|
Post by makofan on Apr 14, 2024 15:27:19 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. Impressed by this insight, Balesh donates a Kaitar
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 22:15:02 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). "I value this shell above all coin or gem," she says. "A gift from the sea, sometimes given upon funereal mounds to procure safe passage for the dead to the Blessed Isles, sometimes used as dice in games of chance by those who seek fortune. I thank you, my son. The blessings of the Mother surely go with you..." She then bows her head and begins a song in the tongue of Tsolyani, a benediction of sorts. Amiyala is transfixed and has become quite serious. She fishes coins from her purse to lay in the laver but also sets therein the feather of the beautiful bird she was given by Tekar. She says nothing but bows to the woman and passes on.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 22:26:02 GMT -6
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. Impressed by this insight, Balesh donates a Kaitar As his coin sounds within the laver, the old woman looks up at him, smiling with approval. Balesh suddeny has a fleeting memory of the time he touched the orb in the Prince's tomb...and the strange visions that came from that, but they are gone as quickly as they came.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 22:43:29 GMT -6
The encounter with the old woman fresh in your mind, you take leave of her and walk to the end of the cliff street to the tea house.
There is a stone porch, arched windows glowing with lamp light from within, and the scent of spices and hot tea wafting out.
A flute softly begins inside.
As you enter, you see a half oval shaped room, with the flat side being the place from which you entered.
A beautiful young woman sits beside a hearth, playing her flute. Her melody is one of longing, melancholic but not wholly sad, like a remembered song of childhood.
Each note falls as a drop of rain in the forest..her skill is evident but is her song which immediately sets you at ease and rest, along with the pleasant aromas of the tea house.
There are six tables and a bar of sorts, with a door behind the bar on the left side of the room.
Small fires burn behind the bar upon which tea kettles steam.
Fresh mints, spice herbs and other plants hang from the ceiling.
Behind the bar is a Pe Choi... a graceful six limb being with motions as of a butterfly tending the steaming pots. It's chitinous black body gleams in the lamplight.
Only two tables (six chairs each) are occupied.
At one table sits a man in soldier's gear, alone and sipping his tea as a candle burns upon his table.
At another table sits an old man in robes, also enjoying his tea.
In a corner of the tea house, upon a perch, rests a beautiful green bird, its head tucked behind its wings as it grooms itself.
What do you say or do?
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 14, 2024 23:11:28 GMT -6
This music is somewhat like what the girl sounds upon her flute in the tea house...
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Apr 15, 2024 21:37:47 GMT -6
"We are a large group. Perhaps we should sit apart from these quiet, solitary patrons, and speak softly among ourselves. But I know not how to order tea — perhaps we just take a seat?" Mi'kímu politely gestures to the impressive Pe Choi, as if to ask, "should we seat ourselves?"
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 18, 2024 18:45:31 GMT -6
The Pe Choi turns with a fluid movement and flutter of limbs, moving towards you with as graceful a bow as its strange anatomy permits. He addresses you in Tsol'yani. "Honored ones, welcome to the tea house of H'kit, he who now attends you. I am honored to see you to your table." He leads you to a low table and all of you remain standing until Mistress Amiyala is seated upon the plush mats. All of you join her as Bak Suul hands lays 5 Kaitar in a cup he then covers, as is customary in this land. In his husky voice he says: "Worthy Master, fine tea we seek...and all the table spices you have." H'kit bows again and hurries away, leaving the cup of coins, knowing if good service is given more will be added. Soon you have all sat in customary silence for the first small cup of tea--its warmth and flavor seem enchanted as you begin to feel the rigors of the boat and the sea fall from your shoulders and the warm flute music flowing around you like a mist. MOHAMMAD takes notice of the flutist, who has noticed his striking handsomeness, it is evident. She blushes as he looks up at her but never fails a note. Soon the conversation begins. All are polite and allow the Mistress to speak first. MISTRESS AMIYALA: " Bak Suul, I am grateful for your hospitality. Tekar, I know of your fame. Your clan is held in honor as is your brave legion. Perhaps you have aspirations in the Military Party? When your service is done or even before would have you dreams of rising in more political means of serving the Petal Throne? And you Nuroabites--what is your hopes in the Empire? Do you dream of one day gaining admittance to a Clan, having first obtained Imperial citizenship, of course?"
|
|
|
Post by dtspurrier1 on Apr 19, 2024 17:53:00 GMT -6
Mohammad smiles at the flutist. He waits for the others to take charge of the conversation.
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Apr 23, 2024 23:24:51 GMT -6
Sipping his tea, Mi'kímu settles into his seat and relaxes deeply. He nevertheless notices, over the rim of his cup, the furtive glance exchanged between Mohammad and the flutist. Ah well — in any case, now that Mistress Amiyala has spoken, he responds to her prompt.
"For myself, Wise Sister, I seek first the well-being of my kinfolk. I hope to achieve this by deeds of courage — but also by acts of community and friendship. Such activities, I hope, will help cultivate a solid reputation for members of our tribe, and also someday earn me not only Imperial citizenship, but an honored place among 'the village of my peers', as we Nuroabite sailors say.
"Beyond that, who can say? Tomorrow looms."
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Apr 24, 2024 6:16:49 GMT -6
Bálesh says "For me, this is a journey to see the world, and what my place could be in it. But I will never forget the people I have come with"
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 19:13:42 GMT -6
Mohammad smiles at the flutist. He waits for the others to take charge of the conversation. She appears quite pleased at Mohammad's smile and shifts upon her stool to begin a new song, seeming to face directly towards the priest, though her poise remains modest. Mohammad has a 92 Comeliness score and for fun I had rolled upon the reaction table and the results were quite good.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:17:50 GMT -6
Sipping his tea, Mi'kímu settles into his seat and relaxes deeply. He nevertheless notices, over the rim of his cup, the furtive glance exchanged between Mohammad and the flutist. Ah well — in any case, now that Mistress Amiyala has spoken, he responds to her prompt. "For myself, Wise Sister, I seek first the well-being of my kinfolk. I hope to achieve this by deeds of courage — but also by acts of community and friendship. Such activities, I hope, will help cultivate a solid reputation for members of our tribe, and also someday earn me not only Imperial citizenship, but an honored place among 'the village of my peers', as we Nuroabite sailors say. "Beyond that, who can say? Tomorrow looms." The tea is perhaps the most delicious that Mi'kimu has ever sipped and he finds the Pe Choi tea room to be perhaps the most soothing and welcoming place he has yet visited in this strange new world so far from the jungles of Nuroab. Though he wonders how fare those who could not leave, he knows his brothers and sisters he speaks of need him here, and strangely, although his childhood was one of oneness with the forest, he feels content to leave that world behind, for in spite of himself and his "barbarian" upbringing, as these folk might see it, he has become somewhat awed, albeit often with alarm, in the ways of civilization. He remembers when he beheld the few scattered stone buildings of a Liv'yanu fortress and settlement on the coast back home and thought it the most impressive thing he'd ever seen out of the forest...now, having seen Jakalla and this astonishing port city, those memories seem to him like looking upon a tiny pile of rocks. AMIYALA : "Your words are fitly spoken, tus'mi'simu"...(Mi'kimu struggles to recall the word and remembers it refers to one as "You of Wide Journeying"). "In the Five Empires, such bonds are held as the highest duty and blessing. We Tsol'yani are not tribal, but we feel for our clan that same obligation and devotion. This regard you hold, and the courage you have shown, along with that of your friends and brothers, will never permit me again to regard the southern continent as land of barbarians, a customary opinion in our society. Citizenship is a worthy goal but for those of na'kome status, clanless, it amounts to little more than a right to travel the Empire freely and perhaps own property, where one has the wealth to do so, but life would be an unending struggle unless someday your people might find acceptance in a clan. No clan would ever take a non citizen, so one must attain that first. Aside from that and other qualifications, which amount mostly to manners and conduct and to some degree, successful endeavor, joining a clan is a matter of gold. Wealth is the lifeblood of any clan, however poor or rich, for by it the clan members are sustained. A clan will take care of you and yours from birth until death and you will find help, rest and succor anywhere there is a clan house or clan member. Lower clans are the most eager for new blood and it is relatively an inexpensive matter. Middle and middle higher clans require more gold and more qualifications. High clans and Imperial related clans are beyond access to all but the wealthiest and most lauded newcomers, while the clan of T'loktani, the Petal Throne line, is forever sealed and barred to all without. While rare, it is not unknown for na'kome foreigners to be awarded clan acceptance for meritorious deeds, though it requires an Imperial writ of sanction. But in any event, know that in most cases, religion plays an important role, and sometimes skills and profession, like your sailor skills. Most foreigners find a Temple in the Empire that most closely aligns with their spiritual understanding and become devoted to it. Tsolanyu clans do not room for beliefs that lie outside of Pavar's Pantheon, even if sympathetic to them. If I can help you and your people by any means, I will do so, for you have behaved with honor and you and Balesh, Mohammad, the others...they would be a credit to the Empire." KARUNAZ: Sipping his tea "All true. There are some differences among the Five Empires but most of what Mistress says holds true in all civilized lands. But don't forget (he grins at her)...Liv'yanu may not have the Petal Throne but it is also a great and noble realm. Though you don't speak a word of our tongue! Ha! I can imagine you Nuroabites causing a scene back home!"
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:32:56 GMT -6
Bálesh says "For me, this is a journey to see the world, and what my place could be in it. But I will never forget the people I have come with" Bak Suul the Shen gives a rumble of approval and sets a scaly hand on Balesh's shoulder that feels as though he had suddenly had a piece of iron set on him. "This scar I carry from your jungle cat brother will not let me forget them either!" he says. "So far you've seen the world, though the best part of it, Glorious Shen'yu, you have not. Someday little man you go with me there! You will be a guest of Bak Suul and my Egg Mothers and Fathers will not eat you, I promise. Now, though, we sail for the world's end...don't tell Gas Belly I said it, only because he's our guide there, but if there is an armpit of Te'kumel, I've heard it's the Ahoggya lands! I knew a sailor who went there once and he carried a special jelly to smear under his nose whenever he entered their common halls. And the whole land is a land of fierce beasts and no civilization at all...stick by me, though. This tea we drink again on the return voyage."
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:42:11 GMT -6
I have been remiss in updating XP and Character sheets, begging pardon, I will address that in the coming days if the world doesn't end first
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 26, 2024 20:53:07 GMT -6
By the way, I should edit Amiyala's words about clans and non-citizens, I do remember reading some source material where clan members in good standing in other empires can join Tsolyani clans of a related profession and I presume they would receive citizenship upon such membership acceptance, so in that case, non-citizens can apply for clan membership.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 28, 2024 15:03:04 GMT -6
This is the Street of the Red Dancers in the terraced Undercity of Chame'el with a view of our heroes through the window of the tea house. If you were to walk from the door to the balcony wall you would be looking down upon the harbor inside the hollow mountain (for lack of a better term) and over the cliff walls you would behold distant mountains. You would also be able to take in the other terraced streets along the cliff walls and above you see the imposing walls of the Overcity looming down at you. You can see voluptuous Shirin'gayi and beyond her pedestal is a hidden garden full of trees, flowers, foliage and water spouts--the garden you would have noted in your interaction with the old woman at the idol's feet, it extends into a crevice with some wider space beyond. I hope this helps you to have a better idea
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Apr 28, 2024 23:14:12 GMT -6
[OOC — as always, the illustrations are so great! From your descriptions I'd pictured something very similar, but also a little different, at least in general layout. And I was just thinking this afternoon, I'd love to see a sketch of this scene — love it!]
|
|
flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
Posts: 370
|
Post by flightcommander on Apr 28, 2024 23:16:51 GMT -6
Mi'kímu turns to Amiyala. "Thank you, Wise Sister — I had not appreciated the importance of joining a clan to myself and my tribe. Your words will guide my next steps in this land so strange to me.
"Speaking of strange lands ... these Ahoggyá ... I must find a way to honor them beyond committing an indecency for their amusement, or sending them to a compost-pile while we relax with tea and sweet-meats, and this enchanting music. As Bak-Suul says, we will come to rely on them greatly in the coming days, and for myself, I have a respect, and even a strange fondness for them. I'll have them a gift before we depart — perhaps I will stay awake all night, and at the dawn purchase a fine squid for each of them down at the docks. And then I shall sleep, while they eat, la!"
Here Mi'kímu peers out the window, down the dizzying heights and maze-like terraces to the harbor far below. The ruby glow of the many lanterns that adorn the vast balconies and terraces makes it difficult for him to identify any wet markets down there at the water's edge ...
"Fi'ru: tonight, for a time, the student is the master. I am lost here; before dawn I will need you to guide me to a decent fishmonger. On the way, I could share a couplet from my latest journey-song ... and perhaps you could share a thought as well."
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 29, 2024 14:55:54 GMT -6
[OOC — as always, the illustrations are so great! From your descriptions I'd pictured something very similar, but also a little different, at least in general layout. And I was just thinking this afternoon, I'd love to see a sketch of this scene — love it!] Thank you! My work schedule hasn't left me with a lot of energy to draw lately but I will attempt a rough sketch here and there!
|
|
|
Post by dtspurrier1 on Apr 29, 2024 21:02:48 GMT -6
Mohammad does his best to try to talk to the singer one on one after the song. He is impressed by this bard.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 30, 2024 20:34:18 GMT -6
Mi'kímu turns to Amiyala. "Thank you, Wise Sister — I had not appreciated the importance of joining a clan to myself and my tribe. Your words will guide my next steps in this land so strange to me. "Speaking of strange lands ... these Ahoggyá ... I must find a way to honor them beyond committing an indecency for their amusement, or sending them to a compost-pile while we relax with tea and sweet-meats, and this enchanting music. As Bak-Suul says, we will come to rely on them greatly in the coming days, and for myself, I have a respect, and even a strange fondness for them. I'll have them a gift before we depart — perhaps I will stay awake all night, and at the dawn purchase a fine squid for each of them down at the docks. And then I shall sleep, while they eat, la!" Here Mi'kímu peers out the window, down the dizzying heights and maze-like terraces to the harbor far below. The ruby glow of the many lanterns that adorn the vast balconies and terraces makes it difficult for him to identify any wet markets down there at the water's edge ... "Fi'ru: tonight, for a time, the student is the master. I am lost here; before dawn I will need you to guide me to a decent fishmonger. On the way, I could share a couplet from my latest journey-song ... and perhaps you could share a thought as well." Amiyala smiles and pushes a dish of sweets towards her Ren'yu companion. "Of course, Warrior Mi'kimu," she says. "A final thought on the matter- once one is a citizen, whether na'kome or no, it is possible to join mercenary ranks led by the Imperial Legions, and sometimes, through rising there, either gold or awarded merits can lead more quickly to finding a place in a clan for hopeful foreigners. Yet somehow I do not see you or Balesh and your good priest as doing mercenary duty...it seems you would fight only for a cause you believe in." After this Mi'kimiu has his word with Fi'ru. FI'RU: "I know many such stalls, Master. I grew up here in the Undercity during my early childhood. It's alleys and streets are my earliest memories. It has only been three years ago that I managed a place on a ship bound for Jakalla. I had one benefactor here to whom I owe my life...I don't know if she is still here. She was a mother to me of sorts. Yes, I would enjoy a walk along the fish market...its smells remain a pleasant memory. My heart is deep with memories and thoughts..." BAK SUUL:"Walk beside you I will, if you wish. Safe it seems here but there is blood in the stones of these walkways. Up to you. Otherwise I go back to the boat. You are wise to respect the Hairy Ones, Jungle Cat. Even in Shen'yu, we own that they are, after us Shen, the best warriors. The Leaf Eaters are fierce as well when roused, but these ugly ones seem as bred to battle as a S'ro Dragon and ready at a moment's notice. Hard to muster as troops but let battle begin and they leave a carnage such as would glut a M'nor." The tea sitting carries on until all have had fill and Karunaz offers to escort Mistress Amiyala and the Ren'yu back to the boat so that the others who wish may walk the market stalls. The Pe Choi and his family appear and with many bows clear away your table and welcome you back if ever again you come this way.
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on Apr 30, 2024 20:36:54 GMT -6
Mohammad does his best to try to talk to the singer one on one after the song. He is impressed by this bard. As the table is cleared away by the Pe Choi folk, and the partys rises, considerably refreshed, Mohammad makes his way to the lady with the flute. As he approaches, she bows her head abashedly. What does he say to her?
|
|
|
Post by dtspurrier1 on May 2, 2024 22:23:15 GMT -6
Mohammad smiles and says, " that was excellently played your skill with the flute is amazing. Your voice is amazing too. I would like to learn about how you were trained and where you are from."
|
|
|
Post by xerxez on May 3, 2024 22:29:14 GMT -6
Mohammad smiles and says, " that was excellently played your skill with the flute is amazing. Your voice is amazing too. I would like to learn about how you were trained and where you are from." Blushing again, she combs away a strand of her hair and bows in her seat to the priest. "Many thanks, Priestly Master. I was born into the Clan of White Flowers. We are artisans and musicians... some are dancers and courtesans as well. My mother was part of a traveling troupe and once danced in Bey Su, the Tsolyani Imperial City where lives the Emperor of the Petal Throne. She paid for my lessons under several noted masters. I have played for royal assemblages here in Salar'vya, but this suits me now. These Pe Choi are members of our clan and the tea house operates under the auspices of the White Flowers Clan. I enjoy this tea room and its hearth, and the smell of the sea and the many travelers it brings to our city."
|
|