Nemnosti session 34

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Session

Session date: October 26, 2025

Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Jinush

Prologue

[NemnostiGM] Greetings, acolytes! Now, I know you are all excited about the news from the east, about the new saint who awakened in Zhustir. It's the sort of thing that might only happen once a generation, or even more rarely, in any place. It takes all that stuff from your Fifths and Tenths and all the things that the Voices go on about and makes it real. A child, really, just about your age, now Awakened into immortality. For me, it is a reminder of how much we do not know. Zunuga's Epiphany, and all that came with it, formed the basis of the Corps as we know it. It taught us to be alert for Awakening, which can happen to any new Ancestor, without known cause or explanation. Growing up here, I often imagined what it would be like to change Kind - really any Kind, but mostly what it would be like to become like my beloved Mother and clan elder Nemnu? What would it be like to Awaken and forever after be Awake, to be changed so? What is it like to be a saint? But these are mysteries of experience, and no matter how many ulale have tried to put it in words, it always fails. Better, I think, to ask: would I wish to become a saint? Not that you have any say in the matter. Because, as much as we see Nemnu's power made manifest here in the ulajeta which we all love, it must surely be a confusing time for our newly sainted Sanar. To die one day - perhaps after an illness, perhaps suddenly - and then to realize, without any known plan or intention, except perhaps that of Unfolding itself - that one has come into one's new form - it must surely be difficult. No, I do not think I envy young Sanar in these next few months. And that is why you will see such support from the ulajeta heading downriver soon, from Nemnu. She will send Her many gifts and much support, to support Her in Her Awakening period. And, as it is now winter, that may mean sacrifices here as well. We make them gladly, and know that it is a service well rendered.

Kuspir assembles the team and they make their plans for traveling to see the new saint, including gifts for Her from Nemnu

[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, the last couple of days have been very busy, as the ulajeta turns from both its mundane concerns and its more serious challenges to this new blessed event, the Awakening of Sanar Ula in Zhustir.
[NemnostiGM] For various reasons - surely because this Sanar is kin to your mother, but also because She will need strong guardianship of the sort your Order can provide, and surely because of the threat that your Hulti enemies will turn their attentions there - you have been given broad authority to assemble a team.
[NemnostiGM] You will need supplies for yourselves, of course, but also, provisions, gifts, and other material support for the new saint. No one here, save Nemnu Herself of course, has direct experience supporting a new Awakening, but the good news is that the Register of Patrols and other guidebooks held by the stoneguards provide ready advice.
[NemnostiGM] You and your Order have vast experience protecting Nemnu, one of the elder and most powerful and best-protected saints. But who knows what dangers will face a young girl from a lesser lineage?
[NemnostiGM] When something happens every week, anyone can be prepared. To prepare for an Awakening, though, requires the tradition and accumulated wisdom that is best held within an ulajeta like Nemnosti.
[NemnostiGM] The month has just tipped over to Jinush, the last and longest of the three winter months and the final month of the year. Hardly an ideal time to be making a long journey, even if it is over familiar paths and terrain. But it's not winter's wail, but what strange politics and dangers lie in your hometown, that concern you most.
[NemnostiGM] You may, essentially, invite anyone from the ulajeta to join your team. You have a couple of days to prepare, but the hope is, perhaps, to be back at Nemnosti by the Abas Feast, so you will not want to delay your departure too much.
[NemnostiGM] (all right, over to you)
* Kuspir will get Ifa, Izu, Alai, Jevai and Marga, as well as Bem and Sakasa, to brief them on the mission.
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can assemble folks in the West Tower.
[Kuspir] Thank you for coming. I assume you've heard the news, so I won't go over everything - I don't have a lot more information than you do.
* Jevai can be assembled
* Ifa nods.
[Kuspir] We are tasked with going to Zhustir to bring the Lady's welcome and protection to this new Saint.
[Marga] Are we... bringing them back here?
[Kuspir] I don't know.
[Izu] I suppose that will depend on her.
[Sakasa] If that is what the saint wants, we surely would.
[Ifa] I guess that will be up to...yeah.
[Kuspir] I suppose if it seems to be necessary, but I don't think we should approach with the assumption that it will be required.
[Alai] Is safer here, so perhaps convince that is what they want?
[Sakasa] There are going to be a lot of pressures on Her and Her new lineage to build a new and independent ulajeta.
[Izu] It may be the safest course, but there is little we can do if she does not wish it.
[Ifa] We can offer our guidance on that front, but it's still her decision.
[Kuspir] There are going to be many different forces at work, trying to get Her on their side.
* Ifa nods.
* Sakasa nods at Kuspir in agreement.
[Kuspir] We are to represent the Lady's interests but also what we think is in the best interests of the new Saint. I trust those two goals will coincide.
[Kuspir] I know that the new Saint is from my mother's lineage, but I don't know the exact nature of the relation.
[Ifa] Do we have some idea of what we're going to be bringing with us?
[Sakasa] Depends on how many bubun you're bringing, I guess.
[Kuspir] We can bring whatever we want, I imagine. I wanted to suggest you all get supplies in case we need to sleep in tents - there may not be enough place for us to stay at the local inn.
[Sakasa] Winter camping ... how exciting.
* Sakasa remarks dryly.
[Ifa] That makes sense. And I would imagine we'll be allowed however many bubunne are necessary to carry what supplies and gifts we bring.
[Jevai] hmm.
[Jevai] has She decided on gifts yet?
[Bem] I saw Pavavi running around today with a list.
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, much of what you're taking are everyday things: food, tools, and frankly, a substantial amount of gold coin. But you also know that as Bem suggested, Pavavi has some magical treasures to send, that Nemnu has asked you to bring.
* Izu is listening to the conversation but seems a bit contemplative at the moment.
[Kuspir] I'm also planning to ask Rembes to join us - in case we need someone young and enthusiastic to run errands, for instance. Alai, I will not tell you what to do, but you're welcome to bring Irdomila if you want. Likewise if any of you have any other suggestions of people or things to bring, please do so, or let me know.
[Sakasa] They would be honoured to go. Hopefully the other acolytes don't feel too left out.
[Jevai] If she is young, it may be good to have young peope who can relate to her, as well
[Kuspir] well, mostly I think Irdomila's grandparents will be cross with me if I don't bring her. but I feel the request would come better from you :)
[Sakasa] I heard she was thirteen.
* Kuspir nods
[Jevai] so young for such a transition...
[Kuspir] Do you think bringing others of the young acolytes would be sensible?
* Sakasa considers.
[Sakasa] No, that's not what I meant, exactly. You can't bring them all.
[Alai] Is good idea she joins us. I'll make sure she works hard to get it out of me.
* Alai gives a sly smile
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Well, two young people is enough of a handful to deal with.
[Bem] Agreed.
[Sakasa] So when we go, it's going to be quite a caravan? Horses, carriages, wagons, all that?
[Kuspir] I also suggest, if it's possible, that our casters prepare things for communication and for camping outdoors in the cold, if possible.
[Kuspir] Yes.
[Sakasa] I have heard that we might expect other saints to have delegations too, is that right?
[Ifa] I can only imagine that will be the case.
[Kuspir] That seems likely, yes.
* Jevai nods, as she had planned to do so
* Alai is thinking about what to wear...
[Sakasa] All right, anything else we need to discuss?
[Kuspir] We'll plan to leave tomorrow, if that's enough time for everyone to prepare.
[Bem] I'm ready whenever.
* Bem yawns.
[Izu] I shall make preparations.
[Ifa] I'm sure that's enough time.
[Jevai] yes, it shoudl be fine.
[Kuspir] Very well. We'll reconvene early tomorrow to set off.
* Izu will go to inform Faifir that he will be leaving and make accommodations for his normal duties.
[NemnostiGM] All right, in the interim, are there any additional preparations anyone needs to make?
[Alai] (borrow a rod of extend?)
* Kuspir will make sure to a) write to Zurusha and b) spend some time with Rugu since he's going to be gone for a little while.
* Ifa will make sure to get pack bubunne ready for the trip.
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you can request for Rembes to come, and Alai, you can direct Irdomila to pack her bags.
[Ifa] (I assume we have like backpacks or other stuff for them to carry things long distances.)
* Alai will tease it out and make sure Irodomila agrees to extra chores for her idea of joining the trip.
[NemnostiGM] Yes, Regivus, who is the cellarer/provisioner for ordinary things, will have been busily accumulating things already here. He's also reached out with a long list to Dadim, who will be collecting additional materials in Naftusa which you'll pick up along the way.
[NemnostiGM] Alai, yes, you can arrange to borrow a rod of extend from Pavavi.
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you estimate that with everyone in tow, and regular stops, it will be three full days to get to Zhustir.
[NemnostiGM] Assuming all goes relatively well.
[Kuspir] (ok)
[NemnostiGM] (OK, hearing no other things imminently, I'm moving forward)
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, Pavavi brings you three wooden boxes to include in the journey.
[Pavavi] The Carver has made Her choices.
* Pavavi opens the first one to reveal a simple copper amulet.
[Pavavi] This simple-looking object is a powerful defense against those who would learn the location or information about the new Saint, if She wears it.
* Kuspir nods
* Pavavi pulls out the second box and opens it to reveal a small stone figurine.
[Pavavi] I've put the word on a slip of paper in the lining. I won't say it aloud, because if I were to, well, I'd have a mess to clean up in this enclosed space.
[Kuspir] ...
[Pavavi] It transforms into a great stone soldier, capable of defending the new Saint against her attackers.
[Kuspir] I see.
[Kuspir] But the word must be spoken?
[Pavavi] It must.
[Pavavi] And then this last one.
* Pavavi hands over the third box, which contains a cloak with a simple silver clasp.
[Pavavi] It is protective, in general, but the wearer may also use it to merge their body into nearby stone, emerging once it is safe.
[Kuspir] I do have a question.
[Pavavi] Yes?
[Kuspir] Are these for the new Saint to keep, regardless of Her decisions or plans? For instance, if She decided to go to Onighus or somewhere else, would the Lady still gift these items to Her?
* Pavavi nods.
[Pavavi] These are gifts, given without expectation of reciprocity or any other recompense.
[Kuspir] All right.
[Pavavi] Whatever Sanar and the Sanari decide.
* Kuspir nods

The group travels from Nemnosti down the Pardopasu to Ai Dandura, and then through the lowlands to Zhustir

[NemnostiGM] It is Savos, the third of Jinush, in the year 768, when you depart the ulajeta to support the new saint Sanar Ula, as for the first time in decades, a new saint has awakened in Naftusa Province.
[NemnostiGM] All told, including the bubun, supplies for yourselves, gifts, provisions and boons for the new saint and Her as-yet-unformed ulajeta, it is a long and inevitably slow caravan of materials winding down the wintry River Road from the Pardopasu down the valley to Ai Dandura, and beyond.
[NemnostiGM] (https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Naftusa_Province)
[NemnostiGM] There's light snow on the ground as you clear the West Gate and especially around Hertu. Here, the villagers come out to see you, half out of respect, half out of curiosity, as everyone in the village will have heard about your pilgrimage.
[NemnostiGM] By the time you get to Naftusa, late in the day, there is no fanfare. You check in briefly with Dadim, who has obtained some additional supplies for the new saint, and by the time you've loaded it in, fed the horses, and had the bubun brush each other off, it's the end of the day.
* Marga waves cheerfully
[NemnostiGM] (Ifa and Izu, your grandma, who lives in Hertu, can say hello and give you a bag full of apples each for the journey)
[NemnostiGM] The next day, you carry on down the river road, east along the south shore of the Pasu and down the Lolenivi, the Goat's Tongue - the long spit of land that divides the Pasu from the Fantendi rivers.
[NemnostiGM] And still further from there, all the way to ancient Imperial Ai Dandura, the fortified and dammed village that blocks access to the entire river valley. There, you will make camp on the second evening, supported by the Leraghe noble lineage who will host you on their lands outside the walls of the town.
[NemnostiGM] On the third day, where the River Road continues on down east towards Onighus just outside Ai Dandura, you turn north along the Westedge, which runs, aptly, along the west edge of the Turtu hills but which, ironically enough, lies roughly at the east edge of Naftusa Province.
[NemnostiGM] While these lowlands are still technically part of the province, they draw much influence from the large agricultural province of Ghilopon to the east. Only this strip of land leading up to Zhustir lies within Naftusa's territory.
[NemnostiGM] But here in the lowlands, sheltered by the hills, it is flat and much warmer than in the valley, and you can make it to the town of Zhustir well before sunset.
[NemnostiGM] Zhustir is a low-lying agricultural town of 1000 or perhaps a few more, in the far east of the province and far from any other substantial settlement. It lies at the confluence of the Buhaz River, which flows roughly south along the provincial border, and the Chivenanga, which flows east out of the hills, supplying the wide valley with fertile soil.
[NemnostiGM] (https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Zhustir)
[NemnostiGM] Once there were other communities nearby: Shurguse, an Omban ritual center; Vocha Sogo, a Ravre settlement in the hills, and the great fortress of Gil Pirtu, which still sits overlooking the Chivenanga valley and the town itself. All are now abandoned, partly due to the availability of water, partly due to movement east where the agricultural land is better.
[NemnostiGM] Here in Zhustir, the noble Izmoghir are the main noble lineage. While they have a manor house or two in town, their major estates lie outside the city proper, to the west, where their iftibal is a great tower, unlike the usual low longhouses that characterize most lineage halls.
[NemnostiGM] While there have been settlements here since Imperial times, the buildings of the town are mostly a century or less in age, after a series of catastrophic floods. They are a mix of wood and stone, with much reuse of old stone in new construction. The streets are packed earth lined with stone, and low shrubs and small trees dot the landscape between the well-spaced homes.
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, even though it's been a few years since you've been home, it never changes that much. But this is something different. Even as you approach the town, you see a range of strange caravans and clusters of travellers, and hear rhythmic music of drums and strings encouraged by the low roar of revellers.
[NemnostiGM] At a quick glance you'd estimate that there are several hundred visitors here, some of whom have encamped in fields outside of town, and others of whom are standing about, as if somehow the crowding will solve itself.
[NemnostiGM] There is only one inn that caters to foreign travellers, the Last Good Well, just at the eastern edge of the town. Kuspir, your distant kinswoman Jalte runs the place, along with her husband Bergesh, hengi of the poor Sighandi lineage, which has been decimated by disease.
[NemnostiGM] There are two well-supported temples; Umusam is the name of the Hand temple, while Suftudal serves the Voice. Both will surely be overburdened as they attempt to serve and accommodate all the newcomers.
[NemnostiGM] And then there are the lineage-houses. With the Izmoghir iftibal out in the countryside, the wealthier commoner lineages like the Sempi, Vabaseli, and Derteri have ample space for their lineages under ordinary conditions. Even these seem full, as various cousins and half-remembered adoptees come back to see the new Saint and pay Her homage.
[NemnostiGM] Then, the smaller and more recently-arrived common lineages, and the various country folk, make up the rest of the town. You can see easily that unlike up in the valley, the clothing is more modern and there are many more influences of the Khutuan lowlands in the faces of the townsfolk.
[NemnostiGM] You don't often feel out-of-place or backward at Nemnosti, but you do see what Nemnu means in Her Courses when She alludes to travel uphill being like walking into the past. Some of you, like Alai and Ifa, have spent time in the cities or abroad. And of course, Kuspir, you grew up here.
[NemnostiGM] But for the rest of you, it is definitely a strange experience, made stranger by the fact that many of the townsfolk stare at you, as if half-expecting the children of Nemnu to all be arcane and bizarre.
[NemnostiGM] (All right, you're on the main road at the right edge of town, with your entire caravan. What's your initial plan upon arriving?)
[Kuspir] (I think I would first go talk to my parents, since I assume they'll have the inside scoop on what all is happening and maybe they'll let us camp in their yard or something)
[NemnostiGM] (OK, so to the Vabaseli iftibal)
[Jevai] (to be fair I think she did send sone of her most arcane and bizare followers in me and Alai...)
* Marga waves cheerfully at these people too

The group goes to the Vabaseli iftibal where they are welcomed by Kuspir’s kin and learn about what has been going on in Zhustir

[NemnostiGM] All right, you head through town to the Vabaseli iftibal.
[NemnostiGM] The Vabaseli iftibal is new-ish - it was built when you were a baby, Kuspir - and made of hewn stone taken from the Vabaseli mines to the north. It sits at the southwest part of town, near the Buhaz river, with small gardens scattered around it, along with several outbuildings and barns. The goats look thin, but that is to be expected in this season.
[NemnostiGM] This iftibal replaced the old lineage house, out in the countryside, where your ancestral lands still sit and where your kin still till the lands they have managed for centuries. The old house is mostly forgotten, except for the great arch at front, which was carried brick by brick down the Chivenanga and into town.
[NemnostiGM] The hengi, Ganu, is there to greet you - even in such a chaotic time, your arrival will not have been a surprise.
* Ganu smiles warmly as he sees you.
[Kuspir] Greetings, hengi, it's good to see you.
[Ganu] Kuspir, my good cousin! My organs sing at your presence at this glorious time.
[Ganu] How are things in the uplands?
[Kuspir] Things are busy as usual. Though I think not as busy as here, from what I can see.
[Ganu] Probably not.
[Ganu] Come, then, let us bring you and your friends in from the cold! We have much to discuss.
[Kuspir] I wonder if it would be possible for us to stay here - if there's no room in the iftibal, we can camp outside.
[Ganu] I was hoping you would ask! Yes, of course - except, perhaps, for your bubunne, but perhaps they can stay at the temple.
[Ganu] There are, what, ten of you?
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] That's right.
[Ganu] It will be snug, and I could talk to Jalte and impose on her to make at least one room available at the Well, if any of you wish something more comfortable.
[Ganu] But she's entitled to make her money off this, too. So I would need to get you to pay her.
[Kuspir] Thank you, it's much appreciated.
[Ganu] The Vabaseli are honoured to sustain the Grey Carver's retinue during their holy pilgrimage.
[Ganu] It truly is our privilege.
[Kuspir] (I assume we can deal with the wagons and bubun and animals and so on, then go inside?)
[NemnostiGM] (yes, you can all go in)
[Kuspir] So, can you tell us what has been happening? The word has travelled fast, I can tell.
[NemnostiGM] The Vabaseli are neither the wealthiest nor the poorest of the ancient common lineages of Zhustir. The longhouse is well-kept and warm, with various small rooms full of lively chatter. You are, more or less, going to be sleeping in storerooms or cleared space in a hall somewhere, but Ganu and his (and Kuspir's) family can make you all relatively comfortable.
[Ganu] Certainly. Here, all of you, gather around. I want to meet you all and get to know you well during your stay.
[Ganu] I will answer all your questions, as best I can.
* Kuspir will introduce the others.
[Ifa] Thank you for your hospitality.
[Ganu] Well, of course, when it happened, it was Voice Nalazh who discovered it. He is also Sanar's uncle, a Gargimnai himself.
[Ganu] I don't know all the details about how such things are determined, but certainly the word spread quickly within the town itself.
[Ganu] The Izmoghir are trying to take charge of things, typically. But the Gargimnai, well, I don't have to tell you, Kuspir, what they think of the nobility.
* Kuspir nods
[Ganu] So, at present, the saint is being held in an outbuilding next to the Gargimnai iftibal. Their hengi, your mother's cousin Higrikh, well, she has been scheming, along with your mother, ever since it happened.
[Ganu] Gargimnai, well ... you know.
[Kuspir] I'm familiar...
[Ganu] (many of you of course, do not know, though Kuspir does)
* Jevai looks curious
[Kuspir] What do you think their intentions are? My mother and her cousin, that is.
* Ganu laughs.
[Ganu] I was going to ask you that.
[Kuspir] Ah, well, I'm sure they will not hesitate to let me know.
* Kuspir says dryly
[Ganu] I mean, I don't need to tell you that they are going to seek advantage from this. But surely, so will we all.
[Ganu] I have been talking to your father, and some of the old heads around here, about some thoughts.
[Kuspir] Who else has arrived, from afar?
[Ganu] From far away, not too many, just yet. Mostly we have lookers-on from the east, who are just coming to see the saint, rather than with any particular purpose.
[Ganu] Pospor of the Borgegi is at the Well, and anticipates a full delegation to arrive.
* Kuspir nods
[Ganu] We have heard that the Fedifri will be here soon. And, perhaps, even, that we will get one or more Conduits.
[Ganu] But so far, you are the first saintly delegation to arrive, which I suppose makes sense, given the distance.
[Ganu] But locally, there is a big group just arrived from Bemnes. The Luetkans.
* Kuspir glances to Alai
* Alai shrugs
* Lan-phone (~Lan-phonelns5-pool7-088.adsl.user.start.ca) has joined #nemnosti
* Mutur enters the longhouse and smiles as he sees his son.
[Mutur] They told me they were sending trouble. I didn't think it would be so ugly. :)
[Kuspir] Hello, Father, good to see you too.
* Mutur is a man who looks almost just like Kuspir only a little greyer and rounder, with a big warm smile.
* Mutur embraces Kuspir.
* Kuspir hugs him back
* Mutur nods at Ganu.
[Mutur] They're staying there for now.
* Mutur says to Ganu, and then turns back to you.
[Mutur] Your mother and sister are over there. Have been since the beginning.
[Kuspir] I imagine it's been a busy time for them. How are they doing?
[Mutur] Your mother is like a pig that just found a second truffle buried underneath the first one.
* Kuspir gives a little laugh at that
[Mutur] As for Shosti, well, I think she is thinking of her marriage prospects more than anything holy.
[Kuspir] Oh?
[Mutur] Well ... a Vabaseli is not such a good marriage prospect. But a Sanari ... or whatever they are going to call themselves ... that's different.
[Mutur] Have you told them about the plan yet?
* Mutur asks Ganu
[Ganu] Not so far.
[Ganu] The idea, if they are amenable, is to provide what we can for the new ulajeta, assuming there is to be a new ulajeta, and assuming it's here.
[Kuspir] I see...
[Ganu] We have much land, including the old fort, which doesn't serve any useful purpose anymore to us.
[Ganu] It might be an opportunity.
* Kuspir nods, considering that
[Kuspir] It would be a big undertaking to rebuild.
[Mutur] If only there were a saint who was expert in stone.
* Mutur chuckles to himself.
[Kuspir] Would it be possible to go see the Saint this evening, or do you think we should wait until the morrow?
[Ganu] Well ... they're being careful about who they let in.
[Ganu] But I also imagine they've been waiting for you.
[Mutur] Oh, good, you have a Voice with you.
* Mutur says, noticing Izu.
[Kuspir] We tried to come prepared.
* Izu nods.
[Mutur] You may need to go check in at your temple. With Nalazh over with the saint, there may not be anyone over there, or perhaps just Pamanai.
[Ganu] I would imagine your priests would have to be granted access. I know that Voice Pospor has been already; you could talk to him as well.
[Ganu] I think the plan may be for there to be some sort of general presentation to coincide with the festivities. But all of that will need to wait for the arrival of others, and that may take a little time.
[Kuspir] Well, I can go talk to Mother and see what she has to say. Perhaps everyone else can make themselves comfortable, or if you have things you wish to do, people to consult with, do that tonight, and then in the morning we can hopefully have an audience with the Saint, if that's possible.
* Ganu nods.
[Ganu] You need to eat,for one thing, and I have good news on that front.
[Kuspir] Ifa and Izu, do you want to stay at the temples, or here? Who, if anyone, wants the room at the inn?
* Ganu has a great salted pork roast brought out, with root vegetables.
[Kuspir] Thank you, cousin, this is a generous meal.
* Marga eyes the food with big eyes
[Marga] ].] .. I'd rather stay here
* Ganu laughs.
[Izu] I am happy to stay at the temple if it means more room for all.
[Ganu] I like this one, she has her priorities straight.
* Ganu says of Marga.
[Alai] The inn would be preferred, if the option is available.
* Marga grins
* Kuspir nods
* Jevai looks at Alai
[Jevai] would you prefer company, or not?
[Kuspir] Alai and Jevai, you could share if you wish? But it's up to you.
[Alai] I would prefer my own room. Who knows what I might get up to in this bustling town.
[Kuspir] I have no problem with that, if it suits you.
[Ganu] I'll send a girl right now over there , have Jalte get a room ready for you. After all, the Well is not her personal property. But you must eat first. I will not have my hospitality left uneaten.
* Kuspir will enjoy the meal
* Marga will enjoy the meal VERY much
* Alai will eat, with less gusto than Marga
[NemnostiGM] All right, if you have gotten all the info you need from Ganu and Mutur, then we can move forward.
[Kuspir] (fine with me)
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you were going over to see your mom tonight? And Izu, you were going to Suftudal, the Voice temple? Alai, you were going to the Last Good Well to stay. Anyone else doing something tonight, or waiting till tomorrow?
[Kuspir] (that was my plan, yes)
* Jevai will eat quietly, and maybe go for a walk later to try and get away from people some
[Ifa] (sorry, temple is fine for me)
[NemnostiGM] (OK, Ifa, that's fine too. And they can probably hold your bubunne better there anyway)
[Ifa] (*nod*)
[Alai] (I'll just get a feel of the crowd at the Inn...which I am sure is bustling, see if I can pick up on the local gossip... although I might stand out too much for it)

Izu visits Suftudal, the Voice temple in town, and speaks to Voice Pamanai, the young apprentice, who is overburdened with work

[NemnostiGM] Izu, you travel the short distance from the Vabaseli iftibal to the local Voice temple.
[NemnostiGM] Suftudal is the small, low stone temple of the Voice here in Zhustir. It is solidly built, in the style of about sixty or so years ago. You remark to yourself that, absent Nemnu, your own great Voice temple would not exist, and you wonder what edifices this new saint will have erected in Her honour and Her name.
[NemnostiGM] Voice Nalazh Gargimnai, who Ganu was referring to, is the high priest here; you've met him once or twice when he made pilgrimages up to Nemnosti for Romokh or the Abas Feast, but don't know him well, and he's surely at least forty years older than you.
* Izu will seek out the older priest to greet him and ask permission to stay at the temple.
[NemnostiGM] You come in, but you don't see Nalazh at all. Instead, a younger man is rushing around in a near-panic.
* Pamanai is a young man, definitely younger than you, wearing a simple black cassock. His beard is short and well-trimmed, and his hair extends into a mess of thick black curls.
[Pamanai] Oh!
[Pamanai] Who are you?
[Izu] Greetings. I am Voice Izu Nemni of Nemnosti. Can I be of service?
* Pamanai looks at you like you have just come to save him.
[Pamanai] Oh my ... my yes.
[Izu] What can I do to help?
[Pamanai] It's just that things are in disarray here, and I need to get them right for tomorrow, but I don't remember it all.
* Pamanai looks exhausted now that you see him a little closer up.
[Izu] Ahh, that is not so difficult. Here, bring me paper and charcoal and we will make a plan. What have you done so far? How many are there here to help?
* Izu will break into Administrator Mode immediately
[Pamanai] There's just me. Voice Nalazh is with the saint. I do have a couple of the local boys who sometimes help, but I don't know where they are.
[Pamanai] I'm sorry, I have not introduced myself, I am Voice Pamanai, the assistant here at Suftudal.
[Pamanai] I am expected to have things ready to greet the Conduit upon his arrival tomorrow.
[Izu] A pleasure to meet you, Pamanai. Please, try not to panic. Do you know which conduit is coming?
[Pamanai] I believe it is Conduit Ingo, and a retinue.
* Izu smiles.
[Izu] Then you are in luck. I promise, we will have things ready by tomorrow. I have known Conduit Ingo my entire life. We will be well ready before tomorrow.
[Pamanai] You have? We will? *We*?
[Pamanai] I am deeply honoured for your offer, Voice Izu. Are you sure it is no trouble?
[Izu] Of course. I will stay here at the temple to help direct things. Go and find one of those boys you spoke of and have him find the others. I will begin a list of what we will need. When you return we will break it down into small pieces and go from there.
* Pamanai nods.
[Pamanai] Right.
* Pamanai scoots off to do so.
[Pamanai] (give me a Linguistics check)
[Izu] (Oof 19)
[Izu] (Actual, I'll use fate on that)
[Izu] (-_-) (21)
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you're pretty sure that Pamanai's voice and intonation sound like someone with formal education of the sort you couldn't get here, and that would be fairly pricey.
* Pamanai returns back, having found at least one helper.
[Pamanai] All right, so ... now, what do we do?
[Izu] (So I as a player don't know what sort of preparations are expected, but I assume Izu does)
[NemnostiGM] (yes, and honestly, once you knew it was Ingo, you are much less stressed out yourself)
[NemnostiGM] (you are a little perplexed why all this has been left to poor Pamanai who is clearly out of his element, though)
[Izu] Why was this left on your shoulders? Are there no other voices here besides yourself and Voice Nalazh?
[Pamanai] No, we're the only ones who are regularly here. And Nalazh, well ... I shouldn't speak ill. But ... well, he has not really been back here except to bring votive objects and candles and such out of storage, to take to the barn where they're keeping Her.
[Izu] Hmmm... Surely the new saint is an important matter, but other duties should also be attended to. No matter. First we can begin with preparing accommodations. Do you have somewhere for the Conduit and his retinue to stay?
[Pamanai] Well ... yes and no.
[Pamanai] My family, the Izmoghir, own several large homes in town, and most of them are not used much. So there is space, and fine linens, and supplies for him and his retinue. But it is not Voice space, but rather, my clan's space.
[Pamanai] I don't have my aunt's permission to use it, exactly.
[Izu] Can she be persuaded?
[Pamanai] Well, she lives out in the countryside, at their iftibal. It's much too late to take a trip out there tonight. But I could arrange it tomorrow.
* Izu considers this.
[Pamanai] If you think it would be appropriate.
[Pamanai] Is it right to use my lineage's connections to accommodate him?
[Izu] (Is it?)
[NemnostiGM] (I mean, it's a balancing act. Technically you probably shouldn't; it might seem untoward, and you're not supposed to be attached to your lineage too much as a priest. But also, Ingo needs a place to stay. And while he's a cheerful guy, he's also a nobleman by birth and used to nice things. He would be grumpy if you made him sleep on straw.)
[Izu] I'm afraid there may be few other options with the number of people in town. We shall endeavor to inform him that this is merely a matter of logistics and not an attempt at anything more. I'm sure he will listen when I explain the problem. Unless you know of anywhere else in town they could be housed?
[Pamanai] I'm afraid not. I asked Jalte at the Well, and she laughed in my face.
[Izu] That's what I suspected.
[Pamanai] It's going to get worse before it gets better.
[Izu] Then we will use what we have. You think your Aunt would be willing to let us use the space if we ask?
[Pamanai] I think so. If not out of charity, then out of a sense that taking care of a Conduit is a great honour.
[Izu] Then we should begin at once. We'll need the space cleared and cleaned first.
* Pamanai smiles.
[NemnostiGM] All right, you can get to work, and in an hour or so you've managed to get things organized to the point where you're satisfied. But by that point you're probably feeling exhausted, given that you've been travelling all day.
[Izu] This should be sufficient for now...
[Izu] Do you perhaps have somewhere in the temple where I could set up my own bedroll?
[Izu] It has been a... long day.
[Pamanai] Of course! We have spare rooms here.
* Izu nods thankfully
[NemnostiGM] All right, Izu, you can settle in for the evening, a job well done.

Alai visits the Last Good Well, where she is greeted by Jalte, the innkeeper, and then is surprised to see her brother Nikata there

[NemnostiGM] All right, Alai, you head over to the Last Good Well, where you'll be staying.
[NemnostiGM] The Last Good Well is the finest inn in town. It's also the worst inn in town, by virtue of being the only inn in town, or at least, the only building that serves that purpose year-round. It sits at the eastern edge of town, right along the road, and is made of old stone, put together in new form. True to its name, a large stone well sits immediately to its west.
[NemnostiGM] You enter and see who looks like the innkeeper, who you've ebeen told is a kinswoman of Kuspir's named Jalte. She looks a bit like him, you suppose.
[Alai] any port in storm
* Jalte is a stout and strong-looking woman of early middle years with long hair bundled under a practical green headscarf, wearing a long apron full of tools and utensils. Around her are a couple of young children playing underfoot; she kicks them away gently as she works around the tavern.
[NemnostiGM] The inn and tavern is very busy. Behind the bar stands a youngish man, pouring drinks and caring for the bar. And then the crowd is quite a lot.
[Jalte] You lookin' for someone?
* Alai is wearing her seal skin winter cloak, a navy coloured traveling dress, her hair up, held in a silver mesh net, a bone choker and her normal multitude of bracelets and rings.
[Alai] Yes. I assume you are Jalte? A messenger was sent ahead for a room for myself.
* Alai gives the room a good look.
[Jalte] Oh, you're with the Nemni. Sorry, thought you were one of the whale-folk.
[Alai] Both can be true.
[Jalte] That's a strange mix. But anyway, welcome. I'm Jalte Vabaseli, and you've already talked to my cousin Ganu. This is the Last Good Well.
[Alai] I am Serene Alai Vegru. Is good to meet you. Such chaos.
* Alai smiles
[Jalte] Yes, well, at least one merchant who was promised a room will be disappointed that I've given his room to you, but as I understand it, I'm to be well-compensated.
[Alai] I am sure you will not be dissappointed.
[Jalte] You hear that, Bergesh? These saintly folks have money, I told you!
[NemnostiGM] (Across the way, you see the much younger man behind the bar acknowledge Jalte as best as he can. He is a young man with a great bushy black beard, clearly physically fit and proud of it. His clothing is practical as he holds a baby in one hand while cleaning mugs with one hand in a feat of practical acrobatics.
[Alai] Is there a place for a saintly folk to sit and get a drink as well?
[Jalte] My husband. Yes, I know, he's a young fella. Don't judge.
[Jalte] Yes, of course! Go over and Bergesh will take care of you.
[Alai] My only judgement is your skill in catching, which seems capable.
* Alai will head over to the bar
[NemnostiGM] Alai, you settle in at the bar and the barkeep, Bergesh, serves you whatever you want. You look to your left and ... you feel unmoored.
[NemnostiGM] You have a brief momentary flash when you imagine yourself as you were in your moments back in Luetka, with your father staring at you uncomprehendingly.
[NemnostiGM] Your father's face is staring at you ... and then it is not.
[NemnostiGM] You have just enough time to wonder if somehow you have been transported back there when things come into focus and in place of whatever you thought it was, it is the face of your brother, Nikata.
* Alai sighs and takes a sip of her drink
[Nikata] Is that all I get? A sigh?
[Alai] It is not as if I expected to see you here, although when I had heard people were down from Bemnes, I was not expecting Roska to bring you... ore are you here of your own accord?
[Nikata] Roska invited us all. Part of his plan. Not everyone came.
[Nikata] I figure, why not drink somewhere new, using his coin instead of my own?
[Alai] It is good to see you brother, and good to know that you have not changed.
[Alai] I had forgotten how much like father you look.
[Nikata] I had a girl who liked to call me 'daddy' once.
* Nikata takes a drink.
* Alai rolls her eyes at the comment
[Nikata] So you're here with the Nemni, I'm guessing.
[Alai] Observant as always. Roska and I have not seen eye to eye on many things for several months now.
[Nikata] Oh, that reminds me, Grandmother died. Uvragaz grandmother, I mean.
[Alai] She told me when we spoke last it would not be longs coming. Still sad tidings.
[Nikata] She always liked you.
[Alai] You've engraciated yourself with the locals by now. How is this place holding up under all the attention?
[Nikata] Well enough. I don't care for all this other stuff, I'm just here because Roska is paying.
[Alai] I don't suppose you've noticed any unusual or noteworthy outsiders around? Present company excluded.
[Nikata] I don't know enough about these Gargimnais to figure it all out, but the new saint's lineage seems unusual. There have been Gargimnai visitors from afar, strange folks. I think they're mostly over at their iftibal now, but some of them drink here.
[Alai] Are they here now?
* Nikata looks around.
[Nikata] That one. The hatchet and the drum.
* Nikata points to a man with a hatchet on one hip and a drum on another.
[Alai] Have another drink and stand right here.
* Nikata will do as asked.
* Alai will slip some fos with her drink and cast Detect Desires
[Alai] !roll 1d20+15
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 21 ].
[NemnostiGM] (all right, presumably just on this one guy, when it gets to the specific desires part?)
[Alai] (will save DC20... yes)
[NemnostiGM] (the first two rounds are pretty dull obv)
[NemnostiGM] !roll 1d20
* lan-werk2 rolls for NemnostiGM: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 8 ].
[Alai] (It only takes me two rounds)
[Alai] (I do it 1 round faster than normal)
[NemnostiGM] (oh right)
[NemnostiGM] The individual in question has a profound desire for social revolution.
[Alai] (can I tell if its violent social revolution?)
[NemnostiGM] (it could easily be, yes)
[NemnostiGM] (it's not violent at the moment or anything)
[Alai] (I'll glance around the room to see if I can get the desires of anyone particularly attractive before dismissing the spell)
[Alai] (since I get a sense of all thier charismas)
[NemnostiGM] (sure, there's a range of people, but no one who seems to be here to get laid or anything like that; it isn't that kind of establishment)
[Alai] Thank you Nikata. You have given me a glimpse of whats to come.
[Alai] Although I don't think you'll end up finding some of your desires in this inn.
[Nikata] Roska would want me to tell him that you're here. Even though the whole marriage thing didn't work out, I know he hasn't forgotten you.
[Alai] You can let him know. I will not hide from him.
[Nikata] That's good. Hey, when do you think the prostitutes will hear about the new saint and get up here to Zhustir?
* Alai rolls her eyes again.
[Nikata] See you around, Alai.
[Alai] I am not your mother to tell you what to do, but I just don't want to hear about you dead in a ditch somewhere, or run through by some jealous husband or boyfriend.
[Nikata] I'll try not to die.
[Alai] Please do, at least for me.
* Alai will finish her drink and retire to her room.

Ifa visits Umusam, the temple of the Hand in town, and speaks to Sejin, the main priestess, about events around Sanar Ula’s awakening, and they discuss the prospect of Ajemika adopting one of the children at the temple

[NemnostiGM] Umusam is the Hand temple here in the center of town. Ifa, you know that the priestess here is named Sejin Cheskai, but frankly Nemnosti has little to do with Zhustir's affairs most of the time, and so you're not sure you've ever met her in person.
[NemnostiGM] Still, the building itself is large with space for many bubunne, as would be typical for any agricultural community in need of extra labour in the spring, summer, and fall. You can also hear various sounds of children playing from within.
* Ifa will leave her bubunne outside and enter, looking for whoever appears to be in charge.
* Sejin is a very tired-looking woman of around forty, wearing a white Hand gown with a band of grey-green braiding along the front. She is thin to the point of gauntness, but nevertheless smiling as she tries to wrangle the various children about the temple.
* Ifa approaches and smiles.
[Sejin] Ah, hello? Are you with the Nemni?
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I'm Hand Ifa Nemni. I hope I'm not imposing over much.
[Ifa] I was hoping to stay here at the temple, if possible, and I'd be happy to help out with anything that needs doing.
[Sejin] Oh! Ahhh ... well, do you know any good stories for children? I'd love a chance to eat something.
* Ifa grins and nods.
[Ifa] I know a few...
* Sejin smiles.
[Sejin] I have inherited a few more than I can handle capably. Normally the women of the Derteri next door can come by, but they have lineage business.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I imagine everyone is quite busy at the moment.
[Ifa] Anything I can do to assist, I'm more than happy to do so. I also have some of our bubunne with us, if there're more rote tasks you need done.
[Sejin] Just a story from you. Nothing too scary or mean, though. Those two (she points to a boy and girl over in the corner) just lost their closest kin.
[Sejin] As for the bubunne - well, we have some here already, though not nearly as many as you have brought. These are for guarding the saint?
[Ifa] Mostly they were for carrying gifts and supplies, but, yes, they can also be tasked for defense as necessary.
[Sejin] Sanar was not one I would ever have expected to awaken. She was not the most faithful of girls.
[Sejin] I suppose that isn't how it works though.
[Ifa] We can't really know the mystery of it, it's true.
[Ifa] Well, please, let me take this burden for the moment, at least, and you get some food and rest. :)
[Ifa] Do you kids know [appropriate children's story]?
[NemnostiGM] The children can be entertained, giving Sejin a chance to rest and take care of her own needs for a little while.
[NemnostiGM] Afterwards she returns to you, much refreshed.
[Sejin] Thank you, Ifa, that was much needed. And while I never said so, yes, of course you may stay here.
[Ifa] That would be much appreciated.
[Ifa] We're here to help, so I don't want to be any sort of burden.
[Sejin] Where are the rest of you staying?
[Ifa] My brother is a Voice, staying at their temple. A few others at the inn and the Vabaseli iftibal.
* Sejin nods.
[Ifa] Wherever we can find room, really. :)
[Ifa] As I said, we were sent by Nemnu Ula to offer what aid we can to the town and the new saint.
[Sejin] You're lucky to have found anything. The Vabaseli took you in, you say? Interesting.
[Ifa] One of my companions is of their lineage.
[Ifa] Would it be unusual for them to take in visitors otherwise?
[Sejin] Perhaps not. They have political goals, same as anyone else. And hosting a saintly delegation is a great honour. But space is very, very tight. I'm sure they do not have so much room over there.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I got the impression it would be an imposition, hence looking for accommodation elsewhere.
[Sejin] Well you are certainly no imposition here!
* Ifa smiles.
[Sejin] It has been a long time since I have had time to just sit and speak with one of my sisters.
[Ifa] We *did* bring camping equipment, just in case.
[Ifa] Are you the only one of our order normally here?
[Sejin] Yes, it's just me.
[Sejin] I have the laywomen who come and help out now and again.
[Sejin] But yes, I am the only Hand. My apprentice left last year.
[Ifa] For another temple?
[Sejin] She got married and moved away.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I imagine it must get lonely. We're outnumbered by our brethren at Nemnosti, but there are several of our order there still.
[Sejin] Well, it can be. But I do have friends and family, in addition to the children.
[Ifa] Of course.
[Ifa] Zhustir is significantly larger and more modern than home for me. :)
[Sejin] Well, I can imagine that, living in such an ancient place in the hills. Still, the libraries must be amazing.
[Sejin] I only learned to read late, during my training. My family came from nothing, gave me nothing, and so I have always taken refuge in my books and stories.
[Ifa] I must make sure you have a chance to speak to my brother while we're here; he shares your fondness for the refuge of literature.
[Ifa] If I'd known, I would have seen what we could have spared from our collections.
[NemnostiGM] You do know that at least some books were sent down from Nemnosti with your caravan, although probably nothing valuable or special, more like prayer books and things.
[Ifa] (Okay, then I would have said what *else* could have been spared.)
[Sejin] It's fine! Honestly, it's a joy to just talk to you. The Derteri ladies next door are lovely but they do not share so much with me.
[Ifa] I'll admit, I'm surprised it's only you. Given the size of the town, and its labor requirements, I imagine your assistance is in great demand. Not to mention all your charges here.
[Sejin] Well, the Izmoghir have their own Hand out at their estate, who manages their bubunne.
[Ifa] (Is that a common practice?)
[Sejin] But you're right, there should be more here. It's too much work for one, especially with the children here too.
[NemnostiGM] (Definitely not odd for a big noble lineage with lots of lands to have their own Hand, like on retainer, to manage the agricultural labour)
[Ifa] (Also, is this a larger than average contingent of (presumably corpseborn?) kids than this town's size would suggest?)
[NemnostiGM] So these kids wouldn't be corpseborn proper, but they could of course be the children of corpseborn, brought here through the Tide in exchange. They could also just be kids who have no other lineage ties / are otherwise abandoned. But yeah, it seems like more than you would expect.
[Ifa] (Sorry, yes, children of corpseborn.)
[Ifa] (Would I know why that might be the case? I think you mentioned earlier there had been some disease in the area?)
[Sejin] (it's hard to say. There hasn't been like a disastrous plague)
[Ifa] If it's not too impolite, why are there so many?
[Sejin] Oh ... ahhh ... well, I would say that's probably my fault.
[Sejin] I had always wanted to have some of my own, and so, when I hear about little ones who need me, I can't say no.
[Ifa] I think that's very commendable.
[Sejin] The corpseborn town over the border is quite large, and many of them prefer to send their children here, rather than further into the lowlands.
[Ifa] Well, if they know you'll be here to take such good care of them, of course they would. :)
[Sejin] My mother used to say I martyr myself.
[Sejin] I do use the bubunne to do what needs doing. The place is kept together. But you can't let the dead raise a child.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] If I may, you may be able to help me with something in that regard. Or, more accurately, a friend of mine.
[Sejin] Oh? What is that?
[Ifa] My kinswoman, the new Nemni hengi, is considering adopting a child.
[Sejin] Oh, really? Well ... I don't want to presume, but I am sure I could help. It would be a great honour to help such an important woman in her goal.
[Ifa] Obviously we have few charges at Nemnosti, but if you think there would be a child who might benefit from the opportunity...
[Ifa] Not that I want to take away one of your charges, of course.
[Ifa] But I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention it.
[Sejin] No, no! I am not collecting the children, you misunderstand!
[Sejin] I understand the role of the tide is not to take them all in.
* Ifa smiles and nods.
[Ifa] No, of course not. I was just trying to be reassuring. Apologies if I've given offence.
[Sejin] No, it's my fault. It's a sore point around here. The Gargimnai have already been by to see if they can adopt some. I was not as kind as I should have been.
[Ifa] Oh? Is there some issue there?
[Sejin] They *are* collecting the children. To be Sanari.
[Ifa] Ah.
[Sejin] I just don't think we should be making that decision for them.
* Ifa frowns.
[Ifa] I whole-heartedly agree.
[Sejin] I'm sure they would be well cared for. But simply increasing the follower-count of the new saint ... it does not strike me as a seemly and holy purpose.
[Ifa] The new saint will be finding Her own identity in the coming months and years; it's unfair to bring children into that uncertainty.
* Ifa nods.
[Sejin] If one of them were to ask me, the children, I mean, of course I'd let them go.
* Ifa nods again.
[Ifa] Do you happen to know if this is Her will, or that of Her kinfolk?
[Sejin] But it felt like I was being presented with a purchase order for six young strapping orphans.
[Sejin] I do not think Sanar Ula has much will of Her own yet.
* Ifa chuckles mirthlessly.
[Sejin] Awakening is a slower process than we imagine.
[Sejin] Her kinfolk, Higrikh, the hengi of the Gargimnai, and her cousin Heru, are in charge.
[Sejin] And Nalazh, the head Voice in town.
[Sejin] All Gargimnai.
[Ifa] (Would I know anything in particular about their lineage?)
[Sejin] (give me a K:history)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+14
[Ifa] (23)
[NemnostiGM] For sure, you remember that the Gargimnai were caught up in the rebellion of Ekrakosh, earlier this century, which was a radical political movement advocating equality across ranks. Ekrakosh was a Gargimnai and so were many of his followers.
[NemnostiGM] (https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Ekrakosh)
[Ifa] Hmm.
[Sejin] Yes, exactly.
[Sejin] I mean, the Cheskai are not well-off, we're just country folk. But we've never gone for that kind of thing.
[Ifa] Perhaps when we're able to speak to the new saint, we'll be able to give Her more of Her own voice.
[Ifa] But thank you for bringing that to my attention. I know a new saint will be seen as an opportunity by a great many people.
[Sejin] I hope so. Such an event should not fall prey to all this politics.
[Ifa] Exactly.
[Ifa] I'm thankful to have such a level-headed sister of our order here to talk to. :)
[Sejin] Do you know, are many other saints expected to send delegations? How wild is this place going to become?
[Ifa] I don't know for sure, but I'd imagine at least a few, so it is likely to get more wild before the calm comes.
[Ifa] I think that's why Nemnu Ula sent us. I can't say She doesn't have Her own aims and motives, but mostly we're here to help support and protect Sanar Ula.
[Sejin] You've lived up there your entire life?
[Ifa] I spent some time in Onighus when I was younger, but, yes, the majority of my life has been lived at Nemnosti.
[Sejin] What's it like?
[Ifa] Nemnosti? Usually, peaceful, a bit removed, comfortable in its way. We get a steady stream of pilgrims and adherents, and more for festivals, but it *is* a bit isolated.
* Sejin nods.
[Sejin] It's normally so very dull here. Which I like, normally, but it is exciting to have this happen.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Well, then you can enjoy this unfolding, and also be happy when it has passed.
* Sejin smiles.
[Sejin] Well, we should get the children to bed, and then I will probably also collapse. You, too - you look like you've had a long day.
* Ifa smiles back.
[Ifa] That sounds like a good plan.

Kuspir visits the Gargimnai iftibal, and the storage barn where he visits and speaks with Sanar Ula

[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you head across town from the Vabaseli iftibal to the Gargimnai iftibal.
[NemnostiGM] The Gargimnai have never been wealthy, and have been far less so this century, after their cult-leader Ekrakosh led a failed revolution, and many of their lands were taken from them. The iftibal itself is a typical longhouse, but definitely in need of repair.
[NemnostiGM] Immediately next to it lies what can only be Sanar's resting place, judging from the crowd of gawkers standing about even this late in the evening. But this is no ulajeta, but a sort of wooden storage building that has been repurposed for the moment. It's nothing to look at, although seemingly sturdy enough.
[NemnostiGM] There is a guard outside, who you don't recognize.
* Kuspir will go up to the guard
[Kuspir] Good day.
[Guard] Good evening, what do you want?
[Kuspir] I need to talk to Heru.
[Guard] Who are you, and what is your business?
[Kuspir] I'm her son, Kuspir.
[Kuspir] My business at the moment is to talk to my mother.
[Guard] Oh ... oh, uhh ... just stay here one minute.
* Guard goes inside, and a minute or so later comes out.
[Guard] Uh, sorry ... yes, you can come in. Sorry, we need to keep out onlookers.
* Guard 's demeanour has relaxed a lot.
[Kuspir] I understand.
* Guard lets you enter.
* Kuspir goes in and looks for his mother.
[NemnostiGM] Within, you enter a chaotic assembly of scythes, hoes, and rakes lying up against one wall, while at the other, a dim light illuminates a crowd of figures, male and female, of all ages, each bearing a hatchet at one hip and a small drum at the other.
[NemnostiGM] Between them sits the once-dead Sanar, now still and sanctified. Even as you have spent much of your life around your own saint, seeing this girl, no more than thirteen, you are not sure whether to weep, bow, or sing. Her light brown hair is braided, and her olive skin is dotted with a few freckles that suggest some northern ancestry along the way.
[NemnostiGM] Your mother and sister are around, while the hengi, Higrikh, is over in one corner, writing letters.
[Kuspir] Mother?
[Heru] Son. Thought I'd see you here tomorrow. You've made good time.
[Kuspir] We arrived as soon as we could.
[Heru] Have you spoken to your father yet?
[Kuspir] Yes, briefly.
* Heru nods.
[Kuspir] We went to the Vabaseli iftibal first, since we needed a place to stay.
[Heru] Well, it is good to see you. Shosti, get over here.
* Shosti approaches, and will give you a hug.
* Kuspir hugs her back
[Shosti] It's good to see you, Kuspy.
[Kuspir] You too.
[Shosti] You here to see Her, then?
[Kuspir] Yes. We have gifts and messages from Nemnu Ula to Her newest fellow saint.
[Heru] Well, come on over, then, time for introductions.
* Kuspir will go with her
* Heru leads you over to Sanar.
[Heru] Exalted, this is Kuspir, my son. He is a stoneguard of Nemnu Ula, come to pay You esteem.
[Sanar] Hi, Kuspir! Nice to meet you!
[Kuspir] Greetings, Honoured Saint.
[NemnostiGM] (make a Will save)
* Kuspir bows respectfully
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 22 ].
[NemnostiGM] You feel a momentary sense of joy mixed with something else, as the saint speaks to you. You aren't otherwise affected, but it definitely does brighten your mood a little. It feels very different than when Nemnu talks to you (which you're very familiar with).
[Sanar] I, ahh, am honoured that my elder has sent such handsome followers to visit me.
* Heru frowns.
[Kuspir] I hope that You and Nemnu Ula will become good friends. She has sent gifts to you.
* Kuspir is accustomed to ignoring 13 year old girls who try to flirt at him ;p
[Sanar] Oh, that is exciting! I mean ... I think it is exciting. I am honoured, anyway. I'm usually honoured by things, now.
[Kuspir] If I may ask... How are You feeling? It must be a strange experience.
[Sanar] It is very strange, thank you for noticing that. I mean, dying was hard, but then this is just ... weird.
[Sanar] But the aunties and uncles are taking such good care of me. My dad isn't sure what to make of it all.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] It surely must be a strange time for him as well.
* Kuspir tries to imagine this happening to his own daughter and has a hard time.
[Sanar] So, you are the son of Auntie Heru? I don't remember meeting you - you've been away a long time, is that right?
[Kuspir] Yes, I've been at Nemnosti since I was probably about Your age.
[Sanar] I wanted to be an acolyte. I guess probably that won't happen now.
[Kuspir] No, but I think You can still learn much from Nemnu Ula if that is Your wish.
[Sanar] Well ... I'll think about it. Thank you, Stoneguard Kuspir, for all you have done.
[Kuspir] I will return tomorrow with the gifts and tribute.
[Kuspir] I wanted to visit as soon as I could, and ensure You were well cared for and protected.
[NemnostiGM] (make another Will save)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 27 ].
[NemnostiGM] You feel a wave of exhilarated joy flow through you. If you were less sturdy or emotionally distant, surely it would have overwhelmed you.
[Sanar] I truly am. Thank you.
[Heru] All right, Kuspir, come, let's talk.
* Kuspir bows again politely to the saint
* Heru pulls you away from the saint and off into a private room. Shosti comes along, so it's just the three of you.

Kuspir’s mother and sister talk to him about Sanar’s situation, what to do with Her, and what comes next

• Kuspir will go to talk to his mother and sister

[Heru] So let's be blunt. What are Her intentions here? Other than the gifts and the esteem and the honour?
[Kuspir] I think Her intentions are to make sure that no other factions who might have ill intent gain control of the new Saint. To offer Her guidance and protection if that is desired.
* Heru nods.
[Heru] All right, we can accept that.
[Heru] You understand, this is a fragile time for Sanar. This is all very new. And she is very young.
[Heru] Why, just yesterday ... well. That doesn't matter.
[Kuspir] She recognizes that this is a dangerous time, and offers Her protection - in the form of, uh, us.
* Heru nods.
[Kuspir] I have a group with me, it isn't just me.
[Heru] I know, everybody knew once you were within a mile of the place.
[Kuspir] What is your plan here? Others are going to arrive soon, and it's going to get much more crazy than it already is here.
[Heru] Well.
[Heru] Well, if She will have us, Shosti and I are hoping to serve as her Sanari.
[Kuspir] I see. Are you willing to think about bringing Her to Nemnosti, at least temporarily, for security?
[Kuspir] I understand you'll want to have someplace set up for her - perhaps rebuild the old fort or someplace else - but that will take time, and in the meanwhile you can't just keep Her in a garden shed forever.
[Heru] An interesting question. If we did, it would be very brief, until we get the new ulajeta set up.
* Kuspir nods
[Heru] It's not all up to me, and, as you can see, She is not in any condition to make strategic decisions about her future right now.
[Kuspir] No. I see that it's a difficult phase She's going through. And... what is this effect She seems to have on people? A certain joyousness of spirit?
[Shosti] Voice Nalazh thinks it's an early manifestation of her power.
[Shosti] Something about projecting emotions onto people.
[Kuspir] Her own emotions?
[Heru] Right now, yes, it seems like what we experience are Her emotions, projected through Her into us.
* Kuspir nods
[Heru] I suppose you wouldn't consider converting? She'll need stoneguards.
[Kuspir] I don't think so but I might be able to help find some recruits.
[Kuspir] I also brought Irdomila and Rembes - one of the other young acolytes - because, well, I thought it would be a momentous occasion for them to see, but also in case it was helpful to have some young people Her own age to keep her company.
[Heru] Oh ... that's a good idea.
[Heru] Irdomila will be a great companion for Her.
[Heru] Izu and Ifa with you too?
[Kuspir] It's up to Irdomila if she wants to stay longer.... but at least for the time being. And yes, they are.
* Heru nods.
[Heru] Conduit Ingo is supposed to show tomorrow. And more Borgegi, and then at some point, the Fedifri.
* Heru makes no effort to hide her distaste at this last one.
[Heru] Your father told you about his plans?
[Kuspir] His plan about providing land for a new ulajeta? Yes. Unless there's something else I haven't heard about.
* Heru nods.
[Heru] And to use Gil Pirtu to build it.
* Kuspir nods
[Heru] It's not the worst idea.
[Kuspir] It's an option, certainly.
[Heru] After forty years together, this would be something new we could share. Although of course, he's got to stay Vabaseli.
[Heru] Can't have any incest in our family, after all, even retroactively! The Ancestors would be peeved.
[Kuspir] I... suppose that's true.
[Shosti] And I'll be able to find myself a noble husband!
[Kuspir] Welll... good luck to you on that.
[Heru] Are you wanting to stay here, take a shift at watch ? We could use the help.
[Kuspir] I can, yes.
* Kuspir says even though he's tired
[Heru] Good boy.
[NemnostiGM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!