New Lodgings

[flightcommander]

Mi'kímu bows quickly in apology. "Ah! Wise Mother, with the commotion on the street, and my untrained ear — I misheard you. Suffice to say, I take your point." A wink passes between them, and another coin.

"I am named Mi'kímu, and am on an errand. My friends and I must complete our errand, immediately, as promised. I shall return to speak with you when I can."

[xerxez]

"Go your way. warrior, and see to your errand."

[flightcommander]

Mi'kímu departs from the old woman, his mood darkened. The company continues through the market, guiding the ren'yu to its new home with Wise Sister.

Aside to Bálesh (makofan ), with a deep sigh: "This is a complicated land. My apologies, Sword Brother — I forgot for a moment our already serious entanglements here. It was this wise woman who reminded me just now. But let us deliver this fine ren'yu to Amiyala without further delay, as we have promised. Our first duty lies there; we will speak of other matters later."

[makofan]

"I agree. I am a simple man, who likes clear plans. I am proud of my sword arm, and even prouder of your quick wit. We need to keep one eye on our current task, but also one eye on all the schemes of this bewildering world"

[xerxez]

Hi guys, my schedule has been tough this week, 3 AM starting time and my brain has gotten mushy. Sorry for the delay. I will try to make a new post tonight..Chicagowiz has expressed interest in joining us too!

[flightcommander]

[OOC: No worries! We have no immediate agenda beyond delivering the ren'yu, although Mi'kimu is collecting NPC friends faster than I can keep up with!]

[xerxez]

The rest of your passage through the market is without incident, though Ruqu's head could near fall off from his looking about, taking in the sights and sounds.

When you arrive at the Guesthouse of Amiyala, some of your tribesmen are also returning from their day's work of net making and mending and they greet you.

Inside, the Ari'dani woman ( Ara'dani: equal in legal and social status to Tsolyani males) is busy with servants who are preparing for the evening's guests.

As you enter, she finishes excitedly and strides over to you.

She beams at her new lodger.

"Doshi-- welcome. Come, to your room and your things. You shall eat, too."

She smiles at Mi'kimu and Balesh.

"I thank you, sons of Nuroab. And as promised, a fine meal shall be delivered to your quarters. I will acquaint Doshi with the house and the others. Ruqu, you did well and shall help me."

Having delivered your charge, you have several hours remaining in the day.

What do you do?

[flightcommander]

Nov 26, 2023 3:28:04 GMT -6 xerxez said:

What do you do?

Possibilities abound!

Mi'kimu first bids Ru'qu and Do'shi adieu, for the moment — "Your manners make me proud! This errand has proved much less taxing than my last, haha! Ru'qu, you shall accompany us on our next errand to the markets, with Do'shi in tow — should Wise Sister agree to it! In the meantime, tend to your responsibilities here."

Mi'kimu, recalling that some guests "from the north" were being entertained this evening, returns along with Bálesh to their chambers and, after setting aside his weaponry and briefly refreshing himself, grabs two of the three wine vessels Amiyala has had delivered.

"What say you, Sword Brother makofan, shall we repair to the common areas and speak with these travellers? If nothing else, my curiosity tempts me — but perhaps we might make friends, or learn new information! — or, admittedly, hear naught but rumor, gossip, innuendo, calumny, and vulgar jest, for the dear price of these two fine wines. Hence I keep one bottle in reserve, la!

"In any case I do not expect an evening of such pastime to be without value. If nothing else, we will eat, drink, and refresh ourselves.

"And tomorrow, I would return to speak with the old lady. I pray I find her."

[makofan]

"I agree with both" says Balesh. "The more we watch, observe, and learn this strange land and customs, the safer and more profitable we will be. And making friends is always a good idea. Let us work at keeping up our good ideals at the same time - what does it profit us to gain the world, and lose our self-esteem?"

[xerxez]

Ruqu was excited at Mi'kimu's invitation.

He nods and takes Doshi by the hand and leads him down a corridor, as the Mistress follows.

Amiyala says in parting: "The Foreigner's Quarter of Jakalla is normally safe during the day-- the Empire's method of dealing with troublemakers is well known throughout all lands..the High Ride.

Ruqu would be in secure keeping with you and and you may indeed give him some liberty from his duties in the bazaars. Now, I go to prepare for our guests. And I think they would not frown upon your company. They are foreigners all, though one is of lower-middle clan, a Salar'vyani, like your Fi'ru. They are merchants and adventurers and are bringing my inn very special things.

Perhaps news of far lands can be exchanged over warm drink! And you must bring Be'van. Anyone who can match wills with that old fe'shenga Vri'meshtu, I admire!"

She vanishes into the halls of the house.

The day passes into evening and Ruqu appears at your quarters.

"Wash yourselves and wear pleasant oil, sirs. The guests have arrived and dinner shall be set within the hour."

Who goes with you?

As you enter the dining hall, you find a low table on fine woven mats set with a repaste.

Seated on cushions which slightly elevate him is a forty-ish dark and swarthy Salar'vyani man. Three Pygmy Folk are near him--short, three feet tall, furry with large pointed ears and rodent like faces and teeth, with mouths not unlike beaks...they regard you all with glittering black eyes.

And sitting at a special table with a chair...most uncustomary in Tsolyanu...is one of the mighty Demon Warriors of the south nation of Shen'yu...a black scaled reptilian giant with a leathery maw, burning reddish eyes, huge claws and clawed feet, and a long curling tale which terminates in a club-like appendage.

The Shen's chest is embedded with a pattern of red and green gems. He looks at you all as though you were swamp frogs to be gobbled.

None of them greet you.

Amiyala, however bids you sit at a side of the table as servants begin pouring and piling food on dishes.

No business is discussed--instead small talk and remembrances and inquiries into the well being of the guests and of Amiyala is discussed, talk of clan and clanhouses, and so forth.

No one addresses any of you during this except for a smile from the Mistress to tell you to enjoy.

After a while of this, while the Shen devours whole sides of roasted H'melu meat and swills it down with warm spiced buttermilk, the Mistress says:

"Ah, I have not introduced our other guests. They are southerners, come to seek fortune and fame in the Five Empires. Oh, they are also friends of Karunaz. He is away home at the moment but he has fought alongside these men and what a tale he told of their courage and skill."

She names each of you and the Salar'vyani nods with a grunt and a mouth full of wine.

The Shen nods, still looking at you like you might be part of the meal.

The Pygmy Folk all smile, rising and bowing and then sitting down to eat again.

Amiyala introduces the merchant F'sal, the Pygmy Folk (H'fretu, H'nesh, and N'frek) and the Shen, Bak S'ul.

"Well," says F'sal the Merchant. "Friends of Karunaz? Good."

You now feel liberty to speak and engage the guests.

[flightcommander]

Should Be'van agree to have joined us, that could be a boon.

In any event, at some opportune moment during this uncomfortable occasion Mi'kimu mumbles quietly aside to Bálesh, "I have perished once already — now I perish again! Nevertheless, we must at least contrive to present ourselves as well-mannered men ... alas, I know not how among these folk. The Shen, especially, unsettles me, though — ah, we are introduced!"

Here Mi'kimu rises to his feet alongside Bálesh, and they both bow. "As recent arrivals to this land, we find ourselves honored to share meat and drink with you. We have travelled far to find our way here, through dull and empty ocean. But, even your most recent travels must be marvelous tales to tell!"

[xerxez]

Nov 29, 2023 1:33:53 GMT -6 flightcommander said:

Should Be'van agree to have joined us, that could be a boon.

In any event, at some opportune moment during this uncomfortable occasion Mi'kimu mumbles quietly aside to Bálesh, "I have perished once already — now I perish again! Nevertheless, we must at least contrive to present ourselves as well-mannered men ... alas, I know not how among these folk. The Shen, especially, unsettles me, though — ah, we are introduced!"

Here Mi'kimu rises to his feet alongside Bálesh, and they both bow. "As recent arrivals to this land, we find ourselves honored to share meat and drink with you. We have travelled far to find our way here, through dull and empty ocean. But, even your most recent travels must be marvelous tales to tell!"

Bevan is with you...

F'sal makes a slight flourish with his hand and nods more deeply, his attempt at showing courtesy.

"I too am honored to dine with guests of Lady Amiyala.

N'fret, would you do me the kindness of retrieving one of our cargo from the cart?"

One of the Pygmy Folk rises and exits.

F'sal continues:

"We did indeed see adventures. We have traveled over three weeks from Tu'missa, a fine jewel of a town in the Empire's Crown. Sits at the edge of the vast Do Chaka forests up northwest, near the border between Tsol'yanu and Mu'ugalavya, curse those Red Hats.

We took the Sak'be road to Kata'lal, and from there traveled by boat down the Cha'gaivra River to Urmish, and back on the Sak'be road to Jak'alla.

As it would happen, our boat ride on the Cha'gaivra river was almost ended--along with our lives--by the attack of two Ghar-- big ones.

Mother Shiring'gayi was with us. I always pay for extra muscle on the river journey and it paid off--we had archers and a wizard.

Would you believe this incredible Shen leapt overboard to finish one off? And then dragged the thing to ground. Now we have a bonus-- a good Ghar shell, twelve feet long! It will fetch nearly a thousand Kaitars!"

N'fret returns with something like a head-sized apricot-- it's skin is leathery. He sets it upon a dish.

Amiyala smiles brightly and looks impressed.

F'sal takes a knife and slices the skin--the fruit inside springs forth and is released onto the dish, glistening with juices.

He smiles and nods at the Lady who cuts off a piece and tastes it.

Her face lights up.

"The best!"

She bids you all cut off a piece and taste as do the merchant band.

"M'aash," she says. "Makes the finest brandy in all the Five Empires and is the secret to many an prosperous inn's success. Not all can afford-- and it doesn't grow this far south. We shall be very busy the next two weeks beginning the process."

As the talk continues, F'sal mentions he will be taking a voyage soon. "The life of a trader," he sighs. "Back and forth, here and there, no home but the road. But we are always looking for some stalwarts-- perhaps you would find your path to citizenship by way of commerce, eh?"

[flightcommander]

Mi'kimu savors a slice of the proffered fruit.

"Most excellent! Indeed, beguiling! ... I should hope to pluck such fruits on my own travels through these distant lands. Greedily, I would leave none for brandy-making, unless Wise Sister should command me to save a store for such purpose.

"We Nuroab have heard of this marvelous Sak'be road, and would travel it — and being experienced marines, should river-travel comprise part of some such endeavor, we are more than fit for the task."


...


A half hour passes politely among new friends. Unfortunately Mi'kimu has over-indulged at this point, and what happens next is kind of messed up.

"Shen, Bak S'ul — already I hear of your renown, which I acclaim, but I suspect you think little of me, and I am moved to anger. So, let us test our mettle. La! We shall cast aside all armor and weaponry and remove to the street, and struggle hand-to-hand until one should prove the victor. I fear not the result."

[xerxez]

Dec 3, 2023 2:26:40 GMT -6 flightcommander said:

Mi'kimu savors a slice of the proffered fruit.

"Most excellent! Indeed, beguiling! ... I should hope to pluck such fruits on my own travels through these distant lands. Greedily, I would leave none for brandy-making, unless Wise Sister should command me to save a store for such purpose.

"We Nuroab have heard of this marvelous Sak'be road, and would travel it — and being experienced marines, should river-travel comprise part of some such endeavor, we are more than fit for the task."


...


A half hour passes politely among new friends. Unfortunately Mi'kimu has over-indulged at this point, and what happens next is kind of messed up.

"Shen, Bak S'ul — already I hear of your renown, which I acclaim, but I suspect you think little of me, and I am moved to anger. So, let us test our mettle. La! We shall cast aside all armor and weaponry and remove to the street, and struggle hand-to-hand until one should prove the victor. I fear not the result."

Awesome! I will make a few reaction checks here though!

[makofan]

Balesh realizes he has been zoning out. What trouble is his friend in now? He snaps to attention, ready for anything

[xerxez]

The responses of the dinner party to Mi'kimu's offer to a match with the Shen were diced for! I did grant a 10% bonus to the Shen's reaction since such a move would seem something Shen culture would approve of...

By the light of the oil lamps hanging in the room each of you can gauge the reactions of the dinner guests to Mi'kimu's challenge.

F'sal immediately grins, his eyes suddenly alight as he regards the Nuroabite to size him up. He seems quite delighted at Mi'kimu's offer!

Amiyala suddenly looks very sober, looking at Mi'kimu with a serious gaze only slightly softened by a half raised eyebrow.

The Pgymy Folk are as excited as F'sal.

Ba'k Su'ul sits for a moment, pondering if he had heard the man aright. Realizing he had, a low hiss expels from his nostrils as he sets his vittles down and rises slowly from his chair to tower above the dinner party.

His alien face is hard to read to the Nuroabites but there might be something of mild annoyance and a hostile aspect in his gaze.

"Ba'k Su'ul accepts, jungle crawler..." he says. "You will have need of your bed for a week when I have done." He loosens the clasp of his baldric and lets his wargear slip off, rolling his arms.

Amiyala sips her wine.

"You and Ba'ak Su'ul are of equal status," she says to Mi'kimu, "and you have the right to a match with him if you want. I will judge, though, and as Mistress of this house demand the right to declare an end if it goes too far."

N'fret of the Pygmy Folk stands--

"Perhaps a wager on the contest? Would you put coin against it, Mi'kimu? Balesh? Revered Shaman?"

Question: Would you prefer to roll your dice yourselves in our game or that I should continue rolling for you?

[makofan]

"Only a fool wagers when he has no information" says Balesh. He watches in trepidation - perhaps he will need to redeem his friend's honor?

[flightcommander]

Mi'kimu, slightly embarrassed for so crassly disrupting the peace of Amiyala's House, is nevertheless thankful for her observance of the proceedings. He knows he's in over his head — but who knows, perhaps he will at least match the Shen for a round or two of pugilism.

Turning to N'fret, Mi'kimu hands him five solid kaitars from his purse — all that he carried with him this evening. "Bet as you will, small crafty one, and may the winnings be yours! But stake at least one coin on Mi'kimu!"

[flightcommander]

[OOC — I suggest you roll the dice, otherwise this might take a long while!]

[xerxez]

Dec 4, 2023 23:27:58 GMT -6 flightcommander said:

[OOC — I suggest you roll the dice, otherwise this might take a long while!]

Okay! I will work out the battle calculations this afternoon. By my record Mi'kimu will have +2 to hit due to his Dexterity and a +1 on damage on the same attribute. I need to do some reading on the Shen!

[xerxez]

The party disperses to the courtyard.

Doshi and Ruqu appear, the latter looking fearful.

F'sal sits upon a step, watching intently...the Pygmy folk, having found no one else to wager except Mi'kimu, bet amongst themselves.

Amiyala stands, hands upon her hips, watching as if both mildly annoyed and also a bit worried.

Balesh is called upon to declare proceedings as Mi'kimu and Ba'k Su'ul square off.

At his shout the battle commences!

Round 1-- Initiative is won by the Shen and determines sequence the remainder

Shen -6, No hit.
Mi'kimu- 5, No hit.

Round 2--

Shen- No hit (7)
Mi'kimu -- Hit (18)

Round 3 --

Shen- Hit (13)
Mi'kimu -Hit (19)

Round 4--

Shen No hit (4)
Mi'kimu No hit (9)

Round 5--

Shen- Hit (16)
Mi'kimu - No Hit (10)

Damage Totals:

Mi'kimu did 12 points of damage to the Shen! But the Shen also did 17 points of damage to Mi'kimu! This was subdue damage by both and non lethal.


As the group looks on, Mi'kimu gives a fierce fight to the Shen and even sends blood spurting from it's nostrils! They circle and close, bashing and clawing, and Mi'kimu takes a cruel slash to his face, leaving a deep gouge above his right eye--this is following his most grievous hit, Ba'k Su'ul having been frenzied and resorting to a claw rather than his fist.

At the close, the Shen instinctively uses his tail as a weapon and the protrusion at its terminus strikes the Nuroabite in his left temple, sending sparks and sleep.

The Shen stands over the prone body of Mi'kimu, lifts its claws and roars to the sky.

[makofan]

Balesh hurries over to make sure his friend is (relatively) ok

[xerxez]

Dec 6, 2023 7:15:28 GMT -6 makofan said:

Balesh hurries over to make sure his friend is (relatively) ok

Mi'kimu will indeed require his bed.. he is breathing and mostly whole, though blood seeps from the slash above his eye.

Balesh can see immediately it is a mark the Nuroabite warrior will likely hold on to for life...his eyes are also swollen.

Amiyala groans.

"By Mother Avanthe! Ruqu, fetch hot water, salts and my poultices and take them to Mi'kimu's room."

The Demon Warrior stands over Mi'kimu and Balesh--still breathing heavily from the bout.

BAK SU'Ul: "Fierce and strong, your friend. No man ever drew blood from Bak Su'ul with a fist and many who tried are dead. I had no intent to claw him, or club him-- he bloodied me and I saw red. Good fighter though, good spirit. I would fight beside you both- had the contest been with blades, perhaps your friend would have been victor. He's quicker than a D'nelu leaping on prey. Let's carry him inside, eh? What say you, Balesh- no hard feelings?"

[makofan]

"It was honorable and bravely done on both sides. It now makes me want to try my strength against yours, but to do so would be improper at this time"

[xerxez]

Dec 6, 2023 19:13:30 GMT -6 makofan said:

"It was honorable and bravely done on both sides. It now makes me want to try my strength against yours, but to do so would be improper at this time"

The Shen, looking down at Balesh, gives a smile, and nods.

"You do your tribe credit, as does your brother. I am weakened..but I would be honored to hold contest with you, Balesh, if that day comes. Now let us help this fighter to his room."

Amiyala leans over Mi'kimu.

"Who fights a Shen bare fisted? La! The sons of the the south are brave but lack sense! Get him to bed."

Be'van stands looking on now as well. He had finished his wine while the fight was going on.

Now he grunts.

"Mistress, I forgot to tell you. Never let Mi'kimu get drunk."

After the Shen and Balesh gently carry Mi'kimu to his room, F'sal meets them in a corridor.

"It seems Karunaz has not misjudged his choice of friends. Listen, that voyage I mentioned has room for a few crew members. When time permits, we could talk more of it. And here are some kaitars to pay for anything your friend might need to get back up.

If I may; when in Jakalla I have, at times, sponsored fighters in the Arena.

Most duels are to the death, but there are a number of boxing and wrestling bouts.

If you, or any of your tribe, wish to battle, I would share winnings. And if your fame should ever grow..well, it is a path for some who the crowd approve."

He proffers Balesh a small pouch.

[flightcommander]

Mi'kimu stirs, touching his palm to his forehead and seeing blood. "A wound well-earned — this Shen is a savage fighter." He passes back into unconsciousness, presumably waking the following day with some strength back.

[makofan]

Bálesh bows and thanks him for the advice, and the coins. "I will wait until Mi'kimu has recovered, then present our options to him"

[xerxez]

Dec 7, 2023 6:53:26 GMT -6 makofan said:

Bálesh bows and thanks him for the advice, and the coins. "I will wait until Mi'kimu has recovered, then present our options to him"

F'sal has given Balesh 10 Kaitars.

[xerxez]

Mi'kimu awakens the next morning with Be'van applying some salve to his wound.

Fi'ru is looking on grimly.

BE'VAN: "Welcome back. Here, drink some water. You ought to sleep today, but I know you will probably be up and walking by afternoon. I used a minor healing spell last night-- those Shen tail clubs are famous for concussing enemies on the battle field."

Balesh is also able to relate F'sal's offers to his friend.

FI'RU: "Master, the Shen gave me something to give to you. A jug of Ma'ash brandy. Their party left...said something about going to the harbor and talking to some captains."

[flightcommander]

"Haha, yes, I will take a draught of this water, but will leave this fine brandy for another day, Fi'ru. The Shen toys with me — I who have been clubbed in the head twice, once by my own over-indulgence, and once by his tail! A great fighter the Shen is — I feel no shame having lost the contest. And now the Shen gives me more liquor — the Shen is generous, but also displays some humor. I will make him a friend.

"But Fi'ru — tell me more of what the Shen said! Do they plan to depart over the water? We have many who could advise, or assist."