Ashnabis session 59

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Session

Session date: August 29, 2021
Fair Cycle date:

Introduction

<AshnabisNarrator> Over the last week, Pesme has turned to Shosolda, and with it, summer's official start in the Imperial calendar. As if upon command, ships have been coming down the Kaskos, and by sea through Nimneha Bay, in seemingly endless numbers - from Daligash, from Choradan, to be sure, but also from Basai, from Malfan, even a Nuluan longship from the far north of the Empire.
<AshnabisNarrator> Folks down at the docks say that they're coming later this year to avoid the storms and the heavy spring rains. Fewer have come this year specifically to farm, which makes an early arrival less critical, you suppose. They're mostly settling in Kaskind, and bubun are very busy to the south of the city building new houses for the newcomers.
<AshnabisNarrator> You've also heard it said that one or two Daligashi lineages are planning on moving their entire family, Ancestors and all, to Kaskind. So far, there's no sign of that, but you suppose it was just a matter of time.
<AshnabisNarrator> But your minds are not so much on the future, but on the deep past. Having returned from your trip to the ruined Sashnir temple, only to find the cult of Sashni Ula engaged in a dark ritual against the corpseborn saint Khozra, you managed to disrupt whatever her plans may have been, for now.
<AshnabisNarrator> To say that it was unsettling suggests that it is over - rather, you are and remain unsettled. Khozra Ula is safe for now, as is Ufrim his most loyal follower, and both returned to Banei. But safe for now need not be safe for long, and you surely know this story is not at an end.

Daifan learns something worrying about Nezha's spirit from Khozra Ula

<AshnabisGM> Daifan, you have a new, potentially troublesome issue on your hands - a genuine corpseborn saint. Where are you keeping Khozra Ula for the time being?
<Daifan> (I have no idea, ugh >.>)
<AshnabisGM> (well, a few choices would be to put him in your house, Nezha's house which is currently empty, the community barn where the witches have been staying but are now mostly moved out of...)
<Daifan> (Can't Ufrim take him, I don't want a saint -_-)
<Daifan> (Nezha's is probably best, people might actualy wan to use the barn :p)
<AshnabisGM> Ok, that's fine. And yes, Ufrim probably ultimately would be happy to take him once someplace suitable can be constructed for him to 'live' in but, perhaps like you, he is less keen on having him just sit in his house.
<AshnabisGM> Also I think Ufrim is still recovering from some pretty serious injuries atm.
<Daifan> (That's fair.... I can help with that at least)
<AshnabisGM> Okay, cool.
<AshnabisGM> You can set up Khozra in Nezha's house as a temporary accomodation. He seems (inasmuch as you can determine his emotional state) relieved to have been rescued from the Sashnir cult, pleased to have company of people that aren't trying to destroy him, and curious about his new surroundings.
<AshnabisGM> Are you telling any other people in the village about him?
<Daifan> (If they ask, I guess. They really see this as Ufrim's problem that they're justb managing for the moment ;p)
<AshnabisGM> I assume at least your roommates will be curious what is going on. Ufrim will tell people for sure, once he's back on his feet, but that might take a few days.
<AshnabisGM> Certainly word will get around, I'm sure.
<Daifan> (yeah, they'll tell their roommates or sure because it is Shira- relevant)
<AshnabisGM> Khozra chats readily in the minds of people who come near him, although he also falls into occasional longer periods of silence, during which you aren't sure what he's doing - perhaps resting or meditating, or perhaps simply occupied with his own thoughts, as he must have often been during his centuries alone.
<AshnabisGM> On this day, you along with others in the village are preparing for Nezha's cremation - a sad but necessary occasion, and an opportunity for people who knew her to bid a final farewell.
<AshnabisGM> The body lies wrapped in clean linen and waiting for its final sendoff, and a pyre has been built at the outskirts of the community.
<Khozra> What is the reason for this gathering? Many people come to this place.
* Khozra asks you telepathically.
* Daifan sighs inwardly
<Daifan> :A cremation, for a frend who died:
<Khozra> Ah, I am sorry. People come to pay their respects?
<Daifan> Yes, and to say goodbye
<Khozra> I wish likewise to pay my respects to the dead.
<Daifan> ....you didn't know her. But I guess youre staying in her house.
<Daifan> (where is her body?)
<Khozra> (Let's say it's out on the porch of her house, so that people can pass by if they wanted to say a final goodbye.)
<Daifan> she's just outside. I can't really carry you out there, or her in here.
<AshnabisGM> You could probably get Chimi or Idovo to help move him close enough that he can 'see' the body, if you want.
<AshnabisGM> just drag him to the doorway or whatever.
* Daifan will see if they can give them a hand
<AshnabisGM> Together you can move the saint in the general direction of Nezha's remains, so that he can ... well, you aren't really sure if he sees things with his eyes, or if he has other senses, but you can get him closer.
<Khozra> How unusual...
<Daifan> oh yes, very.
<Daifan> Someone stuffed anther soul in there
<Khozra> But this woman's soul still lingers, trapped, in this world. It has not moved on to the realm of the ancestors. It is confined.
<Daifan> ...you can sense that?
<Khozra> Perhaps this is not the ideal time to admit I know very little about my own capabilities. I have spent several centuries alone in a swamp, I have had few opportunities to test them.
<Khozra> But I do sense a struggle here - a trap - a cage? Her essence remains somewhere in this realm.
<Daifan> hmmm.
<Daifan> do you sense where, at all?
<Khozra> Not in this immediate area, but not tremendously distant.
<Daifan> hmmm...
<Daifan> do you think you could free her if it was here?
<Daifan> maybe?
<Khozra> I do not know. If I could examine both the body and soul together, perhaps something would occur to me, but it is a strange situation.
<Khozra> But your people are going to burn the body?
<Daifan> that is... our way.
* Daifan sighs
<Khozra> Oh, I understand. It was our way as well.
<Daifan> I could probably stop it...
<Daifan> but shes not a saint.
<Khozra> I could bestow some small portion of my incorruptibility upon her flesh, to preserve her until you can ensure her spirit has completed its proper journey - whatever that might be.
<Daifan> Okay.
<Daifan> I might know what the trap is... maybe
* Daifan will see if Chimi and Idovo can bring her in
<Khozra> Help me place my hand on her head.
* Khozra says once the body is before him.
* Daifan will do so
<AshnabisGM> A moment passes and the air seems to become fresher, the scent of decay disappearing, as he does... whatever he's doing.
<Khozra> This effort has tired me. I must rest.
<Daifan> well... thanks.
<Daifan> Maybe there is some hope here....
<AshnabisGM> So, you want to go and talk to Veznara? You can let people know the cremation is off for now.
<Daifan> (yes - I can tell them there are some affairs that she wanted me to take care of first >.>)
<AshnabisGM> Okay - people may be a bit puzzled but they aren't going to argue about it as long as you/not them are taking care of things.
<AshnabisGM> Let me do a few lines of intro for Veznara and then you can track her down.
<Daifan> (cool)

Veznara receives a visit from Daifan at the estate

<AshnabisGM> Veznara, you have been offered a place to stay at the late Galdai Ebesnata estate, now under the control of her granddaughter Ziftu.
<AshnabisGM> The rooms you've been provided with are ample and generous - reminding you at least a little bit of the luxurious surroundings back home, more comfortable than a small cell at the temple to be sure.
<AshnabisGM> While you don't have a huge amount of possessions to move, still you do have a few things to pack and have your bubun relocate to the mansion.
<AshnabisGM> Ziftu and Sumurt seem to be settling in well together, or at least, you think that they're enjoying their newfound positions of (relative) authority, and seem to be friendly with one another.
<Veznara> (Good, good!)
<AshnabisGM> Daifan, where do you want to locate Veznara? Work might be easiest, but you could also try and track her down outside of work if you prefer.
<Daifan> (I thikn i know she's stayong at that estae now?)
<AshnabisGM> (yeah I imagine you do, so you could just go there)
<Daifan> (yeah, I assume we're kind of outsideof work hours atm, so I'll give it a shot)
<AshnabisGM> Okay - I'll let you guys establish the scene, then, Veznara can say where you might find her.
<Daifan> (Okay!)
* Daifan can go an inquire with the servants for Hand Veznara
<Veznara> (Probably outside, I guess? I imagine you come to the gate and the guards have to pretend they don't see you, so I have no idea how this would work.. :P)
<Daifan> (They're allowed to see me, but yeah I shoudlnt' be allowed the thouse technically >.>)
<Veznara> (We can go for a nice walk by the destroyed remnants of the torture house or something..)
* Veznara joins up with Daifan outside.
<Veznara> Daifan... what brings you here?
<Daifan> well.
<Daifan> Khozra told me that he can sense that Nezha's spirit is trapped here, somewhere
<Veznara> Oh? Here, on the estate?
<Daifan> maybe. I wondered - you said she was meant to inherit something?
<Veznara> Oh... yes, there was a bequest. A piece of jewelry - a brooch, I think.
* Veznara frowns
<Veznara> You think she may be in that?
<Daifan> it possible, isn't it?
<Daifan> he would know
<Veznara> I suppose so. I don't know where that would be at the moment, but I expect I can find out.
<Veznara> I believe it was decided that it would be kept within the family.
* Veznara frowns
<Daifan> if you can...
<Veznara> Hmmm. It was the steward Gheghis who make that suggestion.
<Daifan> mmhmm
<Daifan> well, you are much closer to the family now.
<Daifan> but if it is a... soul trap of some kind.... beyond freeing hers...
<Daifan> maybe we can set te rest to right as well
<Veznara> Well, let me see what I can do. Perhaps I can ask the steward here first, and then Gheghis only if I have to.
* Daifan nods
<Veznara> I'll let you know how it turns out.
<Daifan> thank you.
<Veznara> If I can borrow it, I'll even bring it over.
* Daifan nods
* Veznara nods back, and goes to look into the matter.
* Daifan will head back to Banei

Veznara talks to Endu and then to Ziftu about the brooch

<AshnabisGM> Okay, so you want to go talk to Endu?
<Veznara> (Sure, unless she's going to tell me it's in town anyway. :P )
* Veznara goes to talk to Endu
<Veznara> Hello, Endu. How are you today?
* Endu is in the kitchen managing a delivery of supplies from town.
<Endu> Oh, busy. Can I help you with something, Hand Veznara?
<Veznara> Yes, if you can spare a moment.
<Endu> Certainly. You there, keep loading those barrels into the storeroom.
* Endu directs the workers before turning her attention to you.
<Endu> What is it?
<Veznara> I've been thinking of Her Imperial Highness' bequests, and wanted to be sure that they were all fulfilled - I'm sure they have been, but I feel a responsibility nonetheless.
<Veznara> And I remembered that there was one to poor Nezha. A jeweled pin?
* Endu listens, a bit puzzled at where this is going.
<Endu> Yes, I think that's correct.
<Veznara> Do you know where that pin is now? I believe Gheghis said it should stay with the family.
<Endu> I suppose it probably is with the rest of the lady's jewels, then. Princess Ziftu would have it, if that's the case.
<Veznara> Yes, of course. I thought it might have been set aside; but I can raise the issue with her at some point, then.
<Veznara> Thank you - I'm sorry to have interrupted!
<Endu> It's no trouble.
* Veznara smiles in thanks, and heads off to find Ziftu
* Endu is now known as Ziftu
* Ziftu is practicing her harp.
* Veznara waits until she seems to be taking a pause before approaching.
<Ziftu> Oh, hello!
<Ziftu> Sumurt said he likes to listen when I play the harp, so I thought, I ought to practice more often so I can do a better job of it.
* Veznara curtseys and smiles.
<Ziftu> Please, have a seat.
<Veznara> It sounds very good, My Lady. Thank you.
<Veznara> How are you feeling?
<Ziftu> Well... I'm actually... happy? It seems wrong to say it, since my grandmother is gone, and she did so much for me, but...
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> I think that's natural, having conflicting emotions at a time like this.
<Ziftu> Of course it's a lot to take on - I worry about my new responsibilities.
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> That too. But you're capable of handling them, I know you are. And you have all of us to help when you need it.
<Veznara> Is there anything in particular right now?
<Ziftu> Oh, no, nothing in particular. It's just quite strange to be consulted about decisions for the estate and things like that.
<Ziftu> But was there something I could do for you? Or did you just want to chat?
<Veznara> Both! I did want to check in with you; but there is something in particular I wanted to ask about.
<Veznara> You remember that your grandmother had left a piece of jewelry to poor Nezha?
* Ziftu nods
<Ziftu> Wasn't it a pin or a brooch or something?
<Veznara> Yes, a cloak pin. Do you know which one it was?
<Veznara> I was hoping to have a look at it.
<Ziftu> Well, I think it was the one she wore to our wedding... it was green, I think.
* Ziftu considers for a moment
<Veznara> Oh, yes, I remember that one. Is it here?
<Ziftu> I think Ghegis put it aside for safekeeping, because it wasn't certain what to do with it.
<Ziftu> So probably it's in the locked chest in town, where they keep the valuables and so on.
<Ziftu> I could ask for it, I suppose? What did you want it for?
<Veznara> If you would. I'd like to have a closer look at it. If you permit, I'd even like to borrow it for a while, to have it appraised, and look into its background.
<Ziftu> Well, if we go into town I can ask Ghegis for it.
<Veznara> I'd appreciate that! Thank you.
<Ziftu> Did you want to go today?
<Veznara> Well, I don't want to interrupt your practice. What if you send a note telling Gheghis that you've asked me to fetch it for you?
<Ziftu> All right, that would be fine.
<Veznara> Thank you.
<Veznara> (So I'm going into town with this note to get Gheghis to hand it over?)
* Ziftu can write you a little note in her flowery handwriting that says basically "I request that Hand Veznara bring me the brooch that was intended for Nezha from my grandmother's will"
<Veznara> (Sounds good! Off I go.)
* Veznara leaves shortly thereafter to go to the manor house in town.

With Ziftu's permission, Veznara retrieves the brooch from Ghegis

<AshnabisNarrator> You head off to the manor house in Kaskind, where of course you no longer even have to wait - you can simply go in. Ghegis is not hard to find, sitting over some papers and things with his little familiar Azuzu, made of sticks and roots, standing in the corner.
* NPC1 is now known as Ghegis
* Veznara knocks on the door mantle
<Ghegis> Come in!
* Ghegis says, sounding annoyed.
<Veznara> Hello, Gheghis! And hello, Azuzu.
* NPC2 is now known as Azazu
<Veznara> I'm sorry to interrupt you, Gheghis - I know you must be very busy.
<Veznara> I've been sent on an errand.
* Veznara hands him the note
<Ghegis> Does the Lady have you running errands now?
<Veznara> Well, this is one of personal interest, I believe.
<Ghegis> Oh?
<Veznara> Yes.
* Veznara indicates the note.
<Ghegis> What's this then?
* Ghegis takes it and looks it over.
<Ghegis> All right. I'll have to look for that. I'm not sure where it is.
<Veznara> Very well. Again, I'm sorry to interrupt.
<Ghegis> ... you want it now?
* Ghegis says, still polite, trying not to scowl.
<Veznara> Well, yes.
<Ghegis> What is this all concerning?
<Veznara> I imagine it may be sentimental. Her Imperial Highness is still in mourning, after all; and I believe her Grandmother was wearing this... at the wedding?
<Ghegis> I see. Well, if it would be more convenient, I could simply bring it over to her this afternoon when I head over there. I don't want to put you to any trouble.
<Ghegis> And, of course, the Lady should not become too accustomed to using her as a messenger or porter.
<Veznara> \No, that's all right. She asked me specifically to take care of this.
* Ghegis definitely scowls this time.
* Veznara waits patiently
<Ghegis> Well. We should not keep the Lady waiting, then. You say it is some piece of jewelry that Princess Galdai was wearing at the time of her death? Hmm.
<Ghegis> Azazu, go and look for that.
* Azazu dutifully scuttles off, clickety-clacking out the door.
<Veznara> The pin that was to be bequeathed to poor Nezha.
<Ghegis> Yes, I recall now. Very sad. Some servants are not able to survive the sense of loss at a master's passing.
<Veznara> Yes, it was sad.
<Ghegis> So this will not be leaving the grounds, except of course while you are transporting it from here to there?
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> I will keep it with me at all times until it's safely at the estate.
* Azazu comes back, pin in hand, and brings it to you.
<Ghegis> All right then.
<Veznara> (Is it the one I recognize?)
<AshnabisNarrator> Yes, it appears to be the correct one.
<Veznara> Thank you.
* Veznara takes it gently, and tucks it securely away.
<Ghegis> Is that all, then, Hand Veznara?
<Veznara> Yes, thank you. I'll leave you to your work.
* Veznara leaves them
<AshnabisNarrator> (so, are you actually heading back to give it to Ziftu?)
<Veznara> (Well, I was going to take it to Daifan and go with them to check it out - but maybe somebody else should have a scene?)
<AshnabisNarrator> (yes we're going to move along to someone else now - if you want to talk to Daifan more you can do that in #gnomeland)
<Veznara> (I mean, I'm keeping my promise - it won't leave my sight!)
<AshnabisNarrator> (mmhmm)

Veznara talks to Daifan and to the corpseborn saint

<Daifan> (I'm here)
* Veznara comes to find Daifan
<Veznara> Daifan...I have what we were discussing earlier.
<Daifan> (find me where?)
<Daifan> Oh good - I hope it wasn't too difficult?
<Veznara> (The Registry? Or should I just go directly to Banei? Man, we need a system...)
<Veznara> I had to run around a bit; but no, it wasn't too difficult. I just asked Princess Ziftu about it, and at my request she sent me with a note to retrieve it from the manor house.
* Daifan nods
<Veznara> I do need to take it to her at the estate, so we can't destroy it. Yet. But we can at least see if it's connected.
<Daifan> Well, we cn take it to Khozra
<Daifan> I don't kow if it would need to be destroyed
<Veznara> Let's see what he says about it, and go from there.
<Daifan> I was thinking... maybe we can keep the baby in it, and then... swap it back where it belogs >.>
* Daifan nods
* Daifan will try to detect magic though
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+10
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 30 ].
<AshnabisGM> Okay, you can detect magic on the gem. It radiates powerful conjuration magic.
<Veznara> Perhaps we should keep it away from Nezha's body, have Khozra look at it separately. As far as we know, bringing them together may actually trigger what Galdai was trying to do.
<Daifan> I think tha's already been done
<Veznara> I'm not so sure. Remember, Gheghis was going to take Nezha's body... we still don't know what he was going to do with it.
<Daifan> swe now her soul is trapped
<Daifan> probbly dispose of it so that the soul clinging to it would be sent on...
<Daifan> without the chance of being discovered
<Veznara> Well, let's just see if he can tell anything about the pin separately first.
<Veznara> If he can't, maybe then we can bring them together.
<Daifan> there's strong conjuration magic on it, I can tell that much
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+8
* Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 15 ].
<AshnabisGM> (you aren't sure what it might mean, yeah.)
<Daifan> maybe he can make sense of it.... or I can ask Katenzhi
* Daifan will take her to the corpse house :V
* Veznara comes along
* AshnabisGM is now known as Khozra
* Khozra is hanging out there, since there isn't much else he can do.
* Veznara approaches him reverently
<Veznara> Khozra Ula... are you there?
* Khozra speaks inside your head. "What is it?"
<Veznara> We have brought something for you to look at... we ask for your guidance.
<Daifan> (can only one of us hear him at once?)
* Veznara replies after a moment, shocked and exhilarated that he actually has replied - a real saint!
<Khozra> (he can choose who he's speaking to - he can either talk to one person or multiple. Let's assume for the sake of convenience here that he's talking to you both.)
<Daifan> It might eb the cage that has Nezha's soul 0- cna you tell if shes in there?
<Veznara> We have here the jewel that was bequeathed to poor Nezha, borrowed for a brief time. We ask that you look at it.
<Khozra> Place it in my hand, so I may sense it.
* Veznara takes out the jewel, and gently places it in his hand.
* Daifan nods to Veznara
<Khozra> I think this is it, yes. Her essence is confined within.
<Veznara> Can she tell us what happened?
<Daifan> Can you talk to her or just sense her?
<Khozra> Not like this. I do not have a means to communicate with her in this vessel.
<Khozra> This is not within my realm of experience. I can sense that this is a soul, a life force, but I cannot find a way to remove it or free it from here.
<Daifan> well.... if it is magic, there's othr we can talk to
<Daifan> Thank you.
<Veznara> Yes, thank you.
<Khozra> I hope your friend can be helped. It is a hard existence to be trapped in a prison.
<Veznara> We will do our best, Holy Khozra.
<Veznara> I... I have other questions. If you will permit.
<Khozra> You can ask.
* Veznara says as she retrieves the jewel
<Daifan> he's chatty - stay here, I'm going go go get Ughiva
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> Thank you. I wonder... could you tell us more about the scene that the Sashni saint showed us, with Stoneguards coming to the temple?
<Khozra> I do not know the scene you speak of. She showed you an illusion of some kind?
<Veznara> Yes. A bunch of Stoneguards, all with your face, coming to storm the temple in her village - to retrieve the Rushultagri?
<Khozra> I know nothing of this.
<Veznara> Were you a Stoneguard, though? If you were and Stoneguards did indeed come to her village, she identified you with them even if you were not actually among those that came.
<Khozra> I was no Stoneguard - they would never let one such as me take such a role.
<Khozra> I was a scout for the Empire's army.
<Veznara> Were... how were the corpseborn treated, in your time?
<Khozra> We had our place in society - we performed tasks unclean or unwanted by others, for the most part.
<Khozra> We were not treated well or given respect, but we were needed.
<Veznara> So it was the same as it is now.
<Khozra> I suppose so. I have only been in your community for a short time, it is difficult to say how much has changed.
<Veznara> But you say "we". So you were one of the Corpseborn.
<Veznara> And now you are a saint.
<Khozra> I did not ask for such a blessing, or punishment, whichever it may be.
<Veznara> But how did it come to be? Do you have any idea?
<Khozra> I do not know.
<Khozra> I do not think any saints know why they are chosen. It is simply something that happens.
<Veznara> But in your case especially... it is unheard of!
<Khozra> Is it? or is it only that my body was lost and so could not be silenced or hidden. I do not know if I am the only one of my kind.
<Veznara> I... I don't know.
<Veznara> The idea that more saints could have been lost because they were burned... horrible!
* Veznara puts her face in her hands

Daifan confers with Ughiva and sends a message to Brother Bones

<AshnabisGM> Daifan, you can track down Ughiva
<Daifan> hey - do you have some time?
* Ughiva has a new, rather modest but still quite nice, home, and is enjoying sitting out on the porch.
<Ughiva> Sure, what is it?
* Daifan will come sit o her porch too for a bit
<Daifan> oh... more Galdai bullshit >.>
<Ughiva> Still? You'd think being dead would at least reduce the amount.
<Daifan> well, that't the thing isn't it?
<Daifan> she's playing games with souls still. I dn't think we stopped her, or else she was ready for us
<Ughiva> Hm. What is it now?
<Daifan> Did you hear what happened when the Voice tried to talk ti her after her death?
<Ughiva> No.
<Daifan> Nothing.
<Daifan> She wasn't there
* Ughiva frowns
<Daifan> just an empty body
<Ughiva> That's not good.
<Daifan> I had Veznara's boyfriend in the voice try to talk to Nezha, and do you knowwho answered?
<Ughiva> Who?
<Daifan> A unformed soul - a child -_-
<Daifan> YOu can see where this is going I assume
<Daifan> Did you hear about the saint?
<Ughiva> That, at least, I did hear about.
<Daifan> He wanted to pay his rspectcts to Nezha whch fine - i have him stashed at her house and that seemed fair.
<Daifan> And he could sense that her soul was trapped
<Daifan> not in her body, but away from it
* Ughiva frowns
<Ughiva> You know that game that hucksters play with the gullible, sliding a bean under different cups and asking them to find it?
<Daifan> I knew he was supposed to have inherit some piece of jewelery when the old bitch kicked it - one she was wearing at the funeral, even, when Nezha was the closest to her when she died.
<Ughiva> It sounds very similar.
<Daifan> I may have run a game or two myself
* Ughiva smirks at that.
<Daifan> it is like that, but we have - or Veznara - has the gem
<Ughiva> All right...
<Daifan> it has strong conjuration, and Khozra says she is in it
<Daifan> but I don't kow what kind of magic it could be, and if we should.... break the spell, or use it to try and fix thigs if we can
<Daifan> do you have any idea what it coudl be?
<Daifan> or do you think you could figure it out?
<Ughiva> Hm. This sounds like complicated magic. Mystic nonsense. I can take a look at it, but it might be risky if I try messing with it without fully understanding it.
<Daifan> hmm.
<Ughiva> I don't suppose there's a mystic around who might be trustworthy enough to ask for help, though?
* Daifan tries to think if they know any
<Daifan> well...
<Daifan> There is Brother Bones >.>
<Daifan> I'm not sure if Trustworthy is the right term there
<Daifan> But he is old and he knows mystic magic
<Ughiva> Hrm. well, it could be worth a try.
<Daifan> mabe
<Daifan> I talked to him about her before, he was all 'ooooh but she's so powerful, she waslks a lonely path' or some nonsense >.>
<Daifan> but he gave me a token, so I can ask him now
* Ughiva nods
<Daifan> see if it would at least be worth a visit...
<Daifan> I can get it
<Ughiva> This I'm curious to see.
* Daifan can pop off home to retrieve the bone figurine
<AshnabisGM> okay, you can get it
* Daifan will settle back down on the porch and blow on it
<Daifan> Brother Bones? It's smiles
<Daifan> I guess I don't know if you can talk back through this thing or not, but if you can hear me....
<AshnabisGM> (I don't actually think he can reply back through it. You might just need to talk and wait for whatever he does in response.)
<Daifan> We're trying to untangle Galdai's plots. She was trying to have her soul put into the body of a sid, playing a bit of cup game with souls. She has, I think, the soul of a friend of mine trapped in a gem, and the baby she wanted to replace tied to her body instead.... I'm guessing she's in the baby.
<Daifan> We have the gem - but I'm not sure what out options are, to release my friend/ Nezha's soul, at least. I'd like to give the kid back its own life and stop her from pulling this kind of thing.. forever, if I can.
<Daifan> I don't know if you care, I know you respect her, but don't like her either.
<Daifan> But maybe you'll find it... interesting, if nothing else.
<Daifan> Oh and I did find that saint.
<Daifan> But... I am asking for your help, if you're willing to give it? I would do something... somethig reasonable, in return.
<AshnabisGM> There is a delay long enough that you start to wonder whether maybe you're just talking to a statue, or whether he's ignoring you, or what, until a voice speaks into your mind. "Bring the gem to me and I will examine it. I make no promises, but the tale has my interest."
<Daifan> Thank you.
<Daifan> well - he says bring hi the gem
<Daifan> It might come with veznara attached
<Daifan> but... we can deal with that
* Ughiva nods
<Ughiva> Let me know how it goes
<Daifan> I will.

Junan serves on Zefa's tribunal

<AshnabisNarrator> Junan, since your return from the expedition to the Sashnir temple, things have been busy in your office - not, so much, with matters directly related to work, but rather, preparations for the tribunal of Zefa Teltai, overseen by you and the other envoys.
<AshnabisNarrator> The envoys have, for centuries, exercised their independence from both local chiefs and great empires, even Mother Omba herself, in matters of internal discipline. How else can you ensure the trust of the people?
<AshnabisNarrator> While the charges are not legal ones, and the punishments accordingly limited to the non-lethal, they are serious nonetheless. A disgraced envoy has little protection and little respect.
<AshnabisNarrator> Too, Jaigadu, upon presenting the charges to Zefa, made it clear that there may well be charges coming from the Fort, if they so choose. No envoy can expect to enjoy amnesty from the most serious offenses - including, in this case, perhaps, treason.
<AshnabisNarrator> The tribunal is constituted of three of the most important envoys of the colony - in this case, Jaigadu himself, Kikhash, and you. It will take place at the kelta - this is one of its most solemn purposes.
<AshnabisNarrator> You know, of course, that there are others, more senior than you, who might be expected to serve, but Jaigadu has assured you that not only are you of great personal authority in the colony, but your connection to the facts of the tribunal warrant your inclusion.
<AshnabisNarrator> You are not meant to be impartial jurists - rather, each of you serves an adversarial role, and you are not only expected but encouraged to use any and all of your powers and wiles to discern the truth of Zefa's actions.
* Ziftu is now known as Kikhash
<AshnabisNarrator> But so, too, the deliberations and the discussion here are strictly confidential. The envoys keep their business to themselves. If there are to be formal criminal charges, they will not come out of what happens here today. The General and her reckoners will be on their own to gather facts and evidence.
<AshnabisNarrator> The Great Hall of the kelta, which is the same chamber where you held the negotiations with Charadip those months ago, is the setting for the tribunal. It is a long rectangular room. Unlike that last event, today it is nearly empty.
<AshnabisNarrator> Three seats have been arranged in a triangular pattern, with a fourth, for Zefa, in the center. Along the wall, a long brazier sits, coals burning hot but dim, with oil lamps at the corners of the room.
<AshnabisNarrator> (OK, do you need to talk to Jaigadu and/or Kikhash before the tribunal begins?)
<Junan> (probably best to strategize)
* Ghegis is now known as Jaigadu
* Jaigadu wears his curly beard long, thick, and well-oiled. His muscular frame is contained in a tight shirt open at the chest, and long black pants, and of course his envoy's cap.
* Kikhash is dressed in what is fashionable among the officers of the Fort these days - a sort of dashi in red with beading around the neck, blending local fashion with Imperial preferences. It doesn't quite flatter his rotund frame.
<Jaigadu> Well, here we are. Zefa is waiting for us to bring her in. Do we have anything to discuss before we do?
<Junan> I just wanted to make sure we are aligned in how the questioning will go.
<Jaigadu> Right.
<Junan> I assume since I am most knowledged on Atsusei Laulida, I would confront her on that.
<Jaigadu> You should, yes.
<Jaigadu> And I will follow with anything about the war, her motives, Charadip, those sorts of things.
<Jaigadu> You should feel free to intervene however you like on that as well, though.
* Junan nods
<Junan> and Kakhash will press on Ilben Zhuldofi
<Junan> ?
<Kikhash> If necessary, and if there is anything connected to the Fort, or the General more specifically, I can question her on that as well.
<Junan> ok
<Junan> lets get this done with
<Jaigadu> Indeed.
<AshnabisNarrator> You call for Zefa to be brought into the tribunal.
* Azazu is now known as Zefa
* Zefa is inscrutable - simply sitting passively, trying to exude no emotion, nothing that would give you the satisfaction of knowing that you got under her skin. She is dressed formally, with her black cap perched atop her head.
<Jaigadu> This tribunal is hereby convened in the ancient fashion, to adjudicate matters of our Guild so weighty that they demand inquiry. Kikhash of the Urdondu and Junan of the Ghez, and I, Jaigadu of the Akhurtergi, sit presiding as antagonists. Zefa of the Teltai, you sit as respondent.
<Jaigadu> The matters at hand today are the following - the death of Atsusei of the Laulida; the disposition of the remains of said Atsusei; the motives, actions, and intentions of any party to his death; and any crimes large or small emerging from the aforementioned.
<Jaigadu> Let all speak the full truth here, for the greater good of our Guild and its members.
<Jaigadu> Junan, you may begin.
<Junan> Atsusei of the Laulida is dead. One of our own. He was tasked to work with you. Explain yourself as to how he ended up dead? I give you this opportunity. Don't waste it.
<Zefa> I hear his body was found in the river. Very sad.
<Zefa> He was an earnest boy, of simple local stock. His death, of course, very tragic.
<Jaigadu> Don't make us use stronger means, Zefa.
<Zefa> I name this tribunal corrupt and invalid. I will not comply with this farce.
<Kikhash> do you prefer to stand before the Fort's justice then?
<Junan> That's weak coming from you, who likes to twist and flaunt the tenets we follow.
<Kikhash> Perhaps you think it will be easier to evade - if you've done so before.
<Zefa> Am I under arrest? Have you brought the sentinels to haul me away? No? That's what I thought.
* AshnabisGM is now known as Khozra
<Jaigadu> Not at the moment. But we are authorized to use any tool at our disposal to obtain the truth, within these walls.
* Zefa sits silent.
<Junan> This is your chance Zefa. Explain yourself. Tell us how what you have done and maneuvered to do can even be justified.
<Zefa> No.
* Zefa says simply.
<Jaigadu> I had hoped we would not need to do this.
<Jaigadu> But I see that we have no choice.
<Junan> Your silence speaks more to your truth than anything else. You can't justify it and remain true to the Envoys
* Junan will try and compel her to speak.
<AshnabisNarrator> (Ok, what's your save DC on that?)
<Junan> Stop hiding and speak! I know you just want to show us all how clever you have been, how much you've managed to accomplish so cleverly... show us!
<Junan> (DC 22)
<Zefa> !roll 1d20+7
* @Lan-werk rolls for Zefa: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 10 ].
<Zefa> How foolish you all are, so under the delusion that the Fort means well for you.
<Zefa> All they want is to control you, to build a new Empire of fos.
<Zefa> You, Kikhash, you think you are so clever, but your wife, she betrays you with every word. Zesel of the Vovosa, for years she has served the Fand, and serves them still.
<Zefa> You, Junan, you think you are so fortunate to have risen so high, so fast, but secretly you are the General's lapdog.
* Kikhash frowns
<Zefa> And Jaigadu, you imagine that you are building a new free land here, but you are as corrupt as any of us.
<Zefa> You ask if I killed the boy? Yes I killed him, he was a threat to the stability of everything that we are building here.
<Zefa> It was a small price to pay.
<Zefa> If you want to blame me, you go ahead, if that makes you feel better. But I am just one of many.
<Kikhash> Who are the others, then? Who else is involved?
<Zefa> Usuf Rorifti, his wife Hidaros of the Fand, beloved of her father Orfiz, they are the ones at the center of this.
<Zefa> Orfiz, he is an old man, he loves money and nothing more or less. He knows enough, though, that he will protect his interests, and his daughter and son-in-law.
<Junan> how fragil a stabilility you claim to build if one young boy can threaten to shatter it, but then that stability was only for you and yours.
<Zefa> I am certain that you think you are going to shatter it now. Feel free to try.
<Zefa> I can be killed, but the greater goal here is to ensure the northward flow of fos, to those who deserve it.
<Jaigadu> These admissions are serious ones, Zefa. You cannot imagine you will escape unpunished.
<Zefa> I imagine that you will do what you think you must.
* Jaigadu looks over to you.
<Jaigadu> Do you have further questions, Junan?
<Junan> Since you're enlightening us on your killings,Ilben Zhuldofi on that list as well. If not you personally, but on your will.
<Zefa> Yes, that one was my work.
<Zefa> You understand how great this land is when wild? The Fort seeks to tame it, bring it to civilization. How can we be our true selves in such a world?
<Jaigadu> I've heard enough of this.
<Jaigadu> Zefa of the Teltai, Envoy of the Western Provinces and Colonies, this tribunal finds that you are responsible for the death of Atsusei of the Laulida, also Envoy of the Western Provinces and Colonies.
<Jaigadu> Also that you are responsible for the death of Ilben of the Zhuldofi.
<Jaigadu> You are further found to have used your rank and station for your own personal benefit to foment violence among the nations.
<Jaigadu> You are hereby stripped of your rank and privileges. No more shall you call yourself envoy. All in our guild shall be admonished to treat no more with you, in our own business or in daily life. You are cast out.
<Jaigadu> You will surrender your cap. Junan - receive it from her.
* Junan will go over and snatch it off her head
<Jaigadu> Cast it into the coals.
* Jaigadu waves in the direction of the brazier.
* Junan tosses it in
<Jaigadu> This tribunal is brought to a close. Escort the respondent from this place. You are banished from here, never to return.
* Junan with Kikhash will gladly do so
<Zefa> You must feel very big right now. What a glorious moment for Junan of the Ghez. Do not smirk, you vile monster. You too will have your comeuppance.
<Junan> You really can't read the room can you. This isn't glorious. This is sad. You are so blinded by grievence you cant even see.
<Zefa> I see two followers led by a buffoon, thinking they know what justice looks like.
* Zefa says as you leave the building.
<Zefa> Goodbye, Junan of the Ghez. You will be sad enough, soon enough.

Thelef returns from his trip with some information for Llillilli

<AshnabisNarrator> Lllillilli, at last, after an absence of perhaps a month, your dear Thelef has returned from his journeys abroad. You have so much to tell him, and so many things to ask.
<AshnabisNarrator> You know that his absence was a weighty one - he has been telling the world of your goals and your accomplishments, allowing the legend of the human selleluf to spread, and building support for the work you have yet ahead of you.
* Jaigadu is now known as Thelef
* Thelef looks tired, more than anything - but of course, happy to see you, as he always has a warm smile for his dear wife. He's definitely lost a few pounds from his already-slender frame.
<Llillilli> Thelef.
* Llillilli hugs him fiercely.
<Thelef> Llillilli.
<Thelef> I missed you. And the young ones too. But I missed you most of all. I spent all day, most days, talking about you, thinking about you, to the point where the words themselves lost their meaning. I needed to be back here, to be with you.
<Llillilli> I am glad to have you back.
<Thelef> What has happened here, in my absence?
<Llillilli> Well...
<Llillilli> There was one thing.
<Thelef> Oh?
<Llillilli> Thethu attacked me. Or, they tried.
<Llillilli> I don't know if they thought they would actually harm me or if they wanted to martyr themself...
<Llillilli> I put them down and sent them home, much to their dismay...
<Thelef> I ... did hear something about that. Word got back to Sulise about what had happened.
<Llillilli> Sometimes I think there is no winning. They will always hate me.
* Thelef shakes his head.
<Thelef> Some, perhaps, like Thethu, cannot be reached.
<Thelef> But these are not all.
<Llillilli> How was it, there?
<Llillilli> You seem... tired.
<Thelef> I am tired, it is true. But it is a good weariness, the weariness of having worked hard to some higher end.
<Thelef> Sulise is, as always, complicated. But I was only there at the end.
<Llillilli> Oh?
<Thelef> I needed to go afield, to know what word to take back to Whuthe and Laelaesi.
<Llillilli> WHere did you go?
<Thelef> First, I spent some time on Ruur. The folk of Pfaeshes stand with you. Sileshu sends his warm greetings, but also, his assurance that whatever is needed, Ruur will be there for you. Not only the Heptacheis, either - the Chetsus, the Meglaars, others.
* Llillilli smiles a bit at that.
<Thelef> I went to Shuggep, where mostly, they know you only through what they hear from Sulise. But there, there is a lineage, the Pintipau, led by a hithkindred Yayel, an ancient local woman. I know her only a little.
<Thelef> Shuggep is a place where folk keep to their own affairs, and don't meddle, and expect the same courtesy. So Yayel was curt, at first. But there, the tale had come from Pfaeshes, about the lluthi. In the swamp villages, there are all sorts of superstitions, and I think that one won her over.
* Llillilli nods...
<Thelef> How has the lluthi been? Not keeping you awake at night, I hope.
<Llillilli> No, they're fine.
<Llillilli> They warned me when Thethu was here.
<Thelef> Hmm, that's good.
<Thelef> I went abroad, to the hith of other lands, to the north. The hith who live among and near the Tzameddi are no friends of mine, or of Sulise. But the Tzameddi themselves have had good relations with the hith for a long time - and all the other tribes up there, like those you found at Sednidze.
<Thelef> They know Loeluth, and that the great one would entrust us with her spawn is a boon that speaks well to those folk. They were eager to hear, even if I can't say for sure that anything will come of it immediately.
<Thelef> We would always do well to remember that there are as many nations of hith on the seas and the islands, as there are of humans.
<Llillilli> Yes, of course...
<Llillilli> How much do you know about them? Are their solars as hostile toward us as they are in Sulise?
<Thelef> I think it varies, but no, not so hostile. I myself am reminded that even those in Sulise were not so hostile, before the Imperials came.
* Llillilli nods.
<Llillilli> That makes sense.
<Thelef> Having thousands of newcomers set up a fort five miles from your capital ... tends to change one's view.
* Llillilli sighs.
<Llillilli> It would, yes.
<Thelef> Last I came to Sulise itself - the position of Whuthe is still precarious, but our king holds fast. And not all the People love Fellis. They may be the most senior in rank, but Laelaesi, our dear friend, is most senior solar in age.
<Thelef> As the one who tends eggs and cares for new families, Laelaesi is much beloved, and their support - quiet though it may be - is heard and understood.
* Llillilli smiles again, fondly.
<Thelef> Most of the People are not so direct as Thethu. Many find their actions against you - unseemly, even if they are sympathetic.
<Llillilli> Even I was surprised, honestly.
<Thelef> So there is that, too.
<Llillilli> I would not have expected it of a solar.
<Thelef> Indeed.
<Llillilli> Were you there when Thethu returned?
* Thelef nods.
<Llillilli> What did they say?
<Thelef> I was. They made no secret of what had happened. They did not try to pretend that ... I don't know, that you attacked them or something.
<Llillilli> That's something, I guess.
<Thelef> So now we know who our allies might be, and we have to decide what to do next.
* Llillilli nods again.
<Llillilli> I have no idea what that would be.
* Llillilli sighs.
<Thelef> Laelaesi mentioned to me a notion that I found intriguing. That perhaps it is time for one of us - a hithkindred, I mean - to train as a solar. This has never been permitted, not by Fellis, nor any of their predecessors. But it is not impossible.
<Thelef> The name of Liwhis was proposed.
<Llillilli> THat will make them *very* angry, won't it?
* Thelef laughs.
<Llillilli> Oh, Liwhis? Do you think he would want to?
<Thelef> I think ... I think that Liwhis spent many years at court, so he knows the place well. I know he is young and sometimes foolish, but I also remember being his age and being foolish. I'd like to think I have become less so.
* Llillilli smiles.
<Llillilli> I think so
<Thelef> I don't know. Obviously you and I are not suitable candidates. We aren't even of the faith. But Liwhis, he is of Pfaeshes, and a lineage that has long stood alongside the People.
<Llillilli> ANd I see a difference in Liwhis, since I first met him. Even since when he came here.
<Thelef> There would be others, surely, if he did not want it. It is many years' training, not something to be done lightly.
<Llillilli> Who would train him? Laelaesi?
* Thelef nods.
<Thelef> Yes, it would need to be.
<Llillilli> Has anyone talked to Liwhis yet?
<Thelef> Not yet, no.
<Llillilli> I think this could work...
<Thelef> Perhaps you should do it.
* Llillilli nods.
<Llillilli> I can do that.
<Thelef> Beyond that - much is in the hands of Fellis.
<Thelef> If they can be persuaded to back down, things will go back to much the way they were.
<Thelef> If not ... there may be more conflict.
<Llillilli> Mmm.
<Llillilli> I don't know how likely they are to back down.
<Llillilli> THis may just make them angrier...
<Llillilli> Oh well.
<Llillilli> I will talk to Liwhis.
<Thelef> You have never done any of this in order to be loved.
* Ughiva is now known as Lentus
<Llillilli> That is certain
<Thelef> It is your good fortune that despite all that, many have nonetheless come to love you.
* Thelef smiles.
* Llillilli smiles back :)
<Thelef> I do love you, my wife.
<Llillilli> I love you, husband!
* Thelef smiles.
<Thelef> It is good to be home. And now, let us go see the younglings!
<Llillilli> Yes!
<Llillilli> They have grown so much.
* Llillilli grabs his hand and will go with him to do that.
* Thelef will let you tell him all about it on the way over.

Veznara talks to Bitsaar about the brooch

* Veznara has a look at the brooch before going in search of Bitsaar, to determine whether she can sense anything...
<Veznara> !roll 1d20+18
* @Lan-werk rolls for Veznara: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 20 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 38 ].
<AshnabisNarrator> You absolutely sense that this is ... something. It is like a haunt. But not any haunt you're familiar with. It is something else - but nonetheless, that same sense of unnaturalness, of a spirit out of place, a dis-coherence in the universe, is unmistakably there.
* Veznara frowns. She puts the brooch carefully away, and goes to find Bitsaar to consult him about this...
<AshnabisNarrator> OK, it's definitely not hard to find Bitsaar, either at the registry or at home.
<Veznara> (Home, i think, if it's going to be a private discussion.)
* Veznara smiles when she sees him
* AshnabisNarrator is now known as Bitsaar
<Bitsaar> Hi!
<Veznara> Hello!
* Veznara approaches and gives him a quick kiss.
<Veznara> How was your day?
<Bitsaar> Ah, not too bad. This is pretty boring work most of the time. I can't wait for them to let me out and do more fieldwork, like you do.
<Veznara> Ah. Well, it sometimes is anything *but* boring, that's true. But not always in a good way. Some of the creatures around here... ugh!
* Veznara shudders a bit, thinking of some of the horrible spider things they've encountered in the past.
<Bitsaar> I guess. I've lived here my whole life, they don't bother me that much.
* Veznara smiles and makes more small talk for a while - she does genuinely care for him! - before getting to the point...
<Veznara> Well, I came across something today... I don't know.
<Bitsaar> What is it?
<Veznara> Well, Princess Ziftu sent me from the estate to get a brooch from the manor house It's the same jewel that Princess Galdai was wearing at the wedding. I have it here.
* Veznara carefully takes it out.
<Veznara> I was looking at it, and... there's something off.
<Bitsaar> Hmm ... what do you mean?
<Veznara> I sense... well, it would sound absurd, but given what happened with Nezha... I sense that there's something there. A spirit.
<Veznara> It's out of place - almost a haunt, but not a haunt, exactly.
<Bitsaar> In the brooch?
<Veznara> Yes. I can't help but think... could it be Nezha?
<Bitsaar> How could it be?
<Veznara> Princess Galdai was a powerful sorceress. Maybe at the moment she died, something happened?
<Veznara> I don't know, but I know there's *something
* there.
<Bitsaar> All right.
* Bitsaar seems stunned, and unsure how to respond to any of this.
<Veznara> Can you sense anything there?
<Bitsaar> !roll 1d20+8
* @Lan-werk rolls for Bitsaar: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 9 ].
<Bitsaar> No, nothing.
<Bitsaar> Are you sure?
<Veznara> I was, yes...
* Veznara looks again
<Veznara> !roll 1d20+18
* @Lan-werk rolls for Veznara: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 37 ].
<Bitsaar> (haha, you're very, very sure!)
<Veznara> Yes, yes, there it is!
<Bitsaar> All right. I believe you.
* Veznara traces a shape in the brooch with her finger, not touching it.
<Veznara> Could you try to talk to it? Ask how it got there?
<Bitsaar> I guess I can try ...
<Bitsaar> !roll 1d20+4
* @Lan-werk rolls for Bitsaar: [ 1d20+4 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 17 ].
* Bitsaar tries to speak to it ... then shakes his head.
<Bitsaar> I'm really not able to detect it ... so if it's talking, I can't hear it.
<Veznara> Oh. Well, if it *is* a spirit, perhaps it isn't able to talk from there anyway. It's just so... odd. Disturbing.
<Bitsaar> What are you going to do with it? I mean ... I would recommend that you take it to Voice Elukir or Voice Tegus ... except for the part where this is all very weird, and we don't know if we can trust them.
<Veznara> Well, yes.
* Veznara frowns
<Veznara> I'll have to think about it.
<Veznara> In the meantime, I do have to deliver it to the Princess.
<Bitsaar> Wait ... I don't understand something.
<Bitsaar> Why did she ask you to get it for her?
<Veznara> We were talking about it. It was bequeathed to Nezha in Princess Galdai's will, and I suggested having a closer look at it.
<Bitsaar> Is it typical in Taizi, to give gifts to corpseborn? I mean ... they're not legally people.
<Veznara> No, it's not.
<Veznara> It was very unusual.
<Bitsaar> Huh.
<Veznara> Nezha was with Her Imperial Highness for a very long time... I don't know whether that explains it.
* Bitsaar shrugs.
<Bitsaar> I think I should give up trying to make sense of things. Nothing makes sense anymore.
<Veznara> Oh, my darling... I'm glad there's at least one thing in my life that I can hold to.
* Bitsaar smiles.
<Bitsaar> Me, right?
* Veznara smiles at him again
<Veznara> Absolutely.
<Bitsaar> Yeah.
* Veznara gives him another kiss

Veznara and Daifan go to see Brother Bones

* Veznara goes to the Registry in search of Daifan...
* Daifan is conveninetly looking for Veznara
* Veznara and Daifan exchange looks, and both head to the map room without exchanging a word
<Daifan> Do you still have the brooch?
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> I do have to deliver it as promised. I think I should be able to borrow it when needed, though.
<Veznara> I had a closer look at it, and I can sense the presence that Khozra was speaking of. Something... a spirit. Trapped in it, as he said.
<Daifan> can you borrow it for a longer venture?
<Daifan> well, yes, that's what we said.
<Veznara> Ah... perhaps? What do you have in mind?
<Daifan> Its mystic magic. I want to take it to another mystic to see what they can tell us.
<Daifan> Brother Bones said he would.
<Veznara> Oh. =$
<Veznara> That would be... quite a journey.
* Daifan shrugs
<Daifan> It coudl be shortened, maybe.
<Veznara> Would he... object to my coming along?
<Daifan> most likely. He let Llillilli come though
<Daifan> I can warn him
<Daifan> but it might be useful for you to be there, if you can sense the spirit
<Veznara> I'd prefer that. I am responsible for it... I imagine we may have to destroy it at some point, who knows? But I'd rather plan for that.
<Veznara> Hmmm.
<Veznara> I suppose he might be powerful enough to undo everything, at that... whatever it is that was done.
<Veznara> That might involve getting all the elements to him, though.
<Daifan> maybe
<Daifan> If an undoing is what we want
<Daifan> if we can find out more about how it works, then we can decide
<Veznara> Yes, I suppose so.
<Veznara> I was looking at it, and the jewel actually looks like it was made relatively recently.
<Daifan> mmhmm. I'm not surprised
<Veznara> That would make sense, yes. I was thinking it might even have been made here, but I don't know who would create such things in Kaskind - if anyone. That might be worth pursuing at some point... but maybe it doesn't matter.
<Daifan> I don' think it is the most important. She coudl have gotten it anywhere, even when she was back home for a while
<Veznara> Yes. The materials might be significant, though. Do you recognize the stone? Maybe it has properties that make it useful for... this kind of thing. Probably.
<Veznara> Were you able to find out anything more?
<Daifan> not without taking it to Brther Bones.
<Daifan> I could try and take us now...
<Daifan> then you wouldn't have to arrange for a longer stay
* Veznara takes a deep breath
<Veznara> Well... okay. I suppose.
* Daifan will 'requisition' some fos.... and use the statue to warn him we're coming
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+9
* @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 23 ].
<Daifan> (okay for the owl's wisdom)
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+9
* @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 16 ].
<Daifan> (That shoudl be an 18 -_-)
<Bitsaar> so ... that's fail by 2 then?
<Veznara> (Because of the extra Wisdom, you mean?)
<Daifan> (yes)
<Daifan> (to both)
<Daifan> !roll 1d100
* @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 87 ].
<Daifan> !roll 1d100
* @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 72 ].
<Bitsaar> (your pick then, hallucinations for a minute, or unconscious for a minute upon arrival)
<Daifan> (lets fall inconscous sounds fun :V)
<Bitsaar> !roll 1d100
* @Lan-werk rolls for Bitsaar: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 81 ].
* Bitsaar is now known as AshnabisNarrator
* Daifan brings veznara to just outside BB's general... area, and then falls flat on their face
<Veznara> Daifan!
<AshnabisNarrator> You arrive successfully - Veznara, you think you are in the vicinity.
* Veznara rushes over to tend to Daifan, checking for injuries
<AshnabisNarrator> Daifan appears to be uninjured.
* Veznara surveys the area quickly, trying not to panic, and examines Daifan for signs of life
<AshnabisNarrator> After a minute, Daifan wakes up.
* Daifan sits up
<Daifan> uuugh.
<Veznara> Oh, thank goodness! Are you alright?
* Daifan fixes their hair wrap and looks around
<Daifan> Yes - just a little backlash, I'm fine
* Veznara breathes a sigh of relief
<Daifan> ...Brother bones?
<Daifan> It's this way
<Daifan> uhh, watch out for the bones >.>
<Veznara> We seem to be in the right spot, as far as I can tell...
* Veznara follows, with some trepidation
<Daifan> Try to be, mmm... relaxed.
<Veznara> Sure.
* Veznara says tightly
<AshnabisNarrator> You move into Brother Bones' territory. You feel it pushing against you, as if it aims to disorient you ... and then, as if pulling aside a curtain, it gives way and you find yourself face to face with the man himself.
* AshnabisNarrator is now known as BrotherBones
<Daifan> or at least... respectful - oh, hello
* Veznara breathes in sharply, but then relaxes a bit.
<Daifan> This is Hand Veznara, she has the gem
* BrotherBones is wearing the same patchwork dashi you've seen him in before, goldenrod and grey and blue. His long white beard is unkempt but not dirty.
<Veznara> Hello.
* BrotherBones raises an eyebrow.
<BrotherBones> That's all? No terror? No visceral rage at my very existence?
* BrotherBones says, in his voice of sand and crushed ice.
<Daifan> She met the saint.
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> I fear your power, Brother Bones. But i also trust in your word.
<Daifan> Oh he didn't give us any word :V
<BrotherBones> You should not.
<Veznara> Ah... well.
<BrotherBones> How are you, Smiles?
* Daifan sighs
<Daifan> Well, I had to save a saint form being eeaten by another saint and my friend is dead and her soul is stuck in a stupid green rock. So I've been better.
<Daifan> but I'm still here.
* BrotherBones breathes out, a low grunt rattling against the trees and your skin.
<BrotherBones> You are.
<BrotherBones> Hand Veznara, you are from Taizi, then?
<Veznara> I am.
<BrotherBones> Hmm.
<Veznara> (Does he have an identifiable accent?)
<BrotherBones> (his voice sounds like it's been crashing against the rocks for several decades. You don't have the slightest idea.)
<Daifan> (He ate tom waits)
<Veznara> I grew up in Fuvuri, on the shores of Lake Bunduga.
<Veznara> (Don't joke about that! :/ )
<BrotherBones> Tell me more about this jewel.
<Daifan> show him?
* Veznara carefully takes it out and displays it to him.
<Veznara> It is not old, I think.
<Veznara> And I can tell, there is a presence within it.
* BrotherBones extends his hand?
<BrotherBones> May I?
* Veznara nods and gently places it in his hand.
* BrotherBones looks at you with some curiosity, Veznara.
<BrotherBones> How long have you known this one, Smiles?
<Daifan> Veznara?
<Daifan> We've een working together for... ooh. a year and a bit?
<Veznara> I suppose since shortly after I arrived here... so yes, a year and few months, I think.
* BrotherBones looks at the gem, then speaks a word or two, then pauses.
<BrotherBones> You are ... not wrong.
<BrotherBones> This is a thing that should not be.
<Daifan> but?
<Daifan> mmhmmm
<BrotherBones> Explain it to me. How did this thing come into your possession?
<Veznara> It is borrowed, for now. I must return it after this, at least for a while.
<Veznara> I don't know how much Daifan... er, Smiles... has told you?
* Veznara looks at Daifan
<Daifan> Galdai was wearin it when she died
<Daifan> and she wanted Nezha to have it after she died
<BrotherBones> She is one of few in this place who could have created it ... and one of even fewer who would have.
<Daifan> After Galdai died, nezha.... she went to the place where there is a Sid that Galdai arranged to have housed and cared for
<Daifan> and then she killed herself... apparently.
<Daifan> ¬.¬
<BrotherBones> Who had the jewel then?
<Daifan> when Galdai died, the voice tried to talk to her, and got no answer - her spirit was gone
<Daifan> I'm not sure.
* BrotherBones chuckles ... at least you think it was a chuckle?
<Veznara> I'm not sure what happened with it.
<Veznara> Galdai was wearing it when she died, indeed. I'm not sure when it would have been removed from her body.
<Daifan> Her steward tried to collect Nezha's body, but we woudln't let him. It wasn't with her then
<Veznara> In ended up in the keeping of her former apprentice, which is where I got it.
<Daifan> but yes, the steward could have gotten it from Galdai
<BrotherBones> What do you want from me, Smiles?
<Daifan> right now?
<BrotherBones> Now, later, ever.
<Daifan> What I want is to get all these souls back where they shoudl be - nezha's especially, but the sid too
<Daifan> And Galdi to just.... be stopped.
<BrotherBones> You are asking much. More, perhaps, than is possible.
<Daifan> If you can help with any prt of that, then that's what I want from you, and I haven't given it too much thought beyond that :p
<Daifan> and I know
<Daifan> I've been told before that I want impossible things
<BrotherBones> To undo a knot tied tight, in the dark, with one's toes.
<Veznara> Can you perhaps explain to us what happened? You say that only Galdai could, or would, have created this. But what is it?
<Daifan> . o O (I bet Balinteze could do that though :x)
<BrotherBones> I believe it is a vessel for a spirit. Whose spirit, that's hard to say.
<Veznara> But how would Nezha's spirit end up in it? If it is indeed her.
<BrotherBones> When we are trained, mystics learn of different principles, different things that can and cannot be done with Source.
<BrotherBones> The spirit is one of those things, not only forbidden, but construed to be beyond our knowledge.
<BrotherBones> But I am proof that some things thought to not be so, are indeed so.
* Veznara nods
<BrotherBones> There are some of ambition, in every generation, who seek to do what cannot be done.
<BrotherBones> And I am afraid that a place like this, with much Source and little oversight - that mystics of strong will and weak character are attracted to such a place.
<BrotherBones> People like Galdai - but not only her.
<Daifan> mmhmmm
<BrotherBones> As for whether I can ... undo ... this thing ... I simply cannot say. With access to the library at Dundures, or even one of the lesser ones, I could surely find an answer.
<BrotherBones> Or if Galdai herself had ... has ... the relevant texts.
<Daifan> She did at one point. I doubt she let them just be destroyed.
<Veznara> Are there specific texts you know of?
* BrotherBones shakes his head.
<BrotherBones> I would know whether they were the right sorts of texts if I saw them ... but this is not an area I have researched.
<BrotherBones> I have not researched anything at all, in a very long time, you understand.
* Daifan nods
<BrotherBones> They may even be notes in her own hand.
<BrotherBones> With access to the research, as well as the gem itself ... there is a chance that I could do it.
<Daifan> !roll 1d20+19
* @Lan-werk rolls for Daifan: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 22 ].
<Daifan> (Wow that's a bad roll... that was sm)
<Veznara> What has happened exactly, though? Did Galdai's soul go into the gem at the moment of her death? And then... was somehow exchanged with Nezha's?
<BrotherBones> I don't know. Perhaps?
<Daifan> We know Galdai's is missing, that Nezha's is trapped, and that there is some kind of child's spirot attached to Nezha
<Daifan> I don't kow how we could tell if Galdai was in thekid
<Veznara> But that is what the brooch is... a soul trap, meant to contain a soul.
<BrotherBones> The way that it might be conceived is that to treat directly with death and souls is necromancy. But the direct path may be closed. But if there were a way to move or change a soul, then perhaps, without necromancy, it could be done.
<Daifan> I don't know enough about magic
<Veznara> Transfer Nezha's soul back to her body and the child into the brooch, then take the brooch to the child for the final transfer...
<Daifan> is it a property of the item or does it just hold them?
<Veznara> Yes - If this is a soul trap, how would it be triggered?
<Daifan> to move them, I mean
<BrotherBones> You are talking of this thing, soul trap, as if we know that it exists, or can be triggered or controlled. I don't know any of this.
<BrotherBones> Any of what you say could be true. How would one ever know?
* Daifan sighs
<Veznara> We have much to investigate.
<BrotherBones> If you had books of learning, either Galdai's own or something written by another, that I could examine - I could attempt to learn answers to all these things. Of course, we would need to negotiate the price.
<Daifan> okay.
* Veznara can't help but raise an eyebrow at that, but does not comment
* Veznara reaches out for the brooch
* BrotherBones hands it back.
<BrotherBones> Have no fear, Hand Veznara, I will not keep it.
<Veznara> Thank you for your help, Brother Bones.
<Daifan> I... Can't mke sense of any of this
<BrotherBones> Senselessness is a property of decoherence. And this is as decoherent as I've seen in a long while.
<Veznara> Is it? An old woman in search of immortality, and willing to do anything to get it...
<Daifan> Was she an old woman? Is this the first time?
* BrotherBones laughs as if scratching on slate.
<BrotherBones> Now who's mad?
<Veznara> I... well. I hadn't thought of that.
<Daifan> And what were all the experiments for, if she just took Fuska's sid
* Daifan shakes thier head
<Veznara> It doesn't seem likely to me that there'd be any chance of doing something like this with an Imperial baby...
<Daifan> thanks. If we can find any books... we'll how things go
<Veznara> Yes. We'll see what we can find out.
<BrotherBones> Understand this - whoever did this, they are possessed of immense power. Anyone who would do this will surely kill you if needed.
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> A very good reason for me to return this to the estate. For the time being.
* Daifan nods
<Veznara> We should go back. Thank you again, Brother Bones.
* Veznara nods respectfully, and they head out of Brother Bones' domain.
<Veznara> Here. I can try to take us back, this time...
<Daifan> sure
* Veznara consumes the required amount of fos, and casts!
<Veznara> !roll 1d20+16
* @Lan-werk rolls for Veznara: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 20 ].
<BrotherBones> !roll 1d100
* @Lan-werk rolls for BrotherBones: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 68 ].
* BrotherBones is now known as AshnabisNarrator
<AshnabisNarrator> You return safely to the map room.
<Veznara> Well.
<Daifan> :|
<Daifan> YOu know I will do wnatever I need to to fix this, if it can be fixed. There is one piece that we should confirm, if we can
* Veznara nods
<Veznara> I'm not sure what happened to the Princess' notes, but I can look into it.
<Daifan> okay
<Veznara> I suspect that Gheghis will have already taken anything sensitive, but it's worth checking out anyway.
<Daifan> 'm going to see... what I can, about the baby
<Veznara> Be careful. We don't want her suspecting that we know anything...
<Daifan> as for her notes, if Ghegis hs them somewhere in town.... they're not inaccessible
<Daifan> I'll try not to let the baby find me out :p
<Veznara> It sounds silly, but remember who it really is. :/
<Daifan> I know
<Veznara> I wonder if the baby was taken away from the parents some time that day?
<Veznara> Well, we'll figure it all out.
<Veznara> Ancestors willing.

Jimba helps Lentus secure housing for his new troops

<AshnabisGM> When you were growing up, Jimba, no one ever would have pegged you for a hero. Not your type. You were the one who tried to make everyone happy, bring enemies together as friends, keep the peace. And sure, that's still true.
<AshnabisGM> But in that temple, faced with Sashni Ula, so intent on destruction, there was nothing else you could do but to strike out. Your blade was turned back, but your righteous anger remained.
<AshnabisGM> You're no theologian - barely religious at all, truth be told. And you aren't aiming to overthink what happened at the temple. But that thing killed Bivizmi, and you're sure that it would have killed you, given the chance.
<AshnabisGM> And so, you suppose, you are one of a very few living people to have had a saint aboard your ship, as you carried Khozra Ula away from that place, off to Banei.
<AshnabisGM> It's a bit tricky to just get back to normal, after something like that, but business is business, and you have things to take care of at home, like outfitting the Fortune, which is nearly done.
<AshnabisGM> This afternoon, you're at the docks in Timiil, where Liraula has the Fortune sitting riverside to finish up the last day or so of work, when you see none other than Lentus Odazhi - or rather, Lentus Lentu, you now suppose, coming towards you, beaming broadly.
* Ughiva is now known as Lentus
* Lentus is wearing a plain brown dashi with a broad black leather belt around the waist. Around his neck is his newly-carved Lentu iftijasi - his lineage slate.
<Lentus> Jimba, good friend! What a fine ship you have!
* Jimba will smile and wave at him.
<Jimba> Thank you. She should be ready to sail again soon. Perhaps you'll join us sometime.
<Lentus> I'd enjoy that. Bohin tells me that you stole it from our enemies of the Cormorant Fleet.
<Jimba> Well, when needs must...
* Jimba shrugs.
<Jimba> We needed a way to get a large number of their prisoners away from them quickly.
<Lentus> I will admit that I ofttimes fail to understand the delicate quarrels of this age. But so it must be of any age. I do not know why I should despise the Cormorants, but my young kinsmen assure me that their own prejudices are well-founded, and I trust their anger is justified.
* Jimba chuckles.
* Lentus shakes his head ruefully.
<Jimba> Not too long ago, I would have thought them overzealous, but now...less so.
<Lentus> So too, is it with a problem that has bedeviled me now for some time.
<Jimba> Oh?
<Lentus> It is the loyal Ulonian Regiment - they have indeed pledged their swords to me. And then, just yesterday, a ship of them came from Omba, fifty swords more, again, pledged to my service. And there may yet be others.
* Jimba raises an eyebrow.
<Jimba> That's potentially concerning.
<Jimba> For you, I'm sure, and the balance of power here.
<Lentus> For now, my greater concern is where to house and feed them.
* Jimba nods.
<Lentus> I am not a general now, with access to supply lines and the might of an Empire behind me.
<Jimba> I take it they're not prepared to do so themselves?
<Jimba> Seems foolish to me to come all this way with no plan to support oneself.
<Lentus> Previously they have fought for hire, and they have some resources of their own, but it does not make a roof appear over their heads in the rain.
<Jimba> Well, certainly soldiers can find some sort of work out here? Plenty of swamp beasts to slay or pirates to dissuade. ;)
<Jimba> Though only the correct ones, of course.
<Lentus> I hoped you might have some resources we could employ to construct some shelter for them.
* Lentus nods
<Lentus> The main target of their ire, it seems, is anything that appears too closely associated with the Fort, and the sentinels of Choradan. They say it smacks of imperial Omban rule, and the Osnabi wars. But they were not in the Osnabi wars - I was.
<Jimba> And what are your thoughts on the matter?
<Lentus> I understand their sentiment, I truly do, but I have no passion for another war. I am the Stone Prince, after all, or so they say - no more shall I fight, and all that.
* Jimba nods sympathetically.
<Lentus> Sometimes this place has a seeming of the past, as if it is covered in it, like moss, and would rather keep its old covering rather than move forward. The Ulonians don't seem to understand that moving forward is all we can do - it is why I left service in the first place, to be with the Olodzoi.
<Jimba> (Do I have such resources?)
<Lentus> (well, you probably have connections you could draw on to help get things like building supplies more easily than Lentus could)
<Jimba> (Okay, cool)
<Lentus> (pull some strings to get things like lumber and stone and so on)
* Jimba sighs.
<Jimba> I agree whole-heartedly.
<Jimba> I understand everyone has history, believe me, but we can only ever move forward.
<Jimba> I can talk to some people and probably get supplies together for a building project, if you like.
<Jimba> A home is a good first step, I would think.
<Lentus> It would be greatly appreciated if you can.
* Jimba nods encouragingly.
<Lentus> It may be that I need to find a new task for them - something to keep them busy, so they do not stew in old resentments.
<Jimba> What sort of task did you have in mind?
<Jimba> Because I can think of a few who might deserve a little righteous ire directed their way.
<Lentus> I'm not yet sure. What do you have in mind?
<Jimba> Well, I was mostly joking...
<Jimba> I don't want to pick your fights for you.
<Lentus> Still, I am curious to hear your thoughts.
<Jimba> Well...there's always the Cormorants, of course. And the Sashnir have become more and more of a problem.
<Jimba> I won't pretend I don't have a personal stake, but I think they're both bad for Kaskind as a whole.
<Jimba> At least as they stand now.
* Lentus nods, listening intently
<Jimba> I always hold out hope people can be reasoned with, but some need more of a push.
<Lentus> For some, reason shines most clearly when there is a blade behind it.
* Jimba chuckles darkly.
<Jimba> I'd be hard-pressed to disagree.
<Lentus> But still, I am reluctant to be the one who wields that blade. But perhaps if I do not, someone else will, to the detriment of all.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> I can sympathize.
<Jimba> Still, don't let folks press you into something you don't want to do, especially, you know, blade-wielding.
<Jimba> Best to have your heart in that sort of thing.
* Jimba claps him on the shoulder.
* Lentus nods, smiling
<Lentus> I have never had difficulty in listening to my heart's guidance.
* Jimba smiles back.
<Jimba> So what's your heart thinking, so to speak?
<Lentus> I think if I am to keep the Ulonians here, then they need some useful occupation to show their skill and their value to the colony, or else resentments will fester. If that cannot be accomplished, then the other option is to lead them somewhere else.
<Lentus> For now, that useful occupation can be constructing a place for themselves to live.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> It's a good place to start.
<Lentus> But that will only keep them busy for so long. I'll think on what might be possible - or prudent - after that.
<Jimba> Hey, if any of them can sail, I could probably put them to work.
<Jimba> Or, failing that, teach them. ;)
* Lentus chuckles.
<Lentus> It might not be a bad thought. This land is, after all, sometimes more water than land.
* Jimba laughs as well.