Nemnosti session 37
Summary
Session
- Session date: January 4, 2026
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Jinush
Prologue
[Nemnosti-GM] Hello, wee ones! Now, I know that tomorrow is going to be another day of excitement as Sanar Ula adopts her first lineage members, the new Sanari. Even when it comes to ordinary lineages, new ones aren't founded that often, and it is always particularly exciting for us of the Hand of the Dead, since my half of the Corps governs adoptions. So tomorrow, we will not be having our ordinary lessons, because I will be in charge of the ceremony. Some of you will be there. And, I think, one or two of you are even undergoing the change yourself. Being a member of a lineage is not like being part of a Kind - it does not have that kind of importance. But it is a major change, for those who will undergo it, a claim of new connections. And in particular, a claim of connection on the part of Sanar Ula Herself, as She assumes the mantle of the head of her ulaji, Her Saintly lineage. I know I don't need to remind you to be respectful at the ceremony, whether you are involved or not. Our lessons around the hearth have given me great confidence in each of you. All I ask, then, is that you pay special attention, because this is an event that most people never see in their lifetimes, or at most once. After that, within a few days, things will get a little more back to normal around here, I promise. Much to all of our relief, I'm sure. The only sad part is that we will be saying goodbye to some of our friends, including Hand Ifa, who has been so helpful and wonderful to us here during her stay. All right, now, run along - you'll need your rest!
The current state of affairs in Zhustir
[Nemnosti-GM] The winter's cold is not so bad here, in the lowlands, as up in Nemnosti. Still, here at the year's close, when spring is still just hinting at its coming, it is chill here on the main plaza of the town of Zhustir.
[Nemnosti-GM] Last night was bitterly cold and there is a light frost on the flagstones, though it will soon enough be melted away when the sun reaches its height. The ceremony is optimistically planned to start around midday, although there is reason for doubt.
[Nemnosti-GM] It will mark the first and one of the only times that Sanar Ula will be present before such a large group. But it can hardly be avoided.
[Nemnosti-GM] The locals are expecting five thousand in town to witness the official presentation of the saint and the adoption of the first Sanari, including most of the town's populace, numerous saintly delegations, and countless and unidentifiable others.
[Nemnosti-GM] The ulajinai, or founding of a new ulaji, is perhaps a once-a-generation event in any province. The ritual itself involves the public adoption of those who Sanar is taking into Her service. Thus, to try to hold it privately would exclude far too many who have come here for this reason.
[Nemnosti-GM] Inevitably, that means chaos. Kuspir, you have taken it upon yourself, as the ranking stoneguard here in town and someone who grew up here, to manage the security of the event. Marga, you're making yourself useful by helping Kuspir out and making sure people stay in line.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa and Izu, you are by far the busiest pair of your team. Both the Hand - in charge of adoptions - and the Voice - in charge of Saintly matters - are deeply involved in the ritual aspects of the ulajinai, along with Voice Nalazh, Hand Sejin, and others of the community.
[Nemnosti-GM] Alai and Jevai, what you really wish you were doing is more research into the sword and vessel retrieved from Gil Pirtu. But instead you will await further instruction from Her before taking any action, and will instead make yourselves useful where you can around here.
[Nemnosti-GM] But all of you are thinking basically the same thing - just let this day go off without any new crisis, and then you can get back to your ordinary lives in Nemnosti.
Ifa and Izu meet with Voice Nalazh and Zasko, future hengi of the Sanari, regarding the plans to take Sanar and Her closest followers to Nemnosti
[Nemnosti-GM] We'll begin with Ifa and Izu, who have a very special meeting. Voice Nalazh has arranged for you to have a meeting with Sanar Ula Herself, in advance of the ceremony.
* Nalazh is dressed in a plain black robe, with hardly a hint of ornament.
* Nalazh greets you at the makeshift ulaji that is the warehouse next to the Gargimnai iftibal.
[Nalazh] Ifa, Izu, thank you for your presence on this day.
[Ifa] We're honored to be here.
[Izu_] Of course. Thank you for having us.
[Nalazh] The Beloved will be made available shortly. Before that, though, I want to introduce you to Zasko, who is to be the new hengi of the lineage, to discuss ... administrative issues that I believe are still at loose ends.
* Izu_ nods.
[Izu_] Of course.
* Ifa also nods.
[Nalazh] We'll do that next door at the iftibal, and then you can see Her after we deal with business.
* Ifa follows along.
[Nemnosti-GM] The Gargimnai iftibal is hardly in good shape, but since Sanar's awakening, a number of makeshift repairs have been made to at least make the place presentable. No one will mistake it for one of the great lineages, but it'll do.
[Nemnosti-GM] Voice Nalazh takes you into a small sitting room that has been laid out with tea. A middle-aged clean-shaven man is sitting cross-legged on a cushion.
* Zasko is a dark-skinned middle-aged man, completely clean-shaven, with a thick mane of dark hair with only a few flecks of grey. He is dressed in simple countryfolk clothing, but you get the sense that he is no bumpkin.
[Nalazh] Hengi, these are the twins, Hand Ifa and Voice Izu Nemni.
* Zasko smiles.
[Izu_] Greetings, Hengi Zasko.
[Zasko] Good morning. I am Zasko, but my friends call me Molar. Have a seat.
* Ifa does so.
* Izu_ will do so
[Ifa] How can we be of service, hengi?
[Zasko] Nalazh is being preemptive. I am no hengi yet, not until the ceremony. And only if She accepts me. But I do appreciate the honour, and I suppose I should get used to it.
[Zasko] We have focused very much on what is happening now. But I think it is time that we finalize our arrangements for what will happen tomorrow, and thereafter.
[Zasko] I understand that you have been to Gil Pirtu.
[Ifa] We have.
[Zasko] Tell me about what you found. I'm not from Zhustir, so I know of the place only from legend.
[Ifa] It is impressive, but still quite dangerous, I fear.
[Zasko] Dangerous how?
[Ifa] Some of the buildings are unstable, which I imagine is not unforeseen, given the time the ruins have been unoccupied.
[Zasko] The key problems are architectural, then?
[Ifa] More concerning, there were traps and other mechanisms that would endanger any efforts at reclaiming the ruins. I'm sure they can be disarmed or otherwise dealt with, but I do not think it an effort that will be completed quickly.
* Zasko nods.
[Zasko] Can they be reclaimed and repurposed as defenses?
[Izu] Perhaps with time. Luckily that is one thing that a saint has in abundance.
[Izu] For now I would not house anyone there, much less a Saint.
[Ifa] Possibly? It is not my area of expertise. We did already recover two bodies of those who fell afoul these defenses.
* Ifa nods to Izu's assessment.
[Ifa] I think it can be made a worthwhile ulajeta in the future, but that future will not likely be soon.
* Zasko nods.
[Zasko] So, we come to your plan.
[Zasko] Is there room at Nemnosti? And for how many, realistically?
[Ifa] (Would we know the answer to that? I feel like Ifa handling visitors would have some idea.)
[Nemnosti-GM] You would indeed, and surely you've been thinking about this, since it was your initial idea to move the new Sanari upriver.
[Nemnosti-GM] A couple dozen could be handled long-term, with ease, though you'd need to find roles for people, so they aren't just sitting up there at the ulajeta. More than that, and it would start to get complicated. Of course, there will be bumps in the road, regardless. But it could be done, at that scale.
[Ifa] A few dozen, easily, though I'm sure there would be an adjustment period, of course. With time and effort, it is possible we could accommodate more.
* Zasko nods.
[Zasko] Inevitably what we are talking about, then, is a period of separation of two groups of Sanari. One, to join the Beloved in Nemnosti, and the other, to stay here, to work on the ulajeta.
[Zasko] We don't know the total number yet, but it will surely rise.
[Izu] Do you have an estimate?
[Zasko] My own lineage, the Gargimnai, at least half of us are planning on becoming Sanari. Not all of them live here in Zhustir, either. Although many have come for this day.
[Zasko] Higrikh will stay on here as Gargimnai hengi, although obviously with a much smaller contingent.
* Ifa nods.
[Zasko] Eventually we may fold ourselves in entirely.
[Ifa] I know the separation is not ideal, but we, at least, feel it is the safest option for Sanar Ula. Of course, we cannot make this decision for you.
* Zasko nods.
[Izu] We will ensure that there is open communication between the two groups. Nemnosti has magical and mundane communicaton methods available to you.
[Zasko] The key, for us, is that work here has to begin in earnest, in spring.
[Zasko] Not just for our benefit, either. But also for yours.
[Zasko] You are surely aware that there are other saintly delegations here, including an Imperial delegation, who have their own interests.
[Zasko] And they may not be at Nemnosti but they surely will not have forgotten Sanar Ula.
* Ifa nods.
[Izu] Of course. Our Lady is also not without interests, as she would be first to tell you, but I believe they match Sanar Ula's, at least for now. She is prepared to lend whatever aid she can to you and Your Saint.
[Ifa] We will do all we can to aid your work here, in addition to keeping Sanar Ula and Her people safe.
[Zasko] Pospor of the Borgegi has made various financial arrangements to sort out repairs and reconstruction, to be ongoing over a period of time.
[Zasko] The financial side is very important to us, inevitably, but also, that we do not lose ourselves and our independence.
[Zasko] But our aim is for the work to begin right away, at least on the outer levels of Gil Pirtu, to make a serviceable ulajeta.
* Ifa nods.
[Zasko] We are sure that Nemnu Herself also wants to ensure that the work is done, given Her special interest in architecture and stonework.
[Izu] I am sure she will offer her best stonecarvers and masons for the task.
[Zasko] We have heard - well, that is making it seem too abstract - I have been reliably told that you have a Voice, Imas of the Mundurir, who is an expert on temple architecture. And who is an accomplished member of your order.
[Zasko] We propose that, with Voice Nalazh obviously coming with Sanar, that perhaps She could part with Imas, temporarily of course, to oversee this exalted task.
[Izu] Indeed. The Trowel is one of the most skilled of us all in those areas. I will consult with The Lady on this and see is something can be arranged.
[Zasko] With the financial support of the Borgegi and Nemni, and all the technical expertise, I have some hope that this may not be too arduous on any of us.
[Zasko] The Vabaseli lineage is granting us some lands to be farmed, old territory that their clan no longer uses, close to the ruins. We expect the worker's village to be built there, starting in the spring.
[Ifa] That sounds very promising.
[Izu] Sister, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe we can offer the use of some bubun for building and planting purposes.
[Zasko] I did want to ask, you brought twenty bubun with you, and I did not want to presume, but that perhaps these were a gift for Beloved.
[Ifa] I think it can be arranged.
[Zasko] The labour of our Ancestors' bodies is never to be taken lightly, I am sure. But we can agree that the cause, in this case, is a just one.
[Zasko] Thank you.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] As you say.
[Zasko] I have heard so many things about Nemnosti, from those who live here in Naftusa Province.
[Zasko] Specifically a concern that has been raised is to ensure that we will be treated with dignity, regardless of our social class.
[Zasko] You know, we Gargimnai are lowly people, and while I am sure it will be different when we are Sanari ... well, I do not need to tell you that rank matters.
[Zasko] So, what kind of reception should we expect?
* Zasko sips his tea.
[Izu] I can assure you that the lady treats all who come in peace as friends. She knows well that one's origins do not define us. You will be welcomed.
* Ifa nods.
[Zasko] Well, then, I am sure we will have many opportunities to get to know each other better in the months to come. For now, are there questions you have for me?
* Ifa likely has some logistical questions, but nothing that needs to be covered in detail ic.
[Nemnosti-GM] (right, makes sense)
[Izu] Will there be any special requirements that Sanar Ula will require for her stay? I have long experience tending to My Lady's needs and I can assist wherever is needed until she chooses her own attendent, unless that has already been seen to.
[Izu] (Yeah, same with Izu)
[Zasko] Honestly, I have very little idea. Perhaps Voice Nalazh would know better.
* Izu nods.
[Nalazh] Ah yes, well, there are one or two small details ... that we will need to know. But for that, it is perhaps better to see. Let's go next door to meet Her.
[Zasko] Yes, that's right, you haven't met Her yet.
* Zasko stands.
* Ifa does so as well.
* Izu also
Izu and Ifa head over and meet Sanar Ula, who overwhelms them with joy in Her presence
[Nemnosti-GM] The four of you head over to the warehouse / storage building. It's hardly the most dignified place, but somehow suitable for a saint from low beginnings.
* Nalazh leads you into a small side room, indistinct except that it has two guards out front of it. They part and open the door for you and you enter Her presence.
* Sanar is a girl, just entering puberty really, perhaps thirteen or so. She is relatively fair, with light brown hair and freckles that suggest some northern ancestry.
[Nalazh] Beloved, I bring to you Voice Izu and Hand Ifa of the Nemni.
[Sanar] Hello! It's nice to meet you.
[Ifa] It is an honor to meet You, Sanar Ula.
[Izu] Greetings Sanar Ula. It is good to meet you finally, as well.
[Nemnosti-GM] (please both make a Will save; it is mind-affecting, if that matters)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+5
[Jevai] (sec)
[Jevai] (try again)
* Jevai rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 15 ].
[Izu] (11)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, both of you feel a powerful sense of joy and contentment in Her presence. You feel the desire to help Her and to be of service to Her.
* Ifa smiles brightly.
[Ifa] How can we be of service?
[Sanar] Well, it is a big day and you have important roles to play. So, I'm very grateful for that.
[Sanar] And then I guess we're going to be living in the same place? That's all a bit confusing.
[Izu] You will be made very welcome in Nemnosti. Our Lady has offered any aid she can at this important time.
[Sanar] I imagine she will be like a wise old auntie.
[Ifa] We will do our very best to make You and Your people comfortable, my Lady.
* Ifa chuckles.
[Ifa] I think She would like that.
[Sanar] What's She like, I mean, really like?
* Ifa considers how to answer that.
[Ifa] Well, Izu has the most contact with Her, I would think.
[Izu] She is wise. And old, of course. But also very down to Earth, in a way I believe you will find surprising. I believe you two will get along well.
[Sanar] It still seems so strange. A month ago I was living my life, and now I am going to live and learn from the great Nemnu Ula.
[Sanar] Nalazh tells me I shouldn't demean myself by putting myself beneath others, but in Her case, how can you not?
[Ifa] I'm sure this is all an adjustment, and many will be here for You to help with it.
[Izu] She would say that you are still living your life. The unfolding is often a surprise to us, and we cannot see where it leads. She would also say that learning is not demeaning. You do not lower yourself to accept the aid of another. You allow it to lift you up.
* Ifa nods.
[Sanar] I always wanted to be an acolyte. But I guess that's never going to happen now.
* Izu tilts his head.
[Sanar] It seems so romantic, learning to read and getting to have access to all those amazing books.
[Ifa] I'm sure You will have access to those books if You like.
[Ifa] And the Courses as well, as you wish.
[Izu] Of course. You will be given access to whatever is needed. You will become far more than any acolyte. Some day You will have acolytes of your own.
[Izu] If that is what you wish, of course.
[Sanar] I would like to make sure that some of the children here will get a chance to be acolytes. We Gargimnai believe in equality and justice and righteousness.
[Sanar] Although I guess I'm not a Gargimnai anymore, and my people won't be either.
[Izu] I will certainly speak to Her about it. I am sure it can be arranged.
[Ifa] I'm sure we can make room for them.
[Sanar] I know you have a lot to get ready for the ceremony so I won't keep you any longer. But know that you have my great thanks.
[Nemnosti-GM] You both feel a wave of powerful positive emotions.
[Ifa] Truly, we are happy to aid You however we can.
[Izu] Thank you, Sanar Ula. Please, let us know if you have any questions or concerns, or if you require our aid at all.
[Nemnosti-GM] You depart, to make the very many preparations that you will need to do for the big event later today, but still with that warm, positive feeling that stays with you all day.
Alai and Jevai find out that their respective brothers Nikata and Pughan are latching their fortunes to the new saint
[Nemnosti-GM] Alai and Jevai, you have spent many hours in conversation about what you found at Gil Pirtu, what it could mean, how it relates to the Emperor's intentions, past or present, and how that relates to young Sanar Ula.
[Nemnosti-GM] Of course, there are many more questions than answers, and mainly what you can do is bounce ideas around.
[Nemnosti-GM] Today you're having lunch at the Last Good Well, which is absolutely packed beyond any reasonable sense of capacity. Fortunately, Alai got her room early enough in the chaos and they're hardly going to kick her out. But for the moment, the tavern is full of people desperately trying to get beer, failing, and then going outside to one of any number of vendors who have set up shop in the
[Nemnosti-GM] streets.
* Jevai is clearly on edge in the boisterous crowd
[Nemnosti-GM] You're just thinking that it is time to move to someplace a little less crowded when two young men enter the tavern together.
[Nemnosti-GM] https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Nikata_Vegru
[Nemnosti-GM] https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Pughan
[Nemnosti-GM] They don't appear to have seen you yet, amidst the crowd.
[Jevai] ...
[Jevai] -____-
[Jevai] our worst fears are realized...
* Jevai nudges her friend
[Jevai] (I thought we dropped Pughan furthr away, but maybe it just felt far to jevai...)
[Alai] (it was far... whats he doing back?)
[Jevai] but how is Pughan even here?
[Alai] And with Nikata of all people.
[Jevai] mmm.....
[Jevai] \/mw gives Alai a worried look, and then will rry and flag down the pair of troublesome brothers
* Jevai gives Alai a worried look, and then will rry and flag down the pair of troublesome brothers
[Alai] It may be somewhat my fault... I gave Pughan a contact that I was unaware had changed thier life... significantly.
[Jevai] well, lets' see what they say
* Pughan sees you, and pulls on Nikata's shirttail.
* Pughan looks like his first instinct is to get out of here.
[Jevai] :|
[Alai] is cute he is scared.
* Nikata pulls Pughan over, eventually.
[Jevai] I don't think he understands 'scared' ].]
* Jevai says quietly as they approach, then smiles
[Jevai] hello, what an unexpected meeting
* Jevai wqill move over so that they can sit
[Nemnosti-GM] The two of them can squeeze in somehow.
[Pughan] Hi, Jevai.
* Pughan looks a bit sheepish, but also perhaps ... defiant?
[Jevai] hello, Pughan.
[Pughan] You know Nikata, right?
[Jevai] how have you been?
[Jevai] of course
[Alai] How did you two meet?
[Jevai] (I assume I have met him at least but don't necessarily know him well)
[Nikata] We know each other from ... well, from various bars, to be honest. In Naftusa. From before.
[Nikata] We met up here just a couple days ago, when Pughan arrived.
[Pughan] I didn't know you were here.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I had hardly expected it myself
[Jevai] what drew you?
[Pughan] Well, I went to Ardukh. But the person who you told me to talk to there, Zoso Ultaspi, I mean the letter you gave me Alai, that person wasn't there.
[Pughan] He's actually here, and he has a new name.
[Pughan] Tozamu Fedifri.
[Pughan] Anyway, I didn't know that then. I definitely didn't come following those weirdos.
[Alai] I've seen Tozamu Fedifri. Best keep away from him.
* Pughan shrugs.
[Pughan] People say that about me too.
[Pughan] But whatever.
[Pughan] Dying is no fun, and when I die again, I want it to be doing something important, not just because some lady demands my sacrifice.
[Pughan] I'm not an idiot, no matter what anyone thinks.
[Pughan] Anyway, I came here for the same reason everyone is here.
[Jevai] are you looking to join the Sanarai?
[Jevai] (Sanari or whatever they are called)
[Pughan] Well, since I'm not a Nadenigh anymore, it's not like the clan has any claim over me.
[Pughan] I thought I might see if someone would take me in.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] We have invited Her to come and stay at Nemnosti while Her ulajeta is being built
[Alai] Is not worst idea.
* Nikata nods.
[Nikata] We're not going up there.
[Nikata] We're going to stay here. There's work to be done.
[Jevai] are you looking to join the new lineage as well?
* Nikata pauses, considers, then nods.
[Nikata] I mean, Vegru is a made-up lineage anyway. Everyone knows that.
* Jevai glances at Alai, in case she has opinions on that, ranging from 'good riddance' to 'maybe we should check if they're being mind controlled'
[Nikata] Roska would kick my ass to hear me say that, but you know that's true.
[Alai] Does Roska know of your plans?
[Nikata] He knows. I mean, he's here, somewhere.
[Nikata] He's here for politics and to arrange marriages. He thinks he wants to marry me off to a Sanari woman. Which is not my plan. I'm not looking to commit to one woman.
[Nikata] These Gargimnai, they have a lot of good ideas.
[Jevai] oh?
[Jevai] I don't know much about them
[Pughan] Getting rid of the nobility. Levelling things out. Like in the village.
* Nikata nods.
[Jevai] in the village here?
[Pughan] I meant like in Akapa Sogo.
[Alai] Is funny thing to hear, since those associated with the new Saint will now always be "nobility" so to speak.
* Nikata shrugs.
[Nikata] Yeah, it's weird. I think it's weird for them, more than it is for us.
[Nikata] To be like, the outsiders, the revolutionaries, and now this happened. I guess this is what they say about Unfolding though.
[Nikata] Shit happens.
[Alai] I remember those words clearly in The Courses... Shit Happens.
* Jevai smiles
[Nikata] Well, we don't have your fancy education, but the point stands.
[Jevai] its' a fair enough paraphrase
[Pughan] I don't know what a fair-a-phrase is, but yeah.
[Pughan] Anyway, look, I know you don't want me to be anywhere near you. Or Nemnosti. And I won't be. I really really really am not coming to Nemnosti.
[Pughan] I just ... Ardukh was fun but I need somewhere where I can be outside. In the mountains. Useful for something. Why not this?
[Jevai] that's not what I want, Pughan. I want you to be happy and well. I hope this can be that for hyou
[Alai] You haven't been catching any unexpected attention, Pughan?
[Pughan] I've been good.
* Jevai smiles at that as well
[Jevai] you have a sense of some of the dangers that the new lineage may face which could be valuable
[Alai] Not what I was asking, but I am glad you had good time in Ardukh. It was fun for me for a while too.
[Nikata] As for the adoption ... they are trying to be careful, not to take strangers in too quickly.
[Nikata] So I mean, I think we are going to go, prove ourselves, and then see how things are. You can't just show up and say "Hey, I'd like to serve You forever" and then they say "OK, sure."
[Pughan] That could be a mistake, for them or for us.
[Alai] sounds like hard work and loyalty will pay off. Are you up for it?
* Pughan shrugs.
[Pughan] If I'm not, I'm sure they'll let me know, just like everyone else does.
[Jevai] It's worth trying.
[Alai] A plan for success. I could teach you some discipline, if there was time. I'm not sure how much longer we will be here.
[Nikata] I've heard a few things about your 'discipline', sister, and I'm sure Pughan would be up for it.
* Pughan laughs.
[Pughan] Even I know that's probably a bad idea, and I'm an idiot.
* Jevai smirks
* Pughan says, though he doesn't seem unwilling.
[Pughan] Sister swap wasn't in my plans. I just wanted a beer.
* Alai laughs
[Jevai] I will pass, on my end.
[Alai] Just remember your sisters when you join your new lineage. We still care about you, and want to help if something untoward happens.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] yes
[Pughan] Well, it sounds like there are going to be connections between the two.
* Nikata nods.
[Nikata] You'll be in Nemnosti with the Saint, and we'll be here making Her new house ready for Her.
[Pughan] Jevai, you'll let Mother and Father know?
[Jevai] if you want me to, I can
* Pughan nods.
[Pughan] Yeah.
* Jevai nods as well
[Nikata] Well, we should probably try to get some food. Seems like it won't be getting any less crowded here. Maybe better to buy dumplings from outside?
[Pughan] Yeah. Probably.
[Jevai] take care.
* Pughan looks at you, as if thinking of something else to say, and then stands.
[Nikata] See you around. Good luck.
[Alai] please keep in touch
* Jevai will stand as well, and give her brother a hug
Kuspir and Marga secure the plaza where Sanar Ula is to be presented to the town
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you've known this town since you were a kid. And this is madness.
[Nemnosti-GM] When you offered to help ensure that everything would be orderly ... this is not what you thought.
[Nemnosti-GM] Five thousand ... there can't be that many in the plaza, yet, but soon enough, there will be.
[Nemnosti-GM] What passes for a town watch here in Zhustir, as always, is just a few of the local men who keep things orderly, and a few provincial guards who mostly support the local reckoner.
[Nemnosti-GM] The only true stoneguard, I mean one trained in your order, is eighty-five years old and long since retired.
[Nemnosti-GM] Which is not to say there are no armed folk here. Indeed, that's the problem, with various delegations, noble houses, and others, each with their own groups of sentinels and other warriors.
[Nemnosti-GM] All crammed into a plaza meant to hold hundreds at most, dozens on most days.
[Nemnosti-GM] Do you have any particular plans or strategies for managing a big, public event like this?
[Marga] (where's the food)
[Marga] (I think we should probably stick close to the food stalls and make sure they are very safe)
[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, there is an enormous feast being set up, officially paid for by the new saint, but of course She has no money of her own, so realistically, paid for by the various saintly delegations, like yours.
[Marga] (yes, we should guard the feast)
[Kuspir] (where is the Saint supposed to be? my main priority is controlling access/approach to Her, and then secondarily, trying to ensure no one gets trampled or squashed in the crowd. Keeping people from trying to rush anywhere, making them move slowly, ensuring there are people keeping an eye on exits/entrances and on high vantage points like any tall buildings or whatever, I don't really know
[Kuspir] what is here)
[Nemnosti-GM] (if you care to, you can go on roll20 and see the plaza, or what passes for a 'plaza')
[Nemnosti-GM] The good news, with respect to rushing, is that it's much too crowded for anyone to run anywhere fast. The bad news is that if things go bad, they'll go very bad, and people will get trampled.
[Nemnosti-GM] There's just no space to keep people apart. The main plaza space is largely clear, and that is where She will be brought out, and where the new Sanari will present themselves for adoption, and where the various delegations with gifts will come to present their things.
[Marga] Maybe they should have done this in a field or something
[Nemnosti-GM] (Marga, it occurs to you that you also have a gift for the new saint, although it doesn't need to be presented publicly, it could be. But maybe She doesn't want people knowing she has a magic decanter)
[Kuspir] Yeah...
[Marga] (Marga's not big on big shows tbh)
[Marga] (she'll just give it to Her or a representative, as appropriate)
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you definitely would have held this someplace else, if you were truly in charge. But as it is, decisions were made and you get to deal with them.
[Nemnosti-GM] Anyway, people are starting to mill around and try to find a good place, so your main job for now is to keep people out of the central area where the saint will be presented.
[Nemnosti-GM] Even compared to the provincial town of Naftusa, it is a small, humble thing, suitable for monthly markets, or Romokh festivities for the locals, but not much more. An admixture of locals on top of their roofs, strangers standing atop makeshift risers made out of boxes, and children scampering everywhere, make for a chaotic scene.
[Kuspir] (I'll just try to keep a perimeter of space around the Saint and make sure no one is getting too close)
[Nemnosti-GM] The Saint isn't here yet - but I take your point.
[Nemnosti-GM] The smell of too much horsedung mixes with what would otherwise be the delicious aromas of the offerings of various street vendors. And the noise ... well, even at Romokh, Nemnosti doesn't get this way.
[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, you're eating a skewer of some sort of mushrooms coated in sauce when you get a weird sensation, like something is wrong.
* Marga lowers the skewer and scans the crowd, frowning
[Nemnosti-GM] Not like, a weird statue is about to attack you wrong. But your intuition is just telling you that something is amiss.
[Marga] Kuspir.. I got a bad feeling
[Kuspir] hm? What is it?
[Marga] I dunno...
[Marga] SOmething's not right though
* Kuspir will try to take a look around
[Kuspir] If you need to, fly up and take a look?
[Marga] I feel it in my tonsils
[Nemnosti-GM] (you can both make a Perception check from here. Marga, if you're going vulture mode, let me know and I'll adjust your roll accordingly)
[Marga] Yeah, good idea!
[Marga] (yes I shall fly)
[Marga] !roll 1d20+13
* Jevai rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 21 ].
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+16
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 27 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] There are gasps from the crowd as you transform. Many of these people will never have seen an experienced vulture change form in such a public place. There are scattered applause.
Kuspir and Marga notice the Writhing woman they encountered in the Pardopasu, Tekhirti, amidst the crowd, and confront her
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you see her first. Over to the north of the plaza, near a west-facing alley, there's a familiar face. It's that older woman with braided hair who kidnapped (?) Bem and Kibai. You think she was called Tekhirti.
[Kuspir] (what other 'guards' do I actually have here? I mean anyone, not just Marga)
[Nemnosti-GM] You have some local folks with limited military training but good instincts for fisticuffs, and you have various noble lineages and saintly lineages who have said things like "You need help, just let us know" in the way that people say when they would really prefer not to help.
[Kuspir] Marga!
[Nemnosti-GM] Oh, and Bem. You have Bem.
* Kuspir will yell skywards
* Marga cra-craas in acknowledgement
[Kuspir] (what am I expecting here - is the saint supposed to come out shortly or what's the schedule? if I try to get through the crowd towards her I don't want to end up far away from where the saint is and unable to get back)
[Nemnosti-GM] At the moment, She is expected in maybe half an hour? But everything is on only a very loose schedule. But you'd be surprised if She ends up coming early.
[Kuspir] (can you show me on the map about where she is?)
[Kuspir] (thanks)
[Nemnosti-GM] (there, that's even better)
[Kuspir] (ok I'd like to try to circle and approach from the left if I can. I'll show you on the map where I want to go)
[Marga] (I can fly to where the saint is getting ready and warn Her)
[Kuspir] (does that make sense?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (sure)
[Nemnosti-GM] I'll do Marga first.
[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, you head over to the Gargimnai iftibal, which is close by (I mean, the town is only 1000 people, everything is nearby for you). Izu will be there with the other Voices, dressing and preparing Her for her presentation.
* Marga touches down and transforms back.
[Marga] Don't bring Her in yet... There's Hulti.
[Izu] Marga? What's wrong?
[Izu] Oh no...
[Marga] The lady that took Bem and Kibai, I dunno who else there might be
[Nalazh] All right, we can delay a short time.
[Marga] You gotta delay as long as it takes.
[Izu] We will stay here for now. I assume Kuspir is on it?
[Marga] This isn't like... the food being messed up, they wanna undo... You *gestures at Sanar*
[Sanar] I'm scared.
[Izu] Marga! Please.
[Marga] As on it as he can be; he's one guy! I need to go back.
[Izu] It's alright my Lady. We have contingencies available for things like this. You will be fine.
[Nalazh] Beloved, all will be well. Our allies are strong of stomach.
[Nalazh] This will be dealt with swiftly, I am sure.
[Izu] Kuspir is the most capable Stoneguard in many miles, and we will stay here to protect you.
* Marga will transform again and fly back to the plaza.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Kuspir, so you're sneaking through that little alleyway and around. And by 'sneak' I mean ... not sneak.
[Kuspir] (yeah just want to approach from maybe the direction she's not looking if I'm lucky. I'm not trying to sneak.)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, make a Stealth roll, even if you're not sneaking, you're trying not to be seen.
[Kuspir] (sure my 1 stealth)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+1
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+1 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 1 ] totals [ 11 ].
* Tekhirti has clearly seen you, and turns to face you, although of course there's a crowd around her, including folks in the alley.
[Kuspir] MOVE.
* Kuspir will tell the crowd
[Kuspir] (can I roll intimidate or something?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yup, that is much more likely to work)
[Nemnosti-GM] (I'll even let you add your bonus)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+19
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 28 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] The crowd complies, though with a few grumbles.
[Nemnosti-GM] The woman stays where she is, as if patiently waiting for you.
[Tekhirti] Here to arrest me for looking?
[Kuspir] Here to make sure you aren't doing more than looking.
[Tekhirti] How would you know that?
[Kuspir] I don't know it. I'm ensuring it.
[Tekhirti] It's cute that you believe that.
[Tekhirti] Go ahead. Arrest me.
* Tekhirti holds out her arms.
[Kuspir] If that's what you want, I'm definitely not doing it.
[Kuspir] What's your intention here?
[Tekhirti] Would you believe me if I said I'm here to enjoy the city food?
[Kuspir] No.
[Tekhirti] How about this, then? Where else would I be able to see and assess half-a-dozen or more saintly delegations, all gathered in one place? To learn.
[Kuspir] I'm sure it's very educational.
[Kuspir] Get out of here.
[Tekhirti] So far I've learned that city mushrooms taste mealy and gross, compared to the ones at home.
[Tekhirti] Oh, all right then.
* Tekhirti disappears.
[Kuspir] (can I tell if she actually left or is just invisible or something?)
[Nemnosti-GM] You don't think she cast a spell, but it's way too crowded to hear or use your other senses other than if you wanted to feel around randomly.
[Nemnosti-GM] You can make a Perception check.
[Kuspir] (mostly my thought was if she's still there, the crowd will have to make space for her. if she's gone, people will move to fill where she was standing because it's so crowded.)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+16
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 28 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] You are looking about, and you see her standing on the other side of you, back to the alley.
* Kuspir will go that way
[Tekhirti] This may be hard to believe, but not everything I do all day is dedicated to destroying you.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Marga, you can fly over and see the scene with Kuspir in that alley with the woman at the far end of it.
[Kuspir] I'm not concerned about myself.
* Marga will land on the other side of her, transform and draw her weapon
[Tekhirti] Oh, the bird lady is back. Marga, right?
[Marga] Kuspir are we killin' her?
[Kuspir] take her down.
* Marga attacks :D
[Nemnosti-GM] There is a fight in the alley, and the Writhing uses all her reality-warping powers of her blade to force Kuspir to perceive an alternate reality, but ultimately Marga and Kuspir defeat her, knock her unconscious, and take her prisoner.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Marga, you can take the woman back to the Vabaseli iftibal (which is where you're staying). There isn't much of anyone there but one or two of the Vabaselis can probably be convinced to help you out and come back wtih you.
[Marga] (yay)
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you can go and inform the officials (well, mostly Ifa and Izu) of what has happened. The crowd mostly disperses after a few minutes. And the gentleman you hammered can be treated for his injuries, and you can apologize to him later.
[Nemnosti-GM] (anything I missed?)
[Kuspir] (seems correct, although I assume if I'm still tripping balls that either someone might notice, or I might say something?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (your balls stop tripping after a few minutes, although you still feel very disoriented.)
[Kuspir] (ok)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, are you good to allow the ritual to begin then?
[Kuspir] (yes, I suppose so)
The ulajinai ritual celebrating Sanar Ula’s Awakening takes place in the plaza, led by Conduit Ingo
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, after the excitement in the crowd, people's attention all turns to the center of the plaza.
[Nemnosti-GM] Various officials, including Hand and Voice priests from various saintly delegations, as well as local ones, come in.
[Nemnosti-GM] Bubun carrying great chests full of offerings come forward, and display great gifts given to the new saint.
[Nemnosti-GM] Finally, the Saint Herself is rolled in within an enclosed litter. It is simple and plain, like the saint Herself, though no one would mistake this for an ordinary day.
[Nemnosti-GM] At the center, Conduit Ingo steps forward.
[Ingo] We are here today for the ulajinai of Sanar Ula, the public recognition of Her Awakening, and confirmation that the promises made to us through Zunuga's Epiphany hold fast, these centuries later.
[Ingo] Now let us hear the Saint's own voice, and share in Her blessings.
* Sanar begins to speak, gently and softly at first.
[Sanar] Hello, everyone. I am not a great speaker, so I will try not to take too much of your time. I'll let other people give the long speeches.
[Sanar] I didn't ask for any of this. If I were human still, I'd probably be sitting with all of you, eating one of those mushroom things. But that is not my choice to make.
[Sanar] I don't know yet what my highest principles are. I don't know what my life will look like now.
[Sanar] I will be going to Nemnosti, just for a short while, while my new ulajeta is built here, in this community, out of the ruins of Gil Pirtu.
[Sanar] But know that even if I am not here physically, I will have my people, my family, my ulaji, with me wherever I go. And I will be with you too.
[Nemnosti-GM] Everyone please make a Will save.
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+8
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 27 ].
[Izu] !roll 1d20+10
* Jevai rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 20 ].
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 17 ]
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+5
* Jevai rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 7 ].
* Ifa is really into it.
[Jevai] (I assume this isn't divination)
[Nemnosti-GM] As Sanar finishes her speech, a wave of ineffable joy spreads over you. Your cheeks grow flush, your breathing grows tight, and almost all of you fall to your knees.
[Nemnosti-GM] All of you other than Kuspir fall prostrate before Sanar Ula, overwhelmed with a profound sense of love, awe, and reverence.
[Izu] (Oh, should have been an extra +2 on mine)
[Izu] (If that helps)
[Nemnosti-GM] Almost all of the crowd does the same, although a few, farther away or perhaps less able to hear, are unaffected.
[Nemnosti-GM] (still missed by 1, she has a 23 DC)
[Nemnosti-GM] Hundreds if not more, joined in worship of the new Saint, unable to do anything else until the moment passes.
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you remain standing - are you doing anything? There are a handful of others, including Conduit Ingo, also who are standing
* Kuspir will bow politely
[Kuspir] (bow/salute, basically - like what I do if I was greeting Nemnu)
[Nemnosti-GM] After what seems like an eternity, but couldn't be more than a minute or two, the feeling passes and people rise to their feet. It's not a bad feeling, but you arise feeling ... different, renewed, and with a sense of positivity and warmth towards young Sanar that doesn't fade, or at least, not quickly.
[Sanar] Oh, wow.
[Sanar] Thank you.
Sanar Ula calls on her first Sanari to abandon their old lineages and join Her
[Sanar] I call on those who will stand as my first Sanari to approach.
[Nemnosti-GM] Here, this is clearly not a free-for-all; the 'Sanari' have already been pre-selected and were standing nearby, like Voice Nalazh, like Zasko, the new hengi, like Kuspir's mom and sister.
[Nemnosti-GM] Still, many others who were deeply affected by Sanar stand up, as if to volunteer after this powerful experience.
* Ingo sees that things are getting lively in the crowd with extra 'Sanari', and looks to Kuspir for assistance.
[Ingo] We will proceed with the order of business and the appointed list.
* Kuspir will do what he can to keep things orderly, while still allowing those who want to volunteer to do so
[Nemnosti-GM] (any of you who wish to volunteer to become Sanari are welcome to do so :)
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you manage to respectfully keep the crowd in control and prevent dozens of random people and possible Hulti from giving up their lineage to become Sanari.
[Nemnosti-GM] (I'll let you make a friendly Intimidate check)
[Kuspir] (with my bonus?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yup)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+19
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 24 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Here, the Hand of the Dead takes over from the Voice, for the solemnification of the adoption of the new Sanari. Ifa, Sejin, and others take each in turn.
* Sejin is nervous, but bolder than she has been in the past, and given confidence by Ifa and others.
* Ifa will do her best to support Sejin and the new Sanari.
[Nemnosti-GM] Each person is asked their name and clan. This is written down and then the old name cast into a copper vessel. Then all those names are burned.
[Sejin] Each of you, by your organs and of your free will, has chosen to give up your past ties, to become Sanari.
[Sejin] Then go forward from this day and let all know and recognize these new servants of the Beloved Sanar Ula.
[Nemnosti-GM] A great cheer emerges from the crowd.
[Sanar] I accept you as mine.
* Sanar then speaks something into the minds of all her new Sanari.
[Nemnosti-GM] Many of those, still emotionally weakened from the effect, begin to weep.
[Jevai] (Do our terrible brothers get accepted?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (no, they have to wait)
[Nemnosti-GM] (they would not have passed the initial vetting. Most of those accepted are former Gargimnai, or otherwise well-known to Sanar and Her people. Otherwise it would be much too dangerous)
Kuspir has a strange encounter with a winking woman among the Sanari, who turns out to be a different person than he imagined at first
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, please make an additional (final, I promise) Will save.
[Kuspir] (with my bonus again?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yup)
[Kuspir] (wait I mean. do I get a bonus from hallow here.)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, this is hallowed ground, here)
[Kuspir] (ok cool)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+12
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 14 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (however...)
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, as the new Sanari turn around, one of them turns and looks at you, smiles broadly, and winks.
[Kuspir] (ok... do I know who it is?)
[Nemnosti-GM] You don't. In fact, after a moment, the face of the person changes - it's no longer the face that was looking at you, but a different, perhaps more ordinary one.
[Nemnosti-GM] It's as if it was there, fully apparent at the moment that this person was not what they seemed ... and then ... they were not as they seemed a moment earlier.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are practically paralyzed with inaction, unable to decide whether what you just saw was real or not.
[Nemnosti-GM] You can do nothing, and let the ceremony proceed to its conclusion - or you can make a different choice.
[Kuspir] (I'll go up to that person and stand very close to them, not attack or anything, but just put my hand on their shoulder)
* Woman looks at you strangely.
[Woman] Yes?
[Kuspir] (do I know who she is?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (it's a distant cousin of your mother's ... not someone you know well, or indeed much at all, since you haven't lived here in a long time. But definitely a Gargimnai.)
[Kuspir] (ok - so I could recognize her if I see her again/know her name to tell someone etc)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, assuming your senses are working correctly)
* Kuspir will let her go
[Kuspir] My mistake.
* Woman looks at you strangely, but then just nods.
[Ingo] Then let us come together in celebration of Sanar Ula and the Sanari!
[Nemnosti-GM] A great cheer comes up through the crowd.
[Nemnosti-GM] The revelry and festivities of the rest of the day are legendary. Here, at the end of the year 768 of the Imperial Era ... a new year, a new saint, a new lineage.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
