This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ednyss notices that the others seem ready to move on, and he realizes he doesn't actually know much about what Granopyre wanted to achieve. Ednyss sighs as he thinks for a second about just bringing the girl to the hotel so that Granophyre can ask the questions himself. The girl doesn't look like she would run, and a promise to let her go afterwards would likely be all that is needed. However, he doesn't want to have to cart the girl all the way to the hotel, and they can always find another way to gain the information Granophyre needed.
The stony-skinned dwarf looks straight into the young girl's eyes and uses his amplified voice to ensure that he is heard. "Alright. Two questions then I will let you go. Firstly, which casinos are the ones to avoid and which ones are the best for avoiding trouble. Secondly, where might I find information on the gods. A library perhaps?" Ednyss cringes at the thought of a library, but he had no other way of trying to obtain the information that he was interested in.
Before he lets the girl go, he places the ten gold pieces that she had tried to steal, into her hand and says quietly, "Find a real profession. Learn a skill and do honorable work. Do not do it for me, do it for yourself. As I said before, your next target may not be so kind. Even something as simple as a messenger can be an honorable profession. Everyone must start somewhere, but this work will only lead you to trouble." As he releases her, he utters a quiet divine incantation that will hopefully offer her some additional insight that will lead her to amend her ways.
(OOC: The Enhance Ability is Enhancing her Wisdom via Owl's Wisdom. Casting from Shield of Takal Demesh.)
Persuasion (If Needed): 5 (Expending Inspiration for Advantage... Never used it in the Orc fight so might as well use it to make someone's life better.)
With that done, he turns back to Benita and calls, "Lead on."
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“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
The girl struggles against Ednyss, plainly fighting against a perceived likelihood of physical calamity at his hands. Grasping both of her wrists in one strong hand, and with divine aid, his wise words overcome her fear and she, looking back at Ednyss, — who notices she has one green eye and one grey, and is otherwise a plain-looking, too-thin girl — her expression of defiance softens to one of awestruck fear, then epiphany, and then a quiet solemnity.
“I never been in casino,” she answers, to his first question, in heavily accented Jenghen, “but they say Jenghen follow rules. In Thacia casino.”
To Ednyss’ second question, she answers, “I know no library, Master, can’t read. But Temple of Ritha Demsha in Ksar Ghilane. You here for Festival, learn Ritha Demsha maybe.”
She looks at her feet, her head bowed, perhaps expecting the back of Ednyss’ hand, or worse.
When Ednyss walks away after giving her gold and wisdom from Takal Demesh, she stands utterly bewildered, stunned, watching the kind dwarf disappear into the crowd. Then, she remembers her surroundings, and in an instant disappears into the shadows, clutching the gold.
Both Benita and Tamazaert watched the dialogue with empathy, for they each seem to see themselves in the teenager. They catch each other’s eyes for a moment, and Ednyss notes a moment of surprise, an unexpected recognition between the pair, who turn away again almost immediately before your group continues onward.
All of your eyes now alert to thievery, your two groups moved quickly to the edge of the throng, then around the square, passing several narrow, shaded alleys between four-story buildings with adobe facades, where dark-colored awnings protect the passageways from sunlight, casting them in darkness. You now cross over a confusing set of deep canals -- the Sebu river -- and then into central Benepota Amboule. Lining the avenue are a parade of shop windows, all protected by wrought iron bars -- some ornately crafted, others pragmatic and ugly. The nicer shops have glowing wards embedded in the keystone tiles over entryways. Craning your necks to see over the storefronts, you note several stories of what look like residential apartments.
You must watch your footing, for the sewer grates are wide enough to swallow a small animal, and the opposite is made obvious, as you hear the squeaking of rats, and several leap out of grates and cross in front of Shians, who are oblivious to the vermin, while another runs over the feet of a traveler, causing him to screech in alarm. There are still many people on the streets, which are crowded and fetid, and colorful banners hang from many of the windows for the Spring Festival. Following Benita’s instructions, Auger and Granophyre first, followed by everyone else farther back, reach a crossroad, and there on the corner is the Riedh Irhalne hotel. Entering the building’s guarded gate into an ornately tiled, shaded, crowded lobby, Granophyre speaks quietly to the manager, a Cat with calico fur standing upon a raised platform which results in her standing taller than most humans, and she looks down superciliously at the scholar from behind a counter.
“Hrrrrmmmm….yesss, I have one suite left, last onnnnnnne,” she purrs in lilting Jenghen. “You are lucky you come earlyyyyy. Maaaany will sleep outsiiiide the walllss tonight.” She announces an outrageous price. Granophyre writes something upon a slip of paper, and Auger notices, as the manager turns to answer a question from a blue-robed valet, that the sage drips a glowing liquid from a tiny vial upon it before handing the slip back.
“I suggest you acceptthis amount,” Granophyre says, and the Cat closes her eyes, long lashes seductively fluttering, and says in a dreamy voice, “Yesss, I wiiiill...accept...thiiiiiis amount.”
Soon enough, you have all regrouped, in a penthouse suite, on the 6th, top, floor of the hotel, after a pair of Shian valets in dark blue robes depart, leaving a meal of flatbreads, lentils, olives, and strong, refreshing tea.
Granophyre sits at the head of a low table, surrounded by cushions, upon which you all relax, except for Tamazaert, who is in one of the bedrooms nursing Sura. As the sound of music and revelry echoes in from the streets, the sage tells you his plan for the coming days.
“As I mentioned, I have matters to attend to regarding...Tuff. Tuff!” He starts quietly, sighs and continues, “which may require my departure for a length of time. Perhaps two weeks. These are matters which I must see to, on my own.” He pauses for a moment, making a silent decision.
“In the meanwhile, as long as we are here, there remains much to be done. The first step is to locate a particular person.”
Granophyre, his voice gaining animation, reminds you of how the ancient axe from Core of Dacite came into Omar El Idrissid’s possession. “As you recall, it was a gift, to Professor Idrissid’s mother, Adilah, for her bravery, when, as a young woman, she fought in the Shian Rebellion in the Vale of Deshar. It came from a goat herder named Safiyah whose home Adilah El Idrissid defended from Imperial Orcs. How this woman, Safiyah, came to have it in her possession...that is the mystery which remains to be solved.” The sage pauses for a moment, weighing options.
“We need to find her, Safiyah, in the Vale. That is the first step. It is...an unusual name for a Shian. And remember, by now she may be either elderly, or dead. There may be records in libraries of the Poppy Citadel, or in one of the amboule viceroy’s administrative archives here in Kalahata. It is... a pity that Mittens Toodaloo had to depart, for his research skills might have helped. But on the other hand, there may be no written records. In that case, a clue may require a more personal touch. Old veterans of the rebellion still live in Kalahata. Not many, but perhaps someone has a memory of the battle, may have a clue as to the exact location of the lands which Adilah El Idrissid defended.
“It may be...a wild goose chase. It may be that we will have to enter the Vale and look there homestead by homestead. But given the dangers in that wondrous and beautiful place, the less time we spend there, the better. And any written records, if written records exist, will be housed here in Kalahata.
“As for the Azhvuv. We do not know when that call will come, or in what form. When it does, we must be prepared.” He removes what you have come to recognize as a pair of messaging stones from his pouch, and he hands one of them to Auger.
“If I am away when the Azhvuv call, use this to contact me. You need only say the word for ‘speak’ in ancient Dwarvish, thus, and, for this particular stone, extend some of your arcane energy into it. The stone will signal me and I will enable our communication as soon as I may, wherever I am.”
"I can help with the search." Varielky announces. It might come as a surprise, as Varielky isn't one for books. To the inquiring looks she receives, Varielky answers: "I might not be the best suited for this task but I have a reason to do so. My sword... I manages to reveal another rune on it a few days ago. The rune of Idiwala. I'm not sure what it means, but I feel as if I should already know it. Maybe, while we're searching the records, I might be able to search the library for some texts about the god. Maybe it will help me remember or understand why the rune of the god of speech and history would be on this sword." She pauses for a moment. Perhaps one of the temples would be a better place to search? Possibly, but she didn't like entering the temples of these people. It reminded her the way people are treated for worshipping Dreyen gods. "Besides, if we really do need to ask old war veterans, I could be of use there. I was a soldier before so they might be willing to share more with me. Exchange some war stories, you know?" Truly, Varielky was excited to hear the stories these war veterans can tell. Especially, how those huge walls were damaged.
Auger accepts the stone and nods at Granophyre's instructions and since he does not speak dwarvish he makes a point of learning the command word to ensure he can activate the stone when the time is right. After a moment Auger does ask Granophyre, concerned, "Are you sure you must proceed alone? Perhaps one of us should join you?"
Regardless of Strewn's response, Auger thinks on Granophyre's words and how he might help. Then it occurs to him that he knows something of record-keeping from his carpentry business back home. "Ledgers," he says. "Businesses keep ledgers. Perhaps we can find this name in a ledger."Auger is momentarily daunted by his own words. With a city this size and the potential number of homesteads in the vale, the right ledger, even if he can access it, might still be very hard to find. "We will have to strike out and investigate differing paths and then come back here and exchange notes. In that way perhaps we can narrow our search. Varielky, if you can learn details from veterans of the war, those details might tell us which records can be useful. Then the records might point out some particular veterans to speak to."
Pausing to think a moment Auger says, "Anything they may have in the way of birth or death records can be a starting point... and then... well I may not have the research skills of your former companion, Mr. Toodaloo but one thing I do have," Auger continues now with a winning smile on his face, "is the capacity to convince people to let me see their records. With the right story. Granophyre I believe I may be a... a cousin... from the south trying to get in touch with family in the vale. Perhaps a message from my dying aunt to her distant relative. Please tell us any other details you can think of... is Safiyah the family name or the given name?"
Auger continues along these lines with Granophyre, trying to get a stronger sense for details that may matter. He asks about the precise dates of the Shian Rebellion (the first way Auger can think of to narrow the search). The name of the fighting force, division, etc in which Adilah El Iddrisid fought (the movements of a division might narrow the location substantially). How large a herd of goats Safiyah might have managed (will his business be something we can use to track him down). Was it Safiyah's herd or was it a matter of employment? In what part of the world is a name like Safiyah a common one (perhaps this other place is where we should direct our attentions as we need the knowledge of the ancestor, correct)?
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss listens to Granophyre and nods, "I will assist in the research, but I am not the strongest investigator, and libraries are far from my strength." Ednyss shuffles his feet a little, "I might be better suited to just keeping an ear to the ground or researching through the people instead of books." Ednyss's mind wanders to the information he got from the little girl, perhaps he could convince some others to loosen their lips about information regarding a Safiyah that they might know. "There is also some personal business that I wish to attend to in the city." Ednyss keeps his input short and courteous, looking to the scholar for any additional information or advice.
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“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Granophyre responds favorably to Auger, Varielky, and Ednyss’ various ideas, and has just begun answering questions when Tamazaert, without Sura, enters the suite’s living room area to join the rest of you, a peaceful smile on her face.
“He’s asleep,” she says quietly, to no one in particular, moving to the food and hungrily eating several olives in quick succession. Then, realizing that she has interrupted, for you have fallen into a secretive silence, the young Shian looks at each of you in turn, her expression more and more crestfallen.
“I know,” she says, biting her lip, “that I have already overstayed my welcome.” Granophyre begins to interrupt, but she cuts in, “And I can never repay you for what you have done for me and Sura. I want to thank you, each of you, for freeing us, and taking care of us, these last few days. I will gather Sura when he awakens and find my...family.”
Ednyss sees she is not being completely open, and Benita clears her throat softly before answering, “Look, Tamazaert...I don’t know much about you, but…,” she continues flatly, gently, “there’s no family. Is there.” And she holds the young mother’s eyes.
Tamazaert, Ednyss sees, is on the verge of saying something dishonest, but with Benita holding her gaze, the words don’t escape her. She begins to well up and responds by shaking her head, closing her eyes, then looking up at the ceiling as a tear slips down her cheek.
“My family was like that cutpurse’s Ednyss spoke to. I could see it in her eyes. The Orphanage, where the headmistress teaches all of the children to be thieves and shares none of the rewards. That was my family. Before I left Kalahata.”
She looks at Ednyss. “I could be a messenger, Master Graybeard,” then turns to Granophyre, “or for you, Master Strewn,” and casting about the room, continues, “or, for...anyone. I can read and write Shian and Jenghen, and some Orracan.”
Granophyre looks to Ednyss, Auger, and Varielky, a silent request for your thoughts.
Thinking on Tamazaert's words Auger remembers that many of the records he was just discussing might be in languages he did not know.
"I could use some assistance with my tasks, which will involve a great deal of reading through records. And searching through records... There will be a lot of reading through records in search of some... historical facts. I'm not sure if babies are allowed in Kalahata's libraries or not but you will have to keep Sura quiet if you want to join my task."
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky shrugs. "I don't really have anyone I need to send a message to. And, even if I did, I wouldn't know what to write." Besides, she wasn't going to send Tamazaert far into northern Indallia, on the border with Drey. "Still, I wouldn't feel right knowing I threw you out of the frying pan into the fire. You deserve more than that after all you've been through." Varielky looks at Granophyre with a look that says: "This is my opinion, but it's your choice."
Granophyre says to the young mother, “The nature of my journey here to Kalahata is...confidential, and not without danger, young Tamazaert. For your own protection, and that of your child, I think it best for you to know as little as possible about it.” A stoic expression forms around the Shian’s lips as she braces herself for the worst, while the scholar continues.
The scholar looks to the southerner. “Auger Fetherlac, you will find that in Orraca u Shia, women keep themselves busy up until the day they give birth, and are back on their feet with babe in tow. I would be surprised indeed if your research were hindered by Tamazaert’s presence, and as you said, her fluency may prove to be critical. Perhaps you will pick up some of the language from her.” Turning back to Tamazaert, Granophyre concludes, “I believe you can help considerably with small daily tasks such as keeping our lodgings clean and running errands, and, if you maintain a healthy distance from the goal of our investigations while translating, we may avoid involving others, such as curious librarians, in our search.”
Tamazaert’s humble smile brightens the room, and she curtsies deeply to Granophyre, with a wide circular gesture around her heart, which you will learn is the Shian expression for thanks.
Benita, drawn to the terrace windows and the celebrations outside, asks, “Master Strewn, will you need us for the rest of the day?,” to which the scholar replies, “I think we all deserve an evening to ourselves to relax and enjoy what Kalahata has to offer. There is, indeed, no better moment to enjoy what life has to offer. I have but one more task to perform before retiring for the night for which I will need you, in a few minutes.”
Granophyre asks Auger to join him on the balcony and shuts the door, giving them privacy against the backdrop of music and celebratory shouting in the streets and from Tamazaert, in order to answer the warlock’s questions, as a breeze from the mountains picks up and the hazy afternoon sky begins to clear.
Re: "Are you sure you must proceed alone? Perhaps one of us should join you?"
Granophyre: “I am sworn to secrecy regarding my methods of travel. Thank you, Auger, for your concern. But I must proceed alone.”
Re: is Safiyah the family name or the given name?
G: “I do not know, but I believe it is the woman’s only name. Like ‘Tamazaert.’”
Re: the precise dates of the Shian Rebellion?
G: Jenghen Imperial Calendar (JIC) 365-368. (the current year is JIC 415).
Re: The name of the fighting force, division, etc in which Adilah El Iddrisid fought (the movements of a division might narrow the location substantially)
G: Unknown
Re: How large a herd of goats Safiyah might have managed (will his (sic) business be something we can use to track him (sic) down). Was it Safiyah's herd or was it a matter of employment?
G: Unknown (Safiyah is/was a woman.)
Re: In what part of the world is a name like Safiyah a common one (perhaps this other place is where we should direct our attention as we need the knowledge of the ancestor, correct)?
G: Variations of the name are given to Orracan and, especially, Fa Tahesian babies, Granophyre thinks.
Granophyre tells Auger that he knows no more details. The scholar will aid in research upon his return.
Upon returning from the terrace a few minutes later, Granophyre asks Varielky and Benita to accompany him to a Bank, which occurs without incident, now that your packs are in your rooms and your coin purses concealed close to your skin, and when they return, he pays all of you for your service since Hyewush, with a bonus, 100GP each. He then, with Tamazaert’s help, sets up his writing implements, a chair and small table, on the terrace, and sits down to work.
That night, the air above the city clears, and the full moon rises, big and round in the east, hanging low in the sky at sunset as a magnificent round of fireworks of all colors shoots off above the Poppy Citadel. The city then settles into a more peaceful observance of the equinox, and sleeps, mostly, through the sounds of the those -- not few -- who prefer to continue celebrating throughout the night. Ritha Demsha’s form can be seen within the moon, like a fetus in vitro, high above, every detail in full view.
That night, there are dreams.
Varielky, in her sleep, hears the voice of Veleif, sees herself practicing with a wooden sword as an eight-year-old, dueling the limber priest who towers above her. They exchange blows, and then his wooden blade slaps her thigh. “Try again,” he says. She tries to allow him the initiative and quickly ripostes, but his blade strikes her elbow, making nerves dance up and down her arm, and she drops her blade. “Again!,” he says. Now, holding her wooden blade two handed, she attacks with frightening fury, but his blade strikes her head with a resounding crack and she sees stars. “AGAIN,” he says. But she is on the ground, looking about her, and it seems that the glyph, the one on her forehead, is everywhere. On the sled. On the cart. On the banner flapping in the cold wind. When Varielky awakens in the morning, she notices that her blade is in her hand. Perhaps she called it in her sleep.
Auger dreams of home, and of his family. But in his dream, the Dowager calls him, and he soars high into the skies, wheeling and diving above Kalahata, seeking prey but finding none. And in his mind begins to form the picture of a mountain. One he has never seen before.
Ednyss dreams of the moon, high in the sky, so distant. He stands atop the hotel, watching it, the form of Ritha Demsha warmly enclosed in its womb-shape. Then, suddenly, her head snaps to the side and she is looking directly at him, and she is not distant at all, she is close. The goddess sees him. And she is angry. The cleric awakens in a cold sweat.
The next morning, Granophyre is gone. Tamazaert is up early, nursing Sura, and says the old sage was up before dawn and said he would be away for a while.
A week passes. How do you spend the time? (You also had that first night, if you wish to join in the revelry or go to shops right away before they close, or whatever else.)
Auger does step out that first night. He wants to see the celebration of Spring and feel it as best he can. At his home the celebration was big for the village but he wanted to see what would happen in a city as loud and big as Kalahata. In addition he does want to improve his understanding of this city which would be his home for at least a week. In particular he is interested in finding any public reflecting pools (should they exist), hoping to find a spot in which to meditate and commune with his patron at a more quiet time.
Before going he beckons Tamazaert over and tells her that he would be seeking her assistance in his research. He examines her appearance and advises that she acquire some clothing that is becoming of her station and reflects her employment (OOC: Did Granophyre give her any money? Am I correct to assume she is still in her slave garb?).
Upon heading out Auger looks around for stands that are selling scarves and considers looking for clothing for himself so as to better fit in as well as for Tamazaert but decides this is not the night for that and mostly looks for a decent scarf to protect his nose from the smells.
Looking for a goal Auger decides to head towards the Poppy Citadel but will stop if it gets more crowded in that direction and head back rather than be forced to stay out very late. Auger will take some time to try and learn Salakta amboule if possible as the trade centers there might be where he ends up focusing his searches.
At Auger's suggestion Py accompanies him, flying above and invisibly watching.
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss has no jobs to offer Tama that come to mind, and given that Auger offered, Ednyss saw no reason to interfere now. Seeing that Tama is happy to help Auger makes the dwarf all the more confident that this arrangement would be mutually beneficial. That night, Ednyss graciously accepts the bonus, and for the first time, the war priest begins to wonder just how deep Granophyre's pockets are.
The first night, Ednyss might wander the city a bit, but he will leave his rune-marked shield and fancier War Pick in the room along with his valuables. He just walks lightly with his old War Pick and shield as he takes in the beauty of the city at night. He will just try and get his bearings in the city as well as clear his thoughts for the adventures in the coming days.
When Ednyss dreams that night, he is haunted by the face of Ritha Demsha. Her angry visage staring at him is enough to strike an ounce of fear into the normally unshakable mind of Ednyss. When he awakens, he is breathing heavily and sweating profusely. The dwarf rolls up his sleeve and breathes a sigh of relief in knowing that Demesh is still with him. Even in the presence of another angry god, he is confident enough in his own faith and his energy is restored knowing that Takal Demesh is beside him.
(OOC: I will start with just describing Ednyss's actions/plans for Day 1 and add to that as we go depending on those encounters.)
The first day, after Ednyss's morning prayers, he leaves his rune-marked shield in his room as well as any visible markings of the God of War that are on his person. With that, he heads towards Ksar Ghilane and the Temple of Ritha Demsha. If possible he will try to gain entrance into the temple and perhaps the opportunity to speak to one of the acolytes. As he walks, he rubs his covered shoulder and thanks Demesh for the connection that he is able to maintain to his deity through the 'tattoo'.
Depending on how his interactions at the Temple go, he will spend the rest of the day assisting the acolytes as best as possible to perhaps try and earn some favor from them. If they need no assistance, or Ednyss's senses that he won't be able to make much progress even with volunteering, he will instead walk through the festival and look for any interesting or strange booths.
In the evening, Ednyss will head to the Thacia Casino that the cutpurse pointed him to and gamble a little. As he is gambling, he asks subtely around for information regarding a Safiyah or the Vale. He won't do enough to attract any attention to himself, or seem suspicious, but he will inquire once in a while to a random passerby as if he was searching for an old friend or relative. (OOC: Let me know the rolls that would be required to gamble at the casino as Ednyss is actually going to be gambling.)
(OOC: In the city, Ednyss doesn't carry much of his gold, and instead leaves most of it in the hotel room. Just to avoid appearing excessively rich and making himself a target.)
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“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
"As long as the gods wish it, I'll keep trying, don't worry," Varielky mumbles, still half asleep, until she realises she is no longer sleeping. She stares at the blade for a while. From what she understands, Veleif, or the god speaking through his image in her dreams, is displeased with the result of her fight with Xurl, but so is she. She vowed to return and settle the score eventually, there was no need to remind her... or, perhaps they urged her to do it immediately? She wasn't sure. Still, she couldn't abandon the others and go back to the steppes even if she wanted to. It will have to wait. Varielky looks at the glyph on her forehead through the reflection on her sword. She still hasn't found out what it means. Was Veleif telling her to try again in the sense of trying to find its meaning again? Perhaps. Varielky slides the sword back into its scabbard. She has to leave it behind now when she goes out. A sword that returns to her hand on its own and a strange mark on her forehead every time someone tries to steal it might attract unwanted attention.
The first night, Varielky stays. Parties... crowds... it wasn't what she liked to see. The only gathering of many people that she might want to participate in would be the army, but from her experience, it was mostly disappointing too.
(The descriptions of the amboules have some temples in them, but nothing indicates which temple belongs to which god... if any do at all.) Unless something happens, Varielky walks around with only 15 GP in her pouch hidden under her clothes and her old wooden shield. She might be able to summon her sword in a pinch, but walking without a shield was not something she considered possible. If something happens, she needs her shield with her. However, fearing it might get stolen, she leaves Tuff's shield behind. A wooden shield is replaceable. That one was not. (I'm assuming everything goes smoothly. If not, her actions might change, of course.)
Day 1: Varielky starts the day by going to the library in Abziri. There, she searches for information about Idiwala, something that might explain how the god, even if it's the Jenghen version of him, might have their rune on her sword. She could think of an explanation, but she wanted to see if there's something else. Though, it pains her to know she's not likely to find any information that is relevant for a Dreyen sword. After a few hours trying to read, Varielky can't anymore. She has to do something else. Reading through books really wasn't her thing. Around noon, Varielky leaves the library and seeks the temple of Takal Demesh, if there's one in the city. If she finds it, she doesn't linger there for long. She will enter, silently pray, and leave. She didn't feel comfortable around the "normal" priests, as if one "wrong" move and they'll notice, which will cause all kinds of consequences. After leaving the temple, Varielky heads to the arena in Benepota. She's not seeking to do anything like what she did in Ishi Ammah, but rather to relieve herself of some stress, and what better way is there to do it than fighting people for fighting's sake? A long time has passed since she could truly do that. Not for the sake of protecting anyone nor to save anyone. Varielky hopes there will be people there that she could duel with, or perhaps an all-out brawl, that would also be good. Actually, it didn't matter much, as long as she gets to swing a sword against someone. When she's done in the arena - either because she feels satisfied for the day or because she discovers that for whatever reason she cannot fight there - Varielky looks for a place where old war veterans might hang out. Perhaps a tavern, or something like that. If she finds such a place, Varielky will sit with them and exchange war stories. Perhaps about the battle she fought at Lokimorra, or just listening to their stories. Varielky doesn't ask about Safiya or Adilah El Idrissid today. She wants to know the people first, and it's not like she doesn't enjoy hearing the stories anyhow. Besides, she's not sure she remembers the name right, so she doesn't want to confuse anyone. She'll ask someone to write it down for her tomorrow.
That first night, Varielky and Tamazaert see and hear from the penthouse, while Auger, Ednyss, and Benita wander past crowds observing performances in the streets, or waiting to enter concert houses or playhouses or temples, or the mansions of the Viceroys for private celebrations. Later in the night, there are quiet hymns sung together in the streets by scores of men and women, drunk or floating in opium dreams, linked arm-in-arm, and later, after midnight and the taverns have closed their doors, the same revelers are engaged in fist fights and brawls, thieves always lurking in the shadows to abscond with forgotten belongings left by visitors to the city, for the Kalahati-ur are too steeped in the tradition of thievery to have left their homes with more than a few silver in concealed pouches under their shirts, or in their boots.
Auger Fetherlac, hoping to find a spot in which to meditate and commune with his patron, is drawn to the eastern edge of Benepota district, where a large public fountain faces the city’s Arena. Testing his connection to his patron, he feels that here, in the silent hours before dawn -- or on the banks of the Sebu perhaps, outside the city walls, would work.
There is a clothing store across the street from the hotel, and he finds a scarf there, and sees men’s clothes within: kaftans, sleeveless shirts, vests, djinni-pants, belts, turbans. (OOC: We’ll say Granophyre gave Auger a couple of GP to purchase clothes for Tamazaert, which, father that he is, he spends some of on a very blocky, unfashionable robe which covers everything. Tamazaert’s look of horror when she sees the outfit transitions quickly to gratitude -- with effort.)
While walking through the district, Auger finds himself getting quite lost in the maze of alleys off the main street, but finds his way again. Following his perambulations of Benepota amboule, it is late by the time Auger has circled around Salakta amboule several times, getting lost time and again in alleys which look alike yet point in opposite directions, all of the main streets crowded with singing revelers, the alleys dark and unwelcoming. He decides to wait until morning to investigate the Poppy Citadel, where the warlock sees many dots of light in the tall windows of the massive tower which seems to strain upwards to touch the divine image of Ritha Demsha as the silver disc floats higher yet above it.
The morning after the Spring Festival’s opening celebration, the 22nd of Beauty, begins with grey skies, as a fog rolls down from the Vale, dispersing as it moves over Kalahata, so that the Poppy Citadel’s upper stories are lost in the mist, and the north and west sides of the city are dark and gloomy, while the eastern walls and south side are bathed in morning light.
An enormous crowd gathers upon the eastern-facing walls before dawn, and they join in song as the sun rises, which signals the awakening of Ritha Demsha from her annual winter hibernation, the Inner Sojourn. A priest of Ritha Demsha, standing in the center of the crowd upon the high eastern parapet, announces in an extraordinarily loud voice which carries hundreds of feet, “During the winter months, the goddess, and her followers, seek to focus upon internal truths and spiritual growth. Now, following the Awakening, her marshalled energies will be shared with all Shians!”
Re: (The descriptions of the amboules have some temples in them, but nothing indicates which temple belongs to which god... if any do at all.)
There are indeed temples to individual gods, but the party will find that Temple life in Kalahata is not as foundational a civic force as in Ishi Ammah, or in Anshin Prefecture. Shians are pragmatic in their approach, and leave the gods to their business just as they wish to be left to their own freedoms, unconcerned with divine judgment or intervention. The Spring Festival is the great exception to this rule, and it seems that following a one-week fast, the Shians express as much religious fervor during the 12-day festival as an Orracan in Ishi Ammah might in a year of temple visits.
Varielky, through trial and error, finds the library in Abziri amboule, a narrow structure with a hewn stone facade, three stories high. Abziri is an upper-middle class neighborhood, and the library collections focus on literature, the arts, history. Varielky is better at reading Jenghen than Shian, but she finds a few promising tomes and glances through them, but she doesn’t come across an answer to her question, why might Idiwala’s rune be on her sword. The god’s rune seems to be like any other god’s. She unfurls a scroll marked with Idiwala's rune, and finds a history of the Shian kings, where an ancient leader sits in the throne room of the Poppy Citadel, and the marks of all the gods Varielky recognizes are inscribed in a circle around him. Idiwala’s, just one of many.
In Ksar Gilane amboule, Varielky finds the temple of Takal Demesh, a tall, narrow building across the street from the much larger temple of Ritha Demsha.
The Arena, by mid-afternoon when Varielky arrives, is busy and crowded. Brawls break out over turf arguments. It seems very disorganized. Guards at the entry do nothing when the shield-maiden approaches, they continue comparing notes about who got more drunk the prior night.
Within the Arena, which is much smaller than Ishi Ammah’s, it is a free-for all. Anyone, from teenagers to white-haired elders, fights anyone, it seems, and as she enters, Varielky sees one young man carrying another one out whose hand had been nearly bisected and is bleeding heavily into a simple bandage.
There are a dozen fighters sitting on a bench on the sidelines, quietly dozing, or gabbing in Shian and Jenghen. It seems one simply approaches whomever they wish to spar with and challenges them. If the opponent agrees, the pair find space somewhere on the crowded floor, and fight. As Varielky passes the line, each one -- and they run the gamut -- seems to assess her with guarded expressions.
Does she enter into a sparring match?
(OOC: Varielky may come to the conclusion that she could gain as much by speaking to people hanging around in the Arena, as she could doing her prior plan of heading to a tavern. But she notes that there is a large one on the fountain circle, immediately outside the Arena.)
Ednyss finds the Temple of Ritha Demsha in Ksar Ghilane easily, for it stands upon one of the main roads, facing, he notes, a much smaller temple of Takal Demesh. The temple to the goddess of forests and animals is old, but in good condition, strong, supple. Its facade is a frieze depicting an enormous elephant, its curved trunk forming a teardrop shape with the image of a seed within. Columns to either side of the commanding entryway are carved in the shape of enormous chestnut trees, which are not native to this part of the world and seem exotic, and their crowns reach high to support an arching dome covered in thick green moss. Cypress trees thrive beside the walls, and vines reach up and cover much of the exterior, their first spring tendrils giving the impression of a thin coat of sage-green fur.
The temple is surrounded by a crowd of worshippers, lined up far down the road, holding Spring offerings of all kinds to the goddess. Temple acolytes stand beside the crowd, along with a score of armed guards whose shirts show the ancient family crest of Ghilane -- the police for this amboule. And thus are thieves discouraged, for the offerings are small pouches of gold ornately fastened with ribbons in the shape of leaves, or else fine craftworks made by the city’s guildsmen and guildswomen. The street is crowded, and movement is slowed considerably by this crowd. Does Ednyss make an offering?
(OOC: I’ll address the Thacia Casino after we see what happens here.)
“Let us go first to the hotel,” he responds, wrapping his traveling cloak tightly about his vest and pouches.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger nods at Granophyre's reply, hoping they can make their way to the hotel without any further issues.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss notices that the others seem ready to move on, and he realizes he doesn't actually know much about what Granopyre wanted to achieve. Ednyss sighs as he thinks for a second about just bringing the girl to the hotel so that Granophyre can ask the questions himself. The girl doesn't look like she would run, and a promise to let her go afterwards would likely be all that is needed. However, he doesn't want to have to cart the girl all the way to the hotel, and they can always find another way to gain the information Granophyre needed.
The stony-skinned dwarf looks straight into the young girl's eyes and uses his amplified voice to ensure that he is heard. "Alright. Two questions then I will let you go. Firstly, which casinos are the ones to avoid and which ones are the best for avoiding trouble. Secondly, where might I find information on the gods. A library perhaps?" Ednyss cringes at the thought of a library, but he had no other way of trying to obtain the information that he was interested in.
Before he lets the girl go, he places the ten gold pieces that she had tried to steal, into her hand and says quietly, "Find a real profession. Learn a skill and do honorable work. Do not do it for me, do it for yourself. As I said before, your next target may not be so kind. Even something as simple as a messenger can be an honorable profession. Everyone must start somewhere, but this work will only lead you to trouble." As he releases her, he utters a quiet divine incantation that will hopefully offer her some additional insight that will lead her to amend her ways.
(OOC: The Enhance Ability is Enhancing her Wisdom via Owl's Wisdom. Casting from Shield of Takal Demesh.)
Persuasion (If Needed): 5 (Expending Inspiration for Advantage... Never used it in the Orc fight so might as well use it to make someone's life better.)
With that done, he turns back to Benita and calls, "Lead on."
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Ednyss
The girl struggles against Ednyss, plainly fighting against a perceived likelihood of physical calamity at his hands. Grasping both of her wrists in one strong hand, and with divine aid, his wise words overcome her fear and she, looking back at Ednyss, — who notices she has one green eye and one grey, and is otherwise a plain-looking, too-thin girl — her expression of defiance softens to one of awestruck fear, then epiphany, and then a quiet solemnity.
“I never been in casino,” she answers, to his first question, in heavily accented Jenghen, “but they say Jenghen follow rules. In Thacia casino.”
To Ednyss’ second question, she answers, “I know no library, Master, can’t read. But Temple of Ritha Demsha in Ksar Ghilane. You here for Festival, learn Ritha Demsha maybe.”
She looks at her feet, her head bowed, perhaps expecting the back of Ednyss’ hand, or worse.
When Ednyss walks away after giving her gold and wisdom from Takal Demesh, she stands utterly bewildered, stunned, watching the kind dwarf disappear into the crowd. Then, she remembers her surroundings, and in an instant disappears into the shadows, clutching the gold.
Both Benita and Tamazaert watched the dialogue with empathy, for they each seem to see themselves in the teenager. They catch each other’s eyes for a moment, and Ednyss notes a moment of surprise, an unexpected recognition between the pair, who turn away again almost immediately before your group continues onward.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
POST #2
All of your eyes now alert to thievery, your two groups moved quickly to the edge of the throng, then around the square, passing several narrow, shaded alleys between four-story buildings with adobe facades, where dark-colored awnings protect the passageways from sunlight, casting them in darkness. You now cross over a confusing set of deep canals -- the Sebu river -- and then into central Benepota Amboule. Lining the avenue are a parade of shop windows, all protected by wrought iron bars -- some ornately crafted, others pragmatic and ugly. The nicer shops have glowing wards embedded in the keystone tiles over entryways. Craning your necks to see over the storefronts, you note several stories of what look like residential apartments.
You must watch your footing, for the sewer grates are wide enough to swallow a small animal, and the opposite is made obvious, as you hear the squeaking of rats, and several leap out of grates and cross in front of Shians, who are oblivious to the vermin, while another runs over the feet of a traveler, causing him to screech in alarm. There are still many people on the streets, which are crowded and fetid, and colorful banners hang from many of the windows for the Spring Festival. Following Benita’s instructions, Auger and Granophyre first, followed by everyone else farther back, reach a crossroad, and there on the corner is the Riedh Irhalne hotel. Entering the building’s guarded gate into an ornately tiled, shaded, crowded lobby, Granophyre speaks quietly to the manager, a Cat with calico fur standing upon a raised platform which results in her standing taller than most humans, and she looks down superciliously at the scholar from behind a counter.
“Hrrrrmmmm….yesss, I have one suite left, last onnnnnnne,” she purrs in lilting Jenghen. “You are lucky you come earlyyyyy. Maaaany will sleep outsiiiide the walllss tonight.” She announces an outrageous price. Granophyre writes something upon a slip of paper, and Auger notices, as the manager turns to answer a question from a blue-robed valet, that the sage drips a glowing liquid from a tiny vial upon it before handing the slip back.
“I suggest you accept this amount,” Granophyre says, and the Cat closes her eyes, long lashes seductively fluttering, and says in a dreamy voice, “Yesss, I wiiiill...accept...thiiiiiis amount.”
Soon enough, you have all regrouped, in a penthouse suite, on the 6th, top, floor of the hotel, after a pair of Shian valets in dark blue robes depart, leaving a meal of flatbreads, lentils, olives, and strong, refreshing tea.
Granophyre sits at the head of a low table, surrounded by cushions, upon which you all relax, except for Tamazaert, who is in one of the bedrooms nursing Sura. As the sound of music and revelry echoes in from the streets, the sage tells you his plan for the coming days.
“As I mentioned, I have matters to attend to regarding...Tuff. Tuff!” He starts quietly, sighs and continues, “which may require my departure for a length of time. Perhaps two weeks. These are matters which I must see to, on my own.” He pauses for a moment, making a silent decision.
“In the meanwhile, as long as we are here, there remains much to be done. The first step is to locate a particular person.”
Granophyre, his voice gaining animation, reminds you of how the ancient axe from Core of Dacite came into Omar El Idrissid’s possession. “As you recall, it was a gift, to Professor Idrissid’s mother, Adilah, for her bravery, when, as a young woman, she fought in the Shian Rebellion in the Vale of Deshar. It came from a goat herder named Safiyah whose home Adilah El Idrissid defended from Imperial Orcs. How this woman, Safiyah, came to have it in her possession...that is the mystery which remains to be solved.” The sage pauses for a moment, weighing options.
“We need to find her, Safiyah, in the Vale. That is the first step. It is...an unusual name for a Shian. And remember, by now she may be either elderly, or dead. There may be records in libraries of the Poppy Citadel, or in one of the amboule viceroy’s administrative archives here in Kalahata. It is... a pity that Mittens Toodaloo had to depart, for his research skills might have helped. But on the other hand, there may be no written records. In that case, a clue may require a more personal touch. Old veterans of the rebellion still live in Kalahata. Not many, but perhaps someone has a memory of the battle, may have a clue as to the exact location of the lands which Adilah El Idrissid defended.
“It may be...a wild goose chase. It may be that we will have to enter the Vale and look there homestead by homestead. But given the dangers in that wondrous and beautiful place, the less time we spend there, the better. And any written records, if written records exist, will be housed here in Kalahata.
“As for the Azhvuv. We do not know when that call will come, or in what form. When it does, we must be prepared.” He removes what you have come to recognize as a pair of messaging stones from his pouch, and he hands one of them to Auger.
“If I am away when the Azhvuv call, use this to contact me. You need only say the word for ‘speak’ in ancient Dwarvish, thus, and, for this particular stone, extend some of your arcane energy into it. The stone will signal me and I will enable our communication as soon as I may, wherever I am.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"I can help with the search." Varielky announces. It might come as a surprise, as Varielky isn't one for books. To the inquiring looks she receives, Varielky answers: "I might not be the best suited for this task but I have a reason to do so. My sword... I manages to reveal another rune on it a few days ago. The rune of Idiwala. I'm not sure what it means, but I feel as if I should already know it. Maybe, while we're searching the records, I might be able to search the library for some texts about the god. Maybe it will help me remember or understand why the rune of the god of speech and history would be on this sword." She pauses for a moment. Perhaps one of the temples would be a better place to search? Possibly, but she didn't like entering the temples of these people. It reminded her the way people are treated for worshipping Dreyen gods. "Besides, if we really do need to ask old war veterans, I could be of use there. I was a soldier before so they might be willing to share more with me. Exchange some war stories, you know?" Truly, Varielky was excited to hear the stories these war veterans can tell. Especially, how those huge walls were damaged.
Varielky
Auger accepts the stone and nods at Granophyre's instructions and since he does not speak dwarvish he makes a point of learning the command word to ensure he can activate the stone when the time is right. After a moment Auger does ask Granophyre, concerned, "Are you sure you must proceed alone? Perhaps one of us should join you?"
Regardless of Strewn's response, Auger thinks on Granophyre's words and how he might help. Then it occurs to him that he knows something of record-keeping from his carpentry business back home. "Ledgers," he says. "Businesses keep ledgers. Perhaps we can find this name in a ledger." Auger is momentarily daunted by his own words. With a city this size and the potential number of homesteads in the vale, the right ledger, even if he can access it, might still be very hard to find. "We will have to strike out and investigate differing paths and then come back here and exchange notes. In that way perhaps we can narrow our search. Varielky, if you can learn details from veterans of the war, those details might tell us which records can be useful. Then the records might point out some particular veterans to speak to."
Pausing to think a moment Auger says, "Anything they may have in the way of birth or death records can be a starting point... and then... well I may not have the research skills of your former companion, Mr. Toodaloo but one thing I do have," Auger continues now with a winning smile on his face, "is the capacity to convince people to let me see their records. With the right story. Granophyre I believe I may be a... a cousin... from the south trying to get in touch with family in the vale. Perhaps a message from my dying aunt to her distant relative. Please tell us any other details you can think of... is Safiyah the family name or the given name?"
Auger continues along these lines with Granophyre, trying to get a stronger sense for details that may matter. He asks about the precise dates of the Shian Rebellion (the first way Auger can think of to narrow the search). The name of the fighting force, division, etc in which Adilah El Iddrisid fought (the movements of a division might narrow the location substantially). How large a herd of goats Safiyah might have managed (will his business be something we can use to track him down). Was it Safiyah's herd or was it a matter of employment? In what part of the world is a name like Safiyah a common one (perhaps this other place is where we should direct our attentions as we need the knowledge of the ancestor, correct)?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss listens to Granophyre and nods, "I will assist in the research, but I am not the strongest investigator, and libraries are far from my strength." Ednyss shuffles his feet a little, "I might be better suited to just keeping an ear to the ground or researching through the people instead of books." Ednyss's mind wanders to the information he got from the little girl, perhaps he could convince some others to loosen their lips about information regarding a Safiyah that they might know. "There is also some personal business that I wish to attend to in the city." Ednyss keeps his input short and courteous, looking to the scholar for any additional information or advice.
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Granophyre responds favorably to Auger, Varielky, and Ednyss’ various ideas, and has just begun answering questions when Tamazaert, without Sura, enters the suite’s living room area to join the rest of you, a peaceful smile on her face.
“He’s asleep,” she says quietly, to no one in particular, moving to the food and hungrily eating several olives in quick succession. Then, realizing that she has interrupted, for you have fallen into a secretive silence, the young Shian looks at each of you in turn, her expression more and more crestfallen.
“I know,” she says, biting her lip, “that I have already overstayed my welcome.” Granophyre begins to interrupt, but she cuts in, “And I can never repay you for what you have done for me and Sura. I want to thank you, each of you, for freeing us, and taking care of us, these last few days. I will gather Sura when he awakens and find my...family.”
Ednyss sees she is not being completely open, and Benita clears her throat softly before answering, “Look, Tamazaert...I don’t know much about you, but…,” she continues flatly, gently, “there’s no family. Is there.” And she holds the young mother’s eyes.
Tamazaert, Ednyss sees, is on the verge of saying something dishonest, but with Benita holding her gaze, the words don’t escape her. She begins to well up and responds by shaking her head, closing her eyes, then looking up at the ceiling as a tear slips down her cheek.
“My family was like that cutpurse’s Ednyss spoke to. I could see it in her eyes. The Orphanage, where the headmistress teaches all of the children to be thieves and shares none of the rewards. That was my family. Before I left Kalahata.”
She looks at Ednyss. “I could be a messenger, Master Graybeard,” then turns to Granophyre, “or for you, Master Strewn,” and casting about the room, continues, “or, for...anyone. I can read and write Shian and Jenghen, and some Orracan.”
Granophyre looks to Ednyss, Auger, and Varielky, a silent request for your thoughts.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Thinking on Tamazaert's words Auger remembers that many of the records he was just discussing might be in languages he did not know.
"I could use some assistance with my tasks, which will involve a great deal of reading through records. And searching through records... There will be a lot of reading through records in search of some... historical facts. I'm not sure if babies are allowed in Kalahata's libraries or not but you will have to keep Sura quiet if you want to join my task."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky shrugs. "I don't really have anyone I need to send a message to. And, even if I did, I wouldn't know what to write." Besides, she wasn't going to send Tamazaert far into northern Indallia, on the border with Drey. "Still, I wouldn't feel right knowing I threw you out of the frying pan into the fire. You deserve more than that after all you've been through." Varielky looks at Granophyre with a look that says: "This is my opinion, but it's your choice."
Varielky
Granophyre says to the young mother, “The nature of my journey here to Kalahata is...confidential, and not without danger, young Tamazaert. For your own protection, and that of your child, I think it best for you to know as little as possible about it.” A stoic expression forms around the Shian’s lips as she braces herself for the worst, while the scholar continues.
The scholar looks to the southerner. “Auger Fetherlac, you will find that in Orraca u Shia, women keep themselves busy up until the day they give birth, and are back on their feet with babe in tow. I would be surprised indeed if your research were hindered by Tamazaert’s presence, and as you said, her fluency may prove to be critical. Perhaps you will pick up some of the language from her.” Turning back to Tamazaert, Granophyre concludes, “I believe you can help considerably with small daily tasks such as keeping our lodgings clean and running errands, and, if you maintain a healthy distance from the goal of our investigations while translating, we may avoid involving others, such as curious librarians, in our search.”
Tamazaert’s humble smile brightens the room, and she curtsies deeply to Granophyre, with a wide circular gesture around her heart, which you will learn is the Shian expression for thanks.
Benita, drawn to the terrace windows and the celebrations outside, asks, “Master Strewn, will you need us for the rest of the day?,” to which the scholar replies, “I think we all deserve an evening to ourselves to relax and enjoy what Kalahata has to offer. There is, indeed, no better moment to enjoy what life has to offer. I have but one more task to perform before retiring for the night for which I will need you, in a few minutes.”
Granophyre asks Auger to join him on the balcony and shuts the door, giving them privacy against the backdrop of music and celebratory shouting in the streets and from Tamazaert, in order to answer the warlock’s questions, as a breeze from the mountains picks up and the hazy afternoon sky begins to clear.
Re: "Are you sure you must proceed alone? Perhaps one of us should join you?"
Granophyre: “I am sworn to secrecy regarding my methods of travel. Thank you, Auger, for your concern. But I must proceed alone.”
Re: is Safiyah the family name or the given name?
G: “I do not know, but I believe it is the woman’s only name. Like ‘Tamazaert.’”
Re: the precise dates of the Shian Rebellion?
G: Jenghen Imperial Calendar (JIC) 365-368. (the current year is JIC 415).
Re: The name of the fighting force, division, etc in which Adilah El Iddrisid fought (the movements of a division might narrow the location substantially)
G: Unknown
Re: How large a herd of goats Safiyah might have managed (will his (sic) business be something we can use to track him (sic) down). Was it Safiyah's herd or was it a matter of employment?
G: Unknown (Safiyah is/was a woman.)
Re: In what part of the world is a name like Safiyah a common one (perhaps this other place is where we should direct our attention as we need the knowledge of the ancestor, correct)?
G: Variations of the name are given to Orracan and, especially, Fa Tahesian babies, Granophyre thinks.
Granophyre tells Auger that he knows no more details. The scholar will aid in research upon his return.
Upon returning from the terrace a few minutes later, Granophyre asks Varielky and Benita to accompany him to a Bank, which occurs without incident, now that your packs are in your rooms and your coin purses concealed close to your skin, and when they return, he pays all of you for your service since Hyewush, with a bonus, 100GP each. He then, with Tamazaert’s help, sets up his writing implements, a chair and small table, on the terrace, and sits down to work.
That night, the air above the city clears, and the full moon rises, big and round in the east, hanging low in the sky at sunset as a magnificent round of fireworks of all colors shoots off above the Poppy Citadel. The city then settles into a more peaceful observance of the equinox, and sleeps, mostly, through the sounds of the those -- not few -- who prefer to continue celebrating throughout the night. Ritha Demsha’s form can be seen within the moon, like a fetus in vitro, high above, every detail in full view.
That night, there are dreams.
Varielky, in her sleep, hears the voice of Veleif, sees herself practicing with a wooden sword as an eight-year-old, dueling the limber priest who towers above her. They exchange blows, and then his wooden blade slaps her thigh. “Try again,” he says. She tries to allow him the initiative and quickly ripostes, but his blade strikes her elbow, making nerves dance up and down her arm, and she drops her blade. “Again!,” he says. Now, holding her wooden blade two handed, she attacks with frightening fury, but his blade strikes her head with a resounding crack and she sees stars. “AGAIN,” he says. But she is on the ground, looking about her, and it seems that the glyph, the one on her forehead, is everywhere. On the sled. On the cart. On the banner flapping in the cold wind. When Varielky awakens in the morning, she notices that her blade is in her hand. Perhaps she called it in her sleep.
Auger dreams of home, and of his family. But in his dream, the Dowager calls him, and he soars high into the skies, wheeling and diving above Kalahata, seeking prey but finding none. And in his mind begins to form the picture of a mountain. One he has never seen before.
Ednyss dreams of the moon, high in the sky, so distant. He stands atop the hotel, watching it, the form of Ritha Demsha warmly enclosed in its womb-shape. Then, suddenly, her head snaps to the side and she is looking directly at him, and she is not distant at all, she is close. The goddess sees him. And she is angry. The cleric awakens in a cold sweat.
The next morning, Granophyre is gone. Tamazaert is up early, nursing Sura, and says the old sage was up before dawn and said he would be away for a while.
A week passes. How do you spend the time? (You also had that first night, if you wish to join in the revelry or go to shops right away before they close, or whatever else.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger does step out that first night. He wants to see the celebration of Spring and feel it as best he can. At his home the celebration was big for the village but he wanted to see what would happen in a city as loud and big as Kalahata. In addition he does want to improve his understanding of this city which would be his home for at least a week. In particular he is interested in finding any public reflecting pools (should they exist), hoping to find a spot in which to meditate and commune with his patron at a more quiet time.
Before going he beckons Tamazaert over and tells her that he would be seeking her assistance in his research. He examines her appearance and advises that she acquire some clothing that is becoming of her station and reflects her employment (OOC: Did Granophyre give her any money? Am I correct to assume she is still in her slave garb?).
Upon heading out Auger looks around for stands that are selling scarves and considers looking for clothing for himself so as to better fit in as well as for Tamazaert but decides this is not the night for that and mostly looks for a decent scarf to protect his nose from the smells.
Looking for a goal Auger decides to head towards the Poppy Citadel but will stop if it gets more crowded in that direction and head back rather than be forced to stay out very late. Auger will take some time to try and learn Salakta amboule if possible as the trade centers there might be where he ends up focusing his searches.
At Auger's suggestion Py accompanies him, flying above and invisibly watching.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss has no jobs to offer Tama that come to mind, and given that Auger offered, Ednyss saw no reason to interfere now. Seeing that Tama is happy to help Auger makes the dwarf all the more confident that this arrangement would be mutually beneficial. That night, Ednyss graciously accepts the bonus, and for the first time, the war priest begins to wonder just how deep Granophyre's pockets are.
The first night, Ednyss might wander the city a bit, but he will leave his rune-marked shield and fancier War Pick in the room along with his valuables. He just walks lightly with his old War Pick and shield as he takes in the beauty of the city at night. He will just try and get his bearings in the city as well as clear his thoughts for the adventures in the coming days.
When Ednyss dreams that night, he is haunted by the face of Ritha Demsha. Her angry visage staring at him is enough to strike an ounce of fear into the normally unshakable mind of Ednyss. When he awakens, he is breathing heavily and sweating profusely. The dwarf rolls up his sleeve and breathes a sigh of relief in knowing that Demesh is still with him. Even in the presence of another angry god, he is confident enough in his own faith and his energy is restored knowing that Takal Demesh is beside him.
(OOC: I will start with just describing Ednyss's actions/plans for Day 1 and add to that as we go depending on those encounters.)
The first day, after Ednyss's morning prayers, he leaves his rune-marked shield in his room as well as any visible markings of the God of War that are on his person. With that, he heads towards Ksar Ghilane and the Temple of Ritha Demsha. If possible he will try to gain entrance into the temple and perhaps the opportunity to speak to one of the acolytes. As he walks, he rubs his covered shoulder and thanks Demesh for the connection that he is able to maintain to his deity through the 'tattoo'.
Depending on how his interactions at the Temple go, he will spend the rest of the day assisting the acolytes as best as possible to perhaps try and earn some favor from them. If they need no assistance, or Ednyss's senses that he won't be able to make much progress even with volunteering, he will instead walk through the festival and look for any interesting or strange booths.
In the evening, Ednyss will head to the Thacia Casino that the cutpurse pointed him to and gamble a little. As he is gambling, he asks subtely around for information regarding a Safiyah or the Vale. He won't do enough to attract any attention to himself, or seem suspicious, but he will inquire once in a while to a random passerby as if he was searching for an old friend or relative. (OOC: Let me know the rolls that would be required to gamble at the casino as Ednyss is actually going to be gambling.)
(OOC: In the city, Ednyss doesn't carry much of his gold, and instead leaves most of it in the hotel room. Just to avoid appearing excessively rich and making himself a target.)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
"As long as the gods wish it, I'll keep trying, don't worry," Varielky mumbles, still half asleep, until she realises she is no longer sleeping. She stares at the blade for a while. From what she understands, Veleif, or the god speaking through his image in her dreams, is displeased with the result of her fight with Xurl, but so is she. She vowed to return and settle the score eventually, there was no need to remind her... or, perhaps they urged her to do it immediately? She wasn't sure. Still, she couldn't abandon the others and go back to the steppes even if she wanted to. It will have to wait. Varielky looks at the glyph on her forehead through the reflection on her sword. She still hasn't found out what it means. Was Veleif telling her to try again in the sense of trying to find its meaning again? Perhaps. Varielky slides the sword back into its scabbard. She has to leave it behind now when she goes out. A sword that returns to her hand on its own and a strange mark on her forehead every time someone tries to steal it might attract unwanted attention.
The first night, Varielky stays. Parties... crowds... it wasn't what she liked to see. The only gathering of many people that she might want to participate in would be the army, but from her experience, it was mostly disappointing too.
(The descriptions of the amboules have some temples in them, but nothing indicates which temple belongs to which god... if any do at all.)
Unless something happens, Varielky walks around with only 15 GP in her pouch hidden under her clothes and her old wooden shield. She might be able to summon her sword in a pinch, but walking without a shield was not something she considered possible. If something happens, she needs her shield with her. However, fearing it might get stolen, she leaves Tuff's shield behind. A wooden shield is replaceable. That one was not.
(I'm assuming everything goes smoothly. If not, her actions might change, of course.)
Day 1: Varielky starts the day by going to the library in Abziri. There, she searches for information about Idiwala, something that might explain how the god, even if it's the Jenghen version of him, might have their rune on her sword. She could think of an explanation, but she wanted to see if there's something else. Though, it pains her to know she's not likely to find any information that is relevant for a Dreyen sword. After a few hours trying to read, Varielky can't anymore. She has to do something else. Reading through books really wasn't her thing.
Around noon, Varielky leaves the library and seeks the temple of Takal Demesh, if there's one in the city. If she finds it, she doesn't linger there for long. She will enter, silently pray, and leave. She didn't feel comfortable around the "normal" priests, as if one "wrong" move and they'll notice, which will cause all kinds of consequences.
After leaving the temple, Varielky heads to the arena in Benepota. She's not seeking to do anything like what she did in Ishi Ammah, but rather to relieve herself of some stress, and what better way is there to do it than fighting people for fighting's sake? A long time has passed since she could truly do that. Not for the sake of protecting anyone nor to save anyone. Varielky hopes there will be people there that she could duel with, or perhaps an all-out brawl, that would also be good. Actually, it didn't matter much, as long as she gets to swing a sword against someone.
When she's done in the arena - either because she feels satisfied for the day or because she discovers that for whatever reason she cannot fight there - Varielky looks for a place where old war veterans might hang out. Perhaps a tavern, or something like that. If she finds such a place, Varielky will sit with them and exchange war stories. Perhaps about the battle she fought at Lokimorra, or just listening to their stories. Varielky doesn't ask about Safiya or Adilah El Idrissid today. She wants to know the people first, and it's not like she doesn't enjoy hearing the stories anyhow. Besides, she's not sure she remembers the name right, so she doesn't want to confuse anyone. She'll ask someone to write it down for her tomorrow.
Varielky
KALAHATA
(OOC: For ease of access, I have added a link to a map of Kalahata here and to the Campaign homepage.)
That first night, Varielky and Tamazaert see and hear from the penthouse, while Auger, Ednyss, and Benita wander past crowds observing performances in the streets, or waiting to enter concert houses or playhouses or temples, or the mansions of the Viceroys for private celebrations. Later in the night, there are quiet hymns sung together in the streets by scores of men and women, drunk or floating in opium dreams, linked arm-in-arm, and later, after midnight and the taverns have closed their doors, the same revelers are engaged in fist fights and brawls, thieves always lurking in the shadows to abscond with forgotten belongings left by visitors to the city, for the Kalahati-ur are too steeped in the tradition of thievery to have left their homes with more than a few silver in concealed pouches under their shirts, or in their boots.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger Fetherlac, hoping to find a spot in which to meditate and commune with his patron, is drawn to the eastern edge of Benepota district, where a large public fountain faces the city’s Arena. Testing his connection to his patron, he feels that here, in the silent hours before dawn -- or on the banks of the Sebu perhaps, outside the city walls, would work.
There is a clothing store across the street from the hotel, and he finds a scarf there, and sees men’s clothes within: kaftans, sleeveless shirts, vests, djinni-pants, belts, turbans. (OOC: We’ll say Granophyre gave Auger a couple of GP to purchase clothes for Tamazaert, which, father that he is, he spends some of on a very blocky, unfashionable robe which covers everything. Tamazaert’s look of horror when she sees the outfit transitions quickly to gratitude -- with effort.)
While walking through the district, Auger finds himself getting quite lost in the maze of alleys off the main street, but finds his way again. Following his perambulations of Benepota amboule, it is late by the time Auger has circled around Salakta amboule several times, getting lost time and again in alleys which look alike yet point in opposite directions, all of the main streets crowded with singing revelers, the alleys dark and unwelcoming. He decides to wait until morning to investigate the Poppy Citadel, where the warlock sees many dots of light in the tall windows of the massive tower which seems to strain upwards to touch the divine image of Ritha Demsha as the silver disc floats higher yet above it.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
KALAHATA (2)
The morning after the Spring Festival’s opening celebration, the 22nd of Beauty, begins with grey skies, as a fog rolls down from the Vale, dispersing as it moves over Kalahata, so that the Poppy Citadel’s upper stories are lost in the mist, and the north and west sides of the city are dark and gloomy, while the eastern walls and south side are bathed in morning light.
An enormous crowd gathers upon the eastern-facing walls before dawn, and they join in song as the sun rises, which signals the awakening of Ritha Demsha from her annual winter hibernation, the Inner Sojourn. A priest of Ritha Demsha, standing in the center of the crowd upon the high eastern parapet, announces in an extraordinarily loud voice which carries hundreds of feet, “During the winter months, the goddess, and her followers, seek to focus upon internal truths and spiritual growth. Now, following the Awakening, her marshalled energies will be shared with all Shians!”
Re: (The descriptions of the amboules have some temples in them, but nothing indicates which temple belongs to which god... if any do at all.)
There are indeed temples to individual gods, but the party will find that Temple life in Kalahata is not as foundational a civic force as in Ishi Ammah, or in Anshin Prefecture. Shians are pragmatic in their approach, and leave the gods to their business just as they wish to be left to their own freedoms, unconcerned with divine judgment or intervention. The Spring Festival is the great exception to this rule, and it seems that following a one-week fast, the Shians express as much religious fervor during the 12-day festival as an Orracan in Ishi Ammah might in a year of temple visits.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky, through trial and error, finds the library in Abziri amboule, a narrow structure with a hewn stone facade, three stories high. Abziri is an upper-middle class neighborhood, and the library collections focus on literature, the arts, history. Varielky is better at reading Jenghen than Shian, but she finds a few promising tomes and glances through them, but she doesn’t come across an answer to her question, why might Idiwala’s rune be on her sword. The god’s rune seems to be like any other god’s. She unfurls a scroll marked with Idiwala's rune, and finds a history of the Shian kings, where an ancient leader sits in the throne room of the Poppy Citadel, and the marks of all the gods Varielky recognizes are inscribed in a circle around him. Idiwala’s, just one of many.
In Ksar Gilane amboule, Varielky finds the temple of Takal Demesh, a tall, narrow building across the street from the much larger temple of Ritha Demsha.
The Arena, by mid-afternoon when Varielky arrives, is busy and crowded. Brawls break out over turf arguments. It seems very disorganized. Guards at the entry do nothing when the shield-maiden approaches, they continue comparing notes about who got more drunk the prior night.
Within the Arena, which is much smaller than Ishi Ammah’s, it is a free-for all. Anyone, from teenagers to white-haired elders, fights anyone, it seems, and as she enters, Varielky sees one young man carrying another one out whose hand had been nearly bisected and is bleeding heavily into a simple bandage.
There are a dozen fighters sitting on a bench on the sidelines, quietly dozing, or gabbing in Shian and Jenghen. It seems one simply approaches whomever they wish to spar with and challenges them. If the opponent agrees, the pair find space somewhere on the crowded floor, and fight. As Varielky passes the line, each one -- and they run the gamut -- seems to assess her with guarded expressions.
Does she enter into a sparring match?
(OOC: Varielky may come to the conclusion that she could gain as much by speaking to people hanging around in the Arena, as she could doing her prior plan of heading to a tavern. But she notes that there is a large one on the fountain circle, immediately outside the Arena.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ednyss finds the Temple of Ritha Demsha in Ksar Ghilane easily, for it stands upon one of the main roads, facing, he notes, a much smaller temple of Takal Demesh. The temple to the goddess of forests and animals is old, but in good condition, strong, supple. Its facade is a frieze depicting an enormous elephant, its curved trunk forming a teardrop shape with the image of a seed within. Columns to either side of the commanding entryway are carved in the shape of enormous chestnut trees, which are not native to this part of the world and seem exotic, and their crowns reach high to support an arching dome covered in thick green moss. Cypress trees thrive beside the walls, and vines reach up and cover much of the exterior, their first spring tendrils giving the impression of a thin coat of sage-green fur.
The temple is surrounded by a crowd of worshippers, lined up far down the road, holding Spring offerings of all kinds to the goddess. Temple acolytes stand beside the crowd, along with a score of armed guards whose shirts show the ancient family crest of Ghilane -- the police for this amboule. And thus are thieves discouraged, for the offerings are small pouches of gold ornately fastened with ribbons in the shape of leaves, or else fine craftworks made by the city’s guildsmen and guildswomen. The street is crowded, and movement is slowed considerably by this crowd. Does Ednyss make an offering?
(OOC: I’ll address the Thacia Casino after we see what happens here.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer