The Seekers knew that Grumbling Bear did not have any skill at interacting with people, seemingly more talkative with Baloo through nonsense growling than with his humanoid companions.  Grumbling Bear also knew that he wasn't good with people.  And so, since they set out on their journey, Grumbling Bear had been practicing a joke.  When alone on watch he would rehearse and in the silence of the march he would go over his word selection.

When the cookfires were spotted he knew the time had come.  For a moment he was obviously excited but calms immediately after as he prepars to make his joke.  He turns to Irezagab and speaks.  "I am known for my friendly and non-threatening demeanor.  Perhaps I should approach them."

His facial expression is equal parts expectant and nervous as he waits to see the results of his joke about his appearance.

The shaman's eyes open wide when his friend makes the declaration, and he struggles for several seconds trying to hold his mouth shut, not wanting to offend if the druid is actually serious.  Finally, he sees the twinkle in Grumbling Bear's eyes which confirms that it is not a sad and pitiable lack of self-awareness.  They both burst out with explosive laughter, Baloo and Skrou also joining in on the fun.  At Irez's prompting, Skrou performs a perfect but much higher-pitched imitation, saying, "I am known for my friendly and non-threatening demeanor," and they all burst into laughter again.

"Well, I guess any hope of stealth is gone," Irezagab says, gasping and wiping tears from his eyes.  "We might as well just walk up.  They will probably think us a traveling entertainment troop, and they won't be far wrong."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Thu 01 Apr 2021.

A woman bald, scaled whited with clay and dressed in the skull of a massive crocodile holding a great two handed axe in a resting guard position stared unblinking at them. Having appeared from behind them behind a tree [Language unknown: "Ess ng ou? Er tr ca ess?"]

---

Spoiler for language Nagaji: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"Who are you? Why are you here?"

---

she hissed as she spoke with a forked tongue. She sounded stern, but not hostile, as many warriors might presented with those they didn't recognize. She seemed to be asking a question in her hissing language.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Fri 02 Apr 2021.

Irezagab turns with surprise, seeing the odd-looking woman for the first time when she spoke.  Some Seekers we are -- so close to potential enemies and we are fooling around.  I can only imagine what Klabenagab would say to me.  He holds his longspear to the side, mimicking the woman's ready but non-threatening posture.  "Greetings.  We are Seekers, coming to form a trading alliance and bonds of friendship," he tries, first in Common, and then in the language of the Lizardfolk.  He waits to see if she understands, and he hopes that, if she does not, Darkwater will be able to find a language they both know.

 It's rare for Darkwater to run into something that he absolutely cannot communicate with or come close to talking around (eventually) but he bows to the necessity and moves on with the group, pausing each evening to encode the details of their journey into a travel-chant that's easier to call to mind - as well as to treat his wound, which he tends to with the contents of a small charm-bag he's been carrying from the beginning, one which rarely seems to lack for contents and whose aid soon as the wound closing over, leaving an unusual, clean straight-line scar quite unlike anything caused by fang or claw.

 When the band spy the cook-fires, he speculatively announces "It can be difficult, to make contact with new people but the first rule is not to come unannounced. Be seen and give them time to see that you mean no harm, but also give yourself time to see how they respond.", only to give Grumbling Bear just a look of dry amusement before frowning at Irezagab, as if baffled by something he has said, asking "A travelling what?" because precious few people ever leave the lands of their tribe or learn of others*.

 But of course few people listen and fewer still care and then Ikshanahatya appears and Darkwater's already turning to hold up both hands, taloned yes but also empty as he moves smoothly between the others and the newcomer, hissing a soft "Be quiet a moment." at Irezagab then beginning - as he has so many times before - by touching his chest and hissing "Darkwater.", then indicating (with an open hand) each of his companions in turn, "Ixotl. Grumbling Brown One. Irezagab."

 ---

* Paleolithic. I think the whole idea of 'go around, meet people' we're doing is so novel that the Gods are making us do it. There probably aren't wandering troupes, although maybe bards go between villages of one people sometimes. ^_^

A language barrier is problematic to say the least.  Grumbling Bear's hopes that it was only he who didn't understand the woman's words, but it didn't look like anyone else was faring any better than he was at deciphering her meaning.  But, unlike earlier, when he'd had no spells to help the situation, this time Grumbling Bear had exactly the sort of spell this situation called for; Share Language.

He would have to cast the spell and touch the woman for it to take effect and he'd have to do so in such a way as to not be perceived as hostile.  Perhaps he should let his bear side temporarily fade away.  The idea put a sour taste in his mouth but it was very possible that this village had no traditions involving Skinwalkers and would find his unblessed form less threatening.

Sighing, he made the shift from his bear form to his fully human form.  He lost almost a foot and a half of height as well as a significant amount of mass as he became a man of average height whose most noteworthy trait was how not noteworthy he was.  Exceptionally average, he had no particularly defining characteristics.

Thus reduced, he began to cast his magic.  He took his time with it to make it clear he was not trying to gain the upper hand with some manner of surprise attack.  The magic was slippery being cast so slowly and it took more concentration than normal to make it work in addition to taking several times longer to cast.  But, anyone with any magical knowledge would be able to identify the spell Share Language.  As he cast he would walk until he had crossed half the intervening space between himself and the woman before extending a hand towards her.  Should she touch his hand the spell would activate and he would share with her the language of the Lizardfolk with her.

Once (if) she does so, he will speak.  "Greetings.  We are Seekers, coming to form a trading alliance and bonds of friendship."  Irezagab had better words than he, so Grumbling Bear thought it prudent to simply use what had already been said rather than fumble for his own words.

She seemed to understand  the sentiment of the litany of name and declared [Language unknown: "E il le ]Ikshanahatya Putri'Mahakosha."

---

Spoiler for language Nagaji: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"My name is Eye Striker Daughter of Great Venom."

---

She points to herself with her free right hand as she balances the axe on her shoulder with her left "Ikshanahatya" she repeats for clarity.

---

Spoiler for language Nagaji: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"Eye Striker"

---

She watches Grumbling Bear suspiciously as he moves but close as he drew he'd gone from bear form which she might struggle to best in battle to human like which had soft flesh and no claws. She seemed to recognized magic but be surprised to be seeing it done by Grumbling Bear.
[Language unknown: "Us oulsetpre undessvorwheall hiati traortverest. At entek adsi'prar? her? itmolast?"]

---

Spoiler for language Nagaji: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"I don't understand your intention. Is this greeting? gift? scouting?"

---

Unsure what he wanted her to do she mimicked his action without magic and stuck out her hand towards him, watching him with those dark never blinking eyes.

----
Going to assume he takes this as an opening to touch. Once if he does.
----

"A strange gift, Grumbling Brown One. Traders? Where are your furs, hides, pots, baskets, tools? Do you trade in Magics? Do you know the laws of hospitality? Among Those Who Submit, harm none, do not even threaten, take only that which is given, leave when it is time to leave. Proud Those Who Submit show might through kindness to The Ignorant. Come Ignorant. The customary food kindness proceeds talk of trade. First kindnesses then trade." She walks towards the village moving past them.

----
Assuming they follow a few more Nagaji warriors appear from hiding and join the procession toward the village.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Fri 02 Apr 2021.

 Darkwater, who had been conveying the basics of communication in a patient, build-up-from-simplicity fashion moves from naming to starting to set out a pantomime of sorts, oddly expressive and patently well practised in which he indicates his people and the act of travelling, getting well into the basics of their story when Grumbling Bear wanders past and the lizardfolk sighs heavily, then mutters in a sibilant, disgruntled sort of fashion.

 "I carry simple goods of trade, to show what may be had from friendship between peoples but we are Seekers, obedient to the Gods we journey to find new lands and new peoples." he explains in the lizardfolk that they now all share, agreeing readily "We shall come with you, and share food before more is spoken of." and moving to set action to words.

 En route, he murmurs to the other three travellers "I have done this many times, with many peoples, and the spirit of Horizonwalker guides me... I ask that you be more patient in future."

"Well, look at you, being all friendly and non-threatening," Irezagab says to Grumbling Bear.  He stands next to the skinwalker's human version to measure himself up, but he still falls more than a hand-span short.  "You, ahh, you don't have a still smaller form, do you?"  Irez has always been slight, and it was a source of embarrassment growing up.  Somehow, he never really felt small next to the Grumbling Bear in his huge bear form, but with his shrunken human form still taller, the shaman feels some echoes of his old childhood anxieties.  Oh, that's silly, you're not Irezonom Tiny Tiny any more.

He shakes his head and turns back to his friend.  "That spell you cast is amazing -- she immediately was able to speak in the Lizard tongue.  The spirits that lend me their magic do not offer me such a spell; perhaps I will chastise them for so glaring an oversight."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Sat 03 Apr 2021.

As the village becomes more visible on the approach around the lake, it is noticeably larger than either Irezagab's or Darkwater's. Crossing a long pontoon bridge across the narrowest part of the the tributary feeding the lake, the party spies many more of the strange, snake-like humanoids going about the ordinary business of life: mending nets, cooking and dressing game. Several child nagaji see the strangers entering and focus their unwavering gazes on them.

One of the buildings is not built from wood but from stacked, irregular natural stones that fit together near perfectly. The effort involved in constructing such a monument beggars the Seekers' minds. Ikshanahantya explains that it is a temple to their god who dwells in the lake.

Ixotl's typical look of detachment is overcome by something like awe at it all.

The nagaji hunters lead the party to a wooden-and-vine thatched hut larger than the other ordinary buildings of the nagaji village.

One hunter ducks in and moments later emerges with a nagaji powerful in build and somber in bearing. Ikshanahantya explains the situation to him in their native tongue. The nagaji leader gestures with his hands for all the Seekers to enter. Though two hunters and Ikshanahantya enter behind them, this seems like only a token guard.

Inside the chief's hut stands a massive table with benches on three sides and an ornate wooden seat carved from a single piece of river-wood. Through a hanging bit of wide leaves--which presumably leads to the leader's living quarters--a female emerges, exchanges quick words with the Seekers' host and wanders outside. Ikshanahantya says she will be returning with food to welcome the wanderers.

The leader gestures for the newcomers to sit, and Ikshanahantya starts translating the leader's words of welcome.

08:29, Today: Irezagab rolled 17 using 1d20+10.  Diplomacy

You didn't tell us a name or title to use for the leader.  I'm going to assume she was introduced as Matuprishakanash Otpikru Ssa, which you can interpret as name, title, or both.  Since Irez wouldn't know the difference, he'll use the entire thing until instructed otherwise.

As he approaches the building, Irezagab struggles to remove the slack-jawed look on his face that has been present since seeing the temple.  When the leader emerges, the shaman glances at the other Nagaji for any formal gestures, and is pleased to see that there is no obeisance or any other such nonsense.  He nods politely towards the leader and accepts his invitation to enter.  He lays his longspear against the side of the building as a sign of respect (and a recognition of how awkward the long weapon will be indoors).  They don't seem like a larcenous bunch, but if it is gone when we come out, it's no great loss.  I'm terrible with it, anyway.

Irezagab notes how unsurprised the Nagaji are that one of their number can suddenly speak the Lizardfolk language.  A village this size must have trading relationships already, so they probably have had a lot of contact with other people.  Probably they have their own similar magic, so did not find it unexpected.  The fact that they seem so strange to me is a comment, not on them, but on how small The People really are.  Even while he is revising his own view of his own people, Irezagab tries to sense whether the leader's words of welcome are genuine or as phony as that of the gnolls.  It seems genuine, but, with the words coming through an interpreter, he can't tell for certain.

The shaman studies the leaves that form the barrier between the formal portion of the building and the private quarters.  They seem to be living leaves, which tells me that these people live in harmony with nature.  I like them already.  He looks around for the vines that connect the leaves to the outside, hoping that some bit of the living plant is within reach.

Skrou, knowing his role in any diplomatic effort, sits augustly on the shaman's shoulder without his usual fidgeting and poking.  Irezagab stands and takes a breath.  "We thank you for meeting with us, Matuprishakanash Otpikru Ssa.  The graciousness of your house is evident."  He pauses for acknowledgement, then continues.  "We are Seekers, a term that carries weight of tradition and ceremony.  We have been selected by our tribes to go out into the world, to learn of other peoples, and to greet them in friendship.  We hope, one day, to be able to call the Nagaji people our friends, and that you will think of us the same way."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

After a bit of conversation with the ranking noble  Ikshanahatya looks to the Seekers. "What is hardest to translate is our differing understandings of 'divine'. Our tribe, 'Those Who Submit' follow The Great Lady Parjanya, all mother, nourisher, protector, giver of rain. She is like your idea of 'god' immortal, powerful in magic, great beyond mortal reckoning, she is Naga, the Naga created the Nagaji race, though by our reckoning belief not race determines who one is. Those who believe in no one must be treated kindly as one would a child. In the house of the Great Lady Parjanya, as matriarch of the nobles Matuprishakanash Otpikru Ssa will determine Great Lady Parjanya's most likely opinion of this Horizon Walker who exists without existing and we may proceed from there. How do you know 'gods', how do I explain to those who are used to a Great Lady, they might not see but know she is real because others have seen and touched her, how do I explain 'gods'." She look thoughtful struggling to the limitations of suddenly knowing a second language but not being able to explain the vocabulary missing from another language. Still she smiled peacefully as fish, frogs, crayfish, squirrel, rabbit, boiled roots, custard apples berries, nuts, edible flowers, leaves and other simple dishes are brought forth. mostly in wicker bowls and baskets.

 For Darkwater, it is a pleasing thing to encounter more of a people he already knew - the Nagaji of his experience dwelt in the dry lands, far from bodies of water such as this one but their character seems the same regardless, a people pleased to dwell close to one another and to work in stone rather than wood and clay - the settlements of the Dawnshore Tribe certainly have nothing to match the concentration of the lake-town for scale - and it's in this line of thinking that he's occupied as they pass into the hut of the seniormost of the Nagaji there to speak with them, only for Irezagab to unexpectedly take the role of speaker from him, leaving the hunter to sigh heavily and settle himself down, listening for any indication of what passes between the serpent-folk as he resigns himself to remaining quiet rather than complicating the process of opening negotiations with a new tribe by adding a second voice to be translated.

With his good impression undoubtedly made, Grumbling Bear wastes no time returning to his true form.  Once more feeling comfortable in his own skin, Grumbling Bear began to smile as Irezagab made his own joke about being friendly and approachable.  He was feeling good until Darkwater made his comment.  Grumbling Bear's humor fades  How could Darkwater expect him to know something he hadn't been told?  Grumbling Bear didn't know all his skills and abilities.  But then he stopped that particular train of thought with a flush of shame.  Had he bothered to fully explain his abilities to the other Seekers?  Thoroughly chastised, he still supposes that the first meeting with another tribe was not the best opportunity for a pow-wow on everyone's talents.

With a word to Baloo to make sure he stays close, Grumbling Bear sheepishly follows behind the other Seekers and considers how just because someone is capable of acting they might not be the best choice to act.  He may have a degree of wisdom gained from the spirit of the bear but that apparently didn't stop him from being impulsive or having an inflated sense of pride regarding his abilities.  He would have to remember this particular lesson.  He was sure he would be thankful for the instruction later and so didn't try to fight the lingering embarrassment he was still feeling.

The repast goes beyond generous. After seeing that all are fed, the great noble before you indicates it is time to go elsewhere.

He leads the Seekers and Ikshana to the stone temple: the house of the Great Lady Parjanya. Turning back at the antechamber, the noble gestures the party inside. Within are decorations such as jewel-bedecked necklaces and painted scenes of a huge snake with a human face rising from the water.

At the far end sits an  altar of stacked stones on which sits a large bowl of water and a sun-metal dagger of the same material as Ixotl's sword.

Matuprishakanash Otpikru Ssa stands behind the altar, her great age showing in the lack of luster to her scales. Her slitted-pupil eyes stare hypnotically as each of the Seekers enter.

"The wide wanderers greet me in our temple," Matupri says, in perfect lizardfolk. She pauses and the silence stretches on until it is obvious she is waiting for a reply.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:12, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

 In truth, some part of the fault - if fault there is - is Darkwaters. He has so often spoken of his journeys and his encounters with other peoples that it has simply never occurred to him that he should be explicit in his experience in doing so, and beyond those abilities which are most obvious he's never really inquired as to the particular gifts of his companions (such as, for example circumventing the years he spent learning to communicate ideas with body language with a simple prayer).

 During the meal he does not make it clear that he understands something of Nagaji himself of course (so as not to detract from the importance of the prayer that was used), but he nonetheless speaks flatteringly of the food and its preparation, navigating the potentially tricky etiquette of doing so with the exquisite sense of someone who seems to know, ahead of time what actions or inactions will offend - which is of course, in fact the case through the happy intercession of his ancestor, Horizon-Walker - who in fact, is currently living comfortably in the fetish he's wearing around his wrist and whispering in his descendants ear-slit.

 "It is so, Matuprishakanash Otpikru Ssa and with us come the wishes of our peoples that the sun will always see those we meet as friends. We have travelled some few days from our lands after many tribes came together to overthrow a threat to all." he commences, after tipping his head to one side and exposing his throat, something which seems to serve the Dawnshore in lieu of a bow (which would rather protect it, instead) "And as we have come upon your people, we would ask the chance to come to know them better, and be known in return."

Irezagab listens with fascination to Ikshanahatya's description of their relationship with the Great Lady Parjanya.  As his own magic comes not from gods, but from a relationship with real spirits that the shaman knows personally, her explanation makes perfect sense.  Irez knows both greater and lesser spirits, and they are no less real to him than his friend Grumbling Bear is.  The idea of an even greater spirit who was the source of an entire people does not seem the least bit unexpected.

As each delicious dish is brought out, the shaman performs his usual blessing over it, including both a statement of gratitude a Purify Food & Drink spell.  However, he is quite a bit less fastidious about the practice covering every single morsel that is tasted by any member of the seekers, as compared to his behavior with the gnolls.  When a particularly delicious dish of salmon is devoured by the two bears and another platter is delivered, he does not bother to bless the additional one.

At a quiet point in the conversation, he points to the leaves that act as a curtain protecting the private chamber.  "Those are living plants," he whispers to the other seekers, "and they love the Nagiji who live here.  In my opinion, it speaks very well of these people of the Great Lady."

As they leave the hut, Irez grabs his longspear on the way out, but carries it more as a very tall walking stick than as a weapon.  When the group arrives at the temple, he worries about resting it against such a beautiful and obviously sacred building.  Finally he asks Ikshana where he can leave it, and he follows her instructions.

Irezagab is the last of the Seekers to enter the building, he is so busy gazing in awe at its construction.  He admires the similar construction in the altar, and almost misses the words of their ancient leader.  Mentally scrambling to catch up and then form a response, he is a little relieved when Darkwater jumps in.  He smiles at the ranger and nods slightly, making it clear that he agrees with the words.

Matupri responds: "Certainly, a celebration greets us all tonight, for your presence." The old nagaji continues to alternate her gaze from Seeker to Seeker, and at last to Ikshana. "But on to more serious matters."

"I have had a communion with Parjanya; one deeper than any I have had before. I have not even admitted this to our other nobles or the rest of the tribe because they could do nothing to affect it." Matupri pauses, and the walls of stone seem to press in like the stricture of an ancient cave.

"In deep dreams, I saw an ill sun--red as flame--rise in the west. The moon hung low in the north, black and bloated. Stars of twisted metal fell to the earth and slew beyond number." She takes up the metal knife from the altar.

"And now we have you, such travelers as come along once in generations."

Matupri gestures. "Come forward, each of you, and let us test the truth of my visions."

Ixotl--ever fearless--moves toward the altar. The old nagaji indicates a slicing motion with the knife and gestures toward the bowl of water. She offers the knife to him. He slices his hand and drips blood into the water. Surprisingly, though the droplets are red, the water remains clear.

Matupri shakes her head. "This is not your journey, brave lizardfolk."

Now the rest of you can approach (including Ikshana) in whatever order and react how you like to your characters' blood tinting the water an ever deeper blue.

Irezagab can sense the spirits swirling around the nagaji leader and around her ceremonial bowl.  He sees the alarm on Ixotl's face as she announces that this journey is not for him, but, observing the spirits' reaction to his blood, the shaman is not surprised.  He lays his hand on the lizardman's shoulder, "It was your path to bring us here, and we would not have arrived if not for your strength, but your destiny lies on another road."

Irez steps forward with no concern of how the spirits will react to his blood.  He knows that this is his path.  When the water in the bowl turns deep blue in response to his blood, he smiles with satisfaction, in spite of the pain in his hand at the new slice.  "We thank you for your blessing, Matuprishakanash Otpikru Ssa."

After the other Seekers and several of the nagaji test their fate by dripping blood into the bowl, Irezagab channels healing energy to prevent the cuts from leaving any sort of scar.

Ikshanahatya approaches the bowl among the Nagaji who attempt. Her omen is greeted with some murmuring mostly from the adolescent and young adult Nagaji who carry the largest or most weapons. If one could get over the Nagaji's apparent inability to blink it wasn't hard to tell Ikshanahatya wasn't well liked in certain circles but most seemed to have at least a grudging respect for her. One elderly and particularly massive, Nagaji seem delighted by this. He wore a string of claws and finger bones so long he had to loop it six times around his neck to wear it comfortably and leaned on a long stone spear with relaxed confidence.

Ikshanahatya looked at the foreigners, especially Irezagab who had been selected, with an appraising reverence. She offered no particular commentary, seeming neither surprised, nor frightened by her own selection, though there was a hint of meloncholy perhaps her already thinking about the implications of going on such a quest.

OOC: The big Nagaji is supposed to be Mahakosha her dad, a renowned warrior who's lived past his prime.

Baloo trundles after Grumbling Bear as his human begins doing one more of the incomprehensible things he was so fond of doing.  Baloo was willing to continue humoring him, though, as many of these incomprehensible things led to food.  This time was no exception.  Though the strangely shaped people were unusual, Baloo could find no fault in their ability to provide delicious food.  Both he and Grumbling Bear eagerly tucked in to the food, paying particular attention to the displayed fish.  Baloo would display some 'manners' but only as much as Grumbling Bear requested.  He ate like an animal, but did not create a mess in the process like one might expect.

The other assembled creatures made a great deal of the nonsense sounds that they were so fond of.  As best as Baloo could tell, only Grumbling Bear had the intelligence required to be able to speak sense.  They seemed to be enjoying themselves, though, so Baloo was willing to put up with their peculiarities.  Even Grumbling Bear seemed like he wasn't bothered even though he usually tries to avoid large gatherings.  Must've been because of the food.

As the meal draws to a close one of the people begins to speak, commanding the attention of everyone except for Baloo.  Baloo only begins to pay any attention when the person pulls out a knife.  Grumbling Bear doesn't seem bothered, so Baloo doesn't react, either.  Grumbling Bear has good instincts when it comes to noticing trouble, so if he didn't react then Baloo has no reason to be worried, either.

When the palm cutting began, however, Baloo looked askance at the goings on.  People were known for their incomprehensible things, but that was a bit more out of the ordinary than normal.  Baloo looks to Grumbling Bear to see his reaction.  Once more unbothered, Baloo is reassured.  These people are just more incomprehensible than others is the conclusion that Baloo comes to.  When Grumbling Bear rises to his feet Baloo follows.  He watches curiously as his human cuts his palm and allows blood to drop into a bowl of water.  Apparently that water wasn't for drinking.  It did turn a nice shade of blue, though.

It was a short trip, and Baloo was soon back where he had started and was once more snuffling about the table for hidden morsels that hadn't yet been eaten.

 Darkwater watches, measuring the weight of events before them and looking surprised when Ixotl is called forwards, although he does nothing to stall the broad-shouldered warrior and indeed, simply watches then offers him a dip of the head, murmuring in the hissing sibilances of the trade-tongue "There is a journey yet to undertake. Someone should carry word of the visions of Matuprishakanash Otpikru Ssa to our people... If one of the Nagaji were to accompany you, much might be accomplished of affirming friendship between our kinds." before lightly slapping him on the shoulder and wryly clicking his jaws to add "Besides, this will give you a chance to rest and grow stronger... For shame, brother, that you had a clear blow and I still have use of my arm!" with more fondness than actual anger, since he holds no hate in his heart for one who was simply the victim of an ill spirit.

 And then he moves forwards, after watching the others do so - less as one hesitant, and more as one standing protectively over them - to offer his hand across the basin, where he clenches it into a fist and with a soft hiss of discomfort, pierces the scales of his palm with his claws - infection not, on the whole being something Lizardfolk worry too much about - in order to let blood trickle into the basin as he hisses "From the people of the Dawnshore, to the people of Parjanya, in friendship."

With the water in the bowl now colored the deepest of blues, Matupri pronounces, "So, they are chosen." She pauses, then says, "Whether you seek north or west, the hopes of many lie with you. You should leave tomorrow. I have no idea how long before the visions sent me by Parjanya come to pass."

By now, the sun has set, and as the party exits the temple, they find a feast already in the making, with musicians beating drums and plucking sinew. Four hours of revelry follow before the hosts wind it down to allow their guests to rest.

The morning breaks brightly, and after some breakfast, the Seekers are ready to continue. They stand before Ikshana's father who solemnly wishes all of the travelers farewell, with a precious gift for each of them.

Mahakosha hands a jaguar-skin cloak to Darkwater.

A pair of boots of soft doe leather go to Irezagab, along with a small satchel of herbs.

He attaches a piece of amber--containing the fossil of an insect--to the side of Grumbling Bear's necklace, near his neck.

To his daughter, Mahakosha gives over a coiled length of the same strong, slender green vine so omnipresent in the village. She knows this most precious possession of his quite well.

Ixotl also says his goodbyes and hands the sun-metal sword to Darkwater. "In case you have need of it in some way unforeseen."

OK. The sword will serve well as a machete if nothing else.

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:30, Sun 11 Apr 2021.

Irezagab's eyes widen as he accepts the boots and the herbs from the Nagiji leader.  "I thank you deeply for this gift.  The beauty and wonder of your temple to The Great Lady Parjanya is matched only by grace and generosity of the people who serve Her."  He steps away with a slightly stunned look in his eyes, and stumbles slightly as he moves back to the group of Seekers.

The shaman locks eyes briefly with Ikshanahatya, who has joined the group, fascinated by her beautiful, unblinking gaze.  "I am so glad that you will be joining us.  You are very welcome."

 The lack of clarity regarding the temple-rite isn't something Darkwater's unused to - although he's rarely been the guest of quite such a significant one, he's led the way in contacting small tribes and bands of wanderers many times before this, and it's usually considered good form to placate their gods, spirits and ancestors in whatever fashion is most appropriate, however confusing that can be to outsiders.

 He channels that confusion into effort however, and while no musician (and a merely passable dancer) he does at least prove to be an excellent storyteller* (something that is little surprise to those who have travelled with him for any length of time), one whose gift for sweeping gesture and looming cliffhangers (usually associated with claims of tiredness or thirst that of course, he permits himself to be talked down from or have quenched with whatever is to hand) pairs well with the revelation that he does, in fact speak quite respectable conversational Nagaji - albeit in a dialect that no-one in the settlement seems to have heard before (and that, in fact he picked up in the drylands where the sand-workers shaped stone, such as he spoke of before).

 Beyond that? Well, he flirts with one of the larger, more Ophidian-seeming Nagaji guardswomen, but that's not particularly surprising at this point - mainly he makes an effort to keep an eye on his companions and smooth over any cultural rough spots that crop up.

 Come the morning, when he stirs (Wherever he finds himself stirring) he breaks his fast agreeably, changes the bindings on his hand and grits his teeth through the gifting-ceremony before answering "I came with few gifts that could match such a treasure... But... My mothers mother, the Healer, Summersun sleeps within the leather of this pouch. She will lend her knowledge to any who would seek to preserve health, for her joy was in the living." and unslinging the satchel from his shoulder to offer it to Ikshana's father.

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 * +8 to Perform (Storytelling), in fact.