Nemnosti session 25
Summary
Session
- Session date: June 22, 2025
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 768, Ronudend
Prologue
[NemnostiGM] Greetings, acolytes! It feels like we need the fire tonight, for the first time in months. Autumn is upon us, and I know many of you have been helping with the second harvest out in the gardens, with all the attendant aches that comes with. Labour here at Nemnosti is not optional, and is shared by noble and commoner alike, indeed even by us of the Nemni who stand in Her special shadow. This is by design. Life in a cloister is not easy, not for young acolytes like yourself, but not for adults either. Yes, our food is provided, we will never need for anything essential. But we serve, and we forget that service at our peril. Of course, as you know from recent experience, that no one is guaranteed an entire life here. To leave Nemnosti, one need only walk out the west gate, downriver to Naftusa, and out of the valley entirely, if you choose. This week our beloved Voice Ingo left us for his new role as Conduit. Joyous, yes, but bittersweet. But too, there are some who find this place confining. I would say, rather, that it is constraining, even as it is protecting. The walls of the ulajeta keep us in, even perhaps lead us to forget the rest of the world. But it is also like a wool blanket on a cold fall morning, wrapped around us tightly, the kind where you feel like you never want to leave its warmth. So some choose to leave, or are asked to leave.
Kuspir talks to Ghorgimbe about the traitorous Hulti stoneguard Lurokai Fijem from the time of the Great Purge, buried under a Red Shroud and forgotten at Vulusilt
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, as summer turns to fall, the life of a stoneguard becomes more predictable, especially when there have not been any attacks on revenants since your defeat of Gunuremai before Romokh.
[NemnostiGM] This afternoon you have been spending time with the acolytes, teaching them about basic care for weapons - cleaning, oiling, that sort of thing. You pretend not to notice the giggles from the room every time you say the word 'oiling'.
[Jevai] agree
[NemnostiGM] Ifa has sent some bubun in to do the cleaning-up afterwards, so you mostly just need to make sure they don't miss anything. As you're doing that, Ghorgimbe steps into the storeroom.
Ghorgimbe is probably on duty in an hour or two, but for now, is in loose cotton clothing without ornament.
[Ghorgimbe] Hey, Kuspir.
[Kuspir] Ah, hello.
[Ghorgimbe] We need to talk. I may need your help, and maybe also a couple of your friends.
[Kuspir] All right... what's the matter?
[Ghorgimbe] Need to take a trip out into the Ghengom, but it needs to be pretty quiet.
Kuspir nods, listening
[Ghorgimbe] So here's how it started.
[Ghorgimbe] For a long time, you know, it's been my habit to spend time speaking to ancestors here who served as soldiers. Stoneguards, sentinels, others. Sortusai, like me, of course, but also, eventually, others.
[Ghorgimbe] I have been working with Voice Ingo for years. Now, he is gone, but my work continues.
[Ghorgimbe] Did you know that we were acolytes together? And for a time, we were even betrothed?
[Kuspir] No, I didn't know that part.
[Ghorgimbe] It was a complicated time.
[Ghorgimbe] There are only so many nobles here at Nemnosti. But of course, neither one of us had much taste for the other, and when Ingo took his holy orders, that was the end of it.
[Ghorgimbe] All worked out for the best.
[Ghorgimbe] I'll miss him, though. Forty years is a long time in the same place with someone.
Ghorgimbe pauses, as if there's more to say, but then continues.
Kuspir nods
[Ghorgimbe] For quite a while, I have been spending time in long conversation with my Pillar, Shagri of the Ninderulai. While my altamu is not as esteemed as yours - how could anyone compare to the Captain? - she served at the time of the Great Purge, and all the sadnesses around that time.
[Ghorgimbe] I had not thought much of that time, until this past year, but now, it has been on my mind. The Purge, the Hulti, all of the things that happened back then.
[Ghorgimbe] And that's I suppose why I'm talking to you now.
[Ghorgimbe] Have you ever heard of Lurokai Fijem?
[Kuspir] (have I?)
[Ghorgimbe] (hmmm, you can make a roll, K:history if you have it?)
[Ghorgimbe] (or I'll also let you roll K:local, alternately)
[Kuspir] (I have both of those, and I get a +1 if it has to do with the Nemnu lineage. history is actually better for me.)
[Ghorgimbe] (it's not Nemnu lineage)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+8
[Kuspir] (13)
[Ghorgimbe] (nope)
Kuspir shakes his head
[Ghorgimbe] I'm not surprised. Ingo had not heard of him before, which did surprise me. And it has been very, very hard to learn much about him.
[Ghorgimbe] He was one of Shagri's compatriots - one of us. A Ravre from the village of Ichivang Sogo, now abandoned. A guardian at Vulusilt, during the Great Purge, when the tower was still active.
[Ghorgimbe] She knew him well, but I never had any reason to ask the kinds of questions of her that would lead her to bring him up.
[Ghorgimbe] What I learned from her is that Lurokai served Nemnu for years, but then, during the Purge, he betrayed his oath, allied himself with the Hulti.
[Kuspir] He was a stoneguard?
[Ghorgimbe] He was.
[Ghorgimbe] A good one, too, from Shagri's report.
[Ghorgimbe] I've found him here and there in the Register of Patrols. But just ordinary stuff. I can find where he's sent to Vulusilt, and then, nothing.
Kuspir nods
[Ghorgimbe] But I have found something, in the library, that even Shagri did not know.
[Ghorgimbe] I was able to determine that he is interred at the old crypt at Vulusilt, only under a Red Shroud.
[Ghorgimbe] (give me a K:religion)
[Kuspir] (natural 20, for 26)
[NemnostiGM] A Red Shroud is something rarely spoken of. In some rare cases, when there is some reason to prevent an Ancestor to be contacted idly, they are interred, but surreptitiously, often behind some seal or secret place. Often literally with a red shroud, to indicate to Voices that they are not to be spoken to without permission, or some grave circumstance.
[NemnostiGM] It is one step away from simply discarding or burning a body, which would be grievously blasphemous. But it is meant to put an Ancestor beyond ordinary contact.
[Kuspir] Why would that have been? Something he knew that should not be revealed to others?
[Ghorgimbe] Well, that's what I don't know.
[Ghorgimbe] There are many Ancestors here, of course, who fought the Hulti during the Purge, or were involved in some way. But on our side.
[Ghorgimbe] And if Lurokai is under a Red Shroud, there must be some important reason for it.
Kuspir nods
[Ghorgimbe] So ... you in?
[Kuspir] In for .. going to find his remains?
[Ghorgimbe] Exactly.
[Ghorgimbe] But getting to Vulusilt is a substantial overland journey into the Ghengom, and I am in need of both a guide and a priest.
[Kuspir] What would be the goal? To bring them back here?
[Ghorgimbe] If we could, then perhaps. But talking to him, figuring out what is going on.
[Ghorgimbe] You know that She still lives half in that time, with Lurusiru Ula never far from her mind, and all those who died.
[Kuspir] Perhaps it's stating the obvious, but... if he is under a Red Shroud, there must be a reason for it - one we should not violate lightly.
Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] I don't disagree.
[Ghorgimbe] Still, though.
Kuspir looks somewhat skeptical.
[Ghorgimbe] Look, here's ... eugh, I'm not being obtuse, Kuspir, I just ...
[Ghorgimbe] Look.
[Ghorgimbe] You know that She is hurting. She is wounded, fighting two-hundred-year wars. And Her enemies are doing the same.
[Ghorgimbe] All this business, it's not about today, it's uphill stuff, Ancestors, ancient history.
[Kuspir] I respect your purpose here, and I will help you to the best of my ability, but you're asking me to violate a sacred prohibition. A Voice would have to lift the Red Shroud if we were to try and contact him.
[Ghorgimbe] Can Izu be trusted, do you think? I know that Nemnu trusts him.
[Kuspir] I think so, yes.
[Ghorgimbe] I'm not saying we should sing about this up and down the valley.
[Ghorgimbe] But I'm sick of sitting here waiting for the next calamity. Our job is not to be passive.
[Kuspir] So you think a small group, just to go and retrieve these remains, if we can find them, and bring them back here?
[Ghorgimbe] You, me, Izu ... and I guess someone to get us there and back safely, a guide.
[Kuspir] I think Marga would be good for that.
[Ghorgimbe] Can she be trusted?
[Kuspir] Marga is... able to follow instructions. If we ask her not to tell anyone, she won't tell. I think she doesn't always know what is or isn't important to other people, so we'd just have to make it clear that this is important.
[Ghorgimbe] That's good enough for me.
[Kuspir] All right. When would you want to leave?
[Ghorgimbe] Whenever feasible.
[Ghorgimbe] I mean, we need to bring them into this. I'm sure Izu, at least, will have questions.
Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] I can talk to them if you want.
Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] I don't know either of them well enough to broach the issue directly.
[Kuspir] All right - I'll have a word.
Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] All right, I'll let you finish up whatever oily nonsense you had going on here. Did you just give the acolytes buckets to slop over the place?
[Kuspir] I gave them buckets - they chose to do the slopping.
Ghorgimbe shakes her head.
[Kuspir] (ok, can I get Izu and Marga together in private to talk to them?)
[Ghorgimbe] (sure)
Kuspir assembles a team with Izu and Marga and explains the importance of talking to Lurokai
[Kuspir] Thank you for coming. I have a request for you both, a task that needs discretion and certain skills.
[Izu] Is something wrong?
Izu looks dubiously at Marga at the mention of "Discretion"
[Kuspir] No, not wrong. It's more of an investigation job. Or, retrieval? Both I guess.
[Marga] Uh, okay?
[Marga] What are we going to get?
[Kuspir] There's a body of a stoneguard from back in the Purge, out at Vulusilt in the crypt there. Or, there should be. Ghorgimbe wants to recover him so we can ask him some questions about things that happened back then.
[Izu] Does she believe this stoneguard knows something?
[Kuspir] Yes. It's... complicated.
[Kuspir] He was buried under a Red Shroud.
Kuspir says, assuming Izu at least must know what that means
Izu 's eyes narrow
[NemnostiGM] (yes, Izu, you do)
[Marga] A what now?
[Izu] You know it is forbidden to speak to him, then.
[Marga] Like... why does it matter what colour?
[Kuspir] It means no one is supposed to talk to him, as an ancestor.
[Marga] Why?
[Kuspir] Well, I guess there could be various reasons. Presumably he knows something that the Voice at the time felt should not be revealed. It's pretty rare.
[Marga] Oooooohhhh...
[Kuspir] But Ghorgimbe knows a few things about him, and thinks it could be important for the Lady, and for what is happening these days, to talk to him.
Marga 's eyes get a little wide.
[Marga] Mysterious.
[Kuspir] The main thing she knows about him, other than that he was a stoneguard and considered a good one in his day, is that when the Purge came, he took the side of the Hulti.
Marga 's eyes get wider still
[Marga] OOOOOH.
[Kuspir] but if his body was buried at Vulusilt, by a Voice, then something must have happened that we don't know about - they brought him back there, in death.
[Izu] Whoever placed the red shroud on him did so for a reason. I'm not sure we should be disturbing such a thing lightly.
[Kuspir] I agree, but I don't think it is lightly.
[Izu] Is there something specific she thinks he might know?
[Kuspir] Ghorgimbe thinks of it as a way of helping the Lady, to move on, to not be so stuck in the past. I think that might or might not be the case, but I think that whatever is going on today - the Hulti are involved. And this stoneguard, who went to their side in the Purge, might have information that would help us better guard against them now.
[Izu] Don't you think it would be best to get Her permission before undertaking such a thing?
[Kuspir] What do you think She would say?
[Izu] No
Marga looks back and forth between Izu and Kuspir [.[ ].]
[Kuspir] Then I don't think we can get Her permission. But... we can get forgiveness if we have to.
[Izu] Why bring him back? Why not just speak to him there and return without him?
[Kuspir] Well, it will be difficult to talk to him again if we have other questions, but we have to hike out to Vulusilt each time.
[Izu] I will go with you and we can speak with him We shall see what he has to say before we decide to bring him back.
[Marga] Yeah that makes sense
[Kuspir] All right.
[Marga] If he doesn't know anything, there's no point in dragging a bag of bones back here.
[Izu] I prefer not to risk Her ire if there is no reason.
Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Let's keep this quiet for now. Depending on the results, it might be necessary to tell other people then, but for now, it's best if we don't talk about it.
[Marga] Okie dokie!
Marga says brightly
[Kuspir] When can you leave?
Marga shrugs
[Marga] Whenever
[Izu] I will make arrangements to leave as soon as possible
Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] (ok I'll assume we can leave in the next few days?)
Kuspir, Izu, and Marga travel with Ghorgimbe to Vulusilt and find Lurokai’s remains
[NemnostiGM] All right, you make your various arrangements, and then you can meet up with Ghorgimbe to travel.
[Ghorgimbe] Thank you all for this.
[Ghorgimbe] I would not ask, if I didn't think it would help us learn things that will protect Her, and the ulajeta.
[NemnostiGM] Izu, of course you know Ghorgimbe pretty well, she's been at Nemnosti your whole life; she is of the Sortusai, and thus noble, but has always seemed approachable if a little gruff.
[NemnostiGM] She's friends with your dad, naturally.
[NemnostiGM] Marga, you've met her, surely, but have never had much reason to have a lot of contact with her.
[NemnostiGM] The trip up into the Ghengom is not too bad this time of year, now that the weather has moderated.
[NemnostiGM] You head along the River Road towards Hertu, and then up the hill path to Akapa Sogo. From there, you'll travel south overland, through rocky terrain, to Vulusilt.
[NemnostiGM] (Marga, can you make me a Survival please?)
[Marga] !roll 1d20+11
Jevai rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+11 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 11 ] totals [ 23 ].
[NemnostiGM] All right, the travel is pretty easy, guided by Marga's careful knowledge of the terrain.
[Marga] Nice day for it huh?
[Kuspir] Could be worse.
[Izu] It is awful
Izu hates walking
[NemnostiGM] You pass by the abandoned Ravre village of Ichivang Sogo to your west, along the way. Soon afterward, by mid-afternoon, Vulusilt appears along the horizon.
[Marga] Oh Izu, you're so funny! :D
[Kuspir] You want a piggy back?
[Kuspir] You used to love it when you were a kid :D
Izu narrows his eyes at Kuspir and picks up his pace.
Marga laughs :D
[NemnostiGM] The tower complex at Vulusilt is four hundred years old, nearly as old as Nemnosti itself. When it was built, the Empire still stood, though it was in its last, chaotic decades. For centuries, it stood at the southern edge of the province, overlooking high cliffs, providing protection for Nemnosti from attacks to the south.
[NemnostiGM] During the Great Purge of 534-39, it served as a base of operations for Nemnu's soldiers, including many stoneguards. But afterwards, it fell into disuse.
[NemnostiGM] The main building consists of two great square towers lodged together, on a high rocky outcropping overlooking a wide swath of lowlands to the south. Around the outcropping are several smaller buildings, which are in various states of disrepair.
[NemnostiGM] https://rocksfall.org/wiki/Vulusilt
[NemnostiGM] Vulusilt itself is not really suitable as a residence - the people who served here mainly lived in the villages of Ichivang Sogo to the northwest (if Ravre) or Surakash to the southwest (if Omban). Both towns are abandoned, although Ichivang Sogo only just outside living memory.
[NemnostiGM] But, as should be no surprise for a building designed by the Carver Herself, the main stone tower structure itself is still essentially intact, with only a few small areas along one wall caved in despite over two hundred years of disuse.
[Marga] Pretty cool huh?
[Izu] The engineering is impressive
[Kuspir] Very defensible.
[Izu] And still in one piece... more or less.
[NemnostiGM] Marga, you've been here many times, and through your Lady's Ancestor, Ivis Nemni, you feel a connection to this place that she guarded for so long, when Nemnosti and this place were both brand new.
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you've probably never been here, although you've read a lot about it, as it is a place where many stoneguards served, and fell, over two centuries when it was active as a defensive outpost.
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you've been here only once before, on one of those trips that they take young acolytes training to become Voices. You know it reasonably well, though; there are still any number of hallowed ancestors kept here, as there have been far too many dead in the tower's history for them all to be moved to the safety of Nemnosti.
Ghorgimbe examines it with a mixture of awe and trepidation.
[Ghorgimbe] Even though I asked you here, I still feel strange, now about to enter the tower.
Izu will try to detect haunts, just in case.
[NemnostiGM] (sure, Perception)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+17
Jevai rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 33 ].
[NemnostiGM] Fortunately, as you might imagine, a place like this has long since had its haunts cleared out, although there surely were many, once.
[Izu] It seems safe enough from haunts, at least.
[Ghorgimbe] All right.
[Ghorgimbe] Let's go in.
[Marga] Allrighty then!
[Kuspir] I assume the main dangers here are falling bits of masonry or tripping over a rock.
Izu looks at lumbering Kuspir and curious Marga...
[Izu] Try not to touch anything. Please.
[NemnostiGM] You enter the large tower through an open archway. The central chamber of the first floor is well-lit from above. The smell here is all moss and small vermin.
[NemnostiGM] The crypt itself is not hard to find. There is a stairway heading down from the first level of the shorter of the towers leading down, into a large hexagonal room, with six shafts extending in each direction.
[Marga] Pff I've been here tons of times. It's fine
[NemnostiGM] The architectural style is old, like the oldest parts of Nemnosti. Upon reflection, you imagine that this place must show the signs of Nemnu's own will and Her aesthetics from centuries ago.
[Izu] (Is there any obvious organization system for the tombs?)
[Kuspir] Where would be a likely place to conceal a body?
Kuspir asks, looking around
[NemnostiGM] Izu, there definitely surely was once such a structure. Over time, many of the Ancestors here have been moved, mainly to Nemnosti, though some to other tombs.
[NemnostiGM] There is an organization of sorts for the Ancestors here, at least, the publicly known ones.
[NemnostiGM] Finding a Red Shrouded ancestor is usually not so easy though - they don't leave them in plain sight.
[Izu] Perhaps we should split up and search for them.
[Marga] Sure!
[Izu] Not you. You come with me.
[Marga] What?
[Marga] It'll be faster if there's 3 people separate
[Izu] I'll need your help if I need to... move something.
[Marga] Oh yeah, sure!
[NemnostiGM] All right, anyone searching can make a K:engineering check, to begin with
[Kuspir] (yay!)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+5
Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Izu] !roll 1d20+7
Jevai rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Marga] (well I definitely don't have that trained lmao)
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, in one of the walls of the southeastern chamber, one of the facing slabs seems unusual.
Kuspir goes to examine it more closely
[Kuspir] This one seems a bit strange.
[NemnostiGM] (OK, now you can make a Perception)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+15
Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 34 ].
[NemnostiGM] Upon closer inspection, you see that one of the large rectangular slabs is made of marble, though smudged with centuries of dirt, it does not look so different. That is unusual for this area - wherever this came from, it is somewhere downriver, and must have been brought here.
[NemnostiGM] Upon even closer inspection, you find a single character chiselled cleanly, though no larger than your thumbnail, at the top of the slab - using the old script, the single character 'LU'
[NemnostiGM] (we'll pretend that Kuspir can read the old script, although he probably can't. Izu can definitely though)
[Kuspir] that's the start of his name, right?
Ghorgimbe comes over to look.
Ghorgimbe nods.
Kuspir will attempt to move the slab, cautiously
[Kuspir] (I'll get Marga to come help if I need extra beef ;)
[NemnostiGM] Kuspir, you definitely can't manage it by yourself.
[Kuspir] Marga, can I get a hand with this?
[Marga] Sure!
Marga saunters over to assist
[NemnostiGM] (all right, each of you roll a straight Strength check)
[Marga] !roll 1d20+5
Jevai rolls for Marga: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 17 ].
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+5
Jevai rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 20 ].
[Marga] (meh)
[Marga] (shoulda taken 20)
[NemnostiGM] (nah, it's fine, those are good rolls)
[NemnostiGM] The slab is heavy, and more to the point, hard to get a grip, even if it hadn't been in place for 200 years. But with some time and effort, the two of you can dislodge it.
[NemnostiGM] You move it aside, revealing a small alcove, just large enough for its contents.
[NemnostiGM] You find, inside, a simple stone box wrapped in the fragments of what surely must have been a red shroud.
[Marga] This it?
[Izu] It seems so
[Marga] DO we have to open the box too?
[Izu] Yes
[Marga] Alrighty! Let's crack it open :)
[NemnostiGM] Opening the casket is thankfully not very difficult at all.
[NemnostiGM] Inside, as you might expect, is a human skeleton.
[Marga] Yup, that's bones!
[Izu] I will enter a death dialogue. That way you can ask as much as is needed. Be sure to inquire why he joined the Hulti.
Kuspir nods
[Ghorgimbe] Thank you, Voice Izu. I know this is not to be done lightly.
[Izu] If it bears knowledge it will be worthwhile. If not.. then no one need know.
Izu conducts a death dialogue with the Ancestor Lurokai and they learn the sad circumstances of his ‘betrayal’ during the Great Purge
Izu will concentrate and reach out to channel the spirit of the stoneguard.
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you reach out and touch the spirit of the Ancestor Lurokai. As far as you know, and as is likely, you are the first Voice to ever speak with him.
[Ghorgimbe] I suppose we should confirm who he is.
[Kuspir] Who are we speaking to?
[Lurokai] I am Lurokai of the Fijem, servant and stoneguard of Nemnosti.
[Lurokai] Son of Anjakai, father of Heda.
Kuspir looks to Ghorgimbe at that
[Kuspir] When the Purge of the Hulti took place, why did you go and join them?
[Lurokai] You ask of the great shame that burdens me. It is a dark matter.
[Lurokai] We were trapped, unable to move against forces far beyond our control.
[Lurokai] I grew up with Hulti, in Ichivang. They were not so different from us.
[Lurokai] My woman, Aibaila, she was one. And, I suppose, my daughter too.
[Lurokai] But I never betrayed the Lady, or my oath. Not once. Not ever.
[NemnostiGM] Izu, you sense an extraordinary sadness from the spirit.
[Kuspir] How did you come to be buried back at Vulusilt?
[Lurokai] Is that where I am? I don't know.
[Kuspir] Yes. They buried you here under a Red Shroud. We seek to know why.
[Lurokai] I was executed, for what they called my crimes.
Marga mouths "oof"
[Kuspir] What did they think were your crimes?
[Lurokai] You must understand, here at Vulusilt, it was not just the Lady's forces.
[Lurokai] The Emperor sent sentinels, send Hands with hordes of bubun, Voices with dark intent.
[Lurokai] And the Hulti, they were not just the locals either, eventually.
[Lurokai] It became a kind of war.
[Lurokai] They brought her back ... they brought her back ...
[Kuspir] Who did they bring back?
[Lurokai] Aibaila.
[Lurokai] Among many others.
[Marga] oohhhh :o
[Lurokai] We were never wed.
[Lurokai] But still.
[Izu] You... disapproved of them raising her?
[Kuspir] did they bring her back as a revenant? or bubun?
[Lurokai] They brought her back as bubun. To mock her faith, and to terrify those who were left.
[Marga] holy crap.
[Marga] that's horrible
[Lurokai] And so I took it upon myself, as many as I could of the dead, to lay them to rest.
[Lurokai] The Emperor's forces, they were not from here. They did not know these people, or care about them.
[Marga] We're the baddies :(
[Lurokai] Nemnu and Lurusiru, they tried. Lurusiru Ula, They tried the most. They quarrelled with Nemnu.
[Lurokai] But it was the Prime who led things.
[Izu] They tried to stop the emperor's forces?
[Lurokai] They tried, both Cedar and Alabaster, to work to convert them.
[Lurokai] But by that point, the Hulti had their Writhing here, not just the villagers.
[Lurokai] It got out of control.
[Lurokai] I had to do something, though.
[Lurokai] And so yes, I suppose, I violated Her instructions, though not, I believe, Her desire.
[Kuspir] What did Lurusiru and Nemnu quarrel about?
[Lurokai] Well, of course, I was not there in person.
[Izu] Lurusiru did not want to follow the emperor's orders... is that right?
[Lurokai] Yes, that's exactly right. Lurusiru, They were the purest of us all. They wanted nothing to do with any of it.
[Lurokai] Nemnu, She argued for conversion.
[Lurokai] In the end, for many of those sent from the lowlands, I do not think it would have mattered.
[Lurokai] They were the ones who executed me, when I was caught.
[Izu] Do you know what happened to Lurusiru?
[Lurokai] What do you mean?
[Izu] Was she punished for her refusal?
[Lurokai] I don't know. By the time I was killed, They had lost the argument long before. Eluli Ula was surely angry, though.
[Lurokai] You would need to ask Them.
[Izu] Do you wish to be returned to Nemnosti?
Kuspir looks to Ghorgimbe to see if she has other questions
[Lurokai] If it is Her desire, then of course.
[Lurokai] I would tell Her, if I could, that my heart is always with Her, always has been.
[Lurokai] Until feet fail.
[Kuspir] Until feet fail. We will ensure that you are given an appropriate resting place.
[Ghorgimbe] Your daughter ... what happened to her?
[Lurokai] I do not know.
[Ghorgimbe] I don't know what else to ask.
[Ghorgimbe] I think perhaps there is more, but we don't know enough to ask the right questions.
Kuspir nods
[Marga] Looks like we're taking him back then, huh?
[Kuspir] We can ask more another time.
[Izu] He will come back with us. I will need to speak with the lady. It is long overdue.
[NemnostiGM] (ok are you ending the DD then?)
[Izu] (Yes)
[Izu] Rest now, Lurokai. Return to your sleep.
They discuss what they have learned about Lurokai and they agree to take him back to Nemnosti
[NemnostiGM] All right, you end the connection, and are left sitting in the ancient crypt, deep in thought.
[Kuspir] I can't say I would have done differently than him, if it was my wife.
[Marga] So the emperor is... bad?
[Marga] He seems bad
[Marga] What they did to that guy's wife was... awful. Gross and awful.
[Marga] And who knows how many other people's wives, kids, siblings...
[Marga] well, maybe not siblings... :|
[Kuspir] Let's bring him back to Nemnosti, and Izu, if you want to be the one to talk to the Lady about it, I think that makes sense.
[Kuspir] But if you want me to be there, I will certainly do it..
[Ghorgimbe] Rendering the dead as bubun in war, is not unusual. But this is ... this is a lot.
[Izu] If you would like to be there, I would welcome the support.
[Ghorgimbe] We don't know who put the Shroud on him. The Emperor's Voices, or Hers. Or ... well, really, still why, although we have learned some.
[Izu] I think we know why. So no one would learn of what was done during those times.
[Izu] As to who, that is less certain.
Ghorgimbe nods.
[Ghorgimbe] If Ingo truly, as he said to me, did not know he was here ...
[Ghorgimbe] Well.
[Ghorgimbe] There are many questions, surely. Many of which, this poor ancestor cannot truly answer for us.
[Ghorgimbe] Thank you, all. And I apologize for asking you this one last thing, to aid me in bringing him back to the ulajeta.
[Marga] It's no problem, he's not heavy.
Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] We will take it in turns to carry him.
[Izu] We will?
[Marga] Me and Kuspir
[NemnostiGM] All right, you take the body back, using Marga's expertise in hauling corpses back from the Ghengom.
Alai talks to her new apprentice Irdomila
[NemnostiGM] Alai, since your return from the Crease, you have puzzled more over what exactly the Crease means, how the spiral ancestors in the cliff face relate to whatever travel is possible, and above all, Jevai's ideas about travel into the Unfolding, which answers some questions, but raises many others.
[NemnostiGM] But for now there isn't much to do on this except research, and research has not borne much fruit over the last week or two. Frustratingly, it seems like whatever answers there are may need to come from you, rather than from a book.
[NemnostiGM] Not that you'll stop reading, of course. But there are other things to think about. Today, for instance, you have a long-awaited formal first meeting with your new apprentice, Irdomila Nemni.
[NemnostiGM] The girl is still stinging from her inadequate Fifths exams, and, as you understand it, is finishing up remedial work with Ifa. Not that the Fifths have anything to do with Source or the mystic's craft, exactly, but not an auspicious start.
[NemnostiGM] You are working on the second floor of Carver's Hall, in a small antechamber off the large library, known as Lilika's Alcove, after a long-ago mystic who stubbornly slept here rather than in her own quarters across the ulajeta.
[NemnostiGM] It still has a long couch in place, as if she could return from the dead a hundred years later and demand a place to rest. The books now kept in here are mostly literature and novels, but it's a good place for a quiet meeting.
Irdomila comes into the room at the appointed time.
Irdomila has put her hair up into a high and complex braid nested atop her head, making her appear taller and (you imagine, in her mind) more mature than her years. She is wearing simple acolyte garb, though, with neither sign of her saintly lineage or any other pretention.
[Irdomila] Master Alai.
[Alai] Ah Irdomila, is good you are finaly free to actually begin some real work. I had worry they would replace you if you took much longer.
[Irdomila] I apologize for the delay.
[Irdomila] My aunt Ifa wanted to ensure I would not be a disappointment.
Alai is dressed in black with blue scrollwork along the sleeves and skirt, her hair is pulled back and her signature silver headband adorned. She wears a blue lace chocker, several bracelets and rings.
[Alai] I supose we will see soon for sure on that. That mess is behind you, even if your aunt was trying to teach you some sort of leason. Now is time to move forward.
Irdomila nods.
[Irdomila] My Fifths exams do not represent my abilities. I know I am more than capable of this challenge.
[Irdomila] I have dreamed of wielding Source for as long as I can remember.
[Alai] Is dream I assume you have attempted a few time already, eh?
[Irdomila] Of course. Although if my father asks, I will deny it.
[Irdomila] He speaks very highly of you.
Irdomila hastens to add.
[Alai] You are apprentice. You will hold Source. Is little point of denying now.
[Irdomila] He worries.
[Alai] As for your father and high regard of me, its is simply that he knows my capabilities.
[Alai] Fathers worry. Is part of parenting. When I have child I'm sure I'll worry too, as will you.
[Irdomila] I have many questions.
[Irdomila] If it is acceptable to ask.
[Alai] Then let us exhaust your initial curiosities before the work begins. Help focus mind.
[Irdomila] What is it like in Luetka?
[Irdomila] All I know is from books.
[Alai] It is much different then here, although is while since I have been there.
[Irdomila] Did you use Source there, or only when you came here?
[Alai] We live with and by the sea. Is sustenance and destroyer. Enjoy that you have pleasure of growing up in much easier place.
[Irdomila] My life has been very easy, except when my mother died.
[Alai] Source is used there, as part of rituals and religous ceremonies.
[Alai] I was curious and maybe, looking back, a little foolhardy girl, who took on more than she should.
[Irdomila] Is it true that you have fought many magical duels?
[Alai] I spent time in Ardukh. Dueling is more comon. Not practiced much here. So I have participated in some yes.
[Irdomila] Will you teach it to me?
[Alai] You are far from being ready to even start to work on such skills and techniques. Why do you desire for such learnings?
[Irdomila] My mother is a revenant, Master Alai, at a time when revenants are being killed.
[Irdomila] I do not have the luxury of time to wait to learn to defend my home and my family.
[Irdomila] My father has his hammer, but I have nothing.
[Alai] I ask not to disuade you from your interest, but to help understand the why. Dueling will be beyond you for some time, but learning to defend yourself and your family, much simpler.
[Alai] The Source can be a powerful tool to do so, but challenging another Mystic, for that you need skill, knowledge, and experience.
[Irdomila] All right, then. One last question for now. What is up in the Ghengom that keeps pulling you, and my family, up there?
[Irdomila] My father won't say anything, but that is his way.
[Alai] If I told you anything, what would you do with this knowledge? I doubt it would provide any comfort to you. Is it you feel left out? Just want to be aware?
[Irdomila] I have no control of anything. Without knowledge, how can I know what to do?
[Alai] I know that feeling well. I can tell you, even knowing is not enough to tell you what to do. For someone like you, I can see, each bit of knowledge will bring more questions, more seeking to know more. This is good, you will need it.
Irdomila nods.
[Alai] I ask this, without knowing the answer you seek, what do you think you should be doing?
[Irdomila] I will defend this place, and in doing so, earn the esteem of those around me.
[Irdomila] I know I have much to learn. But I will learn whatever you will teach me, and go beyond that.
[Alai] So you control how hard you will work and as such go beyond what I teach. If feels like there is your control. And as you feed it, more will come.
[Alai] Ah... I am spouting like our Lady when she taught me.
[Irdomila] Yes, Master.
[Irdomila] Do you have questions for me? Or instructions?
[Alai] Do you really want to know about Ghengom? How badly? Your father would not appreciate me telling you things he will not. Why should I, and even you risk his ire?
Alai says with a sly smile.
[Irdomila] I do want to know. And while he is my father, you are my master, and so your decisions hold sway.
[Irdomila] I am fourteen, and I am ready to help you in whatever way I am able. And over time, to become more able.
[Alai] Show me how clever you are. What do you think is about?
Irdomila considers.
[Irdomila] I think if the Hulti are truly coming back to this area, there must be a powerful reason behind it. If they are killing revenants then it is not arbitrary.
[Irdomila] And that woman, who came back from stone, and who went crazy. Fultukhari has a lot of wild ideas about that but he's not wrong that it has something to do with it.
[Alai] I like your rational thoughts... is good start.
Irdomila smiles proudly.
[Irdomila] If there is anything I can do to help ... ask it and it will be done
[Alai] Well then, lets begin your lessons in holding the source. Wind is blowing, so sails raise.
[Irdomila] Thank you, Master.
Jevai talks to Eng-dur about his strange experiences and the cosmology of wherever he is
[NemnostiGM] Jevai, the new moon of Ronudend is coming tonight. You worry about Eng-dur, differently than you worried at first. When you encountered him initially, you were worried that his presence was merely ephemeral, or worse, that there was something you were likely to do that might cause him not to reappear.
[NemnostiGM] But ever since Gunuremai, and your awareness of the complexity of Unfolding, you have both hope that there may be some solution to your Upward's entrapment, but also grave risk.
[NemnostiGM] And then, at Romokh, learning that Eng-dur's condition is of his own creation, that he had a wasting illness that led to him to attempt to transform his Kind, that he consulted with Saza about his condition, and that his existence is not unrelated to the Unkind Stone or to whatever Ushukuna's interest in the Crease is.
[NemnostiGM] The relationship between Unfolding, the Abyss/Unkindness, and the Crease at Musune's End is clearer than it was before, since your recent visit there. But in polishing the stone to mirror-finish, its flaws have become all too clear.
[NemnostiGM] So it is not without trepidation that you head over to the Lanky Stones this evening.
NPC-1 is now known as Eng-dur
Eng-dur appears before you, at the expected time.
Eng-dur appears more firm, more real, than the last time you spoke. Or perhaps it is that you have become more like him, or more attuned to the world in which he now exists.
Eng-dur smiles.
[Eng-dur] Hello, Pebble.
Jevai smiles tiredly
[Jevai] Hello Upward.
[Eng-dur] How have things been on your side?
Jevai takes a deep breath
[Jevai] Informative? but trying.
[Jevai] I assume it has been the same as ever for you?
[Eng-dur] Strangely, no.
[Eng-dur] I have been travelling, following a song.
[Eng-dur] I don't know how else to describe it.
[Jevai] travelling?
[Eng-dur] It is like .... it is hard to explain except in metaphor
[Jevai] is ther anything to experience in this journey?
[Eng-dur] It is like a strange instrument, making noise, like wind blowing through a thin mountain pass, or the buzzing of insects in mating season.
[Eng-dur] Or, well, a fart.
Jevai looks bemised at that
[Jevai] (bemused)
[Jevai] air being released from a bladder?
[Eng-dur] Yes, like that.
[Jevai] I wonder if it is something like that
[Eng-dur] How do you mean?
[Jevai] Well.
Jevai will explain, if she hasn't before, her theory about what that space is, the wrinkles in the unfolding
[NemnostiGM] (I don't think you explained it to ED, at least)
[Eng-dur] Hmm, interesting.
[Jevai] I know Gunumerai has ways of travelling between those places, possibly other Hulti do as well, but maybe one of those methos is more... damaging to the integrity of the fold?
[Eng-dur] A leak?
[Jevai] maybe
[Eng-dur] A drain?
[Jevai] its not much to base a theory on
[Jevai] but I think it fits with what we have seen
[Eng-dur] I will say, whatever this is, it is more than just a drone. It is almost like there is a rhythm to it.
[Eng-dur] Which is, why I say, a song.
[Eng-dur] Perhaps it is like the Degh Ekorre. Natural, like a landform, but needing some intervention to make music.
[Jevai] hmmm
[Jevai] but it comes for a place?
[Jevai] (from)
[Eng-dur] I would not say that, exactly.
[Eng-dur] I am not sure there is such a thing as *place*, here.
[Eng-dur] But rather, it comes from a *direction*
[Eng-dur] But again, that is not quite right
[Jevai] is it drawing you?
Eng-dur shakes his head.
[Eng-dur] No, not quite. That, at least, was my own idea.
[Eng-dur] More out of boredom than anything else.
[Eng-dur] It is like the directions are not familiar.
[Eng-dur] Instead of left, right, up, down, something else. Inside, outside?
Jevai nods
[Eng-dur] I'm sorry, Pebble, I'm not making sense.
[Jevai] Mmm, I think I follow
[Jevai] I'm just trying to make sense of.... so many things
[Jevai] I learned about the Crease, the great gate at Musune
[Jevai] how it works, what its for
[Jevai] at least in principle
[Eng-dur] I have not heard it called that before.
[Jevai] which?
[Eng-dur] I know the place, of course.
[Eng-dur] Crease.
[Jevai] That is what its called
[Eng-dur] By whom?
[Jevai] Alai and Marga and I, we travelled there in secret, to perform a divination rite
[Jevai] well, Alai did the rite, Marga and I provided secrecy and protection
[Jevai] anyway
[Jevai] It was created by Hulti sigillants centuries agio - though would they have been hulti then? I'm not sure.
[Eng-dur] By the ildomo, then, let us say.
[Jevai] The magic told us that -in its current form- it acts like a megalithic door, though the destination can be changed with the keys, the iron daggers
Jevai nods to him
[Jevai] its a door and a map in one
[Eng-dur] Hmmm.
[Jevai] I don't know if that could related but I think it can go... where you are
[Eng-dur] And you think that is what Gunuremai is doing?
[Eng-dur] Going somewhere?
[Eng-dur] Or is this her destination?
[Eng-dur] Because i have to say, it is not that appealing.
[Jevai] I think she has some way of using it to travel, if not just to hide
[Eng-dur] Do you think I should keep trying to follow this music?
[Jevai] I think it is worth keeping in mind that the hulti understand this place far better than we do, and may not take kindly to intruders
[Jevai] and that as lonely as it seems, you may not be alone there
[Eng-dur] Well, journeying is what they do. Although their journey is towards truth - that is what ildomo means, after all.
[Eng-dur] But I do not know if I am at a waystation or simply lost.
[Jevai] I keep thinking about the ammonites, and the Abyss, and the fact that they are careful not to preserve their own ancestors
[Eng-dur] What is the connection that you see between those things?
[Jevai] We know the abyss is dangerous. we know that the ildomo buried and trapped one of the daggers far awat from the crease
Eng-dur nods.
[Jevai] Alai speaks of the abyss as a place. We know the unkind stone, as dangerous as it is, is... abyss
[Jevai] so perhaps there is a specific kind of danger posed by the door, and the destinations made possible by the ammonites
[Eng-dur] And perhaps I am following the spiralling drain towards the bottom of the abyss.
[Jevai] maybe
[Jevai] but there's still a lot I don't understand.... the moon, and its role
[Jevai] or its absence perhaps
Jevai says, looking to the sky
Jevai considers
[Jevai] the map uses constellations
[Jevai] they change over time as well as place
[Eng-dur] Here, at least, there is neither moon nor stars
[Eng-dur] It is like you are on the outside, and I am on the inside.
[Jevai] (setting the destination is about touching the ammonites, right? So there's no way to see how it is set now?)
[NemnostiGM] (yes, that's your understanding from the LL)
[Jevai] I wonder if you coudl set it to run ... counterclockwise? It must be something like that
[Jevai] But... back to your song...
[Eng-dur] Widdershins. Saza.
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] DiD I tell you I talked to.... something? From the abyss?
[Eng-dur] I don't remember if you did, or the other Jevai.
[Jevai] well,,, I did. It was very strange, it was difficut for us to understand each other
[Eng-dur] In what way?
[Jevai] it said it was no kind, unkind
[Jevai] it could not understand, it stood under
[Jevai] it asked it I was prepared ti be in conjunction with it
[Jevai] to be ready for when light meets Dark
[Jevai] it felt luke... a pulsing in my gut, when it spoke
[Jevai] (like)
[Jevai] so there are... no things, unkind nothings....
[Jevai] maybe that's what’s calling
[Eng-dur] Like I say, I don't think it's calling me, exactly
[Jevai] no
[Eng-dur] More that I choose to follow its sign
[Eng-dur] rather than that it has the intention that I follow
[Eng-dur] but the sign is there, still, regardless of the will
[Jevai] yes
Jevai looks frustrated.
[Jevai] I wish I could advise you better,, Every time I think about these things, I feel close to understanding.... something, and then it all dissolves into more questions
[Jevai] but if you are moving towards a fart, I hope it isn't one that stinks :p
Eng-dur laughs.
Jevai asks Eng-dur’s advice as to whether to take on Ukhuri as her Pebble
[Jevai] Can I ask your advice on something more mundane -_-
[Eng-dur] Perhaps I am inside a giant's asshole.
[Eng-dur] Oh ... yes, of course.
Jevai will explain about Ukhuri Kaisastelovis and her wanting Jevai to be her downward and her weird ~gosh I just feel so ~connected~ to your culture~
[Eng-dur] Well ... what is the best reason you can think of to do it?
[Jevai] ¬_¬ Nemnu asked me to consider it, because it may bring closer connections to the Kaisastelovis family. Or perhaps that she will turn to someone worse. I know Saza seeks a pebble.
[Eng-dur] Well, the second is not the worst reason.
[Jevai] this first.... it just makes it worse. That is not how we are meant to be used.
[Eng-dur] The first is a bit unusual, I grant you.
[Eng-dur] Eneronde is young, and someone like Saza might overwhelm her.
[Eng-dur] There would be little balance in such a relationship.
[Jevai] Eneronde had no business taking her on
[Eng-dur] Well ... there are some who would say I had no business taking you on.
[Eng-dur] Wildman of the high hills, half-savage.
[Jevai] that's not the same.
[Eng-dur] No, surely not. Two things are never the same, in Unfolding.
[Eng-dur] But there are always reasons for, and reasons against. There were reasons for and against when you became my pebble.
[Eng-dur] It is never pristine.
[Eng-dur] There is always mud in the river.
[Jevai] yes, but there are still better and worse places to draw your water
[Eng-dur] Is this a matter on which you've already made up your mind, then?
[Eng-dur] Because if so, that's fine.
[Jevai] I don't want to do it. I don't like her, and I have many, many, other things on my mind. I feel like I don't have a real choice, and it makes me resent it all the more. I don't think I *should* but I do worry, what will happen if I don't.
Eng-dur chuckles.
[Jevai] I don't knwo who else to send her too - Giri already pushed it off to me
[Eng-dur] It sounds like the foundation for making you a fine Downward.
[Eng-dur] You'd be a much better Downward than Upward, in any case, for anyone.
Jevai is not entirely sure how to take that
[Jevai] I see. Well.
[Eng-dur] All I will say, and I will say no more, is that there are worse reasons to take on a Pebble than that someone else wants you to.
[Jevai] *a* Pebble, fine
[Eng-dur] Well, I hope I have helped you to reach the right decision.
Jevai takes a deep breah.
[Jevai] Thank you, Upward.
[Jevai] I hope you do as well
[Eng-dur] I should go, I hear the bladder leaking again.
[NemnostiGM] (make a Perception check)
[Jevai] !roll 1d20+13
Lan-werk rolls for Jevai: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 30 ].
[NemnostiGM] Maybe it's just you, but you swear you can hear it, as if it's in the background behind Eng-dur
[Jevai] wait!
Jevai reaches out for him as he is fading away
[Eng-dur] What?
[Jevai] I... heard it
[Jevai] maybe?
[Eng-dur] Hmm, fascinating!
[Eng-dur] Well, I'll let you know if I find the source, if I'm not farted out in the process
Jevai nods
[Eng-dur] Until next time, Pebble!
Ifa talks to her parents about how to deal with the ongoing Hojon situation, and makes a plan
[NemnostiGM] Ifa, over the past few weeks you've been keeping an eye on Hojon, and now that you've seen it, you can't unsee it. The signs of your mother's treatment for his bardagai are definitely worse. Of course, he hides it well, and Ajemika and others protect him. But still.
[NemnostiGM] After your last conversation with Ajemika, you felt a new confidence that there was at least some resolution. But you can see it in Ajemika's eyes - not that she's wavering, but that she lacks a plan for how to actually move forward. Her inaction is just as palpable as Hojon's decline.
[NemnostiGM] It's gotten so that you make an excuse, every day or two, to go over to the iftibal and attend to some matter or another, just so Ajemika is reminded of your agreement. But so far, nothing.
[NemnostiGM] You've thought of various things you could do.
[NemnostiGM] You could try yelling at Ajemika more firmly.
[NemnostiGM] You could certainly talk to Hand Jesa, who might be able to provide guidance, at least.
[NemnostiGM] If Ajemika isn't going to take action, you might cajole or manipulate another possible candidate, such as your distant cousin Detevus, to do so.
[NemnostiGM] Or you could even just take it on yourself to name out loud what surely others must be seeing.
[NemnostiGM] Perhaps there is even some other path than these, if you can think of it. But it's clear that passively sitting by hoping that Ajemika betrays her father is not the best path. You must choose something, rather than hoping that something will simply drop from the sky to solve the problem.
[Ifa] (I think I would like to talk to my parents again real quick, if possible.)
[NemnostiGM] (sure)
Irdomila is now known as Zaren
Lurokai is now known as Naka
[Zaren] Daughter, what a lovely surprise! Are you staying for dinner?
[Ifa] I would be happy to, if it's not any trouble.
[Ifa] I was hoping I could ask your advice.
[Naka] It's fine, you've never eaten that much anyway.
[Zaren] Of course, what can we help with?
Naka is chopping some extra vegetables.
[Ifa] Hojon. And Ajemika.
Ifa will go to help with food prep.
[Naka] What about them?
[Ifa] I've talked to Ajemika about, well, what we talked about. Her taking her father's place, the need for strong leadership right now, but...she's not doing anything.
[Ifa] And the longer this goes on the more vunerable we are.
[Zaren] Well ... I can't really blame her. It's hard.
[Zaren] And when she does act, at least for a time, it will make us even more vulnerable.
[Ifa] All the more reason to do it now, I would think.
[Ifa] Rather than wait for us to really need a leader and not have one.
[Naka] What do you want to know?
[Ifa] Should I make a more public...call for action?
[Zaren] I would be very proud of you if you did. I mean, moreso.
[Naka] It has risks, but like you say, so does inaction.
Ifa nods.
[Ifa] (Would there be an appropriate time or place to do such?)
[Ifa] (For certain values of appropriate)
[NemnostiGM] There are different options. The iftibal is where Nemni business takes place, but also the place that is most clearly in Hojon's control.
[NemnostiGM] The small Hand temple is obviously a place where you have much more authority, but it's small (compared to the massive Voice temple) and also could risk making it seem like you are speaking in a religious capacity.
[NemnostiGM] The most public place (pretty neutral) is the Grand Atrium within Carver's Hall, right in the center of the ulajeta. That's where people often go to give talks or make proclamations or things.
[NemnostiGM] There are surely other options but those are the main ones.
[Ifa] (What are some accomplishments Hojon has made as hengi? I need to strike a balance in calling for his retirement.)
[NemnostiGM] (Hmm: give me a K:local)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+13
Jevai rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 31 ].
[NemnostiGM] Well, one thing is that he has brought, or attempted to bring, peace with the Halunemni lineage (although that's controversial)
[NemnostiGM] Obviously he just married his son to the beautiful Afra (also controversial)
[NemnostiGM] He has grown the wealth of the lineage (though some would argue that wasn't through his own doing)
[NemnostiGM] I think very few people would argue he's been especially active as hengi. Mostly a caretaker.
[Ifa] (Is there a time I could be reasonably certain there would be 1. a decent croud in the Hall and 2. Ajemika would be there?)
[Ifa] (crowd, even)
[NemnostiGM] Not if you're not announcing in advance that you're giving a speech.
[NemnostiGM] I mean, it's always somewhat active, during the daytime, but there isn't like, a regular time for gatherings
[Ifa] (Remind me again who our options are for replacing Hojon?)
[NemnostiGM] well anyone who is a Nemni, officially.
[Ifa] (Like, I feel like I should give a speech, but I, Josh, do not feel prepared. ].] )
[NemnostiGM] other than Ajemika, a couple other people who have been mentioned are Amasa and Detevus.
[Ifa] (Also, to clarify, while I'm a Hand, am I still technically a Nemni?)
[NemnostiGM] Of course!
[NemnostiGM] You would definitely need to leave your orders if you wanted to be hengi though
[Ifa] (Oh, I'm not saying *I* want to be hengi, just wondering if it might count against me making this ruckus.)
[Ifa] (In any event, I'm going to go to the iftibal for this. It's a Nemni issue, not an ulajeta one.)
[NemnostiGM] Fair. And it also means that Ajemika is very likely to be there - and in fact, you can just make sure she's around before speaking.
Ifa delivers a scathing speech at the Nemni iftibal, declaring that Hojon is no longer fit; she enrages him and he strikes her
Ifa will head to the iftibal for dinner the next night, and try to make sure she has friends and family present for it.
[Ifa] (*nod*)
[NemnostiGM] Your dad will be there for sure. Izu can come too if he wants.
[Ifa] (How big a crowd is this normally?)
[Izu] (I can go for moral support)
[NemnostiGM] There would be probably 20 people or so in the main hall of the iftibal on an average day for dinner, but there would be lots more folks in the iftibal who would come out once there starts to be a commotion
[NemnostiGM] There are maybe 100 Nemni in total living in Nemnosti at the moment? Maybe a few more.
[Ifa] (Can I have spent the day/dinner kind of working the room, getting a sense of folks?)
[NemnostiGM] Sure, make me a Diplomacy check
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+17
Jevai rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 20 ].
[NemnostiGM] People don't seem to give you any particular sense, obviously they don't know what's going on though.
[Ifa] (Is there any particular procedure for addressing folks? Or just stand up and try to get people's attention? I wasn't sure if we had any formal time for this sort of thing.)
[NemnostiGM] Not really. The iftibal is really just an active living space where people do all kinds of activities. You could absolutely (like at a family event) get everyone's attention and just dive in.
[NemnostiGM] It's not like you're calling a formal family meeting.
[Ifa] (Sounds good)
[Ifa] If I could have everyone's attention for a moment, I have something I would like to say.
[Ifa] (Please bear in mind Ifa is better at this than I am ;) )
Zaren works the room with the old folks, making sure they pay attention, since he knows what's about to happen.
Naka is now known as Hojon
Hojon looks at you, confused, but polite so far.
[Ifa] I'd like to take this opportunity, if I may, to offer a few words in praise of our hengi, Hojon.
[Ifa] He has brought prosperity to our lineage, and peace as well.
Hojon smiles.
[Ifa] His capable service at the head of our lineage has been steadfast and solid.
[Ifa] I believe the time has come for his service to be rewarded, with a pleasant and comfortable retirement.
Ifa will wait to see how that's received before continuing.
Hojon looks at you, first uncomprehending, then beginning to look concerned.
[NemnostiGM] The crowd is definitely confused or at least waiting to hear more.
[Ifa] There has been danger in and around the ulajeta recently, and while I know Hojon's heart is in the right place, the wisdom of age must be met with the vigor of youth in these trying times.
[Ifa] It is time for our wise hengi to pass on that mantle, providing his counsel to someone more able to meet the demands of the moment.
[Hojon] How dare you?
Hojon stands up, irate, and comes over to you.
Ifa watches him impassively.
[Hojon] The ungrateful child of the Little Nemni seeks to lecture me on when it is my time?
[Hojon] Perhaps she seeks to take my place?
[Ifa] I seek to serve, as should we all, in whatever capacity we are capable.
[Ifa] My concern is for the lineage, and the ulajeta. What is yours, uncle?
Zaren is now known as Ajemika
[Hojon] My concern is apparently that you do not know your place, priestess!
[Hojon] Be seated and be silent!
Ajemika has been edging over towards her dad, keeping an eye on him and you, but remaining silent for the moment.
[Ifa] I'm sorry, hengi, but I can be so no longer.
[Ifa] I beg you, do the right thing here. For our kin, not for your pride.
[Hojon] Perhaps you need to find an ifti where your insolence will be tolerated!
[Hojon] My pride is what keeps this lineage together!
Ifa will spare a significant glance at the crowd at that.
[Ifa] *Your* pride is what keeps us together? Not *our* blood, *our* ties, *our* work?
[Hojon] Well it certainly isn't your impertinent mouth!
[Ifa] I don't believe any could say I have claimed such.
[Ajemika] All right, father, it's fine, let her talk, come. It's just words.
[Hojon] Blasphemy is words. Treason is words. Slander is words.
[Hojon] Foul thing. Vile, vile thing.
[Ifa] How have I slandered you, hengi?
[Hojon] I wouldn't be surprised if you were no Nemni at all. Perhaps your mother spread her legs for that wildman longer than we thought.
[Hojon] You and that sister of yours.
[Ifa] (to the crowd) Is this the man you want leading us? That cries 'slander' when questioned then offers it himself?
[Izu] Hold your tongue when you speak of our mother, old man.
Ajemika speaks to the crowd.
[Ajemika] My father is tired. Come, let's rest.
[Hojon] I will not be spoken to like an infant!
[Ifa] (How mad does he look at Ajemika right now?)
[NemnostiGM] (give me a Sense Motive)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+14
Jevai rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+14 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 14 ] totals [ 23 ].
[NemnostiGM] You think he's mainly mad at you, but definitely annoyed at Ajemika. It's hard to separate the two.
[Ifa] She doesn't deserve your vitriol any more than the rest of us.
[Hojon] No one wants to hear what you think any of us deserve, you serpent!
[Ajemika] Father, come. Enough.
[NemnostiGM] (Right now, are you trying to enrage him further? Or defuse?)
[Ifa] (Oh, definitely enrage)
[NemnostiGM] (All right, give me another Diplomacy then)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+17
Jevai rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 27 ].
Hojon comes over to you, fist raised. What do you do?
Izu uses hallowed Shield.
Ifa doesn't take any defensive action, but will stand her ground.
Hojon tries to punch you then.
[Ifa] (kk)
[Izu] (+2 to AC)
[Hojon] !roll 1d20+13
Jevai rolls for Hojon: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 30 ].
[Ifa] (I mean, clearly that hits ;) )
[Hojon] (4 damage)
[Ifa] (I mean, ow, but also, meh)
[NemnostiGM] (are you responding in any way?)
[Ifa] (Where did he punch me, and about how bad is 4 hp here? )
[Ifa] (I'm kind of hoping for a split lip or bloody nose or something here)
[NemnostiGM] (with that hit roll, a good hard punch to the jaw. It hurts, but it's not like it's going to kill you or break anything)
[NemnostiGM] (maybe a loose tooth)
[Ifa] (any blood? I've got a good line for it, I think.)
[NemnostiGM] (sure, a little, but it was after all a single punch)
Ifa will wipe her hand across her mouth, making sure to get blood on it, then hold it up for the room to see.
[Ifa] This is how you serve our blood? By spilling it?
Ajemika pulls at Hojon, giving you a Knowing Look.
[Ajemika] Come on, father, this is unseemly.
Ifa keeps her gaze for a long moment.
[Ajemika] Hand Ifa, I apologize.
Hojon resists being pulled away by Ajemika at first, but then relents.
Ifa will watch them go.
[Izu] Are you alright, sister?
[Ifa] (How's the room looking?)
[NemnostiGM] Everyone is pretty stunned at what they've just seen. But honestly some of them seem unsurprised.
[Ifa] (q, to Izu) I'll say this for the old man, he still packs a punch.
Ifa will exit after a moment, letting her dad continue to speak to people.
[Izu] Come, let's look at your jaw.
[Ifa] (Probably best to let people sit with that and gossip for a bit, without either me or Hojon in the room.)
[NemnostiGM] Your dad is happy to help serve the greater good of the lineage after you go.
[NemnostiGM] Certainly the news spreads quickly about what happened, so that by the next morning everyone except the most obtuse has heard about the fight.
[NemnostiGM] But as with every war, this is only one battle.
[NemnostiGM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
