flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Mar 23, 2024 13:27:13 GMT -6
"I see," says Mi'kimu, somewhat dubiously. [OOC — he has INT 18, haha.] "Well, if indeed this Mi'halli you speak of could travel the bethorms, perhaps it used this strange medallion to do so? Perhaps these strange signs and markings on the medallion represent the knowledge required to select and traverse a particular Nexus Point? If I were to dial it this way and that, thus and so" — he says, miming the gesture, not actually dialing anything — "might we open one of these bridges? A terrifying thought, unless we knew what lay beyond!"
[OOC — I'm totally imagining a mini Stargate.]
"In any case, let us return to the ghost ship. We left much rope there, I can find the strongest remaining to bind the pirates. Then we will break the spell that holds them suspended so, and return them as prisoners to the Nyari."
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Post by xerxez on Mar 23, 2024 22:46:33 GMT -6
"I see," says Mi'kimu, somewhat dubiously. [OOC — he has INT 18, haha.] "Well, if indeed this Mi'halli you speak of could travel the bethorms, perhaps it used this strange medallion to do so? Perhaps these strange signs and markings on the medallion represent the knowledge required to select and traverse a particular Nexus Point? If I were to dial it this way and that, thus and so" — he says, miming the gesture, not actually dialing anything — "might we open one of these bridges? A terrifying thought, unless we knew what lay beyond!" [OOC — I'm totally imagining a mini Stargate.] "In any case, let us return to the ghost ship. We left much rope there, I can find the strongest remaining to bind the pirates. Then we will break the spell that holds them suspended so, and return them as prisoners to the Nyari." Karunaz winces a bit when Mi'kimu pretends to use the strange medallion, as if expecting something to happen, then laughs. Gasbelly eyes it hungrily. The Shen looks apprehensive and says "Careful with that, Jungle Crawler! Enough places to travel in this world without running off to endless others! I'm glad the priest caved in the Cat Thing's skull. Just like cats to go creeping about time and space, up to gods know what-- you'll never find a cat in Shenyu-- unless on the end of a cooking spear! " KARUNAZ: "It is all beyond me, good Nuroabite. But it is of great interest-- I would accompany you and our party even through Nexus Points--for a risk is the keen edge of a fine blade; it can do many things but only when tried. Let us interrupt a dinner party, now." Upon return to the pirate vessel Mi'kimu first confronts the pitiful figure of the the pirate frozen in flight, possibly from behind as he fled up the stair. Does he use a charge of the Eye to free the man from his immobility?
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Mar 24, 2024 17:24:08 GMT -6
Mi'kimu regards the ravaged face of the pirate. "He'll have a terrible shock if we free him, what with his eyes gone, and the skin of his face tearing away. If we do decide to free him, I suggest we drag him below into the galley, tie him up like the others, and free as many of them as we can with one charge. By my count there are eight of them all told."
He muses for a moment.
"Hmm — now that I think on it, maybe we needn't revive this entire crew. Perhaps we should only revive the captain and a few others, and bring the others back to the Nayari, frozen as they are. Otherwise we'll have to feed them, haha! We can revive them later, as long as I don't drop the Eye overboard.
"What say we?"
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Post by xerxez on Mar 24, 2024 17:42:54 GMT -6
Mi'kimu regards the ravaged face of the pirate. "He'll have a terrible shock if we free him, what with his eyes gone, and the skin of his face tearing away. If we do decide to free him, I suggest we drag him below into the galley, tie him up like the others, and free as many of them as we can with one charge. By my count there are eight of them all told." He muses for a moment. "Hmm — now that I think on it, maybe we needn't revive this entire crew. Perhaps we should only revive the captain and a few others, and bring the others back to the Nayari, frozen as they are. Otherwise we'll have to feed them, haha! We can revive them later, as long as I don't drop the Eye overboard. "What say we?"
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Post by makofan on Mar 25, 2024 6:06:09 GMT -6
Mi'kimu regards the ravaged face of the pirate. "He'll have a terrible shock if we free him, what with his eyes gone, and the skin of his face tearing away. If we do decide to free him, I suggest we drag him below into the galley, tie him up like the others, and free as many of them as we can with one charge. By my count there are eight of them all told." He muses for a moment. "Hmm — now that I think on it, maybe we needn't revive this entire crew. Perhaps we should only revive the captain and a few others, and bring the others back to the Nayari, frozen as they are. Otherwise we'll have to feed them, haha! We can revive them later, as long as I don't drop the Eye overboard. "What say we?" Bálesh says to Mi'kimu, "Tell me friend Mi'kimu, if you were frozen like that, how would you want your discoverers to treat you?"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Mar 25, 2024 22:05:17 GMT -6
"I'd hope to be treated at least as well as a cord of wood! But, in all seriousness, why do you ask — would you free them all, only to jail them again aboard the Nyari?"
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Post by makofan on Mar 26, 2024 6:14:44 GMT -6
"I don't know the answer myself. They are pirates, so perhaps they deserve their fate, and we should not concern ourselves"
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Post by xerxez on Mar 26, 2024 10:46:52 GMT -6
I misunderstood Mi'kimu's original intent--at this point its really up to your party, free them or kill them or haul them as cargo in suspended animation.
I didn't mean for the encounter to delay our main quest so much, I guess I mishandled a random encounter a bit.
I had kind of hoped the sea voyage might be like a mini-Odyssey jaunt but I have not pulled off Homer here Probably time to hit FF and get to the Ahoggya lands.
I have reached out to see if we still the party roster remains active.
If you want to sink the Bismark and send em' to a watery grave, they are murderous scum, so its as you will!
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Mar 26, 2024 13:54:33 GMT -6
F'Sal suggested we recover the pirates for later interrogation, which seems prudent. I say we proceed by unfreezing the Captain and one or two of his crew, and taking the rest back as they are. The boat we can burn or let drift.
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Post by xerxez on Mar 27, 2024 13:37:54 GMT -6
This is the plan undertaken. Safely bound and under sword point Hi'june and a few of his crew are set free from stasis, along with the blighted sailor who was carried below. Mi'kimu finds the Eye quite easy to use. Those at the table laugh at first, right where they had left off before their long pause; the laughter turns into sputtering and then cries of alarm, as though you were all ghosts materializing instantly before them. Their expressions are like as one caught rising from the privy after having failed to latch the door. "By the Poison Paps of the Black Mother!" bellows Hi'june. "What is this!?" He falls silent, as do you all, as a hideous croaking moan rises from the sea ravaged pirate. Hi'june and his men look in horror with the rest of you at the man as he writhes in agony upon the floor, emitting more muffled sounds which you realize are intended to be screams from a decayed throat and lungs which will no longer permit screaming. His agony is cut short as Bak Suul's iron tail lashes from behind him like a serpent and sends the man off to the Isles of the Dead with a fatal blow. "No point in taking this one," the Shen growls. Loading the remaining crew to be delivered to the N'yari, Tekar begins to set the innards of the ship alight, seeming to take grim satisfaction in the act. The tattered sails are the last thing to be lit as you all escape. Once back, the Captain, F'sal, the crew and your party all watch as the pitch and timbers begin to burn. Somewhere there are explosions--oil kegs perhaps missed in the search. As the deck begins to become an inferno even as it drifts away, to your amazement, a figure appears! It looks like an old man, perhaps in priestly garb. He stands at the railing, lifting his hands to the sky and screaming maniacally as the flames take him. Somehow, you missed him in the search. But a few of you notice Tekar the Flame Warrior of the Legion of Red Devastation watching the ship...and the man...become a conflagration, soon to be extinguished by the Deeps. He is smiling faintly...and for those who notice, you wonder if Tekar did indeed "miss" the mad priest during the search... As you now resume course to Salarvya to make port and deliver your prisoners, during two days that takes, is there anything anyone wishes to do concerning the prisoners?
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Mar 27, 2024 13:41:50 GMT -6
MOhammad will check their medical condition and make sure they are fed. He will then like to question them
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Post by xerxez on Mar 27, 2024 15:30:57 GMT -6
MOhammad will check their medical condition and make sure they are fed. He will then like to question them What does the Priest pf Qon ask them?
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Mar 27, 2024 21:56:52 GMT -6
"Well," Mikimu muses aloud, as he watches the burning hulk of the vessel sink below the waves, "that was weird. Aye, Gas-belly?" While Mohammad checks on the prisoners (at least the ones that can move), Mi'kimu seeks out Tekar... chicagowiz"Wise warrior! I must ask, in all deference ... When we boarded that vessel and encountered the pirate at the door, you commanded us to avoid his gaze. I must admit I could not heed your warning, and stood staring in horror at the man, such was my surprise. But you must have had a reason to alert us? Perhaps you have encountered beings of similar aspect that would have brought us to ruin? I would hear your wisdom on this matter, should you choose to share it."
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Post by dtspurrier1 on Mar 30, 2024 0:24:48 GMT -6
MOhammad asks, " so why were you prisoners on the ship. ?
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Post by xerxez on Mar 30, 2024 11:54:52 GMT -6
MOhammad asks, " so why were you prisoners on the ship. ? Rolling for reaction I got an 02 for Mohammad--even modified for existing hostility at being captured and watching their ship burn, that's still a very good roll and Hi'june feels some inclination to reply.HI'JUNE: "I never was a prisoner on my ship, only on yours! We had food, drink, treasure and a lass we took from those insufferable Liv'yani. Had they dropped sail and let us take what we wanted from their vessel they would have their miserable lives still. I don't fear to tell you...its the High Ride for us, Southlander."
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Post by xerxez on Apr 1, 2024 13:24:38 GMT -6
Only a day later you have reached Point Hri'chaku and sail around its tip to land in the port city of Chame'el in the nation of Salar'vya. I am guessing it is pronounced CHOM AY EL...The smoke of the city's many temples can be seen rising heavward, and soon you see the mighty spires and domes of the metropolis, the sea peppered with many vessels going to and from the harbor gates. These gates are in the center of a great cliff which rises from the waters and appears to be split in two, allowing vessels to enter into a harbor you can tell right away must be vast. Chame'el in its own way is nearly as impressive as Jakalla...as you draw near you can see walls and parapets on the cliffs. Each parapet is adorned with massive black obelisk, and the walls carved with the largest friezes you have ever seen by skilled artisans of old. However upon closer view you realize that they depict ghastly horned, tusked and long fanged demon faces devouring men and ships. Amiyala is mesmerized and somewhat shocked at the sight. "Strange, it is," she says, pulling her hair from her face against the sea wind."I would think to see such a sight upon the walls of one of your Liv'yani cities, Karunaz, seeming more befitting of the Shadow Gods." Karunaz smiles. "The Stone Demons of Chame'el are an ancient ward against the Sea Peoples, Mistress. And those obelisks are held by legend to be great conduits of magical energy capable of blasting a great vessel into splinters." To your amazement, you pass through the gates and find a bizarre layout of a city that looks like the inside of a tower with no roof, with many porticos and arches surrounding circular docks and each successive level of the "tower" holding streets, shops, and myriad stairways that rise in labyrinthine patterns higher and higher to take one to the upper city. The stone work is of varying ages and colors and is decorated everywhere with statues of the gods, and terraced gardens of plants which can endure the sea spray are throughout it all. Summary: After paying fees and necessary bribes, the Nyari's captain alerts them about your special prisoners and you learn they are to be taken by soldiers to a fort further up the coast where a particularly nasty prison is situated. There is a standing reward for them in fact. After some period of misery in forgotten chambers of stone they will suffer a very public and unpleasant death in Tsatsa'yagga.
F'sal announces the crew of the N'yari will be permitted one night of liberty.
How does each character choose to pass the night in the Port City, whether aboard the ship or about Chame'el?
For on the morrow you set sail for your mysterious destination.
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Post by makofan on Apr 1, 2024 18:02:19 GMT -6
All Bálesh knows is somebody has to watch out for the rash Mi'kimu when he goes ashore, so he will follow his crewmate wherever fancy takes him
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Apr 3, 2024 1:05:58 GMT -6
Well, on this occasion, Mi'kimu is overwhelmed by the sights of this strange city and its wondrous architecture, being so close to the sea and offering so many stunning vistas. Instead of drinking himself into another drunken punch-up (as much as he now admires the Shen), this evening he determines to drink hot tea under the moons and wander the city-ways with any of his companions who would join him. In addition to the rest of the party, he prompts the Ren'yu, Do'shi, to join him, with Wise Sister's permission.
"I believe you saved our lives back on that pirates' ship, small furry one! And you suffered a grave wound to boot! Your loyalty shall not go unpaid, la! If tonight you feel up to joining us, you shall eat to your heart's content of the victuals this city has to offer — the better to nurse you back to health!"
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Post by xerxez on Apr 3, 2024 1:49:44 GMT -6
Well, on this occasion, Mi'kimu is overwhelmed by the sights of this strange city and its wondrous architecture, being so close to the sea and offering so many stunning vistas. Instead of drinking himself into another drunken punch-up (as much as he now admires the Shen), this evening he determines to drink hot tea under the moons and wander the city-ways with any of his companions who would join him. In addition to the rest of the party, he prompts the Ren'yu, Do'shi, to join him, with Wise Sister's permission. "I believe you saved our lives back on that pirates' ship, small furry one! And you suffered a grave wound to boot! Your loyalty shall not go unpaid, la! If tonight you feel up to joining us, you shall eat to your heart's content of the victuals this city has to offer — the better to nurse you back to health!" Do'shi 's tongue falls out and he begins breathing heavily and becoming animate as if restless and eager to join Mi'kimu and Balesh. Amiyala laughs. "It seems our Ren'yu finds your suggestion quite appealing," she says. " Especially the mention of victuals. Might I also join your party? I could find some posh inn where they would affect ingratiation to honor a Tsolyani land owner, but I think I would rather wear my hood and become but a nameless sea farer and enjoy your company, tribal princes!" Bak Suul claps Balesh upon his shoulder. "I'm with you, Balesh..." he growls, giving a sidelong slitted lizard eye towards the Nuroabite. "Mi'kimu needs looking after. It's any Shen's guess what mischief he might sniff out like a Ren'yu. And I agree our Loyal Follower deserves reward and succor, so our night's enjoyment shall spring from the purse of Bak Suul, and no argument." F'sal grins. "When a Shen opens his coin purse, you know you've made a friend. I have some business to attend in the Upper City, so I cannot joinyou, apologies. You will find things in the Undercity of the harbor more lax than back in Jakalla...foreigners are free to wander, though our soldiers are every bit as quick to deal with trouble makers as any who serve your Tsolyani Emperor. No one without citizenship in our own Empire or good documentation from another is permitted into the Upper City, so take care not offend any officials should you meet them. A coin in the palm is a balm to smooth all irritation. And if its tea you are wanting, on the Third Street of the Red Dancers, that is, on the third level up from the harbor, there is a wonderful tea house run by a Pe'Choi named H'kit. Two other of The Listeners live and work there as well and they brew a tea from the leaves of a plant in the Pan Chakas which soothes body and soul and brings pleasant dreams to the sleeper." He looks at Bak Suul. "A Shen in a Pe Choi tea house..." he says, and permits himself a short chuckle. "Take care with your tail." Bak Suul growls, perhaps insincerely.
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Post by xerxez on Apr 3, 2024 2:21:02 GMT -6
I have quite forgotten about our other Salarv'yani...Mi'kimu's loyal friend Fi'ru1
Fi'ru was not present at the boarding of the pirate ship but he stands nearby this conference.
"I can guide you to H'kit's teahouse, Master. I'm all too familiar with this harbor...and I'm sick of this boat. I'm no sailor like you and Balesh."
A cloud comes into his dark eyes but he shakes it off.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Apr 3, 2024 23:16:59 GMT -6
"Excellent, Fi'ru lad, I am glad you will join us and act as our guide! This Pe'Choi teahouse sounds like the perfect beginning to our evening — unless Do'shi sniffs out some irresistible food cart first. Perhaps you can scare up the others before we depart, Fi'ru, and compel them to join us? Surely they will want to stretch their legs in such a magnificent city, and if they do not join us, I will miss them.
"I expect an evening of peace, companionship, good food, and relaxation lies ahead — a day of strangling water-fowl," Mi'kimu adds in his stumbling Tsolyáni, but meaning to say hours of joyful sitting amongst friends.
He'll keep an observant eye on Fi'ru during the evening, watching the lad's mood.
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Post by xerxez on Apr 4, 2024 18:32:44 GMT -6
At Mi'kimu's instruction, Fi'ru departs to do just that.
This leads to a rather awkward moment...Gasbelly and his two fellow Ahoggya warriors appear and clamber around you...
They smell of the ship's hold and of raw fish, the remains of which glisten upon their wooly manes.
"Food run? And the Shen is buying?" says Gas Belly. "Let's go.."
They began stumping about in eagerness and even the most considerate among you realize they might bring little grace or comport to a tea house.
Fi'ru fidgets a bit.
He leans in to whisper to Mi'kimu.
"Master, I have little experience with these Ahoggya folk...however, I do know of an alley where food waste is deposited for composting for the gardens. I could inform them of it..or they could join us, if you wish it."
Gas Belly looks at the party with glittering eyes.
Do'shi cautiously and at respectful distance sniffs at the great hairy quadrupeds...
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Apr 9, 2024 17:09:48 GMT -6
Mi'kimu stares, blinking, at the disembarkation of his Ahoggyá ship-mates. [Internal screaming.] He has no idea if their presence will be accepted anywhere in this city, or what trouble they might get the party into, should they join us in our pastimes.
Aside to Fi'ru: "I do not wish to offend these Ahoggyá. You seem to have some knowledge of their ... appetites. I would prefer they do not join the rest of the party for the evening, and if your compost-heap satisfies them, I approve."
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Post by xerxez on Apr 11, 2024 2:20:08 GMT -6
Mi'kimu stares, blinking, at the disembarkation of his Ahoggyá ship-mates. [Internal screaming.] He has no idea if their presence will be accepted anywhere in this city, or what trouble they might get the party into, should they join us in our pastimes. Aside to Fi'ru: "I do not wish to offend these Ahoggyá. You seem to have some knowledge of their ... appetites. I would prefer they do not join the rest of the party for the evening, and if your compost-heap satisfies them, I approve." Fi'ru grins and nods. "I do not believe it is easy to offend them, Master," he replies. Mi'kimu notes Fi'ru seems to have a way with the Ahoggya and they seem delighted at his suggestion. The three of them stump off while the party gathers..Mistress Amiyala, Do'shi, Bak Suul, Tekar and the Nuroabites. F'sal's Pygmy Folk companions (three, to recall) politely decline the tea house and wish to visit a trader in the Undercity whom they know. Thus the cool sea night embraces you all as you leave the vessel and walk upon land again, climbing ornate wide stone stairs and landings past terraced gardens, vendors, open air eateries and everywhere the watchful eyes of the harbor watchmen. Laughter and small chatter is heard all around, and from somewhere a song from an open window. Fi'ru seems a bit removed from the gaiety of the group as he looks upon streets he has not trodden since childhood, climbing flights of steps which twist this way and that into colonnaded porches that serveas entrances to homes and places of business, most now shuttered. "Here is the street, Masters," he says. "The Pe Choi tea house is at the end, against the sea cliff...see its lanterns shining by the door?" But as you all pass on your eyes are drawn to an idol of the goddess, Shirin'gayi. A rather tall statue, carved so well it seems that her supple form is about to begin a dance--she is not a thin goddess, but a full figured beauty with long carven hair and delicate feet upon a pedestal whereon is a great stone laver in which have been laid flowers, trinkets, Kaitars, and scraps of rolled paper. Planters with flowers and vines are at her sides, and a fountain runs nearby, its watery music seeming in perfect time with the distant waves. Beside the laver a hooded figures sits, head down. You must pass the idol to reach the teahouse--as your party approaches, the seated one's head rises a bit, and from the hood comes the voice of an aged woman. "Greetings, noble ones," she says. "May this night bring you only joy. Has anyone a gift for the Great Mother?"
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Apr 11, 2024 21:08:29 GMT -6
Mi'kímu regards the lifelike statue with both admiration and recognition — might this be an aspect of Peka'lá, Nuroab goddess of lava who created the stepping stones among the whale roads?* There is no way to know, but he is pleased with the dulcet tones of the fountain, which remind him of nighttimes spent before the mast listening to the wind in the sails and the wash against the hull.
"Greetings to you, Gentle Sister! We in fact hope only for joy this evening, thank you. I have no trinkets or flowers to spare, and I know not the custom here. But perhaps I can spare a few kaitars to purchase some of these handsome flowers, as a gift to the Great Mother?"
* I'm totally making this up.
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Post by makofan on Apr 12, 2024 6:09:34 GMT -6
What do we know of the Great Mother?
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Post by xerxez on Apr 12, 2024 18:26:26 GMT -6
What do we know of the Great Mother? The worthy warrior Balesh would most readily think of the goddess he was told of from childhood in Nuroab, Peka'laa, She From Whom the World Sprang in Fire.
She is, to your knowledge, associated with a certain volcano, and is said to be the wife of the Father of Storms. The Nuroabites held her in the highest esteem, for though she was an embodiment of fire, passion and fury, your shamans, such as Be'van, taught you that her fire and her ash brought life to the ground, and thus was born the jungle and the soil wherein what little agriculture your people know finds root. Thus she was also held to be a Mother Goddess.
But when you entered Jakalla and walked the Avenue of the Gods (The temple district), the statues you beheld there of Avanthe', Dlam'melish, Di'nalla and Hri'hyal struck you as being very like the figure and symbols of your volcano goddess.
What you have seen and heard since then has left you thinking that perhaps, though names may change, somehow, in the aspects and symbols of these other goddesses, there is the semblance of Peka'la... and in beholding this statue of Shirin'gaya, you cannot help but think of the volcano mother goddess.
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Post by xerxez on Apr 12, 2024 18:36:03 GMT -6
Mi'kímu regards the lifelike statue with both admiration and recognition — might this be an aspect of Peka'lá, Nuroab goddess of lava who created the stepping stones among the whale roads?* There is no way to know, but he is pleased with the dulcet tones of the fountain, which remind him of nighttimes spent before the mast listening to the wind in the sails and the wash against the hull. "Greetings to you, Gentle Sister! We in fact hope only for joy this evening, thank you. I have no trinkets or flowers to spare, and I know not the custom here. But perhaps I can spare a few kaitars to purchase some of these handsome flowers, as a gift to the Great Mother?" * I'm totally making this up. The woman tilts her face upward, and Mi'kimu is stirred to feel a sudden recognition...he knows not how or why for a moment, but then he is reminded of an old woman he met in the Lower Market of Jakalla, an old woman to whom he proffered kind words and a juicy plum. He is deeply unsettled, though not necessarily afraid. He is half a sea away from where he, Balesh and the others met that woman when he was performing the request of Mistress Amiyala, which he so freely and joyfully offered, to take ward of Do'shi, the Ren'yu. He cannot be certain- her hair is darker, she seems fatter, but in her eyes twinkles that same light he recalled when an old woman in a Jakallan street warned him of the dangers that he and his friends face. She smiles and speaks: "Any gift you give will be accepted by the Goddess, son of the southern lands...and returned sevenfold. And her joy shall be upon you all!"
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Post by xerxez on Apr 12, 2024 18:47:29 GMT -6
* I'm totally making this up. That is highly enjoyable to me and everyone is encouraged to do the same!
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
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Post by flightcommander on Apr 13, 2024 15:00:56 GMT -6
Mi'kímu, suddenly aware of — what? the tingle of magic, the movement of Fate? — he nevertheless does his best to retain his composure. He places a five-kaitar piece among the other offerings. "Wise Mother, if only I had a piece of fruit for you! Please accept this." He hands the woman a cowrie shell from his necklace (a clever knot allows them to be twisted free without breaking the strand, the better to trade them or replace them with finer ones).
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