Danbal agrees to meet with the Lunar Preceptor to hear what he has to say about the attacks. Their meeting takes place at the bridge at the top of the ravine.  Afterward, word spreads of their meeting, and the preceptor, a middle-aged man with black hair, aquiline nose, and an intricate red robe.

The Preceptor said that from the surface of the Moon he could see the town of Jelmine as a bright spot in the world, but one surrounded by darkness.  Three lines came toward Jelmine, and as they came together a storm swirled around the town.  He could see a darkness rising from the hollow to oppose this brightness.  In essence, the coming of the new Lunar Forces, the Uz, and those from Boldhome was not a coincidence, but "...something woven into the fabric of this moment."

He asked if he could speak with the Shaman Sadein, but was told it would have to wait until after the ceremonies on Windday.

---

All of the patrols have returned.  They have given their reports, and guard duties have been planned for the day of the festival.  The guard details are only in two-hour shifts so that everyone can partake of the festival.

The Lunar Forces have agreed to guard the outside of the wall, and are available if another attack occurs.

---

Windday, Mobility Week, Storm Season
[Private to Garik Johnton; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: Both Garik and Henetha know this day to be Orlanth's birthday, and thus High Holy Day.  During the occupation, this holiday was diminished due to the Lunar occupation and suppression of Orlanth.  Those who openly participated were subject to harsh penalties, even death.  It was also a time that the Lunars hunted for any of the remaining Rune Masters of Orlanth.  You know that in Boldhome this was going to be an especially grand festival this year.]

The inhabitants of Jelmine have called this Wife's Day since you arrived, though you have come to realize that it is important for the Durten Family, as this is a high holy day for Durten the Householder.

While both men and women are preparing the feast for this evening, you can tell that most of the work has fallen to the men.  By midday most of the women have gone to the Loom house, save for the widow women and young girls.
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: I assume you will join the women in the Loom House.  There they talk about the basic precepts of Ernalda, but they also talk about the duties of wife, mother, and leader.  This is very unlike festivals you have been to as they reference the Husband-Protectors.  Orlanth is listed as the first among these, but that is all.]
[Private to Garik Johnton: The Garlin will trade with you for the wine you are carrying.  It is a fair trade, and you are sure you can earn a profit.]

Before Sunrise, the men of Durten went up the hill to the rock spire.  You could hear chanting and drumming coming from there throughout the morning.  By midafternoon all but Danbal and one of his sons had returned from the spire.  When asked, they say that Danbal had ascended the spire.

---

As the day continues, the wind begins to howl as it looks another storm is approaching.  The men have errected bonefires in the temple courtyard.  Each of the families have brought food and drink to the Durten compound, and it seems that most of the festivities will be there.  A tent has been errected to try to keep out any snow or rain; the buildings themselves should provide a windbreak.

As dusk approaches, a group of tenet farmers comes up to the gate (this was expected).  They lead a man who is bound with a leash around his neck.  When asked, the people will tell you that the bound man is Jarulf, one chosen by Eurmal.  Desola said that the rite of the scapegoat was to be performed, and he is here to fulfill the role that Eurmal played in one of Ernalda's stories.  They make their way up to the temple.

The women chosen to serve as handmaidens (think honor guard) leave the loom house dressed in brown cloaks.  The other women go back to their family compounds.  Soon, the families, all carrying torches, ascend up to the temple.  The Uz, though not carrying torches, ascend the to the temple.
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: Henetha, they will let you serve as a handmaiden if you want.  The women were also eager to here how your people practice this holiday.  They are shocked if you tell them that the day is more focused on Orlanth.]

---

OOC:  I'm going to pause here to see if anyone has comments, questions, or anything else.  I will progress the scene tomorrow.  As a note, it is during this scene that you will get your first mission, so bear with this last set up scene.

While most of the Lunar forces are outside the wall standing guard, a few are at the temple courtyard.  Desola extended an invitation to witness the public aspects of this rite, as she has done since the Lunar forces first came to Jelmine.  This is the first time any have come.  They stand far in the back, as they stand to witness, not participate in these rites.  Included among these are the Red robed preceptor, a few civilians, and a few soldiers.

There is much talking as the people wait for the ceremony to begin, as well as some shuffling to stay warm.  The people are excited that the rite of the scapegoat is to be performed, as it is a rare rite.  The Uz also seem interested in this, and Preceptor Idovanus learning what he can of the rite.

Most of the towns people are unarmed, as are the Lunar civilians.  The Uz are armed as are a number of weapon thanes.  Danbal, Anrin, and Varinton are all dressed in ceremonial garb, so they must have some role to play in this evenings affairs.  Danbal in particular seems to radiate confidence and power.

The tenant farmers who brought Jarulf to the town lead him up the steps to the temple.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Both Sanuzi and Tamarkorda are standing with Sandein toward the middle of the courtyard.  As the tenant farmers move up the steps, you can see Danbal look concerned.  He starts to go up to the steps.]
Inkarne stands before the door to the temple.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak; Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: As the tenant farms move up the stair, you can see that Inkarne seems confused.]  As the get to the top, she holds out her hand and says, "STOP! You are ..."

One of the tenant farmers moves to her.  Inkarne screams.  The other tenant farmers begin to rush the temple door.

Initiative!
The following had some indication that something was happening:  Oligur Jaffez, Saberak, Sanuzi, and Tamarkorda.  They have no SR penalty.

Everyone else is delayed 6 SR.

Remember:  Give me the SRs that you act (either drawing weapons, casting spells, etc...) and the pertinent rolls.

Tamarkorda pulls a face and starts chanting something in his own language.
[Private to GM: Intent: impede the 'tennant farmers' access to the temple. Save locals from dying - especially important ones.
Cast befuddle backed by a MP on a 'tennant farmer' preferably not the leading one.

DEX SR 2+1 for the added MP,
Then chase after them without readying a weapon. (Visually check if Inkarne looks seriously wounded if I get near enough)"

I'm visiting a locked down site tomorrow and I'll be off line all day]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 2):

Sanuzi moves as quickly as he can to Inkarne, trying for a closer look and to see if she is in need of first aid or stronger healing.

Saberak casts her eyes to the air, where Silvereye glides in the dusky gloom and calls out in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Quickly, shield me and then go to the walls and summon the garrison!"]

Turning her attention back to the temple steps, she raises her hand, Moon rune charms twinkling in the torchlight and speaks an incantation to the spirits around her.

[Private to GM: Silvereye should be using his Shield 3 on Saberak. Saberak is casting Befuddle at one of the interlopers. If she has time (I believe her first would go off on SR 2 and the second SR 9 due to her DEX SR of 1 and Befuddle being worth 2 MP, for a total SR of 2 for the spell and 5 to prepare a second spell), she'll throw it at as many of them as she can reach, as she doesn't have her weapons or armor with her beyond a belt knife.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 2):


Bingling (DEX SR 3) attempts to cast Strength using his 2 pt Strength Spell Matrix (SR 2) in his mace.  He has a 60% chance (POW 12). (Narrator, might I ask that you roll for me?)

[Private to GM: ((OOC: Not sure where the handmaidens are, but Henetha would love to be one.))]

Henetha (DEX SR 3) moves to block the temple door, drawing her axe.

Sr1 Oligur moves between Saberak and the fray, cries out toward the Lunar troops-"Treachery, men! The farmers are attacking the temple!"

(OOC: does that cost a SR? If so Narrator please add)

SR 2-6 starts readying Befuddle (3 DEX + 2 point spell)
SR 7 casts Befuddle on tenant farmer nearest/most threatening to Inkarne


09:54, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 52 using 1d100.  Befuddle spell on farmer.

I think that should get him if his POW is 12 or worse (?)

SR 8 to end ready kopis and shield

Round 1
Clarification:  Spirit Magic Strike Rank = Dex SR + Spell MP + Boosting MP
There are 6 Tenant Farmers, one of whom has struck Inkarne, and Jarulf.

OOC:  I have not heard from everyone, so I'm going to hold this open and add any additional actions.
People were stunned at this change of events, so most are slow to act.  Those that do act are either moving to support or readying weapons.

---

SR 1 - Oligur moves to stand in front of Saberak, then yells in New Pelorian.
[Private to Tamarkorda: He yells something about treachery.]
---Jarulf, his leash dropped, moves to the temple door.  As his hand touches the door, an intense keening can be heard from the temple.  Jarulf is thrown back.  It looks as if his left hand has been incinerated.
---Tenant Farmer #2 unleashes a spell.  The keening sound wavers for a moment but does not end (it is obvious that they attempted a Dismiss Magic, but failed to dismiss the ward).
SR 2 - Sanuzi moves up to Inkarne.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Inkarne is wounded and is currently focusing on a spell.  Tenant Farmer #1 holds a wicked looking knife that glows black.]
SR 3 - Saberak focuses her power on one of the Tenant Farmers (#6).  A soft red glow surrounds him, and his demeanor changes.
SR 4 - Silvereyes (Saberak's Owl) glows softly as power builds, but fails to cast the spell.
SR 5 - Tamarkorda focuses his power; his body surrounded by a heat shimmer.  He points to one of the Tenant Farmers (#5), unleashing the building power.  The heat shimmer moves to Tenant Farmer, then disappears.  The Farmer's demeanor changes.
---Tenant Farmer #1 seems to be preparing another attack.
---Tenant Farmer #3 turns to defend #2, pulling a large knife.
---Danbal, whose movement is hindered by the ceremonial robes, stops before the stairs and screams a challenge at the tratiors.
SR 6 - No actions.
SR 7 Oligur pulls power, focusing on the Lunar Runes on his vambrace.  The magic easily flows from him toward one of the Tenant Farmers (#4), who seems to resist the charm.
---Tenant Farmer #4 raises his hands, but fails to cast the spell.  He howls in rage.
---Inkarne begins to shimmer, her form becoming indistinct.
SR 8 Garik Johnton focuses his mind and his eyes begin to glow. [Private to Garik Johnton: Garik recognizes the six tenant farmers and Jarulf as enemies.  You also recognize that there are another six enemies interspersed in the crowd that has not acted yet.]
---Tenant Farmer #1 strikes Inkarne, slashing the blade across her face.  Blood of the healer flows.[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: The blood of a God Speaker spilled at this time would be horrible.  You can't stop that, but you may be able to stop it from falling to the ground.]
SR 9 Henetha, shaking off the shock of the attack, moves up the stairs to block the door.  Other handmaidens join her to form a physical obstruction.
SR 10 - No actions [Private to Garik Johnton: Now that you are alerted to the other enemies, you notice that one of them has pulled something from a pouch.  You can't see what it is, but they are preparing to do something, maybe throw it.]
SR 11 Bingling gathers the darkness around himself.  The darkness seems to flow into his body, making him stronger.
---Saberak again calls on her magics, directing them toward Tenant Farmer (#3), but is unable to channel her power.
<b>SR 12 - The wyrter of Jelmine, a majestic bronze cow, manifests.  All defenders have a +20% to their defense actions.

Having closed the distance to Inkarne somewhat Tamarkorda stops and chants something else at her assailant before readying his broadsword.
[Private to GM: Intent defend Inkarne and Sanuzi, defend self, disarm / maim attackers though trying to avoid killing them.

SR 3 Cast Distraction at 'tennant farmer 1' DEXSR2 +1ptDistraction (this can be targeted at corporeal enemies as well as spirits)
-then ready the broadsword (takes until SR8)
-then move closer unless already in melee]

Bingling wants to eliminate any threat to Inkarne (and, if they were at risk, Megora and Varinton). He moves to interpose himself.

Intended decision tree:
A. If a tenant farmer (or Jarulf) appears to still be hostile, Bingling will strike at them (or, if they block his way, try to pick them up and toss them aside).

If not, then
B. Bingling will say "I have minor healings" and try to cast Healing-1 on Inkarne.

Narrator, I trust your judgment in adjudicating how this actually plays out.

Garmin closes with the one pulling something from sack and strikes with his battleaxe

Henetha sprints to Inkarne the God-Talker and uses the cloth of her and Inkarne's dress to stop any blood from falling on the ground.

To give everyone a better visual, here is a rough map:  https://drive.google.com/file/...g58/view?usp=sharing

The courtyard that most of the people are on is level ground.  The temple is embedded in the hill.  Around the exposed walls of the temple is an earth and stone rampart 15 feet high.   There is a long, gentle sloped stair 15 feet wide.

I've put the people that said they were going up to the temple on the map, and Danbal.

The red square around the courtyard altar is clear of people save Danbal.  The altar is heavy stone, and seems to have been there since before time began.  Everyone kept this area clear as it was needed for the ceremony to come.

The six tenant farmers are on the stairs near the top.

If you are not listed on the map, I'm assuming that you were with the populace outside of the red square.

If you are lunar, you are at the far end of the map from the temple, in one of the corners.  It will take you at least a full turn to close.  As you were only witnesses, not participants, you stayed as far back as possible.  The trolls, who are also witnesses, are on the opposite side of the courtyard.

OOC:  I want to give people time to look at the map and ask questions, so I'll progress the scene tomorrow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Thu 07 Feb 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 14):

Not really expecting trouble at the temple service, Sanuzi has only his sling readily available to work with as much of a weapon, not even stones for it. With no other choice before him, Sanuzi attempts to grapple with tenant farmer #1 (with the black knife (that is probably the weapon that wounded Inkarne?)), using his sling to try to garrote the hand holding the blade and keeping it as immobile as possible. If he is also able to get a sense from his bound spirit (snake) if there's anything sinister going on in the other realm.

[ooc: I don't really see a grapple attack, at least none I have more than basic skill in.]

Bingling cries out "Protect Inkarne, protect the temple!" as he rushes to help, readying his mace and shield.

Astorl grabs his spear and rushes to help protect the temple.

OOC:  If I haven't received an action, I'm going to assume that you carry the same actions over to the next round.  Some actions will go off a little later due to movement.

SR 1 - From within the crowd, six people begin to glow with a sickly green light.  The people around them jump back in fear.
--Tenant Farmer #2 starts to glow green as well and unleashes another spell.  The Farmer's power rolls up and strikes at the temple, and the keening wail grows softer.  A few of the handmaidens trying to guard the door fall to the ground unconscious.  The face of Tenant Farmer # 2 shows the strain as a battle against the temple wards is underway.
--Danbal shouts "Keep heart friends and defend the temple".  OOC:  Everyone now has a +10% when trying to resist fear or magical influences.
--Astorl, seeing a glowing figure near him, moves to attack.
--Garik, seeing a glowing green figure near him, moves to attack
--The Lunar Preceptor yell, "things are not as they seem!"  Red light erupts from his body.  Suddenly the forms of the people glowing green and the central figure on the stairs (the one trying to attack the wards) begin to dissolve, revealing Broo.  Beyond the sight, you can also now smell them.
SR 2 - Saberak, continuing her magical onslaught, focuses on another Tenant Farmer (#4), but fails to draw the power.
SR 3 - Tamarkorda focuses his power against Tenant Farmer (#1).  The spirits answer his call as whisps shoot from Tamarkorda toward his target, distracting him from his intended target.  Tenant Farmer (#1) turns to look at the rapidly approaching Tamarkorda.
-- Silvereyes attempts to summon power again but fails to cast the spell.
--Henetha tears the white cloak from around her shoulders.
--Oligur, seeing a glowing green broo nearby, moves to attack.[Private to Oligur Jaffez: You will still be within range to defend people if needed.]
SR 4 - Zelda, the Troll Shaman/Priestess, attempts to release a spell, but fails.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Zelda tells her warriors "Be ready, I will seek to pull the spirit into the middle world."]
--A spirit of a warrior manifests besides Sanuzi [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: In spirit speech, "Your shaman says to strike the one attempting to break the temple."  You feel power entering you.]
--Tenant Farmer (#1) moves toward Tamarkorda.
--Weapon Thanes are moving toward the stairs.
--Henetha wraps the cloak around Inkarne. [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: Inkarne says, "help move me onto the stairs, off the bare ground."]
--Bingling, seeing a glowing green Broo near him, moves to attack.
SR 5 - Tenant Farmer (#3) attempts to cast a spell at the oncoming Weapon Thanes, but fails to draw the power.
--Henetha helps Inkarne onto the stone stair.
SR 6 - Garik, having moved to the closest green glowing figure, swing his battle axe down, striking the broo's shoulder (Broo #7).  The creature drops a stone to the ground as his arm hangs limp.  As the stone dropped, the keening sound of the temple increases, and you can see the strain on Tenant Farmer/Broo (#2) face.
--Astorl, moving up to another glowing broo (Broo #8) stabs with his spear, which the Broo does not dodge.  The spear cuts across the left arm.  The Broo is able to maintain control of the stone he is carrying, and is still glowing.
SR 7 - Oligur swings at one of the glowing Broo (Broo #9) who does not dodge the Kopis.  The blow cuts across his abdomen drawing blood.  The broo is able to maintain control of the stone and is still glowing.
--Bingling raises his mace swinging it against the glowing chaos creature.  The blow looks like it will land, but the creature side steps at the last moment, causing the mace to indent in the ground.  The broo is able to maintain his grip on the stone.
--Tenant Farmer (#1), who is human, lunges at Tamarkorda with his knife who fails to parry.  The blow cuts across the cheek (3 HP to Head). [Private to Tamarkorda: You resist the poison]
SR 8 - Sanuzi steps up to Tenant Farmer/Broo (#2) and punches him in the gut taking the air out of him.  The broo drops to the ground and looses concentration of the spell. The Broo is thrown back 20ft as the ward rebounds against the failed breach.
--Tenant Farmer (#4) attacks Sanuzi, swinging his knife in a fanatical rage but fails to connect.
--Saberak reaches out again with her power, but fails to tap into the gifts of the Goddess.
SR 9 - SR 11 -  Other attacks
SR 12 - Sandein seems to be focusing on something in the other world.  She uncorks a bottle and a whisp of smoke comes out.

OOC:  I did not add all of the NPC attacks; instead I was going to sum them up here.
Tenant Farmers #5 and #6, who were befuddled, are subdued.
Tenant Farmers #3 and #4 look around in fear; it looks like they are going to try to make a break for it, but are surrounded by weapon thanes.
Jarulf who is crying in pain, is subdued.
Broo #7, struck by Garik, is quickly put down.
The others (5 broo), who are starting this next round with various wounds, appear to be ready to break and run.
Tenant Farmer #1 is still in combat with Tamarkorda, but the two have been surrounded by townsfolk.  They are ready to jump in if Tamarkorda wishes it.

Garmin goes for the next be Ok and barely missed it.

Saberak raises her head and looks to the Red Moon in the distance as she cries out in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Hear me, Brown Man! I call upon your insight. Share it with the leader of this attack. I beseech you, Irrippi Ontor, strike down my foes!"]

[Private to Narrator: Casting Mind Blast on whoever Saberak would perceive as the leader of the attack/the greatest current threat to the people here.  Once that's done, she'll throw out one more Befuddle at anyone still standing.]

Her hand stabs toward the largest of the broo. Her face is a mask of fury, mismatched eyes lambent with the scarlet hue of the Red Moon.

Tamarkorda crumples to the ground and remains motionless

[Private to GM: Damage equal to the location's Hit Points - Head: The Adventurer is unconscious and must be healed or treated with First Aid within five minutes (one full turn) or they will die.]

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 21):

Sanuzi uses size and momentum to get through the crowd of townspeople. As he clears the mob and sees Tamarkorda on the ground, he kneels as if succumbing to sorrow. What he is really doing is reaching for that nice-sized rock that will suit his sling very well. He rises quickly, armed and already slinging at the temple-breaker.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 18):

Battlelust --
Crying out "Praise Ernalda and her spouse Argan Argar!", Bingling tries to strike a broo again... ideally one whom someone else is also attacking.

SR 1 - The town folk continues to engage the Broo with Magic and Spear. You see various Spirit Magic spells such as Befuddle, Demoralize, Disruption, and Slow targeting the Broo and Tenant Farmers.
-Garik moves off to the next closest Broo.
-Tenant Farmer/Broo (#2) cries a guttural plea as his wounds begin to heal.
-Magora calls out in Dark speech and the light starts to drain from the world (OCC: there is still ample light to see; this is an environmental effect). Gossamer strands of darkness lash out from her body and strike Tenant Farmer/Broo (#2).  His eyes grow wide in fear.  People start to move away from the manifestation of this spiritual attack.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: She said: "Mother of Darkness, Aid me".]
-Henetha continues to assist Inkarne who appears to have called upon the Merciful Goddess to aid her.  Other Handmaidens are coming to help Henetha.
SR 2 - Movement of the townsfolk.
SR 3 - Saberak draws upon the power of the moon, unleashing it against Tenant Farmer (#1).  The farmer's arms suddenly drop to his side, the knife falling from his hand.  He stands looking aimlessly at those surrounding him.
SR 4 - Zelda again calls upon her spirits who heed her call, making visible that which is attacking the temple in the spirit world. The Uz warriors move up to engage it.
 http://www.visualart.me/s2/515.../tentacle-father.jpg
-Sandein curses the stupidity of pulling this demon into the Middle World.
-The appearance of this demonic form induces panic in the townsfolk.  The Broo and Tenant Farmers attempt to use the chaos to escape.
SR 5 - Garik makes an attack against one of the Broo who is trying to escape, but misses.
-Astorl stabs at the broo, but misses.
SR 6 - Oligur swings at a broo, who dodges the blow barely (he had dodged one previous attack as well).
-Bingling swings his mace at a broo, coming down so hard on it's left leg that it dislodges the limb from the hip.  The broo fall unconscious.  It is quickly stabbed by townfolk to make sure it is dead.
SR 7[Private to Garik Johnton; Oligur Jaffez: You see Tenant Farmer (#4) sneaking around in the confusion.  He is too far away for you to easily get to him.]
SR 8 - Calling upon the last of her strength, Saberak casts her power at Tenant Farmer (#3), who looks around in confusion.
SR 9-12  Battle

Development:  The scene has turned to one of chaos.  People are trying to get away from the Uz fighting the demon.  The demon seems to be focused on an unseen assailant(s).  Some of the more powerful Weapon Thanes are moving to engage the demonic manifestation as well. The lead maces of the trolls seem to be damaging the demon.

The demon has created enough of a distraction that the Broo are trying to escape.  It appears that all of the human Tenant Farmers are either befuddled or mindless.  The broo that was focusing the attack on the temple is in spiritual combat, while the other four are attempting to dodge, duck, and weave through the crowd.  Whatever illusion concealed them has evaporated.

[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: There are enough people now helping Inkarne if you want to do something else.]

Saberak calls out to Oligur over the din of the combat.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "There is little more I can do here.  Help these people as you can; I will go see if I can hurry the garrison along and help them prevent these broo from escaping."]

Clearly exhausted from the expenditure of her willpower, she turns and begins to hustle back down the hill toward the Lunar garrison.

Oligur continues furiously slashing at the dodging broo.
Seeing something out of the corner of his eye, he points with his kopis in the direction of tenant farmer 4 and cries out in Tradetalk-
"Look to that slinker--he means bad!"
[Private to Saberak: And in New Pelorian - See that one, Saberak? He's out of range, but is up to somehting ill]

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 23):

Bingling goes after the next closest enemy, preferably a broo or demon.

Henetha draws her axe while moving to and engaging Tenant Farmer #4.

[Private to GM: rolled 95 using 1d100.  To hit Tenant Farmer #4 (target 70+5=75%).]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 24):

I go to engage the nearest Broo with my mace.

Garmin still sensing enemies heads sword the nearest foe which his axe ready to attack and defend himself and innocents.

SR 1 - Farin, who had moved up to the demon, calls to Elmal and suddenly blazes like the sun.
-Zelda calls out in Dark speech and points to the demon, but nothing apparently happens [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Mother of Wonderhome dispel the chaos from this creature.]
-The Lunar Preceptor moves with blinding speed striking the demon.
-Sandein raises her hands, quickly drawing them down in an X pattern "by the power of Daka Fal, be gone."
-The demonic form vanishes.
-People move off to intercept the tenant farmers and Broo, including Henetha. The warning Oligur gave has people's attention drawn to Tenant Farmer #4.
SR 2 - More people move to engage the tenant farmers and Broo.

At this point, I'm going to move out of strike rank as most of you are fighting different opponents.
Astorl stabs with his spear but misses.
Bingling swings with his mace crushing into the Broo's abdomen (15 HP).  The Broo falls dead.
Garik swings his axe but misses.
Henetha swings her axe but misses.
Oligur swings his Kopis hitting the Broo in the head (5 HP).
Ullr swings, but misses the Broo.

At the end of this round, all of the Tenant Farmers are subdued or dead, while all of the Broo are dead.  Jarulf, the devotee of Eurmal, has disappeared.

Tamarkorda has been healed 3 HP by one of the townsfolk.

Sandein is in a stand-off with Zelda the Troll leader.  Anyone close hears Sandein say something in Dark Speech that makes Zelda angry. [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Try that again you milkless cow and you will see what a true Shaman can do.]  Kora, Priestss of Xiola Umbra, lets out a hearty laugh then says something in Dark Speech
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: How far are you willing to tempt the Fire Witch Zelda?] Kora then moves off to offer healing to those who have been wounded in the attack.
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: You can feel the prickle of power from Sandein though nothing visible is happening.  You know that a fight is still occurring in the Spirit World.]

Danbal, Anrin, and Varinton work to regain control over the crowd.  Danbal, who seems taller and more impressive than normal, is the one who is definitely in control. He ascends the first few steps to the temple, "People and friends of Jelmine, we must reassemble."

"You," pointing to Fanin, "make sure that the diseased broo are taken and burned."  Fanin does not need a second order.  He begins to round up people to see to the work.

"Varinton," Danbal continues, "take those who helped the broo and lock them in a cave.  We will deal with them once the rites of this evening have been complete."

"Anrin, gather the people and sweep through the temple courtyard.  Make sure the wounded are seen to and that the evidence of this attack is removed.  Once we have regained order, Mother Desola will emerge."

Inkarne, who seems to be completely healed, comes over to Henetha.  A young girl who still shows the fear of the fight accompanies her.  "Daughter, Desola wished a rite to be conducted that involved Eurmal.  Focus on our mother, and she will lead you to one who can help."  Turning to the girl, "Come Ezmel, you will help me change."  [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: Describe how Henetha will reach out to Ernalda, then make me a roll against your Earth rune and Harmony rune.]

Preceptor Idovanus crosses over where Sandein and Zelda are holding a staring contest (no one, not even Zelda's guards, seem to be ready to interfere).  In Trade Talk, "Daughter of Darkness, you risked too much with your gambit.  Bringing the demon even partly into this world put all of these people at risk."

Varinton hearing this moves over, "Friend Zelda, is it true that you brought the demon into this world."

"My guards would have taken care of it had they been given..."
Sandein cuts her off, "because you could not bear to see the Enlo defeat and bind the demon?  Did you not see what it did the other night?  Your men would be shredded on the ground and my people with them.  Your interference has also allowed the demon to escape; you removed it from Gulk's grasp at the worst possible time."
[Private to Garik Johnton; Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Ullr Lightbane: It is obvious that Zelda has lost face and is not taking it well.]
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Zelda seems to have lost face and is depressed about it.]

OOC: I'm going to give a pause to see what the PCs are going to do.  Assume you have 20 minutes while the people of Jelmine try to restore order to the Temple Courtyard.

Panting, Oligur tugs off his helmet and wipes the sweat off his forehead with his cloak.
He scans the crowd as if looking for someone
[Private to GM:
(He searches the crowd for Astrelia; assuming he finds her unharmed)]

Bowing toward his companions, he calls out "Bingling, remind me never to get on the wrong side of that mace! That was a blow worthy of Yanafal Tarnils!"
Turning to Saberak, he grins
[Private to Saberak: Well done, friend, you brought the Goddess's justice  on those dogs. And that Preceptor, he was more than talk, he really, he... um..."
Oligur's face whitens a bit as if remembering something.
"Yes, well the day is ours for now, but I wonder..."
his voice trails off)]
Scanning the area, he calls out "Say, does anyone see that one handed scapegoat?"

Saberak continues down the hill toward the garrison even as the sound of the fighting dies down.  She returns minutes later, having quickly donned her breastplate and helmet and at the head of a squad of Lunar soldiers.

She announces to the crowd in her choppy Tradetalk, "I brought the guards. Best to not take any more chances.  What if more of them were to come like last time?

She briefly acknowledges Oligur, speaking to him in New Pelorian, before moving on towards the Preceptor.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: To Oligur: "Indeed.  There is clearly something more to this village than just Sandein's mother that is drawing out these attacks.  I can only hope we figure out what it is before it destroys us all."

To Idovanus: "I am indeed glad you decided to attend this ceremony tonight.  Without you, Preceptor, many might have been slain.  I hope that I acquitted myself well enough to be worthy of more learning.  These Uz seem to be far too reckless.  I can only hope one as puissant as Cragspider does not share their temperament if you are to treat with her."]

Henetha sits on her knees and bends down, hands and cheek against the ground, eyes closed.

[Private to GM: I wasn't sure if you wanted one or two rolls:

Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 98 using 2d100 with rolls of 18,80.  Earth (75%), Harmony (75%).]

Tamarkorda thanks the healers and goes to stand with Sandien rubbing his jaw. He still looks rather dazed.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 31):

Bingling worriedly watches the exchange between Sandein and Zelda, then turns to smile at Oligur's compliment. He replies in Tradetalk.

"I am just a poor trader, but I am glad to lift my mace to protect friends, family, and trade partners like you all. I am NOT going to let chaos dance into a ceremony sacred to Ernalda."

He gives his best toothy grin.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Wed 20 Feb 2019.

Zelda, deciding she has had enough for one night, strides back down the hill.
Her guards go with her.

Magora and Kora remain.  About 10 minutes after Zelda left, Umgar, Runelord of Zorak Zoran, comes up the hill.  He does not enter the courtyard and he does not look happy.  Kora goes over to him, they have a brief exchange, then she returns to tend to any of the wounded.  Umgar seems to be standing guard.

Commander Jalmon comes up with a few of the Lunar troops.  The troops remain off the courtyard, save for one solider that accompanies Jalmon.  They approach Danbal, who waves them over to Farin.  You feel that Farin is about to lay into them about letting enemies into the village, but you see Anrin put a hand on his brother, calming him.  [Private to Astorl; Oligur Jaffez; Saberak; Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Ullr Lightbane: Farin is looking for someone to blame.]
Farin is obviously trying to sort out the town's defenses before they try to get the rituals underway.

Danbal is torn between conflicting discussions and seems to have left Varinton to manage the clean up.  One thing that you notice is that Varinton is a very capable organizer.

Henetha rises. Without a word she goes to find Inkarne.

[Private to GM: "Inkarne, there is a potential scapegoat. Ankiarl son of Vinorlin of the Colymar Tribe, the young warrior who traveled with me."]

Just a quick update.  I'm getting better and the brain fog is lifting.

Is there anything people want to mention before we get underway again?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 39):

I'm good to continue.

If it is wildcat Garik will cast sanctify and open small drink stand and worshiping Issaries. Sacrificing 4 extra mp.

The cleaning of the courtyard continues as Inkarne emerges from a small house to the edge of the courtyard (the home designated for the High Priestess).  Inkarne is now wearing a simple brown dress covered in a think hooded cloak.

She returns to the temple steps, and calls for silence.

"Good People of Jelmine.  Our High Priestess Desola asked for the rite of the Scapegoat to be performed before enacting the sacred rites of Ernalda.  This is still her wish even though an act of foul betrayal that we do not yet understand seems to have diverted this course of action.  Yet the Gods provide.  Another has agreed to take upon themselves the responsibility of the Scapegoat.  Even now the Daughters of Ernalda move through the people with the sacred sack asking for you to put within an object that symbolizes to you the bad luck and ill fortune we have seen of late.  Fill the sack so that Jelmine may be cleansed of the trials we have seen of late.  Once all who wish to participate have done so, we will continue with the rite so that we may turn our pure faces to the All Mother."

Henetha Hofaksdottir carries a brown leather sack through the crowd.  At first glace, the sack looks nondistinct, but as you get a closer look, you can see that it is a subtle leather that has been finely worked, old, and lovingly worn.  In better lighting, you may be able to see the details of the work.

To each person, Henetha asks: "Do you have any treasure for Eurmal?"

Two other initiates travel with Henetha, helping people add items to the sack.  People are placing small poppets, trinkets, feathers, and symbols into the sack.

Magora motions to Henetha that she wishes to partipate, and places a poppet made from fungal fibers into the sack.

Henetha approaches Astrelia, a woman from the Lunar Fort.  With a moment's hesitation, she pulls out a worn paint brush that has been clothed in a simple dress. [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: She gave you a subtle indication that she wanted to participate. It is obvious that she knew about this rite and that she came prepared.] The Lunar Preceptor looks on in curiosity.  As Henetha is about to move away, the Lunar Preceptor asks, "Would it be an affront if I participated in your rite?  The Lunar Fort stands with this town, and I would not wish our lack of participation to hurt the people of Jelmine, for we are all one."
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: I imagine Henetha's first thought to be NO, but as you think for a moment, you are not sure if this would be an affront or not.  What is more shocking is that you never expected this question from a LUNAR agent!"]

It is clear that the preceptor's question has come as a shock to many, including Commander Jalmon.

OOC:  I'm going to pause here for reactions and to see if anyone wants to put anything into the sack.  Just tell the group what it is, and as a private line tell me if there is any significance you want me to know about.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:41, Thu 07 Mar 2019.

Oligur involuntarily lets out a small gasp as Astrelia contributes her paintbrush to the sack. He opens his mouth as if to object, but clenches his mouth tight. Appearing rather more agitated than when fighting the harpies or broos, he fumbles through his belongings and pulls out an oddly shaped golden wheel coin, bearing the Red Emperor's likeness and indented and bent nearly in half. When Henetha brings the sack near him, he takes a rapid step forward and thrusts the coin within. He anxiously tugs at his white cloak and looks uncertainly in the direction of Astrelia and the Preceptor.

[Private to GM: I think Oligur's motivation here is a combination of infatuation with Astrelia and jealousy of the Preceptor. Even in Glorantha where people use spirit magic to do their composting, I see Oligur as cheerful overall but distrustful of the more spooky aspects of shamans and ghosts, and this strange scapegoat ritual. Do we sacrifice people to the Crimson Bat in the empire? Of course, but Oligur figures (a) those are all bad people that have it coming and (b) he tries not to think about it too much. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Thu 07 Mar 2019.

Saberak shifts her balance from foot to foot, clearly anxious as she waits for the Ernaldans to respond to the Preceptor's query. Without removing her eyes from the scene before her, she reaches into her purse and removes a Lunar stamped with the shining likeness of Tatius the Bright, former Governor-General of Dragon Pass. She pulls her cloak tightly around her with her left hand, coin gleaming in her right as she rubs it between her thumb and forefinger.

[Private to GM: The coin represents pride - I can't think of a much better example of overweening pride and hubris than Tatius.]

Garmin reaches in this pouch pulling out a token of his brothers business. Puts it in the sacrifice bag. Letting go of the resentment of him getting the family business.

Tamarkorda puts a little yellow packet in the sack, those who know him or went on patrol with him may recognise it as his tinder pouch. [Private to GM: Though he still distrusts the Aldryami Tamarkorda acknowledges that his forest burning harmed Jelmine's relations with some outsiders.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 42):

Bingling blinks and trills at the Lunar commander's desire to participate.

When it comes his turn he quickly bites a bolg into a crescent moon shape.

"My hesitance at dancing with the nearby allies we have and need rather than faraway allies we want, I give up and send away with Eurmal worldbreaker."

Henetha stops at the Preceptor's request. She looks hesitantly at him. It's obvious she's reluctant to accept his participation in the rite of the scapegoat.

[Private to GM: Please help me act out the following: Part of Henetha's mission description involves investigating the possible corruption of the high priestess in this village. This possible corruption would come, maybe, from the priestess' apparent acceptance of the Lunars. Henetha is thus very wary of such corruption from the Chaos-accepting Lunars, and I think it's probable she would prevent their participation in this rite.

However, I'm not a Gloranthofile so if I'm missing something she might not think it such a strange thing.

But, left to my decision, she will move past the Preceptor without accepting his participation.]

Astorl is also hesitant to participate in the ceremony of the scapegoat, but he wants to protect the village. He will offer a small coin.

After hesitating a few seconds, Henetha responds to the Preceptor.

"No, your question is not an affront, but now would not be the time for the Red Moon to participate."

She then continues past him, collecting the scapegoat's treasure.

OOC:  Love what y'all put into the bag (Feel free to add something even though we're moving on).

Henetha continues to weave her way through the crowd.  As she does so, the mood becomes less frenetic and more solemn. Henetha herself seems relaxed and confident.  She seems to glow with an inner light as do the women who walk with her.  As they move, they appear more feminine.  Even in the cold of Storm Season, just looking at them makes you think of the promise of Spring.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You notice that as people put an item into the bag, they take on a more relaxed mien, as if a weight had been taken off of him.]
[Private to Ullr Lightbane: You notice that Bingling seems more relaxed after he put an item into the bag, almost as if a weight had been taken off of him.]

While Henetha's movements appear chaotic, it allows her to travel to all people who wish to participate, as if drawn to them.  Her circuitous route ends at the stairs to the temple.

People are becoming more engaged in the proceedings, and you see Inkarne standing on the highest step dressed in a simple brown robe, her bare feet touching the ground.  As you look around, you see a man standing next to Danbal who has been stripped down to his loincloth.  The man's body is covered in blue tattoos. You have seen him around; it is Ankiarl, son of Vinorlin of the Colymar Tribe, a recent arrival in the town.  Ankiarl is kneeling on the cold ground, while Danbal holds a rope tied around his neck.

Henetha approaches Inkarne, who takes the bag and ties it.  She indicates for Henetha and the other women to stand behind her.

Danbal approaches, pulling Ankiarl behind.

"Ernalda, Queen and Mother, I bring you a gift and curse."  He pushes Ankiarl forward, who lands face down at Inkarne's feet.  Wind cuts through the courtyard as Danbal ends his speech.

"What is this Husband," says Inkarne.  There is a scent of fresh loam in the air as Inkarne says Husband.  "You push your servant and charge toward me?  Is this the gift you present to your wife?"

"Yes Wife," the wind cuts again across the courtyard, "I give him to you for this season.  Find a use for him."  With that, Danbal descends the steps.  [Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: The winds is freezing cold, but it does not seem to affect the others as it does you.]

One of the women who followed behind Henetha comes up to Ankiarl to take the leash saying, "For a season did the All-Mother own thrice-cursed blessed Eurmal." and the Earth tribe smarted at his pranks and trouble-making."  She removes the leash.
The tattoos on Ankiarl look faded, and his demeanor changed.  He does not stand straight and tall, but hunched.  You now also see he is holding a mask to his face.  The other woman who followed Henetha comes up and ties the mask, while saying, "and the Earth tribe smarted at his pranks and trouble-making."

The two women move to either side of Inkarne, who's figure looks fuller, more feminine.  In unison, they say, "But Thrice-Blessed Ernalda would find a way to make use of the villainous trickster."

"Oh, woe is me," starts Inkarne, making a melodramatic movement of putting her hand to her forehead.  "These precious treasures have been entrusted to me, but I have nowhere to hide them from the Spirits of Darkness or the jealous spirits of Fire.  Argan Argar and Elmal will be sorely displeased with me if I cannot guard such a simple treasure.  Oh, who can help me guard these treasure while my husband Orlantha is away?"

The smell of freshly turned earth increases, as does the smell of ripining wheat.

"Oh my mistress, would that I could help you," says Ankiarl/Eurmal.  "Often has Orlanth entrusted me to safely hide his precious things so that none could find them."

"Oh trickster," says Inkarne/Ernalda, "my husband would never entrust you in that way for you would seek through the treasures to find something that you fancied.  You would have me dishonored for your avarice."

Both participants seem taller, more majestic.

"In faith Mistress, I would not, for I would have to answer to your Husband if I did such a thing."  All can see that he has his fingers crossed behind his back.

"Tis true that my husband would beat you around the world if you dishonored me, but no, I cannot take a chance like that."

"Mistress, let me prove my worth to you, let me guard the bag."

"What proof can I give if my word is not enough dear mistress?"  The look of greed is etched on Eurmal's face, his eyes darting from Ernalda to the bag.

"Give me your hands Eurmal," says Ernalda.  Reluctantly, Eurmal holds up his hands.  Ernalda grasps his hands, cupping them into her hands, but you see Eurmal trying to cross his toes. "I will let you guard the bag, but if you look even for an instance I will know.  If that were to happen then you will stand before Ty Kora Tek, the Earth Tribe will beat you for the Offense, and never again will you be able to lie to me.  Do you so swear?"

Eurmal is now crossing his legs, but says, "I do so swear mistress."

"As your feet are bound to trod on the Earth, then so to have your words been bound to the Earth."  Ernalda releases Eurmal's hands, then hands him the bag.  "It is yours to guard."

Ernalda turns away from Eurmal, and as she does, the figure seems to shrink.

Eurmal turns to the gathered people, and as he descends the stair, he says, "what simple folk the Earth Tribe be, for never have I kept my word, and never shall I."  He quickly opens the bag and ravenously begins to tear into the items.  Feathers, tar, straw, coins, dolls, and other things begin to fly out sticking to Eurmal.  Soon he is covered in all the items placed in the bag.  He tries to run, but his feet are stuck sound to the Earth.

Inkarne turns back toward Eurmal, and as she does so, her body begins to glow.  Her image again becomes more feminine and large.  "I knew you would not hold to your words, but the oath you swore upon the Earth has caught you Trickster.  You have taken not precious treasures, but the mistakes, errors, bad luck, and ill fortune of my people.  These you freely took onto yourself now Trice-Cursed Eurmal!  Now face the punishment for your crime and remember to not tempt the Earth Tribe with your foolery."

Danbal comes up with a branch from an Elder bush, and whips Eurmal with it.  He hands the rod to Varinton who likewise whips Eurmal who thrashes and wails at each blow, his feet still bound to the Earth.  The rod is handed from person to person, each striking a blow (some hard, some softer).  Blood can be seen running down Eurmal's back as the punishment continues.

Looking, you see that the figure of Ernalda/Inkarne has been replaced by a figure dressed in black robes and a black cloak.  The figures face cannot be seen.[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: When you finally see this figure, you experience an involuntary shudder.  An unnameable fear fills your heart.]

OOC:  I'm going to pause here for reactions.  Next will be the Earth ceremony that was meant to take place on this day.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:25, Thu 14 Mar 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 51):

Trying to be quiet, Bingling trills nervously in dread. Not actually knowing which figure this represents, he nonetheless whispers "Subereeee..."

Saberak peers closely at the black-clothed figure, trying to figure out what this represents.  Though the central narrative of the Orlanthi myth is intact, she cannot remember what this might mean.  She sidles closer to Idovanus as the whipping ceremony continues and murmurs to him.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Preceptor, do you know the meaning of the dark figure? I have heard many myths of the Storm tribes in my studies, but I do not remember this character."]

Tamarkorda's foot stamps, and his hand traces a circle on his chest, but he remains silent and expressionless

The procession of people continues, each taking their turn on Eurmal.

The Preceptor takes a few steps back, his eyes closed in contemplation.

Magora joins the queue of people to take her turn at Eurmal.  As she waits in line, her gaze seems fixed on the figure at the top of the steps. Her strike is symbolic, but then suddenly, as if possessed, she pulls her hand back and brings down the rod hard.  The sound resounds around the courtyard, followed by a scream from Eurmal.  A woman in a brown cloak moves to Ankiarl/Eurmal, but is waved away by Ankiarl.  The superimposed form of Eurmal never wavers as it thrashes around trying to get free and flee his punishment.

As Magora moves back to where the Uz stand, it seems that the darkness grows; the night becomes tenebrous.[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: When she returns, she says "never have I felt the power of the great mother of darkness so close to the surface."]

The figure dressed in black seems more pronounced, and a few more people strike with stinging force.

OOC:  Tell me if you want to take a turn or not.  We'll move on shortly to the next part of the rite.

OOC: I'm good

In reply to Astorl (msg # 56):
OOC: me too

Garmin feels uncomfortable. He attempts to cast detect enemy.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 51):

Sanuzi stands apart from this ritual, merely watching, if allowed without participating. Otherwise, he'll just hang back with Lunars.

Saberak looks at the scene with an expression as neutral as she can make it, but a slight turn of the corner of her mouth reveals her distaste for the proceedings.

If We Are All Us, what does it truly mean to put all of our failings on another?

Tamarkorda does not join the whipping and stays with Sandien (or with Sanuzi if Sandien joins in).

Henetha observes the dark figure.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 55):

Unsure if the dark figure is a manifestation of Subere, Xentha, or Kyger Litor, but wanting to be a good initiate of Argan Argar and thus tied to both the mothers of darkness and to Earthen Ernalda, he too symbolically strikes the scapegoat before bobbing his head in reverence and submission at the figure of Darkness.

The black figure's hood is pulled back revealing a skeletal face.
https://vignette.wikia.nocooki...st?cb=20130108004213

A beautiful middle-aged woman comes to stand beside the figure in black.  "Before the Lady of the Dead have you shown yourself oathbreaker.  Flee now from her throne through the river of forgetfulness and return in subservience, for you were given to Ernalda in service by Orlanth, and so you will in silence serve until he calls you to his side."  This woman's image becomes as large as that of Ty Kora Tek as she speaks, "Thus is the ruling of my sister."

A group of children wearing masks carrying sticks with cloth balls on them begins to harry Eurmal/Ankiarl away from the courtyard and down the hill.  A few of the men go after the children as chaperones.  [Private to Garik Johnton; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: The masks worn by the children represent Ernalda's spirits of reprisal.]

The figures of Asrelia and Ty Kora Tek begin to diminish and move to stand on either side of the Temple Door.  Moments later the door opens and out steps Desola, high priestess of Ernala, and Kalisla, Varinton's wife and Priestess of Ernalda.  Each of the women bows to the figures of Asrelia and Ty Kora Tek.[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: This is odd.  Usually, Asrelia and Ty Kora Tek are not given roles in Ernalda rituals; and if they do, they are minor.]

Desola steps forward and addresses the crowd, "Tonight we celebrate Ernalda as the Great Wife and we pay honor to her husbands who fathered our people."  At this point, three men ascend the steps, all garbed and masked to resemble a god: Danbal as Durev/Orlanth, Varinton as Argan Argar, and Anrin as Elmal. [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: This is also odd.  Today is the birthday of Orlanth, and in most parts of Dragon Pass that would take precedence.  Here Orlanth is down played, and not represented as the Lord of the Air, but as Durev the Householder. It could be that this is a hold over from the Lunar supression of Orlanth, but you have a hunch it is deeper than that.]

"Tonight we celebrate the elevation of one of the Daughter's of Ernalda into the greater mysteries of the All-Mother.  For seven nights has she slept in our Mother's Embrace; tonight she awakens. But first, let us begin the festivities."

At this point, Desola steps aside and Kalisla moves forward.  She is now dressed in a fine gown and warm cloak.  She wears a gilded mask that represents Ernalda.[Private to Astorl; Garik Johnton; Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Oligur Jaffez; Saberak; Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: You can feel the power of the Earth Rune coming from this figure.]  She first moves to Danbal/Durven and they enact the story of how Ernalda taught Orlanth/Durven that there "is another way".  She moves to Varinton/Argan Argar, and they tell the story of how Argan Argar taught Ernalda to sleep to avoid Nontraya. [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You have NEVER heard this story.]  Then she moves to Anrin/Elmal and they enact the story of Elmal's protection of Ernalda and the people when Orlanth was away (the implication is that he was on the LightBringer's Quest).

[All during the ceremonies, you feel yourself being drawn into the stories.  You can feel the call of Earth, Air, Darkness, and Fire.  You also feel the pull of Harmony and Fertility]

At the end of the story, Ernalda's mask is removed and you see a different woman than Kalisla.  The people in the audience cheer.  After a few moments, Desola comes forward to quiet the crowd.  Everyone moves away from the altar that was erected in the center of the courtyard.  Desola and the figure of Ty Kora Tek come down to the altar.  Three women lead a cow toward the altar (it is an older cow).  Desola whispers something to the cow, and the the men move it onto the altar.

"Ernalda, Great Mother of the Earth.  Eldresa, wife of Farin of the Murval family, has undergone your tests and ordeals, and stands ready to be your voice, eyes, and presence in this world.  Please accept our humble sacrifice this night; bless the blood of this your creature to anoint your new servant."  With that, the figure of Ty Kora Tek pulls out a copper knife and cleanly slices open the cow's throat.  Two initiates are there to collect the blood in a copper chalice.  They bring the chalice over to Desola who places a handful of Earth into it, mixing it with the blood.  As the figure of Ty Kora Tek, drenched in blood, begins to butcher the cow, Desola walks back toward the temple, ascending the stairs.[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: This is not unusual.  Animal sacrifices are common, and a follower of Ty Kora Tek is usually the one who wields the sacrificial knife.  You have heard that there is another Goddess of Sacrifices that is worshipped at the Shaker Temple, but you don't know anything about her.]

Eldresa kneels before Desola.  Using her finger, Desola paints the Earth Rune on each cheek, and the fertility rune on her forehead.  She then paints the Earth Rune on Eldresa's chest, hands and feet.  "Arise Eldresa, Priestess of Ernalda."  [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: This is standard, and you have seen the elevation of a priestess before.  Usually there is more pompt and ceremony, but maybe they downplayed that because of the ritual stories that were performed.]

A loud cheer rises from the crowd.  Soon people are bringing food and drink into the courtyard, and lighting more fires for warmth and light.  You see that the meat of the cow is now being cooked over some of the fires, while the bones have been tied into the hide.  These are taken by the three Priestess back into the temple.  The three women return after 15 minutes to join the festivities.

[OOC: feel free to talk.  Things you note: Desola looks tired and worried; Sandein seems distracted and worried; Ankiarl hangs out with Danbal; Jalmon goes to speak to Danbal, but is brushed aside; Jalmon then goes to Anrin, and the two move away and talk for a few minutes; Anrin then speaks to his brother Farin, but Farin seems distracted by his wife;  Anrin then goes to speak with Varinton;  Anrin and Varinton then go to speak to Danbal (they seem tense); Magora stays for a while, but departs partway through the festivities.]

As the evening wears on, each of you is approached by one of the town leaders, asking you to join them at sunrise at the Durten compound (you're not going to get a great deal of sleep tonight unless you leave the party early).

Commander Jalmon comes to Oligur and Saberak.
Varinton comes to Bingling and Ullr.
Danbal comes to Garik, Henetha, and Sanuzi.
Farin comes to Astorl and Tamarkorda.

[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: If you have used any Rune Spells, you would get them back now.]

Garmin goes to the Chief. "I feel Issaries calling me to make a tavern here in one of the empty buildings. He wants me to call it The Temple. Where everyone can come and get drinks and worship. You can wet your whistle and tell the wife you went to the temple." Wink wink. "I would need the potter to make me some bowls with Issaries on them. Soon i should be able to create a market spell to warn when angry wives come."

Saberak approaches Sandein, catching her eye and leading her to the side of the celebration.  The apprentice priestess reaches out and places her hand on the other woman's shoulder, rings gleaming in the moonlight as she speaks in the mellifluous tones of New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I have learned some of the myths of your people, but I admit that I did not know all of the figures in your tribe's quest. Perhaps some other time, you could teach me more, however, that is not what I've come to speak with you about.

This is the second time in days that your people have been attacked. Both strikes were clearly targeted at the clan's magical power. Though you are not a member of the clan's ring, you clearly seem to know far more than most of the others here, and unlike many, you clearly have the presence of mind to be concerned about these encroachments despite the celebrations. Do you have any idea who might be behind these assaults? Is there any way that I might be able to assist you?"]

When Desola speaks to Anrin as Elmal Tamarkorda tosses his head and his pale hair glows in the torchlight.
[Private to GM: Once the ceremony is over and the new preiestess istalled Tamarkorda notices Sandien's unease and casts his second sight spirit magic spell to see if there is anything odd about the former participants or the nearby members of the crowd.]
When Farin comes to speak to him, Tamarkorda asks quietly 'Why is the goat man still here? I am sorry if I miss the point as a stranger, but I thought he was going to take our bad luck out into the wilds and get rid of it, yet here he is at the table'. He shrugs his incomprehension.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):

If anyone is dancing, Bingling will join and human or Uz folk dances that he knows.

Does darksight show anyone present that is not visible in the flickering firelight?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):

Sanuzi will walk with Danbal.

As you suggest this tavern, Danbal laughs.  This is the first time you have seen him relax all evening.  "Good Garik, after tonight I could use a drink in your Tavern.  You may have an idea, for there are times that we menfolk need a place."

He nods for you to follow.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 70):
Garmin follows  the Chief explaining his ides.

Hearing of Garik's plan Tamarkorda has a suggestion. 'You should serve Kumis alongside the beer Garik. It's not so strong but it is a good way to cool down in the summer. The mares here are not used to milking of course, I had to speak quite firmly to them, so I only have a small flask with me, but you can get the taste of it.'

OOC:  Conversations are taking place in private messages as people break away from the courtyard.  If there is anything that you want to do, or people you want to talk with, now would be the time.

We will move to the next scene (the next morning) shortly.

There are still a few conversations to be resolved (check private messages), but I'm going to get things moving along.

During the evening, word was spread that Farin was going to be sending out scouts to try to find the lair of the enemy.  Many of the Weapon Thanes retire early in order to get some sleep before they have to move out.  Some of the older women excused themselves so that they could make sure everyone had a hot breakfast before they left on this hunt.

Farin moved through the gathered townsfolk and picked some to stand guard duty.

Next morning, people are gathering at the Murval compound.  Farin is forming groups.  A few of the Lunar forces are here to assist, but it is clear that Farin is being very selective as to which group he puts them into.

I'm going to pause here to see if anyone wants to say anything.

From the Murval compound, everyone can see two units of Lunar Troops riding out toward the North.  [Private to Astorl; Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: You hear Farin say, "Their commander wanted to take the North toward the Hollow.  I think he is just hiding someone, so I have a group that will follow them."  You are fairly certain he does not mean you.]

As Farin plans out groups and places to search, some of you notice movement over at Sandein's hut.  Sandein, with her two apprentices, is standing close to Farin.  In the early morning you see a figure moving down the hill from Sandein's toward the Murval compound.

Sandein mutters, "Mother!", and starts to move off in the direction of the figure.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Well, I'd best go see what this is about," Saberak says to Oligur.]


Saberak takes Selan's reins and trots down towards Sandein.

[Private to GM: "I don't suppose that this is anything I can help with?"]

Gilren rides her horse into Jelmine with a month's dust on her looking worn and tired. Hard to believe a month ago in Notches she has asked Warda the High Priestest of Yelorna, "How do I find my unicorn?" Wards looks into the night sky.She starts singing in a sultry voice and calling for a divination. Suddenly a shooting star streaks to the north through the Snake constellation.
With a unworldly voice,"Seek the chaos of the pipe, where the moon meets the dark. Evil raises its head from the pipe it creeps. Help end this blight for the horn to show."
We left that night following the stars to Jelmine, where Lunars and trolls meet near the Snake pipe hollow.

In reply to Saberak (msg # 76):

Oligur grimaces and also starts hustling toward Sandein's hut,selecting a course that will put him between Mother and wherever she is headed. As he scurries he scans the horizon for enemies.

Mother seems to be making a straight path toward the Murval compound.  She has a limping gait, and as the sun rises further, you can see her hair and clothing disarrayed.

Saberak rides up to Sandein.[Private to Saberak:  Sandein asks, "can you get me up their fast?"]

Oligur moves up the hill toward Mother.

(I'm going to make an assumption that Sanuzi and Tamarkorda are also going to follow Sandein)

Always

Saberak exchanges words with Sandein in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez:  "The two of us combined might be a bit heavy for Selan. Can you ride? If so, you can take him. If not, we can still both go, but I fear undue haste might hurt him."]

ooc: I'm not sure who's exactly where when so I'm happy to redact if I'm jumping the gun
also ooc: Welcome Gilren!

Oligur removes his helmet and holds his arms out to the side in an attempt to look as unthreatening to the disheveled elderly woman as possible. He's not willing to block her or restrain her, but walks backwards in front of her, giving her personal space.
 In broken Tarshite he asks "Can I give you helps, ma'am?"

Certainly. Sanuzi tries to pay close attention to any signs of spirits moving.

Sandein replies to Saberak in New Pelorian.[Private to Saberak: Let us not injury your mount.  Travel with me though.]
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: The spirit world is unusually quiet.]

You move up to Mother, trying to be gentle.

As you approach, you can see that her eyes are white.  As you get closer, you can cell that her eyes are actually looking up so high that her eyes appear white.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Both Sanuzi and Tamarkorda recognize the signs of possession.  You're not sure what has possession of her body.]

As Oligur moves up to her, she lunges toward him.  Caught off guard by the old woman's attack, he stumbles backwards.  It becomes clear that she was not after him, but his dagger.  She pulls it from its sheath as Oligur backs up to regain his balance.

Saberak is completely taken off guard by this action.  Sanuzi and Tamarkorda maintain their composure.

As the old woman pulls the dagger toward her, she raises her left hand and cuts the palm.  She cups the left palm and drops the knife.

She dips her right index finger into the blood and moves toward Tamarkorda.
(I'm going to assume that Tamarkorda does not stop her next action)

With the bloody index finger, she draws something on each of Tamarkorda's cheek.  Those watching, can see that she has drawn the Rune of Truth on each of his cheeks.  The blood quickly dries, leaving the rune as a red stain.[Private to Tamarkorda: You can feel a surge power as she touches you.  Something of the other worlds has touched you, but you have a hard time wrapping your mind around it.]

Mother then moves to Saberak (and I'll assume you don't stop her).  She draws the rune of Truth on Saberak's right cheek, and the rune of Fate on the left cheek.  [Private to Saberak: You feel a shock as she first touches you.]  The blood dries slowly, running a bit down each cheek.

As this is going on, has dropped to her knees and is holding her head in pain. [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: You hear something in the spirit world.  It is muffled and distant to your senses.]

Mother then moves to Oligur who has regained his feet (and I'll assume you don't try to stop her).  She draws on Oligur's left cheek the Truth Rune, and then on the Right Cheek the Moon Rune.  The blood quickly remains liquid, but does not run or drip.  [Private to Oligur Jaffez: Your mind is suddenly filled with images that make no sense.  It seems to last for an hour, but only a moment passed.  At one point, you think you saw the Goddess in her varied forms, but you are not sure.]

She then moves to Sanuzi.  Instead of drawing on his cheeks, her finger moves to his forehead where she draws the Rune for Spirit.  The blood quickly dries into a stain.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Your spirit sight opens, and suddenly you are seeing the spirit world all around you.  The figure in front of you is enormously powerful and very difficult to make out.  It is blinding.  As you attempt to shield your sight, the figure moves away from you.  As it passes, you can see a shimmering silver road laid out before you heading to the west, deeper into the Hills.  You vision returns to normal, showing you the mundane world, but you retain a sense of that silver road.]

Mother then moves down toward the assembled people, her cupped hand still holding the flowing liquid blood.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Should we stop her?  I fear she may harm herself seriously,but some greater power is clearly at work. We may never learn what it means if we intervene."]

Saberak speaks to Oligur and Sandein in New Pelorian in a rapid, excited cadence.  She slides off the side of Selan, straightening her riding skirts as she quickly walks behind the entranced woman.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

In reply to Saberak (msg # 85):

Oligur stares at Saberak as she speaks to him, blinking absently. He holds his hand up to his left cheek, but does not quite touch it.
As Saberak heads off to follow Mother, he shakes his head violently a few times, looks around at the rest of the assembly, and follows after Saberak.

Tamarkorda sighs, and appears to mutter something in Pure-horse tongue to his left shoulder.
[Private to Narrator: Saberak: Oligur Jaffez: ['Uh, --- going, --- one more time'] [Private to Narrator: Oligur Jaffez: 'Horse and ----!'][Private to GM: Uh, here we go one more time. Horse and jaws!]
He follows Mother.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:25, Sat 30 Mar 2019.

Sadein reaches out to her mother, but is brushed aside.  With a few people in tow, Mother continues down the hill toward those gathered at the Murval compound.

People give way to her as she moves toward Farin of Murval.  She looks deeply into his eyes, then draws the Death rune on his right cheek.

She moves to Henetha Hofaktsdottir next but does not look at her directly. She sweeps her hand in front of Henetha.  She looks again and paints the Truth rune on her forehead.  Almost as an afterthought, she draws the Earth Rune on each of her cheeks.  The blood quickly dries on her face, leaving a stain. [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You can feel the power of this woman wash over you, and for a moment you have a sense of recognition, then it fades.  It was not the power of the Earth you felt.]

Mother then moves to Bingling.  She tilts her head as she looks at the Uz.  She pulls on his tunic, indicating for him to bend down.  When he does, she paints the rune of Truth on his right cheek and the rune of Harmony on his left cheek.  The blood dries quickly.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You feel a pull toward the west, and you hear a strong discordant note that rings in your ear.  You have a clear impression of something broken, but you can't see what it is.]

She then moves over to Garik Johnton, whom she looks at for a few moments.  She shakes her head, points at him, and then at the ground.

She then heads to Ullr Lightbane, and as with Bingling, indicates for him to bend.  She paints what looks to be the Darkness rune, but then with her nail, scratches off blood so that the Truth rune lies within the Darkness rune.  The blood remains liquid, dripping a bit from the image.

Mother then moves to Astorl, staring at him as she approaches.  She places the Disorder rune on his right cheek and the Air rune on his left.  The blood quickly dries leaving a stain.  [Private to Astorl: You can feel her power, which unnerves you.]

Mother then collapses at Astorl's feet.  Sandein rushes over to check on her.  She looks up at Farin, "Mother has chosen those who will go to the west."

Farin looks extremely irritated. "Fine."  He looks to Astorl and motions for Henetha to join him.  "Since you have been chosen," the sarcasm in his voice is apparent to all, "you shall look at a place Sandein wants to be investigated.  Go up the hill.  There take the Western path into the Hills.  Astorl, you will know the area she wants to be investigated.  It is that homestead that she put charms around.  Move out as soon as you can."

Gilren shakes the dust off herself and goes to the gathering. Worming through the crowd getting to the front. Seeing the ceremony. She approaches the mother. "Is there chaos to slay I would like to join."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 88):

Bingling nods after Farin speaks.
"Something broken lies west. That farmstead, maybe? I am pleased to help friends, family, and trade partners battle chaos nests, if that be one."

Henetha immediately follows Astorl up the hill.

With a shrug towards Farin, Tamarkorda also goes with Astorl and Henetha 'Don't touch the things hanging from the trees.' he tells Henetha 'Our shaman put them there.'[Private to GM: What colours are Gilren and Astorl? Is Gilren a different character for the Garik player?]

In reply to Gilren Starseeker (msg # 89):

Oligur, at last recovering from the unwanted, disturbing visions he just experienced, notes the presence of the newcomer.
He hesitates, glancing about and giving the locals a moment to greet her if they will, he then clears his throat, holds his hands out in a gesture of peace, and says in practiced Tradetalk:
Greetings, traveler. May the blessings of the Red Goddess be upon you. May she give you strength, health, rest, and wisdom as she brings all things into the light of her goodness.
He makes a slight bow and then in a little less practiced (and more hushed) Tradetalk says:
You have arrived at a bit of an odd time, the town has fallen under repeated attacks. A number of us are heading out of town to investigate.  Though you didn't  arrive in time to receive ... er
with slightly shaking hands he indicates the still wet (?) blood on his cheeks
well, you were not excluded either.
Join us, if you like.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 90):

Bingling, one thing is certain--you and your mace will be most welcome on this journey!

In reply to Oligur Jaffez (msg # 94):

Bingling trills and grins at Oligur. "Broo don't trade well nor have nice trade goods, so I shall gladly trade them mace swings instead!"

Noticing Gilren, Bingling trills and nods at the newcomer. "Welcome! May Argan Argar and whatever trade gods you know smile on us and find our friendship profitable!"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 88):

Sanuzi secures his gear, rests his mind, and makes his way back to meet at where he senses the silver road. Here, he rests his body as he waits in meditation.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Well then, I suppose there's nothing left to do but to play along."]

Saberak briefly comments in New Pelorian towards Oligur and Sandein. Resisting the urge to rub at the drying blood on her face, she turns and addresses the others who have been marked in her stilted Tradetalk.

"We have been marked. I will ready my things and we will go to the place they have told of. Maybe we will find what we look for there."

Saberak removes much of her jewelry and places it into a pouch, handing it off to a nearby Lunar soldier to be taken and placed with her other things in the fort. Only the bracelet with the dangling Moon rune charms remains. She quickly retrieves the rest of her armor from Selan's bags and dons it, twisting her long hair into a low bun before seating her helm atop her head. Below the crest of the helmet, her mismatched gaze looks low in the west toward her destination.

Gilren will be joining you shortly.

Astorl, Bingling, Henetha, Oligur Saberak, Sanuzi, Tamarkorda, and Ullr journey up the hill toward a path that leads further into the hill.  Some of you suspect where you are going, an abandoned farmstead that has been warded by Sandein.  (OOC:  Those that encountered this location may want to IC talk to the others about what they saw, sensed, experienced).

Astorl is familiar with the hills, so navigating the paths is fairly easy.
(Astorl's color is brown)

You have been traveling for three hours and come to a cross-road.  One fork continues west toward the abandoned farmstead while the other fork heads south and north. [Private to Tamarkorda: You hear something from the southern path.  It sounds like battle.]

Tamarkorda stops in his tracks. He clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth, tugs at his ear with his right hand and points southwards with the other.  He then puts his right finger to his lips.

Saberak gives Tamarkorda a quizzical look and reaches down gently to halt Selan. She gestures with her right hand in a circular motion as if to say, "lead on."

Oligur scans the horizon in the direction indicated by Tamarkorda

In reply to Narrator (msg # 99):

Sanuzi pauses to try to get a sense of which direction the "silver road" leads (if it continues to do so). He has been studiously quiet on the trip so far.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You can still sense the silver road.  It follows the path to the west.]

As everyone stops and quiets, you can hear something approaching from the south and the guttural snarl of Broo hunting prey.

[Private to Gilren Starseeker: Gilren was traveling with a group North toward Snake Pipe Hollow.  Your leader had a map that showed a "hidden" path into the Hollow, and the best approach was to go through these mountains.  Minutes ago your band was ambushed, with Broo cutting off most paths.  Through effort, a wedge was opened, and your leader Atlus ordered a retreat.  You don't know what has happened to the others, but you have driven your mount (yes, you have a horse currently).  You have a minor wound to your left leg (2 hp) and there are two Broo close behind you; both seem to have incredible speed. ]

The southern path is climbing the hill you are on (i.e., the party is currently on higher ground).  There is dense brush and few trees in this area of the hill.  There is a fresh blanket of snow on the ground of about 2 inches (5 cm) depth.  There is a light snow fall, a light breeze, and it is -5 degrees C (I am assuming that you have all worn appropriate clothing).  Conditions impose a -15% penalty to ranged attacks.[Private to Saberak: I assume that you have blankets on your mount.  Is your mount happy with the concept of snow?]

You can see an armored rider being pursued by at least two figures running swiftly.  The rider is currently 50m away.

Initiative (State your actions.  Remember to calculate movement into your Strike Rank.  The terrain is unstable, so you will need to make a Dex * 5 test if you move more than 10m.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 104):

OOC: Quick question--the rider is coming towards us? perpendicular?

Gilren twists and aims at the leading broo and unleashes 2 arrows. Praising Yelorna for the fine hits.

"Yelorna Star Mistress guide my shots. Let not the vile broos catch your daughter. I am the star huntress!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

Henetha puts her right hand on the back of her neck [Private to GM: ((OOC: her focus-tatoo))] and points at the closest pursuer with her left, casting a spell.

[Private to GM: ((OOC: Cast Slow as soon as one of the runners is within 50 m, or earliest at SR 3

10:51, Today: Secret Roll: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 29 using 1d100.  Cast Slow (60%).

Also: Try to see what she can tell of the armoured rider. Human? Local style equipment? etc
))]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 104):

[OOP: It's before coffee, please figure strike ranks for me if you would? Most appreciated!]

Bingling will draw his mace and use its matrix to cast Strength, then unlimber his shield. He will then start to move toward the broo.

Crunching through the snow, Oligur accompanies Bingling to intercept the Broos.

Tamarkorda rolls his eyes, pulls a face, and chants something quietly in Pure-horse Tongue.
A shimmer of heat starts to build around him turning nearby snow flakes to rain
[Private to GM: Narrator: Cast Befuddle backed by 1 MP on a pursuer in spell range (ideally one toward the rear of the pursuit) SR dex2+2+1-1 = SR4 (can't remember whether we settled on first point of spell doesn't count - but that was what they put on the BRP forum recently)
prepare another befuddle 5 SRs = SR9 and cast it with no baacking 2+2-1 = SR12. (if there's no -1 then not enough SRs to do this)

Intent : Remain undetected as long as possible, Avoid contact with the Broos if possible. Stick to casting spells unless a hostile gets within 5 SRS then draw the sword.]

Yes, they are approaching perpendicular.

As the rider approaches, they look human.[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: By the look of their armor and clothing, they look Esrolian.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: Understood. ]

OOC: I'll advance the scene tomorrow.

Saberak urges Selan forward at a canter, preparing a spell to befuddle the pursuers. He's seen snow before - Dark season is not much warmer in Furthest than it is here in the hills of northern Sartar - so he has no issue with the thin coating currently on the ground.

Round 1

SR 1:  The rider (Gilren Starseeker) turns and fires an arrow at Broo #2.  The arrow strikes the Left Arm (1 HP).
Oligur begins to move forward.
Saberak moves Selan foward; Saberak begins to concentrate.
SR 2: Movement
SR 3: Movement
Oligur's movment ends (reached full move)
SR 4: Saberak begins to glow red, then fades.  The power would not come to her calling.
Broo #1 throws a spear at Gilren; but the shot goes wide.
Broo #2 throws a spear at Gilren; it is obvious that the horse is the target.  The spear hits the Horse's hindquarter.  The horses back legs waver, then collapse.  The horse is alive, but severely hurt.
Gilren lands heavy on the Right Arm (3 HP - armor already added in).  She is able to maintain her bow.
Bingling casts Strength upon himself.
SR 5: The Broo are in range of spells for those who did not move.
Tamarkorda gathers his power and directs a Befuddle spell at Broo #1.  The heat shimmers move toward the Broo, and seems to coalesce around the creature. It suddenly looks confused.
Henetha calls upon her power, holding her fist toward Broo #2.  The Broo suddenly beings to move more slowly.
Oligur Focuses his power against Broo #2, who succumbs to the teachings of the Seven Mothers.  Broo # 2 is Befuddled.
Gilren Recovers from being thrown from the horse (loose 1 SR)
SR 6: Bingling starts to move toward the Broo.
Gilren aims to fire at Broo#2.  [Private to Gilren Starseeker: since it is befuddled, I will assume that you hold off firing-If you don't want to hold off, I'll resolve the attacks.]
SR 7:
SR 8: Bingling's movement ends.

It is obvious at this point that the Broo are Befuddled (2 Minutes).  OOC:  If you're able to get it to work, Befuddle is a great way of stopping the enemy and regrouping.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 113):

With a gleeful cry to Argan Argar thanking him for his bounty and such boon companions, Bingling will attempt to strike any broo in range (unlimbering hos shield if he has not yet).

In reply to Narrator (msg # 113):

Sanuzi will ready his sling as he approaches. He fires a stone at the nearest broo and hopes the spirits see fit it finds its mark.

Saberak jerks her kopis out of its sheath as she urges Selan forward at a gallop now that the Broo are incapacitated.

Henetha runs towards the broo, wielding her axe and shield on the run.

Tamarkorda urges his mount Dorgoz into motion towards the downed horse
[Private to GM: Move to the rear of the horse, remtove the spear (if Gilren hasn't already done so) and administer healing (if the horse is still immobile).
Intent: get the horse away form the broos. If possible avoid melee (and avoid broos).]

Coordinating attacks, you are able to eliminate the befuddled Broo before they can react.
Tamarkorda heals Gilren's horse.

OOC:  Time for introduction and decisions about what to do next.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 119):

Gilren rushes back to her horse to cast healing on its wound.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 119):

Shaking the broo blood from his mace (and searing it if anyone has a torch), Bingling looks about like a human child looking for approval.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Wed 17 Apr 2019.

Oligur flinches and sidesteps a bit for fear of being doused with broo blood.

Offering Bingling a grin
Once again, friend Bingling, you and that mace are not to be trifled with.


Oligur addresses Gilren:

Greetings, traveler. May the blessings of the Red Goddess be upon you. May she give you strength, health, rest, and wisdom as she brings all things into the light of her goodness. May I ask what brings you into these lands?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Wed 17 Apr 2019.

"Later my horse is injured." As she kneals by her horse the sky and death runes show clearly on hee arms and face.

In reply to Gilren Starseeker (msg # 123):

Bingling finally notices Gilren.
"Welcome, stranger! Have you come to trade? I am Bingling, a humble servant of Argan Argar!"

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 124):

(OOP: Ooops! I guess Bingling hasn't remembered Gilren's echo yet. If they have eaten since the last time Bingling introduced himself, they look a bit different to Bingling.)

After tending to her horse, Gilren turns to see who she is with. "I am Gilren Starseeker follower of the Star Maid. My goddess sent me to slay the Chaos near the Snake Pipe Hollow. She told me to go to Jelmine. I quest for my unicorn."

Henetha greets the rider. "Greetings Gilren, I am Henetha of House Rharli in Esrolia." she says, pointing at her Earth Rune.

"Where are you from?"

In a suitable pause the Grazelander introduces himself. 'Good day Starcaller, you shoot well. I am Tamarkorda son of Benstalan of the Flame Juggler clan and this is my mount Dorgoz. I serve Reaches-all, the Feathered Horse Queen, heart and jewel of all these lands, and now I serve Sandien the shaman of Jelmine too.'

In reply to Henetha Hofaktsdottir (msg # 127):

"I come from Bhol. My mother This of Boil is a priestess of Ernalda. But I would rather hunt by night under the stars than be living in a temple."

Saberak speaks in halting Tradetalk, smoothing her riding skirts and readjusting her armor after her charge.

"Any friends are welcome against these terrible beasts.  There is a place for everyone, and these creatures have not found that place. I am Saberak of Furthest, teacher of the Seven Mothers. May Queen Deezola give you calm and Irrippi Ontor clear your path."

In reading comments and messages, I see that introductions have begun.

Gilren Starseeker is there with her horse (which has been healed).  The blood of the dead Broo is seeping into the Earth.  The question I have is:  1) Do you continue off toward your destination, or 2) Do you want to see what has happened to Gilren's companions.

Surely we should see what's become of the lady's companions and give them help, if we may

In reply to Oligur Jaffez (msg # 132):

"Maybe we can burn the blood? I'd hate a crop of broo springing up like mushrooms. If they do that?"

"Lets go find my companions and see if any survived."

In reply to Gilren Starseeker (msg # 134):

Sanuzi crinkles his brow as he gazes west, nods, then approaches Gilren.

He raises his empty hands as he slowly nears. He examines Starseeker and the horse carefully.

[ooc: I'm opening myself to any spiritual energies or presences that might be lingering... perhaps remnants of former companions?]

"We should see that your companions are either hale or properly, ah, laid to rest."

"I am sure Tam, here, can find our road again." *wink*

<fart-noise> <raucous-bird-call> Tamarkorda looks around as if confused by the source of these sounds

"How far away were your companions when you lost them, Gilren? How many were they, and how did you lose them? Were there more Broo?"

"I'm asking, as we are on our way to investigate something connected to a chaos infestation. But if your companions should be close we need to go find them."

Saberak nods firmly.

"We have very little time, but we should find your friends if we can."

With concern for Gilren's companions, the party heads down the southern path.

Approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) down the path you start to hear noises coming from further down the path.  One is clearly the death knell of a horse.  You do not hear the sounds of battle.
[Private to Saberak; Tamarkorda: You hear what sounds like breaking bones and laughter.]
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Smells like someone has laid out fresh meat.]

OOC:  I am going to assume that you send a scout or stealth up.  Saberak is the best at the stealth skills currently, so I'm going to use her stats to determine scouting results.

The scouts return with disturbing news.  It appears that Gilren's companions have been slaughtered.  Four Broo remain and appear to be carving up the dead; eating spare parts as they go.


OOC:  I assume that the group will confront the remaining Broo.

Seeing your party charge forward, the outnumbered Broo make a break for it.
Broo number 4, who seems to be moving slower than the others, was crunching on an arm bone when you charged.  As he moves to make his escape, one of the "corpses" stabs the Broo in the groin with a knife.  He cuts down into the leg, which sprays the man with blood.
[Private to Gilren Starseeker: You know this person.  His name is Harstan the Fox, and was convicted of banditry in Esrolia.  He was the bound servant of an Orlanthi named Ernedes.  You can tell that Harstan is injured, but it is obvious that he was hiding under Ernedes body in hopes of finding an escape.]

OOC:  Mounted characters will be able to easily run down the Broo.  I just want to know who is going after them, what you are doing (shooting, lancing, something else).  In other words, you will kill them quickly.  I just want to know how you are doing it (write or add to a narrative of how you take them down).

If you are NOT going after the Broo, tell me what you want to do.

NOTE:  Gilren's companions were obviously traveling a great distance, and were prepared. Beyond their mounts, there were draft horses that had supplied.  The food has been ruined by the broo, but there are tarps, blankets, rope, etc..., that can be used to shroud the dead.

The person that stabbed Broo 4 appears to be gravely wounded in his left leg and abdomen.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 139):

Bingling calls on the comforting embrace of Darkness and tries to cast Heal-1 on the gravely wounded man.

Gilren snaps off 3 shots at the farthest broo.

Cursing himself that he hadn't practiced with the weapon more during his training, Oligur places a bronze bullet in the pouch of his sling.
(The bullet has been engraved with a few clumsily inscribed death runes and the words in New Pelorian
"OPEN WIDE")

Swirling the weapon in a figure 8 pattern, its volume and pitch increase as it whistles through the air, gaining speed until at last with a prayer on his lips he lets loose at the nearest Broo

>OOC at around strike rank 8<

and

15:32, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 24 using 1d100.  sling attack, want 40 or less.

He strikes the beast in the right leg.


15:36, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 6 using 1d8.  sling damage.
15:35, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 4 using 1d20.  broo location.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Wed 01 May 2019.

In reply to Oligur Jaffez (msg # 142):

Bingling sees Oligur's slinging. When next he is between attempts at Heal-1 on the man who stabbed the broo, he looks up.

"Friend Oligur, remind me to give you a few bolg in a moment. Lord Argan Argar gave us coins that are perfect for slings. I can bite a few into shape, if you like."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Thu 02 May 2019.

Saberak charges the fleeing Broo, urging Selan to great speed as she brandishes her kopis to strike down the monsters.

After the chase, she mutters to Oligur in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: If only it didn't have to be this way, but if we'd let these go they would only kill more.]

Henetha runs up to the gravely injured person (or another injured non-broo) and strokes one hand over the injury while holding her other over her runes.

[Private to GM: Successfully casts Heal-2

08:56, Today: Secret Roll: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 57 using 1d100 with rolls of 57.  Cast Heal-2 (12x5=60%).]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 139):

Sanuzi keeps a sharp eye out for hidden trouble. He does not pursue the broo.

Tamarkorda rides down one of the broo but misses on his pass with the lance.

Cursing, he drops it and draws his Broadsword to press his attack. He deals with the broo in a few sweeps of his long sword arm and stays clear of the corpse.

He fails to find any cleansing herbs and gathers some leaves to wipe the broo blood from his sword, bofore retrieving his lance and returning to the others.

(following the eradication of the broos)

Oligur receives the lead, masticated ammunition from Bingling with gratitude. Testing the weight of the clacks in his hand, he says:
Thank you, friend, these have just the right feel! I am honored to accept these missiles from my formidable comrade-in-arms.

Keeping a safe distance from the healing efforts of Henetha and others, he quietly mutters to whoever is nearest:
What do you suppose we shall do with him? Bring him with us? Return him to Jelmine? I fear that doing so would require one or more of us to help him on his way, and so further dilute our strength...

Between the missile attacks and running down the broo, you are able to quickly dispatch the scions of Thed.

[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: The man is moaning with pain.  As you work to heal the leg and abdomen of the man, you notice that there are bands around his wrists and neck.  These bands have places where chains could be attached.  You can see that each of the bands has been welded shut.  The rune of Illusion has been branded into the man's right cheek, and disorder on his left cheek.  As you heal him, he says "I am Harstan".]
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You know from Esrolia that the bands mark him as a criminal.  The brands are a warning that he has been touched by Eurmal the Trickster.]

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Your shamanic path is that of Daka Fal.  As there are no priestess/initiates of Ty Kora Teck, you would be the next best person to see to the remains.
 I'm going to go with that for now.]

After the warriors deal with the Broo, and the healers work with the wounded, Sanuzi at first watches for additional trouble.  Sensing none, he begins to make preparations for the dead.  Using blankets and tent tarps, shrouds can easily be made.  Having no means of returning the bodies to Jelmine, you scout for places to bury the bodies.  It does not take long to find a shallow indention in the rock where the bodies can be interred and then covered with stone.

As is the custom, the bodies are shrouded with their arms and armor.  Gilren takes specific items from each corpse to return to their families.  [Private to Gilren Starseeker: These would be heirlooms that you knew about from having gotten to know these warriors.  Merchants could be tasked with getting these back to Esrolia.]

You mark the location of the grave with the hopes that a group from Jelmine could return and properly bury the bones.  [Private to Astorl; Gilren Starseeker; Tamarkorda; Ullr Lightbane: You notice that the wounded man who stabbed one of the broo has taken a keen interest in where you buried the bodies.]

The day has worn on, and you realize that it will be near dark (twilight) when you arrive at your destination.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: The silver path is starting to waver.  You realize you will need to press on.]  The air is getting colder, and the snow fall becomes heavier.

(OOC: I'm stopping here as there is a fair amount to unpack above).

"Gilren, who is this man? Why did you travel with him? He bears the marks of a criminal." Henetha asks.

"We should not let him come with us."

"I knew him not well, Yelornas has little to do with men."

The man looks up at Henetha and Gilren with sheepish eyes, the kneel before them in an attitude of supplication: he whimpers, head down, arms raised to the women. [Private to Gilren Starseeker: I forgot to mention this to you earlier.  He can't talk.  His tongue was cut out as punishment for another crime.  Other things that you would know about him from the time you spent in this company: The Orlanthi Ernedes told people that Harstan could be trusted only when he was with Ernedes; during one fight with Telmori, you saw him quickly carve one up with his knives (highly skilled with daggers); there were times when he simply vanished, but Ernedes always knew where Harstan was. ].

(OOC:  I'm going to leave this open a little longer to let others comment).

"He's not coming with us." Henetha says to noone in particular.

"We've healed you. Now begone!" she tells the man.

She then makes it obvious she's ready to continue on the mission.

"Look on the bright side, thanks to my companions, you have your life," says Oligur with a wink. "Make sure you put it to better use from this point on. I suggest you make your way north, and if the Goddess smiles on your path, find the penitentiary at Furthest. There they can receive you and lead you along the Sevenfold Path. The way of Danfive Xaron is hard, but you'll find no better offer, I assure you."

Replacing his sling with his newly received ammunition, Oligur follows after Henetha.

You see the criminal move North, head down, looking dejected.  You follow behind until you reach the crossroad.  The criminal continues North and shortly disappears from view.

Your group turns West and continue toward your destination.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Though flickering now, the silver path is still there, and continues to the West.]  The sun is rapidly setting, leaving you in the gloaming of twilight.  The trees ahead take on a more sinister appearance as the light continues to fade.

As true dark begins, you reach the location described.  Before you are barren trees from whose branches hang various totems, figurines, and talismans.  It is easy to see that this marks Taboo land. The hooting of an owl behind you is a startling presence in this too quiet woodland.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: The dark holds less mystery for you, and you can easy sense the presence of trees and stone within this taboo land.  You sense neither bird nor animal beyond the Taboo line.  The smell of the land is not right.  You notice an unappetizing greasy taste in the back of your mouth as you breathe the air of this tainted land.][Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: The silver path is still there, but you notice that it ends about a kilometer ahead.  You can't see what is at that location (too dark).]

As the sun goes down Tamarkorda sings a short chant to his gods. It's really off-putting and you hope he isn't going to make a habit of it.

Once more resigning in sun-down
Hold so the rider, so the mount,
For should we last the night or no
In fast of light is touch-and-go.

We are not wholly bad or good
Who live our lives misunderstood
And Thou, I know, wilt be the first
To see our best side, not our worst.

O let us see another day!
Inspire us all this night, I pray,
And to the sun we all will bow
And say, good-bye – but just for now
[Private to GM: Fumbled the sing roll, comrades upset? Unwanted attention attracted?]

Golden looks over the talismans to try to gage who is putting up the warnings.

'Mind out there Star-caller' Tamarkorda says 'Our shaman put these up to hold in some bad force. Best not to touch them'

Selan shies away slightly from going forward, his breath condensing in the cool evening air. Saberak reaches down and gently pats his flank, urging him to keep in line with the rest of the patrol.

"Yes, best if we don't touch them at all. Do you know what they were put here to stop, Tamarkorda?"

'It's hard to give words to what I viewed with the sight last time I was here.' Tamarkorda says Think of it as a dark mist that churns in there, held back by these wards. It would make things sick, ill, if if got free. Did we tell Gilren that a camp of folk tried to make a life near here but were lost with no trace? Shit to shoes that's no fluke of fate. I don't think it's wise to shift from here while the sun is down. I'd say we should set a watch, and try to get some sleep. What's your view Oligur?

Oligur clears his throat, "Yes, well, let's see here..."
He studiously examines the terrain, making some calculations on his palm

OOC 20:24, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 98 using 1d100.  Battle, assessing the field, want less than 45%.
 I think that's my first fumble in this game :/

"I think the best course of action would be for us all to fan out in different directions."

Tamarkorda's eyebrows rise and he nods, 'You heard the man, fan out. Keep two of us in sight and watch out for traps or signs of the old stead. He turns and walks a few hundred paces, or as far as visibility in the vegetation and topography allow.

Henetha sighs.

”I heard the man. That doesn’t mean I will follow his stupid advice. We should stick together as a group and finish this mission.”

”Get back here!” she shouts at the impulsive men wandering off.

She then heads past the wards into the area to be investigated, waiting for the others to follow.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:06, Mon 20 May 2019.

Saberak raises her eyebrow at Oligur's suggestion, the gives a slight shrug. She comments in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I suppose you're the expert here, but neither the braves in Prax nor any of the units I've ever served with would countenance spreading out here.  Still, I'll do as you ask."]

Saberak puts her heels into Selan, sending him trotting after Tamarkorda. With a whisper, she sends Silvereye skyward to scout the area nearby for threats.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 155):

Sanuzi simply continues following the silver path. His eyes waver little from the end point, but his gait is slowing and despite the snow, he is sweating.

Henetha follows Sanuzi.

In reply to Henetha Hofaktsdottir (msg # 166):

Bingling follows Henetha, with an odd and quiet intermittent hum to himself. He's focusing more on smell and darksense at the moment, not much trusting what his eyes may find.

Moving off around the area, the humans quickly realize they need some light.  Even the light of the Red Moon is muted by the clouds that cover the sky this night.  But then again, maybe it is not just the clouds muting the light.[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Bingling has no problem with the darkness.  Darksense is not muted in any way.]

As Sanuzi starts forward, following the path, he staggers, as if losing his balance.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: A wave of sickness washes over you.  You feel light headed and your stomach churns as if you had eaten something rotten.]

Henetha watches Sanuzi pause, begins to move over to him, then also staggers.  [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You suddenly feel sick and light headed.  It rushed upon you without warning.  You're not sure what is happening, but you also feel very uncertain on your feet.]
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Sanuzi Asar-Girru: When you compare feelings, you will come to the realization that this is not an ACTIVE force working against you.  It is passive.  Each of you has been in a place of strong spiritual or divine energy.  This is similar, but it is not beneficial to you).]

Bingling follows Sanuzi and Henetha, but does not seem to be as affected as they were walking into the taboo zone.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: The darkness is comforting and embracing you.  There is nothing to fear here.]

Those who are outside of the taboo zone (everyone else) can see Sanuzi and Henetha stagger.
(GM Assumption is that the others are staying toward the edge of the taboo zone, while Sanuzi walked straight into it).
[Private to Saberak: Silvereye refuses to fly into the taboo zone; you know you could force the issue, but it does not want to go into the zone alone. Selan is also skittish about going into the zone.]
[Private to Gilren Starseeker: Your mount does not like this place, and keeps turning its head away from the taboo zone.  Any time you turn your mount to face the zone, it snorts, shakes its head, and tries to turn.  You know you could force the issue (with a ride check), but you also know that horses can sense problems.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: Your mount does not like this place, and keeps turning its head away from the taboo zone. Any time you turn your mount to face the zone, it snorts, shakes its head, and tries to turn. You know you could force the issue (with a ride check), but you also know that horses can sense problems.]

Saberak makes her way over to Tamarkorda.  Oligur, seeing nothing, circles around to Saberak and Tamarkorda.  Gilren meets up with the others at the edge of the Taboo zone.

[Private to Gilren Starseeker: If you decide to go into the taboo zone, you suddenly feel sick.  It is like a wave from your feet to your head; you feel dizzy and light headed.  There is a very strong sense of nausea.]
[Private to Oligur Jaffez: If you go into the Taboo Zone, nothing happens.  You don't feel anything.]
[Private to Saberak: If you decide to go into the taboo zone, you suddenly feel sick.  It rushes through your body like a rapid wave.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: If you decide to go into the Taboo Zone, nothing happens.  You don't feel any different.  The darkness here feels oppressive.]

"Everyone back up. Even our horses are not stupid enough to enter."

OOC: Do we perceive that Henetha and Sanuzi are injured? (i.e., do they need healing/would dragging them out of the enclosure cause them more damage?)

In reply to Oligur Jaffez (msg # 170):

OOC:  They do not appear injured.  Sickened would be a better descriptor.

Tamarkorda nods to Gilren, and glancing between her and Saberak says "Dorgoz does not care to face what is there, it is true, and like as not we should try to get them out, but Sanuzi is the one who seems to know where to go. Give me a few beats and we shall see what we shall see" he chants a few words of Pure-horse tongue and the surface of his eyeballs assumes the cloudy broiling look that some may have seen before.[Private to GM: Cast second sight looking at Sanuzi and Henetha, and the taboo area in general, if nothing obvious is visible with the spell take a few steps past the apparent boundary of the tree fetishes and look again.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 168):

Urgh... mutters Sanuzi, as he reaches into his pouch. He forces himself to slow to a meditative pace and kneel.

I try to become more aware of every aspect of the place about us.

[ooc: sorry I didn't notice any physical trace of "taboo".]

I think we need more information before we proceed.

Henetha is sick but recovers. She waits for Tamarkonda to say something.

When he notices them stagger, Oligur rushes over to Henetha and Sanuzi's position to offer aid. Looking over his shoulder at Gilren's exhortation as he trots along, he realizes with a start that he has crossed into the taboo area. He seems unharmed.

After studying the talismans, she thinks she has figured them out. They appear to be shamanic in nature.  You think they serve as a ward.  By the number and frequencies of these talismans, you think that there are layers of wards separating the taboo zone from the rest of the world.

After dismounting and gazing intently towards Sanuzi and Henetha for a few moments, Tamarkorda turns his head taking in the fetish line on either side, then he walks a few steps into the taboo zone facing towards the two affected companions again before looking around more widely. At one point looking further into the zone he shudders and shakes his head rapidly, looking away. He takes a moment, and then moves towards Sanuzi and Henetha Stamping his feet and clapping his hands. "Sing Brother! Sing Jelimne, Sing the Old Folk, Sister Dance! Move with the earth tunes, rise up! This will pass

Invoking the power of Earth, Henetha tries to sing with Tamarkorda, but her voice is faltering and it doesn't sound right.


[Private to GM:

08:35, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 79 using 1d100.  Using Earth to augment her singing (75%). - Failure - meaning -20% on sing and -20% on Earth until day spent meditating.

08:43, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 69 using 1d100.  Sing (25+5-20=10%). - Failure
]

Tamarkorda tilts his head, still stomping and clapping in some sort of broken rhythm supplemented with the odd nasal shriek, "When  Sanuzi finds the tune then the steps will come..." he sounds confident but with the cloudy eyeballs it is hard to be sure.

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 179):

This is a good song you sing, brother. I will join you.

Sanuzi begins to intone a contra-melody in a much lower octave than, perhaps, expected.
[ooc: can I bring the Darkness rune to bear on any of this?]

We... Will... Pass... This...

"Yes, I think you are right. We don't know enough yet."

Saberak reins in Selan and signals to Silvereye to return to his perch. She speaks to the chanting shamans.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Bingling bemusedly watches his fellow adventurers. He has no idea what to do, and figures that he should be quiet and not confirm his ignorance.

Dorgoz the goldeneye ambles over to Saberak and nudges her shoulder with his nose, ears focused on her.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Darkness deals with stealth, and so is not specifically useful here with that Tamarkorda is suggesting.  Since it is night, you can attempt to attune (become inspired by) the Darkness rune, but there is no telling what that will do right now.  In other words, focus your thoughts and power through that rune.  Just make the roll, and I'll tell you what happens.]  Sanuzi begins to chanting melodically, which begins to resonate with the sounds Tamarkorda is making.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Sing Roll = 24.  As you sing, the wave of sickness begins to pass; it is as if the communal chant/song is fortifying your willpower.]

The chanting seems to bolster Sanuzi, who seems less sickened by walking upon the Taboo lands.

Henetha begins to sign, but the song is out of key and discordant.  [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: For now, until you meditate, you feel disconnected from the Earth.  You can still feel the all-mother, but her presence is very distant, less comforting.  Your song echos the sickness you feel.  The night becomes colder to you.  With your connection to Earth temporarily weakened, you feel the Darkness Rune calling to you.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: You are not exactly dancing, so I'm going to use your skill in singing: Roll=36. With just you doing it, you feel you are gaining clarity.]
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Looks like Sanuzi and Tamarkorda are holding a party :).  In Uz culture, dancing and singing are common ways of communing with spirits, perhaps that is what they are doing.  Whatever the case, Saunzi looks better.]
[Private to Saberak: You have seen the followers of the Spindle Hag chant and dance like this as a way to prepare themselves for spiritual encounters.  That Sanuzi and Henetha sickened when they walked onto the taboo land suggests that there is spiritual corruption that affects a Rune affinity they may share in common.  The chanting is helping Sanuzi focus, and that may be the key; fortify your will.]
[Private to Gilren Starseeker: You are not exactly sure what they are doing, but spirit-talkers are a strange lot.  Still, the chanting seems to be helping Sanuzi recover from the sickness.  Henetha though still seems to be afflicted, and her song seems to mirror her sickness.]
[Private to Oligur Jaffez: You have no idea what they are trying to do.  Must be some bizarre barbaric custom.  Still, what ever they are doing seems to be helping Sanuzi.  That Esrolian witch could just rot here for all you care (Passion: Hate Esrolians Roll = 45).]

OOC:  Looks short, but there are a large number of private comments.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Tue 04 June 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 184):

Sanuzi rises and goes carefully toward Henetha, snaking his movement to the song, adding rhythm and balance to her discord as he attempts to evade notice of the hungry spirits of the taboo. Sanuzi hands Henetha a medicine pouch.

[ooc: Does Henetha, now that I'm closer to her to observe, appear to be suffering from the very same thing, or something more physical? The medicine bag is one of his heirloom healing potions.]

Sanuzi weaves his way to Saberak. Look around for plants of known toxicity or any work that appears to have been done by either a priest or a shaman. Don't touch, though. Please.

With a sudden whirl Tamarkorda extends his right arm pressing his hand against Sanuzi's back "Thus well and good" he chants, with a skip and a stamp he twirls the other way doing the same thing to Henetha. "Lost in the wood!" he wails "Oligur, lead her out of here. Maila's fiends are foes to fear." Strutting back to Sanuzi he asks "Brother Do you see the path? Relief from sendings may not last. Danger stalks the dazed and lonely, flees from fulsome ceremony"

Bingling attempts to benevolently absorb and appreciate the unexpected human dance.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 187):

After a moment, Bingling makes a strange sound that might be a cross between a cough and an enthusiastic child with a mortar and pestle.

"Should we talk funerary arrangements if we are unlucky? I would like my body returned to Dagori Inkarth unless eating it would help strengthen and sustain you. But I do not know your preferences?"

People enter the zone attempting to help those that are afflicted.  Some join the chants that Sanuzi and Tamarkorda began as they seem to help.

[OOC: as more of your group enters the Taboo Zone, those outside of the zone begin to walk unconsciously toward the zone, as if something is pulling you.  At this point, most of the party has entered the zone, but there are a few who have not.  If you want to resist, pick a passion or rune that you want to use and roll it.  Those already in the zone don't need to roll]

Following Sanuzi's instructions, Saberak looks to the plants around the area, but in the dark it is difficult to know what you are looking at, so finds no easily identifiable toxic plants.  As she looks, the clouds part revealing the face of the Red Goddess.  Her light illuminates the area you are in.

[Private to Gilren Starseeker: You do not find this light comforting in the least.  Yes, it gives you light, but it is just a reminder of the corruption and slaughter brought south by the Lunar Empire.]
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: The light of the Red Moon does ease any anxiety Henetha has about what is happening.  This is not mystical, just the presence of more light is helping.]
[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: You can almost see the beatific smile of the Goddess.  She is with you.  While you are in her light tonight, you have a 10% to all rolls.]
[Private to Saberak: The moon looks full, but you know that this is not a full moon night.  It should be Empty Half.  You don't think anyone else has noticed this peculiar phenomena.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: With spirit sight:  When the clouds parted allowing moonlight into the area, you noticed that the spiritual corruption reacted (you are not sure if that is good or bad). Henetha is still affected by it, but you think that is because it has "gotten in to her", but the corruption seems to weaken around your companions.  The two Lunar individuals seem to glow red in the light, almost as if the moon were protecting them.]
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: The silver road you have been following flickers momentarily in the moonlight, and then vanishes.  It does not matter now, you know where you need to go.  The mental image of the road is still in your mind, and you can get the party where they need to go.]

OOC:  Decision point-do you want to continue to the location Sanuzi has been guiding your or do you want to leave the Taboo Zone for the time being?

Gilren resists the pull with her Death rune. Calling on her commitment to Yelorna to protect her from this harmful light.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Fri 07 June 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 189):

Sanuzi wends his way back toward Henetha.
Sister, gather your strength in darkness... like this... I'll help.
If Henetha's condition worsens or remains unchanged, Sanuzi will lead her back to the edge of the taboo lands so they can rest for a bit before proceeding further.

Henetha straightens up.

"I feel sick but let's go on."

She draws strength from her darkness rune and motions the group onwards towards their destination.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:28, Tue 11 June 2019.

[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: The cold comfort of darkness surrounds you, concealing you from the spiritual corruption that grips the land.  A chill goes up your spine and the illness that you were feeling disappears.]

Following Sanuzi's advice, Henetha seems stronger.

Sanuzi leads the group toward the destination a hill where the light of the moon illuminates an abandoned stead.  The stead sits 3/4th the way up the leeward side of the hill.  As you ascend the hill, you get a better look at the stead.  The walls of the long house stand, but the roof has partially caved in from neglect.  The smaller buildings have suffered more in the harsh mountain environment, with many of them just partial walls that are little more than wind breaks.  A sense of dread hangs heavy over this place.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You know that this is the place where the Silver Road ended.  There is something associated with this stead you must find.]

[Private to Tamarkorda: With your spirit sight still up, you can see that the area is filled with spiritual corruption, but the vortex is not located in the stead.  It appears to be associated with something toward the top of the hill.  Spiritual Corruption: you see swirls and eddies of a green fog that clings to the earth; it is a miasma comes from the vortex.  Toward the taboo boundary the fog is sluggish, but the closer you get to the vortex, the fox is more dynamic.  Some of your companions seem to be more sensitive to it than other; of all you companions though, it is the troll that seems completely unaffected.  The fog seems to avoid him.  Once Henetha drew upon the darkness rune, the fog also fell away from her.  You are not sure exactly what this means, but you are certain that the fog has a connection to the forces of chaos.  Under the direction of Sandien, you have looked into Snake Pipe Hollow using your spirit sight; this vortex is similar to the images from that lesson.]

Tamarkorda smiles, thin lipped, and spits on the ground. "The stead is not where this force comes from. It is near the top of the hill. It has more strength there, Let Bingling go first, it seems to fear him... there is chaos in it"

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 194):

Bingling tilts his head. "I had not known that. Let me cast Strength, and we can walk up the hill."

Saberak continues her search for the herbs Sanuzi was looking for under the light of the Red Moon.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Oligur, isn't it strange that the face of the Goddess is full? We should be in the Empty Half."]

At Tamarkorda's comment, she straightens up and looks toward the troll that towers over the rest of the patrol.

"Very well, Bingling, lead the way. Tonight we are smiled upon by the Goddess."

[Private to GM: Should I roll to see if I found what I was looking for?]

The air around Bingling becomes colder as he focuses on the Strength spell.  His shadow cast by the red moon seems larger.

With a determined stride, Bingling walks up the hill.  The moonlight allows the others to follow the Uz's steps.

[Private to Oligur Jaffez: As you ascend, the wind from up the hill carries the scent of rot.  It gets stronger as you ascend.]

Bingling suddenly stumbles, falling into the concealed mouth of a cave.

Oligur slides his kopis from its scabbard and, falling into step with Saberak, he looks up at the red light of the moon and smiles, trudging up the hill after Bingling.

[Private to Saberak: I know not, friend, but I feel her blessings on us! This is most welcome!]

"Phew, what's that smell? Reminds me of that one battlefield in Esroli... of the um... "
He momentarily catches Henetha's gaze and looks away.



Oligur extends and arm, attempting to help Bingling back to his feet.

In reply to Oligur Jaffez (msg # 198):

Bingling nods his thanks to Oligur and takes the accepted offer, while focusing his Darksight into the cave suddenly yawning around -- and for a moment, under -- him.

Gilren grits her teeth. Trudging up to the cave entrance. She will face any evil that comes her way. Her Goddess told her the path to getting her unicorn lays with Jelmine

Saberak continues to murmur in low tones to Oligur, the mellifluous cadence of New Pelorian seasoning her speech.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: I mislike the omen. The only time the Red Moon is full out of sequence in these lands is when the Bat is near. I can only hope that there is some greater mystery at play here, for that great demon could bring only ill to these lands.]

As Bingling stumbles, an expression of concern crosses her face.

"I hope you are not hurt?"

Henetha kneels and squints into the cave.

Tamarkorda heaves a sigh when Bingling finds the cave; looking briefly over his shoulder, he sniffs at the moonlit scene and then returns his attention to the troll.

Still distracted and casting about with darksense, Bingling replies in Tradetalk.

"I think that I am fine, kind Saberak. I am just curious about what is hidden from us. Cautious, too; even our blessèd Darkness holds its native demons and dangerous secrets in its embracing umbra, and this is before accounting for the corruption that Chaos may bring."

"Good."

Saberak's Tradetalk has not improved much in the few days that have passed since her arrival in Jelmine.

"This hole is not where our force comes from, is it, Tamarkorda?"

[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: The cave before you is small; you will have to crawl into it.  You can smell the decay that Oligur mentioned.  You hear muffled noises echoing from deeper in the cavern; it sounds guttural.  The basics of the cave are natural, but you can see tool marks from where someone enlarged the open; and you see claw marks where something has further tried to open the cave.]

The cave is dark.  The red light of the moon does not penetrate deeply into the cave.  You can barely make out Bingling.  You will need light of some form.

The cave entrance is slopped slightly (75 degree), and Bingling is about 3 meters into the cave.  Looking at the diameter of the cave entrance, you feel that many of you will have to bend over or even crawl into the cave.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 206):

In a low voice, Bingling slowly speaks in Tradetalk.
"I hear something growling. There are dead things. Something clawed the worked stone. I must crawl if I go forward. I am hesitant. I do not like."

Gilren pulls out a torch and lights it. "Well if you Men won't lead the way I will." With her spear in her right hand and the torch in the right she carefully enters the cave. Scanning the path ahead of her and listening intently for movement.

Gilren lights a torch, and then crouches slightly to move into the tunnel.
(OOC:  Those who are SIZ 14 and under can move into the cave unencumbered.  15-17 will have to crouch to walk through the cave.  18 and higher will have to get on their knees or even crawl to make it through the cave).

[Private to Gilren Starseeker: The light of the torch illuminates the cave.  You see gnawed bones on the ground of various sizes.  There is no way to easily tell what animal they came from.]

As she enters, the smoke of the torch rises to the roof of the cave, and travels back up out of the cave.
[Secret to Tamarkorda: With spirit sight, you can see that the cave fears the spirit of flame.  It is not a spirit of darkness, but the source of this corruption that fears the fire.]

[Private to Gilren Starseeker: After about four meters, you can see that the cave ahead opens up.  Tell me how you want to enter the cave.]

(OOC:  tell me if you plan to follow Gilren into the cave, and in what order.  Tell me any other actions you want to take before entering the cave.)

Leading with the spear point out. If an attack comes will drop torch and attack.

Oligur takes a final longing glimpse at the comforting scarlet moonlight, lets out a short sigh, and ducks into the cave after Gilren, crouching as he goes. His kopis and shield are at the ready.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 209):

Sanuzi readies shield and dagger, casts Second Sight, and will secure himself a place between (or at least near) Tamarkorda and Henetha.

Henetha takes the rear, if nobody asks something else of her, crouching, axe and shield readied.

Tamarkorda's eyes having returned to normal en route to the cave he has to repeat his chanting in order to address Saberak's question, his eyes cloud over as before, and what little colour in visible in his face drains away as he answers. "It is here - keep an eye on me" in a scratchy undertone, before cracking his knuckles and bending down to follow Gilren and Oligur

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 214):

Bingling follows, crawling.

[Private to Gilren Starseeker: You heard something as you were about to exit the small cave into the larger cave (Successful Listen Check).  You push off, rolling into the room, bringing your spear up in time to block the clawed hand trying to rake across your body.  As you rolled, you let go of the torch, which now lights up the room.]

[Private to Oligur Jaffez: You notice Gilren "leap" forward into a roll and brings up her spear as a clawed hand tries to rake across her body.]

[Private to Gilren Starseeker; Oligur Jaffez: The cave is a rough oval 10 meters in length by 6 meters at the widest point.  There are three exits out of this room.  In the room are five rotting, emaciated human figures dressed in rags.  Their filthy claws are curled for attack, and grinning mouths hold sharp pointed teeth.  What looks like the corpse of a young girl (#4), licks her lips at the delicacy of your flesh.]

With a grunt of exertion, the light of Gilren's torch flickers for a moment as you hear the battle begin.  Suddenly a howl of rage and hunger echos through the cave.
[Secret to Bingling Hyxloriz: Even the echo of these howls freezes your blood.  Your attacks scores are reduced by 1/2 for this encounter.]

Combat Begins (The marching order below is based on what was mentioned in the thread, and the SR that a character enters is based on their size).
Gilren is currently in the "room" and is engaged with one enemy.
Oligur is at the entrance to the "room" and can move in with two movements (2 SR).
Saberak will enter at SR 3.
Tamarkorda will enter at SR 5.
Sanuzi will enter at SR 6.
Bingling will enter at SR 8.
Henetha will enter at SR 10.

Missile fire from the cave you entered is impossible.  Once inside, the limited light will make it difficult to use missile weapons.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: When you enter, you will notice spirits swirling around #5.  Roll your spirit lore, and I will tell you what you see.  #5 glows like a spirit-talker would glow (you know he/she is NOT a shaman).]

To give everyone a reference, here is a basic map.  The "room" is oval, 10 m length, 6 m at the widest.  Height is 3 m close to the walls and 9 m at the center.  There are three exits from this room.  https://drive.google.com/open?...7DZPwaQ87dPC19VlS6WC

Dodging to the right to allow others in. Attack the figure in front oh her.

The dead live! Goddess help us!

Oligur dashes to the left, hoping to create enough of a gap to let the other members of the party into the chamber and prevent Gilren from being flanked, and engages enemy #2.
(OOC on whatever strike rank-- 2 move + 8 for kopis)

20:34, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 5 using 1d100.  attack ghoul 2, want 78 or less.
Whoah that's a special success--double damage for a slashing weapon?
20:43, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 15 using 2d8+2+1d4.  trying the manual damage--should be 2d8+2+1d4.

that's to the...
20:38, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 1 using 1d20.  hit location ghoul 2.
... right leg

In reply to Narrator (msg # 216):

Is Bingling's Strength spell still active (2 min)?

If (as I assume) it is not, he'll make one try on casting then move in to help his friends (I'll let you decide who he engages with mace and shield, narrator).

Henetha will position herself to the immediate side of the entrance to the cave.

Next round she will

if engaged by an enemy:

• fight using her axe and shield.

if not engaged by an enemy:

1. cast befuddle on an unengaged enemy at the rear.
   
2. cast befuddle on any unwounded enemy attacking an outnumbered friend.
   
3. attack any enemy attacking a lone friend.
   
4. attack any wounded enemy.
   
5. attack the closest enemy.

07:08, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 51 using 1d100.  Cast Befuddle (12*5=60). SUCCESS
07:11, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 17 using 1d100.  POW vs POW roll (Befuddle).
07:05, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 32 using 1d100.  axe attack (70+5). SUCCESS
07:05, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 4 using 1d20.  Hit location.
07:07, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 9,3 using 1d8+2,d4.  Axe damage.
07:09, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 98 using 1d100.  Shield Parry (55+5). ALMOST FUMBLE
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Tue 02 July 2019.

Saberak jerks her kopis from her belt and whispers a quick prayer to Yanafal Tarnils as she readies herself for battle. She calls out to the Brown Man as she marches toward the source of the scream.

[Private to Narrator: Saberak will attempt to cast Befuddle on the first hostile target she sees, moving into melee combat after that.]

Tamarkorda enters after Saberak and shelters behind Oligur while he calls on his god's aid. [Private to GM: Tamarkorda casts the Shield rune spell on himself]

OOC: Since most of his round has people moving in, I'm going to give a summary of this round.  I have Henetha's actions for the next round. Tell me the actions for your next round.

Gilren swings at the creature #1 in front of her, but misses.

Oligur moves to intercept #2, who is moving to flank Gilren, delivering a devastating blow, severing the right leg just below the hip.  The creature screams and falls to the ground incapacitated.

Saberak attempts to focus her spirit against the creatures, but fails to empower the spell.

Tamarkorda, after entering the room, calls upon the ancestors and god to shield himself from damage.  [Private to Tamarkorda: How many rune points do you invest?  Each will give you 2 points of armor and spell defense.]


Creature #4, which looks like a little girl, moves over to Gilren attempting to bite her, but fails to connect as Gilren dodges to the right.

Creature #3, which looks like a young boy, jumps toward Oligur.  Oligur quickly shifts, blocking the claw with his kopis.

Creature #5 does not move, but seems to be talking.

At the end of the round, everyone is in the room.  Two spirits manifest beside creature #5.  They are not wholesome spirits, but something dark and diseased.

(OOC:  As mentioned, I have Henetha's actions for this next round. I'll move to round 2 when I get other people's actions).

Gilren again attacks enemy 1. Parrying any attacks with spear.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 223):

Sanuzi is just on the edge of understanding [41/40 Spirit Lore] but knows that #5 must go down. He tries to get a physical attack on that one.

Oligur slashes at creature #3 with his kopis
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Thu 04 July 2019.

Tamarkorda begins to glow dimly as he focuses his energies on creature #5.[Private to GM: Just use one rune point on shield : Cast Befuddle at #5 SR3 and ready broadsword. I think I have probably 11 MP before casting (used 6 of 20 on the two second sights, and some (all3?) on healing Gilren's horse  ] He then draws his sword

In reply to Narrator (msg # 223):

On his knees, Bingling attacks whichever seems to most threaten the party (and that he can reach), swinging with his mace or shield as needed.

[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Once in the room, Bingling can stand up.]

SR 1
SR 2
Sanuzi runs toward #5
Saberak focuses her magic against creature #1, but cannot focus the energies in the chaos of battle.
SR 3
Tamarkorda focuses his magic at #5, and the creatures looks confused, befuddled.
SR 4
Gilren Attacks #1 with spear, striking the creature in the left leg (8 hp).  The creature's leg gives way, but it is still conscious, growling up at Gilren.
SR 5
SR 6
Oligur swings his Kopis at #3, slicing into the chest (7 hp).  A black icor erupts from the wound, and it pushes the creature back slightly, but it comes back growling.
SR 7
SR 8
Seeing that Gilren is beset by two of these creatures, Henetha swings axe at #1, striking the right arm (it is on its knees currently).  Unable to dodge in time, she takes off the right arm at the shoulder.
Sanuzi reaches #5, slicing at the creature with his dagger, striking him in the neck after a befuddled attempt to dodge (16 HP, critical).  The dagger cuts deeply into the dry tissue, ripping through the neck.  The creature collapse, black icor spraying Sanuzi.
Bingling swings his mace at creature #4, but fails to connect.
SR 9
Creature #1 flails at Gilren, but in its unbalanced state does not come close to making contact.
Creature #3 lunges at Oligur trying to bite him, but fails to connect.
Creature #4 lunges Gilren attempting to bite, but Gilren easily deflects the child-like creature with her spear.
SR 10
SR 11
SR 12
Saberak swings her Kopis against creature #1, but fails to connect.
Spirit #1 attacks Sanuzi.  In a critical focus of will, Sanuzi gabs the spirit, ripping it apart (the dice roller was in your favor today).
Spirit #2 attacks Tamarkorda.  The spirit wraps around Tamarkorda who is unable to grasp at the manifest disease (this round is a tie).

At the end of the round:
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Since you both have spirit sight up, you realize that a massive blow against these creatures disrupts whatever power keeps them going.  The world is also darker now in the cave.  You are extremely close to the vortex. The right exit would lead you to it (you think), but there is something else, a silver light, from the exit across from where you came in.]

Creature #1 is seriously wounded, and is attacking from the ground.
Creature #2 is not moving
Creature #3 has what should be a deadly blow in its chest, but it is still moving.
Creature #4 is unwounded
Creature #5 is not moving
Spirit #1 has been defeated
Spirit #2 is currently in combat with Tamarkorda

In reply to Narrator (msg # 229):

Bingling continues with creature #4 (standing up to do so).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Mon 08 July 2019.

Gilren again stabs with the spear at creature 1.

20:06, Today: Gilren Starseeker rolled 93 using 1d100.  Parry.

20:05, Today: Gilren Starseeker rolled 1 using 1d4.  Damage bonus.

20:05, Today: Gilren Starseeker rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  damage.

20:04, Today: Gilren Starseeker rolled 4 using 1d20.  Hit location 1.

20:04, Today: Gilren Starseeker rolled 69 using 1d100.  Spear attack at 1.

Saberak continues to attempt to bring her will to bear against the spirits as she defends herself with kopis and shield.

Henetha continues her axe attacks against the creatures.

[Private to GM: If #1 alive: attack it (SR 8)
If #2 is killed by Gilren on SR 4, then attack #4 (SR 12 I assume)

Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 72 using 1d100.  axe attack (70+5). Success
Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hit location. Abdomen
Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 9,1 using 1d8+2,1d4.  Damage. (10)
Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 48 using 1d100.  Shield parry (55+5). Success]

Tamarkorda concentrates on his spirit combat but will attempt to parry physical attack with his broadsword [Private to GM: Not sure if the INT check applies to melee defence as well as melle attack during spirit combat]

Horrified by the creature's resilience, Oligur continues attacking creature 3 with his kopis. To the extent possible he tries to stay between the creatures and Tamarkorda.

SR 1
SR 2
Saberak focuses her power and love of the Red Goddess against the attacking spirit, and breaks through the spirit's defenses. (This can't break someone out of spirit combat, but it will affect it).
SR 3
SR 4
Gilren strikes creatures #1 in the abdomen (4 HP: it is on the ground, so your hit location has been modified).  The creature still growls up at Gilren.
SR 5
SR 6
Oligur swings his Kopis at Creature #3, but it dodges away from the blow.
SR 7
Bingling swings his mace against at creature #4, attempting to distract it from Gilren and Henetha.   The mace strikes the right hip (17 HP), caving in the pelvis.  The creature falls and does not move.
SR 8
Henetha swings her axe against the corrupt creature #1, but the creature dodges out of the way at the last moment.
SR 9
Creature #1 attempts to bite Gilren, and nearly has his mouth on her leg, but as it lunges, it is off balance, barely missing her.
Creature #3 lunges at Oligur, who brings his shield up in time to deflect the face of the creature.
Saberak (I assume you would cast again) focuses her power toward the creature attacking Oligur, but is unable to break the will of the creature.
SR 10
Sanuzi moves over to creature #3, slicing down its left leg with his dagger (3 HP). (I'm making this assumption that Sanuzi would help his comrades).
SR 11
SR 12
Tamarkorda reaches out and grasps the spirit (8 MP damage).  The spirit looks weakened and confused.

Creature #1 is seriously wounded, and is attacking from the ground.
Creature #2 is not moving
Creature #3 has what should be a deadly blow in its chest, but it is still moving.
Creature #4 is not moving
Creature #5 is not moving
Spirit #1 has been defeated
Spirit #2 is currently in combat with Tamarkorda

Gilren attacks again with spear and hits its abdomen doing 8 pts damage.

Saberak moves forward to attack the grounded creature with her kopis.

Henetha continues her axe attacks against the creatures.

[Private to GM: If #1 alive: attack it (SR 8)
If #1 is killed, then attack #3 (SR 12 I assume)

Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 34 using 1d100.  axe attack (70+5). Success
enetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hit location.
Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 6,3 using 1d8+2,1d4.  Damage. (9)
Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 24 using 1d100.  Shield parry (55+5). Success]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 236):

Yes, Sanuzi would help his comrades. Thank you.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 236):

Bingling wants to make creature #3 stop moving; Bingling smash.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 241):

"Kill it, Bingling!"

Oligur grimaces at the dodging creature and continues to strike at it with his kopis, cursing in New Pelorian.
[Private to Saberak: "Go down, damn you!"]

Tamarkorda tries to concentrate on the physical combat enough to strike at creature 3 whilst maintaining his spirit combat against spirit 2[Private to GM: Would require a successful INT roll to make a physical attack (SR5)].

SR 1
Saberak draws her Kopis and moves to creature #3.
[Private to Tamarkorda: The INT roll failed.]
SR 2
Sanuzi moves toward creature #3.
SR 3
SR 4
Gilren lunges toward creature #1 with her spear, and the creature is not swift enough to dodge the spear.  As the spear impales the creature, it stops moving.
SR 5
SR 6
Oligur swings wide at creature #3, but over extends himself, missing the creature.
SR 7
Bingling dodges out of the way of Oligur's swing, causing him loose his footing when he goes to smash the creature.  Propelled by his own swing, he falls backwards, his mace landing on his left arm with a sickening crunch.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: 10 HP damage to your left arm.  Sorry...I happened to roll a pretty bad fumble for you.]
SR 8
SR 9
Seeing an opportunity, creature #3 tries to bite Bingling, but through the pain, Bingling is able to hold the shaft of the mace between himself and the creature.  The creature bites down on the wood.
Sanuzi lunges at creature #3 with his dagger, but misses.
SR 10
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: If I calculated correctly, it would only be SR 10.]
Having come over to help Oligur and Bingling, Henetha swings her axe, but the creature was able to barely fall away from the blow.
SR 11
Saberak also joins the fray against creature #3, swinging her Kopis as she moves toward the creature.  The creature's attempt to dodge Henetha's mighty axe sets it up to be struck by Saberak.  Her Kopis catches the creature in the lower back, cutting deeply into the body between two vertebrae.  Nearly cut in half, the creature drops and stops moving.
SR 12
With a final effort of will, Tamarkorda dispatches the creature.

OOC:  With that, the combat is done.
Remember that there are three ways out of this room.
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: The diseased vortex is still close by.  What you fought was only a symptom.]

Bingling--your arm! Is it supposed to look like that?
My healing magic is weak, but I'll do what I can.
Oligur looks to his companions hoping one of them has more knowledge of healing.

Gilren goes over to each entrance to the room and searches for tracks. The combat messed up any chance for her finding any clues.

In reply to Gilren Starseeker (msg # 246):

If the other healers have the wounded in their care, Sanuzi would like to study the vortex and search his knowledge on how to defeat this. If his meager healing skills are required, though, he'll attend to that first.

Henetha squats beside Bingling, examining the arm. She focused and moves her hands across the injury.

[Private to GM: Cast heal-2 - success]

"The swirl of sick power is still there, it seems to lie down the right hand route, but there is a silver light from the one in front of us. Sanzsi is that your path?" Tamarkorda massages his forehead after the spirit combat.

"You know this place better than I do, Tamarkorda. I will follow."

Saberak sheathes her kopis and checks her shield and the rest of her kit before re-arming herself.

In reply to Saberak (msg # 250):

In Darktongue Bingling murmurs "Light-bedamned undead chaos things... Unh."

Bingling tries to see how far Healing-1 will go in repairing his arm.

Henetha helps Bingling, calling upon the healing grace of the Earth.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Your armor protected you a bit, so your arm is not damaged beyond repair.  Healing 2 does not bring it back to functional, so you will not be able to use it.]
Realizing that the arm is still too damaged to use, Henetha improvises a splint and sling for Bingling (Successful First Aid).

Gilren, the center passage, which is also the passage that Tamarkorda indicated, does not seem to have been traveled in a long time.  You can see cobwebs clinging to the ceiling and walls.

The passage to the left seems more frequently traveled.

The passage to the right is less frequently traveled than the right.

[OOC:  all of the above is basic observation of the tunnels with current light.  Gilren failed a tracking check to notice details regarding movement.]

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: You both know that a vortex can create, attract, or imprison a spirit.  As you look at this one, there is a distinct connection between the spirit world and the mundane world.  Something here has created a bridge between the worlds.   You suspect that traveling down the right passage is the start of a hero's journey, and you will face something at the end of that tunnel.  The central passage is something different.
 You have never seen or encountered anything like it; your mentors have never told you about anything like the silver light you are seeing.  All that you know is that is....pure.  That is the only thing you can think of that fits the sense you get when you look down the center passage.]

Sanuzi, you see what I see, one of usshould take the route in front, is it for you? Or for Gilren?

"I will lead the way."

Oligur makes one more healing attempt on Bingling.
14:22, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 35 using 1d100.  heal 1 attempt on Bingling.

"Wh- what were those things? Surely not actual children...?"



Oligur makes a small bow. "We shall follow"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 252):

Bingling soldiers on, after asking for help in strapping his now-useless shield to his back.

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 253):
Just to clarify, which passage do you want to go down?

To Oligur's statement, the bodies are humanoid, and all are emaciated.  One looks like an adult male, one an elder male, one female child, and one male child.  You are repulsed by the sight of them (this is a gut level reaction that you all feel, how you react is personal.)

OOC:  It would be fair to speculate that the presence of something "unnatural" would give such a reaction.

Tamarkorda replies We can go, but we should hang back and let Gilren call us on or send us back. What is down there he indicates the central least travelled passage may be just for her (or for Sanuzi)'.


Tamarkorda goes to help Bingling and check that there is no more that can be done for his arm.[Private to GM: If casting the heal-3 will do any good (e.g. raise it above 0HP) he will do it ]

Tamarkorda checks Bingling, and calls upon the spirits to aid his companion.  Bingling regains the use of his arm.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You now have 3 HP in that arm.]

"You don't know your own strength young man." Tamarkorda "says, prodding Bingling's remaining bruises with a diagnostic finger which he then wags with mock severity. "Take more care next time, and save the rest of us a job. - That's what Granny Sun Ring always said when we broke a bone, so I add it for good luck. She's a White Lady you see"

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 260):

Tamarkorda, my friend, my brother, I am as lost as you are here. He looks wistfully down the path of purity, then to the... other, and shivers.

We must discern whether we might find aid one way against the other... or if we need to prove ourselves worthy first by following the hero's way.

Sanuzi turns a light turn, head down, looking at the floor, then dances sideways and looks up to the ceiling. He stops, left arm pointing toward the vortex, right toward the undisturbed corridor. A large snake, black as pitch, curls its way down Sanuzi's right arm.

It would seem that Silif would rather venture in that direction. But she is only a very old Silif and may be a bit addled from the fighting.

Sanuzi looks around to see where the others might prefer to go.

"I trust the spirits of this land better than my own mind. I will follow where they lead, Sanuzi."

Saberak seems to want to elaborate further, but it is clear that her facility with Tradetalk will not allow it.

Bingling nods gratefully to Tamarkorda.
"Thank you.  I can hold my shield again. Thank you."

OOC: Just so I'm clear, it sounds like you want to go down the center passage.

[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: When you look down the central passage, you feel...unworthy and disconnected from yourself, disconnected from the Earth.  You feel slightly dizzy, like you are unbalanced.  You know that way is not evil or unnatural.  Instead, it reminds you of feeling unclean before a Temple of Ernalda.  Looking around, you feel utterly alone; every time someone glances, you know that they see you as unclean and unworthy of Ernalda's love.]

Gilren readies her spear again looking carefully to see if she has to crouch to enter again. "Well, guys you ready?"

Henetha replies, with hesitation and avoiding eye contact.

"Ok..."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 264):

[ooc: to be clear, I, Jonathon, would go down the center. I have no F-ing idea which we should tackle first here, though. That's why I was seeking input via Sanuzi (though his methods are admittedly confusing) [oooc: to be clear and honest, I misunderstood which tunnel was which and wanted the snake to point to the "pure" path, with Sanuzi offering doubts about whether the safe way was really the right way... so that's my bad.]]

With trepidation, the spirit talkers indicate the center passage as the first one the group should explore.  Gilren, spear in hand, enters the undisturbed passage.

The passage is over 6 feet in height, and wide enough for a person to walk comfortably. [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Bingling will have to stoop or go on his kness to make it through the cave.]  Gilren's out stretched spear catches cobwebs as she moves forward.  [Private to Gilren Starseeker: It is clear that no one has walked through this cave in months.]

The passage begins to twist to the right, and continues to curve.  The air is cool, but there is little movement to the air. [Private to Gilren Starseeker: As you walk, the hairs on your arm begin to stand.][Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: As you walk, the hairs on your arm begin to stand.][Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: As you walk, the hairs on your arm begin to stand.][Private to Oligur Jaffez: As you walk, the hairs on your arm begin to stand.][Private to Saberak: As you walk, the hairs on your arm begin to stand.][Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: As you walk, the hairs on your arm begin to stand.][Private to Tamarkorda: As you walk, the hairs on your arm begin to stand.]

As you continue through this curved passage, the air begins to feel heavy, and it seems that your light is not as strong as it was earlier.[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You hear a whispered voice, 'why do you bring the pain givers?"][Private to Gilren Starseeker: You hear a whispered voice 'bravely you stride in darkness, but what is it that you seek?  What are you willing to sacrifice?][Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You hear a whisphered voice, 'She is not dead, but are you ready to join her?'][Private to Oligur Jaffez: You hear a whisphered voice, 'That which was broken has been hidden; will you suffer to make it whole?'][Private to Saberak: You hear a whispered voice, "When all around you is illusion, how will you know the truth?"][Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You hear a whispered voice, "Your test does not lay on this path spirit-speaker; be careful not to loose yourself in the mystery that lies before you."][Private to Tamarkorda: You hear a whispered voice, "what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?  When the unjust must face justice?  When a lie must face the truth?"]

The air becomes dense, hard to breath.  Henetha, Oligur, and Tamarkorda drop to their knees, trying to catch their breath.  You all feel as if the weight of the world were pressing in upon you.
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: The whispering continues, "you have come to late to save your people, you are not worthy enough to stand before the mother!"][Private to Oligur Jaffez: The whispering continues, "how dare you think yourself worthy to follow the Goddess's Divine Radiance!"][Private to Tamarkorda: The whispering continues, "far from the realm of Yu Kargzant, you will die alone in darkness!  How dare you think yourself worthy!"][Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Oligur Jaffez; Tamarkorda: You can call upon a passion or rune to continue onward.][Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: The whispering continues, "thank you for bringing such tasty sacrifices; the dark mother will be pleased with you if you offer them willingly.  She may even reveal the secret to you."][Private to Gilren Starseeker: The whispering continues, "For one who lives in the sun, you are blind.  How can you fulfill your quest when you do not even know what it is?"][Private to Saberak: The whispering continues, "How far down the path of the Spindle Witch are you willing to travel?"][Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: The whispering continues, "how to dinstinquish truth from illusion is the question at hand, for the hope she represents is not dead."]

Gilren responds to the voice. "Evil voice I am a daughter of the starmaid. I feel no terror of the dark."

Starmaid shining bright
Put an end to this blight
Lift me now to show the way
Find evil for me to slay

In reply to Narrator (msg # 268):

"MINE!"Bingling loudly and firmly states in Darktongue.

Conversationally, in Tradetalk, he continues.
"What good would a secret be to a proud son of Kyger Litor who cannot shepherd and keep that which is mine? And what would Argan Argar have become if he had not realized the use in those who can see and walk in the light as well as the Dark? I am only a male. But I am Shadow. I am Dawn and Dusk. I am those before burning Yelm's damnation, and those after we left Wonderholm. I am UZ. These are MINE."

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 270):

Growling and trilling and ready to bite rock or flesh or spirit, Bingling crawls forward.

Oligur takes heaving breaths, staring out into the darkness, and tugging at the neckhole of his linothorax.
"I am a soldier of the empire, a servant of the immortal Moonson.
A bringer of the Goddess's light into darkness. O great Emperor, give me courage. I can face this terror, I can... "
He attempts to climb back to his feet but falters.

Tamarkorda curls into a ball repeatedly chanting something in Purehorsetongue. Those who were disturbed by his evensong may be reminded of the cadence for 'We are not wholly bad or good who live our lives misunderstood -but thou I know wilt be the first to see our best side not our worst' [Private to GM: I think the despair roll duration is made by the GM not by the player, so I leave it to you to tell me when Tamarkorda recovers from despair]

Henetha wheezes "We can embrace and draw power from this Darkness! It has always protected us."

She follows Bingling.

[Private to GM: 13:24, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 57 using 1d100.  Call on the Darkness Rune (60%).]

In Tradetalk Bingling exhorts his friends.
"The voices say it would be a mercy if I gave you to them. But we hunt Chaos. We have no mercy. I give you no mercy. We fight! ARISE! FIGHT! You have a Son of the Surface Darkness with you. Fear not! Fight onward!"

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 275):

Bingling casts Strength again through his mace, but readies his teeth as well.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 276):

Bingling's on a roll, and makes another (likely misfounded) assumption...

"You say 'free them of the illusions of light, and bring them to the beauty and freedom.'... Aha! I EAT YOU, NYSALOR's GET! I EAT YOU!"

A knife falls to the ground beside Tamarkorda. "Honour is for the strong" he says hollowly, addressing an empty patch of tunnel wall as if there were someone there.

After a moment, Oligur's breathing becomes more controlled, he buries his face in his hands as he mutters in New Pelorian.

[Private to Saberak, Narrator: "Thank you, great goddess. We are all us. She Who Waits. Jakaleel.  Irripi Ontor. Deezola. Danfive Xaron. Teelo Norri. Yanafaal Tarnils...  Oligur Jaffez... We are all us." ]

With great effort, Oligur climbs to his feet unsteadily, and begins down the passage after his comrades.
[top]

Bingling pauses as if he were living two different scenes at once. Laughing viciously in Darktongue, he cries "Come, Enlo, come! Bring your spears! Chaos to fight! Triumph and be reborn in the Mother as Uzko!"

He shakes his head for a second, continues in Tradetalk.
"My friends, come. Battle ahead. I need your spirits and your weapons."

He then pings hard with Darksense and screams into the tunnel "I EAT YOU!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Wed 31 July 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 268):

Sanuzi stands as if frozen, looking balefully around at his companions, hearing their struggles, curses, threats, and paeans, all in their ways. He ponders. He closes his eyes and opens his other senses, waiting to move on, trying to achieve discernment.

He is drawn to Tamarkorda's condition, though... he sinks to his knees beside him, daring to gently touch his arm, his face. He leans down and whispers soothingly...

Come back, my friend, my brother. Perhaps this is not our place. Not our fight. Come back to us. To me. There is life and there is hope beyond and you will not be alone. Not ever. Do not lose yourself. Do not lose me. Come back. Come back.

Sanuzi will do his best to coax his companion back from this brink.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Thu 01 Aug 2019.

"Yelorna guide my spear!" Thrusting her spear into the darkness ahead.

If he can reach him with his shield arm, Bingling will draw Tamarkorda to him and cradle him under Bingling's shield arm as Bingling crawls forward, rumbling a deep "Come, Tiny, come" to the larger human.

Sanuzi and Bingling are able to coax Tamarkorda out of his curled up condition, and Blingling helps him stand.[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Tamarkorda has a haunted look in his eyes that you have never seen.  Something has cut deep in his soul.]

Gilren moves on down the tunnel. [Private to Gilren Starseeker: You hear an ancient voice echo from the depths of the tunnel, "The Death of the Pain Bringer brought him into the darkness.  Do you seek to follow that path small one?  He tried to take what was not his, and ignored the one he should have protected.  How can one blinded by his own light claim to be the Emperor of All?  You show the same arrogance; an arrogance that killed and will continue to kill your companions."][Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You hear a cold, crackling voice, ancient and feminine, "with each step you bring them closer to me.  What will you give to bring the secret of this place to light?  You have stared to long into the light, for you are blind to the price you are already committed to paying."][Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You hear an ancient, weary voice.  It reminds you of the oldest woman you have every known.  "She waited as long as she could, but you never arrived.  Her sleep gave way to death.  Will you follow her to the Loom House?  The pain of the surface will grow for the arrogance of heroes dooms their people.  Come to me and be safe."][Private to Oligur Jaffez: You hear a distant voice echoing through the cave, "And who do you wish to be?  Penitent, Warrior, Healer, or something else."  The voice stops suddenly, replaced by another, "I was, I am , I will be again."  For a moment you thought you saw a young girl in a white dress dash away before you.][Private to Saberak: You hear a male voice echo through the cave, "the way to death and back has been walked with different ends and meanings.  Are you ready to put your foot upon the path first walked by Chaos Bringer, for that is what you do now."  The voice is suddenly replaced with the ancient and powerful voice of woman, "You find yourself in a world you are not ready to walk within child, but you are not alone."  You feel a presence with you.][Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Looking around, you can see the darkness getting deeper.  At times it looks like tendrils of darkness reach out to feed on Tamarkorda's despair.  You see something walking beside Saberak, but it is hard to make out; it does not scare or disturb you.  What you can only call a specter of death hangs around Henetha; it is not trying to kill her, but you know that some how she is walking close to the border of life and death.  Then you suddenly realize, you are no longer walking solely in the mortal world.  In this place, the mortal world and the spirit world are closely connected.  You are walking in both worlds.][Private to Tamarkorda: You see your ancestors lining the tunnel.  As they see you, they turn away from you.  You feel utterly alone.  "I will not turn from you Tamarkorda," says a soft, warm voice.  "Reach out and take my hand, I will always be with you if you let me in."]

Ahead, the tunnel begins to open up.  There appears to be a room before you.

[Private to Gilren Starseeker: At the edge of your light, you see something or someone laying on the ground. ]

Tamarkorda shuts his eyes and tucks his hands under his armpits

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 285):

Puzzled, in Tradetalk Bingling says "Stay a moment here, it wants you."

He then crawls forward and stands where the tunnel opens up. After standing up he cocks his head, pausing for a moment to feel what Darksight shows him before speaking in Darktongue.

"Mother. I am a trader who moves between the Dark and light. But why would I want to bring secrets to light? And why would you, if you are a daughter of Kyger Litor, want to let me or bargain with me to do so? Unless it be to battle unbridled Chaos so close to the Hollow.

"These mysteries are too deep for a simpleton trader like me.

"But if you are of Kyger Litor, Mother, then I offer -- in exchange for the safe passage of these adopted Trollkin spear-enlo who are under my protection, for so I deem these humans, plus whatever else capricious gift your whim might give a son of Argan Argar -- something that was the key to my success as a merchant: my taste and discernment in the mushrooms I grow.

"And if you are not a Mother who is a daughter of Kyger Litor or our Dehori kin, but are instead a creature of Chaos and false-light, then I have already promised my gift: I eat you."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Fri 02 Aug 2019.

Gilren pokes at the thing on the ground, ready to stab it if it attacks. Yelling out loud at the voice. "I am Yelorna the huntress, the Star Maid, I follow her path, not his. Yelm is not the only light. I am not responsible for his sins, I hold true to the silver path."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 284):

Sanuzi remains near Tamarkorda as they move, but his eyes are looking all around, coming to rest for somewhat longer times on Henetha and on some of the more empty spaces between people.

As the room opens before them, Sanuzi remains vigilant yet attentive to his friends who appear to be in most danger here.

Henetha follows Gilren into the room.

Bingling laughs out loud.

"So... Lunch tells Gilren that it is Yelm, and hints to me that it is a daughter of Kyger Litor. That sound not like a Dehori, a blessèd demon of the comforting Dark. THAT sounds like Lunch!"

Bingling snaps his jaws thrice.

"Kyger Litor and desecrating Yelm
Always have something in common:
She wields Humakt's gift in the dark,
And Yelm knows it carnally as well."

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 290):

Bingling sneezes.

[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: In answer to your question, a revelation.  The voice you heard has come from the deepest recesses of what remains of Wonderhome.  Places where light has never touched.  Places where the deepest darkness lies.  You are hearing the voice not in this reality, but through your affinity with the darkness rune.  It is the voice of the Inner Darkness, and by entering this cave you have unlocked something.  With your Darksense, you do not sense movement within the cave.]

Gilren moves into the room followed by the others.  The darkness of the room seems to swallow the light, for even the brightest torch seems dimmed.  It is also cold.  The room is about seven meters in diameter.  While rough hewn, the walls and ceiling are rounded.  Even the floor's edges looks like it is rounded.  You get the strong impression of being within a womb.

Near the far wall from the entrance, you see a still form.  It is unmoving and dressed in a ragged dress.  Beyond the figure, there is an indentation in the wall that looks to have been hand dug.  From the edge of your light, it look as if figurines have been placed there.

Inspecting the figure, you find the mummified remains of a young woman, but a woman the likes of which you have never seen.  Her skin appears to be bronze as does her hair; not bronze the color, but bronze the metal.  Touching it, you can feel the cool metal beneath your fingers.  This is no statue, but a person transmuted into bronze.  When you remove her shawl, you her hair is tied in a maiden's knot.  The Earth Rune is on her forehead, and looks as if it were stamped there.  Close to the wall you see a sack, most likely having contained food at one point.
[Private to Gilren Starseeker: You think that the figure was in a position of supplication or prayer when they died.]
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: It is clear to you that she was a follower of Ernalda.  When she died, she was praying to the Earth Mother when she died.  She is holding a small idol of the Earth Mother in her hands.  You know that this woman was chosen by Ernalda; and you know that the condition of her body was a gift from Ernalda.  In the back of your mind, you can clearly hear your mentor say "she sleeps".]

Looking at the depression carved into the wall, you see two statues: Ernalda and Orlanth.  These are obviously household icons of the the Great Father and Mother.  [Private to Gilren Starseeker: An image comes to your mind.  A family gripped by hunger; the wailing as children and the elderly die of starvation.  An endless winter, and then a dark salvation.  You see through the eyes of another, a young woman, sneaking into the longhouse where your father is conducting dark sacrements.  You take the family's idols of Ernalda and Orlanth knowing that your father will soon sacrifice these to his new dark god.  You run into the caves, seeking to hide the idols.  You recognize the father in the "undead shaman" your band recently slew.]  The figure of Ernalda is beautiful in the light, but the idol of Orlanth looks eroded and cracked.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: This place was obviously sanctified to Ernalda and the Enemy God of the Winds, but you do not feel unwelcomed here.]

The hollowed out altar space, for it is clear that is what the young woman intended, has been dug out by hand.  You can see that the hands of the corpse show scraps and tears where she used her hands to dig out the bare rock. The rock of the hollow also appear cracked.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: The figure on the ground glows with power, as does the amulet you realize she is clutching.  The figurine of Ernalda holds power, but the one of Orlanth does not.  But that is not what holds your attention.  There is something deeper in the hollowed out space; something that still lies within the Earth.]

Bingling sneezes.  The cracks in the hollow open a little wider and the statue of Orlanth disintegrates in the aftermath of the sneeze.[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You hear an echo in the darkness, "the arrogance of MAN changes the world; what was hidden once more emerges."]

Gilren says out loud to the group. "Weep for this girl, she suffered and died here due to her evil father. She tried to claw her way out of here. Starving she tried to protect her children. We have killed he father. He was the undead Shaman." Going and talking to the statue. "You have done enough. We will take care of you and your children. May your father rot in the deepest part of hell."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 292):

Sanuzi peers more deeply into the hollow. He beckons Hanetha to come take a look more closely.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Wed 07 Aug 2019.

Oligur reacts with surprise to the loud sneeze, and then nods approvingly at the dark troll.


[Private to Narrator, Saberak: "Would that we could bottle those sneezes, eh? Could come in handy against the cursed Orlanthi rebel who raised the dragon."]

"So... is there some, uh, some better way to lay her to rest? A follower of the earth goddess, would she wish to be buried...?"

Henetha moves closer and studies the hollow.

”She is sleeping. Her state is a gift from Ernalda.”

In reply to Narrator (msg # 292):

Bingling blinks and nods.

"Blest be Ernalda and her husband Argan Argar. I cannot speak of the other husbands, but I am glad that the Blessèd Mother took this maiden into her embrace."

He then stands more upright than an Uz is normally wont.

"If we have offended, if Man has offended, then it is I who am most responsible."

He pauses a moment.

"I am Uz. I am the crossroads of the Rune of Dark and the Rune of Man, as Great Mother Kyger Litor intended. I have adopted these as my charges, to see them safely to our battles with Chaos. I have already offered my livelihood. What else would you have of me, o' Virgin Darkness?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:08, Wed 07 Aug 2019.

Henetha takes the idol, holding it in both hands a few seconds before putting it in her pack.

"Her body should be interred at the temple."

"Sanuzi, what is this crack? I feel strange looking at it."

The room is quiet now, and there is only one entrance.  This may be a good place to rest and take stock of your situation.