Session 12 - "sucking at something is the first step towards being sort of good at something"

General Summary

Last time, on Strength of Thousands…Longnight begins! The heroes of the Anteater Cohort spent quality time at the dormitory with one another, with Eshe speaking to Orvin at length, before an Emerald Bough attendant arrived with letters and parcels from all across the Mwangi (and even beyond!) for the students of Spire Dorm. However, two students were missing: Chizire let slip that Esi was on a date; Noxolo was nowhere to be found. Setting out to find Noxolo, they discovered the initiate “holding hands” with a ghost despite the physical pain, and tended to them, ensuring they could participate in the Starday Tournament.Then, the moment of the Tournament arrived! A group of strange wooden self-building constructs were the opponents of the day. Several groups of students clashed with the golems, but none were able to pass the first stage—until Spire Dorm took the field. The Anteater Cohort cheered on their friends as they passed the first challenge, but unfortunately, were unable to best the second. Swearing revenge for giving Anchor Root an ‘owie,’ they plotted, schemed, and then—their names were called!Taking their place, the Anteater Cohort decisively bested the first challenge, and swept through the second with only a few bruises and scratches. But can they go the distance?

Sucking at Something is the First Step Towards Being Sort of Good at Something

Eshe starts off casting pocket library to learn more about the construct. Learning that the construct was used to take over a nation across the world. This big one in particular is built to support allies and battering down walls to allow entry to the other constructs. Peering int the creature's attacks, Eshe learns that the creatures arms can reach out to 10 feet. the dormitory members wish us well and encourage our success! Combat begins

Through team work within the party, the party is able to successfully put down the robots! Wounded but victorious!

The other members of the dormitory approach to celebrate and praise the party members. Mafika approaches and told the party to meet with him later for a reward. The party members split up to engage with various people. Orvin playing to the crowd and trying to embelish the tale of his party already, but also having a vein on his head pop up throughout this process. Adira takes time to connect with Strands and her two children and seeing how they liked the show. Nymeria steps away with Esi to talk about Esi's date, as well as to reaffirm Esi's positives and that she will be able to find someone.

We flash to the end of the night where no one else was able to clear the challenge, and Mafika gifts us something from the people of Tianglu (?). A neckalce with magic of protection called Qi Tian Di. Reporting that he would not bring another of these items in the future to ensure that it stays as unique as it can be in the Magaambya.

The party advances to level 3!!!

Gazing over the city there is peace throughout the city and the Magaambya as well. Nym and Esi having fun drinking into the night. Haibram and Adira going over tricks and moves tied to Aeromancy. Treating her like a true equal even though she only recently cast her first cantrip. Mariama and Rubina taling and repairing gear from the battles of the night. Eshe out on a tree branch staring out at the moon…a full moon. The campus bathed in the gentle moon light. Out in the city a couple listens to the faceless saxophone player as Orvin takes time to play into the night.

Strands reading her children a story as they try and fail to stay awake. Anchor Root and Noxolo comparing bone collections throughout the night until they are able to lay out a patchwork skeleton.

Eshe hears something growing closer to them. A hollow sound. the branch that they are on is weighed slightly as a porcelaned skin person. (crow man). FINALLY they speak. the body of this individual is a mass of raven wings, the tree now filled with glittering eyes looking down on Eshe. Looking out into the Magaambya the individual says they are Kalisthyrus and that they have been watching Eshe for a long time. A name that feels familiar but is still unknown. Saying that they are a guardian who has been charged with Eshe's protection. Eshe "child of many waters". All creatures pass down the river, but few pass down a second. Reporting that they had met Eshe in the boneyard "when they died…when both of you died" . A soul rending illness leading to total death only narrowly avoided (?). when Eshe was found, they were unfurleled, unraveled. The fate that awaited them was ruined and destroyed. It was a story of darkness and entombment. Eshe pleaded on the virtues of love and knowledge and medicine, Nothing could help but "she heard and offered you a second chance". This person is monitoring Eshe's second chance. the life before had been pain, and they died in agony beyond compare that could have been avoided but Eshe chose instead to save others. Now Eshe is knit together to form one soul. the individual says they ca only speak on the first night of every year, and asked if the second life is what Eshe wanted? Do they still believe in medicine? Eshe reaching out to touch Kalisthyrus. For a second there is a reverberation and they begin to see a vast necropolis of graves and tombs that extend on forever. the sky holds stretched and floating graves as well. Eshe can see through this vision Kalisthyrus looking down on eshe with judgement. After the vision, Kalisthyrus reaches out to touch Eshe to console them (like a doctor to a dieing patient). Eshe was successful in saving others, but it nearly annihilated Eshe in the process. Eshe stlll chose an incredibly painful path to return to the Magaambya, the place that had sent them to their death once before. Eshe having stated that the fate was welcomed gladly, and they were glad to join the thousands that came before them. Kalisthyrus not understanding why eshe clings to this path so rigidly. Eshe reporting that something within them calls that this is simply how their life is meant to be. "Sacrifices for what?? I am lost. I don't know who I am". Eshe taking solace in knowing that they may have done the right thing and lived by their word. Kalisthyrus reports that his hand is open if Eshe ever deems that the pain is too much. to return to the boneyard to finish the journey their souls began. Most of what Eshe was before has been washed away but remnants are still present. Eshe reporting that they can't go yet, it is still the beginning. Eshe asking if Kalisthyrus remembers Eshe's name. Slowly they nod and state Lyrus Amoro and Eris Amanqua. they died saving many people from a disease brought from the dark depths of the most cursed planes. In another lifetime they would have been an angel, but instead they are still here. Potentially an angel in flesh. Eshe placing their head in Kalisthyrus's lap and sobs. The individual takes time to comfort Eshe in this moment.

Smash cut to Haibram and Adira doing shennanigans with their kite and attempting tricks. Adira leans into Haibram's training and asks about what it feels like when he is casting magic. A feeling of cleverness that becomes movement, motion, and light. Haibra reporting that the has been casting magic since he was 12. Adira looking away at that comment, carrying sadness at hearing an answer that she expected. Haibram bringing up his concerns on making Adira upset. Leaning into the fact that Adira has been able to cast a cantrip, and confirming that he is in fact not able to cast the spell that Adira has been able to. Adira agreeing that everyone has their strengths, but she still wishes that she could cast magic more. Haibram sharing that his second mom and his third dad did not have connection to magic. Explaining that his mom had never felt guilty "there is magic in everything, but there is a particular kind of spell that only a rare few can cast. those that have it do not always realize the value the spell has. Laughter a smile. If you make us smile and laugh, that is a magic that everyone will remember for the rest of their lives." Adira sharing that Haibram has that type of magic as well, and explains how she feels that we have such a special cohort. Finding out that Chizire has only glowed up since Eshe and Nym have been turning to him for answers. Haibram explaining that many cohorts are not as fortunate and have seen a 30 (THIRTY) year old woman pulling another's hair. Adira does the form to try and cast mage hand, but unfortuantely is not able to do so. Haibram jumps up though to give a high five (expectig thats what the movements were for) Haibram is tossed over the dorm and crashes, laughing all the way. Adira smiling and states to herself that this is the exact opposite of what she expected it would be. Adira taking part in the excapades, unfortunately it goes disastorously as Adira comes crashing down.

We zoom to Esi and Nym in Esi's room with pillows everywhere and her spellbook open. Esi has been drinking some new concoction form Chizire (the good stuff). Nymeria playing with the liquid with their magic, and eventually taking a sip. It hits Nym like a truck and she is already drunk. Debate ensues on wether or not Nym and Esi are purple or not. Nym proceeding to ask to go outside. Nym bundeling herself in Noxolo's scarf, but Esi puts a thick jacket on Nymeria anyways. Debate ensues on if Nymeria could have a cut off planted to make another Nymeria. Asking then how Eshe knows how Eshe knows which one is the real Eshe. Concerns on if Eshe in the mirror is not comfortable enough to leave the mirror. Esi asking Nym if she has ever been in love, and Nym says "Yeah my brother, and Myra, and Bext (?)". Nymeria refering to us as life forms when drunk is learned and locked down by Esi. Esi saying how she loves her family, but attempts to explain the …..other kinds of love. Esi asking directly if Nymeria has ever been in love outside of those types of relationships. Esi asking point blank if Nymeria has a thing for Noxolo. Nymeria stating that they kind of want to braid Noxolo's hair and is wanting to practice on Esi to be better at braiding. Esi asking if Nymeria would be open to gettin their hair (leaves?) braided by Noxolo, and Nymeria says that Noxolo is a "suitable life form". Nymeria swaying into Esi, Esi hugging her tightly and thanking Nymeria for feeling like sisters. Esi taking Nymeria outside in case she ends up throwing up. The two head outside on the lawn in the dark. Nymeria learning that normally cats can't talk, and also remarks "Chiire is a cat?!?!?!?!?"

Passing by we see Chizire, Ignaci and Okoro in various states of awakeness and playing their new board game.

Flash to Rubina with Mariama. Rubina explaining that she knows Mariama has a lot of strength, but she was concerned with how Mariama just got run over. Rubina explaining that she is wanting to try and use a new cantrip to send a message to Mariama with tremor sense. Mariama expressing her concern that there is no real way to ask or help while out and about. Rubina holding back a tear, she will turn away towards the door and says "what you feel in the ground, that is my way of asking if you are in danger" One thud, followed by two quick thuds. One means yes and two means no in response. Rubina returning to Laura, with a skip in her step, seeing what Laura's response to the tremor sense is. Laura stands with her head raised as high as possible, and Laura prepares to try and attack the floor. she gets scared and tries to hide between Mariama and Rubina. Mariama suggests that four quick tremors would be respond quickly, and three slow tremors for do not come here. Mariama asking if Rubina is okay, Rubina turning away and stating that there is just a lot of dust being kicked up. Mariama thanking Rubina for taking these steps and reports that this system makes her feel safer. Rubina thanking Mariama for entertaining these thoughts and proceeds to say that she is getting tired and ready to sleep. rubina feeling warm with Laura as a hand bag.

Noxolo is now out at night all by themself away from everyone else now. Knowing that Nymeria, Orvin and Eshe are always welcome in their room. Eshe enters Noxolo's room and leaves a letter with a bunch of snacks as eshe drifts off until Noxolo startles Eshe awake by mistake. Noxolo's stoic mask fully broken and not recognizing that Eshe was there. Noxolo's face screwed up in pain and fear and sadness. they have a letter that was recently ready, and they proceed to smash the letter against there chest until its a ball. Eshe asking if they are okay, and Noxolo sounds on the verge of tears. Noxolo asks Eshe if they are okay. Eshe stating that they came because Eshe doesn't feel like they could sleep in their own room tonight. Noxolo draws in a shuddering breath and gives Eshe the crumpled piece of paper. Noxolo saying that the letter is from their mother. Eshe recognizing a few words that float around requirements and returning and learning, and a sign off of "We love you, but we have limits" but i like a you belong to me type of way. Often directly at odds with Nocticula. Seeming that they are speaking to an objec instead of a person. Noxolo saying that their mother was delivered by a demon, because Noxlo has been throwing out the other letters that were sent through other ways. Noxolo's mom asking them to go to the brightwater school near their home. The family saying they are willing to make a compromise. Noxolo's mom saying that those closest to them are known and will be left alone if Noxlo attends the other school. Noxolo asks if they can help Eshe, and eshe returns the topic to Noxolo's concerns. Eshe asking about Noxolo's reference of bride within the letter. Nooxolo's mom very concerned what will happen to her now that Noxolo will no longer be the partner to (some dude). Noxolo saying that they have never had friends before, and that they do not know what they would do if they lost any of their new friends. Noxolo saying that they do not want to talk to any of our ghosts. Eshe going in for a hug, while Noxolo goes rigid and then melts into the hug. Embracing the hug in a way that expresses this being the first time such a connection is being formed. Being allowed to experience the emotion that pushes Noxolo to quietly restrain themself from crying. Eshe raspilly says that they have not had friends like these either. After a moment Eshe lets go and looks to Noxolo saying that "we can fight this together to form the life want want". NOxolo agreeing and saying that they will always have Eshe's back as well. Eshe offers one of the cold cps of tea that had been set out previosuly, and Noxolo says that it is one of the best things they have tasted in their life. Eshe mumbles to themself about learning the language Noxolo's letter was written in. Eshe gestures to Noxolo that they will unbind their hair so it is more comfortable to sleep. The two quietly spending time with one another.

Adira having been talking with Haibram until he gets tired. Nymeria having Esi melted into the grass getting comfy and looking for assistance to carry Esi's body bac into the dorm for bed. Adira stopping by to see what happened. Adira picks up Esi up like a handbag, and starts to walk with Nym back to the dorm. Nym waterbending the vomit into a ball to clean up. Nymeria giving Esi a ball of water, and Esi takes chomps out of it. Esi having poorly done braids all over their head from Nymeria. Adira and Nym taking time to make sure that Esi is taken care of for the night. Nymeria saying that their loved ones had not been big into drinking before and has been keen on getting the experience. Adira asking the double barrel question of what Nym and Esi talked about. Nym sharing that there was a main topic, but that she will likely need to meditate on it before talking more.

Rubina approached Eshe regarding the tremor spell to share the concerns on safety. Rubina sharing how the code was created to check on people if they are in danger or not. 1 tremor yes, 2 no, 3 saying to not come, 4 being urgernt and in need of immediate assistance. Ehse remarking that Rubina is well respected and her opinions on things are often looked into. Eshe saying how when they were younger people did not go looking for their opinions. rubina clapss her hands together and says that Eshe's opinion is one that has great respect and is admired the most. Enjoying how commited Eshe is to their prayers. Eshe reporting their thanks and states that they have more information about the egg. Rubina retreating momentarily and leaning back in. Eshe trying to glean if Rubina would be able to handle the information at this time, and deciding yes. Eshe states that the vessicant egg, a beacon to things that crawl on six or more legs, is likely what rubina is looking for. Something ominous about it. eshe not knowing if it should be sought out, but that Rubina should not seek this item alone at the very least. Eshe expressing concerns that the egg is trying to summon something. Rubina wondering if the egg is something that will hatch and summon something. this is an artifact that has been around for thousands of years. Learning that it was discovered near the doorway to the red star. For a long time it was cared for by a goup of elves that kept people from getting within eyesight of the door. Somehting happened and the egg was lost. It seems to call to insects and draw them closer. It is not known why. It has rarely been seen in person, but one of the only people who have seen it in person is Teacher Ulawa who wrote the book on the artifact itself. Eshe saying that it may be good to check more with Ulawa on this stuff when the opportunity arises. Rubina asks Eshe if they will help find this artifact, and Eshe agrees to. Rubina bows in thanks and verbally thanks Eshe for this information. Eshe expresses an apology to Rubina, and Rubina says there is no need as knowledge is power. Eshe offers rubina a paper lantern for their dreams to see if it will help rubina in discussing things with the ant being again. Rubina is visibly afraid, and stammers "maybe another night. Maybe you could be there when I use it". Eshe agrees to do so. Rubina also thinks that Adira should be there too to make sure someoene muscular is there. Eshe proceeds to walk Rubina to her room for the night. As they are returning Rubina is sending tremors with each step to Eshe in a bit of a frazzeled state. Eshe proceeds to do a prayer at Rubina's door. "May your night be peaceful as we await for the sun to arise" and they walk off into the night.

The sun rises. there is no one in the Magaambya at day break. NO people, no shadows and no gardeners. Gentle wind blowing over the lawn. Except for two people. Standing in the shadow of the circle is a tall person and Kirshkin. sloughing off a thick oozing goop. Kirshkin is grumbling "travel from the first world stings my lord. But kirshikin has come back to you". the being pulls away some scrap and says "good, because we have work to do. Take a good long look ovrer the Magaambya, this is what it will be like come this day next year. The whole corrupt temple will be nothing more than a greaveyard." then the shadow slips down and descends into the earth. Kirshkin rushes off to find a sewer grate to go and follow.

Events

Achievements

New Characters:

Reoccurring Characters:

Battles:

T

No lasting injuries.

Locations & Travel

New Locations

Loot, Rewards & Purchases

Report Date

09 Jan 2025