In reply to Narrator (msg # 124):

Bingling nods, trills in thought for a moment and cocks his head. In Darktongue he says "Peace is good for trade. [Private to GM: Question, spirit: you know that Argan Argar gave trollkin spears to better serve the Mothers. is your enlo host amenable to your presence? I am curious."]

If the enlo does not seem to understand Bingling will repeat himself in Tradetalk.

[Private to GM:(Bingling figures that a spirit that is genial to its enlo host would be a more trusty ally to the trolls and humans here than one who uses a trollkin heedless of the host's wishes, for all that no troll regards trollkin as an equal. After all, to a spirit, what difference does it matter between any who bear the Man rune?)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:38, Tue 25 Dec 2018.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I'm happy to offer what assistance I may.  A wound to the part is a wound to the whole, after all."]

Saberak picks up the listless Gulk and helps situate her into the harness on the four-armed troll's back.



Saberak struggles to respond with her broken Tradetalk, a look of pained concentration on her face as she searches for the right words.

"Though I hope you will be my friend, I would help even my worst enemy. No one should die like this. I would very much like to talk soon."



Saberak turns to Jalmon and speaks quickly in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I will have to clean the mess of battle off myself.  I presume the necessities can be found in the fort?  After that, I will confer with the Preceptor, time willing."]

At the sound of the Uz arguing, she waits patiently until Desola is finished speaking before adding, "Tonight's fighting has been more than enough.  I'm sure there are better times and places for this to continue."

In reply to Saberak (msg # 126):



Oligur slips off his acid spattered white cloak and holds it up with both hands as a drape, providing some privacy for Gulk as Saberak lifts her off the ground and positions her in the harness.

[Private to Narrator; Saberak: To Jalmon: It will be an honor to accompany you, sir.
To Saberak as we head to the the Lunar camp: The barracks are not luxurious by any means, but I believe you will find them adequate and, indeed, a great improvement over many campaign sites. You shall be able to scrub off the dirt of the road and tend to any necessities there.
This Desola, she means well, and she cares for her people, but is not yet walking in the Lunar Way. I hope you will join us for the discussions, they may prove interesting]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Tue 25 Dec 2018.

Having finished his healing duties, Tamarkorda stops at the Murval House [Private to GM: To pick up his shield and bow ]on his way back to the Shaman's hut to find Sandien and ask her to go and speak to Desola.

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 128):

Sanuzi helps where he can and keeps watch until late. He'll eventually follow Tamarkorda back to Sandien's house and start helping there.

Saberak claps Oligur on the back of his armor, a warmhearted smile on her face.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Too few walk that path, friend. Though a few short days ago I despaired for its future, I see now that my way is here, to help me understand that We Are All Us and to bring this realization to as many as possible."]

Oligur and Saberak

Zuzorek and Gulk return with you to the fort.  Gulk looks exhausted.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: As you enter the fort, you see Idovanus still sitting in meditation.  A soft red glow surrounds him, and he is floating two feet off the ground.]

As Oligur mentioned, the barracks are spartan, but they will do to clean the grim of battle off yourself.  You know that you have time to clean up before the meeting.

---

Sanuzi and Tamarkorda
You return to the hut.  A person is helping patch the roof of the house as you approach.  Outside is a fire.  It seems that Sadein has decided to burn the smaller furnishings that were contaminated by the Harpy's feces, as well as the harpy corpses (it appears she pulled one out on a rug that was in the main room).  Inside, you see Sandein scrubbing the remaining furniture with wine.

Sanuzi, you notice on the wall the "painting" that mother did.  In all the commotion, you did not get to fully cleaning it off the wall.  Again, you feel drawn toward and into the painting.  You realize you could snap yourself out of it if you want.[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: I am going to assume that your spirit sight is still up.  There is power in the image.  It is subtle and gets lost in the wards and enchantments layered over Sandein's home, but the image has a distinct aura that draws you in.]

When you mention to Sandein that Desola wants to speak with her, she bows her head and slumps a little; "this night will never end it seems."  She looks at the two of you, "there are two other spirit-speakers in Jelmine.  I could hear them, and I saw one of them".  [Private to Tamarkorda: There is a tremble of fear in her voice when she mentions the one she saw.]  "The spirits around Jelmine are disturbed, and it seems to have all started when mother went wild.  I am loathed to leave her until Inkarne has seen her."

OOC:  After any discussions with Sandein you want to have, she will give the following orders.

"Tamarkorda, would you find Desola and ask if she would speak to me here?  You can tell Desola what occurred, and why I am reluctant to leave right now.  She appreciates honesty."

"Sanuzi, stay and help me clean up this mess.  Remember though not to touch anything that carries the taint of the harpy."  She thinks for a moment, "it will create a muddy mess, but it might be best to mop the floor with wine.  Grab that bucket and broom."

---

Garik
While you are getting yourself ready, you hear some of the women saying that there is going to be a council meeting here tonight (in this longhouse).  It seems that the excitement is coming to you.

---

Ullr
After all of your wanderings, it is obvious that the target of the creatures was the hut of the Shaman Sandein.  You have heard of chaos creatures, including Gorp, but you have not heard of something like this.  Chaos is never fixed or constant, so it is possible that a Gorp could appear as a pile of rotting vegetation.  Umgar seemed convinced that this creature was a Gorp.  It also seems very likely that this Gorp was somehow giving "birth" to these vegetable creatures that carried such a potent and horrifying toxin.

Bingling
Magora comes over to you: [Secret to Bingling Hyxloriz: "I would not normally be concerned about Zelda's animosity toward the brazen Enlo, but her defensive demeanor is unusual.  The Enlo's speech and the deference of that Blue Moon Uz toward it is highly unusual.  I knew that the ways of the Blue Moon tribes was different than our own, but I did not expect something this radical.  The mask that the enlo wears is one of a god I know, and the red robes it wears may mark it as something from the Empire.  We need to learn more about it, and I think it would be best to keep Zelda and the Enlo separated for now. Though they hide it well, Zelda's guards are afraid of the Enlo's protector.  We need to keep them separated also, as our goal was not to bring strife to Jelmine."]

When Henetha has finished tended the wounded she asks the villagers where she can meet Desola, and goes there.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 131):

In a rather human way, Bingling blinks at Magora.
"Yes! I'll be glad to help them stay apart. Though I assumed it wasn't an enlo speaking? I don't know Lunar ways, but it did not present itself to the garrison first. It didn't act like an enlo, but it didn't act like an enlo rebelling against the mothers either? So I assumed it was not something tied to the Man-rune? Does that make sense?"

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 133):

Bingling then bustles about, taking direction from Magora and Varinton as needed.

Modesty was rarely a priority during Saberak's childhood on the steppes of Prax. Little has changed for her in that respect since she left with the Lunar caravan all those years ago.  She quickly strips out of her travel-stained, ichor-spattered robes and scrubs to remove the filth of the both the road and the diseased creatures that just attacked the village.  Donning a spare dress from her packs which the soldiers stowed after taking Selan to the stable, she grasps her hair, pulling it from its full length to knot at the back of her head.  As she chooses new accoutrements to go with her changed vestments, she turns to Oligur.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I will wait with Idovanus until the time comes for us to meet with the natives of this place. When Gulk recovers, perhaps I will speak with her.  However, I find it unlikely that will be tonight judging from her appearance. I imagine the commander would have informed me if there was anything else requiring my attention in the meantime.  Tell me Oligur, where do you hail from?"]

Tamarkorda looks at his sheathed sword with a thin lipped grimace, but nods and heads back where he came from after gripping Sanuzi's arm. His lips move silently as he walks down the hill in search of Desola

In reply to Narrator (msg # 131):

Sanuzi follows Sandien's instructions, but tends to find himself wandering closer to the image that seems to have started it all. Every once in a while he snaps himself out of it, but he is clearly drawn to the power of the drawing.

"I believe she has gone with Danbal to the Durten Longhouse Henetha," says Lonrella.  "In the days to come, please feel free to call on me.  I will happily show you the mushroom caves and talk with about their cultivation."

As you move up toward the Durten compound, you notice the fires down in the ravine.  You overhear one of the villagers telling a Grazelander that Desola is down in the ravine looking at the damage.

---

Tamarkorda, you walk down to the Durten compound and ask after Desola.  "You are Tamarkorda, Sandein's apprentice, are you not?" says one of the Durten women.  You have seen her before, her name is Senranda, an unmarried woman of maybe 18 years.  She smiles at you.  Asking after Desola, Seranda responds, "she has gone down into the ravine as she was very concerned about those who had been poisoned.  Would you like me to take you to her?"

---

Ullr, as you are walking back up the ravine, you notice that the villagers are still feeding the fires with the corruption that attacked the town.  Among them is a woman with the bearing of the Mothers, and it seems as if the villagers treat her with the same fear and deference that Uz treat the Mothers; no, not fear, something else.

They are speaking in a language that you do not understand, perhaps the language of the humans of this land.

---

OOC:  For any who go into or are already in the ravine.

As you approached, you heard a number of people telling accounts of what happened, when suddenly there is a growl from the brooding troll.  "Enough with your foolishness," he starts.  [Secret to Tamarkorda: Though she hides it extremely well, you can see that Desola is taken aback by this Uz.]  "A gorp bearing the stench of Chaos crept into this place.  It had powers to create men of plants, but I doubt they would taste as good as the Aldryami."  The smile on his face brings no joy; it is a predatory smile that obviously chills most of the gathered people.[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Tamarkorda: Neither Henetha or Tamarkorda are frightened by the smile.] "The chaos plant men carried a poison that corrupted the flesh and spirit of those too weak to fight it.  They were put out of their misery."

Desola looks at him, and steps forward. [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Tamarkorda; Ullr Lightbane: Henetha, Tamarkorda, and Ullr each feel the power of fertility wash over them.]
"Son of Zorak Zoran, you have turned the power of death against these abominations, and for this I thank you."
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Ullr Lightbane: Henetha and Ullr both feel the power of Death radiate from the Uz.]
There appears to be a standoff between the Desola and the Troll.  The troll breaks eye contact.  Desola says, "I suggest that you return to the Garlin compound Death Lord.  I will speak with the leader of your party about a just reward for you."

"There is no need for a human reward," he says with unhidden disdain, "the death brought here tonight is enough."  With that, he walks down the ravine.

As he goes, Desola looks around, "continue to burn anything that was corrupted.  We will have to see what damage these creatures have done to the land, but that can wait until morning."

OOC:  While there are people talking with her, it looks as if now is a time you can approach Desola.

---

Bingling, Magora replies, "yes, I understand.  We will have to find out more about the Enlo and her guardian.  As a devotee of Argan Argar, perhaps you would be the best of our company to speak with her."

You then help the Garlin family with repairs and carrying the wounded.

---

Sanuzi, as you continue to clean the floor, you come to the doorway into the room you placed mother.  Glancing inside you see that mother is still sleeping peacefully.

"I have no idea what happened here tonight," Sandein says, "and I don't know if mother sensed the attack, or ...," she lets the thought go unspoken.  "She has had episodes that revealed visions, but nothing like this."

After a few moments, "you keep looking at what she drew.  What do you see in it?"

---

Garik, the Durten women provide water for you to cleanse yourself, and a middle-aged lady uses magic to repair your clothing, saying, "we don't want a defender of the community looking shabby when there is a council." She smiles at you in a motherly fashion.  "Do you think you can eat some more soup?  Maybe with some bread this time?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:57, Sat 29 Dec 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 138):

Sanuzi allows himself to get lost in the drawing...

At the Durten compound Tamarkorda looks momentarily confused (everyone knows where the ravine is and what Desola looks like). "That would be good, thank you Senranda. I need to ask Mother Desola something. Be careful, poison was on plant things in ravine. They try to burn it all but maybe some is still there"

In the ravine Tamarkorda sniggers briefly at the big Digilem's joke about his people's unlikely appetite for the Talarg scourge. As Desola confronts him, Takarkorda rolls his head uncricking his neck and brushes elbows with Senranda.

Once there seems to be a chance to speak to Desola he approaches her and when the opportunity arrives says confidentially "Sandien fears the spirits are in a storm about something to do with her spirit-mother, Priestess. She dares not leave the hut in case worse comes down on us, and asks that you might stop by and speak with her, rather than have come to the Durten Hall as you first bade."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 138):

Once done helping carry the wounded and enacting repairs to the Garlin house, Bingling will do as bid. Otherwise he will stay near the group he saw fight so effectively, and amuse himself by trying to remember steps to troll and human folk dances.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Wed 02 Jan 2019.

OOC:  Feel free to post discussions with Desola.

Desola looks concerned when she hears about Sandein's mother.  "Tamarkorda, please escort me to Sandein."  She indicates that Henetha and Bingling are welcome to join them on the walk.

---

Sanuzi, you stare into the drawing, but it is not like it was before.  You do not feel yourself being pulled into it.  Perhaps the excitement of the evening is blocking you, or perhaps it is that Sandein expects the house to be clean.  When you look away, you find yourself looking back at it.  Some ritual drumming or singing may clear your mind.

"Sanuzi," you feel a hand on your shoulder.  Sandein is there with a worried look.  "You saw something in that drawing didn't you?"  It suddenly strikes you that Sandein does not seem to see the shapes in the drawing.

---

As Tamarkorda escorts Desola, she turns to look at Henetha, "Danbal mentioned that a Daughter of Ernalda had arrived today, all the way from Boldhome.  Many seek to go to cities such as Boldhome.  What has led you from such a place to this small village on the outskirts of human lands?  I also hear that many of the young women of Durten are eager to get to know your traveling companion Ankiarl of the Colymar Tribe."

---

After speaking with Henetha, she turns her attention to Bingling.  "You traveled here with Magora, did you not?  How is she?  I have heard tell that her experiences have transformed her."

Saberak picks her way back down into the ravine toward the site of the earlier skirmish, calling out to Desola in choppy Tradetalk as she descends.

"Hello, mother.  How are the hurt doing?  If you need any more help, I would be happy to see what we might be able to offer."

Tamarkorda walks back up the hillside with Desola keeping an eye out for any remaining danger but also observing the newcomers as they appear.[Private to GM: He will wait outside if and when Desola gets to the Shaman's hut]

Henetha walks up the hillside with Tamarkorda and Desola.

[Private to Narrator; Tamarkorda: "I came to study how to grow mushrooms. But I had also heard that the temple of Ernalda had a powerful priestess. I would like to learn more about both.

I did not know Ankiarl before we journeyed here. I'm sure he would be happy to meet the young women of your village."]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 142):


Bingling accompanies Desola. When she asks about Magora, Bingling starts to smile, then nods vigorously instead.
"Like Arkat, she finds that her soul is dark troll, though born human, and so she asked to be reborn. She is wise and answered many of my questions about humans.  But I like her human family, too. They seem very friendly and I feel very comfortable with them."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 142):

Sanuzi speaks with Sandien: Sandien, earlier I thought I saw symbols of Truth and Darkness connected or intermingled with representations of people. Then, as I was meditating on this, making dolls, I felt an odd connection between things, like strands of Old Cob's web linking both the present and the non-present. Perhaps with your help, I can meditate on this further...

The song Sanuzi begins to compose lacks lyrics as he tries for a neutral bias for interpretation.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 146):

Bingling shyly glances over at Desola. He then tilts his head and speaks in Tradetalk.

"Ernalda married Orlanth. Ernalda married Argan Argar, as they tell in Esrolia. Ernalda also married Stom Bull, Yelmalio, and others. She is the Earth goddess of families and communities, music and the spiritual earth which housed Wonderhome until the dead Sun came, or so my Argan Argar priest tells me."

He then tilts his head in the opposing direction while still blinking at Desola.

"You are a wise woman priest of Ernalda. You serve a human town that trades with Skyfall Lake and Dakori Inkarth. You have a family, the Garlins, that ties humans and Uz together and straddles the gulf between, as befits Argan Argari. You keep your own counsel, but you counsel many others."

He pauses.

"How would you counsel an Uz who wants peaceful trade with your town, and wide adventures in the deep world beyond?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

A few of the townspeople accompany you up the hill.  It seems that Danbal wants extra people around her in case there is another attack.  To make it easier, you traveled down the ravine a bit, and then up a more gentle slope.


[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Tamarkorda; Bingling Hyxloriz: Desola listens to Henetha's introduction.  "The young women will be happy to hear that the young Orlanthi Ankiarl is available."  A sad smile crosses her face, then she looks to Henetha, "that is interesting.  Few seek to learn the secrets of mushrooms, though they are children of Earth.  Our village has a special relationship with these little gifts of Darkness and Earth; they have helped us stave off the worst of famine," again a sad smile crosses her face, "they do not prevent the loss from famine, but they help more to survive."

"Henetha, you will have heard that we will be elevating a new Priestess of Ernalda.  Many of the women of the village will come to the loom house on the day of the ordination to help prepare.  I invite you as a daughter of Ernalda to attend.  I will make it known to Inkarne to expect you."

After Bingling introduces himself, Desola looks at him in an appraising manner, "peaceful trade is always welcome disciple of Argan Argar, for we have valued our friendship with the Uz."  She then looks around herself, "and here are two," indicating Henetha and Tamarkorda, "who can help you learn more of the world outside Dakori Inkarth."  Her face then turns more serious.

"I had expected Magora to arrive this night, but I did not expect such an interesting escort.  Do you know why the Fire Witch sent a Death Lord to our town?  He is more restrained than those I have me, but does he pose a threat?"]

As you are clearing the rim of the ravine, you hear one of those from the Lunar Fort that had accompanied the Blue Troll come up.


"I had heard mention of a Praxian that had come with the Lunar forces," She begins with a quizzical look.  "No child, the wounded are being seen to as we speak.  I spoke with you briefly to offer thanks.  What is your name child?" She does not stop walking, implying that you should join them.  There are a few nervous looks from those guarding Desola.

After giving your name, "you seem to know the trollkin and her protector.  What can you tell me of her?"

---

You arrive at Sandein's house.  There is a fire outside of the house where objects tainted by the harpies is being burned.  One of the towns folk knocks on the door, which is promptly opened by Sandein. "Thank you for coming Mother Desola, I am sorry that I could not some to you."

"That is alright Sandein.  Your apprentice Tamarkorda has been kind enough to escort me back up.

OOC:  The room is not large, and Sandein and Sanuzi are inside.  Sanuzi is staring at a patch of dirt or filth on the wall, lightly singing a nonsensical song.  The door will remain open, so you can hear and see what is going on inside.

Sandein, a woman in her late thirties, looks a little flustered.  "I am sorry, but I have nothing to offer you.  Those abominable harpies befouled the this area and the food I had out."  She shows Desola to a recently cleaned chair.  The floor is a little muddy, and there is a heavy smell of wine in the air.  "We have not finished cleaning, and there are so many questions, ..."  Desola takes Sandein's hand, stroking it for a moment.  "There, there, too much has happened tonight.  Just breathe."

Sandein takes a seat by Desola, who gently pats her head.  "I heard that there was a problem with your mother."

Sandein looks up definitely, "that husk is not my mother," she starts, then breaks down, tears starting to come from her eyes.  "I have tried for so long to reach her," she says with a heavy sigh.  "today she had one of her fits, but it wouldn't stop.  I used the tinctures and teas you taught me, but it did not calm her.  It was as if something was pulling at her, and then the attacks...."  She trails off.

Still patting Sandein's head, "you have carried this burden for a long time."  Looking over at Sanuzi, Desola asks, "why is your apprentice staring at that drawing?"

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You try to slip into meditation, but the noise around you is too distracting.  As Sandein starts to break down, a sudden flash of insight pulls you to the drawing. You feel as if you are being drawn toward the drawing, but you feel that there are others also being drawn to it.  Not the chaos spawn that attacked, but other people.  In another flash of insight, you realize that the darkness rune is concealing something, and that the figures are there to uncover it.]

"Mother drew that during the height of her fit.  It was soon after that we were attacked.  I see nothing, but my apprentice Sanuzi seems drawn to it.  He sees figures in it."

"I know that this brings up painful memories for you, but perhaps it is time that you open up this wound to your apprentices.  Both of them have been drawn here, and to you in particular.  They may be able to help you find the answers that you seek."

Drying her eyes, Sandein looks up and nods her head.  "Sanuzi and Tamarkorda, come over here."

She seems about to ask for the door to be closed when Desola speaks up, "leave it open.  This secret must be brought out into the open tonight."

Sandein nods, focuses on Sanuzi and Tamarkorda, and begins.

"The woman in the other room is what remains of my mother.  She came from this town originally, but her calling was toward knowledge.  At the urging of a priest of Lhankor Mhy she journeyed to Jamestown where she was initiated.  After many years, she became a sage.  In keeping with the traditions of the sages, she married another sage and gave birth to myself and my brother.  I was preparing for my initiation when something happened on a Heroes Quest my mother participated in.  All my father would say was that she sought to learn something that the Knowing God had kept hidden.  She was beset upon by Jolsedaring, and her mind broken.  The cult was going to throw her out into the streets, but I protested.  I left the cult there and then, taking my mother to a place that might accept her, her old home.  I had heard stories of Jelmine from my mother, and felt certain that they would take us in."

She looks over at Desola with admiration and love, "they did."  Focusing again on Sanuzi and Tamarkorda she continues, "I turned my back on the sages, and apprenticed myself to Old Orlan, a devotee of Daka Fal.  I had hoped that the path of the spirits would help me reach my mother. It did, in part.  I know that she touched something; that knowledge or connection is still there, untouched by the Jolsedaring.  It is also untouchable by me.  She is not dead, or truly alive.  I have tried to following the thread to her spirit, but to no avail.  So I care for the body that was my mother's and quest for the spirit that once dwelt within."

"You're mother's fit seems to coincide with the attack.  Do you think they are related?" says Desola in a knowing tone of voice.

"Yes," says Sandein with a sigh.  "There was a build up of power and the spirits were very agitated.  The last time she had a fit this violent was when the Dragon shape appeared in the sky, but there was no attack then.  The spirits whisper to me that tonight's attack was related to Mother's fit, and originated from the Hollow," the last word she speaks with a note of dread.  "Something is after Mother."

"I know that you want to stay with your mother," Desola holds up her hand to stop any protest, "but you must be at the council meeting tonight.  I will send a few women to watch after your mother, and post guards around your house tonight.  Bring your apprentices as they may have insights."  Desola stand, putting a hand on Sandein's cheek.  "None foresaw this attack, and it was even concealed from our Wyters.  Luckily we had stalwart defenders and new friends," she stops for a moment then continues, "who arrived on the day of your mother's fit.  We must unravel how these are related."