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Post by greentongue on Sept 6, 2015 7:20:34 GMT -6
Huntsman Chodo leads your small party back through the gate to the Foreign Quarter. The guards paid far less attention to your entry than they had to your exit.
Now that you have seen both sides of the wall, the contrast is stark. From the well maintained park just outside the wall to the crumbling apartments on the inside. From the clean wide boulevards outside to the filthy narrow alleyways inside.
Passing through the last gate you again feel the difference.
From the tall cramped buildings with their garish painted colors to the almost solid mass of multi-colored boats and barges with flags and streamers of many colors. From the hot stagnant air full of the stench of people to the open air and open sewer smell of the harbor.
You are starting to get oriented and could find your way back to the Foreign Quarter gate from your clan barges.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 6, 2015 7:22:14 GMT -6
Kumahl: As Kumahl approaches the clan barges, a sense of freedom washes over him. Breathing with great relief, Kumahl stops before the first barge, kneels, and bows his head in prayer.
[Private to GM: Kumahl begins a silent prayer of thanks and gratitude to Thumis for the protection and and safety. He includes thanks for his clan and asks for a special blessing on Huntsman Chodo. He expresses gratitude for his inventions working and being able to understand the inscriptions on the bracelet. He concludes by asking for inspiration in designing a hand brake for ropes in the pulley. Kumahl's last request is that he can find a meaning and understanding for the inscription on the bracelet.]
When he concludes, he kneels in silence for a few minutes, reorienting himself to his surroundings. Then stands and rejoins his brothers.
Huruyan: "A fine beginning, wouldn't you say brother?" Huruyan is conflicted in his feelings about the recent events, great satisfaction in a contract taken and completed, yet Chodo's revelation of their treatment by the Iron Fist clan is dismaying.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2015 7:54:53 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Would it be our fate, to equalize this city? To rise so high in the eyes of those who consider us their lessers, that respect would be given, nay required of them all?"
"Honestly, I am just as disappointed as both of you at how we were treated. We performed marvelously and without the need of someone telling us how to do it either. Let us pray that this evenings revelries will give us a return to the lightness in our step and smiles upon our faces."
Huruyan: "YES let us rise so high that we get respect from them all. Now to accomplish that lets work on that riddle. Do you have any more thoughts on what it means?"
Kumahl: "The race of man has not been long upon this world. Before we became a dominate race, we served another race."
"A great craftsman from this unknown race foresaw the rise of the human race and bestowed his power to this then loyal and trusted servant."
"But this is my best guess. More research is required."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2015 7:55:07 GMT -6
When you arrive at your clan barges, one of the guards on duty sent a kid running to announce that you have returned.
As your party entered the Chamber of Floating Gloriously Above the Waves you see the messenger kid speaking with Clan Accountant Grujung. The top pillows of the dais are empty today and it looks like Senior Scribe Equinil is letting Major-Domo Runmaru and Clan Accountant Grujung handle today's business dealings.
Speaking to one of his underlings, Grujung commanded, "... and an order of their best wine." The underling carefully dipped his pen and added another line to the document he was carefully crafting.
Major-Domo Runmaru sent a servant over to greet you and lead you to him.
"Were you able to successfully complete your assigned mission?" he asked.
Huntsman Chodo proffered the document he pulled from his silver scroll case. "As you can see, the bracelet's return was accepted," he told Runmaru.
Runmaru's eyebrows raised as he scanned the scroll but he made no comment as he returned it.
With a snap of his fingers he summoned Clan Accountant Grujung.
"Provide Huntsman Chodo with a receipt that he can stamp," he directed Grujung.
"Excellent!" exclaimed Grujung.
As he went back to where he was to give new orders he directed his underling, "Make that wine order double."
With a slight frown the underling crumpled the document he had been pouring over and began another one.
After sorting through his scroll rack, Grujung returned with one. A couple of servants brought along a small table and writing instruments.
Pulling a ornate stamp from his pouch, Huntsman Chodo used an ink pad and stamped the offered document.
"It has been a pleasure doing business with the Silver Kangal," stated Runmaru. "If we can be of any more assistance, please don't hesitate to call on us." "We are always happy to help our extended family."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 9, 2015 17:34:48 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Major-Domo, with your permission, I would like to invite Huntsman Chodo to spend a few hours with us, before he returns to his home."
Looking to the scribe filling out a new order, "Well, there will be more wine for the rest of you." Motioning to Chodo and Huruyan. "I do appreciate the gesture, but I would prefer fresh fruit, if it is available."
Major-Domo Runmaru: Runmaru's eyebrows twitched and then he said, "I guess Craftsman Kumahl, you can celebrate the victory of our Legion however suits you."
Turning towards to Grujung, "Clan Accountant Grujung, please add fresh fruit to the party supplies."
To Kumahl he asks,"Is that right? You are a craftsman and not an acolyte of Thumis?" "You wear the symbol of Thumis but not one of your craft, yet our rolls list you as a Craftsman."
To Huruyan he adds, "Clearly with your goggles you are a diver so, at least your listing is correct."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 9, 2015 17:35:58 GMT -6
Kumahl: "Major-Domo, I am both. As an Acolyte of Thurmis I am able to uncover secrets of the past. As a Craftsman I am able to employ those secrets in the things I can and will make for the clan. Thurmis supports and directs my crafting as well as aiding those in need of healing and reviving."
Huruyan: Huruyan interjects with, "Begging your pardon Major-Domo but I am primarily a hunter. I can dive, but I really excel at hunting not diving."
Major-Domo Runmaru: "We need to get you both corrected in the list and in proper insignia," states Runmaru. "We can't be asking you to do tasks that are improper for your place in this life."
"I had hoped we could accept the contract with the Prelate of Chegarra." "She came to us in hopes that we could find the leak that had flooded one of their ancient shrines."
"I guess we have no one that can stay down long enough to find the source of the leak and determine how to plug it."
"Most unfortunate, what with a victory to give thanks for. It would have been a most valuable service to perform."
"We don't get many requests for hunting expeditions but, they do occur," Runmaru adds meditatively.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 9, 2015 17:37:48 GMT -6
Huruyan: "I believe we can accept the contract with the Prelate. While diving is not my primary interest I can indeed hold my breath for a very long time. That is how I was able to retrieve the bracelet."
Kumahl: "I agree with Huruyan. We are members of the clan, and enjoy serving for the Honor and Glory of our Clan."
Thinking for a moment, "There will be time after this next engagement to sort out those details. I, myself, am still trying to understand the rank and place of individuals. I am happy to serve with all my talents and skills."
Huruyan: "Speaking of rank and place I think appearance is very important, and so we should get some nicer clothing. What do you think Kumahl?"
You hear a disturbance in the next barge. From the conversation you overhear Diver Hirtor was just brought in with the latest oyster load. He was guiding the others to a new oyster patch he had found when a rip tide drug him into some poisonous coral. His whole right side is dark violet and swollen. He may not live.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2015 18:05:24 GMT -6
Huruyan: Whispering to Kumahl, "Kumahl, can you use cure light again this soon? It may be the only thing that can save his life."
Kumahl: "I am not entirely certain how soon Thurmis will allow me to use my spells. Anything is better than nothing."
Looking to those carrying the diver, "Get him into a sitting position. Best to keep the blood flowing away from the heart."
[Private to GM: Kumahl says a silent prayer to Thurmis for aid in at least slowing the poison in the diver's body.]
"Has anyone safely brought this poison coral with them? Maybe an antidote could be found? I will try and heal him but I can not cure him. We need to calm him to slow the poison's progress."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2015 18:05:44 GMT -6
Major-Domo Runmaru: "As you are agreeing to undertake the contract, we might be able to have the Prelate of Chegarra take the cost of care for Diver Hirtor out of our payment of service."
"I will send word that we accept and see if they will consent to that bargain."
He summoned a messenger and had a document drawn up detailing the clan's side of the agreement.
"A sample of the coral can be sent for if you think that will help." "You, send word that we need some of the coral," commanded Runmaru.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2015 18:07:03 GMT -6
Huruyan: Quietly to Kumahl, "I can calm him down, but it will also calm everyone else down. Do you think I should do it?"
Kumahl: "If everyone is relaxed, less tension, easier to control the situation." Kumahl whispers to Huruyan, grateful that his brother is close at hand.
Huruyan: Casts the spell: Calm. "There it is done. Everyone within 50' should now calm down, including of course our injured brother. Hopefully that will help keep the poison from killing him until something better and more permanent can be done."
The hurried preparation for the upcoming party and the people bustling to get Diver Hirtor to his bed all became serene. There no longer was a sense of urgency in the area.
The messenger being sent to the Prelate of Chegarra slowed to a walk as he left the chamber.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:30:02 GMT -6
Kumahl attempts to heal the Diver, but the energy flow is not focused enough to have an effect.
Up close Kumahl can see that Diver Hirtor's injuries are life threatening.
Even though he is calm now his expression is still twisted in pain.
Everyone is moving at a lackadaisical pace as preparations for the upcoming party continue.
Kumahl: "Huruyan, cancel the spell. Unless someone gets here in the next few minutes, Diver Hirtor is dead. The Calm spell isn't helping."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:30:59 GMT -6
Huruyan: "I don't know if you can cancel a spell, and even if you can I don't know how. It doesn't really matter though, no one here can help and anyone who comes won't be under it."
After the "intermission" forced by Huruyan, business in the Chamber slowly returned to their normal pace.
Orders for party supplies and entertainment flowed out as quickly as the orders could be drawn up. The servants were busy arranging papers and writing supplies for the scribes.
Servants carefully carried Diver Hirtor off to his sleeping barge.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:31:45 GMT -6
Soon Senior Scribe Equinil takes her position on the dais. It was clear that a visitor was expected from the arriving and departing of several messengers.
Soon a small entourage of people in the colors of Chegarra were escorted into the Chamber.
His Holiness Temple Priest Rodlan'ga was introduced and servants were sent to fetch Diver Hirtor.
Refreshments were brought to Rodlan'ga and Equinil while the matter of the flooded shrine was discussed.
Clan Accountant Grujung quietly asks you if there is anything that you need to find out from His Holiness Temple Priest Rodlan'ga about the commission?
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:33:05 GMT -6
Kumahl: Whispering to the Clan Accountant, "What specifically is the commission for? Are we to retrieve something from the shrine? Are we looking to correct the flooding?"
Clan Accountant Grujung: "We are requested to find the source of the flooding and help stop it." "There was never an issue with water before so it is expected to be sabotage."
Kumahl: Continuing in hushed conversation, "What deities oppose Chegarra? What factions stand in opposition to Chegarra? Where is this shrine in the city? Are we to seal and re-secure the shrine? What resources will be made available for this commission?"
Huruyan: Huruyan is listening intently to Kumahl and the Clan Accountant.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:33:40 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung: "I would suspect one of the Tlokiriqaluyal (Lords of Change) was behind it." "There is no telling which one is though. Of course, the most direct opponent would be Chiteng."
"Only the inner circle of Chegarra worshipers would normally know the exact location." "From what has happened, clearly someone else found it too which is why it is not common knowledge." "There are a lot of hidden places in the underworld."
"From what I know, you can call on whatever resources you need to stop the water source and allow the shrine to be recovered."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:34:58 GMT -6
Huruyan: Joining into the conversation, Huruyan whispers, "Kumahl, using the statue as a weight was very awkward. I think a vest of some sort with some weights in it would work much better. Maybe the divers already have something like that, if so it would be a big help."
"Then we, that is you need to figure out what we need to fix the leak without ever seeing it so we can bring what we need." This last quietly to Kumahl.
Kumahl: "This commission has a more covert feeling to it. The Underworld, hidden shrines, and saboteurs."
"We will need disguises for ourselves and six of the clan divers. Any chance for a rough sketch of the shrine, so I can analyze structural integrity and weak points?"
Kumahl pulls some parchment out and begins sketching some rough designs for a balloon made from re-purposed waterskins. Also makes a few sketches of a weighted vest, with ballast pockets that can be filled with sand or stones.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:35:36 GMT -6
Huruyan: Huruyan looks intently over Kumahl's shoulder. "Could you make the vest with many small stones so I can adjust the weight, please?" Then looking to the Clan Accountant, "Can you find out how fast the shrine flooded, that may tell us how big a leak there is?"
Clan Accountant Grujung: "The followers of Chegarra are proud of who they are." "I'm sure that disguises will not be necessary. "Besides, the party that goes with you will be too large to disguise anyway."
"Why do you need more divers?"
"I'm sure a description of the shrine and it's access can be provided since it is one of the passageways that is the likely source of the water."
"How fast the shrine flooded? That is a good question."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:37:10 GMT -6
Kumahl: Kumahl nods once at Huruyan's request for many pockets in the vest. And points to the various pockets on the front and also to the back with its many pockets. The pockets have fold over flaps and can be unbuckled and slipped out of the harness built into the vest.
Then nods a second time when Huruyan asks about how quickly the shrine flooded.
"There maybe more than one breach site in the shrine. More breaches. Faster flooding."
"If there are several breaches to the shrine, we will need others qualified in diving to seal them. Expeditious means happier clients."
"Any information, no matter how minute, is of value."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:37:50 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung: "Your right," exclaimed Grujung, "there may be more than one source of water." "I guess you are the right ones for this since nobody else thought of that."
"If we had divers that could stay down as long as that would take, we wouldn't have had to wait for you to arrive," he added with a wink.
"I will see what information the priest can give after he finishes with Diver Hirtor."
With that he works his way towards where the crowd of people around Diver Hirtor are gathered.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 20, 2015 12:38:25 GMT -6
You see Junior Priest Panjang talking to Clan Accountant Grujung before he can get to His Holiness Temple Priest Rodlan'ga.
Whatever Rodlan'ga did it looks to you like it worked because the angry violet color that had infused Diver Hirtor's side had started to fade.
Panjang kept talking to Grujung and Priest Rodlan'ga returned to formalities with Senior Scribe Equinil.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:09:51 GMT -6
Kumahl: Kumahl walks over to Junior Priest Panjang, "Excuse me Brother, I believe there were some questions I left unanswered from our last meeting. Please come let us discuss these things know while we have a few moments of repose." Kumahl points to a quieter corner of the formal meeting area.
Junior Priest Panjang: "Yes, Craftsman Kumahl, I believe there are a couple of items of the Clan that you still have." "I also gather that you may soon be in a position to find more such."
"Would that I could go with you," he said wistfully. "An opportunity that doesn't happen every day."
Kumahl: While Huruyan and Kumahl engage the Junior Priest in conversation and return the borrowed items, Kumahl gestures to the Clan Accountant Grujung that it is okay to pursue the details from His Holiness Temple Priest Rodlan'ga.
"Brother Panjang, you seemed surprised that I followed Thurmis. Why might that be?"
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:10:32 GMT -6
Junior Priest Panjang: "Our clan's members tend to be more jaded and self indulgent," he states matter of factly.
"My God Ksarul is supportive in the learning of ancient knowledge and seems like a more natural fit." With obviously implications of his own feelings of importance, "Someone with your obvious intelligence and curiosity would go far with my help."
"While helping the clan is worthwhile, helping oneself is a wise choice for long term gain."
Kumahl: Taking a moment to ponder upon the Junior Priest's statement, Kumahl looks the man squarely in the eyes, "Self sacrifice brings greater honor and glory to the clan, which in turn elevates my status as all share in the increase. Focusing solely on oneself above all else, eventually limits the heights one may rise to."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:11:22 GMT -6
While Junior Priest Panjang and Craftsman Kumahl engage in a philosophy discussion, Clan Accountant Grujung speaks with His Holiness Temple Priest Rodlan'ga.
After some discussion and inking of papers, Grujung returns. "This is the shrine itself," he states as he offers an ornate picture.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:12:16 GMT -6
The provided map shows the stairs down to the entrance to the Shrine to Heroism Embodied. Starting from the entrance is The Chamber of the Assembled Host which shows multiple lines of men in armor as if at a parade. This is a large and long image. At the end of this chamber is the main shrine of Chegarra shown as a fully armored, bearded, early middle aged man with a glittering silver axe upraised. This is a large ornate image that takes up the center of the map. To each side of the statue of Chegarra and slightly before it are drawn two room images. The one on the left is The Chamber of Girding for Praise and on the right is The Chamber of Girding for Battle. These images are smaller and show a mixture of robes and armor on the left and weapons and armor to the right. To each side of the main shrine are sizable alcoves. The right is labeled Alcove for the Preparation of Presentation and the left Alcove for the Recuperation of Exertion. Behind the main shrine is the Chamber of Judgement of Worthiness, The image for this is guards with crossed weapons. The Inner Sanctum of Personal Thankfulness is beyond this guardroom and surprisingly has just a stylize image of an axe filling a walled space.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:13:45 GMT -6
Huruyan: "This appears to be a very sizeable shrine. Prior to the flooding was there any source of water, possibly a fountain or something like that? If there was the drainage system may be what is faulty."
Clan Accountant Grujung: "None was mentioned as a possible source." "I could ask again but I would think every obvious possibility has already been investigated before they called on someone who is counter to their basic principles."
Huruyan: "I am a follower of Chegarra!"
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:15:00 GMT -6
Kumahl: Turning momentarily to Clan Accountant Grujung, "Brother Grujung, we are unfamiliar with the Undercity. What buildings and things surround the shrine? Is the Shrine cut into the earth?"
Returning to the Junior Priest, "How does selfishness support the clan? Would you push aside everyone here to further your own self interest? If so, it is probably best they all know that now, instead of later."
Clan Accountant Grujung: "Craftsman Kumahl, Are you aware of the custom of Ditlana, the ceremonial "renewing" of most cities every 500 years?" "During that, cellars and foundations of an old city are filled in and roofed over, upper floors are razed, and then new and more splendid edifices are built upon this foundation."
"As Jakalla is known as "The City Half as Old as The World", the layers from past Ditlana go deep."
"I gather that it is an old shrine that is seldom used but still important enough to be maintained."
"I also gather that there is a little known route to get to it that seems to have been discovered and its traps disabled." "The water has risen up to the entrance of this final stairwell."
"You and those you need to accompany you, will be led to this stairwell." "Some temple guards will be provided to prevent interference from behind and provide a safe return."
"Over time many creatures and opposing factions have turned the underworld into a deathtrap." "Also the Concordant between faiths and factions do not hold under the surface." "I strongly suggest that you do not wander from your task."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:16:22 GMT -6
Junior Priest Panjang: "The worth of a clan is judged by the worth of its members." "The glory I gain for myself reflects on the clan as a whole," he stated pretentiously. "Those that are not gaining glory for the clan by their actions should be pushed aside."
"This is why I would suggest including me on your endeavor, that I can ensure its success and gain greater glory for all." "There are many things I know that can assist," he added with a secretive look.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:17:56 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung: "Hunter Huruyan, it is good that you are a follower of Chegarra in this case." "Hopefully some of the defenses will not trigger since you are the one expected to enter the shrine itself."
Kumahl: Looking to Junior Priest Panjang "Unless I know what these things are that you know or believe will help, I can not clear you to join. Where we are going is sacred and deserves to be treated as such. No one will be disturbing or taking anything."
Breathing deeply and regaining his composure, Kumahl looks to Clan Accountant Grujung "What level of Ditlana are we talking about? Is the shrine completely filled? Please let His Holiness know that I am honored to assist in this task."
Looking down at his sketches, Kumahl begins making a list of materials needed to craft his latest crafts.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:19:23 GMT -6
Clan Accountant Grujung: "They said it was from not long after the founding of the Second Imperium." "So, a couple of thousand years old."
Junior Priest Panjang: "While I don't know specifics in this case, followers of my faith created many of the beings that guard places of importance in the Underworld." "It may be that one or more are involved and not just the water that we know about."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 24, 2015 6:20:07 GMT -6
Kumahl: Kumahl emits a low whistle. "Four levels below ground. Each averaging roughly 10 to 20 feet or more in depth. 100 feet down give or take. How many Ditlanas below that are we talking about?"
Looking to Junior Priest Panjang, "The Order of Chegarra already has a means for us to get to the shrine. Are you saying that the Brothers from your Order are responsible for the sacrilege we have been asked to fix?"
"This is sure getting messy fast and we haven't even gotten to the project site."
Huruyan: Huruyan pulls Kumahl aside and tells him quietly, "In my opinion, we don't want someone like Panjang involved. He is interested only in himself, and that could be a real problem in a delicate project like this."
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