Nemnosti session 48
Summary
Session
- Session date: June 7, 2026
- Negili Reckoning date: IE 769, Shosolda
Prologue
[Nemnosti-GM] Acolytes.
* Nemnosti-GM surveys the group disapprovingly.
[Nemnosti-GM] Amasa was busy so she sent me. Hmm. That makes it sound like she's my boss. Hmm. Nope, that won't work.
[Nemnosti-GM] After twenty years you'd think we'd have figured that out.
[Nemnosti-GM] Anyway, she says I should tell you a story ... But, first! I have a complaint to register. It is Shosolda, no longer Pesme, and it is not supposed to be rainy still. I suppose it is good for the plants, but I will be ready for the dry season anytime. Tonight, by these rough embers leftover from what was once a mediocre fire, I am going to remind you of the practices we put in place last year, after some of the nonsense that started. And that I'm reminding you of, because of what has just happened this week.
* Nemnosti-GM scowls darkly in the direction of none of the acolytes in particular, as if someone else is to blame.
[Nemnosti-GM] Always travel in pairs, at least, outside the ulajeta walls, and indeed, in the courtyards and fields, whenever possible. If you leave, other than by the East or West Gates ... well, don't do that! If you do, I promise that The Hoof will not be as kind as I might. As his name should rightly suggest. The more senior acolytes among you, make sure to show everyone the meeting-places. If all else fails, except your feet, get to the Captain's statue. We'd like to see you make it to your Nameways, assuming you don't fail out! All right, then, we'll count that as a story. Now let's get out of the rain!
[Nemnosti-GM] Earlier ...
Verga alerts Izu to strange cedar-y noises and smells coming from the Inner Caves
[Nemnosti-GM] Izu, Kailas is still not speaking with you. You have seen him in his preferred cubby in the library, writing away furiously. As long as it's only words on his own private page, you're not so worried. Let him vent.
[Nemnosti-GM] And you don't think he's stupid enough to do anything especially rash - such individuals are usually weeded out of your Order long before they become true Voices.
[Nemnosti-GM] Still, it creates an awkward mood around the temple, and you are sure that the various visitors to the Ancestors must be able to tell. It feels like a thick sludge of angry reprisals is in the very atmosphere.
[Nemnosti-GM] So this afternoon, you're not altogether surprised when Voice Verga comes out of a consultation in the Inner Caves looking a bit worse for wear.
* Verga holds it all together long enough to escort the visitors, a young newlywed noble couple from Naftusa, out the door, then makes a beeline over to you.
[Verga] Brother ... I have to ask ...
* Verga pauses.
[Izu] Is everything alright, brother?
[Verga] Ahhh ... is there a ... in the Inner Caves, a ... well. A ... happening?
[Verga] I don't even know what to ask.
[Verga] I know things have been strange here lately.
[Verga] And I don't presume to be entitled to know everything. But ... well ... you understand, right?
[Izu] They have indeed been strange. Did something happen in the caves?
[Verga] There was a strange smell, like a forest or something. And I swear there was a sound, like humming. It wasn't my imagination. The visitors heard it too.
[Izu] That is... unusual, yes. Were the visitors alarmed?
[Verga] I, ahh, think I managed to satisfy them that strange things happen in the presence of the ancient Ancestors.
[Verga] But I think the problem is that I am sure the alarm showed on my face as well.
[Izu] I see. Thank you for telling me. I will investigate the matter personally. Did anything else happen?
[Verga] Not to my knowledge, Brother.
[Izu] Very well. If I could ask you not to mention this to anyone for the time being, just to avoid any speculations. These are already tense times.
[Verga] All right.
* Verga says, though he sounds a bit miffed.
* Izu will put a hand on his shoulder.
[Nemnosti-GM] (give me a SM)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+19
* lan-werk2 rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 26 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] You think he's definitely miffed at being excluded / not knowing what is going on, but nothing more serious.
[Izu] I do appreciate you telling me. You did the right thing.
[Verga] Thank you, Izu.
* Izu smiles at him.
* Verga heads off to make sure his noble visitors get escorted to the rest of the iftibal to do the various things that visiting noble pilgrims do.
Izu is pulled into Lurusiru Ula’s forest (?) where he tells Them about the return of the Hulti, Sanar Ula, and about Rupun
* Izu will head into the caves down to where he knows the disturbance came from.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, of course you recognize from Verga's description where it must have been.
[Nemnosti-GM] Even from the hallway, you can smell the cedar and hear the humming - whatever is happening now is stronger.
* Izu will sit near Lurusiru Ula for a few minutes and meditate, breathing in the smell of cedar and focusing on the humming.
[Nemnosti-GM] You feel the same sense of being in Their presence as you felt with Rupun. But this is much stronger - almost as if you are being pulled into the cedar forest around you. You can hear the humming, but it is now a clear, discernable melody, though not one whose tune you recognize.
[Nemnosti-GM] If you want to resist the pull, you may have a Will save.
[Izu] (What is it pulling me to do?)
[Nemnosti-GM] You feel like it's drawing you into the forest. What that means, though, is unclear.
* Izu will not resist, giving himself over to the call. "Lurusiru Ula... Blessed Cedar... please speak to me..."
[Nemnosti-GM] You blink, and find yourself in a lush hilly forest, similar to those of Musune, but impossibly greener and more verdant.
* Izu will look around and slowly stand up.
[Nemnosti-GM] You have a curious sense that you may not only be in a different place, but also a different time.
[Nemnosti-GM] You blink again, and before you, leaning against a tree, is an almost impossibly small person, given who They are. At first They seem almost a child, but you realize after a moment that They are fully adult, though possessed of a sort of childlike innocence nonetheless.
[Nemnosti-GM] Their dark hair extends to shoulder length, and they are wearing a long, old-fashioned robe of the sort you could see in old picture-books.
* Izu will drop into a low bow, prostrating himself before the saint.
[Izu] Blessed Lurusiru...
[Lurusiru] Stand up, you silly goose.
* Izu will look up a bit startled, and then awkwardly stand up again.
[Lurusiru] Who are you?
[Izu] I am Izu Nemnu, called Udul, known to The Lady as Farai. I am a servant of the Grey Carver, who I think you know well.
[Izu] (Nemni)
[Lurusiru] Mmm. Very formal.
* Lurusiru looks at you curiously.
[Lurusiru] You're huthajai. You're not my visitor, though.
[Lurusiru] You're someone new.
[Izu] Your visitor?
* Vess (vesspool-174-113-181-62.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) has joined #nemnosti
[Lurusiru] The Voice who comes by here. Also huthajai. But not you. Your voice is different.
[Izu] Ah. Rupun. Your custodian. He is of your order.
[Lurusiru] Rupun.
* Lurusiru mulls the word over in Their mouth.
[Lurusiru] My ... order?
[Izu] You have been gone for a long time. He is the last of those who serve in your name. He has kept his faith in you for many years.
[Lurusiru] Ah. What is the year?
[Izu] It is... 769...
* Lurusiru nods.
[Izu] As I say... it has been a long time.
[Lurusiru] How is my beloved Nemnu? It has been a long time since She has visited, from what I can sense.
[Lurusiru] Has She given up on me?
[Izu] No. I don't think she is capable of that.
[Izu] She is... worried.
[Lurusiru] About me?
[Izu] Among other things.
[Izu] Will you return to her?
[Izu] (Her)
[Lurusiru] It's very peaceful here.
[Izu] It is.
[Lurusiru] Or it was, until the little girl arrived.
* Izu looks around at the forest.
* Izu smirks slightly.
[Izu] Neighbors are often a nuisance.
[Lurusiru] I'm sure Nemnu thought that of me often, during the war.
* Izu frowns.
[Izu] She misses you.
[Lurusiru] I miss Her. But that isn't the point.
[Izu] What happened between you?
[Lurusiru] I'm not even sure I'm in control of this. If I'm waking up, it's not because I simply choose to do so.
[Lurusiru] It was during the war. After my ulajeta was attacked, my people assaulted. The Emperor let it happen, because I wanted to end the war peacefully.
[Lurusiru] Nemnu was supportive of me, protected me as best she could. But it was never the same. The loss of Lurusiru Osti ... it was too much.
[Izu] And then you came... or were sent... here.
[Lurusiru] Everyone thinks I am dead, don't they? An Ancestor, I mean.
[Izu] Not everyone. But... yes.
[Lurusiru] Including the Emperor.
* Lurusiru asks / states - you're not sure which.
[Izu] Yes.
[Izu] To my knowledge.
[Lurusiru] My sister and I differed, on many issues, during the war especially. But it is good to know that even all these years later, She is protecting me.
[Izu] She has protected you. And she needs you.
[Izu] Lurusiru Ula... The Hulti have returned.
[Lurusiru] Were they ever gone?
[Izu] No.
[Lurusiru] What do they want?
[Izu] What anyone would want. Revenge.
* Lurusiru sighs.
[Lurusiru] Not anyone.
[Lurusiru] Izu, I have lost more than almost anyone else, at the hands of the Hulti warriors.
[Lurusiru] But what value would there be in me turning my attention to them, to destroying them?
[Izu] Then will you return with me? Help us to end this without the destruction of either of us.
[Izu] This place is peaceful, but it is also a prison.
[Lurusiru] I do not think that is a thing I can simply do.
[Lurusiru] I am not ... in control.
[Izu] Who is?
[Lurusiru] Honestly, perhaps none. But when I awoke, it was to the little girl's song.
[Lurusiru] Before that, it was just ... behind a veil, muffled.
[Izu] Her song woke you. Perhaps it can also guide you back.
[Lurusiru] Who is she?
[Izu] A new Saint. Her name is Sanar Ula. She is very young.
[Izu] She did not know of you, or that her song would call you.
[Lurusiru] Is my sister collecting saints now, as She collects books and stray acolytes? She always did like a good collection.
* Izu smirks. "I hardly think two of something can be called a collection."
[Lurusiru] Are there only us two?
[Izu] Unless she is keeping more somewhere that I am not aware of. Which, to be fair, is not an impossibility.
[Izu] The Lady loves Her secrets.
[Lurusiru] Well ... I do not know enough about the year 769 to know what is best, even if I did know how to awaken myself.
[Lurusiru] But if it is appropriate, and not likely to be confusing, do let Rupun know that his visits have always been valued, all these years.
[Izu] I will. With gladness.
[Izu] If we can have Sanar Ula sing again... will you follow it?
[Lurusiru] I will try to, yes.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] Thank you.
[Izu] Is there anything you'd like me to tell Her?
[Lurusiru] I leave it to your judgement as to the words. But do tell her this.
* Lurusiru embraces you.
[Nemnosti-GM] (make a Will save)
[Izu] !roll 1d20+6
* lan-werk2 rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 13 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (that can't be right)
[Nemnosti-GM] (your will save is +11 ... doesn't matter though, you still failed.)
[Izu] (Hum... I need to check the class sheet)
[Nemnosti-GM] As Lurusiru's ... spirit? Whatever this is? As They embrace you, you feel a sense of connection, as if They have a direct connection to your spirit and your organs.
[Nemnosti-GM] You were already emotional, realizing that you are the first person to have a real conversation with Them in over two centuries, but this is almost too much.
[Lurusiru] That is all.
* Izu feels tears running down his face as he breathes in again.
[Izu] Thank you...
[Nemnosti-GM] You find yourself back in the Inner Caves, before Their simple sepulchre.
[Nemnosti-GM] But the scent of Cedar lingers on your robes throughout the day.
Alai finds a modified copy of the Disc of Tethers at the Academy of Ardukh, and investigates it
[Nemnosti-GM] Alai, after your very interesting conversation with Bantomis Hono, you feel certain that whatever copy of the Disc of Tethers is here at the Academy at Ardukh will not be useful. Bantomis suggested Onighus would be the place, which would make some sense - and you know that there, you might be able to rely on Borgegus Ula to help you out.
[Nemnosti-GM] But you can't just leave without at least trying to see the book that is here, in case it's the only one that you can get hold of. So you go to the library, and after an hour or so of waiting, the old librarian Uldibura brings you out the academy's copy of the Disc of Tethers.
* Uldibura hands you the text.
[Uldibura] I'll put you in a private room. When you're done, return it to my hands only.
[Alai] Yes, thank you for your assistance.
[Alai] Let us see what possible if any use you are
[Nemnosti-GM] You settle in and look at the Disc.
* Alai looks at the book
[Nemnosti-GM] The text you are looking at is hardly worthy of the name. It is clearly authentic. Its round pages spiral outward on the page, written in a deep green ink on each page. But even a novice would be able to see that the text can hardly be in its original state.
[Nemnosti-GM] Are you looking for anything in particular?
[Alai] Any references to the binding spells used in Fracture, or anything the could be relate to my current condition and how better to control it.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, give me a K:arcana check
[Alai] !roll 1d20+18
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+18 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 18 ] totals [ 22 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right. The green text is original, but there are omissions and emendations that cannot possibly have been made by a skilled scribe. Some of these appear to be "recent", by which I mean, the last 50 years or so. Would be hard to be more specific than that.
[Nemnosti-GM] As Bantomis had told you, there are no spells attached, as is supposedly the case with the original text, clay aisamonne on a long chain, each with a different incantation, of which Bantomis only ever learned the one, much to his regret.
[Nemnosti-GM] Worst of all, while the title page is intact, it is evident that a page has been torn out immediately following it, listing the chapters and the subjects to be covered. There are other omissions as well, but you can't even tell where to start, or really, what else is missing from this half-book.
[Nemnosti-GM] It does strike you as odd that based on the story Bantomis told you, a page was removed, which fits with the object before you. But why would the contents be the part excised, if that is indeed what happened?
[Nemnosti-GM] The book's vellum and binding, nonetheless, is of good quality, and the small elements that you think are original show that it was made by a skilled hand and a mystic of great power.
[Alai] (Borgegus Ula in Onighus seems the only option now...)
[Alai] (do I have any leads on locating them or will I be using magic to do so?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Sorry, to locate Borgegus? Or to locate other texts on your own?
[Alai] (Borgegus Ula... I dont think I have any other real leads to follow)
[Nemnosti-GM] You know exactly how to get to Borgegus, whose ulajeta you've never visited but Nemnu has a ward there, Ikhesi Nemni, and it's quite normal for visitors to come back and forth.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are confident that if you go there, you can easily get an audience with the Duke of Needs, though whether he can help you or not remains to be seen.
[Alai] (I'm not aware of anything else I might be missing? This cask seems fully tapped at least to my ability)
[Nemnosti-GM] (Yes, presumably)
[Nemnosti-GM] So given all that, it seems like your time in Ardukh is at an end. In Onighus, even though you don't know many people, you do know Ikhesi Nemni, whom She sent to be ward to Borgegus, in an exchange of kin that goes back centuries.
[Nemnosti-GM] You probably have been to Onighus once or twice during your travels, so you can surely teleport to the city itself without too much trouble.
[Alai] (lets keep this moving and I will teleport there)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 28 ].
[Alai] !roll 1d100
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d100 ] getting [ 85 ].
Alai arrives at Onighus and, aided by Ikhesi Nemni, talks to Borgegus Ula who has a source who can examine the Emperor’s copy of the Disc of Tethers and report back
[Nemnosti-GM] Onighus is the great capital city of Khutu, located at the southern end of the Gusu Sea. It is not so much bigger than Ardukh, really, maybe 50,000 at the most. It is a strong harbor and is well situated on the road to the old imperial capital of Omba.
[Nemnosti-GM] But its importance is not military or geographical. The residence of Eluli Ula, the political and spiritual leader of this entire realm, is the Mausoleum, at the center of political and spiritual life here in the city. Not everyone in the realms of the former Empire recognizes Elluli as their emperor, but here in Khutu, anyone would be a fool to deny it.
[Nemnosti-GM] Your time here will not be spent at the mausoleum, but rather at the ulajeta of Borgegus Ula, the Old Novice, the Duke of Needs. You've never been to another ulajeta, but comparing Nemnosti to Borgegus's residence, known as The Maze, is a study in contrasts.
[Nemnosti-GM] As the name suggests, the Maze is a strange complex cobbled together over the centuries, consisting of warehouses, buildings, homes, temples, all next to the Western Harbor. Without aid, you clearly would be lost. Fortunately, you are not lost here, because Borgegus has long been Nemnu's closest ally.
[Nemnosti-GM] If Eluli is the spiritual and political force behind Onighus, Borgegus must surely be at its economic heart. The Maze is seemingly a flurry of activity with caravans of goods, great merchants from every corner of the former Empire and beyond, and a nearly inconceivable crush of bookkeepers, messengers, and other folk scurrying in one direction or another.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are used to thinking of Nemnosti as a typical ulajeta, but the Maze, or Borgosti as it is more formally called, surely is at the other extreme.
[Nemnosti-GM] You can nonetheless get your way to see Ikhesi, at least, with ease, given your status as an acolyte. He's younger than you, but he grew up at the ulajeta. You know that his father Detevus is a stoneguard like Kuspir.
* Ikhesi is dressed in what must be extremely expensive and fashionable silks, bedecked with gold and vumuri shells.
[Ikhesi] Alai, it's good to see you. I heard from Her that you might visit.
* Alai will have dressed up as well, with lots of rings and wrist bangles
[Alai] Am glad to see you as well, and that my arrival was not a surprise.
[Alai] I'll get right to the root of my visit and we can discuss pleasantries afterwards.
* Ikhesi nods.
[Ikhesi] Sounds good.
[Alai] I seek audiance with Borgegus Ula. He has enlightenment on a subject that would aid me.
[Ikhesi] All right, I can arrange that. May I know what the subject is in advance?
[Alai] My Lady has asked me to seek answers in a book that He has knowledge of. It may be somewhat controversial... is hard to say these days.
* Alai shrugs
[Ikhesi] All right. It will not affect His willingness to meet with you, either way.
[Alai] Is good then.
[Ikhesi] I will make the arrangements properly. In the meantime, I will have a bubun come to help you with your bags and take you to some quarters.
[Alai] Now how have things been here for you? Enjoying the big city?
* Ikhesi laughs.
[Ikhesi] Yes, too enjoyable, I'm afraid.
[Ikhesi] I have to return to Nemnosti in a month or two, as my time here is over.
[Ikhesi] But I will miss it.
[Alai] Perhapse you will have opportunity to show me some of the finery you appreciate? I know not how long I will stay.
[Ikhesi] Of course - you should avail yourself of anything here. You have freedom of the Maze as an honoured guest.
[Alai] My thanks to you and to Him for such hospitality... is much larger than most I've been to but I am quick navigator.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you have a few hours to enjoy yourself and the luxuries of Borgosti before eventually, Ikhesi comes to you and escorts you from your chambers to meet Borgegus Ula.
[Nemnosti-GM] You are brought in to see the saint. You knew at least roughly what to expect, but it is still strange to see such an ancient and revered figure in the body of a handsome youth. He is arrayed in luxurious noble garb in the most modern fashion, including heavy chains of gold.
[Nemnosti-GM] The long marble room is apportioned in a way you've seen in books about the old Empire, full of grand tapestries and ancient vases, arrayed for display rather than for any practicality.
[Alai] (large baths... she enjoys large fancy baths.)
* Borgegus has cleared the room to give you privacy, other than a couple of bubunne.
[Borgegus] Alai of the Vegru. That is an interesting name. I do not think I know of Clan Vegru. I know the Vegara, but there have not been any of those for centuries. And there is a Jegru, but they are from Daligash, and you do not look Daligashi ... at all. What are you, anyway?
[Alai] I am from Leutka. The Vegru is a name of the lineage I have taken on while at Nemnosti. Distant relations. You many have hear of my orignal. Aathuvansi.
[Borgegus] That is interesting. And you are one of my sister's apprentices. She has interesting taste, then, perhaps more interesting than I had anticipated.
[Borgegus] I am probably responsible for the deaths of more than one of your kin. Indirectly, of course.
[Borgegus] My work supplied the Imperial fleets during the Blue Storm.
[Alai] So there is much red in the sea all around then. She has an eye for capability, my Lady does.
[Borgegus] So, how can I help you, Aathuvansi Alai?
[Alai] I am seeking a book. The Disc of Tethers. I should have information that will help me and Her.
[Borgegus] Now that is a name I have not heard in some time.
[Alai] (it... not I)
[Borgegus] The only complete copy, I believe, lies within the Mausoleum itself. The Emperor has not seen fit to share His bounty with the rest of us to date. Should I ask Him for it?
[Alai] Would He share if asked?
[Borgegus] He would surely not.
[Borgegus] And, if I am not misjudging the situation, you, and my sister, do not particularly care for Him to know of this inquiry.
[Alai] I have been told nothing explicit to keep such information from Him, although I was also advised there is no need enlighten Him either.
[Alai] Your words imply other copies. I have seen the example at Ardukh.
[Borgegus] What is its condition?
[Alai] Incomplete
[Borgegus] Regrettably, it may be the most intact one remaining, except for the one He holds. There is one also in Basai, at the great Academy of Dundures, or so I understand, but I do not have good contacts there.
[Borgegus] But all is not lost.
[Borgegus] I am the Duke of Needs - and it seems that this need is yours - and my honoured sister's. And thus I must oblige.
[Borgegus] I may not be able to get you the text to hold in your hands - at least, not yet. But I can, with relative speed - a span of weeks or a month - get eyes on the full text.
[Borgegus] I have any number of ... assistants ... located in various places of power and influence within the Empire.
[Borgegus] At least one of those - and I will be discreet here to protect their security - is within the Mausoleum, in a place where they would have access to such materials as the original Disc of Tethers.
[Alai] I am pleased you are able to assist, and so quickly.
[Borgegus] If you need the text itself to hold in your hands - that is a much longer project. Years, perhaps.
[Borgegus] But if you could do with a full description and report, perhaps to allow you to compare to the version you have seen, that would be possible.
[Alai] I can comprise what information I have and what details would be of most use for You to aim your inquiries.
[Borgegus] That would be useful.
[Borgegus] The more information you have, the more efficient my eyes can be, as they may not have unlimited time with the text.
[Alai] I will do so as soon as we are finished here. My thanks again. If there is anything I can do for You while I am here, please ask, and I will aid in how I best can.
[Borgegus] There is indeed. I do have a favour to ask in return. You have the ability to teleport, so I understand. And are you are returning right to Nemnosti after your stay here?
[Alai] That is my intention yes.
[Borgegus] I have two guests to accompany you back. Ghalaimi Gamusuldi, cousin of your hengi, and Sohozai Borgegi, my young andelon.
[Nemnosti-GM] (give me a Linguistics check)
[Alai] !roll 1d20+12
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 18 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] You recognize the word must be in Helombesh, the old language. You never studied it closely, having found it hard enough to learn regular Ombesh.
[Nemnosti-GM] But that word, you do recall from one ancient text. It's something like "bounty", but that seems maybe not quite the right sense.
[Alai] Your andelon? Is not a term I am familiar with.
[Borgegus] Ahahah, I see that the joke has not been preserved in the high hills.
[Borgegus] It means ... an exchanged prisoner, I suppose. At the end of battle, with bubunne carrying the merely dead back to their kin.
[Borgegus] My sister and I used to use the term in a jocular way, to refer to the wards we send to one another.
[Borgegus] Perhaps as she gets old, she finds it in bad taste.
[Borgegus] But then, I am nearly two centuries older than the Alabaster Lady.
[Borgegus] When Ikhesi - who would also be an andelon - returns to Nemnosti in a month or two, when my Bistu returns to me, I will send with him any report I have about the Disc. Or sooner, if I have it.
[Alai] Is not for me to say. At sea the wounded simply drown and are lost. Your conversations with my Lady are for eachother.
[Borgegus] I do see why She likes you, Aathuvansi Alai. She has always chosen well.
[Borgegus] And I look forward to learning who my sister will be sending me next, both as andelon, and remarkable visitors such as yourself.
[Alai] You request will be done when I leave. My thanks again.
Kuspir and Ifa are “sparring” with Fracture in the gardens when bubunne are affected by some kind of Unkind effect and attack them with petrifying blows
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir and Ifa, you don't really need an excuse to spend time together, but finding time alone together is always tricky. There's always an awkward kid or stoneguard or whatever in the way. But you're clever people, and you can think of a few things.
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you've been wanting to do some more serious sparring with Fracture, using something that isn't a cloth dummy stuffed with straw on a pole. So instead of that, you're out in the South Garden, with Ifa keeping close tabs on eight sturdy bubunne.
[Nemnosti-GM] It is lightly raining, which is convenient enough for the two of you as it keeps the onlookers away. The gardens are all planted but it is too early for the first harvest of anything, so you have a big open space south of the orchards and Limping Hall to do your work.
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you've sparred with bubunne many times before, but never with a sword, and certainly never with a sword that talks back. Of course, you hope to not do any serious damage to them, but stoneguards know that the defense of the Ancestors' spirits must sometimes come at the expense of their bodies.
[Nemnosti-GM] You can't help but think of what you learned from the Ancestor stoneguard, Lurokai Fijem, about how the Emperor's forces during the Great Purge brought back the relatives of Hulti as bubun to fight their own living families. You know this is different, but even so...
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, you're mostly using the opportunity to, uhh, observe Kuspir in action. You do need to keep an eye on the bubunne but as long as you only have one or two in action at any time, it's not especially taxing.
[Nemnosti-GM] (Kuspir, what would you be wearing for such a practice? Just asking for those who may be curious)
[Kuspir] (well, I assume the bubunne will not be hitting back, but I would at least want to be wearing basic armor because I assume part of the purpose of practicing with the sword is getting accustomed to using it with my armor on. probably no helmet though?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (ok, makes sense)
[Fracture] I think she likes you.
* Fracture remarks in your head, after a particularly deft move.
[Kuspir] What makes you say that?
[Fracture] I don't know, just an intuition, maybe. Or maybe it's that you like her. Your palms are a little sweaty.
[Kuspir] Mmhmm. Interesting.
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, give me a Perception check, please.
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+15
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 25 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, you see something out of the corner of your eye. Movement, over by the bubunne that you had instructed to stand awaiting your instructions.
[Ifa] *will look more closely in that direction.*
[Nemnosti-GM] One of the bubunne is not moving so much as it is ... wavering, or shimmering.
[Nemnosti-GM] (I marked it on the specific one in roll20)
[Nemnosti-GM] (If you're looking for everything, you're in the southeast, near #26)
[Ifa] Kuspir, do you see that?
* Kuspir turns to look
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you don't see anything amiss.
[Ifa] *will stop the bubun he's fighting for the moment and start walking towards the shimmering one.*
[Kuspir] I don't see anything - what are you looking at?
[Nemnosti-GM] As you approach, you can see the shimmering better. That's not the right word exactly - it's not with light, but with smoky greyness emerging from a crack in its chest. You've never seen anything like this happen to a bubun, but you have seen this kind of thing before, ever since Alai cured your blindness.
[Ifa] There's something off with that bubun.
[Ifa] *points.*
* Kuspir will come closer to look
[Ifa] It...has a crack in it?
[Nemnosti-GM] Are you still approaching? (You should be able to place yourself where you want)
[Ifa] (My plan is to walk up to it unless something happens first.)
[Nemnosti-GM] The bubun moves towards you, Ifa, with a speed you've never seen before in a bubun, and strikes at you.
[Fracture] Whoa!
* Kuspir is also startled
[Kuspir] (can I use Take the Hit if I'm adjacent to her?)
[Nemnosti-GM] !roll 1d20+13
* lan-werk2 rolls for Nemnosti-GM: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 26 ].
[Kuspir] (I mean assuming it hits her)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yuuuup)
[Ifa] (I imagine I don't have armor or weapons, so, yeah, that hits me even more than it would have :P )
[Nemnosti-GM] The bubun punches you in the chest, hard.
[Nemnosti-GM] !roll 3d6
* lan-werk2 rolls for Nemnosti-GM: [ 3d6 ] getting [ 1 1 4 ] for a total of [ 6 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] (ok, not that hard)
[Kuspir] (I take half of that)
[Nemnosti-GM] Make a Fortitude save.
[Kuspir] (both of us?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (no just Ifa)
[Nemnosti-GM] Take the Hit doesn't pertain to any non-damage or special effects
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 22 ].
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, Ifa, you see a portion of your robes melt away as if by acid, but it doesn't get through to your skin.
[Ifa] (Do we need to roll init?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yeah let's go on voice and switch over to roll20 totally)
* Kuspir will check on Ifa first of all
[Ifa] Kuspir, watch out! I don't have control anymore!
[Kuspir] Are you all right?
[Ifa] Is it...are they down?
[Nemnosti-GM] You fight two Unkind-affected bubunne who strike at you with fists that slowly petrify, and with great use of hallowed power and Kuspir's greatsword Fracture, they are reduced to Ancestors.
[Kuspir] those two are - are the other ones affected by... whatever that was?
[Fracture] What the hell was that?
[Ifa] No, I don't think so. Kuspir, I can't see. I can't *move*.
* Kuspir will try to pick Ifa up if I can
* Kuspir will sheathe the sword to do it, or drop it if I have to
[Ifa] *will start undoing her mebel to cover up since her altala is in tatters.*
[Ifa] (Can I see through a bubun's eyes *and* control/puppet it at the same time?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Yes, you can do that Ifa.
[Nemnosti-GM] Obviously the one you had puppeted is now cloven in twain.
[Ifa] *will do that with one of the one's standing by so I can have it follow along with Kuspir so I can see.)
[Nemnosti-GM] OK, no problem, you now have a bubun proxy while you stand out here getting rained on with the five remaining bubunne.
* Kuspir will start moving slowly, carrying Ifa, towards the ulajeta interior
[Kuspir] It's okay, I've got you.
[Ifa] *smiles softly.*
[Ifa] I know.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, within a short time, you can get to others who can assist you.
[Kuspir] (I will speak to Fracture when I can, but if you need to move on that's fine)
[Nemnosti-GM] Ifa, it takes a few hours, but eventually your legs can move again, although it will take a full day before you have full mobility again.
[Ifa] (And my sight? Just to check?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Similarly your sight comes back - slowly, and of course there's always a kind of smoky glaze over your vision at all times, ever since your blindness.
[Nemnosti-GM] Soon, the ulajeta is on alert, once the nature of what happened becomes clear, although no one knows quite how to respond.
Kuspir comforts Ifa and they discuss whether Fracture might have caused the bubunne to turn Unkind
* Kuspir will stay with Ifa while she's recovering, hanging about with concern
[Ifa] I think I'm okay, really.
[Ifa] *says vaguely in Kuspir's direction as she's still recovering her eyesight.*
[Kuspir] Even so.
[Kuspir] Can you tell me more about what you saw? When it was happening, you seemed like you could see something, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
[Ifa] Well, I see lots of things out of the ordinary.
[Ifa] *gestures at her eyes.*
[Ifa] But it was...like they had cracks in them. The bubun, I mean, with this grey smoke or something coming out.
* Kuspir frowns
[Kuspir] I wonder if it had anything to do with Fracture.
[Kuspir] but then I would have thought it might start with the one I was practicing with first... I don't know.
[Kuspir] it also seemed like it hurt Fracture to hit them. I know that sounds strange.
[Kuspir] but that's why it threw itself out of my hands at one point, I think. It didn't want to keep hitting them because it was in pain.
[Ifa] Well...I think UnKindness, whatever that other side-other thing?-is, it's connected.
[Ifa] So perhaps harming it harmed Fracture? Is it okay?
[Kuspir] I'm not sure.
[Kuspir] I'm not sure how to tell if a sword is ... injured.
[Ifa] Is it still talking?
[Kuspir] It is. It seems .. shaken up, I guess I could say.
[Ifa] Had it ever encountered anything similar before?
[Kuspir] I don't think so.
[Ifa] Hmm.
[Ifa] It was able to spread to the second bubun, which is concerning, to say the least.
[Ifa] That's why I sent the others away.
[Kuspir] It was quick thinking. If it had spread to the rest, I think things would have been much worse.
[Ifa] *nods.*
[Ifa] We managed it okay, together. :)
* Kuspir smiles a little at that
[Ifa] I don't want people to be afraid of the bubunne, but we'll need to tell people to be on the lookout for odd behavior.
[Kuspir] Yes, good idea. And since you can see what it looks like, you should hopefully be able to spot if it happens again, before anything gets too out of hand.
[Ifa] Here's hoping.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] Well... I can let you get some rest, if you want. I don't want to hover over you if it's keeping you from resting.
[Ifa] *smirks.*
[Ifa] I mean, I'm not up to *truly* not resting right now, but, no, you're not keeping me. That said, I don't want to keep you from your duties. I'm sure there's security concerns regarding this.
[Kuspir] I feel like, having been injured in the line of duty, I'm entitled to rest a bit myself.
[Ifa] Then I am happy to have the company. :)
* Kuspir will stay there, then
Marga and Rechegoko discuss what it means to be married, what it means to not have a lineage, and whether Rupun is crazy for thinking that Lurusiru is returning
[Nemnosti-GM] Marga, since your return from Momichas, you can't help but feeling like you just had the most momentous week of your life and now you ... are just back to normal?
[Nemnosti-GM] You are starting to think that being vulture-married isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Crack ... ugh, that word again.
[Nemnosti-GM] Rechegoko has been spending a lot of time up at his little camp, which is pretty quickly becoming a permanent fixture up there by the old Lurusiri village. Which is okay, right?
[Nemnosti-GM] Fortunately, whatever 'assistant Warden' or 'assistant to the Warden' or whatever job title Sister Hush gave you, doesn't require too much work, not that you mind work of course! So today you're up there helping Rechegoko, who is building out the west wall of his little habitation.
[Nemnosti-GM] You're using old cut stone from local materials that Rupun has authorized Rechegoko to take from the old village. It's not from the old ruined ulajeta, but some of the outbuildings. Even still, it feels strange to be building a new house out of a place like Lurusiru village.
* Rechegoko is shirtless, in the rain, carrying a big slab of stone over to lay it flat as part of the new wall.
[Rechegoko] So .. uhh ... I've been thinking.
[Rechegoko] What do we do now?
[Marga] What do you mean?
[Rechegoko] I just mean ... I don't know. Do we need to tell people? What happens when we do?
[Marga] About... the feathers?
[Rechegoko] Yeah. Like ... you know that lots of lowlanders don't even believe Ushukuna is real.
[Rechegoko] Like, are you just going to say "yeah, we got married by our imaginary giant vulture mom"?
[Marga] Who cares what they believe, that's like not believing in rocks.
[Marga] *Nemnu* knows She's real; that should be good enough for anyone here, anyway
[Rechegoko] Yeah. I guess. And like, I mean, I guess she took our names from us, which is like ... good too, I guess?
[Marga] Yeah!
[Rechegoko] So like, I'm not a Naznaz and you're not a Gago ... right?
[Marga] That's the weirder part for me I think... 'Cuase I mean... I don't feel any different, you know?
[Marga] In that way?
[Marga] But my Dad.. .he'd have to listen to Mother right?
[Rechegoko] Right.
[Rechegoko] That I do know, for sure.
[Marga] If SHe says I'm not... 'his'.
[Rechegoko] I just think he might still be angry and take it out on me.
[Marga] Well, we can give it back.
* Rechegoko lays down a slab.
[Rechegoko] Here, come help me shift this.
[Marga] Sure!
* Marga comes over to lend a hand.
[Rechegoko] And then I just mean ... what now?
[Marga] I guess... this? I mean, we're kinda doing it aren't we?
[Marga] Building things, together.
[Rechegoko] I guess. I think Rupun still hopes I will become a Lurusiri.
[Marga] You can if you want.
[Marga] Is that what you want?
[Rechegoko] Well ...
* Rechegoko seems really torn, as if deciding what to say.
[Marga] Or did you just not wanna be a Naznaz?
[Rechegoko] As your husband I shouldn't be keeping secrets from you, right?
[Marga] Prooobably not?
[Rechegoko] I really don't know how all this works.
[Rechegoko] OK, so here's the thing. He talks to himself, a lot.
[Rechegoko] Rupun, I mean.
[Marga] Yeah?
[Rechegoko] I think he thinks that Lurusiru is coming back.
[Marga] Huh.
[Marga] Is that... is that even possible?
[Rechegoko] They're *dead*. An Ancestor. Nothing comes back from that.
[Marga] I guess.
[Rechegoko] So am I hanging out with a crazy person?
[Marga] I guess... you could ask him about it?
[Marga] Maybe it's um... a metaphor or something.
[Marga] Or if he really is losing it maybe we should tell someone at Nemnosti :x
[Rechegoko] I did ask, and he just looked at me strangely and said that there are many mysteries to be revealed.
[Rechegoko] I know that Voices are weird and keep secrets.
[Rechegoko] But it's like, he's having me get ready for something here. Not just for me, but for others.
* Marga scrunches up her face.
[Marga] OK that *is* weird.
[Rechegoko] Like, I did tell him about being married, and he wanted to know how soon we were going to have kids.
[Marga] Ew.
[Rechegoko] Which, uhh, we didn't really talk about.
[Marga] Gross Rupun, inappropes.
[Marga] Well I'm friends with a priest guy.
[Marga] He's not *that* weird.
[Rechegoko] Yeah, maybe Izu can help.
[Marga] I'll ask him about it.
[Nemnosti-GM] As you are chatting, Lijun comes in in a hurry.
[Marga] Oh hey Lijun! :)
[Lijun] Marga, you need to get back to the ulajeta. There's been an attack.
[Marga] Oh no!!! Another one??
[Marga] Is anyone hurt bad?
* Marga asks while picking up her weapon.
[Lijun] Different. Some bubun went crazy, attacked Kuspir and Ifa. They're injured, but not too bad I think.
[Marga] Fuckbutts. Ok I gotta go... I'll be back soon.
* Marga gives Rechegoko a lil kiss before going.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you head back to the ulajeta with Lijun. You note that all of the bubunne have been put away and are not out on the grounds at all.
[Nemnosti-GM] You can find out what has happened (through various means) - but mainly, you and the other vultures are put to work guarding and making sure that everything is secure, which it seems to be, for now.
[Marga] Weird not to see any deaders hangin around...:x
Jevai brings Ozh to meet Eng-dur and they discuss the Rinimuldu fable; Eng-dur perceives Jevai’s double reaching out to him
[Nemnosti-GM] Jevai, they say that Pebbles are often eaten alive in the process of their training. After the last couple of weeks of hanging around Eng-dur, you wonder whether they meant it literally.
[Nemnosti-GM] Your notes on Eng-dur's condition bear all the evidence of your lack of expertise in these sorts of things. You are no herbalist, as working beside one of the empire's best reminds you.
[Nemnosti-GM] So inevitably, you turn to the strange text you found, the Rinimuldu, with its reference to Rinim, who came back from apparent death and could only drink wine thereafter. Books: those, you understand.
[Nemnosti-GM] But the manuscript is at least five hundred years old, and probably, based on the language, composed centuries before that. It hardly makes any real sense.
[Nemnosti-GM] Which, unfortunately, brings you back to people. But if Eng-dur cannot help shed light on his own condition - and frankly, he seems so happy to be alive that he hardly seems to care about his new diet - you know in your spleen that there is more to it than that.
[Nemnosti-GM] So it occurs to you that maybe Ozh can help out here - she knows more about tales and lore than almost anyone. And you remember it was from her that you first learned a version of Wee Famai's Hill.
[Nemnosti-GM] (how would you like to arrange this meeting?)
[Jevai] (Does Eng-dur care enough to come?)
[Jevai] (If yes I'll send her a message and see if she can meet me in a quiet corner of the library or some work space I have for dealing with collections space. If not, I'll just see if i can find her)
[Nemnosti-GM] Eng-dur probably doesn't care enough on his own, but he does care about things you care about, and obviously feels like he owes you big-time. So yes, he'll do whatever you ask within reason.
[Nemnosti-GM] And Ozh, of course, does not need any excuse to meet with you in the library for a quiet rendezvous.
[Jevai] (well I son't *need* him, per sey, so whatever works better for the scene ;)
[Jevai] thanks for coming Ozh
[Ozh] Hi Jevai! What's up?
[Jevai] I'm looking into something strange, of course, and I'm wondering if you might know any tales that might give me some insight
[Ozh] Sure, I can help!
[Jevai] I hope so.
[Jevai] I'll start with a story of sorts - have you ever heard of a poem, called the Rinimuldu?
[Ozh] Uhh, yeah. I don't know if I've read it before, though.
[Jevai] its about a man who came back from the dead, or form something liek death, and afterwards could inly drink wine
[Jevai] this is pre-empire - I suppose it is possible he was shorore and rthat it was not understood, but that. too, would be unusual
[Jevai] of course, its an ancient poem, who can say if it is true
[Ozh] Interesting! I mean, there are a lot of weird stories.
[Jevai] but - do you know any stories like that? Where someone died, and they came back changed, not as Shoror, but as something else?
[Ozh] Do you have it here? Let me just read it quickly.
[Jevai] died, or was thought dead, or disappeared for a time and came back
[Jevai] I havd a copy
* Jevai can give her that (for convenience sake)
* Ozh looks at it.
[Ozh] You kind of missed the most important part.
[Ozh] All this stuff about time.
[Ozh] I don't know why the drinking part is interesting at all.
[Jevai] (what is she talkign about :v)
[Jevai] (Also *is* ED here or not)
[Ozh] (not yet - he's going to come by, but he works on his own time)
[Jevai] The drinking is what brought me to it...
[Ozh] I mean, maybe Rinim was just a drunk. But maybe not. Maybe he is drinking because he came back different, and wants to dull whatever was going on with him.
[Ozh] What do you think the drinking is about?
[Jevai] if the drinking is metahphorical, then his experience of time could be seen that way too.
[Jevai] (is Word Out about Eng-Dur yet?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (yes, in the sense that people who know him have certainly noticed him around the ulajeta. But most people here have never met him so his presence would be unremarkable)
[Jevai] you know I've had a guest here, yes?
[Ozh] Yeah, your ... Upward?
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] I've foudn him, but like in the story, he's changed in strange ways. he can't eat normal food
[Ozh] Oh, strange. So he can only drink wine?
[Jevai] no... and so far as I know, time passes normally for him.
[Jevai] Maybe, if that is not the case, it will only become apparent later
[Ozh] This story reminds me of the Lady's courses on Upness.
* Jevai nods
[Ozh] "A fast runner can, with luck and in good weather, leave Ai Dandura at dawn and reach Nemnosti by nightfall. Yet that day's journey is a hundred years or more."
[Eng-dur] That *is* interesting.
* Eng-dur says, wandering by as if he hadn't been listening from somewhere.
[Jevai] ahh, hello Upward
[Ozh] Oh! This is him?
[Jevai] yes
* Jevai can make introductions
[Eng-dur] I do think it's fascinating that where herbal treatments fail, now you're trying to treat me with literature.
[Jevai] its not an matter of 'treatment', per sey
[Ozh] It's often said that Nemnu experiences time differently than we do, but not only that, differently than other saints do.
[Jevai] I think its worth trying to understand, in case there are other consequences
[Ozh] People used to write about it quite a lot - Her ability to perceive through time, as we would perceive through space. Not just metaphorically - or if metaphorically, not only that.
* Jevai nods
[Eng-dur] I don't think I have anything like that ... but how would I know, I suppose?
* Eng-dur pauses ... staring at you, strangely.
[Jevai] no but perhaps if there is something off in reference to tiem, and yourself, She would be able to see it?
[Jevai] what?
[Eng-dur] I'm seeing double, Pebble. But not everything - just you. All of a sudden.
[Jevai] Are we doing the same things?
* Eng-dur shakes his head.
[Ozh] I don't see anything.
* Jevai will see if she can ...pereive? anything different about herself
[Jevai] what are we both doing then?
* Jevai nods to Ozh though
[Eng-dur] I don't quite understand it.
[Eng-dur] It's like the other you is trying to reach out to me.
[Jevai] can you reach her?
[Jevai] (if I can't preceive anything normall I'll slate a Detect magic)
* Eng-dur reaches out, then shakes his head.
[Eng-dur] Nothing.
[Jevai] can hyou hear her...me?
[Eng-dur] I think she's afraid. I think ... she's not alone.
[Jevai] can you see anyone else who is *not*...also in this room?
[Jevai] A masked person?
[Eng-dur] !roll 1d20+17
* lan-werk2 rolls for Eng-dur: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 21 ].
* Eng-dur shakes his head.
[Eng-dur] No, but there could be another person there.
[Nemnosti-GM] Just at that moment, Jorota enters the room.
[Jorota] OK, everyone, we're clearing the library, just as a precaution. Everyone back to their rooms.
[Jevai] what's happening?
[Jorota] There was an attack. Bubun attacked Kuspir and Ifa.
[Jorota] They're ok, we think.
[Jevai] alright...
* Jevai looks to Eng-Dur
[Jevai] does she move with me?
[Jevai] or weill we lose her if we leave here
[Eng-dur] Vaguely - like she's tied to you loosely.
[Jevai] okay
[Jevai] We'll go, but slowly
[Jevai] Tell me if something happens
[Ozh] All right, be safe, and I'll see you around.
[Jevai] you too
[Jevai] Please let me know i you think of anything
[Ozh] I will.
[Eng-dur] So, you want me to come back with you?
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] this si not a good time for outsiders to be wandering around unaccompanied
[Eng-dur] I obey, then.
[Nemnosti-GM] All right, you return to your chambers with Eng-dur.
[Eng-dur] I think ... I think it's leaving? Fading?
* Jevai sighs
[Jevai] hopefully she's alright
[Eng-dur] I hope so. I hope we're all alright.
[Jevai] me too.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!
