Session One; Welcome to Jak,alla

[xerxez]

The only home you have really known was exchanged for the reeking belly of a ship's hold and the open sea, but what choice did you have?

The land you grew up in was Nu'roab-- hot, fetid, jungle-choked but hospitable enough...until the sea raiders came.

Their incursions began five years ago, peaceful enough at first. They made trade, then a small colony, and ingratiated themselves to the tribes of Nu'roab and even with the Liv'yani lords who maintained a colony and a Temple to the Shadow Gods on the Southern Continent.

They were careful not to upset the Shen with whom your tribe had but casual dealings.

That all changed when their numbers had grown and their ships became a common sight.

Soon there were invasions, harrying, and massacres in the most remote villages-- with slaves taken, as told by many survivors.

The Liv'yani lords mustered troops to secure the Shadow God Temple precincts and the colony of the tattooed, sorcerous people of that strange land...but while they protected the closest Nu'roabite settlements, the far flung jungle enclaves...such as you grew up in...were not as ably protected.

Be'van, your village shaman and also leader in all but name, after counsel with your chieftains, gathered what treasure and belongings time permitted, and organizing a group of about 70 of you and your closest kin and tribal members, fled the approaching doom and booked passage upon a ship, one Tsol'yani vessel named the Joy of S'samris, captained by a proud sea rover of low clan but impeccable skills, Captain T'lano.

The plan was simple: leave Nu'roab forever and seek a new life in the far flung land of Tsol'yanu, the fabled Empire of the Petal Throne, the glorious seat of the God-Emperor, the Kolumel, may his name be praised forever.

Soon you had set sail from Nu'roab and into the Deeps of Teri'yal, passing into the boiling straits of Shen'gelu which lie off the coast of the volcanic homeland of the Shen, mighty Shen'yu.

After days and days of sailing, with a fortunate wind at your sails, you passed the Islands of Lelek Taru and Kusi'ill, past dreaded Hlyssu'yal, and skirting the Isle of V'ra in the Deeps of Chana'yaga.

Once, a great insect shaped ship of obsidian black and flying black sails gave chase to your vessel, just off Hlyssu'yual.

This was tense, as Captain T'lano informed you that the creatures aboard the black vesel were dreaded Old Ones, deposed rulers of Tekumel who would have turned all of you into living hosts for their incubating larvae.

It should be noted that many among your refugee band openly doubted that such a thing could be true and that such hideous beings could exists...after all, none of you had heard of or even imagined such creatures back in Nu'roab!

Soon though, you eluded the black ship and were passing V'ra.

Your group is tired but excited as the light of dawn shows the coasts of the mighty nation of Tsol'yanu!

During your voyage, there was time enough to chat with T'lano and his crew, as well as with an old scholar named M'rikis who, you soon learned, was once an important bureaucrat in Jak'alla and a scion of a Middle status Clan but who, for some transgression he chose not to disclose, was cast out and made what he called "Nakome'"-- clanless, less than an infidel or barbarian to his own people.

M'rikis and T'lano, as well as the mates, were more than happy to answer any of your questions about the Empire, the other nations, Jak'alla, or any subject you most wished to know about.

Do you recall what you asked of them?

Note to players: Here you may ask 1-3 questions about almost anything you might want to know about the Imperium, history, custom and culture, you name it. Ask either T'lano, a crew member, or M'rikis and you will receive answer.

[scottenkainen]

N'Rasa, who had found work as a cook on board the ship, liked it here. She liked it far more than the mundane life she had lived, meant to be married off to a craftsman she barely knew. In a sense, she had doubly escaped from Nu'roab.

But as grateful as she was for her new life, she knew she was due to be replaced by a professional cook when they reached port and her life would have to start anew, again. So she took advantage of M'rikis and T'lano and their generosity, or boredom, that they were willing to answer questions.

1. "Do women have equal status to men in Jak'alla?"
2. "Being 'nakome,' will we be able to find work in the city?"
3. "How is magic perceived in Jak'alla? Are they superstitious there?"

[dtspurrier1]

Mohammad most of the voyage was on deck observing the view of the sea and the travel. He would also volunteer to help out with watch duties and also crows nest duties. Hopefully keeping away the affections of any of the female crew members and the tribe. During the journey he does ask:

1. The city of Jak'alla what is it like to live?
2. I am looking for men working with a guild, there symbol is a serpent wrapped around a coin. They have kidnapped a dear friend of mine?
3. what churches are in Jak'alla

[makofan]

Bálesh spends time with the captain of the ship, swapping stories and pitching in where asked. He is interested in

1. Where can he buy weapons and armor in Jak'alla (I assume he has none at present?)
2. How can one make money
3. Is there a chance to eventually be an independent trader

[xerxez]

Apr 24, 2023 9:23:15 GMT -6 scottenkainen said:

N'Rasa, who had found work as a cook on board the ship, liked it here. She liked it far more than the mundane life she had lived, meant to be married off to a craftsman she barely knew. In a sense, she had doubly escaped from Nu'roab.

But as grateful as she was for her new life, she knew she was due to be replaced by a professional cook when they reached port and her life would have to start anew, again. So she took advantage of M'rikis and T'lano and their generosity, or boredom, that they were willing to answer questions.

1. "Do women have equal status to men in Jak'alla?"
2. "Being 'nakome,' will we be able to find work in the city?"
3. "How is magic perceived in Jak'alla? Are they superstitious there?"

N'rasa found that The Joy of S'samris' galley was surprisingly clean for a sea vessel, and well run by an older, rotund and seemingly gruff Liv'yani woman named Sey'jima, long time cook on the vessel and a true mistress of the kettle who reeked constantly of cooking herbs, spices and oils.

The young shamaness soon discovered Sey'jima's initial stiffness was really only a wall the Liv'yani cook kept up toward strangers-- within a few days of trying to be helpful and then being rebuffed, her persistence won grudging concession from Sey'jima. Once she saw how able N'rasa was at culinary tasks, she took to her like a Kuru'ku to a bauble. There were enough tables to accommodate all hands and passengers, provided meals ran in shifts of three.

There was a well larded pantry of subsistence foods and a few special things. By end of voyage, Sey'jima would already miss N'rasa.

One night, as the sea birds wheeled over head in the deepening dusk, N'rasa sat in quiet talk with M'rikis and spoke to him of Jak'alla. He smoked his customary pipe and answered her queries, grateful for a listening ear.


M'rikis: "Of the Five Empires, only the Yan Kor'yani to the far north, the enemies of Tsol'yanu, are not male ordered. It is different from where you come from, where I know tribal matriarchs have as much say as the men, if not more, save only in war and the hunt.

The Tsol'yani people expect their daughters to grow up to see to the Clanhouse and it's young, share in the labor, obey their elders. They are not forbidden learning but men of the clan handle their affairs.

They are to marry as their clan elders think best, and may be but one wife among a number, if their husbands are so inclined and able to manage such a household.

Yet there is a custom sacred to the Empires whereby a woman need answer to no man, save under Imperial law which binds us all or by her own choice. Any woman who declares herself Ari'dani in the presence of witnesses will never be treated with the paternalism or lower status that non-Ari'dani women know. It is her choice, none can stay her, and she can revoke her declaration as well, at any time.

As Na'kome, you will not bear the censure and contempt of one such as myself, who was once Clan blooded and was cast out. Being foreigners, you will be clanless, but some consideration is made for the barbarian and you will find that many are more than willing to employ outlanders...though be warned, some prefer to do so because they take advantage of the ignorance of their charges. The Foreigner's Quarters provides an abundance of opportunities, there is mercenary work, any sort of labor, and of course the Hiri'lakte Arenas, but the Tlo'mityanyal forbid a jungle flower like you enter those bloody pits.

As to magic, I know little of such things. Whether followers of the Tlo'mityanyal or the Tlokiri'qaluyal , all have seen the power of sorcery at one point or another in their life, as well as the manifestations of the gods themselves--they all believe. When I was of Clan, I had a brother who was a lay priest in the Temple of Thumis. He told me that wandering wizards and sorceresses were held with some suspicion and even watched by the Temple servants if powerful enough. He told me that in the beginning studies of spell-craft, some have natural talent or even find access to scrolls and books which further their art. But to attain the highest spells, he was adamant that one must submit to the discipline and tradition of the Temples and the High Circles.

And yet who has not heard of Ne'meylu the Ageless Wizard, whom some say still lives and will never die. He did not choose the Temple path, they say, but great was his power.

I hope I have helped you, lass. Isn't the rolling of the Deep a soothing path tonight? Hrmmm..."

Here, M'rikis seems to forget you are with him and breaks into a song of ships and the sea, his old voice quavering upon the wind.

GM Note: Owing to N'rasa's aid in the galley on the voyage, she was given 8 Gold Kaitars by Sey'jima.

[tombowings]

Charbek of the Desert Storm Clan has enjoyed the sweat and salt of the voyage. He basks in the heat of the sun and beats his bare chest at the evening wind. At night, he gazes up, lost in the beauty of the stars, which contain the faces of the gods (or so Charbek believes).

Unlike many aboard the ship, He has some knowledge of the Tsol'yani tongue and has had some dealings with the outlying reaches of the empire. His questions are as follows:

1. "Who should we talk about getting settled in the city?"
2. "What pressing threats terrify the men and women of Jak'alla?"
3. "What character traits are most respected there?"

[xerxez]

Apr 24, 2023 15:18:43 GMT -6 dtspurrier1 said:

Mohammad most of the voyage was on deck observing the view of the sea and the travel. He would also volunteer to help out with watch duties and also crows nest duties. Hopefully keeping away the affections of any of the female crew members and the tribe. During the journey he does ask:

1. The city of Jak'alla what is it like to live?
2. I am looking for men working with a guild, there symbol is a serpent wrapped around a coin. They have kidnapped a dear friend of mine?
3. what churches are in Jak'alla

Mohammad found the sea road pleasant and inviting after the troubles in Nu'roab. Nights spent on watch and gazing out at the shimmering colors of the Sun and the two Moons were largely affairs of easy banter with the crew of the Joy of Ssamris or the Nu'roabites. T'lano's crew was diverese--about twenty able sailors all in all, plus M'rikis who had some skill in navigation. The crew was mostly Tsol'yani, but there were three Liv'yani, a towering black bearded and wavy haird N'lyss named Ka'gesh, a brawny female Ari'dani of Mu'ugalavya only called by the word for Moon in the tongue of her people, and a four legged Swamp Folk sailor, the strange, rotund, ivory colored doughty folk called by the Tsol'yani "Heg'lethyal". He was a jovial and hardworking friendly creature with a squat smiling face, a large fin like appendage cresting his broad skull, and he was named U'ugalot. T'lano was sometimes present, with you and the warrior Ba'lesh and his crew--and he was not above letting his men pass a jug or two of Th'rayan N'galu wine in the evening when most wok was finished. It was U'ugalot who answered your queries.



U'ugalalot: "Ah! Ja'kalla, Great Mistress of the Rivers, the City Half As Old As the World! She is a basket of fruit, ever ripe and delicious. Her streets are perfumed with the most exotic markets in the Five Empires, her avenues trodden by every nation (save Yan Kor), her coin purses overflowing with coin and jewel to the clever and the brave. There is a pleasure for every taste, song and mirth for the merry, gardens of solitude and shade for the silent seeker. There is the Ever Glorious Palace of War, the Palace of the Realm, the mysterious and many layered Temples of the Gods of Stability and of Change. You will see the graceful Pe'Choi walking on their four stick legs, hulking black scaled Shen, the skittering Gnomes, called Tin'aliya- Pygmy Folk, many of my kind, and the ugly but indomitable Ahog'gya. She's a lovely mistress, Ja'kalla, but do watch her dancing for she has wiles and even danger for the unwise and unwary. In her belly are old ways, buried remnants of earlier times--beware those tunnels and chambers.

I know not of this guild whom you seek, my friend, nor have I seen the symbol you describe. Was she very beautiful? I will tell you that the devotees of the Green Eyed Lady of Sin and her Handmaiden, Dancing Hi'rihyal, are known to kidnap or buy especially handsome lads and lasses for their temple rites. If so, her fate would not be pleasant Perhaps the guild you speak of worked for them or made bargain with that Temple. By the way, Mohammad, you are a handsome enough fellow by Tsol'yani standards...I might warn you to beware a similar fate. No one notices much at all when Na'kome...clanless ones...go missing But you heard none of this from U'ugalot.

The Temple district of Ja'kalla, near the Bridge of the Eternal Splendor of the Gods, hosts shrines and Temples to all of the Tlo'mitlanyal, the Tlokiri'qaluyal, as well as their Cohorts...what would they call the Cohorts back in Nur'roab? Demigods and goddesses who serve the great Gods. My life is the sea and harbor and port for a short burst of drink, food and merriment, and I still hold to the belief of the Great One of the Marshes-- see his talisman upon my neck? But many of my people who wish to prosper in Ja'kalla seek the blessings and guidance of a Temple.

But I sense your path is already touched by the Gods. Do I see on your garb the colors and talismans of the Opener of the Gates of Heaven, four armed and faceless Bel'Khanu?

The One of the Marshes will bear me away upon a bark to the Great Heart of the Swamps when I die and I will become one with the reeds and the water and the leaping lizards. But if I could believe in any belief of the Tsol'yani, I would wish to believe in the Master of Paradise."

[xerxez]

Apr 24, 2023 18:22:34 GMT -6 makofan said:

Bálesh spends time with the captain of the ship, swapping stories and pitching in where asked. He is interested in

1. Where can he buy weapons and armor in Jak'alla (I assume he has none at present?)
2. How can one make money
3. Is there a chance to eventually be an independent trader

Ba'lesh quickly found his skills welcome on the voyage and he, like his companions, fought off the tedium of the long hours with work. He soon came to feel a camaraderie with the crew of the Joy, mostly a motley assortment of Tsol'yani but also an Aridani woman of Mu'ugalavya name Moon, a massive and tight lipped N'lyss named Ka'gesh, a Swamp Folk sailor named U'ugalot and three Liv'yani men, their ruddy skin marked with three or four esoteric tattoos that honored the mysterious Shadow Gods of that land of Sorcery, though the scarcity of these sigils marked them as being of low status in thier homeland, perhaps the reason they chose the sailor's life. One night, sitting on the fantail with T'lano, Mi'kimu, Mohammad and several other crew and even a few children and young adults of their tribe who were curious about the SWamp Folk sailor, the like of which none had ever seen before, Ba'lesh spoke with T'lano and asked him questions.

T'lano: "Ah, you ask of weapons and armor. Well you will find a fine lot in Ja'kalla, though you may find Ja'kallan dealers and craftsmen as fierce as Pygmy Folk in a bargain. Your first home in the Empire will be lodgings in the Foreigner's Quarters--there are dealers there. If you can find escort in the city proper, finer things are to be had. No steel weapons, of course, not for you, but good Chlen hide, stiff, sharp, well lacquered and cured.

I am guessing what you had was sold back to raise passage on my ship and bed and board in Ja'kalla. You must feel as naked as a Ng'rutha shorn of it's shell, ha ha!

If you dare and are willing to gamble your life, many betters and trainers at the Hiri'lakte Arenas will equip a combatant. If you live..and do well..there is Gold to be had, other employments by those who watch the games.

There is the Palace of War...sometimes they hire outlander mercenaries. Just as dangerous. More than one barbarian has climbed from nothing to eventually gain citizenship and even service with the Legions.

Frequently, Tsol'yani patrons enter the Foreigner's Quarters and hire sell-swords' or caravan guards...or warriors willing to go on less savory missions.

Independent trade? You set your sights on the Moons themselves, don't you! Ha ha! You will find that for every occupation, item or medium of trade, and enterprise, all fall under the domain of the Clans, high, Middle, or Low.

To be sure, there are wealthy foreign merchants in the City and elsewehere in the Empire, but that takes alot of gold, alot of contacts, and probably help from the Gods, Ha!

If that is your eventual goal, though, my friend, you can attain it. The best way is to first gain citizenship. Perhaps, with wit and luck, you can someday shed the title of Na'kome and join, or marry into, a Tsol'yani Clan.

But here- drink! The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, fast is slow and slow is fast, as my father liked to say!"

DM Note: Because of your mariner's skills you are able to earn an additional 10 Kaitars on the voyage.

[flightcommander]

Mi'kímu endeavors to make himself useful on deck with his rope-making and repairing skills. His first thought is, once in this grand city of Ja'kalla, where will he go to drink? Perhaps one among the crew can suggest a watering-hole or two.

[xerxez]

Apr 25, 2023 4:33:12 GMT -6 tombowings said:

Charbek of the Desert Storm Clan has enjoyed the sweat and salt of the voyage. He basks in the heat of the sun and beats his bare chest at the evening wind. At night, he gazes up, lost in the beauty of the stars, which contain the faces of the gods (or so Charbek believes).

Unlike many aboard the ship, He has some knowledge of the Tsol'yani tongue and has had some dealings with the outlying reaches of the empire. His questions are as follows:

1. "Who should we talk about getting settled in the city?"
2. "What pressing threats terrify the men and women of Jak'alla?"
3. "What character traits are most respected there?"

Charbek has the advantage of several languages at his command...not only is he able to to understand the captain and Tsol'yani crew, but he often overhears the Liv'yani conversing in their speech together, and the songs of the Aridani Mu'ugalavyani woman, Moon, as she sings, quite ably, in her own tongue. At some point he addressed Moon in that language. Pleased and surprised at this, she is willing to lean against the rail with the priest and talk of their journeys. She is a brawny and strong woman, and wears a saber of Chlen hide at her side.

Moon: "Worry not-- when you get to Ja'kalla you are not permitted to traverse the city untended at first--there will be soldiers there to escort your people through the Temple Precincts to the Foreigner's Quarters. There you will find lodging easily enough, if you've gold or labor to give. Some of the inns there reek like M'nor and the food taste like pickled H'luturgu legs...your guts will rot. Spend a little extra, your bowels will thank you.

Ja'kalla sits secure from most dangers. Outside it's walls the forests and flatlands contain many dangers...barb-teethed poisonous Z'rne... the Flying Worms....V'ringalu, the flying feathered serpent. The Sakbe roads protect travellers though, its only fools who go off wandering older roads unprepared who meet these horrors with any frequency. I've heard many tales of the t'surum...the buried crypts and cellars of a vast Underworld from older times when Ja'kalla was not called Ja'kalla and things not human lived there..so legends say. And it's most unwise to wander the City of the Dead at night. That's the Necropolis beyond Ja'kalla's walls, where the Esteemed Dead take their long, cool sleep. The undead are said to guard those tombs.

The only real threat that bothers many in Ja'kalla, and throughout all Tsol'yanu, is the fact that the Kolumel in far away Avanthe, Hir'kane Tlako'tani, whom they call the Stone Upon Whom the World Rests, is old. There is much instability in the factions of the Empire and even among the Imperial heirs who have right to contest for the Throne when he leaves this world for the Isles of Tere'tane. Many fear his son Dich'une will triump and ascend the Petal throne...and he is a Priest of Sar'ku, the Worm...master of the undead. If that sect gains power, dark indeed will be the night that comes.

What is admired there? They love art. Poetry and song, they acclaim. Beauty, courage. But noble action is the path of approval amongst all civilized peoples.

I wish you well, Charbek."

[xerxez]

GM note: That all got a little wordy. I will try to use brevity here on out. 🙃

[xerxez]

Apr 25, 2023 22:07:13 GMT -6 flightcommander said:

Mi'kímu endeavors to make himself useful on deck with his rope-making and repairing skills. His first thought is, once in this grand city of Ja'kalla, where will he go to drink? Perhaps one among the crew can suggest a watering-hole or two.

Mi'kimu's skills being quite useful on the Joy, he quickly falls in with the crew, repairing ropes and netting admirably.

His first days working around the stone faced giant of a man named Ka'gesh, a N'lyss were mostly spent in uncomfortable silences, as the gargantuan sailor seemed uninterested in conversation or even small talk, but Ka'gesh became a little less impervious when he not only saw Mi'Kimu's work but realized he was a fellow warrior.

When Mi'kimu idly asked anyone at all about places to quench thirst, he was surprised to hear Ka'gesh say in a deep voice, " Tower of the Red Dome is the Resthouse for the commonest foreigners...the Heng'ka beer there tastes like the dregs of an Ahog'gya's toss pot and the food would sicken a Swamp Snake. Clean up good enough and wear some decent oils and if you behave well enough you can get by at the Hostel of Birru'ku-- it's the Resthouse for low to Middle status visitors from abroad. They serve a fine A'ash brew in there...even a Yan Kor'yani would approve, and they know thier still. Make a friend of old Birru'ku and the City may smile upon you when you least expect. But don't ever believe in the charms of Shi'rina. She dances there, and never seems to age a day. Some spell of Dla'melish at work. Bah. She may have been born of my people but she has the heart of a serpent."

And just as abruptly, Ka'gesh went back to his silent labors.

GM Note: You have earned 7 Kaitars for your labors.

[dtspurrier1]

Mahammad takes a swig of beer while U'ugalalot tells his tale. He says, " yes Dakota was quite beautiful and I hope did not fall into this temple of Sins hands. I will have to investigate this. I can defend myself but working with others is also useful. Yes I am a priest of Belkhanu of travel and the stars. Another good choice is the followers of paradise. When we dock port I do wish you the best of luck my friend and also your travels. However teach me some of the work here. I was trained in fixing and driving carts so some rope tying and being good with tools I can be of assistance the rest of the voyage."

While working Mahammud will also look out for this follower of the Desert storm clan as he looks to be a worshipper or priest as well

[scottenkainen]

N'Rasa took in the words of M'rikis. Her path in Jak'alla would be different...but in some ways it sounded like it could be exactly the same. She did not wish this fate; she must be free, she felt, to chose her own fate...

N'Rasa was a [plain Jane] (whatever the equivalent idiom is in The Common Tongue of this world), with a not particularly feminine face. En route to Jak'alla, she cut her hair short and began strapping down her bosom. She would pass for a man, if she could, for now.

[scottenkainen]

N'Rasa's eye was on Mohammad whenever she saw him. He was handsome, so handsome that it made her heart skip a beat whenver she saw him. His unusual name just made him seem exotic. Moreso, he was attuned to the gods, and gods were cruel and unkind to the low like N'Rasa. She tried to speak to him on several occasions, aboard ship, but the words did not come.

[dtspurrier1]

Mohammad continued with his meeting of people and also looked around and see whom other people of his tribe would be of the adventuring sort. Not the farmers or workers or families but adventurers.

[xerxez]

The final two days of your voyage you have sailed up a vast river estuary from the sea

It is large enough that it is difficult to see many details about the shores on either side.

As it begins to narrow a bit on morning of the second day, to the right (Eastward) you can all make out cultivated lands and river villages whose children sometimes come out and wave at your vessel.

Westward are no villages, only sparse woods and a plain of sandy flats disappearing into the distance.

Strange animal cries rise at intervals from the woods and flocks of birds wheel.

Morning is clear and blue but the heat causes a humid mist on the water-- yet to your joy you now see the tops of buildings and towers rising before you, followed by walls the likes of which you have never imagined.

Approaching the harbor, surrounded by other ships and small boats, you can see avenues of massive ziggurats.

Distant gongs and fain sounds of music drift from the city to your ears.

Soon the Joy of S'samris is docked, the gangplank lowered, and your small tribe disembarks upon the quay to the hustle and bustle of the Jak'allan docks.

T'lano's crew is busy and excited for some days of liberty in the mighty port but he and a few bid you farewell.

Be'van, who was crippled in childhood by a terrible disease, must be carried today as his usual mode of hobbling upon two sticks will not do this day.

Working on the docks or arriving from distant lands you see a motley assortment of mostly human workers, officials and travelers, but there is a fair tally of non-humans.

You also see a sizeable presence of Azure-armored and helmeted soldiers bearing halberds, their eyes ever watching.

Now you are amid a throng, the smell of sweat, oils, perfume thick in the sea air. The murmur of discourse in the divers modern tongues surrounds you in the business of the harbor

GM Note: Each player please roll a d6 and post your result. From time to time to facilitate events in the game I will ask for a d6 roll. I will then throw from 1-3 d6 against each of your rolls (more than 1 if you have relevant character traits, Talents or skills that increase your odds) and if I roll a number matching yours it is favorable for you.

[flightcommander]

Mi'kímu steps onto the crowded dockside and inhales the heady scent of the great city. He detects the aromas of exotic foods being prepared, and realizes he's quite ready for a meal that didn't come out of a barrel full of salt.

[xerxez]

Apr 29, 2023 16:02:13 GMT -6 flightcommander said:

Mi'kímu steps onto the crowded dockside and inhales the heady scent of the great city. He detects the aromas of exotic foods being prepared, and realizes he's quite ready for a meal that didn't come out of a barrel full of salt.

Mi'kimu may or may not have heard during the voyage that in all the Empire, Jakàlla is most famed in the art of cooking.

The warrior is definitely in for a treat.

(flightcommander, please roll a sixer and post your result, thanks😀)

[scottenkainen]

N'Rasa hugged on tight to Sey'jima, the tears flowing. "Good-bye," she said to the woman who had become like a second mother to her.

Then she stifled her tears and wiped snot from her nose with her ragged sleeve. Her behavior was already too unmanly and would have her found out.

She stepped away and looked to Mohammed and Mi'kímu, two fellow refugees who she presumed knew better than her what to do next.

((6))

[flightcommander]

[OOC: Whoops, forgot: 6.]

[xerxez]

Sey'jima hugged N'Rasa tightly to her and said,

"Perhaps your plan is best, child- pretty as you are you've done a good job and may fool the unsuspecting hounds.

Only be careful not to betray yourself with speech.

If you ever get out of Jakàlla and travel a bit, I have a sister named Misa, a fortune teller who lives in Usenànu, further north.

If you ever go there, say to her that you sat with Sey'jima in the lap of Kakàrsha, Lady of the Sea, and she will receive you as a friend. Goodbye!"


As the crowd presses about you as you gather on the quay, Míkimu feels an odd tug at his clothing--he looks down and sees a bony, tanned arm and pair of hands working to cut his coinpurse from his belt.

N'Rasa notices at the same instant. She sees a wiry, long haired Salarvyáni youth of perhaps 16 attempting to steal the warrior's pouch.

What do either of you do?

(You have some advantage.)

GM Note: You each rolled a 6 and for owing to relevant Talents, I gave each of you 2d6 to notice the attempted theft and I rolled a 6 for each of you on a die, matching your roll and thus giving you the drop.

[makofan]

GM Note: Each player please roll a d6 and post your result. From time to time to facilitate events in the game I will ask for a d6 roll. I will then throw from 1-3 d6 against each of your rolls (more than 1 if you have relevant character traits, Talents or skills that increase your odds) and if I roll a number matching yours it is favorable for you

Balesh rolled a 5

Balesh decides to stay with his companions, and wishes to discuss a plan for lodging and future earnings with them

[scottenkainen]

((I don't think you meant for the pic to display that big...))

"Hey, you!" N'Rasa called out, in as manly a voice as she could manage. She pointed to the would-be thief and said "Stop that!"

She knew they were all poor - poor by Jak'alla standards, and was prepared to give chase to help get the pouch back.

[dtspurrier1]

Mahammad disembarked and stayed with the main group. The big city is slightly overwhelming with the amount of people.


( rolling D6= 2)

[flightcommander]

Mi'kímu grabs the waif securely by the arm. [OOC: Does this require a roll? Mi'kímu is quick and strong.] "Hey-o, what have we caught here? Bait-fish by the looks of the sorry thing! Shall we put a hook through it, toss it into the bay, and see what bites? Or just throw it back?!"

[xerxez]

Mi'kimu quickly and easily seizes the knife arm in a vice like grip, causing the youth to instantly drop the thin blade.

Mohammed caught everything as well as it transpired, and watches at the ready.

Balesh did not notice and is somewhat surprised to see Mi'kimu suddenly holding onto a now terrified Salarvyáni youth, and to hear N'Rasa's rebuke.

In fact, Mohammed notes that one of the blue armored soldiers turns his head not far from the party, having heard the exclamation and begins to navigate through the crowd of newly arrived voyagers, trying to see where the trouble lies.

People quickly melt out of the soldier's way; he will reach you all in minutes.

Mi'kimu feels the shaking of the youth's body in his mighty grasp as he says to the warrior in a stricken voice, using broken Tsolyáni:

"Forgive Fíru, mighty Master- I swear it is my first attempt, I beg mercy. Do not hurt me or turn me in- I'll be made a slave or perish. I swear by Shiringgáyi to never do it again!"

He speaks urgently but tries to be unheard by passersby - a few have begun to gawk a bit and the Legionnaire will be there in moments.

What are your responses?

[scottenkainen]

"We do not wish to be associated with trouble here," N'Rasa said to the others. "Perhaps I was wrong to call out so loudly..."

[makofan]

"We'll tell the guards we're recruiting a guide...?" suggests Balesh

[flightcommander]

"Thought to play a prank on a newcomer, eh? Best to mind your manners next time! Now be off with you!" Mi'kímu lets the urchin free; if the blade is left behind, he'll tuck it into his waistband.