Session 11 - "violence for violence is the rule of beasts"
General Summary
Last time, on Strength of Thousands:Their work at the Tree Stump Library finished, the Anteater Cohort returned to Takulu Ot to turn over the asked-for books—and ask for answers. Takulu was glad to find his books, but… complicated when the heroes brought up the burned shadow they found in the spare room. Certain that it was Musarasa Kuende, a contemporary of his who had been expelled from the Magaambya for killing pugwampis, Takulu told the heroes his story in its entirety—about the Knights of Abendego, Abaddon, and Adira’s parents’ involvement. Come night, Nahara Zinnia visited her daughter to quell her fears. For the first time in a long time, Nymeria dreamed of nothing. Orvin dreamed of a strange window. And, still awake, Rubina spoke to Mariama who wanted nothing more than to be a strong person that others could rely on, and so she sought out the closest one she knew. Time passed. Another three months. Secrets were uncovered (to be covered at a later date), and soon, winter—and Winter Week—and then Crystalhue were upon us. As the semester ended, everyone was pleased (ish!) with their academic progress, and spent a great deal of time bonding over Crystalhue gifts and favors, talking far, far after the session was supposed to end. :)We now come upon Longnight, the first night of the new year, and the Starday Tournament...
The campus is till decorated as well as Nantambu with crystalhue lights. However the space is filling with pedestrians, neighbors, frineds, family. All talking, united, with the goal of seeing the sunrise of the new year together.
wooden posts are being hammered down to create an arena out in the training fields. shapes in tarps are being directed to hide in tree tops not far from the arena. Some students attempting to do some reconaissance. Many stalls are present. Folded paper lanterns, dancing dolls.
In the Spire dorm Mariama and Ignaci went door to door to make sure everyone's lights could change color. Everyone has the hope to beat Maficka's challenges to win his prize, as well as recognition from the strong individual.
Anchor Root "playing" with Strands's kids. Haibram lashing together a kite. Chizire making a brew and testing it with Okuro.
Haibram reports that he thinks that the test will be rather straight forward and will likely be a test of skill.
And the party! Rubina keeping an eye on Anchor root to make sure she isn't in any real danger. Adira is in her room, and attempting to brush up on all of her lessons for the past 6 months more or less. Muttering to herself and locked tf in. Orvin jus chilling! Eshe approaches and requests Orvin to meet with them in their room. The two do so, with Eshe asking questions about Orvin's motivations at the Magaambya. Orvin reporting that he is motivated to be a support and strength for others. Looking stressed. Eshe asks Orvin to play a song with them, and sees Orvin is much calmer during the song. Eshe asks why Orvin has been out and a bout in the markets previously, anbd he reports that visitng Makena and doing some work is likely the case for this. Eshe and Orvin agree to check in with each other as things occur moving forward. Orvin takes a moment to stop in his room and prepare himself for the night, as Eshe Bridgerton slides down the door and states that they aren't good at making conversation.
In the yard anchor root is captured by Strands's kids as Rubina gets a package from the Nighting gale school. The school Rubina had taught at when she had been in Nantambu previously. "the children wanted to wish you a happy Crystalhue." Lots of pictures painted of well wishes and other cute things from the students. Strands sharing how a letter from the children's father telling her to return home and be a #tradwife. Rubina and Strands agree that one day the father of her children will get some sense knocked into him.
Anchor Root delivers a package to Adira that looks like it has been stomped on intentionally. A broken stone from a river. A bottle of oil to protect leather products, and a letter from her uncle. "I didn't write the letter fast enough sorry" Adira is beaming while writing and remarks on how she needed the stone and oil, and remarks on being able to report her uncle's contact.
Nymeria getting a package delivered as well! Within the package it is packed with various trinkets that have a magical theme. Carved wands, quills, owl feathers, marbles. all along with a note! "In case you need something for enchantment". tucked into the corner is a blown glass bottle that is filled with a shimmery glowing liquid. the letter from Amayra (mentor) "how are you doing? I hope you are well! I hope you are at Magaambya! Update on every single person's life from haven. "the bottle of liquid is sourced form the lakeshore from the beach where they spent a lot of time in the summer". Nymeria updates their notes, and does a bit of a meditation with the liquid. Kaera has not returned back to Haven. some of the elders performed a oracular stone throwing and found that they found a new family on a new shore and are ding well. Nymeria goes through their room until finding a drawer filled with unsent letters that had not been sent out. Realizing that none of the letters actually got sent yet, and makes a point to send them out after the festival.
Eshe receives a wrapped parcel that has been taken care of very well. Within is a small velvet pouch filled with scraps with fine papyrus. Pure silver ingots, one of which is an evil eye. Dinosaur bone shards. Glass beads. A note from Eshe's parents reporting on all the hot Gos from back home. Any really good piece is given a whole page sketch of it to give a better idea of it. Art and worship to Nocticula. Eshe proceeds to hang these pictures up on their wall. Looking for proof of their parents being proud of them, Eshe remembers how they were chosen by their parents after being on the outskirts of the city. they realize that the parents are probably really having a tough time with Eshe having gone away. Eshe having a loving moment, and remarks to send them something beautiful back.
Out in the common othrs have received things too! Anchor Root has been given a letter on some driftwood from their parents. Okuro has received a letter that really is a large amount of gold from his FATHERS!!! Haibram had the largest package, and is almost as large as his torso and is filled with food. Keeps trying to give it all away as best he can in pride. Ignaci and Mariama get a letter from Mariama's parents. Ignaci gets a vest, and Mariama gets a pretty sash. Chizire does not get anything. He reported that wheatever his Fatehr is thinking it isn't something he is interested in hearing. there isn't anything for Noxolo or Orvin either apparently.
Chizire breaks the news to Orvin about not getting a letter. Offering a sip of his brew, Orvin taking just a lil crumb, learns that Chizire , Noxolo and Orvin did not receive a parcel. Chizire reports some concerns tha tNoxolo has with Conjuration, Mariama with her exhaustion from swinging a sword at night, and Orvin, being just a happy lil guy. Chizire reports to Orvin that he is here for him and understands that something clearly is not okay. Orvin taking steps to check in with Anchor root and offering to engage in a feast similar to her family's to try and make her not as sad about missing her family.
Adira engages with Haibram to get some snacks before the tourny. rubina takes time to check what consumables are allowed for the tourny. Nymeria asks Esi on how to succeed in celebrating crytalhue., and Nymeria would be making little decorations to put around the door. Little Ice ornaments like crystaline snowflakes that are just melting onto the ground as quickly as she makes them. She makes a little ice wreath on all the doors she can despite them melting immediately. Proceeding to look for Rubina or Adira to plan strategies. the three start talking shop with Nym hoping that its "not not" mandatory.
Suprise Eshe is right behind Adira!!!
Orvin takes time to visit Xhokan quickly to check in on him and deliver some goodies. Xhokan says that he will come by and watch Orvin for a little bit before returning to work. It is heard that Noxolo is still not back yet, and the party takes steps to go find their friend before the GAAAMMMMEEEESSSSS.
Eshe reports their concerns about not making time for their prayers tonight, and Rubina takes some time to say that they should pray together later.
As the party is searching around they end up on an empty footpath and finds Noxolo in the middle of the path with their hand out stretched, and seemingly that someone else is out there. Noxolo turns to face the party. and reports that they are okay and were visiting with a spirit. The party reassures that Noxolo is not a burden. After a brief but kind exchange with the spirit between them and Nymeria, Noxolo shows their wounded arm. With a potion and help from Nymeria Noxolo is able to repair the damage done to their hand.
Noxolo making a comparrison to the spirit's plight and tonali. Nymeria , wearing a bucket hat, reports that things are finnneeee.
Noxolo reports that they will now be participating in the tourny, and reports to Eshe, after flustering, Noxolo relly enjoyed Eshe's gift. Eshe also blushes….. Everyone loves the cute goth necromancer. Noxolo reports that Ignaci told them to do some smack talk, but says that they would be okay with the party winning.
the party takes their exits one by one until Eshe is able to sketch briefly the ghost sighting they have before returning with the party to make it to the tourny.
Orvin and Adira approaching the sparing field with Adira's song as the intro. Many strangers commenting on the party and commenting on their past excapades.
Adira begins to make preperations before the tourny. Rubina is on high alert. Nymeria is mirroring and sticks close to Rubina. Nym being a bit uncomfortable in front of the crowd. Adira coming up to soothe Nym about jitters. Nym , looking like they can puke, assures that they are excited and not nervous. Eshe pulling Adira in for a prayer. "Oh lady of graves. allow me the ancestral knowledge to overcome all obstacles. And queen of redemption. may the moon bless me this night. i could not do my prayers. I wished to but i hope this will suffice. And also may you protect my friend as well" Rubina: "Kazutal mother jaguar please give me the strength courage and wit to protect my friend and those that may face danger tonight. Or at least give me some peace (in a pained laughter/maybe shes just stressed). and protect my friend as well" Mariama also joined in on the prayers and skitters away after piggy backing off of the prayers..
Eshe produces an onyx bead and offers it to the party. (potency crystal) and offers to affix it to Rubina's machete.
Rubina has a crumb of guilt at taking a jab at Mariama, and gives Mariama a wink. Mariama sticks out her tongue.
BOOM confetti cannons and magic lights appear over Mafika as he calls for attention.
8 teams of 5 from 4 dorms competing to see who can surmount the challenge from across the world. Mafika competes in the Ruby Phoenix tournament. But every year Mafika returns to give back to the people who welcomed him into their home, traditions and world. From that world is where every star days challenge comes.
The child of a madman. Turning towards the trees a metallic groaning begins. Beneath the streets of Yen shakasi. A massive construct with massive cylindars puffing smoke marches right behind Mafika. More (smaller) constructs follow as well whirring and clanking feats of engineering. Are we strong enough to take on an army that threatened to defeat an empire. SEVERAL more appear looking over the crowd.
First team up is………………. Antora and the tireless dormitory. they get slammed immediately. It is learned that these creatures are very specifically constructed. If these creatures were critically hit, they would gain the clumsy condition starting at CLUMSY 4. Since they are made of wood, they are weak to fire damage and likely immune to many things a construct is immune to. they do not think they are very methodical. they are mindless. Learning that the saves are very low rolls, but the big one has a very large fortitude and low reflex, and the other way around for the two little ones. Also the big one has attack of opportunity.
Next up is Ignaci, Mariama, Noxolo, Haibram, and Anchor Root!!!!!!!! AND THEY SWEEP IN 45 Seconds!!!!! Unfortunately they are not able to defeat the second wave.
Reinvigorated with spire on 3 and Anteater on 6… the party strides onto the field, and ready to slaughter.
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No lasting injuries.
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