Nemnosti session 44
Summary
Session
- Session date: April 12, 2026
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 769, Pesme
[Nemnosti-GM] Greetings, acolytes! Now that it is Pesme, the heavy rains of early spring are finally starting to give way to better and warmer weather. Still be careful down by the river, though, as the flooding was so high this year, and the Pasu will take time to subside. Voice Izu has promised me that anyone dying in a river accident this year will be resurrected as a fish. I think he was joking. But I am not joking in my plea to you for care. Jesting aside, with all of the new Sanari guests, and with a new batch of acolytes to arrive soon as well, you, my senior acolytes, working towards your Nameways, have new and important obligations. Obligations to those who do not know our ways - but also, obligations to yourselves, to your futures. When you get your dimir names, you will be considered fully adult, here at the ulajeta, with all that entails. And in time, all the responsibilities of marriage and labor and service will fall upon you. But do not groan! Unlike those whose elders simply instruct them to follow the paths of their fathers and mothers, our Mother, our Lady gives us our names so that we may follow and choose our own Nameways. That is why they are so called. And so while we all share the same Courses, we do not share the same path. No, here at Nemnosti, my no-longer-so-young acolytes, we carve our own.
The group meets with Nemnu in the wake of Kuspir’s wacky adventure in the Deep; Jevai tells them about Eng-dur’s condition, and Nemnu assigns Marga, Kuspir, and Izu tasks
[Nemnosti-GM] In the aftermath of Kuspir's (and Jevai's?) strange adventure in a bizarre realm, there is both much to do, and shockingly little.
[Nemnosti-GM] How does one research that which, cosmologically, is not meant to be, certainly not in traditional conceptions?
[Jevai] (this has been my life for the last year tbh)
[Nemnosti-GM] Alai is still in Ardukh, and has been apprised of what happened, and so now, in addition to the sword Fracture, has other subjects to research, although of course the Abyss is always experience-near for your Luetkan friend.
[Nemnosti-GM] As for the rest of you, you all have things to be worrying about, beyond these mysteries.
[Nemnosti-GM] Today, Nemnu has summoned all of you to meet with Her in Her chambers to attempt to get some resolution, or at least to ask better questions.
[Nemnosti-GM] Izu has set up the room in advance, with Nemnu, in a century-old burgundy altala and a silk mebel, seated overlooking a stout square table, with a bowl of fruits and sweet candies in the middle of it.
* Nemnu looks grave and concerned, even though such a thing is not really possible given her rigid mien.
[Nemnu] So, Medimur, explain to me again your unexpected journey.
* Kuspir will try to summarize it as best as he can.
[Nemnu] The matter that puzzles me, even more than the what of what happened, is the why and the who.
* Marga takes a piece of fruit and starts eating it
[Nemnu] I greatly mislike the idea that any of my acolytes may be pulled into this realm at any time.
[Nemnu] But we do not really suppose that this was random, do we?
[Jevai] No.
[Nemnu] Hestur, what have you been able to discern about any of this?
[Kuspir] The sword said it brought me there. So is it a ... a kind? it's a sword, but is it also a person?
[Jevai] It is Unkind, like the stone
[Jevai] it and the stine, or stones, are the same, but also just part of the same, and also separate
[Kuspir] I'm still not sure what exactly all that means.
[Jevai] I think we have gone beyond Kinds
[Nemnu] Certainly beyond the classical conception of Kinds.
[Jevai] I'm not sure how comprehensible, or... sensible it is at all
[Nemnu] As the ... inventor? mother? artisan? behind Unkindness, I feel responsible, and yet this is clearly well beyond any intent of mine - or of any other of this realm.
[Nemnu] If Fracture took you to that realm, why did it do so?
[Nemnu] If indeed it is possessed of its own will, or at least, some portion of the will that Unkindness as a whole seems to have.
[Kuspir] it really wanted me to attack Gunuremai, or whatever fraction it was of her that was there.
[Ifa] But that's an important distinction, isn't it?
[Jevai] I thikn it was testing you, and your bond. Or possibly... forging it
[Jevai] It said that she, Gunuremai, is not fractured. So possibly it was truly her
[Jevai] but that's unclrea, I'm not sure how well it even understands
[Nemnu] To bring Medimur to see Gunuremai in that realm, unfractured, integrated, perhaps.
[Nemnu] But what of the bit of you, Hestur? Is that real, do you suppose?
* Marga takes another piece of fruit
[Jevai] yes, I think so.
[Nemnu] And that fraction, it is being held captive, by Gunuremai, in the Abyss?
[Jevai] not in the way that Medimur saw and experienced. but maybe
[Ifa] Is that a connection we may be able to utilize to find it again?
[Jevai] when I was there - when I was her? Myself there? I was enthralled to her will
[Jevai] I don't know if that was real
[Jevai] and I don't know, Ifa
[Ifa] I just mean presumably we don't want to leave *any* part of you still enthralled or imprisoned.
[Kuspir] I could try, I suppose
[Nemnu] I suppose the main question we must ask first is whether we trust Fracture - or trust that we control it enough - to have a common interest with us.
[Jevai] This is... not the first I've heard of my...fracturing. Though I don't know, the other might not be so real.
* Kuspir says to Ifa, uncertainly
[Nemnu] What do you mean by that, Hestur?
* Jevai glances at the other, feeling self-conscious about shedding so many long-held secrets lately
[Jevai] Eng-Dur suggested he has been talkign to some version of me, at times... he wasn't sure if it was imagination, but. Now I wonder.
[Nemnu] Ah, I see.
[Jevai] Gunuremai brought me to that place, where he is..., I think...when we fought her. Maybe not all of me left?
[Jevai] though Fracture suggested it was something she did through it. Ut
* Jevai gestures helplessly
[Jevai] who can say that that means
[Nemnu] It is as if there are two places.
[Nemnu] At least two.
[Jevai] yes
[Ifa] Is it possible the Eng-Dur you talk to is a reflection or fraction, like that version of you?
[Jevai] yes, very possible
[Ifa] If that's the case...where is the, for lack of a better term, 'rest' of him, I wonder.
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, Izu, and Marga, you don't know what this is all about. Well, Marga, you don't know what most of this is about at all, but Kuspir and Izu, you were following along until the stuff about Eng-Dur.
[Jevai] dead
[Ifa] This feels like some Courses philosophy trap, but what do you mean by 'dead'?
[Ifa] An Ancestor? Some other Kind?
[Nemnu] I have been thinking the same, Ramarima. I need new Courses.
[Nemnu] The acolytes will be displeased.
* Ifa can't help but smile at that.
[Kuspir] I feel like I missed something. Eng-Dur?
* Izu sighs, knowing who will have to help design those courses.
[Jevai] His body is gone. His spirit, perhaps, fractured. he's not an ancestor, and not a haunt
* Jevai throws up her hands again
[Jevai] is this a kind? Is ot simethign that happens to kinds, likw what unkindness does. Perhaps that is a fracturing as well
[Jevai] body into stone, and spirit, who can say.
[Nemnu] All right, enough of this. We can sit around the table eating fruit and speculating all day, to no effect.
[Kuspir] I only passed my courses because Zurusha helped me study - this is all a bit beyond me. I am willing to continue to try working with the sword... with Fracture, that is... if that will help.
[Ifa] Its goals seems to align with ours *for now*. That partnership seems worth pursuing, even if only to monitor Fracture.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] if nothing else, it is a powerful and dangerous tool, and I'd rather see it in the hands and care of someone trustworthy
* Kuspir nods to that
[Nemnu] It truly seems, like Unkindness in the abstract, to have the power to transform Kinds - or at least, to render them without a proper Kind. That is indeed powerful.
[Kuspir] Is it safe enough to keep it in my house? I don't want it to fall into other hands, as you say, but I don't know where else to keep it.
[Nemnu] Medimur, while I am sure the blade sits uneasily in your hands, and although you did not ask for this burden, I charge it to you.
[Nemnu] I cannot say where it is safe enough to keep - except to say that I feel safest when it is in your care, than any other.
[Nemnu] If it has ... chosen you ... then it will not have been the first to choose you as protector.
[Kuspir] I will do my best to live up to this honour, Lady.
[Ifa] Perhaps we can see if it will consent to a protected container of some sort.
[Izu] Please do not let Marga use it for cutting venison.
[Marga] What?
[Nemnu] Now now, Farai, I know you tease, but Marga has her own responsibilities to undertake, as serious as any of yours.
[Marga] Why would I do that? I got my own hunting knife. A sword is too big and unwieldy for that.
* Kuspir smiles a little at that
* Ifa gives Izu a reproachful look.
* Jevai also
[Kuspir] I'll try to keep it safe.
[Jevai] (smiles, I mean)
[Ifa] I'd be curious what effect it has on creatures that aren't Kind, though not enough to pursue the experiment.
[Nemnu] I will speak to Pavavi and see what he thinks about a scabbard that would be suitable, although greatswords like that normally are wrapped in cloth.
[Nemnu] I will add this research also to the list of things I have set Alai-who-is-Ozel to do, in her travels abroad.
[Nemnu] Hestur, I trust that you see now that your missing Upward's fate is more closely linked to all of this than we had supposed, and that will require you to lift some of your discretion about that matter.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I understand
[Jevai] If any here of question, I will do my best to answer but - Lady, I would like, if I can, to speak to my Downward
[Nemnu] Oh. Are you sure?
[Jevai] yes
* Nemnu says, in that neutral tone of voice in your head that conveys so much fear.
[Nemnu] Oh.
[Jevai] she knows more pieces of this mystery
[Nemnu] In this, you are right, but I fear that it is because she is working against me - with Gunuremai, or at least, alongside Gunuremai.
[Nemnu] But I accede to your wish, Hestur. We are well past the time where we can afford caution.
[Jevai] thank you, Lady. I will take care
[Nemnu] Marga-who-is-my-Ivis, I have a task for you as well.
[Marga] Oh?
* Marga looks a little worried
[Nemnu] You will be leaving us for a brief time. Meze and Lijun will be with you. Your Mother and I have business to conduct.
[Nemnu] Speak to Meze - she will tell you more.
[Marga] Uhhh okay. I mean, thanks!
[Nemnu] Medimur, despite your protestations of inadequacy, the fact that Fracture has chosen you tells me all I need to know, for now. Without suggesting that we trust the blade, we must consider its interests to fit with ours, at the moment - especially given its attachment to Hestur.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] I will continue to try to understand it.
[Nemnu] If there is nothing else, then? You are free to go about your paths. Oh, Farai, please stay behind and help clean up the fruit.
* Jevai will take a fruit for the road :x
* Kuspir will help himself to some of the candy since everyone else is being so healthy ;)
[Nemnosti-GM] The rest of you can take your leave, while Izu stays behind.
Nemnu assigns Izu to call together a conclave of Voices to tell them that Lurusiru is asleep rather than dead, and that They are awakening
[Nemnu] I have a task for you as well.
[Izu] Of course, My Lady
[Nemnu] It is time to gather your brother Voices together and tell them about Lurusiru.
* Izu pauses in surprise while picking up the fruit tray.
[Izu] Yes. I suppose that people will begin to learn soon enough and we should get ahead of that.
[Nemnu] Not least because young Sanar knows enough to start thinking cleverly, and while she doesn't know the history, her Bliss is formidable.
[Izu] Indeed
[Izu] Very well, I will inform them.
[Nemnu] But for now, we should exclude your brothers Nalazh and Bistu. They serve other Saints, and that is always a danger.
* Izu nods.
[Nemnu] You may, of course, include Rupun. I suppose there are not nearly so many as in the past, with Ingo's promotion and Imas having left for his new role.
[Nemnu] We will need new Voices here.
[Izu] That is true. We are beginning to be a bit short staffed.
[Nemnu] I would like to hear your collective counsel as to whether we should seek to accelerate Their awakening, using the new saint as our instrument.
[Izu] It might be possible, but it could also be dangerous. If we do, I think perhaps you should be there for it. They will be very disoriented when they awaken, I am sure.
[Izu] Your presence may help.
[Nemnu] Where else would I be but here?
[Izu] I wasn't sure if You might have... reservations. I know it is a complicated matter.
[Nemnu] My reservations, as you put them, are simply that all of this is happening at once. Levununde, the cataract.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] Then I think we should try.
[Nemnu] I am starting to see that things that may seem unconnected have linkages. Unkindness was at the heart of why Lurusiru slept.
[Izu] Nothing is ever unconnected, My Lady.
[Nemnu] Now you sound like a poorly-written essay about the Courses.
[Izu] You wound me.
* Izu smirks.
[Nemnu] I know that Kailas, Verga, and Faifir would want to know what is happening, and they may have some guidance for you. But at least, they are your brother Voices, and their support will be essential to you.
[Izu] Of course. I do not take their advice lightly.
[Izu] I will see about informing them and seeking theier council. Then I will begin preparing to wake Lurusiru.
[Nemnu] Thank you. And in time, I will release you to share this with others. But not yet.
[Nemnu] I cannot afford anything that would risk Them in such a vulnerable spot
* Izu bows in acknowledgment.
[Izu] Yes, My Lady.
Marga talks to Meze about their planned trip to Momichas for the suralai ritual for Achoreza, and that they will be picking up a new acolyte on the way
[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, you did hear all the words that Nemnu said, but a lot of them don't make too much sense. Thankfully Kuspir seems to be almost as confused as you, and he is the one who got pulled into some other realm against his will.
[Nemnosti-GM] You're not sure what Nemnu was talking about about Meze, though, or what task she has for you involving Mother Ushukuna. And that does seem like something you better figure out.
[Nemnosti-GM] Thankfully, Meze is usually much less cryptic than Nemnu (or Ushukuna ... or Jevai or Alai).
[Nemnosti-GM] You can track her down around the ulajeta pretty easily; you find her sitting over by Hul Hai, feeding the birds.
[Marga] MOrnin'
[Meze] Ah, Marga. Done with your meeting with the Lady?
[Marga] Yeah... Didn't understand most of it, but she said I'm supposed to come see you...
[Meze] Yes. We have a journey to plan. You, me, Lijun ... I suppose your man too, if he wants to come.
[Marga] WHere are we going?
[Meze] To Momichas.
[Marga] For why?
[Meze] Achoreza has died, and we are being gathered for a great wake. For her suralai.
[Marga] Oh.. I'm not sure if that's sad or not. She was so old.
[Meze] She had a very full, complex life. It was surely her time.
* Meze nods.
[Meze] And she will be reborn as another of us. That is reason to rejoice.
[Meze] There is more.
[Meze] We are to be picking up a fledgling, to bring back to the ulajeta.
[Marga] Oh? Who?
[Marga] Wherre from?
[Meze] The girl's name is Usle Zipizmo. From Hong Sogo.
[Marga] oh.
[Meze] Bura has met her, as would be normal.
[Meze] Her mother is a Gago. And her father is one of your father's men.
[Marga] (do I know her at all?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (give me a Knowledge: local)
[Marga] !roll 1d20+11
[Marga] (18 on r20)
[Nemnosti-GM] You recall that you do have some sort of cousin who married a Zipizmo. So this would be a distant relation by blood, but of course not in your lineage.
[Marga] You know... maybe I *will* see if Rechegoko wants to come.
[Meze] Your father will be there, of course. I do not know about the Naznaz or the vultures from Taizi.
[Marga] I don't think the Naznaz are gonna want to send anyone to Hong Sogo these days :x
[Meze] Well, of course, this is at Momichas. Holy ground, by the lakeside.
[Meze] I cannot imagine it would be comfortable, even so.
[Meze] And the Snapping Dog is not exactly known for his adherence to convention.
[Marga] ... yeah
[Meze] These sorts of grand wakes can be a matter of days, if not longer. I have already spoken to Nemnu about our absence, as leaving the ulajeta without her vultures for a time is never an easy choice.
[Marga] It's kind a of a weird time...
[Marga] But I'm sure it'll be fine!
[Meze] Even so, we should consider what preparations to make, in case it is not so fine.
[Marga] Like ways to get back here fast?
[Marga] Or I dunno... booby traps?
* Marga scratches her head.
[Meze] Exactly.
[Marga] What kind?
[Meze] Hmmm.
[Meze] Well, I think we do have the element of surprise in one respect.
[Marga] What's that?
[Meze] Well, they will be expecting you, and me, and Lijun.
[Meze] But they will not be expecting your beefy lad.
[Marga] Right!
[Marga] WHen are we supposed to go?
[Meze] We have a couple of days to prepare.
* Marga nods.
[Meze] After all, the word still needs to get out.
[Marga] Are we allowed to take weapons and stuff?
[Meze] We would be foolish not to.
[Meze] Although of course we will not disrupt the sanctity of the ceremony.
* Marga nods.
[Meze] Well, I leave you to sort out whatever details you need, with Rechegoko.
[Marga] Alrighty, just let me know when we're going.
* Meze nods.
[Meze] Run along, then.
* Marga dutifully runs along
* Meze seems anxious to get back to her bird-feeding.
Ifa meets with Ajemika and Amasa to sort out the new group of acolytes for this year
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, today you have been called into a meeting at the Nemni iftibal with Ajemika, as well as Amasa. Ostensibly the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the new acolytes for next year, which will ultimately be decided by Nemnu, of course, but with the guidance of many, including Bura and Jorota as well.
[Nemnosti-GM] Hojon never took much interest in the day-to-day affairs of the new acolytes or their schooling. But Ajemika, in this as in many other things, is setting a new course, one in which the interests of the lineage and the interests of the ulajeta ought to be in alignment. Hence today's meeting.
[Nemnosti-GM] You head over to the iftibal after finishing your morning prayers and ensuring that the bubun have been brushed off and straightened around.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ajemika has set up a morning tea service for the three of you, and has a sheaf of papers for each of you laid out.
* Ifa smiles and will take some tea.
[Ajemika] Good morning, cousins.
[Ifa] I hope this morning finds everyone well and well-rested.
[Amasa] While I am never truly well-rested, fortunately Fultukhari is now at the age where he enjoys sleep more than he does causing his mothers trouble.
* Ajemika chuckles.
* Ifa chuckles as well.
[Ajemika] He's come a long way over this past year, Amasa. Marga seems to be putting him on the right path.
[Amasa] Hmph. I'd like to think I can take a little credit myself!
* Amasa doesn't seem too put out though.
[Ajemika] Anyway ... Amasa has brought these nine files for our initial review, for the new class of acolytes. It's a lot, but probably unsurprising given the events of the past few months.
[Nemnosti-GM] You can see that the files are in Jorota's exceptionally clear handwriting, and of course it's no surprise that Amasa and Jorota would be involved jointly in this process.
[Ifa] Thank you for all your hard work.
[Ifa] And I can only imagine an abundance of candidates to be a blessing. :)
[Ajemika] So, to start, Lorone Izmoghir. Daughter of the hengi there in Zhustir. Ifa, you met the family during your trip, right?
[Amasa] We don't normally get many from Zhustir at all, especially from the nobility.
* Ifa nods.
[Ajemika] Well, the Izmoghir have a plan involving your nephew, Ifa.
[Ajemika] And I would be foolish to decline even the potential of a match with Rugu. Although it all needs time.
[Ifa] That would be my counsel, yes.
[Ajemika] I've written to Geme about all this already. She's as amenable as any mother can be about having her thirteen-year-old son's future bargained away. But of course ultimately the decision is mine.
[Ifa] Well, if Lorone is here, we can better assess their suitability.
[Ajemika] Along with that, I suppose, the idea is that Rugu himself would start his training this year. He's a bit young, but not too young. And my sense from Kuspir is that he needs something to keep him busy.
[Ifa] I think that may be for the best, yes.
[Amasa] I will keep them from too much nonsense around the campfire, as best I can.
[Ifa] I worry somewhat about distraction, but I'm hoping he'll take to his studies.
[Ajemika] Well, he takes after his father more in terms of intellect. So we'll see.
[Ifa] Heh, fair enough.
[Ajemika] In addition, the Izmoghir are hoping to send another acolyte, but this one, a country girl by the name of Rogra Gaigen. A kind of ... servant girl? I don't know. That is strange.
[Ajemika] In the letter they sent, Husulte Izmoghir says that this also relates in some way to your trip, Ifa. Do you know anything about that?
[Nemnosti-GM] (you really don't, Ifa)
[Ifa] (Okay, thanks, I was reading back. Would I know anything about the Gaigen much?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (give me a K:local or K:history)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+15
* Jevai rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] You know that the Gaigen are a kind of newer lineage, that was formed a few generations ago out of fragments of several other local lineages down there. Relatively poor, it would make sense that some of those folks would be in service.
[Ifa] Not that I recall, sorry. I'm certainly not against the idea of giving more opportunities, though.
[Ifa] Though I'm not primarily responsible for their education.
[Amasa] If I had my guess, they probably identified a kid with some promise, and perhaps out of generosity - or perhaps because she's some Izmoghir's bastard - are sending her along, on the pretense that she will serve Lorone.
[Amasa] We'll fix that last part quickly enough.
* Ifa nods.
[Ajemika] Now this next one, I think you do know the context, Ifa: Kabarun Cheskai. An orphan sent by Hand Sejin from the temple there.
* Ajemika exchanges a Look with you.
[Ifa] Ah, yes.
[Amasa] All right, cousins, you're allowed to have secrets, as long as there's nothing I need to know.
[Ifa] I trust Hand Sejin's judgment.
[Ajemika] And I trust yours.
[Ajemika] Moving on, we have three saints wanting to send one each ... sigh.
* Ifa frowns a bit at that.
[Ajemika] The Sanari have only one here of even remotely suitable age, and he's a bit old, a boy, Nefinozh, almost sixteen already.
[Ajemika] But I do think that it would be perverse to bring the Sanari here and not extend a courtesy.
[Ifa] Of course.
[Ifa] (Do I know anything about him?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (tall, big kid, but other than that, not really. You don't recall his birth lineage.)
[Amasa] Sixteen is so old, and from Jorota's notes, he doesn't have his letters hardly at all.
[Amasa] It's hard. If he were not already living here, I would vote no.
[Ifa] Knowing his letters and having a good mind are not synonymous.
[Ifa] It's potential we should be evaluating, isn't it?
[Amasa] It's more about how the others will treat him.
* Ifa nods.
[Amasa] It's a social problem, for such an older kid to be so behind.
[Ifa] Perhaps it can be a learning experience for them. :)
[Ifa] But I do take your point. We'll need to be observant and supportive, not that we wouldn't otherwise be.
[Amasa] I will do my best.
[Ifa] That's all anyone can ask, and we'll all do what we can to help as well.
[Ajemika] The Borgegi are sending a young man, Sohozai. Voice Bistu's time as Nemnu's ward is over, and he will be coming here, as Ikhesi returns from his own service in Onighus.
[Ifa] (That's pretty normal, right? THe Borgegi sending someone?)
[Ajemika] This is between Nemnu and Borgegus, but we always accommodate the Duke of Needs.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] Maintaining that alliance benefits both communities.
[Ajemika] What is not normal is the next one, Zhasa Ifedifri.
[Ajemika] The "I" before the "Fedifri" means that she's the child of Fedifri, but not one herself yet.
* Amasa makes a disgusted face.
[Ifa] That's...interesting.
* Ifa looks concerned.
[Amasa] It's abhorrent.
[Ifa] What is, specifically?
[Amasa] To live your whole childhood, in the expectation that you will be sacrificed and hopefully reborn.
[Ifa] Oh, absolutely.
[Ifa] But that is not the child's fault.
[Amasa] No, of course not!
[Ifa] And perhaps we can offer alternative viewpoints.
[Ifa] Strange that they would want to send one of their children here, no? How did they make this request?
[Ajemika] A formal letter sent to Nemnu Herself.
[Ajemika] This is all about keeping an eye on the Sanari.
* Ifa looks genuinely surprised at that.
* Ifa frowns.
[Ajemika] They are here, so the Fedifri wish to be here.
[Ifa] How old is the girl?
[Amasa] Fourteen.
* Ifa sighs.
[Amasa] Seems bright, has had an appropriate education so far - within the confines of their cult.
[Ifa] I suppose it behooves us to undertake her further education. Hopefully knowledge can foster understanding.
[Amasa] You are right, cousin, although this all sits uneasily with me. It is one thing to send a noble girl or boy here to think they may find a Nemni partner. This is a different thing altogether.
* Ifa nods.
[Amasa] I am not naive - I know that sending a child to Nemnosti is often political. But this is crass.
[Ifa] You're absolutely right.
[Ifa] I have misgivings, but I think the potential benefits outweigh the necessary work and precautions.
[Ajemika] All right then. Next, Ghalaimi Gamusuldi. My cousin, son of my father's younger brother Jaivu. We turned him away last year because he died in an accident, and were afraid because revenants were dying left and right, this time last year.
[Ajemika] We have been asked to revisit.
[Ifa] Would he have otherwise been suitable?
[Amasa] Well, despite his lineage name, he is a Nemni. I mean, his father is a Nemni, raised here. It would have been automatic. Although he's been living in Onighus, with his family, for years now.
[Ajemika] The question then is, is it safe enough now, to accept a revenant acolyte? I think it may be.
[Ifa] I'm inclined to say it's safe *enough*, if they're all right with it.
[Ifa] But they, and we, will have to make an effort to impress upon him he may be required to observe and accept some restrictions for his safety.
[Amasa] Yes, I agree.
[Ajemika] I also think that my father may have been disinclined to allow him, due to tensions with his own brother. It is not a secret that Jaivu is not here for a reason.
[Ajemika] But regardless.
* Ifa gives Ajemika a sympathetic look.
[Ajemika] The last one on our list is a girl named Usle, of the Zipizmo. Bura has been recruiting her for a while , from Hong Sogo. There is strange high hills stuff going on with this one, that I am not party to.
[Ifa] What do you mean?
[Ajemika] I honestly don't know. Bura was cryptic.
[Ajemika] My understanding is that your friend Marga is going up there soon, to pick her up and bring her down to the ulajeta. She's from Hong Sogo too, right?
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I mean, I'm inclined to trust Bura's judgment as well.
[Amasa] Yes, I mean, if there's only one Ravre in the group, Bura has probably chosen with care.
[Ifa] Right.
[Amasa] There will be the usual problems of a lack of prior learning, but also so many benefits.
* Ifa sighs.
[Ifa] I suppose every group of acolytes will have some issues. Not with themselves, necessarily, but...
[Amasa] The only way to have no issues is to not take any acolytes.
* Ifa nods.
Ajemika, Amasa, and Ifa are interrupted by Veruve who reports that Detevus has been harassing her recently (again), and Ifa agrees to get Kuspir to intervene
[Nemnosti-GM] You are interrupted by a knocking at the door.
* Ajemika heads over and opens it, annoyed.
[Ifa] And, yes, sorry, I--
[Ajemika] I said that I was not to ... oh, Veruve.
[Veruve] Oh, I'm sorry, cousins, I did not know you were all together.
* Veruve looks like she has definitely been crying.
[Ifa] Veruve? What's wrong?
* Ifa will stand up and go to her.
[Veruve] No, it's nothing.
* Veruve lies, poorly.
[Amasa] Nifin, come now. It's us.
[Ifa] Whatever it is, we're here for you.
* Veruve comes in and closes the door.
* Ifa will pour her some tea.
[Veruve] It's Detevus. He's back at it.
[Veruve] It's my fault, I'm sure.
* Ifa frowns.
[Ifa] It's not.
[Ifa] What did he do?
[Veruve] Well, you know, the episode, the thing they are calling Bliss. Detevus cut off Avrubai's hand in the chaos.
[Veruve] And after that, I went to him, because, you know ... for whatever his faults, he did save my life.
[Veruve] I wanted to let him know that it wasn't his fault.
* Ifa nods.
[Veruve] Well, I suppose I have learned that you cannot extend a man any kindness without him thinking himself enamored.
* Ifa almost growls.
* Ajemika groans audibly.
[Ajemika] I'm thinking about another amputation right about now.
[Ajemika] Solve that problem.
* Ifa can't help but chuckle darkly at that.
[Ifa] I could ask Kuspir to have a talk with him. Or a 'talk' with him.
[Ajemika] You have that sort of power over him, huh?
[Ifa] How do you mean? I just meant he's protective of everyone within the ulajeta.
[Ifa] He won't like hearing one of his fellow Stoneguards is being a problem.
[Ajemika] Fair point.
[Veruve] He hasn't done anything ... not really, yet. Just ... being around when he's not wanted ,being too close. That kind of thing.
[Ifa] I'm sorry that he's doing that, and that you've been having to deal with it. You shouldn't have to.
[Ajemika] I think both my father and Nemnu thought that your adoption into the Nemni would solve the problem. That, or his increasing age and the passage of time.
[Veruve] I haven't told Her anything yet.
[Veruve] And She's not good with these sorts of situations, regardless.
* Amasa nods.
[Amasa] This is a problem for Nemni women to solve.
* Ifa smiles, but not nicely, at that.
[Ifa] I mean, that amputation idea had merit...
[Ifa] ;)
[Ajemika] Seriously though, Ifa, your other idea does indeed have merit.
* Ifa nods.
[Veruve] I don't know what to say.
[Veruve] Thank you.
* Ifa will give her a hug if she seems amenable/seems like it would be comforting.
* Ajemika brings everyone in for a hug.
Kuspir intervenes in a squabble between Irdomila and Rugu, which turns out to be about Rugu’s proposed arranged marriage with Lorone Izmoghir
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, so far, no more funny business has taken place with Fracture. You are keeping it at home now, and when you wield it (him? her? them?) it definitely does talk in your head, but otherwise, nothing of interest.
[Nemnosti-GM] This afternoon, you learned that Bem is feeling ill, so is not available for her shift this evening. As a result, you decide to go home and take a short nap before returning later to cover for her absence.
[Nemnosti-GM] As you approach the house, you hear screaming from inside.
* Kuspir hurries in to see what is going on
[Irdomila] You hit me with that, you petulant blob!
[Rugu] At least I'm not a stupid bitch!
* Rugu 's sleeves show signs of having been on fire.
[Irdomila] You're useless, and you will always be useless!
[Kuspir] Hey!
* Kuspir will yell to be heard over teenagers :p
* Irdomila stops and looks up.
[Kuspir] What is going on here?
* Rugu rushes at Irdomila as if to tackle her.
[Irdomila] Rugu's being an ungrateful cunt.
* Kuspir will try to grab Rugu if I can, just to stop him
[Nemnosti-GM] (sure, uhh, give me a CMB roll ... it isn't hard)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+14
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 26 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (yeah that'll do it)
[Rugu] Mila is just angry cause her boyfriend is a pussy.
[Kuspir] Let me rephrase. Tell me what is happnening, not who said what to who.
[Irdomila] I was just explaining how the ulajeta works, to Rugu. He can't deal with that.
[Kuspir] Do you need to go outside and hit something until you calm down?
* Kuspir asks Rugu
[Rugu] Yes, sir! May I please?
[Kuspir] Something other than your sister.
* Kuspir adds
[Rugu] Yes, sir.
* Rugu adds, disappointed.
[Kuspir] Go on. Run some laps or hit a training post until you can behave civilly again.
* Kuspir will let him go
* Rugu grabs a wooden sword so he can do so.
* Rugu heads out, but you can still hear him out there, acting as if he is attacking Irdomila.
[Kuspir] Are you all right?
* Kuspir asks Irdomila
[Irdomila] I'm fine.
[Kuspir] Did he hit you?
* Irdomila laughs.
[Irdomila] I mean, he tried. That was when I lit his buru on fire.
* Kuspir sighs
[Kuspir] What happened? Before the point where you were committing bodily harm to each other.
[Irdomila] You don't need to worry about me, Dad. I can take care of myself.
[Irdomila] I was just explaining to him about how the negotiations will go.
[Irdomila] With the Izmoghir.
[Kuspir] And that made him upset?
[Irdomila] Seems that way.
[Kuspir] And you can't think of any reason why that might have been the case?
[Irdomila] Not really. He needs to know what's in store for him.
[Nemnosti-GM] (I'll give you a SM if you want)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+17
* Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 25 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (definitely excluding relevant details)
[Kuspir] How did your boyfriend come up during this conversation? Or was this just a random coincidence?
[Irdomila] I mean, he's jealous.
[Kuspir] Jealous.
* Kuspir says, unconvinced.
[Irdomila] That I get to pick, and he gets stuck with whatever you and Aunt Ifa and Ajemika have cooked up.
* Kuspir sighs
[Irdomila] I was just explaining to him that there's really just him and Fultukhari, so if you're looking for a Nemni man, your choice is between dumb and dumber.
[Kuspir] That was unkind, although I suppose you did at least put your brother higher than Fultukhari.
* Irdomila pauses.
[Kuspir] ... you did, yes?
[Irdomila] 'Khari's not as dumb as he thinks he is.
[Kuspir] Nor is Rugu.
[Irdomila] We were already arguing by that point.
[Kuspir] I understand.
[Kuspir] I'll go speak to him, and then hopefully you two can apologize to each other.
[Irdomila] I just mean, what I said isn't wrong. Grandmother has explained all of it to me.
[Kuspir] It's not about whether you were wrong. Sometimes you can be completely right, and still hurt someone.
[Irdomila] I can? Oh wait ... you mean I shouldn't.
[Kuspir] Yes it wasn't an instruction.
* Irdomila laughs.
[Irdomila] All right, I'll apologize, whatever.
[Kuspir] Let me talk to him first.
[Irdomila] Fine.
* Kuspir will give Irdomila a hug if she'll let him.
* Irdomila will, semi-reluctantly.
[Kuspir] You want to be an adult, and sometimes that means apologizing even if you don't feel like you did anything wrong.
* Kuspir says, patting her on the shoulder.
[Irdomila] I understand.
[Kuspir] Now, I'll go see if your brother has worked out a bit of his bad temper and is more in the mood to talk.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you can go out and talk to Rugu, who has mostly finished beating the anger out of him.
[Kuspir] Do you want to talk about what was upsetting you?
* Rugu is sitting, wooden sword beside him, back against the training post.
[Rugu] Mila was lecturing me on my responsibilities as a Nemni man. Then she lit me on fire.
[Kuspir] After you tried to hit her?
[Rugu] Yes, sir.
[Kuspir] Do you think that was the right thing to do?
[Rugu] No, sir.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] I'm not going to lecture you on your responsibilities as a man. I think you already know that, and so telling you again serves no purpose but to make you feel bad. And I don't want to do that.
[Rugu] Are they sending an Izmoghir girl up here to marry me?
[Kuspir] They are sending an Izmoghir girl here with the hope of marrying you. It isn't guaranteed.
[Rugu] But if not this girl, some other girl, and Aunt Ajemika gets to decide.
[Kuspir] Aunt Ajemika has a lot of say, but Aunt Ifa and your mother and grandmother also get to be involved, and even I might have something to say about the matter. And at least some of us would listen to you.
* Rugu nods.
[Kuspir] If you can't stand the girl, I'm not going to just sit by and let them marry you off to her.
[Rugu] I haven't even met her! Mila said she's ugly. But she might not have meant that.
[Kuspir] (I did meet this girl, didn't i? am I imagining that?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (you did, and so did Irdomila. She's totally fine.)
[Kuspir] I met the girl in question, and she seemed perfectly normal to me.
[Kuspir] Your sister might just have been trying to rile you up.
[Rugu] Dad ... can I ask you something?
[Kuspir] Yes, of course.
[Rugu] The other night, when we were at dinner with Gramps and Granny and Ifa and Izu. Where were you?
[Kuspir] Ah, that was a strange night. It's difficult to explain, but I can try my best.
[Rugu] Okay ...
[Kuspir] You've seen the sword that I have now, yes? Fracture?
[Rugu] Yes, you threatened me with brutal punishment if I touch it.
* Rugu is grinning, though.
[Kuspir] Yes. Because it has some strange powers, and the other night, it drew me into some kind of ... other world for a little while. I can't really explain it very well, it was like being in a dream, except with real effects.
[Rugu] Oh. Oh, wow. For real?
[Kuspir] So that was why I wasn't at dinner, and why I told you not to touch the sword, and why I have to keep a close watch over it and continue to try to understand it.
* Kuspir nods
[Rugu] So you weren't, like, out having an affair?
[Kuspir] No.
[Rugu] Oh! Well ... okay, then.
* Rugu seems satisfied.
[Kuspir] Please don't tell people about it though, it could be dangerous. I'm trusting you to keep it secret for now.
* Rugu nods solemnly.
[Kuspir] I'll tell your sister too, so at least both of you will know.
[Rugu] I understand. And I won't touch Fracture, I promise.
[Kuspir] That's good.
* Kuspir pats Rugu on the shoulder.
[Kuspir] Now, are you ready to apologize to your sister?
[Rugu] Yes, sir.
[Kuspir] Good man.
[Kuspir] Let's go back inside, and we can see about having something to eat.
* Kuspir has given up on the idea of napping before his evening shift at this point ;p
* Rugu heads in with you.
Jevai meets with Saza to talk about the Shallow and the Deep, travel between them, Eng-dur, ammonites, and stars; they come to an agreement to meet again
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, the part of you that is sensible and rational tells you that you should definitely not be doing this. But the part of you that is loyal and understands the gravity of the situation tells you that as much as this could be a terrible decision, Saza is one of very few people who actually knows what you need to know.
* Jevai has a plan, but is it enough? who can say
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, take me through your spellcasting.
* Jevai has a series of spells to lodge before she can even attempt this, though, which will push her to her limits
[Jevai] (mindblank - dc 28)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 33 ]
[Jevai] (word of recall - DC 24)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 32 ]
[Jevai] (teleport - dc 22)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 32 ]
[Jevai] (sending - dc 22)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 22 ]
[Jevai] (this will giev me 2 hp damage)
* Jevai will then dislodge Sending to reach out to Saza. would you like to know what became of Upward, since you set him on his path. tell me where to meet you, alone, in one hour.
[Saza] "Consider me interested. Meet me on top of the hill temple by Gil Hargush."
[Jevai] (great - now I will lodge Glibness - DC 18)
* Jevai rolls [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 28 ]
[Nemnosti-GM] (and that's another 6 hp of temp damage?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (or no, cause the sending is gone)
[Jevai] (exactly, this is why I did it that way :x)
[Nemnosti-GM] (gotcha)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, now what?
* Jevai will dislodge the mindblank before she goes so that it is already in effect, nd be sure that her other stones are ready fo be dislodged, binding them against her arms for the necessary contact.
[Jevai] (and I will Let Someone Know also! :V)
[Nemnosti-GM] (ok, who?)
[Jevai] (Marga and/or Ifa if I can find them)
[Ifa] (Duly noted)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, this is before Marga will have left)
[Jevai] (and then off I go)
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, so, roll for your teleport result
* Jevai rolls [ 1d100 ] getting [ 60 ]
[Nemnosti-GM] (no problem)
[Nemnosti-GM] You find yourself at the top of the step-terraced hill where you've been before. Saza is already there.
[Saza] Hello, Pebble.
* Jevai will dislodge glibness
[Jevai] Hello Downward
[Jevai] how are you?
* Saza is wearing a long embroidered cloak. Her long braided hair is done up in a complex coil that is reminiscent of various glyphs.
[Saza] Well enough.
[Jevai] still content wth your Naznaz... ally?
[Saza] Aizhanefer is inconstant. But useful.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] I want to know about the path you set Upward on
* Saza nods.
[Saza] Why?
[Jevai] I've seen where it leads
[Saza] When a man is dying, he becomes desperate for answers.
[Saza] Did he explain that to you?
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] He wanted to change his Kind
* Saza nods.
[Saza] And what, you seek the same? For me? For yourself? For an enemy?
[Jevai] I see potential in it
[Jevai] There are things you know that I have only started to understand, about Unfolding
[Saza] You think if he was not strong enough, that you can master it?
[Jevai] is it a matter of strength?
[Saza] In part, surely.
[Saza] You said you know what became of Eng-Dur. Seeing that he's not here, it was nothing good. So? If you have something to say, say it.
[Saza] You are not nearly clever enough to win this dance with me. So out with it, Pebble.
[Jevai] Have you been working with Gunuremai?
[Jevai] This isn't an accusation, it will simply help context
[Saza] "With" is a strong word. I would say that both Aizhanefer and I ... deal with Gunuremai.
[Jevai] She took me to a... place. Not a place - place where the world had fi=olded back onitself, perhaps
[Jevai] do you know what I mean?
[Saza] I have heard her talk of two places. The Shallow and the Deep.
[Jevai] the Shallow, this. Though I have also been to the Deep.
* Saza nods.
[Saza] All right. So you went with her to the Shallow. And?
[Jevai] well, she tried to leave me there
[Jevai] or... maybe somethine else
[Saza] How uncharitable. But unsurprising.
[Jevai] Well, Marga did almost kill her
[Jevai] but that's now what's relevant. I wanted to know what you understand of that place
[Jevai] such as it is
[Saza] The way I have been thinking about it is to connect space and time.
[Jevai] yes.
[Jevai] Through the megaliths, yes?
[Saza] That it is the place where one goes, in a megalithic door, in the instant between one stone and another.
[Saza] But stretching out that time, from an instant to an eternity.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] That's what I thought
[Jevai] What did you want him do?
[Jevai] What did you think woudl happen?
[Saza] Well, we weren't talking about megalithic doors or worlds beyond this one. Not at all.
[Saza] Like you say, Eng-dur was interested in Kinds.
* Jevai nods
[Saza] And in that which I think you call Unkindness. But at that time, I had only the vaguest sense that that could even be related to the Shallow and Deep.
[Saza] So you have something to share with me on that connection?
[Jevai] unkindness is of the Deep
[Jevai] what do you call it?
[Saza] I don't have a specific name that I need to use.
* Jevai nods
[Saza] Unkindness is apt enough.
[Jevai] Whatever Upward did touched that timespace between the stones
[Saza] And then what happened?
[Jevai] That is what i want to understand
[Jevai] I would say, from what little I know - a breaking apart
[Saza] That going into these other realms breaks you apart, normally.
[Saza] But the Gunuremai mask has some power, against that.
[Saza] Holding it all together, keeping it ... integrated. Tethered, bound.
[Saza] That is what I know from our mutual ... rival?
[Jevai] ahh, that makes sense
[Jevai] Did you know that before Upward spoke to you?
[Saza] Not in those terms, no. I certainly have known of the Gunuremai for a long while.
[Saza] But Eng-dur ... did whatever he did ... before Gunuremai became active here.
[Jevai] were the ammonites part of it?
* Saza smiles broadly.
[Saza] You are not nearly as stupid as I usually presume.
[Saza] None of this movement is linear. This was the mistake, I suspect, that Eng-dur made. To try to travel by lines.
[Saza] But it is the unexpected reversal of direction, spiralling, inverting, that seems to matter. It is all curved, upon itself.
[Jevai] turning Widdershins?
[Saza] Asleep until the crack begins.
[Saza] I have come to think most highly of your Lady, giving names to things. You know, this is not a name I picked for myself. It simply is.
[Jevai] Ushukuna called them Stone Ancestors
* Jevai nods
[Saza] I have heard that said.
[Saza] I do not know much about vulture-lore. Hard to learn much. Though I suppose your girlfriend must give you advantages there.
[Jevai] She's not my girlfriend.
* Saza shrugs.
[Jevai] We found a stone, a slate map of the stars, here
* Jevai says, gesturing to the temple
[Jevai] are the stars connected to the megaliths?
[Jevai] Were they always only doors, how we see them now?
[Saza] Surely, surely. The stars travel in spiral paths.
[Saza] They have never been *only* doors.
[Saza] But you are right, there are some, like Musune's End, that seem more ... capacious.
* Jevai is thiking hard about that
[Saza] Jevai, I would like to make a proposition to you.
[Saza] An alliance ... no, that is too strong. A compact.
[Saza] All you must do, to affirm it, is to tell me where and how I can find Eng-dur.
[Jevai] why?
[Saza] If I told you it was to help him, you would not believe me.
[Saza] But I would say, rather, that if it is possible to help him, then other things would then become possible.
[Jevai] mmm. But why would I make a compact with you?
[Saza] Because you would not be here if you thought it was hopeless to help Eng-dur. But you cannot do it by yourself.
[Jevai] I know where and how *I* can find him. I don't know that you could.
[Saza] So where does that leave us, then?
* Jevai is thinking
[Jevai] (This is something I have been thking about but haven't had a chance to try - but if all the doors connect, its possibly I could 'see' him at another stone?)
[Jevai] (Or is he more connected there because of the spell I did with Giri and whatever happened with that?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (well, he was there before the spell you did with Giri, so it couldn't just be that)
[Jevai] (right - so its possible)
[Nemnosti-GM] (in principle, you have no idea why you can see him at the Lanky Stones, and you haven't tried anywhere else)
[Jevai] Do you know where the Vulture stone is?
[Saza] Tetavai Ikhanne?
[Jevai] We can try there, perhaps
* Saza nods.
[Jevai] (repeating in here - but that is a megalith, right?)
[Saza] As a ... show of mutual good faith?
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, it is)
[Jevai] Mm. But I need to know how the stars relate to the stones
* Saza nods.
[Saza] I see your point. If the holes represent some pattern.
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] ...holes?
[Saza] The marks on the stone?
[Jevai] ahh, yes
[Saza] I mean, they're ... indentations.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] If you can tell me this, I may be able to show you
[Saza] Like you say, there is some connection between the stars and the stones, and that includes the ammonites.
[Jevai] and the moon? It travels, but it also hides its face
[Saza] Yes, exactly. Constantly unfolding.
[Jevai] what is that connection?
[Saza] The stones are like tethers, is my theory.
[Saza] But more than that, you are asking questions that I am just guessing at.
* Jevai nods
[Jevai] alright. for this compact - there are some things I need to prepare. I will call you, when I'm ready, to meet me at Tetavai Ikhanne
[Saza] Very well, I agree.
[Jevai] Good.
[Jevai] Alright. I will speak to you then.
[Saza] I look forward to it, Jevai. Truly.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
