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."