
[Ifa] ...
[Ajemika] Then it seems just as good as Hojon!
[Hojon] Oh, fuck off, Oldoka!
[NemnostiGM] There is a pause in the room.
[Ajemika] Ajemika, Father.
[Hojon] You know what I meant!
[Afra] Gatiz would be all right. Or Multur.
* Afra says quietly.
* Ifa looks over at Ajemika to give a concerned look, then turns back.
[NemnostiGM] (Ifa, you would know that Oldoka was Hojon's twin sister, who died when she was 16, many years ago)
[Ifa] (kk, I was trying to look her up :P )
[Ajemika] Hand Ifa, I call on you in your capacity to resolve this issue. We have three names available: Hojon, Gatiz, and Multur.
[Ajemika] I will accede to your decision.
[Hojon] You brought her in here, of course you would say that!
[Hojon] You probably told her what to say!
[Ifa] (Steve, I don't want to take up too much time, but could I speak to them each alone, hopefully briefly?)
[NemnostiGM] (ok)
[Ifa] Have you found proscribing what I say to be particularly effective, hengi?
[Ifa] May I have a moment to confer with you alone?
* Hojon scowls.
[Hojon] Yes, fine.
* Ifa will step outside with him, presumably trying to find a nearby unoccupied room.
[Ifa] Would you like to take a moment? Tensions are running high, I know.
* Hojon leads you out of the room and into an adjacent room. You actually see your little(?) niece Irdomila in there, reading a book, but she sees you and immediately scurries off somewhere.
[Hojon] I'm fine.
[Hojon] Say what you have to say.
[Ifa] Very well. We do not need to rehash my opinions on all of this; Afra loves you and I support her. To that end, I am trying to give *everyone* the best chance at happiness here. Can you explain to me why you want the child named Hojon?
[Hojon] Because if I cannot give the child my status as his father, I should at least be able to give him something. A name.
[Ifa] You have given him life, you and Afra. He would not exist were it not for you.
[Ifa] And he will have status. His acknowledged father is the son of a hengi, possibly will be one himself.
[Hojon] Knots said that, many times.
[Ifa] But if you try to give him this, ultimately all you will give him is shame. Surely you do not want that for either of your sons, or Afra.
[Hojon] So you prefer Multur?
[Ifa] I'll consult with Ajemika and Afra. Multur is a fine name, as you pointed out, a Nemni name.
[NemnostiGM] (all right, make a Diplomacy check)
[Ifa] Gatiz...it's possible Afra might have some thoughts on it, so I want to talk to her individually as well.
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+17
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 21 ].
[Hojon] Fine.
[Hojon] Talk to them.
* Hojon seems still unsettled, but calmer.
* Ifa tries to give him a reassuring nod, and will go back in.
[Ifa] He's willing to compromise with a different name.
* Ajemika smiles.
[Ifa] Two others have been put forward. Ajemika, do you have a preference towards Gatiz or Multur? Or another name that had already been passed over?
[Ajemika] I leave to you, Hand Ifa.
* Ajemika is smart, having already won the key battle.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Would you mind giving me just a moment to talk to Afra?
[Ajemika] Of course.
* Ajemika and Hojon will leave the room, and Ajemika will place her hand on her dad's shoulder as they leave together.
* Ifa gives a slight smile seeing that.
[Afra] I'm sorry to cause so much trouble, again.
[Ifa] *You* didn't, I promise.
[Afra] I know he's difficult sometimes.
[Ifa] I just wanted to see if you had a preference, without them here to yell about it.
[Afra] You heard what he said, right? The name?
[Ifa] I did. :(
[Ifa] It's concerning, but a longer-term issue.
[Ifa] One literal baby step at a time.
[Afra] I have a cousin Gatiz, not nearby, who was also named after the Gatiz Sortusai who married a Nemni.
[Afra] He's not the nicest person.
[Afra] Multur, I never really new the old hengi. But it is a good name.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Sorry you're having to deal with this when you should be getting rest.
[Ifa] Is it okay for me to bring them back in?
[Afra] Thank you for coming.
[Afra] Yes, bring them back.
[Ifa] Hey, I'm here for you. Whenever.
* Ifa squeezes her hand a moment, then rises and brings the other two back in.
[Ifa] It appears we have a consensus. Multur Nemni it is, a fine name.
[Hojon] I will agree to it.
[Ajemika] Thank you, Hand Ifa, for your wise counsel.
[Ifa] Well, counsel anyway. :)
[Ifa] I'm happy to have helped.
* Afra smiles.
[Ifa] I think everyone needs rest, or at least as much as is possible during the holidays.
[Hojon] I will make the announcement tomorrow morning. After we get our rest, yes.
* Ifa smiles.
Jevai talks to the mosaicist-sigillant Eneronde Pekai, who tries to convince her to act as Downward to her noble Pebble, Ukhuri Kaisastelovis
[NemnostiGM] The fourth day of Romokh is for the display of artistic creation. And of course, here, at Nemnosti, that is work in stone, sculpture and architecture and carving, in alabaster and in marble. Some of you know that the sculptor Junu Arfendazi will be unveiling his great new masterwork, which is expected to be glorious.
[NemnostiGM] But all the artists of the province who want to see their work displayed have congregated here. Some will sell their work here, where they have the largest audience. Others are simply here to display their art.
* Jevai does like this part, though the crowds are still a bit much for her
[NemnostiGM] Jevai, you're wandering along when a familiar voice calls from behind you.
[Eneronde] Hey, Red!
* Jevai smiles and will turn to her
[Jevai] Eneronde, hello :)
[Eneronde] It's been a while.
[Jevai] It has. Are you showing anything this year?
* Eneronde nods.
[Eneronde] First time I've actually ever been.
[Eneronde] To Romokh, I mean, here at Nemnosti.
[Jevai] This is my favourite part of the holiday
[Eneronde] Usually I just stick around in Naftusa, but this time my patron insisted that I come.
[Jevai] who is your patron?
[Eneronde] Ukhuri Kaisastelovis. Well her, and her husband, Rosem Dendorfi. But really her. Verga's mom?
* Jevai nods
[NemnostiGM] (you're not really familiar with all the Omban nobility nonsense but surely know that the Kaisastelovis and Dendorfi, along with the Sortusai, are the big noble lineages around here)
[Jevai] did she want you to check up on him?
[Eneronde] On Verga?
[Eneronde] No, no.
[Eneronde] That's her job.
* Jevai teases a bit
[Jevai] is she here as well, then?
[Eneronde] Oh yes.
[Jevai] it sounds like you're doing quite well, then, anyway!
* Eneronde considers that.
[Eneronde] Yeah, I ... I had been meaning to talk to you about something.
[Jevai] oh?
[Eneronde] Here, come see my work and I'll talk.
* Jevai nods and will go over to where her studf is displayed
* Eneronde shows you some of her mosaic work, which is very interesting, using stones but also fragments of ceramic to depict what you can clearly recognize as a sigillant pattern, but made to look like a pack of lions.
[Jevai] oh, I like that...
[Eneronde] I thought you might.
[Jevai] (is there anything actually lodged? can I tell?)
[NemnostiGM] (you can make a K:arcana)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 31 ].
[NemnostiGM] Jevai, you see that there is indeed a Moment of Greatness spell lodged here. The workmanship on the lodging seems surprisingly poor for Eneronde, and compared to the rest of the mosaic.
[Jevai] ...is this really your work?
* Jevai asks her quietly
* Jevai traces the sigil
* Eneronde shakes her head.
* Eneronde speaks almost in a whisper.
[Eneronde] My new Pebble.
[Jevai] your patron?
* Jevai remembers some rumors she'd heard, and wondered abotu before
* Eneronde nods.
[Jevai] hmm.
[Eneronde] Ukhuri is a very quick learner. I mean, she's just starting. She's old of course, for a pebble. But very devoted.
[Jevai] who all is she learning from?
[Eneronde] Well ... so far she has just been learning from me.
[Eneronde] I was hoping to talk to you, though.
[Eneronde] I thought, perhaps, if you are interested ... maybe you could serve as her Downward?
[Jevai] how do you think this great lady would take such a thing?
[Eneronde] She's not like that.
[Jevai] no?
[Jevai] Who served as you downward?
[Jevai] (your)
[Eneronde] Giri. But I can't approach him with this.
[Jevai] (derp, I knew that)
[Jevai] No.
[Eneronde] And Ukhuri, she wants her training to be quiet. Not public, not known widely.
[Eneronde] Because her father is the Kaisastelovis hengi, her husband is the Dendorfi hengi, she is very wealthy, very powerful, but just ... she just wants something that is hers. Which makes so much sense to me.
[Eneronde] I've been working with her for about a year. She is very generous to me. I know money doesn't motivate you in the same way.
[Jevai] The sigillant way is not something that can ever be just hers. That's not what its for.
[Eneronde] I know that. She knows that. I think she is looking for ... some connection.
[Jevai] connection?
[Eneronde] To the land ... to the people.
[Jevai] but in secret.
[Eneronde] Secret from the nobility. It doesn't have to be, shouldn't be, secret from the tekrur.
[Jevai] but it has been... It feels badly begun. And I am very busy.
[Eneronde] I know it's not ideal.
[Eneronde] I thought, maybe you could channel your negative feelings about it, into the work?
[Eneronde] Like, if she knows how disappointed you are that she is doing this?
[Jevai] there's plenty enough to find disappointing here.
* Jevai says with a gesture at the work
* Eneronde nods.
[Eneronde] I don't need an answer today. But will you consider it?
[Jevai] I've given a lot of thought ofver how I would ever handle a pebble of my own, as downward.
[Jevai] I think ourt teachings must have been.... very different.
[Jevai] I would have to meet her, to consider.
* Eneronde nods.
[Eneronde] Of course. And I haven't said anything specifically about you. Just that she will need a Downward for her training to continue.
[Eneronde] And that I know some people.
* Jevai nods
[Eneronde] I know this is unorthodox. And I know some people think that only Ravre should ever learn the craft. But she wouldn't be the first non-Ravre ever to learn. It's rare but not unheard of.
[Eneronde] She might be the first from the nobility.
[Jevai] mmhmm
[Jevai] I'll speak to her
* Eneronde smiles.
[Eneronde] Thank you!
[Eneronde] I can make all the arrangements.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] alright - I'll leave that to you. Good luck with your showing :)
Hojon announces the birth of his new (grand)son, Multur Nemni
[NemnostiGM] Shortly after midday, in the great courtyard, the hengi has a special announcement. He comes out, flanked by various Nemni family members.
[NemnostiGM] (just immediate family, Ifa and Izu, but of course you, and anyone else, can be in the audience)
[Hojon] Welcome to all the people of the province who have joined us here today!
[Hojon] My kidneys and lungs are full as I share with you Nemnosti, my home; our Lady's wisdom, for which we are all reverent; and the bounty of this place.
[Hojon] Today we will also see the great artists of Nemnosti and the province present their work, to glorify the Ancestors, both here and elsewhere.
[Hojon] And of course, we rejoice in one another's company.
[Hojon] But today I am especially overjoyed for another reason.
* Hojon reaches down beside him, and takes a small bundle from a handy bubun nearby.
[Hojon] It is my honour to present to you Multur Nemni, child of Afra and Momuzai!
[Hojon] It is a strong name, a proud name, and it is my joy to give him the name of an honoured ancestor, his grandfather ...
[Hojon] Ahh ... his great-grandfather ...
[NemnostiGM] At this, there are inevitably murmurs throughout the crowd, among those in the know.
[Hojon] May young Multur be the first voice of a new generation of Nemni!
[NemnostiGM] At this, anyone who is looking her way might see Ajemika squeeze her daughter Henda's hand tightly.
[Hojon] In honour of this joyous day, I will be giving, in addition to yesterday's gifts, one thousand gold horns for the country folk of the province.
[NemnostiGM] At this, there is an enormous cheer!
[Hojon] Now go, and rejoice, and celebrate with my family!
The display of artistic endeavours; Izu offers up some work that is not his best sculpture, but worse, Junu Arfendazi’s new masterpiece collapses inexplicably
[NemnostiGM] A short time later there is the display of new art, which takes place in the eastern part of the ulajeta, towards the Imp's Pool and Hul Hai
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you can make a Craft roll for your submission to the display.
[Izu] !roll 1d20+13
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 16 ].
[Izu] (Destiny)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+13
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 14 ].
[Izu] ...
[NemnostiGM] It just didn't come together the way you wanted. You hoped that its flaws would not be visible, but it's pretty obvious in the sunlight that it is not great. Everyone is very polite.
[Izu] -_-
[Alai] !roll 1d20+16
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 35 ].
[NemnostiGM] Alai, your Luetkan finery is very well received.
[NemnostiGM] Of course, hardly anyone here really knows anything about Luetkan jewelry or its styles, but you attract a lot of potential buyers offering to purchase it immediately.
[NemnostiGM] Junu will step out, with his work covered in a fine white cloth. (Izu, of course you have already seen it up close)
[Junu] My friends, it is my pleasure to present to you my latest work. "Downfall".
* Junu pulls the cover off the sculpture.
[NemnostiGM] "Downfall" is a sculpture in alabaster, about eighteen inches in height, set here on a large pedestal.
[NemnostiGM] It is of a young boy holding a goblet (for anyone looking from a distance)
[Junu] Some of you may be familiar with the tradition of ogol ceramic vessels, which since the time of Zunuga, and perhaps even earlier, use the human body as the basis for containers for fluid, an analogy to our own Coherence and Unfolding and the organs and essences that compose us.
[Junu] Downfall takes the form of the ogol and transforms it into red-gold alabaster, one of the rarest colours of the stone. The child carrying the goblet represents the folly of humans who are too hasty or unwise.
[Junu] Filled modestly, it invites joy and consumption, serving as a centerpiece for a fine table full of merriment.
* Junu pours some wine into it.
[Junu] Taken beyond that point, though, and the entirety disappears, drawn into the body of the vessel itself. Not by magic, but by the same force of Unfolding that draws the river downhill.
* Junu pours more wine into it.
[NemnostiGM] At once, quite unexpectedly, the head of the statue changes form, its neck bending, and then the entire head collapses upon itself, rolling off onto the flagstones of the courtyard.
[NemnostiGM] There is great confusion, mixed with applause, as Junu looks on with horror.
[Izu] o.O
[NemnostiGM] Many of the crowd are definitely under the impression that this was supposed to happen.
* Junu rushes over to the head, which is chipped but still roughly intact, and picks it up.
[NemnostiGM] The red wine flows out of the sculpture of the child onto the flagstone of the courtyard.
[Junu] No ... nooooo ....
* Izu will rush over to Junu
[NemnostiGM] Definitely people are getting the impression that something is wrong now, unless this is a very strange piece of performance art.
[Izu] Junu... what happened?
[Junu] I don't know ... someone must have done this ...
* Junu is weeping, holding the tiny head of a stone child in his hands.
[Izu] How?
[Junu] I don't know.
[Izu] It's ok... we can... fix it... maybe...
* Izu says without any real ability to lie.
* Junu looks at you tearfully.
[Junu] Izu.
[Junu] Please.
[NemnostiGM] (want to make that bluff check you were bragging about earlier?)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+1
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+1 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 1 ] totals [ 13 ].
[NemnostiGM] (even with that, it's still worse than your own art)
[Izu] I'm so sorry Junu...
On the fifth day of Romokh, Pejen and Chorgosh Pilting arrive from Ojon Sogo to pay respects to the “Ancestor” Kibai
[NemnostiGM] Finally, the fifth day of Romokh is for introspection, forgiveness, and communion with one's kin, with one's fellow acolytes, and of course to consult and honour the Ancestors. All who have relatives of their lineage here are welcome to visit at any time, of course, but it is often most convenient to do so when one has time.
[NemnostiGM] Some of those who came on the first or second day will already be heading home by this time, especially if they have a long trip to make to wherever there home is.
[NemnostiGM] But there are still newcomers arriving, to take advantage of the generosity of the ulajeta, especially if they know of Hojon's new generosity.
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you are utterly exhausted by this point in Romokh. You've basically not seen either of your kids for the past four days, and are just glad that there are lots of relations to take care of them.
[NemnostiGM] You're at the gate (again) this morning, when two people, an elderly woman and a young man, approach the West Gate.
[Kuspir] (do I recognize them?)
[NemnostiGM] (nope, never seen them before)
[Kuspir] Good morning, travelers.
* Kuspir says politely
[Pejen] Good morning, sir knight. I am Pejen Pilting, and this is my grandson Chorgosh.
[Pejen] We come here to venerate the Ancestors.
[Pejen] I, ahh ... pardon me, it has been very long and I do not know the words.
[Kuspir] It's fine, please take your time. Can I help you?
[Pejen] We Piltings, we do not have ancestors here exactly, but ... we wish to speak to a Voice about a place of honour here, for one of our kinswomen, whose body is lost.
[Kuspir] I see. Who is your kinswoman?
[Pejen] My granddaughter Kibai.
[NemnostiGM] Well at this Kuspir, you definitely recognize the name, and know that Kibai is alive and well and living at Nemnosti.
[Chorgosh] I had a dream where she came to me, to tell me of her death.
[NemnostiGM] (give me a SM please)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 33 ].
[NemnostiGM] There's definitely something weird going on here, but they truly appear to believe that Kibai is dead.
[NemnostiGM] You don't know all of Kibai's story, except what she told you right when she was rescued, but you know that she said she was living out in the wilds by her own choice, apart from her family.
[Kuspir] Let me bring you inside, and I'll see about getting someone who can help you.
[Pejen] Thank you, sir knight.
* Kuspir will bring them to a place where visitors can stay, and then go look for Ifa and Izu, if I can find either one of them (or both).
[NemnostiGM] You can find them both pretty easily.
* Kuspir will make sure we're speaking privately (or as privately as is possible under the circumstances)
[Kuspir] There's a problem. That girl, Kibai - some of her family are here, they think she's dead and want to make some kind of ... place of honour for her, despite not having her remains. But I have a weird feeling about it.
[Izu] (Is that a thing we can even do?)
[NemnostiGM] Izu, yes, it is quite common, if a body is lost, you basically reserve a place, in case it's ever found. Same thing happens if you have just a piece of the body, but not enough to communicate with it.
* Ifa looks concerned.
[Izu] (k)
[NemnostiGM] It's sad, of course, because you can't actually do anything with an empty box, but you can at least do the ordinary grieving / respect.
[NemnostiGM] So the request is normal, as far as that goes.
* Izu looks at Ifa.
[Kuspir] But she said she didn't have any family. So I don't know if she's trying to hide from them, or she's lying, or what.
[Ifa] The former, I think.
[Ifa] She has a complicated relationship with her family, to the point she feels she has none.
[Kuspir] Well, okay. Do you think we can put them off with some kind of ceremony or something, and let her know to lie low while they're here?
* Kuspir seems uncertain about what would be the best course of action
[Izu] It should be easy enough to arrange. We do it regularly.
[Kuspir] Even though she's alive?
[Izu] Well no, that part is novel
[Kuspir] All right. Izu, can you come with me to talk to the family, then, and Ifa, maybe you can let her know that her grandmother and ... brother? cousin? something like that, are here, and if she doesn't want them to know she's here, she should stay out of sight for a little while?
[Ifa] I can do that.
[Kuspir] Thank you.
[Ifa] You're both comfortable with handling the...deception?
[Kuspir] It's not my strong point, no.
[Izu] I... can try. I'm not very good at lying.
[Kuspir] But if I have to, I will.
[Kuspir] But they wanted to see a Voice, so it would be a bit strange if I go back with a Hand.
[Ifa] I'm not saying I need to handle it; I just wanted to check.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] I will do my best.
[Ifa] I know.
[Izu] Perhaps the less I say, the better.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] You'll both be fine, I'm sure.
Ifa finds Kibai and gets her to lay low while her relatives are visiting, so as to support the ruse that she is dead
* Ifa will go find Kibai wherever she may be.
[NemnostiGM] Ifa, Kibai's not hard to find. She's in her room in the basement of the ulajeta, where most of the acolytes reside. You briefly wonder why she's not out enjoying herself, but then, it's Kibai, she's not big on crowds and company.
[Ifa] Hey, Kibai. You doing okay?
[Kibai] Hmm? Oh, yes. It's just all a bit loud out there.
* Ifa smiles.
* Kibai definitely has bulked up quite a bit since she arrived, and you can see that she's actually physically fairly strong by this point.
[Ifa] It is that.
[Ifa] So, it's good I found you in here. I have...news.
[Ifa] Some of your family are here.
[Ifa] They seem to think you're an Ancestor now.
* Kibai looks at you with alarm.
[Kibai] My ... family?
[Kibai] Who?
[Ifa] Your grandmother and...either cousin, maybe brother, according to Kuspir.
[Kibai] No ... nonono ... no.
* Kibai crawls onto her bed, clearly terrified.
[NemnostiGM] (give me a SM)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 29 ].
[NemnostiGM] (obviously she is actually terrified. You get the sense that there's something else though - maybe about the particulars of the people? But maybe not.)
[Ifa] (Speaking softly) Hey, it's okay sweetie, they don't know you're here.
[Kibai] They think I'm dead?
[Ifa] That's what they told Kuspir at least. They want to set up a memorial.
[Kibai] What did Kuspir tell them?
[Kibai] What did *you* tell them?
* Kibai says, almost accusatory.
[Ifa] I haven't spoken to them. Kuspir came and got Izu and me, and the two of them are speaking to them now.
[Kibai] And they're going to ... lie to them?
[Ifa] We figure we can set up the memorial and see them on their way. I came down here to let you know what was going on and say you might want to stay in while they're here to avoid running into them.
* Kibai smiles broadly.
[Kibai] Thank you, thank you!
* Kibai practically weeps out the words.
[Ifa] Kibai, what did you think we were going to do?
[Kibai] I don't know, tell them that I was here? People don't lie for me.
[Ifa] Well, while I haven't told anyone what you told me, they did know you and your family don't get along.
* Kibai nods.
[Ifa] And, well, we're here to help. It's kind of what Kuspir, Izu and I are all sworn to do.
[Ifa] In our own ways.
[Kibai] If it's all right with you, I'm just going to stay here in my room until you tell me that they're gone.
* Ifa nods.
[Kibai] If you could let Amasa know I won't come to the evening class tonight, and maybe get some food for me?
[Ifa] I'll make sure meals get brought down.
[Ifa] I can do that.
* Kibai smiles.
[Kibai] You're so kind, Ifa. I don't deserve your kindness.
[Ifa] I do feel I should ask, just as a general precaution: are you in danger from your family?
[Ifa] How concerned do we need to be?
[Kibai] I'm sure they don't present any danger to you.
[Kibai] But ... yes, I think if they had me back ... please keep me safe, Ifa.
[Ifa] I will do everything I can, and there are others more capable than me who will do the same.
[Kibai] Thank you.
[Ifa] I don't want to pry, but...would you be willing to tell me what happened?
* Kibai looks at you, and shakes her head.
[Ifa] I know it's not really my business, but sometimes talking helps.
[Kibai] Maybe some other day?
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I'm sorry you're missing the festivities. I'll be sure to bring you some treats with your, you know, real food.
* Kibai smiles.
[Kibai] Thanks.
* Ifa returns the smile.
[Ifa] Do you want me to ask someone to keep an eye out outside your door, just in case? Or is that too prison-y?
[Kibai] That's not necessary.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] As you wish. I'll be back in a little bit with some food, after I let Amasa know you'll be absent.
* Ifa will go do those things.
Izu and Kuspir learn that Chorgosh had a dream that Kibai was dead; they support the family by finding a place in the Outer Caves where they can pay respects even without her body
[NemnostiGM] All right, Izu and Kuspir, you can return to the pair, who you've had sitting in a nice room but still at the West Gate.
[Kuspir] Good day, this is Voice Izu. He can help with your request.
* Izu will nod to them.
[Izu] Welcome
[Pejen] Thank you, Voice Izu.
[Izu] How can I be of assistance?
[Pejen] The deceased is my granddaughter, Kibai. She was lost in the wilderness, around a year ago. We hoped for her return, but ... nothing. And then, well, my grandson Chorgosh will report.
[Chorgosh] A couple months ago, I had a vision. Kibai, she came to me in a dream. It felt so real, though.
[Chorgosh] She told me she had moved on, become an Ancestor.
[Izu] I see. And you have not heard from her in a year, you say?
* Pejen nods.
[Pejen] Perhaps even a bit more.
[Pejen] We simply want to do what's right by her.
[Pejen] We're simple people, from Ojon Sogo.
[Pejen] We don't even have a proper Voice among us.
[Izu] I understand. It's not unheard of, and of course we will do what we can for your grandaughter. I will need some time to make the preparations.
[Izu] Will you be in town for long, or only for today?
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you know that what she says about Ogon Sogo is true. It's very very isolated, even for a Ravre village, and the Ravre Voices don't go there much.
[Pejen] We could stay, if needed.
[Pejen] We would have come earlier, but it is a long journey for an old lady.
[Izu] Of course. Let me go and begin making preparations. In the meantime, you can rest inside or feel free to enjoy the festivities.
[Kuspir] We can find space for you to stay if you wish to rest.
[Pejen] Thank you, sir knight.
* Kuspir will see if someone can get them some food/drink and try to keep an eye on them so they don't go wandering off all over the place.
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you can definitely take care of that. This situation is strange but providing hospitality while also keeping people in place is well within your skillset.
[Chorgosh] You're a stoneguard?
[Kuspir] Yes, that's right.
[Chorgosh] So you guard the holy ancestors, and Nemnu?
[Kuspir] Yes.
[Pejen] Forgive us, sir, we are very unaccustomed to Nemnosti.
[Kuspir] There is no need for apology. Many people come here for the festival who have rarely been here before, if ever.
[Pejen] Once, I was supposed to come here as an acolyte. But then my hengi forbade it.
* Kuspir nods, listening
[Kuspir] It is a great honour and a great sacrifice at once.
[NemnostiGM] Izu makes the necessary arrangements, and Kuspir makes sure to accompany the family the entire way through their time at Nemnosti. A place is found in the Outer Caves for "Kibai" to be venerated.
Romokh ends with Amasa Nemni talking to the acolytes by the firelight
[NemnostiGM] Romokh comes to a close on the fifth evening, and you can all rest and recover, as summer turns into fall. Amasa calls the acolytes together for the first time since Romokh began.
[Amasa] Greetings, acolytes! I have missed you all, around the firelight, these past days. I hope your Romokh has been joyful and wild and all the good things you wanted it to be. Now it is time to get back to our work, and to our community.
[Amasa] Rembes, dear, put down the book and the pen. I know you've got a lot to write, but the notes can wait till after the fire has dimmed. Let's just listen to the fire, and the sounds of the departing guests.
[Amasa] I know some of you are new here this year. This has all been a lot, I am sure, compared to what you are accustomed to. Winta, I think this may even be your first Romokh. Kibai wasn't feeling well tonight, so I've excused her.
[Amasa] Others of you, Fultukhari of course, and Irdomila, you have been here your entire lives. Yes, I see you, my pup. Not now. But for us Nemnis, we have a particular obligation not to take any of this for granted, especially not Her grace. For without Her, we are nothing.
[Amasa] Lovosa, I see that scowl. I understand. You are an acolyte here the same as the rest, and are loved.
[Amasa] We all come to service as acolytes in our own paths, and we all leave as a single community. That is how it has always been, ever since Osper and Elujen first came up the Pardopasu, before the River Road came this far.
[Amasa] And remember, if you are already missing Romokh, well, there is always next year.
[Amasa] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes ...
Solos
Jevai and Ifa meet with Eng-dur and talk about how he came to be in his condition, its relationship to Unkindness and Abyssal magic, and whatever Gunuremai and Saza are up to
* Jevai will approach Ifa the night of the new moon
[Jevai] (a day or so after the festival)
[Jevai] Ifa... It's the new moon tonight
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Oh!
[Ifa] Right, new moon.
[Ifa] So we'll talk to your...friend, tonight?
[Jevai] yes.
[Jevai] Do you still see him there, regularly?
[Jevai] (probably a Steve question)
[NemnostiGM] (I mean, if you check regularly, he's still there)
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] O
[Ifa] It's a little disconcerting, but I'm getting used to it.
[Ifa] I guess that's true of this sight thing in general.
* Jevai nods. Understandable.
[Ifa] So, how do we go about this?
[Jevai] I don't know what it will be like for you tonight, so we will find that out together.
[Jevai] we can meet by [one of the nemni outbuildings]... I can dislodge a workign there that will allow me to call hyou over when I'm ready. Does that sound okay?
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I can't say I'm looking forward to it, exactly, but I imagine it will be...educational, at least.
[Jevai] I hope so.
[Jevai] Thank you for keeping my confidence in this
[Ifa] Always.
* Ifa smiles.
* Jevai smiles back
[Jevai] (and we can probably skip ahead to the end-dur stuff unless you desperately want to make me rroll for a cantrip ;p)
[NemnostiGM] (nah)
[Ifa] (Then we meet again after nightfall? About what time would you think? Like, is this after everyone's asleep, or just when it's dark, etc.?)
[Jevai] (I think usually when it is prety quiet at night)
[Ifa] (kk)
[Jevai] (cool. we can just met by the outbuildings and I'll just have ifa wait until i call her unless you think there is anythign *there* to play out, Josh)
[NemnostiGM] (makes sense to me)
* Jevai will go to meet her Upward then :3
* Eng-dur appears by the Lanky Stones as if out of shadows cast by starlight and is before you.
[Eng-dur] Hello, my dear Pebble.
[Jevai] Hellp Upward
* Jevai smiles back
[Eng-dur] How long has it been?
[Jevai] I feel like there is so much to cover, and so little time
[Jevai] the last time we spoke was in the day.... I think. Things have changed for you?
[Eng-dur] Things have stranged.
[Eng-dur] Is that even a word?
[Eng-dur] I forget the words, not having anyone to speak to.
[Jevai] it has meaning enough to serve
[Eng-dur] How have things been in the Coherent world?
[Jevai] Romokh has just ended
[Jevai] and it is funny you shoud put it that way.
[Jevai] I need to know, finally, how you came to be where you are
[Eng-dur] Ah, then Romokh sakhara to you.
[Jevai] Romokh sakhara
[Eng-dur] So, how I came to be where I am. I forget how much I told you.
[Jevai] nothing -_-\
[Eng-dur] Hmm. How like me.
[Eng-dur] But fair.
[Jevai] It's important. I'll explain more once I call Ifa over... but I need this first
[Eng-dur] I relied on you so much, and told you so little.
[Eng-dur] I was afraid, I suppose, either that you would fear me, and abandon me, or that you would follow too close, and share in the consequences.
[Eng-dur] I used to have you read so many books and things.
[Eng-dur] Nemnu must have thought you quite the pupil - if She pays attention to every one of her acolytes' reading practices.
[Eng-dur] I was dying, Pebble. Perhaps still am.
[Jevai] dying?
[Eng-dur] Yes, in a very ordinary way, the kind of wasting that an herbalist cannot treat.
* Jevai looks sad, but nods
[Eng-dur] And I had always been interested in Kinds, you know.
[Jevai] yes
[Eng-dur] And surely you had a sense that my research that I was having you do, had something to do with that? Or was I clever enough?
[Eng-dur] Sometimes I had you research bananas or antelopes or something, just in case.
[Jevai] I had some sense...
[Eng-dur] And so I thought - well no, I had good reason to believe, by the end ... that I could avert my fate.
[Eng-dur] By transforming myself.
[Eng-dur] I spoke to the herbalists.
[Eng-dur] Due to my interest in the amnir ... but also, because when powerful enough, they can alter Kinds. Did your Auntie Naka ever say that I spoke to her, more than once?
[Jevai] no.
[Jevai] not about anythign serious
[Eng-dur] She told me to ... well, to go away. Less politely.
[Eng-dur] Not to meddle in things not my own.
* Jevai smiles
[Eng-dur] At any rate, I ... well, I succeeded, didn't I?
[Jevai] Did you speak to the hulti?
[Eng-dur] No ... no.
[Eng-dur] (sm)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+10
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 30 ].
[Ifa] (hee)
[Eng-dur] (Eng-dur is definitely not telling you the whole truth. He didn't speak to the Hulti, but he spoke to someone.)
[Jevai] who did you speak to?
[Eng-dur] ... You're too good, Jevai. In both senses.
[Eng-dur] Too well-trained. And also too pure.
* Jevai raises her eyebrows
[Jevai] Pleaase just tell me
[Eng-dur] It was Saza.
[Eng-dur] And, in retrospect, I see now that she must have already have been speaking to the Hulti, even then.
[Eng-dur] That there were things she knew, or claimed to know, that I should have seen through more carefully.
[Eng-dur] She helped me piece it together. I was careful ... I thought I was careful.
[Jevai] do hyou think she led you to this on purpose?
* Eng-dur shrugs.
[Eng-dur] She would surely say that she helped me succeed.
[Eng-dur] I do not know what she knew, or thought would happen.
[Eng-dur] But she knew I was interested in the spirit in the Ghengom. The ... whatever it is.
[Jevai] I know what it is
[Eng-dur] You do?
[Jevai] Yws.
[Eng-dur] Tell me.
[Jevai] Oh, well, you know, I'm very interested in strange happenings, you see, so I learned what I coud.
[Eng-dur] Don't toy with me, Pebble.
* Jevai tilts her head a little to the side
[Jevai] YOu don't think I should make you wait a few years, with some vague allusions?
[Eng-dur] I deserve that.
[Jevai] What did you do with it?
[Eng-dur] I studied it, as best I could. I had you find out what you could, in your own way.
[Eng-dur] And ultimately I sought to replicate it, using our craft.
[Jevai] Nemnu Ula made it. There is stonelore in it, but a lot else
[Eng-dur] I thought She might have. I mean ... I would not have had you doing the research you were doing , if it did not relate to someone at Nemnosti.
[Eng-dur] And there would be few, scarce few, among Her mystics who could have attempted it.
[Eng-dur] I was selfish. I see that now.
[Eng-dur] And if I believed in divine punishment, the way the Enskrai do, I would think I had been struck by lightning for my arrogance.
[Jevai] Okay.
[Eng-dur] Anyway ... it was a working, meant to transform me into ... me, only without the thing that was going to kill me.
[Eng-dur] I am now wondering whether Saza gave me information that, while true, had a Hulti source. Something true, and not-true, something twisted.
[Eng-dur] At the time I had no idea she was working with the Hulti. You told me that.
[Jevai] I think so
[Eng-dur] They are so good with lies, they become truth.
[Jevai] But I also think... well. Let me bring Ifa over, and seee how the rest of this story unfolds
[Eng-dur] No!
[Eng-dur] Tell me first, what you know.
* Eng-dur says, firmly.
[Eng-dur] Or is this something that you share with all your friends?
[Jevai] She knows.
[Jevai] She
[Jevai] has been part of this too.
[Eng-dur] All right, then. But you will tell me what you know ... please.
[Jevai] she *is* a Hand though so... we are lucky that she is who she is.
* Eng-dur is so tense, and then relaxes as he practically begs you.
[Jevai] [w] Ifa... plase come over to the stones
* Ifa walks over a bit hesitantly, but gives a tentative smile and small wave.
[Jevai] Can you tell me what you see?
[Eng-dur] (Perception)
* Jevai asks her
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+11
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 31 ].
[Eng-dur] (again!)
* Eng-dur assumes physical form for you - he appears almost fully real. A middle-aged Ravre man, simply dressed. He is a little wispy but otherwise appears to you perfectly tangible and substantial.
[Eng-dur] (I should also have you make a Will save, for consistency)
[Ifa] (Would I have met Eng-dur at all before this?)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+6
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 15 ].
[Eng-dur] (verrrry unlikely. He didn't really come to Nemnosti, wasn't an acolyte, etc. If you were Ravre, you might have.)
[Eng-dur] (you manage to stave off the sense of strangeness / terror. He just looks like a small, ordinary, kind of ugly dude in his forties or fifties.)
[Jevai] (she might eb able to guess though, all things considered)
* Ifa describes Eng-dur to Jevai as politely as possible.
[Eng-dur] (I mean, you told Ifa last time that it was Eng-dur.)
[Jevai] 9I forgot lol)
[Eng-dur] (so she knows who it is, just has never met him before)
* Jevai smiles
[Eng-dur] Hey, I am not that short! Oh, who am I kidding.
[Jevai] Yes, then... interesting, This my Upward, Eng-Dur Chuchuru. Upward, this is Hand Ifa Nemni
[Eng-dur] You appear much more ... substantial than the last time we spoke, Hand Ifa. But I suppose, this time it is the right time of the month.
[Ifa] It's nice to meet you, sir, though I admit these are strange circumstances.
* Ifa nods.
[Eng-dur] You're Naka's girl.
[Jevai] She is.
[Eng-dur] You look like her.
[Jevai] Taller, though.
[Eng-dur] Mmm, I suppose so.
[Ifa] You know my mom?
[Jevai] Of course
[Eng-dur] I do. One of the best herbalists in the province.
[Eng-dur] We are of almost the same age.
[Eng-dur] We've known each other almost all our lives.
[Ifa] Of course, sorry.
[Ifa] This is just...novel.
[Eng-dur] One of the reasons I took on Jevai as my Pebble.
[Eng-dur] I suppose I never told you that, did I?
[Ifa] I just assumed that was because she's so talented.
[Ifa] Who wouldn't want her as an apprentice?
[Eng-dur] But perhaps she is so talented with Source because of her heritage.
[Eng-dur] I would not be surprised to see others in her line have great strength in Source.
[Ifa] What was it Marga said? "Stuff can be two things"?
* Jevai smiles
[Jevai] yes.
[Eng-dur] I don't know who Marga is, but she sounds very wise. Oh, wait, that is your girlfriend, isn't it, Jevai?
[Jevai] -___
[Jevai] -____-
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Jevai] not for a long time, and don't pretend you don't know who she is.
[Ifa] So, I'm sorry, I have to ask, and I apologize if this is impolite, but...what are you?
[Eng-dur] Well, I think Jevai was about to tell me that.
[Eng-dur] Jevai?
[Jevai] I don'rt have the answer to that.... but I'm closer now.
[Jevai] first - do you remember Alai?
[Eng-dur] The name sounds familiar. Remind me.
[Jevai] she's Luetkan, she was nemnu's apprentice - she came here to study the source. She's a powerful Mystic
[Jevai] very short
[Ifa] That seems uncalled for. ;)
[Jevai] true though, though her presence makes you forget it
[Jevai] in anycase....
[Eng-dur] Right, right.
* Ifa nods agreement to that.
[Jevai] she has a connection to a forces that she calls the Abyss. i'm not sure whether she understands it completely, but it colours her magic some times
[Jevai] Ifa was struck blind by the source when she was preparing a spell, when we were first going to unvestigate the Unkind Stone... though we didn't knwo what it was then. I'll get to that momentarily.
[Eng-dur] Whoa, whoa, stop there.
[Eng-dur] Unkind Stone.
[Jevai] Alai was able to help her, drawing on the magic of the abyss to pull out of her what clouded her sight
[Eng-dur] You haven't used that term before.
[Jevai] yes, be patient and listen
[Eng-dur] Is that ... the spirit?
[Eng-dur] Fine.
* Eng-dur says, sounding aggravated.
[Jevai] after that is when Ifa was able to see you, and other things that... I think reflect the... place... where you are
[Jevai] that's right yes?
* Jevai checks with Ifa
* Ifa nods.
* Jevai nods back
[Jevai] The unkind stone, yes, is what you call the spirit
[Ifa] Or what She calls it, at any rate.
[Eng-dur] So She created it?
[Jevai] it renders things 'unkind'. I'm not quite sure what all that means.
[Jevai] Yes, as I said.
[Eng-dur] Fascinating.
[Jevai] anythig that touchs it turns to stone.... like petrifications. or fossilization.
* Eng-dur nods.
[Jevai] even if they are restorye, though, they have been somehow changed.
[Eng-dur] Hmm.
* Eng-dur seems thoughtful.
[Jevai] we tried to help a woman who had been petrified by it
[Ifa] The living person we brought back from it did not long outlive her change back.
[Jevai] she had to be lain to rest
[Eng-dur] Well that does not bode well.
[Jevai] and the bubune that was affected, even, carried traces of this "unkindness" once it was restored as an ancestor. The voice couldn't contact her.
[Jevai] there is more that connects this all
[Jevai] the... matter, that Alai pulled form Ifa, had some strange properties as well, in some sense, I think also linked to Unkidness
[Jevai] there is more too, other manifestations of Unkindness that appeared after we broyght bake those who's been affected by the stone.
[Eng-dur] Well that, of course, accords with my experiences in here.
[Eng-dur] And I suppose explains why you can see me.
* Eng-dur nods to Ifa.
[Jevai] yes
[Eng-dur] Although not why you, Jevai, can see me at all, or what this has to do with the moon.
[Ifa] So, we're thinking you're unKind?
[Jevai] some kind of energy thatwas drawn to the ancestor...
* Jevai says a bit vaguely
[Jevai] Hmm... I'm not sure
[Eng-dur] Well ... I was certainly trying to transform my Kind.
[Jevai] I think ther si more to it
[Jevai] there's just so many pieces, and I haven't joined them all
[Eng-dur] And whatever I am, I do not think I am a haunt, and am surely no longer a person.
[Ifa] Are you maybe between Kinds right now?
[Eng-dur] Jevai and I have discussed that possibility. That was you, right, and not the other Jevai?
[Jevai] the... what?
[Ifa] Which, I suppose, is philosophically it's own new Kind...wait, what?
[Eng-dur] The Jevai I talk to when you're not there.
[Eng-dur] It's very lonely here.
* Ifa shoots Jevai a worried look.
[Jevai] the imaginary Jevai, right?
[Eng-dur] Right.
[Eng-dur] I'm not crazy, just lonely. Well ... anyway, go on.
[Jevai] I was more concerned that someone else was impersonating me to you
[Ifa] It's been an issue.
[Jevai] moreso because... I have been where you
[Jevai] or, where you describe yotuself to be
[Jevai] It's... some kind of Hulti... place
[Eng-dur] Well, again, that fits with what I was saying about Saza.
[Jevai] The Shaman, Gunuremia, brought me there
[Jevai] yes.
[Eng-dur] This would have been ... just a short time ago, right? Since the last time we spoke?
[Jevai] She brought me, in... Musune, ins... I don'rt know how to speak of it. The unfolding. where, well, where Ifa and I are now
[Jevai] yes.
[Eng-dur] I knew something was going on. I can feel when this place feels ... more full.
* Jevai nods
[Eng-dur] I do agree with your analysis, then. You were ... for a time, at least, where I am.
[Jevai] I wonder if she can sense hyou as well
[Ifa] But she came back.
[Jevai] yes
[Ifa] So which is the anomaly, her or you?
[Jevai] she seems to be able to travel there... I don;rt know abotu *freely* but she can do it, and bring others
[Jevai] She showed be a great Door, set with ammonites...
[Jevai] and there's more... Thingd that marga was told by Ushukuna...
* Jevai rubs her forhead because she does sometimes feel liek she's goign a bit crazy with all of this
[Eng-dur] What does She have to do with this?
[Jevai] Spiral ancestors....
[Jevai] I don't know. She's taken a great interest in Marga
[Jevai] She sends her dreams and gifts...
* Eng-dur frowns.
[Eng-dur] Well. Two things have come to mind.
[Jevai] yes?
[Eng-dur] First, I wonder if anyone has ever tried to change the Kind of an ammonite.
[Eng-dur] None of us really know what they are, or were. There are hypotheses, of course.
[Eng-dur] Most people believe they were once living things, shelled things. They look as such.
[Jevai] are they not from an unfolding longago, when this place was a sea?
[Eng-dur] A theory, yes.
[Jevai] I thought that's what you had taught me...
[Jevai] but then... it is erhaps a connection to the Abyss. This is what I was thinking
[Eng-dur] I'm sure I taught you many things that turned out to be untrue. But yes, that is the essence of that theory.
[Eng-dur] Interesting, I agree.
[Jevai] ... I'll speak to Alai, about your idea.
[Jevai] she tols me... Unkind is Abyss. Abyss comes first
[Jevai] what is the other thing?
[Eng-dur] Well I was just thinking that you should listen more closely to what your friend Marga tells you.
[Jevai] I have been
[Eng-dur] Because if Ushukuna has taken an interest in this business, it must be of great, great, great importance.
[Jevai] yes.
[Jevai] It clearly is so
[Jevai] And you... whatever it is that hyou have done... have a part in it too.
[Eng-dur] I have unfolded myself into quite a strange prison.
[Ifa] Well, the benefit of it being a prison is there's usually a way out.
[Jevai] and none of it yet explains *our* connection
[Jevai] or why you appear here, and when.... and what happened when... you? touched Upward-Giri's lodging
[Ifa] Well, one of the stones here is a gateway, right?
[Jevai] gunuremai explained the place she took me as...like a fold in the unfolding.
[Eng-dur] I like to think that at least unconsciously, when I ... did what I did to myself ... that some part of me had the good sense to latch on to a safe place.
[Jevai] if you think of it like fabric instead of a river.... it makes sense
[Ifa] A door, a tunnel, whatever, they lead *through* somewhere to somewhere else. A liminal space. Presumably, if there's a door here, the other space it moves through would also be connected.
[Jevai] yes, I have been thinking a lot about that
[Jevai] how the doors work
[Ifa] Like you're...stuck in the walls of our reality, as we perceive it.
[Jevai] where they take you
[Jevai] I feel like I am on the cusp of understanding so many things.... but theyre' all just out of reach
[Eng-dur] I know, Pebble.
[Eng-dur] Whatever thread of Coherence links you to me, it is for a good reason. Without you, I would be despondent.
[Jevai] yes... me too.
[Jevai] :/
[Eng-dur] My time this evening is running thin, I can feel it
[Jevai] I know.
[Jevai] It will be a long month - there's still more
[Eng-dur] Ifa, it has been a pleasure. I'd ask you to give your regards to your mother but ... don't do that.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] As you wish.
[Ifa] I can give you another moment, if you like.
[Ifa] But it was nice to meet you, however strange the circumstances.
* Ifa will step away.
[Eng-dur] I like her. Seems sensible.
[Jevai] she is.
[Jevai] pulled in many directions. but she can see you.... though I think the form she sees is more terrifying than how you appear to me
[Eng-dur] Perhaps you should be more terrified than you are.
[Jevai] Perhaps.
* Eng-dur starts to fade out.
[Jevai] I'll take my chances
[Eng-dur] Be safe, Pebble.
[Jevai] you too - and careful with your false pebble
* Eng-dur disappears.
* Jevai tskes a deep breath, and then will rejoin Ifa
[Ifa] He seemed coherent. If not Coherent, I suppose.
[Jevai] Yes.
[Jevai] I expect you have a lot of questions....
[Jevai] but maybe they would be better after some rest
{nem} {nem-log}
