Session 15

General Summary

Last time, on Strength of Thousands…The Anteater Cohort moseyed down to the Speaker’s Stage to collect some waterbugs. In the doing, they met Itsuko Ozaki, one of Mafika’s recruited student-to-be’s. Orvin put on a performance (to Magistrate-Mayor Asanda’s delight!) and upon returning, the whole gang rescued Itsuko and some onlookers from being snacked on by crocodiles. They met Oba Sudi, proprietress of Oba’s Wondrous Creatures and business partner to Makena, who told them the crocodiles had been displaced from their normal hunting ground by a Gbahali, a very powerful, dangerous beast, and bought a crocodile corpse from them to lure it. Turning the bugs in to Ulawa and showing her proof her method did not work sparked an apology for her arrogance from the teacher, and a promise that they would gather Conversants and other Lore-Speakers to begin searching the tunnels under the Magaambya for what Ulawa painfully admitted must be the Vesicant Egg. After, they overheard some students (Ishlei and Ramatla) gossping about Ignaci and his “devil worshipping.” Confronting them, they learned Ignaci’s dark secret: that his family had actually been the ones who had owned Mariama’s before the uprising in Anthusis. Speaking to Mariama confirmed it, though several cohort members wished to hear Ignaci’s side of the story as well.… But not before they returned to speak to Teacher Ot. With the combined force of all of their charismatic strength, the Anteater Cohort convinced Takulu Ot to admit he also knew about the “Third Person,” whoever it was that locked Musarasa in the room his cremains were found in and, according to Ot, stole pages from his spellbook. Trusting the cohort with his very life, Ot admitted that he doesn’t know who it could be—as it could be anyone—and the further he dug, the more he’s come to the realization that the gremlins, the insects, all of it, is being orchestrated by someone unknown. Someone hiding among them. Someone in plain sight.

March Into the Future Without Cowardice or Die Longing for a Past that can Never be Reclaimed

We witness several of the attendants being morose and having a bit of heaviness as they realize that this is likely the last time they will be in in these halls.

Our entire cohort approaches Ignaci one day intending to follow up with the past expressed about Mariama one rainy day.

Ignaci opens up expressing his dissonance on his and Mariama's relationship. Expressing that it took time to recognize that Mariama would have been doing things and enduring him because she did not have a choice, and potentially out of fear. This seeming to be one of the first things that he thinks about whenever he wakes up. He reports that Mariama forgives him in how he came back and did his best, and that he picked the right side when the time came. Stating that if he rejects her forgiveness that he is denying her that choice, and saying that he feels he would be slipping back into the person he was. he doesn't want praise for his feelings of guilt and actions, reporting that doing the right thing doesn't erase the wrong things. Reporting that he thinks his past prepared him for the world. Not everything is bright garish and obvious. People meaning harm to others, sometimes they are normal people not wanting to rock the boat and not offend anyone. Real evil is banal. Real evil isn't cackling and summoning devils it is choosing to not care, because it is hard.

Rubina taking a moment after saying that if he ever slips back into his lazy behaviors of before, she won't be able to help but free Mariama from him. Ignaci thanks Rubina for this.

Nymeria having several different confusing faces appear on Nymeria throughout the conversation. Expressing that slavey is one of the most terrible things a person can do. A horrible corruption that needs to be purged. We are taught that children are not born corrupt, and expresses sadness that Ignaci was not protected before thrusting him upon the world. Attempting to keep himself freed from this corruption. Ignaci, nodding slowly, saying that Mariama kind of saved him so not everyone failed him. Nymeria expressing how beautiful a thing Mariama could do that for Ignaci, but most importantly for herself. Nym nods, and follows Rubina after she walks away. Rubina hiding their tears in the rain with their overwhelming love for Mariama.

Ignaci reporting that everyone comes to the Magaambya for a reason, and his goal as an emerald Bough to bring people back to campus and show its value. He has something that no one else does. In Chelliax he would blend right in, but he knows that there are people out in the world that deserve to be here and not where they are. Wanting to do the same thing for everyone else that Mariama di for him.

Eshe sits beside him stating that it seems that both Ignaci and Mariama have broken the cycle of abuse and subjugation. A good thing!. Eshe assumes that this is what Ignaci wants to continue to do for others. He replies in the affirmative. There is some kid out there that thinks his life is normal like Ignaci did. Ignorant of what that life costs in blood because it isn't talked about. "Ignorence is one hell of a drug" - Eshe. they report that in sermons to Nocticula on how she became a goddess. Leaving behind everything that she did before as the demon lord. Causing pain to many before, but it was her choice to become something better. Provide solace to those that desire change. Eshe reporting that they can only respect his want for change, and reports their concern when Ashley and Rumatla had reported the slavery. Eshe asking if Ignaci's family is still out there. He reports that evey once in a while he gets a sending from his mom that they are waiting for him in the Halls of Ogorian(sp?). Knowing that they will never understand the truth.Stating that it would be easier if they hated him, but instead he has to hate them. Eshe squints and tilts their head inquisitively. Asking if he hates them, expressing that they would too if they experienced what Ignaci had gone through and if they went through what Mariama did. Asking if Ignaci has anyone else? He states many of Mariama's family, expressing that they are all the family that the needs. Gesturing to his purple vest, the gift he got from Mariama's family. Eshe reporting that they came here originally to see Ignaci's side of the story, and states that they see Ignaci's friendship with Mariama is true. but *jokingly* Eshe expresses that they were glad that it didn't come to something else while brandishing their dagger. Ignaci with concern expresses that he can run fast, the party corrects this assumption.

Eshe asking Ignaci if he is going to ruin his vest with all of the rain. He agrees, and reports that he is planing on staying in the dorm for a bit. Stating that if enough intiates come he will have to leave though. Expressing how the other dormitories are usually at each other's throats. Further explaining that the title of the spire dormitory was synonymous with the washouts and borderline rejects. And while this may be true, he would not pick anyone else to be in his cohort than what he has right now.

Ignaci places his hand on one of the spires of the dorm, looks up, and gets a raindrop right in his eyeball.

We zoom away from Ignaci, and focusing in on the city on another overcast day. All of the attendants at Spire Dormitory, excluding Chizire, are moving forward in ranks. Chizire reporting that his master plan has now fallen into effect, he has selected a new group of targets for his ecentricities. Nymeria asking about who was leaving, and learning that Haibram and Okoro are moving on. Chizire trying to spread dissent among the ranks to fight for the bigger rooms. Chizire calls upon Nymeria;s IOU to try and have people fight for the bigger rooms. Chaos ensues with the party watching all of these interactions.

We flash to us approaching the auditorium for our own graduation ceremony. Electricity in the air. People celebrating their test scores. People dancing in the rain, some people crying. Loud whoopings, low sobs. Laughs, footsteps. Sooo many people on the grounds, and the rain, warm and comforting, comes down on everyone equally. teacher Ot waits for us at the back enterance, seemingly to be a little distracted from the events of the day. Seeing all of us approaching, he seems more relieved. Did all of you remember to bring your masks.

Teacher Ot reporting that this has been a rougher year, but that he is proud of each of us. Anchor root climbs Orvin like a tree in anxiety and is concerned about how many people are attending. Mariama, Acnhor Root, Strands, and Noxolo are the NPCs joining us on stage. Noxolo asks and Teacher Ot reports that we are able to make it to conversant graduation stuff in time after our graduation.

Rubina, hiding her mask at first very nervously presents it to Nymeria. An Anteater but with the eyes of an ant. Putting up blinders so that no one else can see this. Nymeria sharing her mask with Rubins a bunny mask with big tall ears. Rubina expressing that they didn't remember making the mask, but saying that she sometimes got lost in her own thoughts. Nym saying that she experiences that too, but says she doesn't think Rubina is the type to have that happens. rubina saying it is rather strange, but starts to be upset in how large her mask's eyes are. Nymeria running to hug Orvin for support returns back to Rubina trying to boost her confidence. Rubina near sob at this point, Nymeria is struggling, and begins to look for Adira. Adira approaches and states how she is so excited to be in front of the crowd, and asks why rubina is crying. Rubina then covers her mask when they notice Adira approaching. Rubina begins to pace. Nym expressing the current issues to Adira. Rubina now with a runny nose, and Adira catches a glimpse at the mask. Rubina taking solace in the fact that Adira recognizes Rubina's mask as an Ant Eater. Rubina expressing some concerns that hr mask doesn't look like Teacher Ot's. Adira telling Rubina that this is meant to be her mask, and that it is okay to not be just like Ot's. Adira offering up some pieces of their mask to Rubina, and Rubina taking some solace in the last second additions. Rubina takes a moment and thanks Nymeria and Adira for their help, and that they will just have to accept whatever comes of their mask. Rubina cleans herself up and gets ready for the main event.

Noxolo's mask is an owlette a wide burrowing owl. Studded over with black gems. Not entirely done, but done enough that they aren't nervous about it. Expressing their hope that the mask is good enough to Eshe. Eshe confirms that it is and saw how much effort they put into it. Noxolo expressing their fear that once they get on stage that they will learn their name was put on the list by mistake and will be asked to sit in the peanut gallery. And then its the wrong seat. And they sat on someone's purse. And it was an important person's purse. And that it was part of a magic thing. and then it sets off magic fire works. Noxolo and Eshe break these thoughts, and Noxolo compliments Eshe's mask. eshe's mask an abstract amalgamation of insect wings in the form of a butterfly. Eshe expressing that they made whatever had came to their mind. Noxolo saying they thought Eshe would have said something different. Eshe in Noxolo's mind would recognize Eshe's talent. Noxolo expressing that this is what they think every time Eshe compliments Noxolo's work. Eshe expressing that they hope it was not a disappointing response. Noxolo immediately responds that Eshe never disapoints them. they then look through the curtain, pale, and then say that the fireworks go everywhere and burn things down. Eshe stating that if everything burns down that no one would remember the other parts. Eshe fixes Noxolo's hair and says that they look good, Noxolo returns the compliment. Noxolo expresses that their mask identifies with their journey that has occurred so far, as well as their continued pursuit to learn and grow moving forward. Eshe sharing the meaning of their mask, epitomizing the idea of metamorphosis and change. In it's essence, Eshe's hope to become something new, and something they are supposed to be. they don't know that yet though so it is still several insect wings in the form of a butterfly. Eshe looks to Noxolo and expresses that they hope Noxolo will still be staying in the dorm. Noxolo casts a gaze over towards Nymeria, and has some concern to see rubina freaking out. Noxolo saying that they don't know if they ever want to leave.

Eshe prompts Noxolo about the way they look at Nymeria. Noxolo says that stuff like this doesn't happen at home. Noxolo says that crushes don't really happen and that they don't really know what to do. Noxolo asking for some advice, Eshe reports that the crush they had when they were younger ran away because of their bugs. Eshe saying that Noxolo probably is already doing better than them at this point. Noxolo saying that when they look at Nymeria unsure of if it is love or if they are really great friends. Noxolo then says that the people on fire run outside and and knock the stage on their head. Eshe remarking its probably because they were protecting Nymeria. Noxolo confirms and how they are holding the building up to protect them, and then gets hit by a lightening bolt. Eshe stating that Noxlo may be able to learn better together with Nymeria. Eshe and Noxolo does their secret hand shake. Noxolo's gaze returns to Nymeria, and expresses that maybe the relationship is as likely as getting hit by lightning bolts.

Across the auditorium back stage. Anchor root is holding their mask, a pathetic messed up mask, that has been whittled to be a hair. Having been changed over and over it is much thinner and in rough shape. spark notes version: anchor root thanks orvin for helpignthem stay. Orvin cries and thanks anchor root for sharing that. anchor root invites Orvin to go home with her over the break. Orvin accepts. Anchor Root happy, everyone claps.

Ariana's notes: Anchor Root shares what their mask looks like. It's a chunk of wood meant to look like a hare (spotted hare?). Orvin assures them that it looks good and the magic will change it anyway! Anchor Root expresses how grateful they are for the friendships they've made here. And shares stories and memories of her grandmother. Orvin softly weeps while trying to maintain his smile as Anchor Root says she stayed because of him. "Music Wizard". Anchor Root confirms her 'class', she is a druid. Anchor Root invites Orvin to go home during the break. This is a big deal as humans have not been invited in quite some time. "You'll have to get everything from the top shelf"

Lesseddi appears and gives us the ol hype of getting people in shape for the putting on of appearances for the graduation ceremony. Orvin and strands assist Mariama with posing and walking. Mariama approaches Rubina and holds her hand for comfort. the room goes quiet.

Teacher Ot announcing. Esteemed Initiates. Honored attendants. Our conversants knowledgeable in the world. Lore speakers who guide the way. and revered family and friends. Welcome our Initiates.

the curtain pulls aside. the auditorium is filled with familiar faces. Esi in the front jumping. Chizire screaming out Spire Dormitory, and immediately assaulted by Laura in his lap. Many voices calling out at the same time with a sharp crechendo of applause. Ot gestures for all of us to come forward.

Eshe casts message on Adira saying how time flies. Adira just thinking about how they met and they never thought she would have gotten this far. Saying how she has Eshe and the group to thank for this. Eshe expressing thanks, and Eshe and Adira turn towards Ot.

Lessedi closes the curtain behind us. Today being the culmination of hours of study. Days of practical examination. Years of learning. Life that has led us to this moment. Initiates. As you stand before this assembly. I want you to think about the moment that led you here. Every life is a succession of moments. But some are more important than others. No doubt there was a moment that had us decide to come to the Magaambya. Now i want you to think back to who you were before you were an Attendant of the Magaambya. ancor root, closing her eyes. Mariama thumbs at her scar. Noxolo's fingers drift through their long braided locks. strands staring out Ot find her kids in the crowd and smiles brightly at them.

Orvin reflects on his nightmares. The screams, the agony. Noticing the Magistrate Mayor and Nyota in the crowd. He smiles as big as he possibly can.

Adira thinking she knew enough about the world before coming to the Magaambya, she realizes that she doesn't know anything at all. At first that was scary, but now seeing everyone around her, and knowing about what happened to her friends. More than ever she feels she can keep her promise. she is confident about the next step, and she will take it in stride. A little teary eyed, with a slight smile that she has done something previously thought impossible.

Eshe is thinking about how worried they were when they first came to the Magaambya. And they were really unsure about being able to bond with people or be successful. In their mind they still have a lot to prove. they think to the small moments of people visiting their stall. taking care of the silk worms. the late nights with Noxolo and others. Even studying and staying up late with fellow Cascade Bearers like Chizire. Lastly they think of something more dubious but more intriguing. the moment on long night when they got to speak with Kalisthyrus, and learning about who they were? Or who they are? Or maybe pieces of the new them. and they only wish that their parents could make the treck, but they are busy.

Rubina thinks about what she is doing at the Maggambya to begin with. she was hoping to get a bit closer to the Watanji girl(?) Learning more about the mysteries, but feeling that she has barely made a dent. thinking about the Watanji girl she flashes to her nightmare of seeing her parents again. Met with a similar dream, but her reaction being something different. Concerned about the ways that her faith is changing. A lot of stress on her mind. through that, she will look to Eshe and will find others who support her. It does frighten her that she might not have the strength on her own to solve these mysteries. as she is touching things around her, she is almost rolling the beads and thinking how it is round. Just thinking about the Vessicant Egg.

Nym doesn't have a heart to race, but she does feel somthing in her chest that is vibrating. this feels scary and big. It is one thing to be curious and to have a desire to go out into the world, but different in practice. Stanidng here it is very clear that they are doing the thing. Making friends, and getting practice being a person, not just learning that they are a Ghorran. the moment dawns on them at how they have come so far in the short time that she has been here. Getting closer to herself, but not realizing this would be part of that journey. The original thought of can I do this and I am doing this to just go back is not there as much anymore. that feeling scary and big to her, and probably a slight tremble and slight dew accumulating at her eyes. A nervous wind snaking around the group. Noxolo grabs Nymeria's hand, Nym hold on like a lifeline.

Ot saying. throughout our tenure as an intiate we were gifted beads. that associated us to the dorm, the powder pile, the teachers, friends and to your cohort. today we give up those beads, because no longer an initiate, we do not need a bead to remind people who we are to them and the Magaambya. Ot holds out his hand and brings out an urn to show the audience. some from the sun dorm go first eager to take it off. Anchor root recident. Mariama's nearly thuds when landing. Noxolo's threadbare. Ot passes the urn off to Ulawa as she stands to the side. Solemn, but looking proud. Primarily for Anchor Root and Eshe, but proud nonetheless. the masks of the Magaambya are bound with a drop of the user's soul. Just like the 10 swordsmen. We are asked to present our masks to Ot for this moment. As everyone does so, Lessedi approaches, rolls up her sleeves, and begins to craft a spell. Ot joins her. The two enchanting together. Draconic, then Elvish, then Giant. We feel just a little part of you has been plucked out. the smallest iota of ourselves is gone, but we can feel it within our masks. a bluish glow goes across the mask, our palms, the stage. A held breath collectively released as the ritual succeeds. the masks slightly different. Anchor root's maksk a skull of a hare. Noxolo's black gems splintered across the whole thing. Mariama's mask scorched entirely black. the many legs of Strand's orb weaver have become longer and segmented, she looks at it and smiles.

Eshe's mask only has one eye hole. One would assume if you put your soul into it, another eyehole would appear on the other side. what actually happens is the part of the mask that is oval and ornamental, like a carved bead. It begins to shift like an eye's pupil. the singular eye hole that was there closes, and now the only one there is the one in the forehead where the ornamental piece is.

Adira did not expect her mask to change much, thinking that it would look better carved. It changes into something that she didn't want it to change it to. Seemingly the beak looks as if it erupted in flame. thinking about her mother immediately. Realizes that there is a little bit more influence to her than she thought. Instead of a falcon, it almost looks like a wyver or a phoenix, but Adira doesn't know. She is just very confused.

Nymeria's mask changes in a few differet ways. Littl branched horns come out. some of the wood used to create the rabbit ears have branched out into horns. Some of the decorative elements at the top become engraved carved flowers. Instead of a depiction of a living hare, it appears to be one that has died. Little fangs appear. Becoming a wolpertinger. Nymeria breathing a sigh of relief that it isn't terrifying. the mask looking like a half skull doesn't sit super comfortably, but way better than what she thought might happen.

Rubina's eyes are closed tightly. When she opens them she feels not quite suprised that her mask still looks like an anteater, and the eyes remained. what did change about the eyes that the wood is so thin that they can see through the fiber of the wood. the green ribbon gifted almost covers the rest of the mask, and it looks like little green fur over most of the mask, evenly spread. Any crafting flaws are tidied up a bit and generally tightened, it looks technically better executed than the mask that she made.

Orvin's mask turning to a more realistic depiction of a vulture with dark forward facing eyes. Dark around the eyes, and slightly darker at the beaks.

Lessedi looking borderline sick turns and introduces the Attendants of the Magaambya. Lessedi's boa suppts Lessedi when she makes it tot the side.

Ot stating that each student's mask is the embodiement of their masks, How overtime names change. the mask depicitng the person beneath the mask, and who they hope to become. Having hopes dreams, and memories that guide them. Some wear it proudly. some use it as a sign of who they have become. Others choose to keep their mask secret and only for trusted individuals. Many fall somewhere in between. Ot looks at each of us in turn. A silent affirmation of his pride.

There is before me no initiates, but attendants of the great Magaambya. When we think of the present. We hardly put mind to the future. I see the future here. Standing on this stage. All of us stand here bouyes by the strength of thousands who came before. Each with their unique story to tell. Attendants I ask you this. What will your story be. I for one cannot wait to find out. We are bid to the front of the stage as he steps asside.

Now for the first time dawn your masks. You are attendants, and we salute you. the applause is loud, it is constant, it is deafening. People drum their heels on the floor. Looking out across the crowd.

We are asked to roll a perception check.

Everyone cheering, but then we notice the rumbling. There is shifting of the stage beneath our feet. Rubina has an incredible fear go over them. Adira and Nymeria see it to. something is wrong here. Ot notices, then wide eyed looks over the crowd before the ground explores beneath the stage. Attendants flipping back. Anchor Root bouncing away. Orvin tumbling down.

The entire crowd has been filled with a horde of insects. Ot, on his back shouting for everyone to leave and protect the civilians.

Tooth and nail the party fights together with allies of the Magaambya or from Nantambu or even Jatya from the outskirts. The party finishes victorious.

Report Date

22 May 2025