Nemnosti session 38
Summary
Session
- Session date: January 18, 2026
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 769, Fikho
Prologue
[Nemnosti-GM] Greetings, acolytes! May we all bid welcome to the Imperial Era year 769. For those of you from elsewhere in the Empire, you would know that today, the Abas Feast, would stand outside the Fair Cycle. But here in Khutu, where we keep to the ancient Imperial ways and follow the Negili Reckoning, it is the first of Fikho when we celebrate the Abas Feast. And yes, we did have a lovely feast, even though supplies are a little low as spring is still just arriving. But just think how sad it would be for those poor Ombans whose 'fair' cycle forgets entirely about Romokh! In the Fair Cycle they say that each month has the same number of days, that that is more logical, more rational. But here, Nemnu reminds us through Her Courses that Unfolding is more unpredictable than that, that every river bends its course, though they all go to the sea eventually. And what could have been more unpredictable than to envision all the new friends we will be gathering? In just a few days, the great delegation we sent to Zhustir to greet the awakening of Sanar Ula shall be returning, with all our friends, including Rembes and Irdomila, of course. But also, the new friends we shall meet, the new Sanari, who have just been adopted into Her new saintly lineage. For the last couple of days, I know how hard some of you have been working to help prepare the Limping Hall for the arrival of all our new guests. Today, the hall truly earned its name. Did you know that was how it originally got its name? It was said that after a day of work in the gardens, acolytes would return there and limp about, exhausted after their labours. Now, no one knows if that is true, and for a long time now, it is mainly used for guests. And what guests these will be! I know that by living here, we are pretty used to being in the company of our Saint, although even then, I know that Nemnu gives us a sense of awe. But imagine what it must be like to be newly committed to a life of service to a new Saint, who lacks any traditions, any customs. It is hard to imagine how the first Osper, Nemnu's son who gave the name to all the other Ospers, and Nemnu's wife Elujen, and all those first Nemni, must have felt, when they first donned that ifti and became united in Her service. And so too our new guests will be, feeling quite strange, I imagine, but newly confident in their commitment. And so when they arrive, I know you will all be especially kind, particularly to any of the young ones who join us. Who knows? Maybe some will even study with us as acolytes? There is no rulebook for new Saints in another's ulajeta. We will have to make them all up, using Zunuga's Epiphany and Nemnu's courses together to make wise judgements.
The current situation in Zhustir
[Nemnosti-GM] Zhustir is slowly but surely returning to some semblance of normal, though it is still massively overfull of guests whose departure is delayed by spring rains or, more likely, a bad hangover after the celebrations of the past few days.
[Nemnosti-GM] The new Sanari will be divided, at least temporarily. Most will be headed back with you, including of course the Saint Herself, to Nemnosti's protection. Others, and many more who would be Sanari, will stay to work on the new Sanari lineage lands carved out by the Vabaseli and the Izmoghir, west of Zhustir and nestled against Gil Pirtu itself.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until the new iftibal is created, the new hengi, Zasko, will lead the lineage from Nemnosti, while others stay behind to build their new home.
[Nemnosti-GM] The trip back will surely take longer than the trip down, given the larger numbers involved. Fortunately, your caravan is decreased in size by the loan of many of the bubun you brought with you, who will be staying as laborers, under the control of Hand Sejin, and other Hands soon to be arriving from temples across the province.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, you know that the priestesses at the great Birgoje temple in Naftusa will be sending support soon. Of course, Nemnosti hardly has the Hand temple of sufficient size. And Izu, you have been part of the plan to bring Voice Imas to undertake what is surely the greatest undertaking of his career.
[Nemnosti-GM] How many Voices get the opportunity to serve a Saint by designing Her iftibal? Built out of the ruins - or at least the outer ruins - of Gil Pirtu, you can only begin to envision what it will look like.
[Nemnosti-GM] But before you leave, and before any of that, there are many farewells to be said, and arrangements to be made.
Izu consults with Ingo before their departure, regarding Voice Imas, affairs in Nemnosti and in Zhustir, and the plan to have the Writhing prisoner executed in Onighus
[Nemnosti-GM] Izu, you have been exceptionally busy with all of the details that follow Sanar's ulajinai.
[Nemnosti-GM] You feel like you have hardly had enough time to spend with your friend and mentor Ingo, even though tomorrow you're both going your separate ways, leagues apart from one another.
[Nemnosti-GM] But the day before your departure, he finds you at the Voice temple, Suftudal, which is flush with new donations that young Voice Pamanai is struggling to account for.
[Izu] Ingo! I am glad to see you before you leave. This trip has been... strenuous.
* Vess is now known as ALai
* ALai is now known as Alai
* Ingo smiles.
[Ingo] For both of us.
[Izu] I can only imagine.
[Ingo] And the hard work only begins now.
* Ingo hands you a thin envelope.
[Izu] Indeed. Once we get to the Ulajeta I'm sure it will be days before I have a rest. Just organizing accommodations alone...
* Ingo nods.
* Izu will take it from him with a quirked eyebrow.
[Izu] What's this?
[Ingo] This is in case you need it. A personal letter, from a Conduit to his dear friend Voice Imas.
* Ingo says that last thing as if it's true, rather than a platitude.
[Izu] (Is it sealed?)
[Ingo] (it is)
[Ingo] It's really just some kindnesses, to impress on him the value of the work of designing the new saint's ulajeta.
[Ingo] I don't think he'll need it, really. But give him the letter regardless.
[Ingo] He likes to feel important and needed, as you know.
* Izu grins.
[Izu] Certainly. He has a great task ahead of him.
[Ingo] And in place of him - because of course he will need to come here - you will have Voice Nalazh with you.
[Ingo] Good luck.
[Izu] Thank you, my friend. Will you be coming to visit the new saint at Nemnosti soon? Or are you returning to the capital for the foreseeable future?
[Ingo] To the temple, to report to Him.
* Izu nods.
[Ingo] I expect to visit Nemnosti perhaps at Romokh, no earlier.
[Ingo] The Empire is vast and His influence spreads far beyond our little corner of it.
[Izu] Of course.
[Izu] If I may be so bold, what will you tell Him of your visit here?
* Ingo pauses.
[Ingo] I'll answer that in a moment. First, though, tell me - will Voice Pamanai be all right here, for a short time, until Imas arrives to take charge here at Suftudal?
[Izu] I believe so. He is quite competent, despite what he has been lead to believe. I will stay in communication with him if he needs assistance.
* Ingo nods.
[Ingo] He's well-trained, comes from the nobility, has all the learning he would need. He's been under Nalazh's tutelage, though, so ...
* Ingo shrugs.
[Ingo] I would continue to mentor him, if I were you.
[Izu] I will. I will stay in magical contact and it is not so far a trip if need be.
* Ingo nods.
[Ingo] So you asked what I will tell Him. More to the point, the question you should ask is what - or who - I will bring Him.
[Ingo] The Writhing woman.
* Ingo says, in way of explanation.
[Ingo] I'm assuming you weren't planning to take her back to Nemnosti, to wreak havoc on not one but two saints.
* Ingo says, not mentioning the third saint that only the two of you and a handful of others knows lies within the caves.
[Izu] No, but... Is that wise? She is very dangerous and I am not convinced that she is not here willingly. Perhaps this is her plan.
[Ingo] To be captured and taken to Onighus where she will be the prisoner of the most powerful entity in the Empire? That is not a good plan, Izu.
[Izu] It gets her close to Him.
[Ingo] Better than close to Her.
[Izu] Hmmm...
[Izu] Perhaps.
[Ingo] Let me put it another way.
[Ingo] Imagine that I am not your jovial friend, but one of nineteen Conduits whose role is to serve Him.
[Ingo] For the sake of argument, imagine that we capture a powerful enemy, one who has already kidnapped a stoneguard, and done who knows what else.
[Ingo] She did, am I correct, lure Bem away from the ulajeta?
[Izu] Yes.
[Ingo] Now imagine I return to Nemnosti to speak to Him and say that we just let her go, or we took her prisoner in a place that has no useful prison.
[Ingo] How do you think He will regard me?
[Izu] I am not saying to release her, by any means. Quite the opposite. I'm only counseling caution. I have a deep suspicion that we are playing her game here, however strong we think our position.
[Ingo] Well ... I know you do not want to hear this, but unless her plan is to be interrogated and then killed, we are not playing her game.
[Ingo] The Emperor is not playing games.
[Ingo] And while I do not relish the thought of this woman's death ... she is a prisoner of war, a known kidnapper, and someone who would, given the opportunity, do far more harm.
[Izu] Certainly. Let's hope she has no more surprises, then.
[Ingo] We know this will anger the Hulti. But then, they can hardly be more angry than they are. I don't see any other solution.
[Izu] Just be careful.
* Ingo smiles.
[Ingo] You sound like Junu.
[Izu] Then I must be talking sense, no?
[Ingo] You are.
* Izu smiles.
[Ingo] Come here, let me hold on to you for a moment.
* Ingo gives you a big bear hug.
* Izu allows himself to be scooped up.
[Ingo] I'm proud of you.
[Ingo] You need something, you let me know, all right? I may be big and fancy now, but I haven't forgotten.
* Izu seems to be fighting back a few tears.
[Izu] I know. I've... missed you, my friend.
[Izu] But you have much bigger concerns than me, now. And that is as it should be.
[Ingo] Take care, Izu.
[Izu] You as well. I will write as often as I'm able.
Kuspir talks to his dad about taking care of his mom and sister in Nemnosti, the plan to marry Rugu off, and Kuspir's relationship with Ifa
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, after the excitement of the ulajinai, things have settled down quite a bit, at last.
[Nemnosti-GM] You've finally had some opportunity, today, to spend some time at the Vabaseli iftibal.
[Nemnosti-GM] You grew up here, and in so many ways even after nearly 20 years at Nemnosti, it still feels like home, even though the people are different, and of course, so are you.
[Nemnosti-GM] Irdomila is lounging on a chair, reading from a sheaf of loose papers, and you're stretching your calves and otherwise just loosening up in advance of your long journey, when your father Mutur enters the room.
[Kuspir] hi Dad
* Irdomila looks up from her reading and smiles.
[Mutur] I thought maybe we could talk.
[Kuspir] Of course
* Irdomila sits up.
[Mutur] Your mother and Shosti all ready for their trip?
[Kuspir] I assume they aren't, and are running around frantically.
* Irdomila snorts.
[Irdomila] Aunt Shosti thinks that there is no fashion in Nemnosti and has been dress shopping.
* Kuspir makes a 'there you go' gesture
[Irdomila] Now that she's all fancy and saintly she thinks she is going to find a better husband.
[Irdomila] She keeps telling me what a catch Rembes is.
[Irdomila] "Your little noble boy" she calls him
* Kuspir stifles a laugh at that
[Kuspir] Tell her to keep her hands away from him ;p
* Irdomila laughs.
[Irdomila] Bitch better not.
[Irdomila] Besides, is she going to proofread all his poetry?
[Kuspir] That seems unlikely.
* Irdomila waves the sheaf of papers around.
[Irdomila] He was pretty affected by meeting Sanar. I mean .... we both were.
[Irdomila] So this is ... he is comparing me to a girl who is two years younger than me but is never going to get any older. I should be offended, right?
* Mutur frowns.
[Kuspir] I imagine it is a powerful experience. But I doubt he's going to break up with you for a Saint.
[Mutur] I would think there are a number of problems with that.
* Irdomila shrugs.
[Irdomila] I can handle him, even if I can't handle Her.
[Mutur] Anyway ... as I was trying to say!
* Kuspir turns back to his father
[Mutur] Obviously I have to stay here. Ganu needs help managing the land transfer, and the deal with the Izmoghir and the Sanari and all of that.
[Mutur] These lands, we're not just giving them away. They come with responsibilities.
* Kuspir nods
[Mutur] Just ... take good care of them while they're away. I'm hopeful it will be just a few months, but I know it could be longer.
[Kuspir] It's not so far - I can make them come visit once in a while if things stretch on longer than that.
* Mutur nods.
[Mutur] And it's been wonderful having you here Irdomila.
[Mutur] Next time I see you, maybe you and this boy will be married, eh?
* Mutur teases.
[Irdomila] Pop-pop!
[Kuspir] Surely you would make the trip if there was a wedding to be held.
[Mutur] Of course.
[Mutur] Actually, can we talk about a couple of things sort of related, Kuspir? I mean ... Irdomila you're welcome to stay if you like but I think your father might prefer it otherwise.
* Kuspir nods
[Irdomila] I'll go read somewhere else.
* Irdomila kisses her grandfather on the cheek and prances off happily.
[Mutur] So, the Izmoghir have their eyes set on Rugu. Did Husulte mention that?
[Kuspir] Yes, I heard about that. It's not my choice but of course I can talk to Ifa about it.
* Mutur nods.
[Mutur] And Ifa would effectively be the one who would decide that? I mean, I know you have a new hengi, but you're all friends, around the same age.
[Mutur] Ifa would be able to judge the matter and what she says would go?
[Kuspir] I assume so, yes.
* Mutur nods.
[Mutur] Good. She's a good woman.
* Mutur pauses.
[Mutur] She is a good woman, isn't she?
[Kuspir] Yes, she is.
* Mutur stares at you.
[Mutur] Anything you care to share?
* Kuspir sighs
[Kuspir] Are people talking?
[Mutur] I couldn't say. In our family? No, I don't think so. I'm sure your mother will have many things to say if and when she figures it out.
[Mutur] She's been much too busy lately, so I'm sure she hasn't noticed. But in Nemnosti that won't last, I presume.
[Kuspir] Then how do you know?
[Mutur] Because of the way you look at her, son.
[Mutur] I'm old but I'm not blind.
[Kuspir] We tried not to.... and I told Zurusha about it, I didn't want to go behind her back. And Izu knows. But we've tried to keep things quiet.
[Mutur] Irdomila will figure it out soon enough. She's too smart for her own good.
[Mutur] Keep an eye on her - there's a dark streak in there.
[Kuspir] Irdomila?
* Mutur nods.
[Mutur] So much like your mother.
[Kuspir] She's just testing her limits, like any young person.
[Mutur] Anyway. It is not my place to tell you what to do with your life. And I can only imagine how hard it is, with Zurusha being cloistered.
[Mutur] Just ... know that I want you to be happy.
[Kuspir] I am happy.... as much as I can be, anyway.
[Mutur] And if you want to get remarried, we're not paying another bridewealth.
[Mutur] We have all this money now, but it's not for you.
[Kuspir] I'm not getting remarried.
* Mutur nods.
[Mutur] All right then.
[Kuspir] I'm married already, and Ifa doesn't want to leave the priesthood in any case.
* Mutur smiles.
[Mutur] I'll take that as your word.
[Kuspir] I believe actually it was a condition Zurusha placed on her - that she wasn't to give up her position over me. Not that I think she would want to, anyway.
[Mutur] Smart woman. Both of them, really.
[Kuspir] Yes.... well, I get that from you, I suppose.
* Mutur chuckles.
[Mutur] You can stay for dinner tonight? Or do you have things to get ready at your caravan?
[Kuspir] I can stay for dinner.
[Kuspir] Unlike mother and my sister, I'm already packed.
[Mutur] All right then, good.
* Mutur comes and gives you a hug.
* Kuspir hugs him back
[Mutur] I'll miss you. Good having you here.
[Kuspir] Yes, it's been good to be home. I will try to come more often, if my duties allow.
[Mutur] I'd like that.
Ifa talks to Sejin about how things will run once everyone leaves, and about the plan for Ajemika to adopt one of her young ones
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, you've been spending your day today at the Hand temple, getting things organized in advance of your departure home. You'll be leaving most of the bubun you brought with you here, along with various gifts and goods for the temple.
[Nemnosti-GM] Hand Sejin's "wee ones" have been scurrying around, "helping" in various ways. It's been a joyous time, although an exceptionally busy one.
[Sejin] Thank you for everything you've done here, Ifa.
[Ifa] I can honestly say I am very happy to help. It's been very nice, and you've been so gracious.
* Sejin smiles.
[Sejin] It seems like soon enough, I will have more help that I would ever need or want.
[Sejin] And once She returns to her new ulajeta, later this year, it's not going to stop. This place will be different from now on.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I'm sure that will, ultimately, be for the good, but I'm sure it will take some adjustment.
[Sejin] I don't feel up to it. I'm just a poor country girl, hardly even lettered. Taking care of the children and the tide, those have always felt like the only things I'm good at.
[Sejin] But I don't want to just give it all up to some stranger from Naftusa or Onighus or wherever.
[Ifa] Well, I'm sure you'll get some assistance, to be sure, but I'm equally sure you're up to the task. And Nemnosti is not *so* far. I'll be sure to write, and implore you to do the same, especially if you need help.
* Sejin smiles.
[Sejin] Pospor Borgegi came to talk for a long time yesterday. He's a Voice, of course, but he's also someone who serves his saint.
[Sejin] The Borgegi are leaving people here, to keep an eye on things. Did you know that?
[Sejin] I think they're mostly trying to keep their eyes on the Fedifri, more than anything else.
[Ifa] It's not surprising, I suppose.
* Ifa nods.
[Sejin] You and he know one another quite well, he said.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] That...would be accurate. Less so these days, but he's a good man.
* Sejin stifles a giggle.
[Sejin] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.
* Ifa laughs.
[Ifa] No need to apologize.
[Sejin] Do you have anyone these days?
* Ifa pauses.
[Ifa] It's complicated.
* Ifa says with a smile.
[Sejin] It always is.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] We all have obligations, not least to ourselves. I am a Hand, and am dedicated to my calling.
[Sejin] So there is one last thing we need to talk about. Your hengi, and my wee ones.
[Ifa] Oh?
[Sejin] We had talked, earlier, about adoption. You mentioned she is looking.
[Ifa] Oh, yes, she is.
[Sejin] How would you like to proceed? I mean ... I can just send someone with you but that seems presumptuous, don't you think?
[Ifa] Well, I've had time to spend with the wee ones, so I can discuss options with her, if you like. It always feels a little strange, and moreso in this case as she wouldn't be meeting them immediately, but we do what we can. Did you have anyone in particular you thought should be considered?
[Sejin] Well ... boy or girl?
[Ifa] (crap, I'll need to check if she mentioned a preference)
[Nemnosti-GM] (She didn't, but you do know she has just the one girl, Henda. Also you can guess that with the general shortage of young Nemni boys, that might be more desirable)
[Ifa] It might be better to consider a boy, as she and Regivus do not have a son.
* Sejin nods.
[Sejin] Older, or younger?
[Sejin] I don't have any babies.
[Ifa] In general, I'm inclined to say younger, but older might be...
* Ifa sighs.
[Ifa] ...useful.
[Sejin] It is awkward, but then, that is our job. To serve these awkward purposes.
* Ifa nods.
[Sejin] Kabarun is just about the age when he might be one of your acolytes.
[Sejin] He's not the handsomest boy, but he's smart and reliable.
[Ifa] Handsome is overrated, and he'd have plenty of other things to offer a potential future match, it sounds like.
[Sejin] Who decides who gets to be an acolyte? Is that Nemnu Herself?
[Ifa] Ultimately, but she is willing to listen to counsel. I'm sure Ajemika can speak up for him, and I'd be happy to do so. I'm sure I could persuade my brother to lend his voice, if you'll pardon the pun.
* Sejin smiles.
[Sejin] Thank you, Ifa. It's been wonderful having you around.
[Sejin] The wee ones really have come to appreciate you too.
* Ifa smiles.
[Ifa] It's been wonderful to be here. I'll have to plan to visit again sometime.
[Ifa] And of course, you're always welcome in Nemnosti, though I'm sure you'll be quite busy for some time.
[Sejin] Once the new Saint is back here, I'm sure the opening of the ulajeta will be a major event.
[Ifa] I imagine Nemnu Ula will want to send a delegation again. I look forward to it.
[Sejin] Well, until then, then.
Jevai talks to Dalbi about the book of secrets she transcribed, and the possibility of her training a Pebble from among the old Black and Green Suzni
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, you were quick to pack and were ready more or less before anyone except maybe Marga, for your trip back to Nemnosti.
[Nemnosti-GM] You've been spending your time copying the Rustic Mysteries of the Chivenanga Valley, and now have a copy for the ulajeta when you return.
[Nemnosti-GM] The book itself still doesn't make full sense, as Tendodum clearly was a dedicated amateur, but not a real expert antiquarian. And this 'The Sage' who he was talking to clearly was a sigillant and knew many things, but also didn't necessarily share everything, or if they did, not necessarily in fully accurate form.
[Nemnosti-GM] The Izmoghir send their man Dalbi to come pick up their original from you, in town.
* Dalbi comes in to the Last Good Well where you're seated. He's dressed simply, of course, carrying a tall walking stick.
[Dalbi] Hello, wise master jasinam.
* Jevai smiles at that
[Jevai] hello
[Dalbi] My master says that you have a precious gift for me.
* Dalbi smiles.
[Jevai] I do, yes. Please thank her again for me
[Jevai] I have included some notes as well
* Jevai will pass back a wrapped bumdle, including the book
[Dalbi] Did you learn anything interesting?
[Jevai] yes. I would have liked to speak to the Sage who gave their insights to the author, but I am glad not all their knowledge has been lost
* Dalbi nods.
[Dalbi] So much has been lost, from Vocha Sogo. The Green and the Black Suzni - most of the children don't even know the old lineages anymore.
[Dalbi] It is hard, down here in the lowlands, to remember the old ways.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] not just here, I thikn
* Jevai sighs a little wistfully
[Dalbi] Is it inevitable? One feels like there must be others like you, who would learn, if they would be taught.
[Dalbi] My father always felt that his time as a Pebble shaped him, as a man, as an adult.
[Jevai] there must also be teachers
[Dalbi] Have you ever? Been a teacher, I mean.
[Jevai] Not yet
[Dalbi] You will be a good one, someday.
[Jevai] I would liek to - I thik I should. But I worry I do not have thre time for a pebble, and I don't know who I would turn to, for, well, for another.
[Jevai] properly, a pebble needs two teachers
* Dalbi nods.
[Dalbi] Upward and Downward.
[Jevai] yes
[Dalbi] I would like there to be a sigillant here, when the new ulajeta is built.
[Dalbi] Not that I have any right to demand such a thing.
[Dalbi] It might help the young people remember.
* Jevai nods
* Jevai is thinking abotu who even she coul teach a student with, ugh
[Dalbi] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to impose.
[Jevai] no, you're not. It is one of my responsibilities, really.
[Dalbi] There is more in the old fort that is as yet unrevealed, is there not?
[Jevai] yes. A sigillant would ve very valuable to have, sonsidering the construction of the place
[Jevai] I will see what I can do about that
[Dalbi] Well, then. I am very glad to have met you, Jevai of the Nadenigh. It has brought back thoughts that do not often arise, in my ordinary duties.
[Jevai] I'm glad to have met you as well, Dalbi of the Green Suzni.
* Dalbi smiles proudly, hearing that name once again.
They make the trip home, a great procession of people and vultures and bubunne and one saint - apparently - but Alai uses a shadow walk to move Sanar Ula safely, over Heru's objections
[Nemnosti-GM] You start the trip home in heavy rain. Good for the crops that will soon grow, bad for wet pilgrims returning home.
[Nemnosti-GM] The caravan is heavier and fuller than when you left. Certainly, you have fewer bubun with you, since they will mainly be staying as labourers. And you have left various gifts and goods here, to help those who will be building the new ulajeta.
[Nemnosti-GM] But in its place you have around twenty new Sanari, and whatever goods they are bringing with them. Zasko, as the new hengi, is trying to settle into that role, but he's a near-stranger to many of these folks himself, not having been raised here in Zhustir.
[Nemnosti-GM] It falls instead to Kuspir's mother, Heru, who fortunately has some decades of experience in ordering people around and being obeyed.
[Nemnosti-GM] The day begins with many farewells, and anticipated reunions in the hopefully not-far future.
[Nemnosti-GM] But perhaps saddest of all is young Sanar Ula, leaving the only place She has ever lived, and bringing with her family, but new and strange in so many ways.
[Nemnosti-GM] More than once, one of the Sanari falls to their knees and weeps, overwhelmed with Her emotions bleeding through.
[Nemnosti-GM] It is strange to say of a saint, for those of you used to Nemnu's ancient and wise control, but Sanar is almost not yet a person, still Awakening, and certainly not in charge. But She is the focus of everyone's attention, obviously.
[Nemnosti-GM] There is no way to conceal such a large group to be travelling, and the trip will take longer, first, because it is uphill, and second, because there are so many who are unaccustomed to such travel. You estimate it may take six or seven days. And that's assuming that no one interrupts you.
[Nemnosti-GM] You do need to decide to what degree this trip is meant to be a visible and public one - of course, everyone in the province, perhaps even everyone in the Empire knows there is a new saint, and that She is heading to Nemnosti. That cannot be held secret.
[Ifa] (Should we maybe send ahead for more escorts?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (the escorts are all back at the tavern, and they aren't cheap ... :)
[Nemnosti-GM] You can do that, or at least ensure that in the main towns, Ai Dandura and Naftusa, that there are some willing to join for a time. The trouble is of course: who do you trust?
[Nemnosti-GM] Heru is quite insistent that she wants Sanar's presence to be felt all along the path, for Her joy to reach the common folk along the way.
[Nemnosti-GM] Zasko, and others, are more cautious - fearing, as you might, that a new Saint is a target.
[Nemnosti-GM] Any preparations, precautions, or other things to do?
[Nemnosti-GM] (if you were going to get more help, basically, who would be asked to help? )
[Jevai] (Things that are well beynd my paygrade/influence :x)
[Kuspir] (I'll get my guards, such as they are, organized to help secure the Saint as we go)
[Nemnosti-GM] Rembes will volunteer to help whenever possible. He seems to be taking this duty very seriously.
[Kuspir] (that's fine, I'll encourage him to help out)
[Ifa] (I could maybe send to Keruna to ask for assistance, extra bubunne at the least?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Keruna will definitely be able to help but by the time she sends bubunne from the temple at Birgoje, plus Hands to control them, all the way down here, it would be a substantial delay. She can offer, though, that she can meet you in Ai Dandura, where there is a store of bubunne.
[Ifa] (Yeah, that's more what I meant, just meeting us along the way.)
[Nemnosti-GM] Sure, you can do that.
[Nemnosti-GM] One surprising source of support comes in the form of ten vultures, led by a great albino bird. Marga, of course, this is Achoreza, who you met at the Bone Eyrie and gave the Saint her new decanter.
[Nemnosti-GM] They will be flying overhead, scouting and supporting the new Saint during Her travels.
[Ifa] (Oh, that's nice of her)
[Nemnosti-GM] (is someone actually proposing a different travel plan, or are you just heading out?)
[Alai] (so teleportation circle or shadow walk... either seems more practical than 6 day walking target)
[Nemnosti-GM] (OK, so maybe Kuspir can bring Alai to try to convince Heru?)
[Kuspir] (I'm fine with that)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you approach Heru to discuss this plan.
* Dalbi is now known as Heru
* Heru is dressed in glorious new finery; apparently Shosti is not the only one to have gone shopping to reflect her new station in a saintly lineage.
[Kuspir] Mother, we have a suggestion for transporting the new Saint more securely to Nemnosti.
[Alai] I have two ways to speed this travel. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
[Heru] Oh?
[Alai] The first I can speed the travel of the Saint, myself, and seven other guards or servants. We could be at Nemnosti is an hour or so. Is just small group, and rest would have to walk.
[Alai] Has advantage that many may not know Saint already there, so focus is on caravan... also good community building such travel.
[Alai] But only leaves small contigent with new Saint.
[Heru] So, you wish to begin Her reign with a deception?
[Kuspir] We don't wish Her reign to begin with a kidnapping, or worse.
[Alai] I speak of practicalities. You tell people where Saint is or not is up to you.
[Heru] Is this the kind of thing you're teaching my granddaughter?
[Kuspir] Mother...
[Alai] Do you want me to present other option or do you want to quible about event that has not even happened yet?
[Heru] Fine, what's the other option?
[Alai] I create teleportation circle... is 10 span or so wide. It will wisks groups instantally to outside Nemnosti while it is active.
[Heru] Absolutely not.
[Heru] I like the lying plan better.
[Alai] To be honest, easier plan to. I am powerful mystic, but teleportation circles are no easy feat either.
[Heru] It is essential that the community see the Sanari. Although ... I had no plans to have Her presented in any open fashion regardless.
[Heru] We are, you understand, on a mission of recruitment, not just glorification.
* Heru considers.
[Alai] I present options, that is all. Decision is yours.
[Heru] It would be important for me, and the others, to be seen along the way.
[Heru] Kuspir can go with you.
[Kuspir] If that's what you want.
[Heru] We don't have any stoneguards of our own yet. Who better?
[Heru] I'll send Zasko with you. He's the hengi, so there are any number of reasons he might not be visible. Also, no one knows him and he's happy with that.
[Heru] You'll need to leave some of your group here, of course. There still are some bubunne here, so Hand Ifa will need to walk with us.
[Heru] And guards, both for actually guarding us and for making it appear as if there's something to guard. You have that young revenant stoneguard with you, she seems like she has a good head on her shoulders.
* Kuspir nods
[Heru] All right. I will admit, it will put my mind at ease for Her to be safe.
[Alai] if it is just Kuspir, the Saint and Zasko, I can just teleport us directly. I assume you want more aligned people for Her, so my other proprosal.
[Heru] No, you're right, I was just thinking about who I require. But there should be others.
[Heru] Another one or two of yours if you want, but I do want Sanari with Her at all times.
[Heru] And I'll keep Irdomila with me; give me a chance to catch up with her on the way.
[Alai] But I miss my apprentice. We have had so little time with this outing.... is ok she can stay.
* Alai smiles
Alai, Kuspir, and Izu shadow walk with Sanar and some Sanari, but the group is overwhelmed by a wave of emotion emanating from Sanar
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Alai, you can make any needed preparations. So we'll be sending Alai, Kuspir, Zasko, Sanar, and a couple more Sanari to round out the group?
[Alai] (can we bring Izu too... for reasons?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (sure)
[Alai] (to aid in communications between the Saints)
[Nemnosti-GM] (of course)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Alai] (thats is exactly what I need for the extended Spell Resistance while Im around the new saint)
[Alai] So everyone ready?
[Kuspir] yes
* Alai will cast Shadow Walk
[Alai] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (you'll have to tell me if that fails and by how much if so)
[Alai] (that is 1 less than I needed for clean spell)
[Alai] !roll 1d100
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 11 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (nothing like some auditory effects to go out with a bang)
[Alai] (there is sound of a wave crashing into rocks as we are whisked away)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, the spell goes off and you find yourselves travelling through a kind of nebulous place between places, one of those things that you know Alai has at her disposal but don't ask too many questions.
* Heru is now known as Sanar
[Sanar] Wow. Oh, wow.
[Sanar] What is this place?
[Alai] Is not simple to explain. Between places is simplest answer. Distances are not same. Lets move. Be at Nemonsti in hour or two.
[Sanar] Wow.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, I'm going to have you all make Will saves (mind-affecting).
[Alai] (SR help?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, SR works)
[Alai] (so she need to roll caster level vs SR 21)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+5
* lan-werk2 rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Alai] (close)
[Nemnosti-GM] !roll 1d20
* lan-werk2 rolls for Nemnosti-GM: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 7 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (that was her, and yes, her effective caster level is 15 so ... welcome to your life with a saint, that's 22)
[Nemnosti-GM] (so please make your save now Alai)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+9
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 26 ].
[Kuspir] (oh I'm dumb, idk why I rolled +5, it should be +8. so really I got 23)
[Nemnosti-GM] (oh in that case you also saved)
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir and Alai ,you are unaffected. Izu, you need to roll too
[Izu] !roll 1d20+13
* lan-werk2 rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 22 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Izu, you feel like you almost can hold on to your emotions, but then, the dam breaks and you find yourself in the shadow realm, tears flowing down your cheeks in awe, grief, and joy, all mixed together. You feel as if you are sharing Sanar's own experience of this place.
[Nemnosti-GM] Zasko and the Sanari are also overcome with emotion.
* Alai looks around.
[Alai] Is good you are excited Sanar, but you have great power. Keep focus. Is important we move quickly.
[Sanar] Oh ... I'm sorry. This is all so strange.
[Kuspir] It's all right.
[Alai] I have made the same strange journey you make to day. It is a place of safety and knowledge we go to.
[Alai] You will be better for it at the end.
* Alai smiles
[Sanar] Only Nemnu has made this journey. When I meet Her, maybe I'll be better.
* Alai nods
[Alai] (is there any apparent effect on those around us?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (on those not in whatever 'shadow' is, like back in the ordinary world? No.)
[Alai] (I was just trying to see if the effect on those around us had ended)
[Alai] (Sanar's effect)
[Jevai] 9I think the questin is more if alai can calm Sanar down does everyone else stop freaking out)
[Nemnosti-GM] (oh, yes, the effect ends after a little while and you have loads of time on your spell, so it's no more than a small delay)
[Alai] (off we go)
* Alai will make sure Izu is ok as we travel.
* Izu smiles at Alai through tears.
[Izu] I'm... I'm fine, just...
[Izu] It's a lot.
[Sanar] I guess this will be part of my story someday.
[Nemnosti-GM] The remainder of the trip is relatively uneventful and you can arrive in the midst of the Pardopasu, where you can re-emerge.
[Nemnosti-GM] (so you need to roll for where you end up, is that right?)
[Alai] (yea)
[Alai] !roll 1d10
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d10 ] getting [ 9 ].
[Alai] (so 900 ft off)
[Alai] (so 1 is north)
[Alai] !roll 1d8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d8 ] getting [ 4 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you end up right near the road, and can easily get out of the scrub and onto the road which you can then follow the rest of the way.
[Nemnosti-GM] You arrive at home, to the surprise of the stoneguards at the West Gate who were certainly not expecting you.
Jevai, Ifa, and the rest of the great caravan of pilgrims travels overland from Zhustir to Nemnosti
[Nemnosti-GM] The rest of you have a much longer trip.
[Nemnosti-GM] Your saintless caravan of pilgrims, bubunne, and Sanari carries on south along the road at the edge of the Turtu.
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, as you look west you can almost see where the old village of Vocha Sogo must have been. It hasn't been abandoned so long - there are surely still things there since its final abandonment was within living memory.
[Nemnosti-GM] The travel is slow, with the rain and your numbers, but the lowland path is easy.
* Jevai vaguely wonders what's stopping her form just teleporting hom ].]
[Nemnosti-GM] You reach the fortified town of Ai Dandura where you will turn northwest into the Pasu Valley. Here, there is a great throng of expectant onlookers, who seem only mildly disappointed that the saint does not make an appearance.
[Nemnosti-GM] Some people are overwhelmed with emotion, falling prostrate before your caravan.
* Jevai will try and keep the vision of those ruins in mind for future teleporting, maybe...
[Nemnosti-GM] Here, you can pick up more bubunne as promised by Keruna, which makes the travelling a bit easier.
[Ifa] (woot)
[Nemnosti-GM] There are the various demands for ritual and offerings, which you can manage without too much difficulty.
[Nemnosti-GM] Only one attempt to actually bribe you to let them see the saint, which you can fend off pretty readily.
[Nemnosti-GM] The trip upriver is, of course, a slow one, even though there are no great changes of elevation.
[Nemnosti-GM] Eventually, after more days of travel, you reach the provincial town of Naftusa. Here, there are more cheers, more throngs, more offerings, more demands.
[Nemnosti-GM] It's exhausting, at the end of an exhausting trip.
[Nemnosti-GM] The one blessing is that up here, people are much more accustomed to Nemnu, so a saint is not such a strange thing.
[Nemnosti-GM] As you pass by the strange and mighty Degh Ekorre rock formation, the singers are out, praising Sanar Ula for what they imagine will be Her many future great works.
[Nemnosti-GM] To those unaccustomed to the Corps, it must seem strange for this girl who has done nothing but die to receive such adulation. It's odd even for you, who can understand it.
[Nemnosti-GM] You manage to all find space at inns and taverns in Naftusa, which is pleasant enough.
[Nemnosti-GM] Up the river, along the road, and finally, the last great curve taking you around the bend and to the ulajeta. Home.
[Nemnosti-GM] You arrive with the 'saint', days after She already arrived, and begin the process of getting these new visitors unloaded into their new home.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
