Ashnabis session 60
Summary
Session
Session date: September 12, 2021
Fair Cycle date:
Introduction
<AshnabisNarrator> It was quite a sight, two nights ago, just at dusk, at the end of one of those days which had storms mixed with sunlight all day, as if the very month of Shosolda couldn't make up its mind whether it would fall to spring or to summer.
<AshnabisNarrator> Out in the bay, a waterspout formed. The oldtimers assured everyone that it was two or more miles away, west of Timiil and far from habitation, which must surely have been true. Still, strange.
<AshnabisNarrator> Stranger still two hours later when upon the streets of Kaskind fell dozens of small fish, not big enough to eat but big enough to put a deep impression into the earthen streets.
<AshnabisNarrator> The next day a family from Omba could be seen packing their home into whatever ship would take them back, so they put it, to civilization.
<AshnabisNarrator> The oldtimers merely smiled. "Oh yes, the falling of the fish used to be rare, but now - perhaps even monthly!" one was said to remark, in the practiced Ombesh of one required to master the tongue better even than her colonial rulers.
<AshnabisNarrator> One wonders, perhaps the fish will do what the sword cannot. But then, such is rarely the way of the world.
Katenzhi and Bivizmi discuss Bivizmi's visions and try to visit Sulazh
<AshnabisGM> Katenzhi, after your disturbing trip to the temple it's a relief to come back to the home you've made for yourself, with the members of your family around you.
<Katenzhi> :3
* Bivizmi in particular is glad to see you, and gives you a tight hug when you return.
<Bivizmi> I'm so glad you're okay.
* Katenzhi hugs her back tightly.
<Katenzhi> Good to see you too.
* Bivizmi seems tired, like she hasn't slept well.
<Katenzhi> Are you ok?
<Bivizmi> I had really awful ... dreams, I guess, or visions, whatever you want to call them, while you were away. Just glad that you're back safe.
* Katenzhi hugs her again.
<Katenzhi> I'm safe. We're safe. We stopped their ritual. It's definitely not over yet, but we gave them a black eye at least.
<Bivizmi> Ritual?
<Katenzhi> And I hope to the ancestors their fucking persimmon trees burned to the ground.
<Bivizmi> In my dream I saw a village being attacked - people running to try and hide, screaming inside the temple... It looked old-fashioned, but you were there, and Jimba, and Llillilli and the others.
<Katenzhi> That... was part of it. You saw that?
<Katenzhi> I mean... it was kind of part of it.
<Katenzhi> It was an illusion.
<Katenzhi> Or a dream...
* Bivizmi frowns, looking concerned.
<Bivizmi> I thought it was just... another bad dream. Because I was worried about you. But it was real?
<Katenzhi> Sort of. It happened a long time ago. Like... a really long time. It was a memory we were shown by their "Saint".
<Katenzhi> I don't know how you saw it.
* Bivizmi sits down on a nearby chair, trying to think this through
<Bivizmi> Look... maybe this will sound crazy.
<Katenzhi> ...really?
<Katenzhi> Crazier than the shit I've seen?
* Bivizmi smiles faintly.
<Bivizmi> Everyone knows that when someone is brought back, there are... changes.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Bivizmi> Nightmares can be one of those, that's not uncommon.
<Bivizmi> So I thought - and the priests I talked to thought - that was what was happening. I was having bad dreams because of everything I had gone through.
<Katenzhi> ...but you think it's more than that?
<Katenzhi> Some sort of divination?
<Bivizmi> But they get stronger, and happen even when I'm awake, when I'm around the pale oracle. And now, it sounds like I was able to see something that this saint was showing you, if I understand correctly. S
<Bivizmi> So what if it's connected to the cult? To something they did to me, or to their rituals, or whatever.
* Katenzhi considers this.
<Bivizmi> What were they trying to do? You said you stopped a ritual, but what was it?
<Katenzhi> They were trying to transfer power from one saint to another. Draining one to renew theirs. Something I'd never even heard of before.
<Bivizmi> That... that sounds crazy. I mean, even more than usual for them. I didn't even think that would be possible.
<Katenzhi> Yeah. Thankfully Daifan stopped them.
<Katenzhi> I don't know what would have happened if it had worked.
<Bivizmi> I heard that Sulazh's family had her brought back. I wonder if what happened to me - the visions or whatever it is - will happen to her too, or if she's luckier than I am.
<Katenzhi> I don't know. Maybe it's just a side effect of exposure to the pale oracle?
<Bivizmi> Maybe... it would be nice to think I could get rid of it just by avoiding that.
<Katenzhi> You really need to stay away from that stuff. I'm starting to regret ever having seen it.
* Bivizmi sighs
<Bivizmi> It was such a promising discovery...
<Katenzhi> I know. And it still is. Everyone will know that you're the one who first porcessed and isolated it.
* Bivizmi smiles a little at that.
<Bivizmi> I keep thinking maybe I should go talk to her - Sulazh, I mean - but then I worry that she'll blame me for what happened to her. And maybe she'd be right - maybe we could have done more to warn her, or keep her from coming to harm.
<Katenzhi> I... don't know.
<Katenzhi> If you do want to see her, I'll go with you. It's both of our responsibility.
<Bivizmi> Thanks...
<Bivizmi> Do you think I should, though, or just leave it alone?
* Katenzhi sighs and slumps into a chair.
<Katenzhi> Ancestors... I don't know. I know boats. I know magic. I know the swamps and the river and the sea. People are not my specialty. Jimba was always the people person.
<Bivizmi> well... he's family. if you wanted to talk it over with him I wouldn't object.
<Bivizmi> I guess I just feel like, we could all still be at risk from these maniacs - you and I, Sulazh, Oignestros even. Although he seems pretty able to look after himself... Our families, too, if they decided to target them to get to us.
<Bivizmi> Until they're gone, or this is resolved somehow, we're always going to be in danger.
<Katenzhi> Yeah...
<Katenzhi> I know.
<Katenzhi> I think we should go see her. We probably owe her that much at least. And if the same thing *is
* happening to her. And maybe she knows something that could help.
<Bivizmi> Okay.
<Katenzhi> Are you gonna be up for it?
<Bivizmi> I think so. I'm nervous, but I think it's best to try at least.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Katenzhi> It will be ok. We'll be ok.
<Bivizmi> Thanks for doing this with me.
<Katenzhi> I would do anything with you. Or for you.
<Katenzhi> I hope you know that.
* Bivizmi smiles
<Bivizmi> I do.
* Katenzhi will pull Bivizmi to her and kiss her.
<AshnabisGM> Okay, you want to go attempt to talk to Sulazh?
<Katenzhi> (Sure)
<AshnabisGM> You can make your way to her home in town and knock on the door, then.
* Bivizmi waits nervously for someone to answer
* Katenzhi grips her hand tightly.
* NPC1 is now known as Shegisfa
* Shegisfa opens the door. She is a short, stocky woman, very muscular - perhaps in her late 20s or so? She is wearing high boots and a leather tunic and scowls at you, looking you up and down.
<Shegisfa> Can I help you?
<Katenzhi> We're looking for Sulazh...
* Shegisfa asks, in a mixture of the politneness that comes from serving those of high rank, and the disdain that comes from the same.
<Shegisfa> I see. And you are?
<Katenzhi> Business... associates...
<Bivizmi> She bought the rights to a plot of land from us.
<Shegisfa> What land?
<Bivizmi> The one with the new strain of fos growing there...
<Shegisfa> The lady is unavailable at the moment.
<Shegisfa> If you leave your names, I will ensure that she finds out that you were here.
<Katenzhi> unavailable?
<Shegisfa> That's right. She's not taking visitors.
<Bivizmi> If she wants to talk to us, please let her know that Bivizmi Pindevuzi and Katenzhi Lovresi visited, and would like to speak with her when she's able.
* Shegisfa says, almost cheerfully.
<Katenzhi> Is she not well?
<Shegisfa> She's perfectly fine.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Katenzhi> Ok.
<Katenzhi> I understand.
<Shegisfa> But not seeing anyone. As is her right, I'm sure you would agree.
<Katenzhi> Of course. Just... tell her we came, please.
<Shegisfa> I will, of course.
* Katenzhi nods.
<Katenzhi> Thank you.
<Shegisfa> You are most welcome.
* Shegisfa closes the door firmly.
<Bivizmi> :/
<Bivizmi> Well... we tried. Maybe she's still recovering from what happened and will be more willing to talk later.
<Katenzhi> Well fucksticks. I don't know if I'm disappointed or relieved.
<Katenzhi> Maybe...
<Katenzhi> I hope she's ok.
* Bivizmi nods
<Bivizmi> Let's go home. I'm feeling tired.
<Katenzhi> Yeah... me too.
* Katenzhi will put an arm around her.
* Bivizmi leans against you as you walk home.
Jimba receives an offer from Hishkobal to duel Yeggun
<AshnabisNarrator> Jimba, you've been helping the Ulonian Order secure housing here in the colony. They certainly have more money than good sense but are more than willing to swear their swords to Lentus.
<AshnabisNarrator> And while Lentus seems to have no will to fight many battles, there must be some purpose to which so many fine sentinels can be put, to serve the greater good.
<AshnabisNarrator> As a friend of Lentus, but more importantly as someone who knows a few things about claiming and retaining land around here, it's a task you're well-suited for.
<AshnabisNarrator> You're just headed back to the Menagerie after one trip out to the new housing when you see, standing next to the ship, none other than the reckoner Hishkobal Wartibar, looking aboard to see if you're there.
* Hishkobal is dressed formally, in his most elaborate local reckoner's garb, hanging loose off his thin frame, leading you to suspect that this is not a casual visit.
* Jimba is about to shout and wave, but thinks better of it and approaches before addressing him.
<Jimba> Hishkobal, to what do I owe the pleasure?
<Hishkobal> Jimba, how have you been?
<Jimba> Well enough, I'd have to say. Busy as ever. Yourself?
* Hishkobal smiles warmly - with a hint of something else?
<Hishkobal> Well, well. Busy.
<Hishkobal> I hear your name spoken with great respect in Timiil as I do my work. Among the Lentus, and the Storks in general, of course. But also among others who know you as a plain dealer.
<Jimba> I try to earn that title, yes.
<Jimba> What can I do for you today?
<Hishkobal> Good news for you is that if the people rise up against the Fort, you're probably the last one they'll kill.
* Jimba laughs.
<Jimba> Might be all one could ask for, really.
<Jimba> Other than, you know, nobody rising against the fort and killing anyone in the first place.
* Hishkobal smiles.
<Hishkobal> Let's hope.
<Hishkobal> But I come to you today with serious business.
* Hishkobal turns more solemn.
* Jimba adopts a serious demeanor as well.
<Jimba> What is it?
* Hishkobal looks around.
<Hishkobal> Permission for us to speak aboard your ship, Captain?
<Jimba> Oh, of course.
* Jimba gestures for him to board and will follow.
<Jimba> Something to drink?
<Jimba> Eat? Not sure what we have around, but I'm sure there's something.
<Hishkobal> Of course! Both, either.
* Jimba will get him some wine and whatever snacks might be available.
<Jimba> Always an honor to have a reckoner onboard. :)
* Hishkobal nods and sits.
<Hishkobal> Come, sit.
* Jimba does so.
<Hishkobal> Last evening I received a visit in Timiil. From Yeggun Shotser himself.
<Hishkobal> Now, before you go running off, he's already gone.
* Jimba raises an eyebrow.
<Hishkobal> He knows well enough that he can't show his face right now around town. Too many swords eager for that belly.
<Jimba> I'm not running.
<Jimba> Just...a little confused and a lot concerned.
<Hishkobal> He came to me to employ my services, which he has now done, and for which purpose I now come here.
* Jimba frowns.
<Jimba> Go on.
<Hishkobal> The fact that you are still alive and unmaimed is a sign, at least, that he holds you in some regard.
<Jimba> As I used to hold him.
<Hishkobal> But make no mistake, he despises you thoroughly. Blames you - well, you and your friends, but mainly you, for all the ill that has happened to him over the past year or more.
<Hishkobal> You are firmly in his view as his chief enemy.
<Jimba> Perhaps he should look more to his own actions, but I doubt he has that sense of self-reflection.
<Jimba> That's somewhat flattering, really.
<Hishkobal> Well, if you wish to take it that way, you may.
<Hishkobal> He has set some terms. He has come to me to attempt to reach some sort of reconciliation with you, if you will have it.
* Jimba sighs.
<Jimba> Those terms being?
* Hishkobal shakes his head in what you suppose is disbelief.
<Hishkobal> Well.
<Hishkobal> This comes from him, you understand. Not me.
<Jimba> Of course.
<Hishkobal> First, he requires the return of his ship, which you are calling Fortune, which is his property that you seized from him.
<Hishkobal> Second, he requires reparations for the killing of his people on Ruur and the damage you caused, in the amount of a thousand gold horns.
<Hishkobal> Third, he requires the safe return of his niece Kayibir to his care.
<Hishkobal> Fourth, he requires that you publicly and forever renounce any affiliation with Liraula and the Black Stork.
<Hishkobal> Fifth, that you take your ship the Menagerie and leave the Ashnabis territory forever, never again to work in the Sestapor or Niineha Bay.
<Hishkobal> I know these are hard terms. As a reckoner, it is my job to counsel those who ask too much. He was very firm.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> And for these considerations I get...?
* Hishkobal chuckles, as if holding back what he wants to say.
<Hishkobal> And if these terms are not met, that your life, and your ship the Menagerie, and the life of any of your blood ... your sister, your cousin, your uncle and aunt, and any who would defend them, shall be held at peril.
* Hishkobal intones firmly, almost chanting, as if the words came from Yeggun himself, as they surely did.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Before I answer, have you any council, reckoner?
<Hishkobal> My advice is that I believe that he means to kill your family or whoever he can get hold of, that he will surely do so, one by one, as cruelly as possible. And that your response must be informed by that sombre reality, which I have the duty to share with you.
<Hishkobal> And that eventually he will kill you, or try to, but not before he causes you untold pain.
* Jimba nods, looks down, and sighs.
<Jimba> I suppose I should take the time to speak with my family, but I believe their answers, if anything, would be less tempered than mine.
* Hishkobal nods.
<Hishkobal> I do not believe he imagined it was possible that you would accept.
<Jimba> My apologies, but I will need to address Yeggun's demands in a different order than he has presented, but I will address them all.
* Hishkobal nods, and waits.
<Jimba> Firstly, Kayibir *is* safe and free to return to her uncle any time *she* sees fit to do so, and not a moment sooner. Furthermore, should she do so and I later find she has been harmed in any way, I will revisit such harm upon Yeggun tenfold.
<Jimba> Secondly, I believe even Liraula, who has my admiration and service, understands my loyalty first and foremost is to the peace and people of Kaskind. I can no more renounce said allegiance than I can renounce breathing.
<Jimba> Thirdly, the Menagerie is not wholly mine to take, so he'd need to complete negotiations with my cousin as well, and I would not like his chances in so doing.
* Junan (vess@cpe589630ee0d-cm589630ee0b.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) has joined #ashnabis
<Jimba> Fourth, I would like to express my sorrow and apologies for the harm I inflicted upon his kin, and I will be happy to repay the debt owed just as soon as he is able to give the hith of Pfaeshes their children back.
<Jimba> Fifth, he may claim the Fortune as soon as he is able to wrest it from me and mine, and may whatever powers he believes him help him if he tries.
<Jimba> Further, perhaps he can kill me.
<Jimba> I would not blame him for trying.
<Jimba> But he should know what awaits him if he does.
<Jimba> He knows who my sister is. I believe the sun will never shine upon him again should he take my life.
<Jimba> He will know the curse of every corpseborn in Banei if he comes for me.
<Jimba> My cousin will destroy him and his fleet and his blood will not join the salt sea as it rejects the monster he has become.
<Jimba> Can you tell him that for me?
* Hishkobal pauses to compose his thoughts.
<Hishkobal> Well.
<Hishkobal> Of course I will convey all of that to him, as is my ancient duty.
<Jimba> I am sorry to give you such a burden.
<Hishkobal> There is one other path available to you, Jimba, although it cannot be an appealing one given the target.
<Hishkobal> To call him to a Duel-at-masts. He, and you, upon a ship you name, with only your own strength of blade, with only one to emerge.
<Hishkobal> It is an ancient practice, here in the Bay. It is rarely done these days, and I would be a fool to tell you that you will emerge victorious. But for him to deny it - and I do not think he would deny it - would be a grievous wound to what reputation he still has.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> How much faith do you have he would hold to such an arrangement?
<Hishkobal> Not perfect faith, I grant. But Yeggun is a man of great pride and ill temper. To deny such a challenge would be, in effect, to admitting the rightness of your cause, and the perfidy of his charges against you.
* Jimba nods.
<Hishkobal> I am thinking of your kin, Jimba - for while you would surely exact your wrath upon him if they were harmed - that would be too late.
<Jimba> Right.
<Jimba> Then I suppose I must issue the call.
<Jimba> Upon the Fortune, I should think.
<Hishkobal> It seems appropriate.
* Jimba nods.
<Hishkobal> If you lose, of course he will take his ship back, and Kayibir, but he would not harm your kin. Of course, you will be dead and defeated.
<Jimba> And if I win?
<Jimba> What do you think happens to the Cormorant?
<Hishkobal> Well, it doesn't fall to you by right - there would be claimants aplenty.
<Jimba> I didn't think it would.
<Hishkobal> Other than that, it's hard to say.
<Jimba> I just meant...does it devour itself, or just become a thrashing, wounded beast?
* Hishkobal considers.
<Hishkobal> Very difficult to say for certain.
<Jimba> !roll 1d20+17
* @Lan-werk rolls for Jimba: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 34 ].
<AshnabisNarrator> You remember Kayibir mentioning to you Ishmaar, who she described as one of Yeggun's lieutenants and former captain of his own ship the Nightjar within the Cormorant Fleet.
<AshnabisNarrator> That was the person who you met aboard the Menagerie
<Jimba> (Gotcha)
<Jimba> Well, I suppose Ishmaar or whoever can't be worse than Yeggun.
<AshnabisNarrator> You also know that among the Shotsers, Yeggun has a ... cousin, you think?, Checheil, who is well-regarded.
* Jimba nods.
<Jimba> Whoever it is, they'll have less power and more rivals.
<Hishkobal> Well. That's surely true, but as you say, there might be some chaos in the immediate aftermath.
<Jimba> Perhaps I can warn some people it may be coming, but, for instance, I'm sure Liraula can read the winds.
<Hishkobal> Doubtless.
* Jimba will take a drink of wine and raise whatever he's drinking from to Hishkobal.
<Jimba> Ancestors watch over us all, then.
* Hishkobal drinks his glass down.
<Hishkobal> May they keep us all from harm.
<Hishkobal> I will convey the challenge, and of course, I will serve as arbiter at the duel if you so wish.
<Jimba> I appreciate it. It will be nice to have you there, however terrible a responsibility it may be for you.
<Hishkobal> I'll let you know what comes next.
* Hishkobal stands.
<Hishkobal> Take care.
* Jimba stands and will put his hand out to shake.
<Jimba> You as well.
Junan confers with the General about Zefa and about the Sashnir cult
<AshnabisGM> Junan, since the conclusion of the tribunal ruling against Zefa of the Teltai, you have heard rumours that she has departed in haste from the area, although you are not sure of her destination or intended purpose in leaving - perhaps simply a wish to avoid arrest?
<AshnabisGM> The Silver Waves, if it has truly been abandoned by its owner, could be put up for a new land claimant in the near future - and a popular inn in such a desirable location is likely to be in high demand.
<AshnabisGM> Meanwhile, General Ghurtai has requested your presence to discuss these recent developments in a private meeting.
* Bivizmi is now known as Ghurtai
* Junan will arrive descretely of course
* Ghurtai will meet with you in her study, a rather disorderly and well-used room rather than an elegant but impractical chamber. Books and maps that line the shelves seem to be heavily consulted rather than decorative.
<Ghurtai> Junan, good to see you. Have a seat.
* Ghurtai gestures to a rather wrinkled and worn leather chair across from her own.
<Ghurtai> How are you doing? Can I offer you something to drink?
* Junan will sit
<Junan> I'd never refuse a good drink.
* Ghurtai will pour you some of the wine she has on her side table, then.
<Junan> I've been productive lately, I feel, but its not exactly enjoyable work.
<Ghurtai> oh?
<Junan> I'm sure you are aware of the mess with Zefa
<Ghurtai> Yes. I've been receiving some intelligence that indicates Zefa has gone to Charadip. I don't know if this is a permanent relocation or perhaps a temporary safe haven on her way to somewhere else.
<Ghurtai> Kikhash has filled me in about the events of the tribunal. I suppose it wouldn't have been possible for you to just kill her there, would it?
* Ghurtai says idly.
<Junan> Envoys are diplomates, not soldiers.
<Ghurtai> Oh, yes. Envoys, always wanting to keep a neutral position, but in doing so you let a killer roam free. As long as she isn't wearing a hat, I suppose it's no problem of yours.
<Ghurtai> She's confessed to murder - we would have every cause to arrest her and put her on trial, again. This time presumably more effectively, with better evidence.
<Ghurtai> However I can't exactly send a troop of sentinels into Charadip to capture her - the peace with the mystics is too fragile for something like that. They would see it as an intrusion on their territory.
<Ghurtai> I want you to go and recover her - arrest her to bring her back for trial if you can, but kill her if you must. But make it subtle, either way. We aren't going to keep the peace long if the mystics get wind of this, but I also don't want to see her get away.
<Junan> with the correct words to the right people, her presence in Charadip may not united in appreciation by the mystics
<Junan> that task is no simple effort
* Junan responds to her request
<Ghurtai> I know, that's why I'm asking you. If you see another way to handle it, I'm prepared to listen.
<Junan> Have you considered just asking the mystics to turn her over? They may bristle a bit at it, but they likely have little interest in harbouring a murderer, especially of one of thier members lineage.
<Ghurtai> Kikhash thinks the Fands are so entangled in this mess that it would be difficult, if not perhaps impossible, for them to agree to turn her over. She might yet have more information about their dealings that could come to light and harm them.
<Ghurtai> But if you think you can make some subtle inquiries among others about this, I wouldn't stop you. It's possible driving a wedge between them might be beneficial.
<Junan> I just like the thought of the mystics well entrenched in thier conflicting desires better for everyone.
<Junan> We should do that, but it will mean that the mystics will more likely look away from her death than capture.
<Junan> it allows for both sides to win... keep the secrets and have justice
<Ghurtai> Hm, if you say so. I don't object to that. Whatever you think is preferable. While I'd prefer making an example of her, I can live without it.
<Ghurtai> I also don't want to see that inn taken over by the Fands. They'll want to keep a hold on it, and so the land registry will have to come up with a reason to deny them - some prior claimant or other, perhaps.
<Junan> I'm just mulling ideas on how best succeed without making relations worse.
<Ghurtai> I wonder if the fellow who used to have the claim could be persuaded to step up and make a claim for it again. On the grounds that he was falsely accused.
<Junan> that can be arranged... would you prefer someone local?
<Ghurtai> It doesn't much matter to me as long as it's someone who isn't going to cause problems. If the fellow who used to have the claim isn't interested, then I'd welcome other suggestions.
<Junan> No I think that can work.
<Ghurtai> It doesn't need to be decided today. So far, as far as anyone can tell, Zefa's just travelling - people are allowed to leave their land claims for business or vacation or whatever they choose. It's only once she definitely isn't coming back that a decision would need to be made.
<Junan> I'll get the seeds started though now
* Ghurtai nods
<Junan> what resources will I have access to, to assist in this mission?
* Junan comes back to Zefa
<Ghurtai> What do you think you'd need?
<Ghurtai> If it's a matter of funds or basic supplies, I can provide that, within reason of course.
<Junan> I think mostly fos and coin is what will be needed.
<Junan> I'll tap my resources to try and develop a basic plan
<Ghurtai> That should be no problem.
<Junan> I take it that a more timely resolution is desired
* Ghurtai nods
<Ghurtai> I don't want to give her time to escape further, or to enact more plans.
<Junan> anything else I should be looking out for while im in Charadip?
<Ghurtai> I think you'll probably have enough on your hands.
<Ghurtai> Now, what is all this I've heard about some kind of issue with a local temple being destroyed? It sounds like it was an older place, abandoned, but they're still very upset about it.
<Junan> as best as I can describe it... and I am far from a religous person... a local Saint, I think, may have been rediscovered... and to rejuvinate the Saint they were kidnapping and sacrificing people in rituals... they kidnapped the wrong person, or at least someone who has allies who werent just gonna sit around and let it happen.
<Ghurtai> Who's kidnapping and sacrificing people?
<Junan> A religous cult, I guess? So a old local lineage?
<Junan> I can dig up more details if you want, but I have been a little busy.
<Ghurtai> Ah... concentrate on the other matter for now. I'll have someone else dig into this.
<Ghurtai> Maybe someone with a bit more religious expertise.
<Ghurtai> Did you have anything else you wanted to discuss?
* Junan swirls his wine a little and finishes it off.
<Junan> No. I'll let you know when efforts into Zefa really start to move.
<Ghurtai> Sounds good to me.
Veznara confesses to Dezmali
<AshnabisNarrator> Veznara, you had thought that after the immediate aftermath of Princess Galdai's death, your duties for the family would lessen. But in reality, new routines are being established that keep you quite busy indeed.
<AshnabisNarrator> It certainly is an adjustment for Sumurt, who at the same time is the master of the house, but also your kid brother, and also a newcomer to Ashnabis, and also not accustomed to life as the spouse of a (admittedly junior) princess.
<AshnabisNarrator> Both he and Ziftu often talk to you for matters of all sorts of guidance, which, you can sense, annoys Ghegis and maybe Endu as well.
<AshnabisNarrator> Of course, you have other matters at hand as well, things that of course you can't discuss around the house.
<AshnabisNarrator> Suffice to say that when you received a message by envoy this morning from Dezmali asking you to join her this evening at the temple, only then did you realize that it has been days since you were last there at all.
<AshnabisNarrator> But of course, while you don't have official duties at the Temple of the Hand in Kaskind any longer, a call from your high priestess must be obeyed.
* Veznara heads over to the Temple
<AshnabisNarrator> You head into Dezmali's office where she awaits you.
* Hishkobal is now known as Dezmali
* Dezmali is dressed in the fine robes she wore at Katenzhi's wedding, you think, with the same gold belt. She smiles thinly as you enter.
<Dezmali> Hello, Veznara. It's good to see you.
* Veznara nods respectfully
<Veznara> Hello, Dezmali. I'm sorry, I didn't even realize how long it had been since I was last here until you sent for me.
<Veznara> I hope all is well with my sisters?
<Dezmali> No, that's quite all right. And yes, all is well here.
<Dezmali> Tell me, Veznara, is life attending Princess Ziftu keeping you busy?
<Veznara> Well, yes, there is much to do, especially in the aftermath... but of course I still serve the Ancestors.
<Dezmali> Perhaps not busy enough?
<Veznara> ...
<Dezmali> Sit.
* Veznara sits as instructed.
<Dezmali> In the past days, I have received word from not one but two of my colleagues of the Voice expressing some concern about ... well, I thought perhaps you would care to explain to me in your own words so I do not become alarmed unnecessarily.
<Veznara> They feel I have interfered in matters that are their concern, and not mine, or ours?
<Dezmali> They do.
* Dezmali simply sits there, as if waiting for you to explain.
<Veznara> I'm a bit surprised... I confessed my transgression to Voice Tegus some time ago. Why is he raising it now?
<Dezmali> Voice Tegus tells me that he specifically enjoined you from working with anyone to speak to any Ancestor not your own, throughout Ashnabis. Months ago.
<Dezmali> Have you followed this restriction faithfully since that time?
<Veznara> Which Ancestor am I accused of speaking to?
<Dezmali> I asked you a plain question.
* Veznara sighs
<Veznara> When I went to the Auggi, I got to talking with the young Voice there. We spoke to one of the older Ancestors there.
<Veznara> Voice Witis found us doing so, and was most upset and angry.
<Dezmali> Go on.
<Veznara> I had done this in part because I sensed that Voice Tegus had held back something when we went to talk to Lentus' cousin.
<Veznara> And I learned that he had afterward gone to the Auggi, and come back disturbed by something.
<Veznara> Anyway, it was after that that I came to the Temple of the Voice here, and confessed what I had done to Voice Tegus.
* Dezmali nods.
<Dezmali> And it was then that he enjoined you from any further work with the Voice to speak to ancestors, yes?
<Veznara> It was then that he made his declaration, yes.
<Dezmali> And since that time?
<Veznara> Since that time... are you sure you want to know, Hand Dezmali? What happens if I say yes?
<Dezmali> Answer my question.
* Dezmali does not seem amused.
<Veznara> Please understand... I don't hesitate for my own sake.
<Dezmali> Hand Veznara. Do you suppose that because you are of noble birth, or perhaps because your brother has secured himself a fine royal bride, that you need no longer pay attention to our hierarchy?
<Dezmali> That it is somehow your place to decide which of my questions to answer?
<Veznara> No, Hand Dezmali.
<Dezmali> That it is your place to decide which of Tegus' edicts to obey?
<Dezmali> It is not.
<Dezmali> So I ask you one last time, to answer my question, and explain yourself.
<Veznara> Then, I will answer. I did speak to an Ancestor, one who claimed to be the Rushultagri - and who said his mother's apostles had taught him that the Corpseborn are not cursed, but blessed.
* Veznara says in a rush
<Veznara> That our treatment of them is wrong, the opposite of what the Prophetess wished!
* Veznara puts her face in her hands
* Dezmali pauses and composes herself.
<Dezmali> But let us be clear. The one who told you this is not the Ancestor himself, but in fact, this young man, this Voice with whom you have been consorting. Is it not?
* Dezmali says, knowing the answer, of course.
* Veznara shrugs helplessly
<Veznara> It was through an intermediary, yes.
<Veznara> One whom I trust *not* *to* *lie*.
<Dezmali> Why do you trust him?
<Veznara> Because of our relationship... and because I don't believe he'd be capable of making up such a thing. Why would he, Dezmali?
<Dezmali> We talked about this nonsense with Rushultagri, long ago. Was I not crystal clear with you to leave matters of Ancestors to the Voice?
<Veznara> And I have not said anything.
<Veznara> I do not want to believe it.
<Dezmali> Then do not believe it. Forget it.
<Dezmali> Ancestors tell the Voice what they themselves believed or held to be true. But they do not speak eternal truth, no matter how we might wish it.
<Veznara> I know, I know. This Ancestor may well have believed it, and it could still not be true.
<Veznara> But if it is!
<Dezmali> Tell yourself that there is some person who believed himself to be Rushultagri, who believed heretical things about the corpseborn, but who was simply deeply wrong.
* Veznara looks Dezmali in the eye.
<Dezmali> Not if it *is
* - if it *were*.
* Dezmali uses the ancient Omban subjunctive mood, now disappeared in modern Ombesh.
<Veznara> Truly? Is that truly what you think is the right thing to do? Simply ignore it... and shrug at the possibility of a grave injustice?
<Veznara> I know you do not hate the Corpseborn.
<Veznara> What if this is true? If we are doing the opposite of what the Holy Prophetess Zunuga taught?
* Dezmali holds her head in her hands.
<Veznara> It has tortured me ever since.
<Veznara> And I am sorry, truly sorry, to have inflicted it on you as well.
<Dezmali> I do not hate the Corpseborn. My parents were corpseborn. One may choose, privately, to believe whatever one will. Go ahead, believe it! I cannot order you what to believe.
<Dezmali> But I can order you what to *do*.
<Veznara> And you must. For the sake of cordial relations with the Voice.
* Veznara says evenly.
<Dezmali> And because we - we Imperials - are here and must maintain good relations with the local people. Who are already wary of us, and with good reason!
<Veznara> I understand. What did the Voice demand? What did they say?
<Dezmali> It is not merely what Voice Tegus has demanded! I have also heard from Voice Elukir!
<Dezmali> And what, I ask with white knuckles and fearing the answer, is in your mandate to interfere with the practices of local temples? I do not even understand this business. But Voice Elukir was insistent, and so I ask you, Veznara, what is going on?
<Veznara> I...
<Veznara> I helped to prevent their Ula Sashnir from consuming another saint.
* Dezmali just stares at you, taking that in for a minute.
<Dezmali> Explain yourself.
<Veznara> There is a saint, one whose existence was not known to any but those few he chose to contact.
<Veznara> The Sashnir found him, and were planning to... have their own Saint Sashni consume his essence to take his strength.
<Dezmali> What saint is this?
<Veznara> Which, Sashni? Or the other?
<Veznara> Sashni is their own saint, one whose existence they have gone to great lengths to hide, for fear she would be taken away from them.
<Dezmali> The other, is the one I meant. I have only recently learned of Sashni Ula and have so very many questions ... but of her, yes, I do know.
<Veznara> The other is one who claims to be Corpseborn.
<Dezmali> I see. And so this is how the one thing connects to the other, I suppose.
<Veznara> Yes. And makes me fear all the more that we have been terribly, terribly wrong.
<Veznara> The more so as it seems that Sashni died defending that very temple from Stoneguards, who attacked it because it contained the remains of the Rushultagri.
* Dezmali takes it all in, just staring straight ahead at you.
<Veznara> As she herself showed in a vision.
<Dezmali> All right, Veznara. Let me explain myself very clearly.
<Dezmali> Are you ready to listen?
* Veznara nods
<Dezmali> You know that I am of lowly birth. Born of no clan, raised in the temple life, in the mother city of Omba.
* Veznara is about to say something to that, but stops and remains silent.
<Dezmali> That I, through great effort, through every labor, through many years, came to earn the trust of those in my temple, and beyond, up even to the Heart of our order herself.
<Dezmali> And that here I am, just past thirty, in charge of this grand experiment, to head the greatest Temple west of the mountains, in the whole of Ashnabis province, since the end of the Osnabi campaigns. To teach, and to learn. For one such as myself, who could hope for nothing ... it is everything.
<Dezmali> My role here is to keep the peace, to build strong ties with the local temples, to show that Aummesh and Ombesh ways are one way within the Corps, and that we can share this land.
<Dezmali> And if I fail in that, I do not have a comfortable sinecure on which to fall back.
<Dezmali> I do not have a clan to take me in.
<Dezmali> No marriage partner, no family.
<Dezmali> My life is the Hand and my life is in their hands.
<Dezmali> You feel - and perhaps you are right - that there is nothing so awful that could happen to you. That you can fuck up, again and again and again, and, what? Oh, ho hum, my brother is marrying a princess?
<Dezmali> That perhaps this insulates you.
<Dezmali> I am here to tell you that it does not.
<Dezmali> That I have not worked my entire life for this position only to have a ... a *heretic* bring scandal and scorn upon this Temple and this Order and this colony!
<Dezmali> Because a handsome fellow with ropey muscles tells you a story that you wish to believe is true.
<Dezmali> And because some wayward saints-kin stopped killing people long enough to show you something that fits with your own self-important sense of righteousness.
* Veznara says nothing, but shakes her head in denial.
<Dezmali> So. It is done.
<Dezmali> I do not, in all of this, want to have to write to the Heart in Mother Omba, to tell her of any of this. I truly do not. Don't put me in a position where I have to do so.
<Dezmali> I hope I am starting to make my position clear. I do not ask that you agree, or that you believe. I *demand* that you *obey*.
<Dezmali> You have here a position that almost any sister in this temple would envy desperately, if I permitted them to hold such thoughts in their hearts. To attend to a princess and an estate, to care for their spiritual needs. That is your job. Your only job. Do that job, and no other.
* Dezmali sits back, barely containing her rage.
* Veznara stands and bows
<Veznara> Yes, Hand Dezmali.
<Dezmali> Leave, then.
* Veznara bows again, and leaves.
