Nemnosti session 31

Summary

Session

Session date: September 14, 2025

Prologue

[NemnostiGM] Greetings, acolytes! Winter is truly upon us, as we move into Zhuno. The last harvest is done, and even the loza berries have gone dormant for the winter. Of course, it has been a good harvest this year, and the stores will be ample, supplemented by milk, eggs, and meat. Have no fear, even when the snows fall, we will have much to dine on. Now, in your study of the Courses, one of the first things we learn is that the flow of water downhill is like the passage of time from past to future. But also, we can think of the passing of the seasons in the same way, through analogy with the land. As we ascend, up into the Ghengom, even unto great Momichas, it is as if we ascend through the seasons, colder and colder, air thinner and thinner, as if walking into winter itself. And then down, towards the plains, as if moving towards spring and even unto summer, until we reach the warm and fertile coasts of the lowlands. This analogy only takes us so far, because the seasons are cyclical, but history is linear. So it is taught that ...
* Amasa is interrupted by a great crashing noise in the distance, as the evening's peace near Hul Hai is punctured by a great crashing noise off to the north, across the valley of the Pardopasu.
[Amasa] What the? ...
[Amasa] Ahh ... let me add that ...
* Amasa breaks her train of thought as what sounds like a great horn rings out throughout the ulajeta, from the East Tower.
* Amasa pauses briefly then recomposes herself.
[Amasa] All right, children, let's go inside. I don't know what this is all about but we should not dither when an alarm sounds. It's probably nothing, though.
* Amasa says uncertainly.
[Amasa] We'll pick this up tomorrow. For now, you have reading to do as your Tenths are coming up very soon, which was where this story was leading ... All right now, in we go!

Kuspir is alerted to the emergency, learning from Rubo that Bem has left Nemnosti after hearing a voice in the Pardopasu

[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you are at home when you are alerted by the sound of the great horn of the East Tower. It is followed, scant moments later, by a pounding at the door of your small house in the north courtyard.
* Kuspir goes to answer the door
[NemnostiGM] It is Rubo, in full armor seemingly hastily donned, and out of breath - highly unusual for the robust warrior.
[Kuspir] What's going on?
[Rubo] It's Bem. She's gone.
[Kuspir] gone?
[Rubo] She heard a voice, across the valley.
[Rubo] Went off to investigate. Not like her.
[Rubo] And now there's a fire. An encampment. Over there.
[Rubo] Come, it's not ... fuck.
[Rubo] Just come with me, soldier!
* Kuspir nods and will go with him
[NemnostiGM] The two of you go to the East Tower, where most of the stoneguards are assembling.
* Rubo points out, across the valley.
[Rubo] There.
[NemnostiGM] You see, clearly, a set of what look like signal fires, along the valley, not quite at the top.
[Rubo] Those weren't there an hour ago.
[Kuspir] (what are people doing, mostly just looking at this?)
[NemnostiGM] People are running around, some getting armor on, but mostly trying to figure out what to do.
[NemnostiGM] You see Ghorgimbe emerge from the tower.

Ghorgimbe tells Kuspir to organize a scouting team, starting with Marga who will turn into a vulture to search the area

[Ghorgimbe] Kuspir. We think she's over there with ... whoever that is.
[Kuspir] Are we going to go after her?
[Ghorgimbe] We don't know what we're going into. Not without knowing more.
[Ghorgimbe] But we're not going to just leave her.
[Kuspir] Let's get Marga to go scout then.
* Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] Some vulture, anyway.
[Ghorgimbe] It looks like what happened is Bem reported hearing voices calling for help and ... just went over there alone. Does that sound like her to you?
[Kuspir] It sounds strange.
[Ghorgimbe] Agreed.
[Ghorgimbe] So are you comfortable with Marga going over there alone, after her?
[Kuspir] Not going after her to retrieve her, but just to survey the area and see what is going on.
[Rubo] Makes sense.
[Ghorgimbe] No contact though. No being a hero. Go, look, come back.
[Kuspir] Yes
[Ghorgimbe] All right then, go, get her.
[Kuspir] Then we can decide better how we should proceed.
* Ghorgimbe nods.
* Kuspir will go find Marga
[NemnostiGM] (all right, do you want to play that out?)
* Marga is up and looking around to see what the big honk is about
[Kuspir] (sure)
* Kuspir comes jogging over to you
[Kuspir] Marga - can you go scout over that way and see what's going on?
[Kuspir] There are a bunch of signal fires and we need to know what we're dealing with
[Marga] I mean yeah but ... what is up? What do we know? Why's there a horn?
[Marga] oh ok, got it.
[Kuspir] Bem went off in that direction and we need to know whether we should go after her, or what.
[Marga] What am I supposed to do if I find her?
* Kuspir considers that for a moment.
[Kuspir] If she's on her own and you can safely land and talk to her, then do that and find out what's going on. If it's not safe, don't intervene - no heroics, just come back and tell us if she's captured or dead or something.
[Marga] Oof.
[Marga] She's probably ok...
[Kuspir] I hope so.
[Marga] ... anyway. I'm on it.
[Kuspir] Thanks. We'll get ready in the meantime.
* Marga wild shapes and flies off.
* Kuspir will go get his armor

Marga heads out and finds an encampment with many humans and three stone statues, on the north side of the valley

[NemnostiGM] All right, Marga, there are four large fires sort of along the upper ridges of the Pardopasu. All definitely controlled and made by humans. You can see that basically as soon as you fly up over the walls of the ulajeta.
[NemnostiGM] (give me a Survival check)
[Marga] !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 13 ].
[Marga] (uhh destiny pls)
[Marga] !roll 1d20+12
* Lan-werk rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 20 ].
[NemnostiGM] All right Marga, you can pretty quickly determine that three of the fires are controlled but unattended - in other words, no campsite, no people, just a burning fire. They look to have been set quite recently but are burning very brightly - they could have been perhaps set through some magic.
[Marga] (alright I'm gonna start doing a sweep looking for people)
[NemnostiGM] The fourth, though, is in an area of the valleyside you know pretty well. It's a kind of flat area and the fire there is definitely attended, with a campsite set up around the fourth fire.
[NemnostiGM] (You can see what you can see, roughly, on roll20; it's pretty dark so there are a lot of shadows. I don't think vultures have any special night vision, right?)
[NemnostiGM] The real curiosity is on the ridge, just overlooking the Pardopasu, where you see three human-sized ... stone statues, you think? It's really hard to tell.
[NemnostiGM] You can also see three people (right near the fire) but the campsite is clearly much bigger than for just three. You'd guess twice that many, at least.
[Marga] (none of whom I recognize?)
[Marga] (does it look like they expect to be here a while)
[NemnostiGM] You don't recognize any of them, no. It's hard to say but they definitely have supplies, so they could be intent on staying.
[Marga] (No sign of Bem?)
[NemnostiGM] You don't see Bem.
[Marga] (the people I do see - what do they seem to be doing?)
[NemnostiGM] The people are definitely alert - they are clearly armed and armored and not just sitting around staring at the fire. But not doing anything specific at the moment.
[Marga] (are they watching a specific area/direction?)
[NemnostiGM] (realistically from their vantage point, the way they can look is across the valley, towards Nemnosti, i.e., roughly south)
[NemnostiGM] (but there aren't, say, obvious watchers / guardians, which would be right along that ridge where the three stone statues are)
* Marga will circle around a couple more times just in case something else becomes evident, then head back

Marga returns to report what she saw, and Ghorgimbe tells Kuspir to go over with a whole group

[NemnostiGM] All right, you're back at the East Tower.
* Marga looks for Kuspir and lands in front of him, dismissing the wild shape.
[Kuspir] (I assume it's been long enough that I had time to get my armor on etc?)
[NemnostiGM] (yup, sure)
[Marga] ... No sign of Bem that I could see. But there's a camp. 4 fires, but just one camp, up on the ridge... looks like at least half a dozen people, supplies for a while... And they got 3 weird statues set up overlooking the valley?
[Marga] Kinda creepy. And definitely new.
[Kuspir] (is Ghorgimbe or anyone around who can also get this report?)
[NemnostiGM] (yes, we can say that)
[Kuspir] (just so I don't have to repeat it all to her after)
[Ghorgimbe] All right, better than it could have been. They're looking to appear more numerous than they are.
[Ghorgimbe] They could have her at that site, or hidden elsewhere. Or, obviously, she could be dead.
* Kuspir nods
[Ghorgimbe] It'll be hard to get a big group over there at speed. Kuspir, you want your team to take this?
[Kuspir] We could send a small group faster.
* Kuspir agrees
[Kuspir] And with some casters for stealth, it might be possible they don't notice us right away.
[Ghorgimbe] Whatever they want, they clearly want us to see them.
[Marga] So they're gonna be expecting us
[Ghorgimbe] Agreed.
[Kuspir] I'll get people together and let's be ready to go as soon as we can.
[Ghorgimbe] All right. We'll maintain things here. And I'm going to alert Her.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Marga, can you get Alai and Jevai? I'll go find Ifa and Izu.
[Marga] Sure thing!
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can get everyone together and organized - I'll say that probably it takes an hour to get it all sorted and ready to go.
[NemnostiGM] I'll assume you fill everyone in about the general details, and you can have some time to chat if you need to plan now.

The team prepares to go across and confront the intruders

* Alai will cast mage armor and greater false life on herself while planning the outing
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 34 ].
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 31 ].
* Jevai can also mage armor herself
[Alai] !roll 2d10+8
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 2d10+8 ] getting [ 6 9 ] for a total of [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 23 ].
[Kuspir] I guess anything we can do that will allow us to approach under stealth - if they are watching for us, that will be harder, but we should try.
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+14
* Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 17 ].
[NemnostiGM] The campsite is less than a mile from the ulajeta, as the vulture flies. But to walk straight you'd need to walk all the way down to the riverbed and then climb up steep cliffs and hills along the north side of the valley.
[NemnostiGM] You can, of course, travel up into the Ghengom, and then clamber down - that is surely how they got to this campsite in the first place, although you're not sure about that business with the statues. That will be a longer distance but still only a couple miles. In the dark, in rough terrain.
* Alai will darkvision communal the main group
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 29 ].
* Alai mass feathersteps the party then the bubon
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 25 ].
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 17 ].
[NemnostiGM] (OK, you all have darkvision and you also can ignore difficult terrain)
* Alai will overland fly on herself...this will be the last travel spell.
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 25 ].
[NemnostiGM] All right, so are you going around and down the valley (approaching from the north) or climbing up the valley (from the south)?
[NemnostiGM] (also anyone else have any preparation to do?)
[Marga] (those statues give me the creeps, I vote the former)
[Ifa] (I also vote north. I trust Marga can get us there without us breaking our necks.)
[Kuspir] (no other preparation for me, and I guess from the north is fine if we are all spelled up)
[Alai] (will hold 5 source for the journey)
[NemnostiGM] (It also will still be a challenge, climbing up the valley face, even with the featherstep. But going down, no problem.)
[NemnostiGM] Just so we're clear, though, with all of you plus 8 bubunne, it will not be stealthy. Featherstep doesn't make you stealthier.
[Ifa] (I could have the bubunn come up the other side?)
[Kuspir] (I was going to propose, if Ifa agrees, to send at least like... maybe 5-6 of the bubunne the other way to distract them)
[Kuspir] (yeah that :)
[Kuspir] (all of them or at least a majority of them, whatever you think is best)
[Jevai] (could even send some of the other 32)
[NemnostiGM] by 'the other side' you mean like, if you're coming from roughly the northwest, they would come from the northeast?
[NemnostiGM] or do you actually mean have some of them come up the valley?
[Ifa] (If I use Eyes and Ears and Puppetry, can I give them commands remotely?)
[Kuspir] (I meant come up from the valley but I'll defer to what Ifa thinks is best)
[Ifa] (By having one of them speak to the others?)
[NemnostiGM] (Yes, you can do that, I'll say)
[NemnostiGM] Obviously you can only puppet / eyes and ears one at a time but I'll let you remotely convey instructions from that one.
[Ifa] (Cool. Then I can coordinate with us and have them come up the valley.)
[Ifa] (Can bubunne use ranged weapons?)
[NemnostiGM] (Yes, as long as they're simple weapons)
[NemnostiGM] (so slings, javelins, darts, but not bow and arrow)
[Ifa] (Okay, can I armor up however many possible in that time, then just have however many more I can control/am allowed to take and have them grab some, let's say slings?)
[NemnostiGM] Sure, can we keep it to a total of 8 just cause roll20 will be a nightmare otherwise?
[Ifa] (Yeah, I figured the rest would just be part of the distraction)
[NemnostiGM] Right, makes total sense.
[NemnostiGM] OK are we ready then?
[Kuspir] (I think so)
[Alai] (ok)
[Marga] (good here)
[Ifa] (??)
[Izu] (Yup)

The group travels overland to the campsite where they encounter some Ravre who Izu recognize as speaking the old Ravre language, along with Bem and Kibai

[NemnostiGM] All right, Marga, you lead the group overland, up the river valley where it's least steep (i.e. where you ran your race at Romokh) and then, reaching the top up by Istu Levunu, turn right, around the valley side.
[NemnostiGM] It's an easy walk with darkvision and feather step aiding you.
[NemnostiGM] Ifa, you have several of your bubunne with slings down the valley, making noise (just generic noise?), creating distractions, and once they're closer, perhaps attacking.
[Ifa] (Beating on shields, that sort of thing. Marching as loud as possible, etc.)
[Ifa] (Try to make it sound like a bunch of folks are coming that way.)
[NemnostiGM] (I'll have you make your Perception and Sleight of Hand checks for your puppetry and eyes and ears)
[NemnostiGM] (note that those only last for 10 minutes each time, after which you need to make another check)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+14
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 31 ].
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+11
* Lan-werk rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Ifa] (First is perception, second is sleight of hand)
[NemnostiGM] (OK, no problem, your DC is only 15 on those)
[Ifa] (:1:)
[Ifa] (Come on, irc)
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can arrive just above the campsite (north edge of the map). The bubunne not with Ifa will be from the south.
[NemnostiGM] You see that since Marga's visit, there are many more individuals present.
[Jevai] (oen of them is bem is;t irt? At elast I recognize oe of them)
[NemnostiGM] Just to the west of the fire, you see a middle-aged woman with long braids, standing next to two people you recognize. The first is Bem, apparently unharmed. The second is Kibai Pilting.
[Jevai] (yea, and Kibai)
[NemnostiGM] As you arrive, the two men at the south approach the statues, while the others circle forward and face north, sort of towards you and the woman with braids
[NemnostiGM] There's no surprise here, given the general size of your groups.
[NemnostiGM] The woman calls out to you.
[Woman] No further.
* Woman then calls out to her people in an unknown language.
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you recognize the language. It is a form of Riabhra, the old Ravre language that you studied with the Ancestors.
[NemnostiGM] You can make a Linguistics check to understand it.
[Izu] (20)
[NemnostiGM] She is telling the ones to the south to kill any bubun who approach. Everyone else to stay (you think?)

The leader of the Ravre, Tekhirti, destroys one of the stone statues which she claims is an Omban ancestor, and demands the return of Fikefol’s remains and the prisoner Shaskomo

[Tekhirti] You may call me Tekhirti.
[Izu] (w)(To Ifa) Keep the bubun back. She told them to destroy them if they approach.
[Tekhirti] We have much to discuss. But just so you see that I am serious.
* Ifa nods.
* Tekhirti speaks a word, and one of the big fellows pushes one of the stone statues into the valley below.
[Tekhirti] An ancestor, rendered rubble.
[Marga] Huh?
* Ifa scowls.
[Ifa] That was unnecessary.
[Tekhirti] I disagree. We know what you do with ours.
[Kuspir] What do you want?
[Kuspir] (idk if I can, but can I Intimidate from here ;)
[Tekhirti] Our demands are simple. The return of Fikefol of the Naznaz, and Shaskomo of the Chuchuru.
[NemnostiGM] (sure, Kuspir, you can try)
[Kuspir] (does this count as guarding ancestors?)
[Kuspir] (i.e. do I get my bonus or not ;)
[NemnostiGM] (Yes, I'll give you that)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+19
* Lan-werk rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 30 ].
[NemnostiGM] (all right go ahead and say what you do then)
[Kuspir] Return our people and we can talk.
* Tekhirti smiles.
[Tekhirti] I'll let you have one traitor, but not two.
* Tekhirti nods, and Kibai tentatively comes over towards you.
[Kuspir] (is she ok? unharmed etc.?)
[NemnostiGM] (she appears unharmed)
[Bem] Kuspir, they are fervent. Very serious.
* Bem calls out.
[Kuspir] I understand.
[Kuspir] [q] check her for any magic?
* Kuspir says to Alai and Jevai
* Alai will detect magic
[Tekhirti] Silence!
* Tekhirti nods to the thin, dark woman nearby, who speaks a word, and Bem is wracked with pain.
* Marga scowls
* Bem falls to her knees in agony, and blood streams from her eyes.
[Jevai] (was that a spell?)
[Alai] (good question)
[NemnostiGM] (anyone who wishes can make a K:arcana)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+9
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 17 ].
[Alai] !roll 1d20+17
* Lan-werk rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 33 ].
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 20 ]
[NemnostiGM] To anyone's knowledge, it is not a spell.
[NemnostiGM] Also, there is no magic on Kibai.
* Alai shakes her head "no" at Kuspir
* Kuspir gives a nod

After one of the Hulti injures Bem, the team negotiates for the return of their people in exchange for the two Hulti held at Nemnosti

[Tekhirti] I'm not interested in your games. I want my people back, in whatever state they are in.
[Kuspir] How can we be assured you will make a fair exchange? Our people also returned unharmed.
[Tekhirti] I've given you one already. You will just have to take my word.
[Kuspir] It would take time to get them.
[NemnostiGM] (Ifa, what are you doing with your valley bubunne? Are they just offscreen, waiting?)
[Tekhirti] I'm sure it would. We have time.
[Ifa] (Yeah, I'll hold them there in case/until this turns to violence.)
[Marga] (w) offer them the Naznaz for Bem?
[Marga] (w) the other one is too dangerous to just let her go...
* Tekhirti says something again in the unknown language, this time to the dark-haired woman next to her. (Izu you can make another Linguistics check - whatever this language is is clearly not exactly Riabhra, just like it)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 16 ].
[Izu] (Oof)
[Kuspir] Give us our other companion and we'll return Fikefol of the Naznaz to you. We would have to go back to Nemnosti to do so, and we can discuss the possibility of your request then.
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you think she just told the woman to kill Bem.
[Tekhirti] No, we want both. You are not in a position to negotiate this.
[Izu] (w) They're going to killher!
[Kuspir] Give her back and we'll return them both. Don't hurt her.
[Tekhirti] Your people are notorious liars and betrayers.
[Izu] And yours aren't?
[Marga] You guys have tried to trick me into getting kidnapped twice in the past month!
[Tekhirti] We tell the Chain exactly as it is. It's not our fault that you can only see one strand.
[Marga] One strand's all I need to kick your butts ]:|
[Tekhirti] Your aunt is very persistent.
[Ifa] (q) Do chains have strands?
[Izu] (q) No.
[Ifa] (q) I guess this isn't her first language?
[Kuspir] Let her go and we'll return your people. You have my word on this.
[Tekhirti] No.
[Alai] [w] Some of us stay, and wait, while rest go... not as exactly hostages, but some asssurance.
[Jevai] [q] Alai or I coul cast a spell to send a message to have someone bring them, nd we coudl sgtay

They propose to leave some of their team behind, sending the rest back to Nemnosti to recover the prisoners, but releasing Bem

[Kuspir] What if we trade you one of our number for her?
[Jevai] [q] but that will take some time
[Marga] (q) I don't wanna fight that lady AGAIN, it was a pain in the ass
[Izu] [w] I
[Jevai] [q] I don't know if we need to trade...
[Jevai] [q] But yes - that otehr woman, I think we should kill her rather than give her back alive, if rhat's what we must do here
[Tekhirti] I see the fear in your eyes, corpse-guardian.
[Ifa] Is that what we sound like to you?
[Tekhirti] Three to stay, for this one.
* Tekhirti nudges at Bem.
[Tekhirti] Plus the young girl, she stays too.
[Izu] I'll do it. I'll stay.
* Ifa glances at Kuspir to indicate she'll stay.
[Ifa] Likewise.
[Kuspir] All right.
[Kuspir] Three of us will stay.
* Kuspir turns to Alai, Jevai, and Marga
[Alai] Are you the best ones to stay?
[Kuspir] [q] Alai and Jevai, you go back to make the necessary arrangements. Marga, you stay nearby here, as a vulture, in case we need more rapid help.
[Alai] Ifa or Izu needs to go back to ensure this happens.
* Jevai frowns
[Marga] I don't know about this...
[Izu] [w] I can understand them... kind of.
* Jevai nods to alai
[Ifa] I can send a bubun back.
[Izu] Sister, you go back. Let another stay.
* Jevai keeps gher voice low
[Jevai] I'm not sure Alai and I can convince them to do this
[Kuspir] [q] Ifa, you go back - you can use the bubun to bring their people.
[Ifa] I'm not leaving people here in danger.
* Ifa sighs.
[Izu] Ifa... please.
* Izu puts a hand on her arm.
[Alai] I can stay as well... much less danger
* Izu smiles at Alai.
[Izu] We will be fine sister. Go.
* Ifa turns to Tekhirti.
* Jevai looks at Alai

Ifa asks Tekhirti about the knowledge contained in the Hulti Chain, seeking reconciliation or understanding, but is rebuffed

[Ifa] We can go to retrieve your kin, but I'd like to ask something before we do so.
[Jevai] are you sure?
[Tekhirti] Ask, then.
[Ifa] You claim greater wisdom than us, seeing more 'strands' of the 'Chain', yes?
[Tekhirti] "Wisdom" is the wrong word. But we see more paths than you do.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Your kinswoman said similar. My question is this: have you tried sharing this knowledge or whatever you would call it? So far, all of your people we have interacted with have called us fools, without giving us any opporunity to comprehend your perspective. There's no path to understanding through that.
* Tekhirti laughs.
[Tekhirti] If you were to know the Sorrows, you would know that all such efforts in the past have failed. Purges upon purges.
[Tekhirti] The time for reconciliation is long past.
[Ifa] So instead you plan further conflict with a perceived enemy that has *repeatedly* defeated you?
[Ifa] When they are standing in front of you, telling you they are willing to hear your words?
* Tekhirti shakes her head.
[Tekhirti] Your beefy friend is smart enough to know that this is not going to end with a warm embrace.
[Ifa] You underestimate us, and not in the way you think. I will weep for your people.
[Ifa] (to the others) Let us retrieve their people.
* Jevai looks to Alai. "are you sure? They'll just deny you fos..."
[NemnostiGM] (all right, so who is staying? Kuspir, Alai, and Izu, plus Kibai and Bem?)
[Kuspir] (yes unless Jevai and Alai want to trade places)
[NemnostiGM] (sorry, my bad, Bem with you)
[Jevai] You can do more from a distance
* Kuspir takes Ifa's hand for a moment, trusting that people are too distracted to notice a momentary gesture of affection especially when it's dark out ;)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+18
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 30 ].
* Izu notices.
[Alai] I am curious, I will stay.
* Ifa squeezes Kuspir's hand, trusting she doesn't need to tell him to be careful.
[Kuspir] I will be fine.
* Kuspir promises her
* Jevai nods to Alai then
* Izu will move beside Alai and take her hand lightly.
[Ifa] I know. 'Til feet fail.

Izu, Kuspir, and Alai stay behind at the camp, while Marga watches alertly in vulture form from a distance; they talk to Kibai about their situation

[NemnostiGM] All right, you can leave the three of you (plus Kibai) at the campsite with the Hulti, and return to Nemnosti.
[NemnostiGM] Group at the campsite, are you doing anything while the others are away?
[Marga] (I will wild shape once we are a bit away so I can Supervise as a vulture)
[NemnostiGM] (OK Marga, that's fine)
[Izu] (Just listening for anything I can pick up)
[NemnostiGM] All right, Izu, I'll give you another shot at a Linguistics check.
[Izu] !roll 1d20+15
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 32 ].
[Jevai] 9yeha I think it is just me and Ifa who are leaving)
[Kuspir] (just watching and seeing what happens, I assume they won't let us wander around or do very much?)
[NemnostiGM] (OK, I've moved you all fairly centrally, sort of near the fire but also near all of them
[NemnostiGM] Izu, there's a young woman right next to the fire, talking to a somewhat older man.
[NemnostiGM] She's speaking quietly, but you're pretty sure you hear her say to him "The little worm, we can trust her to do what is needed, yes?"
[Kibai] I got captured. I'm sorry.
[Kuspir] It's all right.
[Alai] Is very risky for them, this ploy. I like risk, but is it worth it?
* Alai muses
[Izu] [w] We'll see I guess. I'm worried about what that woman said.
[Alai] Kibai, do you know deal with statues?
[Alai] What they say they are?
[Kibai] I'm sorry, I don't. They said they were ancestors, and that Corps people wouldn't let ancestors be destroyed.
[Alai] Seems true, so far, but I assume some ancestors more important than others.
* Alai makes sure she has a good look at everyone around them
[Alai] You think they are happy how things going, Izu?
[Izu_] A little too much so.
[Alai] (maybe use Sense Motive, to get a feel for the camp?)
[Kibai] (ok go ahead)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+18
* Lan-werk rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 23 ].
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you're pretty sure these folks are pretty anxious - like, they do not feel secure.
[Izu_] [q] They seem scared.
[Kuspir] [q] understandable...
[Alai] I wonder what will happen after this, regardless of how it works out.
[Izu] Nothing good
* Kuspir gives Izu a look
[Kuspir] We will make sure it's all right.
[Izu] Something is off.
* Kuspir says mostly for Kibai's benefit.
[Izu] They did not come here for a prisoner exchange.
[Kibai] What do you think they want, Hand Izu?
[Izu] I don't know. That's what worries me.

Ifa and Jevai head back to Nemnosti with Bem, who reports on how she was lured out to the valley

[NemnostiGM] Ifa and Jevai, you are heading back with all the bubun, to Nemnosti, is that right?
[Jevai] (yeah I guess so :x)
[Kuspir] (and Bem)
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can arrive without difficulty. Who are you going to talk to?
[Jevai] (well and Bem, presumably)
[NemnostiGM] Or are you talking to Bem?
[Jevai] (Maybe we can get the story out of her about what happened while we are on the way)
* Bem recounts her tale on the way back. She looks pretty rough and is definitely still injured, but is hanging in there, stoneguard style.
[Izu] At some point when it seems feasible without drawing attention, Izu will try to tell the other two what the woman at the fire said.
[Bem] I went out there because I heard a voice, calling to me. I shouldn't have gone, but I felt like I had to. It was Kibai. Calling out to me. Although now, I think that was their trickery.
[Bem] When they captured me, they cast one of the statues down into the valley, and then lit all those fires, at once, as if to announce themselves.
[Ifa] They cast one of the statues down, with just you and Kibai there to see it?
* Bem nods.
[Bem] To demonstrate to us their willingness to destroy the dead.
[Bem] You know, I am a monstrosity to them.
[Jevai] (could that have been a spell trigger for the fires?)
[Bem] (yes, that could have been)
* Ifa sighs.
[Jevai] it coudl also have been to trigger the other fires
[Bem] But also ... some of them are my kin.
[Jevai] some of the ones who captured you?
* Bem nods.
[Jevai] do you know what language they are speaking?
[Ifa] Jevai, does that mean there might have been some additional effect from the one they dropped when we were there? Or from the other two?
[Bem] The man with the beard by the fire, he's a Pekai for sure. I know him, although it's been years. Kin of kin, really, more.
[Jevai] its possible yes
[Jevai] they're stone, so rhey could have other glyps on them
* Jevai says to Ifa while nodding to Bem
[Ifa] Is there any particular way for us to counter that?
[Jevai] dispell them, perhaps
[Bem] You think they are like ... the woman who got turned to stone by ... whatever?
[Jevai] its possible.
[Jevai] but you can do that with more usual magic as well
[Ifa] That would be my assumption, but we've no way of knowing without further examination.
[Jevai] its powerful but not impossible
* Ifa nods to Jevai.
[Jevai] its dark, they coudl just be regualr statues
[Jevai] Alai may know. I didn't have time to look.
[Ifa] For now, I guess we let people at the ulajeta know what's going on and...bring back the people we agreed to?
[Jevai] yes, I suppose so
[NemnostiGM] All right, if you don't have more questions for Bem, you can get back to the ulajeta. When there, who will you talk to?
[Ifa] (Is Detevus the ranking Stoneguard?)
[Jevai] (I was gonna ask her again if she knew the language they were speaking)
[NemnostiGM] (no, Ghorgimbe is)
[Bem] It's the old tongue. I didn't know anyone still spoke it. I certainly don't.
* Jevai will let Ifa handle things when we get back to the Ulajeta
* Ifa will go let her know what's going on, what their demands are, and what we're doing back.
[Jevai] Ifa and Bem, if you can handles this, I can start preparing a spell to bring us back more quickly
* Ifa nods.
[Bem] All right, but you understand ... I"m not going back. I need to rest and heal.
[Jevai] yes, just to convince them
[Ifa] I was assuming you would be staying here.
[Jevai] you shoudl have someone check and make sure there are no lingering enchantments as well

Ifa reports back to Ghorgimbe and Nemnu about what they found and what the situation is

[NemnostiGM] All right, Ifa, what are you doing? (and also Jevai, go ahead and you can start your prep for lodging whatever)
* Jevai is gonna start lodgign that teleport
[Ifa] (I'm going to go tell Ghorgimbe what is going on. If I can rope in Jesa, all the better.)
* Ghorgimbe listens to what you have described.
[Ghorgimbe] Well.
[Ghorgimbe] So what is the plan to extract the hostages?
[Ifa] Extract? It's an exchange.
[Ghorgimbe] Do you trust them to adhere to it?
[Ifa] Not necessarily. I was hoping we could count on some backup to help keep them honest.
* Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ifa] While it's entirely possible there's further machinations afoot, they do seem hopelessly outnumbered.
[Ghorgimbe] Bubun are great but against Hulti, that may not be the best.
[Ifa] We have plenty of non-bubun fighters.
* Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] And plenty who would relish the opportunity to take some revenge, for those revenants they have killed from here.
* Ifa nods.
[Ghorgimbe] I suppose what I am asking is whether you are thinking we should adhere to our side of the bargain, give up the prisoner.
[Ghorgimbe] The dead one, I think that is simpler.
[Ghorgimbe] But the living one - part of me wants to kill her now and then return her as such.
[Ifa] There is nothing in our current negotiations that would be negated by such a course of action.
[Ghorgimbe] I don't want to inflame anything though.
[Ifa] I'd prefer to do this with no bloodshed, but they seem quite set on it.
[Ghorgimbe] I will do as She demands, in this case.
[Ifa] We could talk to the prisoner and give her a choice.
[Ifa] Of course, I will do as She commands.
[Ghorgimbe] All right.
[NemnostiGM] (OK do you want to come talk to Nemnu, then, Ifa?)
[Ifa] (sure)
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can quickly make that arrangement and you and Ghorgimbe can meet with Her.
[Nemnu] My children, I am glad to see you well, and to hear of the return of my Lozla safely, but now, it seems we have yet a further problem to resolve.
[Ifa] Yes, my Lady.
[Nemnu] I will not say that I am surprised to hear that my Medimur, Hestur, and Farai would offer themselves, given that I am sure they do not intend to remain for long.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] (Is Bem here for this convo, too?)
[Nemnu] (she can be, I guess? I had thought she was going to get cared for)
[Ifa] (Best to keep her under observation for now, and she has firsthand details for Nemnu)
[Ghorgimbe] I am loath to surrender our prisoner, My Lady. Although I concede we have had poor success in learning much from her.
[Ghorgimbe] She tried to entrap and lure one of your own.
[Ghorgimbe] It would not be beyond the pale to eliminate her threat.
[Nemnu] It is not unthinkable for you, indeed, nothing would be more natural.
[Nemnu] But I think my days of killing helpless Old Folk are well and truly over. In battle, well, what must be must be. But in chains and rags? No.
[Nemnu] This one, our prisoner, is not responsible for the deaths that have befallen us. Even if her kin may be.
[Ifa] As you say, my Lady.
[Nemnu] What do we lose, if we return her, and the ancestor?
[Ghorgimbe] The ancestor, at least, cannot lie to the Voice. But I know that we have talked to him already.
[Ghorgimbe] These Writhings, whatever they are, are creatures of lies upon lies.
[Nemnu] Then, we are agreed that their value to us is small?
[Nemnu] Ifa - your thinking?
[Ifa] I am sad that they seem to be so twisted in their desire for revenge they don't seem able to see any other outcome. If we can buy a peaceful solution to the present issue by exchanging a reticent prisoner and repatriating an unwilling Ancestor, I would call that a bargain.
[Ghorgimbe] Reluctantly, I agree.
[Nemnu] Very well. Then, make the arrangements for the body to be brought out, and then, the prisoner, taking all precautions, of course. Render her unconscious if needed.
[Nemnu] But let there be no death today.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] As you command, my Lady.
* Ifa will go do that, and ask Ghorgimbe to have someone keep an eye on Bem for now while she gets seen to, at least until we get back.
[Nemnu] All right, anything else you're doing while at the ulajeta, Ifa? Otherwise we'll have Jevai make her roll and then you can get back.
[Ifa] (I think that's it? Just let people know to be on guard, but presumably Ghorgimbe will do that.)
[Nemnu] (all right, Jevai, try to not blow yourself up this time)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 30 ]
[Jevai] (all good)
[Nemnu] All right, so who all is coming on this teleport?
[Ifa] (How many can go?)
[Jevai] (Hopefully someone to wrangler whatseher name)
[NemnostiGM] (Ghorgimbe will probably do it herself, because she doesn't trust anyone else except presumably Kuspir to do so)
[Jevai] (cool)
* Jevai will slate a comprehend
[Jevai] languages before we go as well
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 26 ]
[NemnostiGM] (so just the three of you, plus one bag of bones, plus one prisoner?)
[Ifa] (sounds like, yeah)
[NemnostiGM] (you could bring a bubun or two if you felt it was needed)
[Jevai] (yeah - I dn'r really know who else Jevai might turn to for backup, so if Ghorgimbe is satisfied rhat will do)
[Jevai] (oh true_
[Ifa] (Maybe some extra Stonguards just in case?)
[NemnostiGM] (sure, they are definitely more of a deterrent than bubun)
[Jevai] (guys
[Jevai] sec)
[Jevai] (let me see how many epopel I even *can* teleport*)
[Jevai] (because it might just be liek... 3 :p)
[Ifa] (That's what I was asking earlier)
[Jevai] (I missed that. but yeah I can only bring lol 2 extra people. So we might not even be abe to bring Ghorbimbe)
[NemnostiGM] (ah, ok, well then, that settles that)
[Ifa] (I can hold onto Shas)
* Shas is shackled, and is brought out for you.
[Shas] Well, I'm intrigued.
[Ifa] Your people came for you.
[Shas] If you were going to kill me, it would presumably be in the daytime, possibly publicly.
[Shas] Aww, they didn't forget me, how sweet of them!
[Jevai] are you willing to come with us then?
[Shas] Instead of being locked in a windowless chamber? Well, as much as I love your hospitality, I think I'll go home.
[Jevai] Good.
[Ifa] Simple enough, then.
[Jevai] (I assume we have the ancestor, so I will touch her and Ifa and take ius back to where we left from)

Ifa and Jevai teleport back to the encampment with Fikefol’s remains and their prisoner Shas; they make the exchange, but learn both that the statues were not really ancestors, and that Kibai is staying with the Writhing

[NemnostiGM] OK, you have Fikefol's remains with you and so Jevai, you can dislodge your spell and teleport away. Since you were just there it's no problem.
[NemnostiGM] All right, the group is reunified and you are all back at the campsite.
[Ifa] We have brought your kinswoman and your kinsman's remains. Do we have an agreed upon exchange?
[Tekhirti] I wondered whether you would really return. Perhaps you had left us with the most unpopular of your group.
* Alai surpresses a laugh
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Ifa] Is that a tactic you would have used?
[Tekhirti] If necessary, yes. We all understand our role.
[Izu] Well, at least one of us is popular.
[Tekhirti] I agree to release you all to your own desires and intents, provided that you turn over our two, the one living, the one dead.
* Ifa looks to the others.
[Jevai] what about the... ancestors?
* Jevai gestures to the statues
[Alai] Good question/
* Tekhirti laughs.
[Tekhirti] They were never dead or alive to begin with.
[Tekhirti] You are welcome to them.
* Jevai nods unsurprised
[Ifa] Did you haul them all the way here just for intimidation?
[Tekhirti] Crafted here in place.
[Tekhirti] You are not the only ones who can use Source, after all.
[Izu] You are very proud of yourself for one who claims we are liars.
[Ifa] Oh, of course, I was just curious.
[Jevai] then let us just go ahead with the exchange.
* Ifa nods in Jevai's direction.
* Tekhirti releases your group to go, and takes Shas and the remains of Fikefol back.
* Kibai takes a step closer to Tekhirti
[Kibai] Goodbye.
* Kibai says, to all of you.
[Kibai] It is time.
* Jevai blinks
[Ifa] Wait, what?
[Kibai] Please say sorry to Pavavi for me.
[Kibai] He was very kind.
[Ifa] You don't need to do whatever it is you're doing.
[Kibai] I do, otherwise it was going to be very difficult for me to return to the Writhing.
[Izu] Kibai...
* Ifa nods sadly.
[Ifa] Do what you must, but, please, try to remember *all* you have learned and seen in your time with us.
[Kuspir] You have made your choice, but if you decide differently later, it's possible to take another path.
* Ifa nods to that as well.
[Alai] Hmm... shouldnt we get to keep another one... since Kibai is leaving? Two for two right?
[Tekhirti] I note that you are now outnumbered, without your many bubun. And without Kibai.
[Tekhirti] I suggest that we bid one another good evening.
[Izu] [w to Alai] Not helping, Sweetie.
[Jevai] Then let's go
[Ifa] I hope you will also remember that we negotiated in good faith.
[Ifa] But you and Jevai are both right. We should return home.
* Alai smiles and waves goodbye
* Marga swoops down and dismisses WS as you leave the camp.
* Ifa honestly might give Kibai a hug if allowed.
[NemnostiGM] (sure)
[Marga] (w) what the poop that kid was a bad guy this whole time???
[Alai] maybe or maybe not
[Ifa] (q) I think she's just a person, in a bad situation.
[Kuspir] I suppose that's up to her.
* Ifa nods.
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can depart, returning to Nemnosti definitely shorter in numbers than you had expected, and with more questions to answer.
[NemnostiGM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!