Nemnosti session 49

Summary

Session

Session date: July 5, 2026

Prologue

[Nemnosti-GM] Good evening, acolytes.
* Nemnosti-GM pauses, composing her thoughts.
[Nemnosti-GM] I know you're all a little stunned; I am too.
[Nemnosti-GM] I, ahh ... well.
[Nemnosti-GM] Here at Nemnosti we are accustomed to strangeness, so much so that we get accustomed to pilgrims and visitors amazed at things we take for granted.
[Nemnosti-GM] Giant statue of the Captain? Ho hum. The Lanky Stones sitting open for anyone to see? Trivial. The ulajeta itself, built over so many generations to its present massive size? Ordinary.
[Nemnosti-GM] I want you to sit in the strangeness this evening. I want you to remember this and decades later, when you tell your grandchildren what it was like.
[Nemnosti-GM] Make it strange for them. Make it strange.
[Nemnosti-GM] We live in the Lady's shadow, but even She, today, feels displaced, I am sure. And so I want to give you permission to sit with that feeling, even as what comes next remains unclear.
[Nemnosti-GM] Earlier ...

The team convenes with Nemnu to discuss the strange bubun attack on Ifa and Kuspir

[Nemnosti-GM] It is Nalaltu, and the spring rains have given way to the long summer months leading up to Romokh.
[Nemnosti-GM] The ulajeta is abuzz with the sequestration of the bubunne, not least because it means more work for everyone during this period. All of you have been asked to do your part.
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you've been working with Ghorgimbe to make sure that the defense of the ulajeta is at the forefront. Easy to forget the importance of bubunne as watchers - they just are there, most of the time, silent observers across the Pardopasu.
[Nemnosti-GM] You're all very glad to have Alai back, after her long research trip away. You are sure her expertise will be useful here.
[Nemnosti-GM] But the bubun problem is only at the surface - so many things have been going on.
[Nemnosti-GM] And so, unsurprisingly, you find yourself in Nemnu's grand salon, where Izu has arranged everything for what promises to be a long meeting.
[Nemnosti-GM] Assembled, you settle in at the great table, where Nemnu sits at the head, where she has been positioned to look down over you.
[Nemnu] It has been too long since I gathered you together. It should not have taken such a weighty event to do so. We have much to discuss.
[Nemnu] But let us start with the matter of the bubunne. What do we know?
[Ifa] At least two were afflicted by some sort of...I'm not sure how to describe it. 'Violent fit', perhaps?
[Kuspir] While I was using some for training with Fracture, some of them began to attack us and hit with strikes that seemed to slow us and stop us from moving. Ifa was able to see something odd about them.
[Ifa] Their attacks likewise had some form of dissolution capability.

Jevai raises the unusual experience of Eng-dur seeing the Fractured Jevai, and whether the Hulti/Writhing might have caused the bubun attack, and why

[Jevai] I have a theory, about this
[Ifa] Oh?
[Jevai] but i don't know how to...test it, or what to do if I am correct
[Ifa] What is it?
[Jevai] around the same time, perhaps slightly after, the attack, Eng-Dur told me that he saw...the other me, The Fractured Jevai, reaching out to him
[Jevai] I think she may not have been alone, that she is still with Gunuremai
[Alai] The Fractured Jevai?
[Jevai] Marga has told me also that, according to her Other Mother, Ushukuna, the Writhing....that fracture of the Hulti who hate us particularly, seek to use the Abyss's power against us
[Jevai] I think that... this may be her first attempt to do so
* Jevai looks at alai.
[Jevai] You have been greatly missed.
[Kuspir] Making it so that we are unable to use the bubun would be a thing the Hulti might do. Perhaps they think if they can make us fear the possibility of them turning against us, we will stop using them.
[Jevai] and punish us for using them, yes
[Ifa] For the moment, it's definitely a concern.
[Kuspir] As well, striking these affected bubun also seemed to hurt Fracture, as if it was pained by touching them. It seemed distressed by the experience.
[Jevai] yes, which shoudl not be, if they were truly Unkind in the way we know it.
[Ifa] I got the sense that the connection of UnKindness meant Fracture striking them was akin to it striking itself.
[Ifa] How do you mean?
[Jevai] Fracture is unkind.
[Ifa] Right.
[Alai] Is worrisom if Hulti have found a way to bind Unkindness into the bubun.
[Kuspir] Ifa is able to perceive when a bubun is affected but she can't be constantly keeping watch over all of them.
[Jevai] yes
[Jevai] I believe Eng-Dur can perceive things in the shallows, or of them, as well, due to his nature... whatever that it
[Ifa] They appear to have their own fracture, a rift in them out of which spills...UnKindness? I'm not sure.
[Ifa] I should talk to him to compare our capabilities.
[Ifa] Or at least perceptions.
[Jevai] possibly they have found some way to.... invert it, or turn it back, the way they do with physical attacks... pull form some other... path? I'm not sure, I don't really understand their powers
[Alai] There is much I've missed.
[Ifa] (To Jevai) Sorry, I wanted to clarify what you were saying a moment ago. Why would Fracture being pained by striking the afflicted bubunne mean they're not truly UnKind?
[Jevai] It is only a theory.... but it is not bothered by other forms of Unkindness
[Jevai] I think?
[Jevai] and the effect of their strikes that you describe, I think, is different form the effect of beingstruck by fracture. perhaps it can explain
[Kuspir] It seemed confused by the whole experience, but I can try to talk to it further. Maybe with a bit of distance from the stress of the moment it will have other ideas.
[Nemnu] I do find it interesting - and more than coincidence - that your Upward would perceive your Fraction just at the same time, or nearly so, as this event. If Gunuremai is behind this, then Kuspir and Jevai's experiences in the ... Deep, Abyss, whatever we would call it, are likely pertinent.
[Nemnu] It does still leave the question of how Gunuremai could do this, if not through Fracture.
[Nemnu] Why, at the moment and place where Fracture was being wielded? Although, if it is Gunuremai, surely Medimur's presence alone could be enough explanation.
[Alai] Have we considered why Fracture was hidden so? This weapon of great power, why not keep it at the Emperor's side to be used when needed?
[Kuspir] If it was through Fracture directly, I would have thought it would affect the bubun that I had struck first of all, but it didn't seem to be the case.
[Ifa] I'm curious how much she knew in targetting when and where she did.
[Ifa] By which I mean...Kuspir was right there, weapon in hand. And I was there, someone capable of isolating the other bubunne.

They discuss whether Fracture could have caused or incited the attack, or provided a means for others to do so

[Ifa] Did she *want* Kuspir to use Fracture on them?
[Ifa] Perhaps she assumed I would try to use the other bubunne to fight, and thus allow them to be infected as well?
[Alai] Let me propose somtething...Lets call Abyss like the bottom of a lake, and we are floating on top in boat... the full depth of water between us... is very hard to get to bottom unless you have means to.
[Jevai] possibly it was a test
[Kuspir] Because I wasn't sure what might be happening, I did put the bubun that were affected to rest. I suppose in a way that serves their purpose.
[Ifa] *nods to Alai.*
[Nemnu] That decision was for the best, Medimur.
[Alai] Fracture is like load of silt from bottom... weights the boat down, closer to the bottom now, easier to reach to it. Its presence makes the layer between shallow.
[Alai] easier to reach down, also easier to reach up... maybe that is how Gunuremai is reaching out.
[Ifa] So, and sorry to muddle your metaphor, you think Fracture acts as a conduit from there to here? Do we need to isolate it, then?
[Alai] Is therory. I can try to test it, and if true we may need to take action.
[Kuspir] I've been struggling with where to keep it safely, leave it still accessible for me if I need it, but not let any others reach it. Your apprentice is overly curious, for one thing.
[Izu] Test it how?
* Kuspir says to Alai
[Alai] Staying with my analogy... try and reach the bottom of the lake.
[Izu] Are you sure that's wise?
[Alai] Until we prove or disprove, caution with Fracture is prudent.
[Nemnu] Fracture is not the only source of Unkindness here at the ulajeta.
[Alai] Is this the Stone or is it Eng-Dur... just guess on my part?
[Jevai] Hmm.
[Jevai] I don't tyhink he is unkind

They discuss the ideas relating to the Shallow and the Deep, and other sources of Unkindness at the ulajeta

[Nemnu] We certainly do not know enough about the effects of our new guest's presence - but my understanding is that he was in what Gunuremai has called the Shallow, not the Deep.
[Jevai] but. he can oly eat stones
[Ifa] That seems like it might be relevant, but I certainly don't know how.
[Jevai] and there is a connection to stone, with unkindness...
[Nemnu] I can already see the look in your eyes that suggests you are going to write a treatise on this subject, Hestur.
[Jevai] there is much more I need to understand before attempting any such thing!
* Ifa smiles fondly at that response.
[Izu] Speaking of treatises, perhaps I should search the library. Maybe something like what happened to the bubun has been seen before.
[Alai] the Shallow is where Gunuremai took you to that time Jevai?
[Jevai] yes, and where Eng-Dur was. But I think, when we went to the Abyss is when I became fractured.... i think
[Nemnu] To our understanding, there are two kinds of place, the Shallow, which is a place of whispers, mists, shadows and silences. And the Deep is ... well, you, Ozel, call it Abyss, and yes, I agree with Jevai that our experiences at the crack in the Fingerprint are relevant here.
[Jevai] Gunuremai knows these spaces
[Nemnu] It is also relevant, surely, that that is where Kuspir was ... deposited, after his experience with Jevai and Gunuremai in the Abyss.
[Alai] with the Ambergris or Tuuharhana, a family heirloom gifted to me, I can reach the Shallow for a short period of time.
[Ifa] So that is an internal, immovable connection to the Shallow and/or the Deep, here in the ulajeta?
[Jevai] its' not in the Ulajeta
[Nemnu] We certainly know that the Fingerprint's crack is, at least, near at hand, if not within the confines of the ulajeta proper.
[Nemnu] But there is also a vial of Unkindness.
[Nemnu] From Ifa's eyes, extracted by Alai.
[Nemnu] And, if we are talking about people, not objects, Ifa, you are touched by Unkindness from that experience, are you not?
[Ifa] *nods.*

Alai reveals that she has a second vial of Unkindness procured from her curing Bantomis of his blindness, and what she learned about the Disc of Tethers

[Alai] I also have another one... removed from one who played with forces beyond thier skill.
* Alai produces the second vial.
* Ifa looks chagrined at that.
[Ifa] (to Nemnu) Am I a danger to the ulajeta then, with such a connection?
[Nemnu] I cannot say for certain.
[Jevai] if you are, then surely I am as well.
[Nemnu] Tell me more about this new vial of Unkindness.
[Nemnu] Although it cannot have been the cause of what happened, it surely is of interest.
[Ifa] If nothing else, it gives us two samples to compare and work with.
[Alai] It was from Mystic Blacksmith trying to learn the skills in binding and changing kind, like those used to create Fracture. The backlash blinded his vision, similar to Ifa.
[Ifa] You were able to help him, though? Like you helped me?
[Alai] It had been quite some time, so I did not know if I would be able to remove the Blackness from him, but I proved successful again.
[Ifa] That's good, then, for his sake. Did he know anything of the method of Fracture's creation?
[Alai] All leads point back to the Disk of Tethers.
[Alai] and rituals contained on binding and changing Kind.
[Kuspir] What is that?
[Alai] It is a book written in a spiral outward. The original has slates chained to it with powerful mystic arts enscribed.
[Jevai] spirals again....
[Alai] Have you studied it my Lady?
[Nemnu] Only once, when I was still a person.
[Nemnu] During the writing of Anchors, Eddies, and Lodestones, at the Academy in Dundures. But the copy I saw was flawed and incomplete.
[Nemnu] Were you able to find a copy?
[Alai] The copy at Ardukh was purposely edited and of little value, also incomplete.
[Nemnu] Edited?
[Alai] Borgegus Ula has agreed to use a source to examine the Disc on the subjects of interest to us, and report back.
[Alai] It appears that the Emperor had agents remove pages, or so I was told.
[Ifa] But there's another, more complete version?
[Nemnu] Strange that He would not simply take the Disc in its entirety.
[Alai] Yes, in the possession of the Emperor... He may know how prized it is? I asked if the Emperor would grant permission to access it, and was told a direct No.
[Ifa] Why leave the rest of the work pointing to what's missing, then?
[Ifa] Is it some kind of lure?
[Jevai] perhaps He wants to... yes
[Jevai] to know who shows interest in it
[Alai] Exact thought has crossed my mind as well.
[Nemnu] Perhaps. But also, the Emperor is neither all-knowing nor all-powerful.
[Nemnu] As with me, what He does is inevitably through the action of agents.
[Ifa] Would such a trap mean, then, that He has agents watching the copies He left?
[Ifa] And that Alai may have drawn their notice?
[Nemnu] Perhaps. Although, again, this is His way of approaching matters. To make it seem like He is everywhere, to make others fearful of His presence.
[Alai] I am convenient agent in this case... if too much ire is drawn, I am just upstart Luetka with family grudge. Easy to distance from.
[Alai] Disc and its information is not here, so we must deal with what we know now.
* Ifa nods.
[Jevai] Hmm.
[Ifa] For the moment, then, should we seek to isolate connections to UnKindness within the ulajeta?
[Ifa] Fracture, Alai's samples, me, Jevai, Kuspir?
[Ifa] Perhaps Alai as well?
[Jevai] the vessel as well
[Jevai] the Fiugerprint.... can't be further isolated.
[Ifa] Perhaps we could isolate with it?
[Alai] what do you propose? We hide away in an outbuilding?

They discuss why bubun might be vulnerable, because their ibu and lemu are separated, and whether that is like Jevai or other ‘fractured’ individuals

[Nemnu] I have a different question.
[Nemnu] Why bubun?
[Izu] Perhaps there is some way we could magically shieeld them?
[Jevai] perhaps becuse they have no lemu?
[Alai] and also a sour source for Hulti?
* Jevai nods
[Nemnu] Yes, Alai, true. But if they could affect revenants, I would imagine they would.
[Ifa] I assumed the latter, but Jevai has a point.
[Ifa] It might be a more, hmm, typal issue.
[Jevai] but the.... space? for the lemu is filled with somethign else - perhas they have found a way to correup it, or control it...?
* Jevai looks to Ifa for elaboration there 'cause it really more her wheelhouse
[Nemnu] These are theological matters of longstanding. Where the lemu resides while the ibu is in its jugoras.
[Ifa] (Yeah, sorry, having to read through some theological stuff real quick before saying anything ].] )
[Ifa] I'd be fascinated to know if there's a discoverable answer to that question, but I'm not sure how we can test any specific theory, or whether it matters for our immediate purposes. It does seem like it must have something to do with the disconnection of ibu and lemu, though.
[Nemnu] I worry about you, Jevai-who-is-my-Hestur.
[Nemnu] Because, just as the ibu and lemu are fractured, so, apparently, are you.
[Jevai] yes....
* Jevai glances at Alai, but will fall quiet
[Ifa] Differently, no?
[Ifa] I mean, Jevai clearly has her lemu, or...most of it, at least?
[Nemnu] Yes, of course.
[Alai] I wonder if there is a way to percieve the link between the parts... I should be able to use one to find the other.
[Nemnu] Yes, if we understand the link between Jevai and her Fraction, we surely are taking a step towards understanding what is happening to our bubunne.
* Ifa nods.
[Kuspir] In the meantime, how do we keep people here safe? Sequestering the bubun is all right for the moment, but isn't a long-term solution. And to say nothing of the other potentially dangerous things like Fracture.
[Ifa] My suggestion was isolation, but I'm absolutely open to other ideas.
[Alai] For now keep unkind seperate as much as reasonably achieveable until we delve more truth in connecition. I will work hard on this.
[Nemnu] Well, obviously at an extreme, Unrendering is an option.
* Ifa nods.
[Nemnu] I would not go that far, yet, unless it is necessary.
[Nemnu] I do think that some ... testing... is desirable.
[Kuspir] Should I place Fracture in safe storage somewhere, with other artifacts?
[Ifa] I think we should, but you'll need to explain to it why. I feel bad locking it up.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] I'm willing to continue to ... visit it regularly? I just feel uncomfortable keeping it in my house, it doesn't seem secure.
[Nemnu] It spent many years in isolation in Gil Pirtu. I am not sure that it needs ... socialization.
[Nemnu] I also note that it is not ... localized. If I understand correctly, it thinks of all Unkindness as part of itself?
[Alai] It may not know better?
* Kuspir nods

Izu reveals that Lurusiru Ula is awakening as a result of Sanar’s Bliss, and they make a plan to awaken Them fully in the Inner Caves using Sanar again

[Nemnu] I will look forward to your findings, then. In the meantime ... Izu. I believe that, given what happened in the Caves, it is time to share your news.
[Izu] Yes. I believe it is.
[Izu] All of you here know of Lurusiru Ula, Our Lady's companion who rests in the inner tombs.
[Izu] What you do not know is that... They are not an ancestor. They are still a blessed saint... and they have begun to awaken. I have spoken to them.
[Ifa] What? When?
[Izu] It began a few months ago. When Sanar Ula's song caused us problems, we did not realize the true extent of its reach. Cedar heard it, and They stirred in their rest. Since then They have entered a sort of twilight state. Half here and half... somewhere else.
[Izu] I could not tell you all because of the... sensitive nature of things, and we did not know for sure what was really happening ourselves until just recently.
[Ifa] Do you know anything about this other place They are?
[Izu] Very little. To me it appeared as a forest, but like no forest I've ever seen. What its true nature might be, I cannot say.
[Kuspir] Does anyone else know about this?
[Izu] To my knowledge, only Brother Rupun.
[Izu] He can be trusted.
[Izu] I believe that if we could get Sanar Ula to sing again, it might wake Cedar fully, but last time was not without... side effects.
[Izu] Brothers Kailas and Faifir are also aware.
[Ifa] Perhaps, if we were to explain to Her the situation, She would consent to going to Lurusiru Ula, hopefully limiting the spillover effects.
[Nemnu] I would like to be there when we attempt to awaken Them. They know me, unlike all of you.
* Ifa nods.
[Izu] Of course. You should be the one to greet Them.
[Nemnu] I do not know what will happen. But what I do know is that They appear to be awakening now, without any further intervention from us.
[Nemnu] But if we do not control this, to whatever degree we can, Their reawakening - and the fact that their slumber has been kept secret so long - will alert our enemies.
[Izu] They do not know what is happening themselves. They don't seem to have much control over it. But they said that if They heard the song again, They would follow.
[Izu] Or try to...
[Kuspir] Does anyone know what exactly caused Them to slumber in the first place? And is it something we need to worry could be done again?
[Nemnu] Their slumber was caused by the events around the last war, and the Purge.
[Nemnu] When Lurusiru Osti was razed, and the populace dispersed. And everything with the Emperor's forces at the time.
[Izu] I find it an amazing coincidence that they are waking now, just when the consequences of that purge are beginning to resurface.
[Nemnu] Not 'coincidence'. Levununde. But yes.
[Izu] Indeed
[Nemnu] But as Izu says, it is my intention to accelerate this awakening, so that we can control it.
[Nemnu] Rather than have it happen by accident, at a time not of our choosing.
[Ifa] That makes sense.
[Kuspir] If the song of Sanar Ula is to be used again, we must know exactly when, and prepare for possible mass chaos like the last time.
[Izu] We would need Sanar Ula's cooperation. Perhaps it could be done in a remote place on the Pardapassu where it will have less effect on people.
[Nemnu] Or within a magical protection shell.
[Nemnu] If indeed any such could be adequate.
* Kuspir nods
[Ifa] The Sanari are less likely to object to a protection spell than relocating Her at all.
[Izu] We have no idea how strong a field we would need or if it would have any effect.
[Nemnu] I agree, this is a question. But I do not know what else to do, other than to simply wait.
[Kuspir] Being prepared for it is the most important thing - much of the problem last time arose because it was unexpected and we didn't have people in place to deal with it.
[Izu] True. Much can be mitigated with preparation.
[Ifa] The compulsion last time was to see Sanar Ula?
[Ifa] Or was it to try to get as close as possible?
[Izu] We still don't know its exact mechanism, as far as I am aware.
[Nemnu] Indeed.
[Ifa] Hmm.
[Ifa] And, like much else we're dealing with, testing could be dangerous.
[Izu] Exactly
[Ifa] What precautions could we take if we want to try to have Sanar Ula sing again?
[Kuspir] Have Her in a secure location, possibly magically shielded as you suggested, with only a few people present in the immediate vicinity, and have Stoneguards defend the area. Ideally have us prepared with magic or items that will make us less likely to be affected by it ourselves.
[Izu] Make sure everyone in the Ulajeta is accounted for and watched over by multiple guards. We also don't know if the song needs to be physically heard to be effective. For all we know wax might be an effective contermeasure.
[Izu] Though I doubt it.
[Kuspir] And - this may be difficult, but ask if She can limit its spread. I know She may not have such a degree of control over it, but if She is to learn how to control it, this might be a good start.
[Kuspir] Try to sing softly :p
[Izu] Perhaps if we bring her into the tomb the rock itself may help contain it.
[Izu] It is a powerful place, after all.
[Ifa] That was my thought.
[Nemnu] If the Sanari would agree to that - it has the benefit of being far from any other than the Ancestors.
* Ifa nods.
[Izu] How do we get their approval to that without telling them what it is for?
[Ifa] I think, first, we talk to Sanar Ula.
[Alai] If there are limited entrances, it would be easier to block of the sound from escaping with magic.
[Izu] From what I know of the new saint, I believe She would be willing to help.
[Nemnu] All right.
[Nemnu] I have taken far too much of all your time. In these matters, I trust your judgement, my beloved acolytes.
[Izu] I will arrange a meeting with Sanar Ula, then.
[Nemnu] Let me know when I am needed, and I will be present with Them, either through my Vessel or, Izu, if it is simpler, to be there in this body.
[Kuspir] I'll speak to Fracture, and try to arrange more secure housing for it.
[Nemnu] All right, my acolytes. Thank you.

Ifa and Izu talk to Nalazh about the prospect of meeting privately with Sanar Ula, over Nalazh’s objections

[Nemnosti-GM] Izu and Ifa, following your meeting with Nemnu, you have decided to seek Sanar Ula's assistance in awakening Lurusiru Ula fully from Their semi-slumber.
[Nemnosti-GM] You head over to the Limping Hall where the Sanari including their saint live. There, you are met by Voice Nalazh, who of course keeps close eye on who may have access to Her.
[Izu] Brother Nalazh, it's good to see you.
[Nalazh] Izu, likewise. What brings you across the way?
[Nalazh] Hand Ifa, a pleasure.
[Izu] We would like to request an audience with Your Lady.
* Ifa smiles in greeting.
[Nalazh] Of course. Ahh ... may I ask the cause?
[Ifa] Its on behalf of Nemnu Ula.
[Nalazh] Naturally.
[Nalazh] More specifically, I mean.
[Ifa] I'm not sure how much we're supposed to say. It's not secret, per se, but sensitive for the time being.
* Nalazh frowns.
[Izu] Our Lady wishes us to ask a favor of her.
[Ifa] It is a matter of Saints.
[Izu] As my sister says, we cannot speak much on it except to Her at this time.
[Izu] It is a... private... matter.
[Nalazh] I'm sure it is. And I am also sure that you will understand that She does not see guests, absent my presence.
* Ifa looks to Izu.
[Izu] Is that your lady's will?
[Nalazh] It is.
[Ifa] (Sense Motive?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (go ahead)
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Izu] !roll 1d20+19
* lan-werk2 rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 29 ].
[Ifa] (boo)
[Ifa] (Much better)
[Nemnosti-GM] Izu, he's definitely feeding you a line to exercise control. You're familiar with the medium, it's part of every Voice's training to keep the looky-loos out of the ancestors.
[Izu] (Hmmmmm)
[Izu] I see. That is unfortunate. I'm sure My Lady will be disappointed to hear that your Lady refused to see her emissaries, but if that is her will, then surely she knows that.
[Ifa] That's fine. Of course you can be present when we speak to Sanar Ula.
[Nalazh] All right, very well, let's go in.

Ifa and Izu manage to speak to Sanar Ula privately, tell her that Lurusiru is awakening, and ask for Her assistance in fully awakening Them using Her Bliss again

* Nalazh leads you into a chamber that appears to have been added into the interior of the building since the Sanari arrival. Sanar Ula is lying on a bed there.
* Ifa will follow him it, giving Izu a significant glance and a placating gesture.
* Izu nods
[Nalazh] My Lady, Voice Izu and Hand Ifa to see you.
* Sanar giggles.
[Sanar] I can see them, Nalazh.
* Ifa smiles.
[Izu] We greet you, Sanar Ula, I hope you are adjusting well here.
[Ifa] Thank you for seeing us, Sanar Ula. We're very grateful.
[Sanar] Thank you for visiting. It is a bit stifling, in here with only Sanari - I love them, but it is always nice to have a change.
[Nalazh] Ifa and Izu come with a request from Nemnu Herself.
[Ifa] We'll need to be sure to visit more often, then. :)
[Sanar] How can I help?
[Ifa] If you would consent, Nemnu Ula would prefer we discuss this request with you in private. We apologize, but it is of a senstive nature, concerning concerns of you honored Saints.
* Nalazh shoots you a dirty look, Ifa.
* Ifa maintains a beatifically placid countenance.
* Izu tries and fails to not smile slightly
[Sanar] Oh ... you mean without Nalazh?
[Nalazh] It is quite irregular, Lady.
[Ifa] We wouldn't ask if it were for our own sake.
[Sanar] Then I'm sure it will be fine. Nalazh, I'll fill you in later, as needed.
[Nalazh] Do you think that is wise, Lady?
[Sanar] I don't know! But it can hardly be of harm to speak to two of the trusted Nemni on a matter of importance to Her.
* Nalazh is clearly frustrated but tries not to show it.
[Nalazh] Very well.
* Nalazh shoots you both another dirty look, before leaving.
[Sanar] He's unhappy with you.
[Izu] That is not new.
[Ifa] I'm sure. I hope he'll understand once everything resolves.
[Sanar] All right ...
[Ifa] Izu? Perhaps you should explain the situation to Sanar Ula.
[Izu] Thank You for speaking with us on short notice.
[Izu] Sanar Ula, how much do you know of Lurusiru Ula, Our Lady's beloved Cedar?
[Sanar] I know what Nemnu Herself told me, when we met back in Khurar, in her chambers.
[Sanar] That They died during the Great Purge, that their temple Lurusiru Osti and their followers were destroyed by Hulti.
[Sanar] Not much more than that.
[Izu] That is true... mostly. However, Lurusiru Ula is not an ancestor. They sleep, as some saints do for long periods. We believe They are waking up. We believe it was your song that began the process of calling Them back to consciousness.
[Izu] And we think that perhaps your song can help Them complete the process of awakening.
[Sanar] Oh! They are the singer!
[Sanar] In the cave!
[Izu] You've heard them?
[Sanar] When I had my ... Bliss thing.
[Izu] Yes. The Singer. I remember you saying that now.
[Izu] They responded to your call.
[Ifa] And we're hoping They might again.
[Sanar] Oh! So you want me to ... do Bliss again, after what happened last time?
[Izu] Ah.... yes, but... perhaps with some more controls in place to safeguard the rest of the Ulajeta.
[Izu] We don't want another... incident.
[Sanar] Right ... what kind of controls?
[Izu] We would have you sing in the tomb, near Lurusiru Ula's tomb. far, from where most could here and beneath the weight of the mountain. And also we will attempt to ward the caves magically.
[Sanar] Oh, I would love so dearly to see the Caves, with the carvings and the ancient tombs and all of that.
[Sanar] It is all a bit much, to be trapped in here.
[Izu] Then perhaps I can arrange a tour for you as well beforehand?
[Sanar] I do not mean to seem ungrateful, but Limping Hall is not a beautiful place.
[Sanar] Even as my Sanari have attempted to make it ... cozy.
[Izu] My Lady, you are free to explore this place. I can arrange for you to be taken wherever you wish, within reason.
[Izu] Assuming your retainers do not object...
[Sanar] Nalazh has emphasized the danger of doing so. He is not wrong - there are many dangers.
[Izu] That is so, but surely there is a danger also in isolation.
[Ifa] You're not meant to be a prisoner here, obviously.
[Sanar] Obviously!
[Ifa] I'm sorry if the accommodations have been wanting.
[Sanar] It's not that - I do not mean to seem ungrateful.
[Ifa] I didn't think you were.
[Sanar] I lived my life in places far humbler, on mats of straw. I know what it's like to be hungry and cold.
* Ifa smiles reassuringly.
* Ifa frowns a bit at that.
[Sanar] So, who would be present at this, uhhh, visit?
[Izu] Nemnu Ula would go with you, and myself. Perhaps one or two others, but not many.
[Sanar] And Nalazh?
[Izu] Do you wish him to be present?
[Sanar] I have ... not been asked such a question before.
[Ifa] How do You mean?
[Izu] You are a saint, Lady. Your wishes are paramount here. Not his.
[Sanar] Voice Izu, your role to your Lady is similar to Nalazh's to me, is that right?
[Izu] That is broadly correct.
[Sanar] And if your Lady wants something, perhaps to see a guest alone, how do you respond, if you find it ill-advised?
[Izu] I would make my concerns known to her and then leave them alone. It is not my role to second guess a saint's decisions.
[Sanar] All right then!
[Sanar] You will make the arrangements, along with that nice wheeled chair you used to bring me over to the ulajeta last time?
[Izu] Of course. Whatever mode of conveyance You wish.
[Sanar] Leave Nalazh to me.
* Izu smiles
[Ifa] Thank you, Sanar Ula.
[Izu] As you say. Thank You, Sanar Ula.
[Sanar] My thought is that I will tell Nalazh I decided not to act on your request.
[Sanar] Please seem disappointed when you leave.
[Izu] As you wish. When we are ready, I shall visit you again, then.
* Ifa nods and smiles politely.
* Ifa looks troubled as they turn to go, which helps in looking disappointed.
[Nalazh] Will there be anything else?
* Izu sighs.
[Izu] No, thank you, Brother. I believe that will have to suffice for now.
[Ifa] No, thank you Voice Nalazh. We do apologize for the inconvenience.
[Nalazh] Not at all.

Ifa and Izu discuss Sanar’s deception of Nalazh, and Izu apologizes for not telling Ifa sooner about Lurusiru Ula

[Ifa] (To Izu, after getting out of Nalazh's earshot) She shouldn't lie to him.
* Ifa is still frowning.
[Izu] Perhaps. But at least she is standing up to him.
[Ifa] No, She's not.
[Izu] Hmmm
[Ifa] If She were standing up to him, She would tell him She wants to go alone and leave it at that.
[Ifa] This secrecy is Her avoiding that.
[Izu] I suppose you're right.
[Ifa] And She is allowed to do as She likes, but I think it ill-advised.
[Izu] I'm not sure, though, if it is our place to correct her.
[Ifa] That's why I didn't say anything.
[Ifa] She can do as She likes, of course, but She will need the trust of Her people if she is to lead them.
[Izu] I think perhaps we forget I forget how young she is. She needs guidance. Better guidance than what Nalazh can provide.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] She needs guidance that isn't coming from someone who is looking to Her for station.
[Izu] Well... you did mention that you would visit her more often.
* Ifa nods.
[Ifa] I will try. There's much more work to do without the bubunne.
[Izu] Perhaps she needs a priest less than a friend.
* Ifa smiles at that.
[Ifa] That...was more or less my thought.
* Izu smiles.
[Izu] Ifa...
[Ifa] Sometimes I forget you're the smart one.
[Ifa] ;)
[Izu] Ifa... I'm sorry I didn't tell you.
[Ifa] What? Why?
[Izu] Because you are my sister, and my firend. I keep many secrets, but not from you.
[Izu] I hope you know that.
[Ifa] But this wasn't, oh, gossip or a crush or something.
[Ifa] I know that there are some things that have to remain secret.
* Izu nods.
[Izu] Still... I am sorry.
[Ifa] I appreciate that, but you genuinely don't have to be.
[Ifa] It was necessary for Lurusiru's safety, and the ulajeta's.
[Izu] I almost told you.
[Izu] I wished that I had your advice. You always know what to do.
* Ifa barks out a laugh.
[Ifa] Now I remember that you're the dumb one. ;)
* Izu laughs out loud at that as well
[Ifa] Izu, I practically *never* know what to do. I just try to do my best.
[Izu] Well... you make it look easy.
* Izu puts his arm around his sister.
[Ifa] Hmm. I don't know if that's good or bad. :)

Alai and Kuspir talk to Fracture about what it thinks happened with the affected bubun and the nature of Unkindness

[Nemnosti-GM] Alai and Kuspir, your task is to talk to Fracture about what happened to it, and its experiences with the strange bubun.
[Nemnosti-GM] Is Fracture still being kept at your house, Kuspir?
[Kuspir] (I assumed yes?)
[Alai] How does this work? It just talks to you out loud or in your mind?
[Kuspir] In my mind.
[Kuspir] I have to be touching it.
[Kuspir] But if you have questions, I can relate its answers back to you.
[Alai] I may have means to make this simpler
[Kuspir] Oh?
* Alai will cast Telepathy
[Alai] !roll 1d20+16
* lan-werk2 rolls for Alai: [ 1d20+16 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 16 ] totals [ 25 ].
[Alai] :now I can speak in your mind as well...and once you touch it I may hear what it says:
[Kuspir] I see. all right. Let's try this.
* Kuspir will pick up Fracture.
[Alai] (also do I sense or feel anything in its presence?)
[Nemnosti-GM] Just ordinarily, you've been in Fracture's presence before, so you don't feel anything there. But through your telepathy ... maybe it feels stranger than ordinary telepathy, but not clear.
[Kuspir] Fracture, I wanted to know more about what you felt when those bubun attacked. Anything you can tell me about it might be helpful.
[Fracture] Oh. Yeah, that was very strange.
* Kuspir looks to Alai to make sure whether she's able to hear it respond
[Alai] (am I able to hear its communication?)
[Nemnosti-GM] (We'll say yes, I'm not sure whether there are rules on this, but let's say you can, for simplicity)
[Alai] (its a game... whatever works for story)
[Alai] Can you put the strangeness into words of feelings?
[Fracture] I didn't notice anything until it attacked. But I was paying attention to the other one, the one we were sparring with. And we were talking about Ifa at the time, so I was distracted by that too.
[Kuspir] It seemed as though it hurt you when I struck the affected one.
[Fracture] It did, for sure. Whatever was in those things, it was like me, or it was me.
[Fracture] So it would reverberate, when I hit it, its pain went into me, and then I think it felt my pain, and ... rippling out like that, until eventually it faded out.
[Alai] Sounds like a sympathetic reaction.
[Kuspir] Do you think you could affect something like that? I mean, turn it into stone? or would that also affect you somehow?
[Fracture] I don't think I can turn Unkindness to ... other Unkindness.
* Kuspir nods
[Kuspir] But before it happened, you didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. It didn't seem to come *from* you, as far as you could tell.
[Fracture] Definitely not. I would have told you.
[Fracture] You believe me, right, boss?
[Kuspir] I thought as much, but I wanted to check. If someone was trying to use you against us, I would certainly be concerned.
[Fracture] But you understand that all Unkindness is basically the same thing, right? Like, we're not separate.
[Fracture] I don't know what that means, but I do know that that crack up in the cave, that's me too.
[Kuspir] It's a complicated thing for me to try to understand, but I'm working on it.
[Fracture] I'm like, the part of Unkindness that got turned into a sword. Partly, I mean, I also have steel and so on.
[Kuspir] Alai, did you have other questions you wanted to ask?
[Alai] The water does not forget the ocean it came from, even if it is now contained in a barrel... interesting.
[Alai] Can you sense the Unkindness in other things? Myself? Ifa, this vial?
* Alai produces the vial of "stuff" again.
[Fracture] What do you mean, 'sense'?
[Alai] Are they too part of you as well?
[Fracture] The vial, definitely.
[Fracture] You ... maybe? It's more like, you're connected to me.
[Fracture] You're not Unkind.
[Alai] And Jevai, is she connected?
[Fracture] Yes, all of you, actually, are connected. Jevai, Ifa, Kuspir, you.
[Alai] Interesting
[Fracture] But I'm not a philosopher. I'm actually, as it turns out, just a sword.
[Alai] I need to think on this Kuspir. I have no other questions for now.
[Kuspir] All right
[Kuspir] For the moment, I'm going to bring you to safer storage. I'll still be able to come see you and get you if necessary, but I don't want you just sitting here in my house where anyone could walk in.
[Fracture] Like your daughter?
[Kuspir] Yes, like her, or anyone else.
[Kuspir] ... is she connected, like the others of us are?
* Kuspir asks, concerned
[Fracture] Not yet.
[Kuspir] hm
[Fracture] But don't worry about me. I'll be fine wherever you put me.
* Kuspir will thereafter take Fracture to the Treasury I guess, to have it safely stored.
[Nemnosti-GM] (are you going to bring him to the big Awakening event?)
[Kuspir] (uhhhh I guess yes? but I assume that I and other stoneguards will be on security duty)
[Kuspir] (so maybe not directly in the same room, but a bit outside/at entry points to prevent people getting in?)

The team gathers with Sanar and Nemnu to enter the Inner Caves and visit Lurusiru’s resting place, and Sanar initiates Her Bliss

[Nemnosti-GM] You have gathered together, as a team, at the Inner Caves. Nemnu is there, in Her ordinary physical form - Izu, She indicated to you she did not want to be in Veruve, due to any risks involved, and because She wants Lurusiru to recognize Her.
[Nemnosti-GM] (We'll also assume Marga and Jevai are here - cause there would be no reason to exclude them)
[Nemnosti-GM] Kuspir, you can have arranged for Ghorgimbe and other senior stoneguards to be present at the entrance to the Inner Caves, but not immediately present. They will surely know that Nemnu is there, which honestly is reason enough for a heavy security presence.
[Nemnosti-GM] Any other measures any of you will take? Alai is doing a silence, as indicated.
[Kuspir] (any protective measures like, idk, rings of protection or whatever that can be distributed to help people with saving throws)
* Izu will have everyone put cotton or something in their ears, just in case it helps at all.
[Nemnosti-GM] (OK, no problem, we'll handle that as it arises)
* Ifa will try to make Sanar feel okay and supported.
[Nemnosti-GM] Voice Nalazh, inevitably and obstinately, has come to the temple. He is VERY cranky that Sanar insists on being here. But there's little you can do to keep him entirely out of the temple, which is the only ordinary way into the Inner Caves regardless.
[Nemnosti-GM] And, of course, the guest of honour, Sanar Ula Herself. Izu, you know a saint is incapable of smiling smugly, but you can't help but see one on Her still visage.
[Nemnosti-GM] You stand before the recessed chamber where Lurusiru rests. The smell of cedar is overpowering - all of you can sense it now, without difficulty. Izu, it's even stronger than it was the other day.
[Nemnosti-GM] (anyone have anything else to do / say before we get going?)
[Ifa] (narp)
* Izu will offer a short prayer to the ancestors.
[Kuspir] (nope)
[Nemnu] My beloved Sister. We are graced in your presence.
[Sanar] I never had a sister before. Two brothers. One died.
[Nemnu] I would be lying if I said I knew what would happen next. You understand the task?
[Sanar] This Bliss thing that I do, it's not entirely in my control.
[Nemnu] I know what it is to be learning to control one's power.
[Nemnu] You will be fine.
[Sanar] All right ...
* Sanar begins to sing a low, slow song - it is, so far, just a song, the kind of thing any of you might sing around the campfire.
[Nemnosti-GM] You hear the words, though, and you recognize their theme, if not the particulars. It's a morningtime song, the kind of thing you might sing to greet a new day. But still, just a song.
[Nemnosti-GM] And then, it is more ...
* Sanar 's song grows in intensity, and full of voices - male and female, young and old, all emerging from Her. And as if in response, a second song comes back.
[Nemnu] Lurusiru? Cedar?
[Lurusiru] Alabaster?
[Lurusiru] The Bliss strikes you all at once, gently, then as a series of waves, one after another after another.
[Lurusiru] (Please give me a Will save, everyone)
[Kuspir] !roll 1d20+8
* lan-werk2 rolls for Kuspir: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 19 ].
[Izu] !roll 1d20+13
* lan-werk2 rolls for Izu: [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 32 ].
[Kuspir] (oh I guess if this area counts as hallowed, I have a bonus too)
[Nemnu] (definitely!)
[Izu] (I'm assuming it counts as charm/compulsion)
[Nemnu] (yeah, that too)
[Kuspir] (so 23 instead of 19 for me)
[Nemnu] !roll 1d20+19
* lan-werk2 rolls for Nemnu: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 30 ].
[Ifa] !roll 1d20+7
* lan-werk2 rolls for Ifa: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 24 ].
[Lurusiru] You all hear the voice of Lurusiru Ula, for the first time in centuries.
[Lurusiru] And then, something else happens.

Nemnu’s reaction to Sanar’s Bliss and Lurusiru’s Awakening creates a powerful wave of transformation

[Nemnosti-GM] What followed would be described differently by witnesses in the days and years to come. The internal experience, almost universally, was said to start in the brain, although the more discerning and empathetic saw the influence of the spleen as just as important, as crashing waves ripple through your organs. Indeed, the experience would often be written about as moving water - fast rapids, great waterfalls, and the run of a swift creek. And, after all, water goes into Vessels.
[Nemnosti-GM] It comes from Nemnu. Not Sanar, whose Bliss initiated it, nor Lurusiru, whose Awakening She inspired. Those who had carefully studied Nemnu's Courses were divided nearly equally, between those who saw this experience as given by the world, and those who saw it influenced by Her local philosophies and your cognition of them.
[Nemnosti-GM] Responses would be as varied as the populace. Many experienced only momentary flashes that could be explained away as a dream. Many more, regardless of the intensity of their experience, would quickly attempt to rationalize it as an errant spell, or perhaps even as a false memory. But for those with the liver and pancreas to truly take it in, those of you at the center, rippling outward, to internalize what it means for your place in the world, this burst would change ... everything. Nemnu's power extends throughout the Inner Caves, and perhaps beyond, Her energy spreading in response to Sanar's own Bliss. You find yourself ... swept away? Taken away? I leave it to you to describe your experiences, later.
[Nemnosti-GM] Earlier still ...

Many years earlier, some acolytes attend a fireside chat

[Nemnosti-GM] You find yourself at the ulajeta. Your evening fireside chat with Master Limard is dragging on. This afternoon you got to witness the naming of little baby Sakasa. In that spirit, Limard is talking about - something about the way of life, and generations, and the Kinds.
[Nemnosti-GM] You lose track, honestly. Voice Limard has many fine qualities but he does ramble on. But at last, he seems to be wrapping up. And eventually, the words come, as you knew they would.
[Nemnosti-GM] Until next we gather by the firelight, young acolytes!