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Post by tombowings on May 2, 2023 9:54:04 GMT -6
Charbek of the Desert Storm Clan who has thus far remained silent and stoic throughout the whole affair approaches the young women who was caught red handed. He takes a coin out of his purse and place two coins in the girl's hand. "May the future treat you fairer than the past," he says.
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Post by xerxez on May 2, 2023 20:46:27 GMT -6
 Amazed and visibly relieved at his good fortune this day, Fi'ru shrinks away from Mi'kimu. This act of mercy and Char'bek's gift elicit a seeming moment of enlightenment in the youth's eyes. Char'bek, himself a telepath, feels the mind current of an exterior but familiar consciousness touch, that of the Shaman, Be'van. Be'van's telepathic message: "Well done, priest. I see the lad's mind--he lied but not by much-- it is his third go at pilfering, but he is not yet a bandit at heart, only through need."Mi'kimu catches the knife and quickly conceals it. Balesh and N'rasa exchange a tense glance as the regal looking soldier strides up and regards them and their entire entourage with a curious and searching gaze, turning to watch Fi'ru fade into the throng, the boy looking once briefly over his shoulder at the Nu'roabites as he does. Mohammad is serene and ready for whatever happens, his faith in Bel'khanu and the divine order of their journey giving him an inner calm. The soldier looks everyone over and says, "Hello-- was there any trouble here, travelers?" After your assurances he seems satisfied there is not. "Good. Will you move off of the quay and into the portage landing? Soldiers are on duty to escort you to the Foreigner's Quarters. Thank you." He points and you see the area further up the wharf area. All of you move as one, the younger and more timid of your tribe following behind Be'van and the five of you, whom they have come to accepts as leaders. Their eyes are wide. You have made it perhaps halfway to the portage landing when a squat, misshapen man in an ink splattered robe barks at you all. He is short, bald on top with long hair on the sides and back of his round head, and thick of build. At his side stands a small, 3' tall bipedal rat like humanoid creature with tan fur and enormous ears, a long tail, and a long sharp muzzle set in a perpetual half grin with one sharp fang hanging over a lip. An inkpot slung like a wineskin hangs at his wide and he holds a great scroll of paper rolled up in his arm. He appears to be some sort of scribal assistant to the man who has managed to halt you. He speaks to you all in impeccable but oily Tsolyani. After you all begin halting replies, he sneers, interrupting. "Outlanders, eh? Who are you, where do you come from, and who commands your fealty? Eh!? Out with it! Why should not Turgish here enter all of you in the Registry Of Suspicious Persons Dangerous to the August realm of the Petal Throne!? Give me one good reason.." One hand taps the palm of the other and he looks at you with some meaning... At that moment, a strong deep voice interrupts him. "Chanu, what is the trouble here?" All of you turn and see another blue armored legionnaire, but this man, tall and imposing, seems to bear marks and regalia of higher rank. His dragon crested helm is carried under one arm, as if he is not on duty or patrol. He has shoulder length black hair bound in a ponytail. All of you note Chanu and Turgish's sudden apprehension. Chanu says "Kasi' Naratal...I but execute the Emperor's will in being vigilant of suspicious folk entering the harbor...surely you understand...." The Kasi' nods. "Aye, I do. As I understand your first stop after these duties is a certain drinking house where your expenses seem to far exceed the registry of fines you and the Pygmy Folk scribe turn in to your superiors. Perhaps an examination of your records is in order. Hm?" Chanu reddens and bows. "B..but all is in order, Kasi- I assure you, I.." The Kasi' raises his hand. "I believe you Chanu," he says. "But I thought saw a dispute between the harbor master and a Mu'ugalavyani captain over there. Your time is better spent there, I think." Chanu gives a stupid grin, looking both humiliated and relieved all at once. "Of course, Kasi Naratal!" In moments he is gone with the furry scribe. The Kasi -- those of you with any command of the language know it means Captain--walks up to you all. "Greetings, Outlanders," the Captain says. "I am Kasi Drichansa hiNaratal, of the Omnipotent Azure Legion. I wished to spare you Chanu's usual song and dance and any unreasonable delay...or expense. I'm afraid you might discover here that those of far lands visiting the Imperium are not accorded the courtesy and rights of citizens here by many--but Chanu is nevertheless a poor ambassador of our great city and the Empire. I welcome you to Ja'kalla" All of you now note the man, strong as he appears, seems somewhat fatigued. What do you all say to the Captain? GM: I am trying to learn proper accents on this keyboard  |
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Post by dtspurrier1 on May 2, 2023 21:00:21 GMT -6
Mahammad stays quiet and waits for the others response
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Post by scottenkainen on May 3, 2023 18:34:19 GMT -6
((In the past))
N'Rasa stood her ground and prepared her best manly voice to answer the guards if they questioned her. "I was mistaken about what I saw. I am sorry," she would say.
((Oops, there's a page 2 of posts now! I'll post more later.))
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Post by scottenkainen on May 4, 2023 10:07:59 GMT -6
N'Rasa tried a respectful, manly bow. "The gods have not cursed us this day, to send such a noble soldier to welcome us. It is true, we are but poor and humble foreigners, but we have heard that fabled Jak'alla is a city where anyone can become anything. We all possess skills that could serve this city well - if we could but find employment for them..."
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Post by xerxez on May 4, 2023 10:38:26 GMT -6
The Kasī smiles a weary but sincere smile.
He relates that he is tired as he has just finished a night of interrogating prisoners in the Tower of Bones, nodding towards an ominous stone spire rising from behind imposing walls on the northward side of the semi-circle that forms the harbor of Musà Jakálla.
"Not a task I relish," he sighs. "But one has one's duty."
He points towards a knot of soldiers, informing you they will escort you to lodgings.
Before you all go, he offers some advice for getting along in the city:
1. The Word of the Kolumel is as the words of the Gods. If you are commanded by any soldier or official to do anything in His name, obey graciously and promptly. As he rules by Supreme Wisdom, this will not be onerous to you.
2. Don't wander the city precincts beyond the Foreigner Quarters without a soldier or citizen guide, who both give you leave to go with them and are responsible for your actions This precept is not permanent.
3. If any of you don't speak fluent Tsolyáni, let those who do be your spokespersons when dealing with anyone of any status-- there is risk in offending or insulting middle or high clan people in Jakálla, even accidentally through misspeaking.
After filling out some forms that include the vessel of your arrival, your old home, and a few names of those who lead your group, the Kasí sends you to the soldiers.
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Post by dtspurrier1 on May 4, 2023 15:08:58 GMT -6
( ooc: badges we don;t need no stinking badges) Mahammad keeps quiet and listens to the captain's rules. The safety and security of foreigners is a good policy to follow. The word of Kolumel not so much but he will still comply to not get into trouble. He does speak Tsolyani so that helps. Once he gives his name he asks the group, " so were are we staying tonight and how are we dividing up our allowance?"
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Post by scottenkainen on May 6, 2023 18:54:15 GMT -6
((Did I miss a post about an allowance?))
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Post by xerxez on May 6, 2023 19:38:53 GMT -6
You are all escorted by a unit of soldiers away from the harbor and into a winding street which leads past a barracks where you see more lightly armored soldiers, all bearing great longbows.
Some move in and out of the barracks, others stand in conversation, some sit on benches, watching as you pass, some with mild interest.
You pass between two obvious temples. One has a flight of steps flanked by two fearsome demon guardians with curved swords and an arched entrance crowned by a dancing maiden, the second is a small walled complex, its outer garden holding an imposing, lizard headed humanoid bearing a terrible two handed sword.  Charbek and Mohammad's lessons in Tsyolyani included a good deal of exposure to the written language and from the Temple inscriptions you are able to recognize them as belonging to Hirihyal, the Dancing Maiden and Chi'teng, the Reaper of Cities. You also note the large walled complex beyond these Temples, its walls enclosing a number of three and two tiered spires, which denotes it as the Palace of the Priesthood (whatever that means) and another rectangular structure identifiable as the Priestly College of Rerek'tanu.  Soon you have passed out onto a wide avenue that cuts through the heart of the city, lined on either side with variously sized Temples of unique style, color and design. They are the largest structures in Jak'alla, and the avenue is thronged with priests and priestesses, chanting devotees, musical groups, sellers of statuettes and incense, masked revelers, Shen, Pe'choi, you name the species.
As you now walk the Avenue, spellbound by the immensity and age of it all, the various symbols and statues adorning the Temples and the avenue stir emotions and memories of what you do know of the Gods of this land, and definite impressions are made.GM Note: If you have not already done so, you may now choose a Deity (or their Co-hort) from among the Tlomi'tlanyal and their host. If you wish to wait, you may
They are:
HNALLA- Supreme Principle of Good and Master of Light, Foe of Evil.
Cohort: DRA THE UNCARING, Singer of the Hymns of the Gods
KARAKAN- Lord of War, Master of Heroes
Cohort: CHEGARRA Hero-king, Swordsman of Glory
THUMIS-Lord of Wisdom, Knower of Arts, Sage of the Gods.
Cohort- KETENGKU the Many Eyed, Master of Scrolls
AVANTHE-Mistress of Heaven, Wife of Hnalla, Mother of Devotion
Cohort DILINALA-Aid of Lovers, Solace to the Weary
BELKHANU, Lord of the Excellent Dead, Opener of the Gates of Heaven
Cohort-QON- Anceint One of PLeasures, Guardian of the Gates of Hell.
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Post by xerxez on May 6, 2023 22:30:18 GMT -6
((Did I miss a post about an allowance?)) Sorry scottenkainen, allowance for what? Please clarify 🙂 |
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Post by makofan on May 7, 2023 7:21:27 GMT -6
Bálesh will choose (Cohort: CHEGARRA Hero-king, Swordsman of Glory) PS I have no idea what this means!
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Post by scottenkainen on May 7, 2023 19:59:23 GMT -6
((Did I miss a post about an allowance?)) Sorry scottenkainen, allowance for what? Please clarify 🙂 ((See Mohammad's last post.)) |
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Post by scottenkainen on May 7, 2023 20:01:00 GMT -6
N'Rasa did not presume to pick just one patron god. She assumed she would need to beseech all of them to spare her if she was to survive this imposing city!
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Post by xerxez on May 7, 2023 23:05:48 GMT -6
Bálesh will choose (Cohort: CHEGARRA Hero-king, Swordsman of Glory) PS I have no idea what this means! Bálesh might be inclined to choose Chegárra based on past lore he has learned or war deities he has known who now seem distilled to him in the magnificent display of Chegárra's Temple, which dwarfs any shrine or monument the warrior has ever seen back in Nuroáb. Passing by that temple he sees a middle aged bearded, fully armored hero idol. On the Temple steps he sees priests and priestesses wearing red and white chequered robes over armor of silver hue and wearing bronze helms, all armed. While improbable that he might so quickly "choose" a God, it is based more in a strange but firm impression that the sight of Chegárra's Temple and devotees has upon the warrior, stirring past religious discussions and impressions he has had. He undoubtedly has much to learn and feels a desire to visit this Temple at some point.  |
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Post by xerxez on May 7, 2023 23:24:41 GMT -6
N'Rasa did not presume to pick just one patron god. She assumed she would need to beseech all of them to spare her if she was to survive this imposing city! N'Rasa's instincts serve her well. She does note upon first impression that the Tsolyáni people seem very religious and inclined to focus upon the plurality of their deities. The colors, temple ornamentations, and statuary of the Stability temples strike her as visible representations of beauty and the principle of what her people called "good". The Change temples seem more ominous, and carved demonic reliefs and figures most abundant on their architecture, evoking feelings of looking upon "evil". Most abhorrent to her are the decorations of the Temple of Hry'y...there she sees carven images depicting most gruesome scenes and wonders how such depictions can co-exist in public view with the Temples of the Tlolitmányil. |
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Post by tombowings on May 8, 2023 4:16:50 GMT -6
OOC: Sorry I've been so out of it. These last couple weeks have been surprisingly busy for me.
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Post by xerxez on May 8, 2023 11:30:25 GMT -6
OOC: Sorry I've been so out of it. These last couple weeks have been surprisingly busy for me. tombowings - no worries, hope it's a good kind of busy. I might ought to have dispensed with the narrative and jumped right into the more active elements, but I'll go with it for now. Play by Post offers the chance to split the party and sandbox it, I might try that some other time. I've enjoyed the characters you guys have made. 😀 |
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Post by dtspurrier1 on May 8, 2023 14:06:43 GMT -6
(OOC the villagers pooled their money for the boat passage. On arrival at town are the remaining funds being split up/divided up/ our starting cash?)
Mahammad takes in the architecture and church scenery. He does take the time to ask the elders or the group" so we should find a place to stay and possibly rent a house if we stay here longer."
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Post by makofan on May 9, 2023 6:08:15 GMT -6
OOC: Have you calculated what that split would be? Balesh should purchase a sword, if nothing else, and we need money to live
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Post by xerxez on May 9, 2023 19:27:55 GMT -6
 The Nu'roabites have entered the small labyrinth of hostels, shops, and houses that is the Foreigner's Quarters. It is the middle of the day, and quite hot. A cursory inspection of the Tower of the Red Dome reveals a squalid pit of festering filth, large bugs, and riff raff. The smell from the cooking pot nearly turns N'rasa's stomach. You quickly move on and find much better prospects at a walled and gated hostel with a plaque hanging outside that names it The Tower of Traveler's Ease. Bevan speaks with the gateman, who fetches the landlord, an older man who comes out to haggle with the Shaman. They come to terms for the night and he takes a token payment and says he will come for the month's rent tomorrow evening. There is both a store of treasure shared by the group from the sale of your many goods and each of you also has what you have carried as well. The Tower is three stories with a Common hall jutting out from it's base and a triangular shaped courtyard an outer bathhouse. The lowest story opens onto the Common Room, higher rents give access there to partitioned sleeping chambers and a private bath. An exterior stair case permits access to the other stories- your sleeping quarters are a wide open space with curtains for sleeping space partitions, a table, and enough windows to allow what little breeze there is.  "In the morning" says Bevan, "Some of must buy food. We will have to be careful and learn to survive here!" It is a hot night but you have at least reached your destination intact! Morning comes and after a quick breakfast, you begin your first day in Jakalla. What do you do? |
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Post by scottenkainen on May 9, 2023 21:05:02 GMT -6
((I must admit I'm confused about how much money we have. Is our starting gold gone, and all we have is what we earned on the ship?))
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Post by xerxez on May 9, 2023 22:29:18 GMT -6
((I must admit I'm confused about how much money we have. Is our starting gold gone, and all we have is what we earned on the ship?)) I'm sorry, in looking back on the thread I see it was a bit unclear. All of you have your starting gold you had at character creation plus the gold earned on the ship. You also sold items back home to throw into the the common fund for passage and digs, but your personal stash is money you've had from your adult life and is unrelated to the common fund, excepting great need of course. Bevan holds the money in the common fund to help buy community supplies but your gold is yours to equip yourselves or however else you choose to spend it. |
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Post by makofan on May 10, 2023 6:01:35 GMT -6
Basically, Balesh has 40 personal gold, and for now, we are handwaving the communal gold being held by Bevan?
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Post by xerxez on May 10, 2023 14:48:38 GMT -6
Basically, Balesh has 40 personal gold, and for now, we are handwaving the communal gold being held by Bevan? For the moment, yes, Balesh has 40 personal gold. Your actual group size is around 70 persons, mostly non combatants, aged, children, women, a few infirm. Bevan is tasked with using the communal gold to look out for all but if you have good reason it is not unlikely he might agree to give more to our adventuring party. |
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Post by scottenkainen on May 11, 2023 9:43:55 GMT -6
N'Rasa, who was going by N'Ros while still pretending to be a man, decided someone had to speak up.
"We need to buy things we need, but none of us should go out alone. Let's all at least pair up. While we are out, let us keep our ears open for employment opportunities for each other. For me, I can cook, clean, or work minor magics for people."
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Post by dtspurrier1 on May 12, 2023 14:58:59 GMT -6
Mahammad says, " we should equip and get armor and weapons. Then we need to see if this place has a foreign quarter with houses for rent or purchase. "
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Post by scottenkainen on May 13, 2023 17:55:32 GMT -6
N'Rasa laughed. "You're too funny," she said, forgetting to use her manly voice, as they stood in the The Tower of Traveler's Ease hostel they were already renting, in the Foreign Quarter.
She remembered herself and deepened her voice. "Mahammad, you're with me. Everyone else double up. We can meet back here tonight with what we purchased, and any news we picked up. Agreed?"
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Post by makofan on May 14, 2023 6:36:19 GMT -6
Sorry I have been sick. Hopefully I feel well enough tomorrow night to catch up on posts
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 352
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Post by flightcommander on May 14, 2023 18:49:00 GMT -6
(OOC: Also sick, and catching up on work for a bit. Back in the saddle!)
Mi'kímu doesn't recognize his own deity Iona'ala, goddess of fresh trade winds, in any of the local shrines and temples. He'll keep looking. He shudders at the thought of locating a shrine to Iona'ala's consort Peka'lá, goddess of lava, which he would have to honor if present.
In the meantime, he chooses to find work for those of his tribe that he can, while looking for riskier jobs he might pick up, or introduce to his rougher companions. And if he can relocate Fi'ru that might help — anyone with local knowledge could be a good ally, and anybody good with a shiv (or open to learning!) could be a good net-mender. He decides to expend up to three of these silly foreign coins to locate Fi'ru.
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Post by xerxez on May 15, 2023 5:03:38 GMT -6
🙂((Just giving everyone time to post and no worries, makofan and flightcommander get well. My mother was up for the weekend from out of state and I am seeing her to the plane tomorrow so I've been busy myself.))
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