OEPT15: Comfortably Numb

[greentongue]

The change of tone in the great hall was subtle as members of the Jade Girdle whispered to each other.
There were more glances towards Kumahl and Lord Seer than before.
Some of the laughter sounded strained and there wasn't as much as before.

[Private to Kumahl: In the general buzz of thoughts, one stood out.
I will need to inform Senior Stewart Jugar of this. These travelers are more alert than most and chances are they did notice the work crew.]

Guardsman Turisan of the Blazoned Crescent arrived at the table with a Jade Girdle guardsman shadowing him.

The young man that had been serving wine offered more to everyone.

At the end of the hall where the emblems of the empire and clan were mounted, the senior woman was watching the approach of Courtesan Arusa and any activities at your table.

[Private to Kumahl: Courtesan Arusa is thinking, "What have I done? What does Senior Courtesan Osure want from me?"]

Huruyan finds where the servants and porters are quartered and the luggage is stacked.
All looks peaceful and quiet with the gentle sound of the falling rain.

[Private to Huruyan: Most of the Blazoned Crescent people are sleeping on the floor mats, even the guards.
Emerald Fisher Guardsman Nalukkan is standing up and leaning on the wall. The rest are sitting up against the wall nearby.
The provided bowls and cups have not yet been cleared away by their hosts.]

[greentongue]

Huruyan
Huruyan goes over to guardsman Nalukkan and starts talking to him about how well they have been treated. He specifically asks about treatment of the injured and how good and plentiful the food. When he is sure that they will not be overheard he tells him that there may be trouble and after Huruyan leaves he should rouse the most senior Blazoned Crescent guard and with him set up a heavy watch schedule. After talking Huruyan heads back to the dining hall, making sure the Jade Girdle guardsman stays with him.

Kumahl
Kumahl looks to Lord Seer and in his mind shakes his head at the lack of self control. Looking out over the crowd again, Kumahl slowly and calmly speaks in low tones so that only Guardsman Turisan and Lord Seer can hear.

"The minds of the local house members tell me that we are to be given over to Copper Shovel. Whether it be our delivery, our lives, or both I am uncertain."

Having not moved in his previous conversation, he addresses Guardsman Turisan loud enough for a good many if not all in the chamber to hear, "How fair the clansmen? Are we still waiting on the healing services the Lord Seer requested?"

Lord Seer Epengar
While taking another drink and smiling back at one of the dancers, "Copper Shovel?"
"What makes you think that?"
"All I see are followers of the Green Eyed Lady," he said while nodding in the direction of a woman with unusually large breasts.

Barely able to tear his eyes away from the swaying breasts again.
"Healing services? Oh, that's right you did mention something about those..." as he glanced at Kumahl for a second.
"What was it again?"

Guardsman Turisan
"Everyone is fed and resting in acceptable quarters."

"What do you need me to do, Sir?"
He asked while visibly struggling to keep his eyes open.

---
Guardsman Nalukkan struggled to pay attention to Huruyan.
Clearly he was fighting off sleep.
He said that everyone had been brought warm porridge and a herb tea.
After eating and drinking they had all settled in, as they were tired from travel.

The last few people fell asleep while they were talking.

The Jade Girdle guardsman that had accompanied Huruyan was the only person that seemed attentive besides Huruyan.

[Private to Kumahl: The ESP has faded out.]

[greentongue]

Huruyan
Huruyan grabs Nalukkan, bends him over and forces his fingers into his mouth trying to get him to throw up. He has his back to the Jade Girdle guardsman thus preventing him from seeing exactly what he was doing and asks Nalukkan, "Whats wrong do you feel sick?" Then quietly to him, "I believe you have been drugged, can you understand?"

Kumahl
Kumahl raises his voice so as to be well heard over the din of the main room, "So you would drug and poison guests in your own house? You must have fallen far from the graces and ample bossoms of our beloved Dlamelish!"

While he continues stalling to allow Huruyan to return, Kumahl checks his surroundings for a metal bowl and large stone. Maybe he overlooked a gong or a set of chimes coming in.

Standing up on the dais, he pulls his knife from the sheathe. He uses the knife to point at each and every individual, "If I do not receive the antidote for the poison you have given my brethren, I will bleed each and everyone of you. At least your blood will be spilled aiding a worthy cause. Then I will personally hand you over to the Copper Shovel myself."

"True my brethren are tired but they required no aide in sleeping. But your grievances with the Copper Shovel should not have involved us. And now that we are brought into this contract of yours, shall we decide who will be given over to the Ever Hungry Mouth of the Dark?"

Kumahl isn't known for having a temper but he is definitely flaring hot from one now.

---
[Private to Huruyan: Guardsman Turisan catches on quickly and helps force himself to vomit.
He whispers, "I shouldn't feel this drowsy. That must be why." ]
Senior Courtesan Osure saunters over to Kumahl after a quick question to Courtesan Arusa.

She beckons to a young woman in a spiked green leather harness as she walks.

[greentongue]

Senior Courtesan Osure
"Of course we use drugs and poison, they make things more exciting."
"It seems that the followers of Thumis have trouble holding their wine," she says with a smirk.
"You certainly would be too uptight to dabble in drugs as we do."

"Does sticking things excite you?"
You notice her outfit is a girdle of green leather with many small implements attached.
"I like causing a little pain myself," she adds running her open hand over a small riding crop attached to her side.

Pointing to the new girl in the harness, "Courtesan Ziya is excited by pain."
"Would you like to stick her with your manly knife?" she adds with a wink.
"She would be pleased to have such a very handsome man as you show her attention."

"I don't know why you are concerning yourself with those worm kissers the Copper Shovel when we are so much more fun."

Kumahl
"It is unnatural for the Copper Shovels to allow anyone to pass by in any form without paying a fee or a toll. Which brings the question of why we were allowed to pass with neither, until we reached this hostel and your minds spoke much."

Pausing with his knife Kumahl states bluntly, "I am not allowed to kill with a blade but that does not stop me from altering those things I apply my blade to. If you wish to play with knives I will skin you alive and anyone else that wishes to participate and leave you to die slowly and agonizing and nothing akin to the Pleasures of Dilamelish. "

"If you believe that I only adhere to Thurmis then you are stupid and blind. I just favor Thurmis above most of the other Gods and Cohorts. I was born in the Rapturous Sin of Dilamelish and I am appreciative even when I don't participate."

"So let us discuss business before you return to the Pleasures of Dilamelish."

With that, he waves to the Courtesans to take seats in front of him.

Huruyan
"Maybe you will feel better in the morning, so I will just let you get some sleep." Huruyan helps him to lie down and whispers in his ear, "See if you can wake the others." Then Huruyan leads the Jade Girdle guardsman back to the great hall.

Senior Courtesan Osure
With her face changed to a serious look, "I do not believe that I have had the pleasure of an introduction."
"I am Senior Courtesan Osure of the Jade Girdle and I am in charge of this," with a wave of her hand, "The Chamber of Satiating the Physical Hungers."

"Who are you and how do you know so much of the Copper Shovel clan?"

To Lord Seer she asks, "Are you responsible for this man or is he a traveling companion?"

---
After making Guardsman Nalukkan comfortable, Huruyan entered the hall in time to see Senior Courtesan Osure respond to Kumahl.

All eyes have turned their way and most of the other activities have ground to a halt.

A lone musician wrapped up in his music continued to play a refrain that echoed in the chamber.

[greentongue]

Huruyan
As Huruyan walked toward Kumahl he was on high alert for any sign from Kumahl or anyone else and he had his mace ready.

Lord Seer Epengar
With a drunken look of bewilderment, "Craftsman Kumahl, how do you know so much about the Copper Shovel and Dilamelish?"

"You are certainly a man with many secrets."
"Very unusual for a follower of Thumis."
He reaches for another drink of wine.

"Guardsman Turisan, how are our hosts treating my entourage?"

Kumahl
"Questions for another time Lord Seer." Kumahl reaches over and smacks Lord Seer heartly on his back between the shoulder blades. "Certainly questions for another time."

Kumahl attributes Lord Seer's current "alertness" not to his endurance but more to his bulk and mass and that the drugs are being pushed to the outer reaches of the his body first.

"What kind of tax is required by the Copper Shovel? Please don't lie to me, I know there is something owed."

Guardsman Turisan
"Lord Seer, sir, to the best of my knowledge they have been well treated."
"Everyone has been served fresh dra porridge and tea."
"The rooms are large enough for everyone."

Lord Seer Epengar
Standing a little wobbly, "I am Lord Seer Epengar of the Blazoned Cresent."
"I thank you for your hospitality and entertainment after a soaking day on the road."

"A fine clanhouse you have here." Waving a hand with the glass wine cup and spilling a bit.
"I think I recall a branch of your clan in Jakalla that we have make arrangements with in the past."
"I will certainly commend our stay here when I return."

Senior Courtesan Osure
To Kumahl and Lord Seer, "I don't know how you know so much about the Copper Shovel but, since you do, you should know that they require sacrifices for that demon they have in their temple."

"They say it must be fed living beings to keep it from issuing forth and gorging itself on anyone it can find."

"Like the other clans here, we have been depleted by these sacrifices."
"Since you have so many servants in your entourage, your debt for staying here, and any amenities, will be cancelled by donating a few servants."

"While everyone sleeps, the Copper Shovel will come and pick those who they want."

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Kumahl shows no surprise and just nods his head, "I thought that was the case. I do regret your losses and would provide aid but we are of a mixed company. Myself, my brother, those of the Emerald Fishers, and one who bears neither Emerald Fisher nor Blazoned Crescent will not be included in the tribute."

Nodding towards Lord Seer, "I can not speak for Lord Seer here or the Blazoned Crescent. Your clan is very deft and effective in your crafts. And some of those from Jakall are a bit naive."

"Who might Senior Stewart Jugar be? One of your clan? A negotiator for the Copper Shovel?"

Senior Courtesan Osure
"Senior Stewart Jugar?"
"He is in charge of our drugs and other entertainments that need to be doled out carefully."
"Some of our members would consume all we had of these at one time if left unattended."

"How do you know him?"

Kumahl
"Senior Courtesan Osure, the gods intervene in strange ways. Peoples minds are like an unrolled papyrus scroll when I am around, everything is visible and understandable. Because of this, I knew more about the work crews on the Sakbe than anyone could have said in words or needed to for that matter."

"Please send my admiration to Senior Stewart Jugar for his excellent administration of drugs and other entertainments. Precision is of itself an art form. One that Damelish is certainly proud of."

When he mentioned the Sakbe a thought crossed his mind, "Has anyone been recovered from the Copper Shovel? Someone taken but maybe returned?"

Senior Courtesan Osure
After visibly pondering, "You mean has anyone been returned after being taken for sacrifice?"

"No, I'm pretty sure I would have heard of that from any of the local clans if it had happened."

"They are gone forever."

"The Ever Hungry Mouth of the Dark swallows them whole from what I have heard."

"There have been witnesses allowed, so we know what it would do if set free."

"With it, the Copper Shovel get whatever they want around here."

Kumahl
"Senior Courtesan Osure, how long until the Copper Shovel comes for their fee? The witnesses, if there is time, may I speak with one?"

Looking over to Huruyan, "Brother, continue to remain alert. We are in for a long night by the sounds of things."

Senior Courtesan Osure
"The Copper Shovel makes their own schedule so they don't have a set time but it will be late tonight when most are sleeping."

"I will have a witness summoned if you think it will make a difference."
"What good will it do to know how the sacrifices are consumed?"

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"Change is a good thing Senior Courtesan Osure. Especially when change favors us as is opposed to us. What better way for one to prepare for change than to be knowledgable and well informed."

"Who knows, now maybe an excellent time for you and your clan to learn about the possibilities of living beyond fear and intimidation."

Lord Seer Epengar
"Well said Craftsman Kumahl, well said!" exclaimed Lord Seer with a slur and a raising of his cup.
"I certainly agree, being more knowledgeable and informed is always preferred."

"The other Thumis worshipers I know are always saying, Pick what you think is best and stick with it."
"Nice to hear one more open to options."

Huruyan
"Kumahl, do you think we can awaken the others before the Copper Shovel gets here?"

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"Senior Stewart Jugar would be the one to ask about that. I believe we could but I would much rather have them fully alert, rested, and awake."

"What is coming in the next night or two, may make the Hlyss look like small bugs. We need to know everything we can about our new foes."

Senior Courtesan Osure
To the newly arrived older woman with her upper body encased with chains of pearls.
[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfrPOXGyx_1uMPYcysELJ_UzgTEu53PuadbcyVAmvuWsthvEEd]
She was in surprising firm condition for someone her obvious age.

"While he has not introduced himself, Lord Seer Epengar of the Blazoned Crescent has called him Craftsman Kumahl." as she indicated Lord Seer and then Kumahl.

"He", indicating Kumahl, "has asked to talk to you."

"This is Senior Courtesan Sayuncha of our clan."
"She was forced to watch the sacrifice."

Kumahl
"Senior Courtesan Osure please excuse my ignorance in regards to formalities of introduction. I have been on the mainland for only a few months and some changes seem to elude me when I am in action or the heat of the moment."

Thinking carefully, "I have acquired many titles in the past few months Craftsman Kumahl is fine."

Turning to the Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, Kumahl bows, "Respectfully, Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, I am a problem solver. Your clan has a problem and as children of Dilemash, I would say you need my clan's help."

Huruyan
Huruyan, speaking to Senior Courtesan Osure, "Kumahl and I are of the Emerald Fishers. I am Huruyan and I need to speak with Senior Stewart Jugar about how to waken our fighters, for if they are able to fight when the Copper Shovel gets here then we working together will be able to get the Copper Shovel off your backs. Believe me if you don't do this now then your whole clan will wind up sacrificed to their evil."

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"While I can agree that the Hungry Mouth is a problem."
Obviously looking everyone at the table over critically.
"I have seen it and I don't believe you can stop it."

"Trying will just raise the ire of the Copper Shovel and as you move on, we will be left having to deal with them."
"Only then, we will be the focus of their attention."

"They control this town from the road tower to the jungle's edge."
"Even without the Hungry Mouth, that will not change."

Kumahl
"Respectfully ma'am, why do you and your clan tolerate them?"

"If that is the view of things, then the Blazoned Crescent is at your disposal. As for the Emerald Fishers and the one odd man of neither clan, we will be taking our leave shortly."

Kumahl surveys those in the gathering. "The Hungry Mouth feeds on the living I would presume, based on those workers we passed in route here. Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, does the Hungry Mouth even touch the victims?"

Not waiting for a response, "Would you please bring Senior Stewart Jugal, quickly."

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"We have no real choice but to tolerate them."
"We provide the Copper Shovel with easy sacrifices from travelers on the road and they leave our clans people alone."

"The Hungry Mouth feeds on the living by swallowing them whole."

Gesturing to a nearby servant,"Fetch Senior Stewart Jugal at his earliest convenience."

Huruyan
"Senior Courtesan, how long ago did you visit the Hungry Maw? How many do they require for sacrifices? Is this a nightly retrieval or only when travelers move through?"

Kumahl produces from his pack a piece of paper and a piece of charcoal and begins making notes as reminders of things already seen and experienced since returning to the Sakbe.

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"I heard they summoned it last fall and I was selected to attend the feeding ceremony a couple of months later."
"I guess it has been close to a year now, Craftsman Kumahl."

"Each week when they come here, they say they must have at least one but I'm not sure if other clans are also providing offerings because sometimes they take three."
"It may be that they hold the sacrifices somewhere until ready to offer them."

Lord Seer Epengar
"Is there some problem with selling or trading them servants Craftsman Kumahl?"
"They clearly have a need and we do have more than we require."

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"Lord Seer, I wouldn't presume to speak for the Blazoned Crescent. Your people. Your clan. Your choice."

Kumahl continues document events to fill the time.

---
Soon a very large woman approached carrying a very short man in a sling chair strapped to her front.

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha introduced you to the short man. Senior Stewart Jugal.
The large woman lowered Senior Stewart Jugal then bowed herself so that he could stand on her back.

The Senior Stewart was wearing an enormous silver cod piece and a crossed harness fitted with numerous small bottles and pouches.

Senior Stewart Jugal
"I'm a very busy man."
"What was so important that you called me away from my work?" he asked in a gravelly voice.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Kumahl chuckled to himself.

"Senior Stewart Jugal, I am Craftsman Kumahl of the Emerald Fishers and one of a few clans that calls upon the Sinful Favors of Damilesh. I know of your skills and respectfully ask for your patience."

"Senior Courtesan Sayuncha and members of the Jade Girdle, can anyone recall a time before the Copper Shovel's involvement here?"

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"The Copper Shovel has been in this area for generations."
"If I recall, they used to be just another member of the town council then they uncovered an entrance to an ancient necropolis."
"Some of the original inhabitants had remained and they imparted forgotten knowledge to the Copper Shovel."
"After that they slowly gained prominence and were given additional authority by the local governor."
"It has only been in the last year that they have started acting like they can do anything they want."
"We have been powerless to oppose them."

Lord Seer Epengar
What Senior Courtesan Sayuncha said caught his attention.
"Forgotten knowledge?"
"What kind of forgotten knowledge?"
Rambling on, "I know a lot of things people call forgotten knowledge."

Just then, a girl bending to pick up a dropped cup distracted him.

Senior Stewart Jugal
"If you know a way to throw off the yoke of the Copper Shield, well met I say!"

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"Lord Seer, if this Forgotten Knowledge interests you, then I suggest we focus on it."

Lord Seer Epengar
Blurrily focusing back on the conversation, "Forgotten knowledge".
"I'm always interested in that."
"Who has it again?"

Huruyan
"Lord Seer, the Copper Shovel people got it from those in the necropolis and want to keep it to themselves. Do you think we should allow that?"

Lord Seer Epengar
"While it understandable that they would want to keep knowledge to themselves, it's what I would do, there may be bargains we can make to gain some for ourselves."

"Is there a way into this necropolis that is not controlled by the Copper Shovel?"

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"The Blue Palm knows of an entrance but would need convincing to help us against the Copper Shovel."

"I'm sure the Blue Palm likes Copper Shovel even less than we do so, it may only take a good plan to get them to help."

Lord Seer Epengar
The talk of Forgotten knowledge has caused Lord Seer to focus.

"Craftsman Kumahl, Hunter Huruyan, do you have a good plan?"

"I would like to investigate this necropolis."
"Many marvels have been left behind by the ancients."
"Some may even be of help against this Hungry Mouth."

[greentongue]

Huruyan
"I think we can make a good plan."

"Kumahl, Lord Seer, what if we use this entrance the Blue Palm knows and find out as much as we can about this Hungry Mouth?"

Lord Seer Epengar
"Even if it doesn't help to stop the Hungry Mouth, it never hurts to gain more knowledge."

"What is your plan Huntsman Huruyan?"

Kumahl
"Lord Seer, are you leaving servants behind for the tribute then?"

Moving close to Senior Stewart Jugal and whispering, "Senior Stewart Jugal, have you a poison that I could use in the Hungry Maw? Maybe an acid or burning poison? I am far from my own labs and cannot manufacture anything at the moment."

Lord Seer Epengar
"Yes, the Blazoned Crescent will help the Jade Girdle in their time of need."
"I expect they would do the same for us if our situations were reversed."

Senior Stewart Jugal
"A poison or acid? Hummm..."
"Yes, I do have such but I'm not sure what would poison or burn a demon."
"Do you know what would?"

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"Lord Seer, have you come across anything in your studies that would effect a demon?"

Lord Seer Epengar
"From the description they have an Aqaa 'Worm of the Catacombs' corralled."
"A huge one like what has been described would be hard to kill because of it's size."
"Those without knowledge would believe it to be a demon."

"Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, how sure are you that it actually is a demon?"

Kumahl
"If we are considering coming after an Aqaa with weapons, then yes it would be futile."

Writing some more details down, Kumahl looks up "The bigger they are the easier they fall to something small and unseen."

"Senior Stewart Jugal are you familiar with a red flesh eating mushroom?"

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"Well, I am more familiar with male 'worms' than with people eating ones," said with a smirk.
"So, no, I'm not sure it was a demon."

"It was horrible enough to be one though."

Senior Stewart Jugal
After a look of concentration, "Do you mean the reddish brown fungus we call 'Ssu Spit'?"
"Nasty stuff."
Slowly realization spread across his face, "You mean introducing that to the Hungry Mouth?"

"That just might work!"

"While I'm sure some could be collected, how do we get it on the Mouth?"

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Hating himself for even suggesting it, "We have the tributes ingest it. And carry the Ssi Spit in wax coated pockets of their clothing. And encourage the Copper Shovel to take more than the normal tribute. A thin layer of candle wax will prohibit the spores from spreading until more heat or friction can remove it."

Huruyan
"Senior Stewart Jugal, we should get some of this mushroom as soon as possible. Do you know where there is some that I might be able to retrieve quickly? Oh, Kumahl, how can I harvest it and bring it here safely?"

Senior Stewart Jugal
"I am sure that members of the Blue Palm or the Red Axe clan have someone that knows where it can be found."
"The Blue Palm has many orchards and groves while the Red Axe hunts and logs all over the Flats."

"I can arrange for you to meet with them."

Kumahl
"A fine mesh net coated in wax should work or you could try a chlen hide basket and shovel and try digging them out of the ground, the mushrooms that is. Remember to wear masks and remain upwind as much as possible."

Huruyan
"Good, digging them up from upwind sounds like the way to go. Now all we need to do is find some. Please Senior Stewart Jugal, talk the those who might know."

Kumahl
"If we could get it within the next couple of hours, great."

"Senior Stewart Jugal, you apparently know the means to retain youth and beauty," Kumahl nods towards Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, "How about the opposite? Something we could administer to age the tributes before they are sacrificed but not before they leave the Jade Girdle hostel?"

Senior Stewart Jugal
"Unfortunately, there is no way to gather the fungus that quickly."
"Just getting an audience and making arrangements with the other clans would be difficult to do that quickly.

"I have found that retaining youth is much more sought after than speeding age."
"While there may be such a thing, there has been little call to search for it."

"I do know of some quite powerful poisons but if they would effect the Hungry Mouth, I can't say."

[greentongue]

Kumahl
"A completely different topic. If we were to stay a day or to longer, would the Copper Shovel expect additional tributes?"

Drawing on his parchment further, Kumahl looks at Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, "Ma'am, if we are to be helping you with your problem, then please, let us all be comfortable. Come sit," Kumahl motions to a set of cushions near him, "Senior Courtesan, and let your beauty inspire a wearied mind."

Without a pause, "Senior Stewart Jugal please describe the poisons you work with and the applicable doses for a grown man. Then we can decide on feasible applications."

"Brother Huruyan, it would be best to let the sleeping stay that way. We would arouse suspicions should our entire retinue be alert and prepared. We could separate the Emerald Fisher clansmen and Chodo's servant and have them entertained by the Jade Girdle as all are quite familiar with the Pleasures of Damelish," nodding towards Senior Courtesan Osure and Courtesan Ziya, "and we would have of course accommodated them in their efforts to relax and rejuvenate themselves."

"Last item of note. My Brother and I are currently escorting the Blazoned Crescent and their cargo. It would be very unfortunate should anything be amiss with our delivery. Where would be the best place to secure it while we discuss the next stages of our mutual interests?"

Huruyan

"Yes that is a good question, how often do they require a sacrifice and how many at a time?"

---
Having a couple of hovering servants arrange pillows Senior Courtesan Sayuncha carefully sat.
In deference to her guests she only added the thinnest pillow about the level of her guests.
She then said, "Since the tribute is once a week, another day or more would make no difference."

Senior Stewart Jugal started rambling off various plants and chemicals that he knew of.
Some Huruyan recognized as having seen while hunting. Others Kumahl had heard of and used as a tanner.
However, most were meaningless as neither of the brothers were Alchemists.

Senior Courtesan Osure spoke to Courtesan Ziya about having the identified clans folk separated into their own spaces.
She then instructed the nearby guardsman to have the Blazoned Crescent chests secured and guarded, just in case.

To Huruyan, Senior Courtesan Sayuncha said, "Like I told Craftsman Kumahl here, they take as many as three at a time."

[greentongue]

Huruyan
"Senior Stewart Jugal, if you would please arrange a meeting so that we may get the mushrooms."

Senior Stewart Jugal
After looking to Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, Senior Stewart Jugal climbed down from the large woman's back and she carefully assisted him into his sling chair.

"I will send messengers to the other clan houses and let you know their responses."

With that, he departed from the hall.

Kumahl
Kumahl stares up at the ceiling, then remembers the Carapace of the Death Beetle. Returning to his notes, Kumahl draws up a carrier system in the carapace for the Ssi Spit so that the spores remained contained and covered. He further designs a harness so the carapace can be worn on the back.

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"I'm not sure how you intend to get this mushroom to the Hungry Mouth but as there is no more we can do about that this evening, is there an entertainment we can offer?"

"We have many diversions available to while away the hours."

Huruyan
"Thank you, however I believe that I have had enough for one evening and tomorrow looks to be a busy day, so if you could show me to my room I will call it a night. On second thought after an encounter with some really bad spores I am in need of some clothing. Do you have anything that would be appropriate?"

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
With a nod his way, "I was wondering why you were in the company of Lord Seer until I realized that your outfit had been damaged."
"I am surprised that you are not travelling with a complete wardrobe."

"I'm sure that we could find something appropriate for the right compensation."
"What did you have in mind?"

[greentongue]

Kumahl
At this change in conversation Kumahl perks up, "Every time he gets a new set of clothing he manages to ruin it. If he were up to it, I would insert chlen hide into his body and buy him a year's supply of loin cloths."

Huruyan
"Thank you Kumahl, I love you to." Turning to Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, "given that we are likely to be fighting and doing other things that will be very hard on clothing, just something simple."

Lord Seer Epengar
With a leer, "Senior Courtesan Sayuncha I would be happy for a diversion ... or two ... sent to my room."

Staggering to his feet, "If you would be kind enough to have someone lead the way to them."

Senior Courtesan Sayuncha
"Hunter Huruyan, I will have someone meet with you in the morning so that you can pick out something suitable."
"As we have no connection to your clan at this point, we will require personal compensation."
"Unless that is, Lord Seer accepts responsibility."

With no acknowledgement from Lord Seer, "Senior Courtesan Osure, if you would have someone escort the Lord Seer to his quarters."

Turning to Kumahl, "What about you Craftsman Kumahl? Do you have needs that we can fill tonight, or in the morning?"

Kumahl
"Definitely tomorrow morning after I have had time to think things through this evening."

Kumahl leans over to check on Lord Seer before he is lead staggering to his quarters.

[Private to GM: As Kumahl leans over Lord Seer, he addresses Senior Courtesan Sayuncha in a whisper, "Senior Courtesan Sayuncha, please have Osure and Ziya join me in a private room after everyone else has departed the great hall for the evening. Thank you."]

After checking on Lord Seer, he looks over at the Guardsmen passed out, "Please return him to the group of guards, not the servants please."

---
Everyone was lead away to separate quarters appropriate to their apparent rank accept Kumahl.

Kumahl was lead aside by the Senior Courtesan Osure and Courtesan Ziya.
The Courtesan Ziya had a slight smirk on her face.

[greentongue]

Kumahl
Kumahl needing time to refocus and to work out some frustrations about the past week or so, has sought inspiration under Dilamesh's direction. Thinking to himself, "A real shame that the Gods' and their favor don't coincide more."

Judging age, Kumahl figures that Osure is older than him and that Ziya is younger. Having been lead to a separate chamber, he motions to the two women to have a seat. Kneeling down a little further from them, Kumahl sets down his staff and pack. With his back to them, he unties his blouse, folds and set it aside.

"Dilamesh is a favorite among many peoples and my island community is no exception."

Unbuckling his chainmail shirt he sets it aside on his folded blouse top.

"Osure, you mentioned that I was handsome. Well that must have been Dilamesh's gift to me from birth. At a young age, I was sent to be trained to entertain the sexual pleasures of both men and women. The young and the old."

The rough leather jerkin is then untied and folded. Putting the leather jerkin next to the pile of his other belongings, Kumahl continues speaking.

"Our community had a very efficient doctor and priest, who always managed to repair what was broken or out of place on the outside. But on the inside I did not know who I was. I felt empty and hollow."

Before removing his silk shirt Kumahl continues with his story. "The Doctor Priest intrigued me, but he would not take from the entertainment house. Interestingly enough, I had managed to save enough to bear the Works of Dilamesh." With that Kumahl removes the silk shirt to reveal a very detailed mural upon his back.

The Works of Dilamesh are a mural composed of raised flesh, tattoos of bright and dark hues, intricate, fine and detailed metalwork, and inserted objects like beads and slivers of wood. It covers the entire back, the back of his forearms, and ends at his waist.

Slipping out of the rest of his equipment and armor, so that only his britches remained he stood and walked back to the two women. "I was under the knife and needle for many months over the course of several years. But my back is not the only art on my body." As he gets closer the two women can see the fine and feint scares of both whip and knife across his chest and forearms. "I have been many things and I have seen many things."

Picking out from Osure's equipment a short handled riding crop with a stiff four inch long braid and a metal bird's foot at the end. Gently placing the thong and foot between Osure's collar bones and along the breastbone, he whips the crop fast and quick, pulling it slightly down and away from the body. "Ladies, the rules for this evening are thus. You may use any instrument you have on me once and I can only use that instrument once on you. Then we put it aside. When the night is done, I will use my other skills and mend you to only feint scars. If you agree, then skin down and join me."

Kumahl uses whatever comes of the remainder of the evening to distract him from his failed attempt to save Chodo. Understanding the Gods has been frustrating him for the last couple of weeks. Hopefully this distraction will help him refocus.