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Post by makofan on Jul 18, 2024 7:24:37 GMT -6
xerxez What does Bálesh know about the wearing of masks that hide the face?
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Post by xerxez on Jul 18, 2024 7:46:42 GMT -6
xerxez What does Bálesh know about the wearing of masks that hide the face? Back home certain ceremonies called for masked dancers. In Jakalla, Balesh saw priestly figures wearing masks in public...their robes were of black and the masks were silver grinning faces. Otherwise, it seems uncustomary and could be an individual choice here.
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Post by Tor'ku on Jul 18, 2024 21:59:57 GMT -6
Tor’ku bows gravely to Amiyala.
“To meet a friend so far from home is indeed a favorable omen. Many greetings, Amiyala of the Emerald Girdle. On behalf of my clan, I wish blessings and glory upon you. Indeed, Javak hil emma is dearly known to me. It is he, along with Hargai hiSkmra, who taught me the art of calligraphy!
I myself am trained in the poetic art, though my verse has yet to grace the eyes of any outside my clan house. It was my instructor, Mejjai hiAigo, who first exposed me to the beauty that written word could express. It was he, also, who instilled in me a reverence for Kentengku, the Many Eyed. Surely all four of his faces look down with favor on this day.”
Turning, Tor’ku politely lowers his head towards Mi'kímu, Mohommad, and Balesh.
“Though I tremble to blur the lines of propriety, I would ask what purpose has driven you to these far roads?”
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Post by makofan on Jul 19, 2024 6:05:22 GMT -6
Bálesh has been bewildered by all the strange customs he has seen since leaving home, and generally tries to keep his mouth shut so as not to expose his lack of sophistication in this strange new world. He waits for others to speak.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 24, 2024 12:30:33 GMT -6
Mi’kimu hesitates to divulge any details about their mission, and can’t concoct a decent alibi quickly. He waits for Wise Sister or F’sal to chime in on that matter.
In the meantime he replies with a question — “This mask you wear is intriguing! Is it worn at all times, or perhaps only during daylight?”
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Post by xerxez on Jul 28, 2024 22:12:43 GMT -6
I make apology for being absent.As the conversation with the Iron Plume scribe and the Nuroabites continues, Amiyala dismisses herself for a moment. "The spring which feeds this fountain flows out through that hole behind the shrine," she says. "Perhaps it nourishes water flowers back there. Such flowers are especially sacred to Avanthe- I will see. Come , Doshi." The Renyu follows her. "I will go with you, Lady," rumbles the Shen, his glittering reptile's eyes sizing up the Tsolyani man in the mask. ![](https://st.depositphotos.com/50125584/54109/i/450/depositphotos_541093360-stock-photo-beautiful-water-lily-flower-purple.jpg)
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Post by Tor'ku on Jul 29, 2024 18:41:27 GMT -6
Tor'ku dips his head towards Amiyala and the shen as they exit the chamber before turning to the others.
"The red eye you see on my forehead is the symbol of the all-knowing, omnipotently wise Kentengku. Silver would be more appropriate, but my teachers would allow me only red ink."
The latter sentence contains sad amusement in it's tone.
"I know this lacquered visage is outlandish. Some may call it profane, for I am no certainly no priest. It's purpose is simple, however.
When I was a young boy, I was stricken with an affliction both rare and cruel. This sickness ravaged my body, twisting sinew and ravaging flesh. Many physicians were sought to either diagnose or cure me of this torment. After many weeks, a healer unknown to us in Jakalla visited me. It isn't known by what means he halted the disease. He did not seem to be of the priestly orders, nor do I recall incantations of any sort. He was heavily robed, his face obscured by a veil. My only memory is of a silvery hand, cold as precious iron against my fevered skin. He refused any payment, left, and was never seen again. I was healed.
Many in my clan thought it better that I would have died. Though the sickness seemed removed, my body was withered. My skin had been eaten away in certain places, and it was doubted that my life would have any worth. But the lesions healed. I regained strength, and was able to walk again with the help of a staff. My eyes were strong, my fingers still nimble. My mind was bright. My face, however, was hideously scarred. The other children were frightened of me. Some of the elders, too.
I made it a habit to stay out of sight. I fell in love with the scroll we preserved and copied. I spent my every waking moment reading, copying, illustrating, and writing. I sought beauty in poems and sculpture, perhaps to escape the monstrosity that I had become. Over time, the other children left me alone. My elders saw my potential, and began to train me up in our glorious and honorable traditions. Now, a man in full, I serve my clan as it wills.
I am proud of my clan. I know my work is of high quality, and my knowledge is broad. I seek to travel our empire, and to preserve on our scrolls its majesty. I also know, however, that my face is frightening in aspect. Thus, the mask."
Tor'ku gathers his robes around himself, awaiting any response.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 29, 2024 23:41:22 GMT -6
"The scars we earn are priceless, and yours bring no shame to you, Tor'ku! But wear the mask as you will."
Mi’kimu feels a bit free with information. "Our group seeks a place known as 'Lost Sun'. Perhaps you know of it, or would learn of it. In either case, you are welcome to travel with us, at your peril."
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Post by makofan on Jul 30, 2024 6:09:09 GMT -6
"Your fortitude is a shining example to us all" says Bálesh, with respect
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Post by xerxez on Jul 30, 2024 18:01:00 GMT -6
As the strangers meet and have their discourse, Mi'kimu and Balesh both notice the image of the Triple Goddess...Virgin, Mother and Crone...in relief upon the temple wall.
In the carved face of the Crone is an aspect that stirs some amazement and consternation.. for the carving bears a distinct resemblance to a woman both have seen..the strange old woman met upon Jaklla's streets as a beggar and in the Salarv'yani port as the woman by the statue of Shirin'gayi, that nation's Mother Goddess.
As they ponder this, Amiyala returns with a bounty of water flowers.
These she lays upon an altar, and then recites a prayer to Avanthe.
"O Avanthe, Great Mother of Light, Wife of H'nalla, the God of Light... it is you who illumines the soul of your husband, comforts him, gives him courage, and by this inspiration brings warmth and clear vision. Shine thy light upon our path and show us our way. May we walk in your love and light and bear the protection of you and your husband."
After her recital, a palpable presence seems to permeate the Shrine...
The Shen waits a moment to allow the solemnity of the moment its weight... then he speaks.
"Behind the Shrine there seems to be a path. Worn stones lead to an archway which stands against the jungle. It leads away from our road. It is very old."
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Post by Tor'ku on Jul 30, 2024 20:35:32 GMT -6
"You honor me with your words, both.
I do not know of this "Lost Sun". I have only recently begun my expedition, but the scope of my commission allows me wide latitude in its service. I would be honored to travel alongside you all."
After Amiyala's prayer, Tor'ku gathers a small travel pack from the corner of the room.
"I will go by the path the group chooses, be it road or trail. I do confess, however, that the way found by my esteemed clan-friend calls to me. I would see where it leads."
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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Post by flightcommander on Jul 31, 2024 21:45:29 GMT -6
Mi’kimu asks the Shen to show him the path and the archway.
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Post by xerxez on Aug 1, 2024 4:30:25 GMT -6
The party quits the cooler sanctuary of the shrine and walks around to its rear, away from the road. The Ahoggya and the bond servants lift their gear and follow, curious. Behind the shrine is a series of stepped stone pools fed by the wellspring and filled with water flowers and lily pads and a few frog like creatures and small fish. A worn stone pathway, no longer even but half claimed by the marshes, leads off into a natural clearing quite some distance where a stone ruin of an old archway stands as if an entrance to thicker jungle. Upon approaching it, Balesh is startled to recognize it...for he saw it in his dream back in the village! (continued below) ![](https://images.rawpixel.com/image_png_800/cHJpdmF0ZS9sci9pbWFnZXMvd2Vic2l0ZS8yMDI0LTA2L3N0YXJ0dXBpbWFnZXNfcGhvdG9fb2ZfYV9jcmFja2VkX2NsYXNzaWNfYXJjaF9zbWFsbF9jb2xvcmZ1bF9zcF85NmNiYTRkNi1jYThmLTRlYTgtYTgyOS1lZTE1ZWM3ZDE3NWIucG5n.png) He suddenly knows something of the path beyond it...if it is the path in his dream. He recalls a great pit somewhere beyond, and remembers a gleaming metal face. Somehow, he feels urged onward by some strange memory.
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Post by makofan on Aug 1, 2024 6:10:44 GMT -6
"We must enter, but beware" says Bálesh. "I have seen a black pit, and a metal face, in my dreams"
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Post by Tor'ku on Aug 1, 2024 8:00:53 GMT -6
Tor’ku takes in the scene before him, committing to memory every detail for his records. Excitement and apprehension are mingled in his heart.
“These dreams seem an ominous omen. Are we led by the gods on this mission?”
He has stepped into one of the stories of his youth. Strangers on the road. Ancient paths leading to uncertain destinations. Symbols hidden in dreams.
“What knowledge do you have about Lost Sun? What do you hope to find there?”
He tightens his belt and readies himself for the impending trek.
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Post by xerxez on Aug 1, 2024 11:31:11 GMT -6
As Torku inquires of Lost Sun, the party continues on and reaches the arch. The stone path continues beyond it until you pass into deep jungle...a colorful green bird is startled and flies into the trees which hang heavy with vines. Soon you have passed into the trees which grow taller and taller. Soon you come to a turn and coming around it are startled to see a mossy stair ascending, flanked by ancient stone guardian stones carved in the likeness of Serudla dragons. You hear the sound of water again(continued below) ![](https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/storage/articles/img-165829901062d7a282c32ed.jpeg) Passing onto its step you cross a bridge that is still mostly intact, wondering who built it since it is not in the style of the Imperium or the Ahoggya. The bridge spans a splashing river. Once you've passed the river the path continues into thick greenery and ends in a small glade where an old build rises from the forest floor, looking quite ancient. A dark doorway beckons.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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Post by flightcommander on Aug 7, 2024 0:24:01 GMT -6
Mi'kimu looks to his companions and nods his head toward the doorway.
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Post by Tor'ku on Aug 7, 2024 20:05:42 GMT -6
As they pass along the trail, Tor’ku’s heart beats quicker. For the first time in his life, he away from the ordered streets and comforts of city life. The sounds of nature are foreign to him, menacing and enticing in equal measure. He grasps his staff more firmly, prepared for whatever may lurk in the shadowed overgrowth.
He slows as they approach the bridge.
“I have seen depictions of these creatures in our scrolls. It is rumored that some have been trained to use swords.”
He studies the carved stone of both the statues and the entrance of the mysterious building, searching for any inscription or mark that would indicate its origin.
At Mi’kimu’s word, Tor’ku produces a small lantern from his pack. He lights it.
“It will be a welcomed change to illuminate something besides old scrolls. I am not a warrior, nor a leader of this expedition, but I will walk with those who are and light the way.”
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
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Post by flightcommander on Aug 7, 2024 20:41:59 GMT -6
[OOC — do posts in the "Online Games" forum not count towards a user's posts? I note that Tor'ku has 0 posts although he has clearly posted, since I am replying to one of his posts!] With Tor’ku's lamplight behind him, Mi'kimu raises his shield, under-carries his spear, and stirs Balesh [ makofan] and the Shen to follow as closely as possible. We will proceed slowly, no further than 20 feet, but stopping at the first obstacle or curiosity.
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Post by makofan on Aug 8, 2024 6:06:42 GMT -6
I am on vacation with no computer access for the next few days. I will probably next check in on Monday Aug 12. Balesh will be happy to take the lead and support the group as needed
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Post by xerxez on Aug 8, 2024 19:46:47 GMT -6
F'sal the merchant nods. "Exploration of this place would be good. If we are led here by some providence of your Tlomitlánya then perhaps we will be more, and not less likely to find our true path by making time. Porters, lay down our supplies and rest a moment, drink water. I will sit in the entrance and await any word or signal for help or return." The bond servants comply. Karunaz the Livyani warrior joins Torku, Balesh and Mi'kimu and the Shen, as does Amiyala. "Doshi, we need your ears...follow behind us as a distance so that if we should raise any alarm you can alert F'sal." She takes her chainmail huberk from her pack and dons it and her helm. Gas Belly grunts to his companions and you gather he has told them to stay with the porters and F'sal, turns and grins at his companions- he too will go in. Ha'vor, the nakome slave, steps forward. "I too am willing to go in, if my lords permit. I can fight with knife or spear." Karunaz looks at F'sal, then his companions. "What say you...yes, no? It was discussed previously." Firu looks at the ominous door way. "Well, Master, here we are like M'nor crawling into burrows again. After that black Tomb we last crawled under I'd hoped never to be confined in such cramped paths ever again! There can't be anything good waiting under this hill." flightcommander What is your marching order (I prefer to let a warrior PC make that choice than Karunaz, even if that would be slightly more likely)-and do you take Ha'vor?
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flightcommander
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Post by flightcommander on Aug 10, 2024 14:39:16 GMT -6
Assuming there is enough space for two abreast, I'd say Bálesh [ makofan] and the Shen in front, with Tor'ku [ Tor'ku] and Mi'kimu close behind. Mi'kimu would prefer Gas Belly to follow in the third rank, since being more knowledgable about this land and its legends than we do, he might provide insights about anything we come across, and could quickly get to the front line as needed. Perhaps Karunaz and Amiyala can act as triarii and press from the rear if we come to blows with an enemy; either of them might need to provide additional light in the meantime. Mi'kimu puts Fi'ru in command of Do'shi and Ha'vor in the final ranks. He impresses on them that they'll need to support the front-line fighters in a pinch but also mind the rear flank and make sure Do'shi, trailing behind as an emergency messenger, remains safe. (Amiyala might prefer an alternate placement for Do'shi, which Mi'kimu would deferentially accept without question.) I'd say let's proceed carefully until we come to 5 or ten paces, unless something of interest should halt our progress. [OOC — Super busy week coming up, my posting may be sporadic, but again I will be reading along and will reply to import posts asap!]
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Post by Tor'ku on Aug 10, 2024 20:43:52 GMT -6
Tor'ku will take the his place in the 2nd row, next to Mi'kimu
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Post by xerxez on Aug 12, 2024 18:30:45 GMT -6
Upon lighting torches and peering into the open passage, you see the jungle growth has somewhat obscured it and reached inside a bit. This easily cleared you can enter two abreast and discover soon the passageway becomes quite enormous. Water pools here and there on the floor from tiny streaming tendrils of moisture seeping in from the mound above. There is the occasional sound of droplets from the roof landing in the scattered puddles. Doshi is safe enough as long as the passage remains straight with no other doorways or tunnels- he is following within sight at any event. All is rough hewn stone. No ornamentation or signs of statuary. Soon the light of the day is left behind and you are illumined in the glow of the firelight. You travel the passage for two hundred feet when up ahead, you see the way blocked with fallen stone. It becomes apparent there is worked stone forming another door way at this point but the earth has given way at some point and left a jumble of dirt and square stones of various sizes from the roof piled up within it. Thrusting your torches over the pile, you see gaps in the stones and a void beyond, which maybe a chamber of some kind. You will get no further until the rubble is cleared. ![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXKtRIPRLOtj-GFjr8zLZ8HXf9tM67z_XzFw&s)
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flightcommander
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
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Post by flightcommander on Aug 12, 2024 22:14:19 GMT -6
Mi'kimu first checks with those to the rear that they are all ok, especially Doshi. Then he assesses the rubble. Any idea how long it might take to clear?
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Post by xerxez on Aug 13, 2024 13:17:25 GMT -6
Mi'kimu first checks with those to the rear that they are all ok, especially Doshi. Then he assesses the rubble. Any idea how long it might take to clear? An hour at most, probably less. Some stones are heavy but your party working in concert can certainly shift them.
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flightcommander
Level 6 Magician
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
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Post by flightcommander on Aug 17, 2024 19:02:27 GMT -6
Mi'kimu suggests we proceed with clearing the rubble. We'll need to keep someone, perhaps Doshi and Ha'vor, on watch.
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Post by xerxez on Aug 19, 2024 20:02:51 GMT -6
I am sorry for not posting, work stuff. I'm going to bed in a minute- I will update tomorrow. Thanks for sticking around!
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Post by xerxez on Aug 20, 2024 18:54:12 GMT -6
The party has mostly cleared the tumbled stones away, revealing a circular chamber beyond. Just as you are moving the last stones, there is a rumble and the passage shakes. A shower of smaller but heavy stones falls from the roof at the passage end as well as just inside the chamber. Many of you are hit with falling rock. To determine who is and who is not, roll 2d6 and post your results. I will roll 2d6 and if you get a matching number you avoid taking d6 damage.![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQZH94SNzX_C79fLJo45VmMSo5zzkIKDCu7Pw&s)
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flightcommander
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"I become drunk as circumstances dictate."
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Post by flightcommander on Aug 20, 2024 20:00:50 GMT -6
I rolled a 3 for Mi’kimu.
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