Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/10(Sun)13:26 No. 1012726 ID: 9c850e
File 163389756312.jpg - (17.46KB , 700x700 , 38.jpg )

"Many thanks!" you shout after
Shooshan. She burrows back into
the gravel.

Neither way looks inviting, but
you decide to go left to proceed
deeper into the Abissene.

The stairway is narrow and proceeds
in a spiral along the curvature
of the round Queensmound chamber.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/10(Sun)13:26 No. 1012727 ID: 9c850e
File 163389757375.jpg - (29.64KB , 700x700 , 39.jpg )

After one half rotation around the
long and shallow spiral stairwell,
there is an arch to your right.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/10(Sun)13:26 No. 1012728 ID: 9c850e
File 163389758790.jpg - (412.16KB , 700x700 , 40.jpg )

It leads to a vertical shaft
with darkness above and below.
Your ears begin ringing when
you hang your head over the
shaft.

It is loud but rather pleasant.

As you pass the arch, you can
still hear the ringing a bit.
It grows louder little by little
the deeper you go.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/10(Sun)13:26 No. 1012729 ID: 9c850e
File 163389759866.jpg - (250.56KB , 700x700 , 41.jpg )

After another full revolution
down the spiral well, it straightens
out to a hallway. There is a stark
orange light at the end of the
hallway, as well as a roar like
a large wave hitting a beach.

There is someone standing on the far
end carrying a polearm.

>APPROACH THE ORANGE LIT HALLWAY
>RETURN TO THE RINGING PIT
>RETURN TO THE QUEENSMOUND
>_

Let's take a closer look at that scout with our spyglass!

Spy on the polearm wielder with our trusty spyglass first!

But then return from when we came and take the right instead. Who knows, maybe that polearm bearer want something up there?

Let me guess, the ringing pit is also very dark.

Hmm, now why would someone be guarding the entrance to this place...
Oh! They probably know of the snake, so maybe they have been worshipping and feeding her.

Go back to Shooshan and ask her if people visit her and how does she interact with them.

>>1012729
They probably already see you. There is light being cast on you and I doubt they are facing away.

We should observe that distant figure with out spyglass. If he appears not to be a corrupted beast, we should try and communicate with him.

>>1012729
Approach with caution- If someone chases us, lead them back to SHOOSHAN who is large and can eat them.

Something tells me we didn’t bring enough rope. Study the guard with your spyglass before you approach.

>>1012729
combat arena ahead. That's no wave, that's a cheering crowd.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/12(Tue)20:33 No. 1012849 ID: 9c850e
File 163409601152.jpg - (26.09KB , 700x700 , 42.jpg )

You sink into the dark and
open your spyglass. The homini
gallops in your direction,
hesitating to a stop as soon
as you sink out of sight.
He brandishes his glaive at you.

You observe his appearance through
the glass.

"Stay back there, beast!" he shouts.
"Don't get brave!"

His voice echoes down the stone
hallway.

Bark back that we would be keen to converse, from a distance if he likes! We are on the prowl for parley and trading tales.

Kindly state your business and your quest to save your kin... and the giant snek up the stairs.

“I’m not a beast, I’m a scholar!”

Ask him about the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.

>>1012849
hey fuck you buddy, that's really racist!

Nice antlers, buddy! Is it mating season already?

>>1012849
Call out that we are at least as brave as he is!
>Add to that that calling us a beast is quite hurtful and rude. We are a Wheatprowler with a name and a noble snout.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/16(Sat)09:37 No. 1012989 ID: 9c850e
File 163440223557.jpg - (429.67KB , 700x700 , 43.jpg )

"Peace! I am no beast. I
merely wish to parley with you!"
you shout. The noise in the
background is loud enough to
drown out certain words.

"Ooooh no. I won't fall for tricks
again. Not this time," he says,
holding the weapon close. "Step
out of the dark and I'll make a
blanket out of you."

He guards the corridor.

>>1012989
"then I'll remain in the shadows, I have no desire to interrupt your work. where am I? what is this place?"

Ask him about Shooshan.

Who else has come this way? The queen of the gravel pit?
How would you know someone was safe to pass through?

Tell him, in academic fashion, why your pelt would make a poor blanket.

And is one of his eyes glass? Or is he blind on one eye? Or, ooh, is that heterochromia - that is, in layspeak, he has a different coloration of the iris of each eye?

Oh, and you could light your lantern so he can see you.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/17(Sun)18:58 No. 1013084 ID: 9c850e
File 163452232723.jpg - (14.58KB , 700x700 , 44.jpg )

You make your voice firm!

"I'll have you know, I'm no
beast, sir! And my coat would
make a poor blanket indeed! It
is very soft and would not pass
muster in such a hostile
environs!"

The guardsman sinks back to his
original post.

"I shall leave you undisturbed,"
you say, "however, I would be
most indebted if you would tell
me: has a traveler passed this
way?"

He does not respond. He is
trembling in his armor.

You grouse. "A homini, like
yourself. Would you take in
one of your own, if not a
wheatprowler?"

He pauses for a moment, then
shouts something sideways.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/17(Sun)18:59 No. 1013085 ID: 9c850e
File 163452234620.jpg - (254.48KB , 700x700 , 45.jpg )

A bowman emerges.

Okay, so, uh...

R U N

It seems we're barking up the wrong tree and should FLEE. A sad development, but this is a pup not a pincushion.

Let us continue our parlay from the safety of behind the wall now!

Oh hey, a new person to talk to. Maybe this one is more receptive to negotiations. That is, after we're done exploring other passageways...

That hole is looking mighty inviting about now...

It seems wise to swiftly skulk off, and not make any noise after which one could aim.

The homini lot down here are most rude.

Review how many points you put into "catch bullets"

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/29(Fri)16:55 No. 1013868 ID: 9c850e
File 163555172757.jpg - (324.77KB , 700x700 , 46.jpg )

You draw your mace and retreat back up
the stairs. The homini do not pursue.

That hallway is guarded.

You wait to ensure that the men do not
follow you up the stairs. They are
unwilling to go into the dark.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/10/29(Fri)16:55 No. 1013869 ID: 9c850e
File 163555174071.jpg - (41.80KB , 700x700 , 47.jpg )

You return to the Queensmound. Lantern lights now
illuminate a dozen or more of the room's arches.
The cloisters surrounding the room ascend in a
spiral fashion.

You realize that you may be surrounded by enemies and
that there is no egress.

Fear grips you.

>RETURN TO THE MOUND
>PROCEED TO THE NEXT FLOOR
>CONFRONT THE GUARDS DOWNSTAIRS
>GO TO THE HOLE
>_

Down was clearly a mistake. The obvious path is upward and onward!

To the hole!

Go up. You should be able to talk better without the noise messing with your voice, and if not then you can at least make a better attempt at fighting.

Fighting 1v2 doesn't seem like a great idea. I also don't see what we could accomplish at the hole. Proceeding to the next floor, that's same as the choice from before >>1012679, to go right along the corridor, right? Which means we'd encounter whoever was making the lights. If there's more than one person, it would again be a disadvantageous fight unless we could surprise them.

For now, I'd go back to the mound and chat with Shooshan until the lights pass.

Falling down is what got you into this mess. Try up

next floor

>>1013898
Now that I think about it, staying where we are or moving onto the next level might not be so bad, because there's a good chance that, if fighting ensues, the resulting noise would attract Shooshan.

>>1013869
Proceed to the next floor! We probably also want to talk with SHOOSHAN at some point, to see if she knows who else has been living in her 'prison'.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/04(Thu)22:29 No. 1014247 ID: 9c850e
File 163609018016.jpg - (889.95KB , 700x700 , 48.jpg )

You creep through the cloister, which
takes you higher in the chamber. More
lanterns have been hung up, but you do
not see anyone near them.

You see the Queensmound in the distance,
like a pile of salt in the center of
the water-filled cavern. There is no sign
of movement from Long Queen Shooshan.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/04(Thu)22:29 No. 1014248 ID: 9c850e
File 163609018970.jpg - (42.26KB , 200x200 , 49.jpg )

You spot a deliberate movement on
the highest level of the chamber.
You take out your spyglass and look
in that direction.

The upward spiral appears to end with
a wall and no exit. The wall sports a
strange fixture which you cannot
identify.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/04(Thu)22:30 No. 1014249 ID: 9c850e
File 163609020176.jpg - (24.66KB , 700x700 , 50.jpg )

You proceed toward the spiral's terminus,
but cannot get a decent look at the wall's
peculiar fixture.

Once again, you are confronted with a
spearman. Behind him are two crouching
figures covered by dark fabric and
mumbling. You cannot make out what
they are saying.

There are no lights over here. The
spearman's head still tracks you if
you move from side to side. That is
a wheatprowler.

"Excuse me!" you say. "What is that behind
you?"

The covered people flinch at the sound of
your voice, but return to muttering. A
strange amount of time passes before the
wheatprowler replies:

"Are you a truthseeker?"

Her voice is deep. It echoes beyond the
stone arches with ease.

"I am," you say.

"We guard the Nerve Altar," says the
wheatprowler. "Don't look at it for
long. Your types don't go well here."

You cross your arms. "Pardon me? Why?"

"This is a lever," she says, "and we
don't know what it does. We don't want
to find out."

Explain why came here and ask the current situation.

We seek truth, not trouble. We will not look at it long today. Can you tell us why it's called that?

>>1014249
I don't suppose they can vouch for you to the guards further down? They're a bit paranoid.

Come closer and take a good look at this REMOVALIST. Standing guard here... did she abandon her calling? Ask about her circumstances.

And then take a look at the lever. Perhaps there are some transcriptions on it or nearby.

The first person who is willing to ask questions and knowledgeable enough. Let's not fumble it and don't look to the lever. Ask if you can approach covering your sight with your hand and lowering your head to only see where are you treading, this way you can talk at lower voice.

I think is important to ask about:
- Do they for any chance know what it's the source of this place evil, or has any lead in it?
- What should you know about the inhabitants of this place? Specifically about your three encounters, the homini from the wailing desert, the queen Shooshan and the humans below. (I am half convinced that the queen ate the human we were chasing)
- Directions, specifically about how to go deeper and how to exit this place.
- General advice.

We have no bone to pick with this fellow prowler -- and would surely share one, if we had! If she is aware of the call of the TRUTHSEEKER, it is a fine opportunity to slake our thirst for questions as our lot are wont to do.

From whence does she fare and those fellows behind her? What does she know of the longest and largest snout we've ever taken a closer look at*? (*Shooshan, whomst being a great snooted serpent, is entirely snoot and tail.)

Would she like to help us fetch truths, when the nerve incantation is complete and her charge safely harbored?

“There are ways of finding out what something does without using it, but if you insist I not come near it then I will resist the temptation of new knowledge for now.”

>>1014271
This. Levers and the machines they set in motion are interesting for where they come from and who built them, not for what they do.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/08(Mon)20:03 No. 1014547 ID: 9c850e
File 163643059008.jpg - (30.58KB , 700x700 , 51.jpg )

You begin with the most basic question,
the one that has occupied your mind si-
nce before you embarked down the great
cave.

"What is the source of the evil here?"
you say.

"You must be new," she replies. "That
is question every truthseeker asks.
None of the surface people know."

"Have you met many truthseekers?" you
say.

"Two," she replies.

The two figures behind her stand and
turn toward the sound of your voice.
They are shorter and narrower in sta-
ture than the wheatprowler. You fig-
ure them to be homini.

"What do you know of Shooshan?" you
say.

"The great beast in the middle? Down
there?" she points out the arches.

"The serpent ate my brother," says one
of the homini. "And then it said it was
full and let us go." The human is agit-
ated with a voice full of grief.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/08(Mon)20:20 No. 1014553 ID: 9c850e
File 163643161287.jpg - (29.75KB , 700x700 , 53.jpg )

You hang your head, in part to show reverence to the stranger who cannot even see you. You also consider what might have happened, had Long Queen Shooshan been hungry at the time you first encountered her.

You have been in The Abissene for mere
hours, and already you are alive by
chance.

"My sincerest condolences," you say. "Shooshan told me she had not seen anyone else pass through here."

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/08(Mon)20:20 No. 1014554 ID: 9c850e
File 163643163297.jpg - (32.49KB , 700x700 , 54.jpg )

One of the homini turns and looks
into the dark. "Yes. It told us the
Abissene was shrinking around it,"
she says.

"Stay behind me," says the wheatprowler,
extending her arm in front of the human.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/08(Mon)20:22 No. 1014556 ID: 9c850e
File 163643175149.jpg - (523.30KB , 700x700 , 52.jpg )

>>1014271
You experience a moment of clarity upon
observing the situation. There is no
magic force compelling you to pull the
lever.

These people have been tormented by
their own curiosity.

You make a Peace Salute, covering your
eyes with your arm. When you uncover
them, you see the wheatprowler making
a kind of salute you have never seen.
She's not one of your folk.

"I am Pylar, proctrix of the Library
of Sedition," you say.

"Jirijan," she replies.

The homini appear uncomfortable to
talk into the darkness.

"We can find out what it does without
pulling it. Every mechanism worth
using has documentation."

They glare at you.

"Sometimes," you add.

So, this route looks like a dead end as well. There's only one thing left to try.

Ask Jirijan if she wants to make out.

Tell them you are overdue to make some remarks on your journey. Draw forth your lantern and writing implements and sit down to scribe. Ask them to tell their tales, those who'd care to share it, for if they wish, you will also record their words as your second mostly friendly encounter within (the first is Shooshan, but don't say that), and should you ever escape the Abissene's clutches with some of the answers to its foul corruption - or be able to send someone else topside with your scrolls - the brother's name, fate and that of his murderer shall be known to the world above.

How did they come to this place - were they born within? What do they know of the present structure and the Long Queen, or the Abissene in general? They seem familiar with some outsiders - Truthseekers even.

Say that the homini downstairs - and in the holes by the howling sands above - seemed somewhat prone to violence (one mistook you for a beast), though perhaps you did not approach in the correct manner. You suppose an aversion to strange things seems like a safe bet in the environs of this place.

Also tell that you witnessed a homini woman being set to hang above, and describe her markings. Would they know what that was all about?

I am not sure if this noble pup was referring to those who dwell below as well - but just to clarify, is Jirijan asserting that none of them know what the source of evil / corruption is either? It may not be our salute, but it appears to be a tea-pose, sometimes used to assert a desire to share tea respectfully and exchange tales.

With no magical compulsion, and a clear, long-standing fear and apprehension for these folk at this altar and mechanism -- I believe that this is perhaps our surest avenue to a new, meaningful clue.

We should document the passing of their peers and beloved brother, so that their truths may last with our writ -- and then see if closer scrutiny (with their permission and supervision) might elucidate the functionality of this lever thanks to our teeming knowledge as a TRUTHSEEKER.

Yes. Let the lever go un-meddled; there are more meaningful mysteries to be discovered by exploring the motivations and histories of those who have chosen to guard it. Instead, let us get to know these two interesting people.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/14(Sun)20:26 No. 1015187 ID: e79fc8
File 163695036984.jpg - (37.25KB , 700x700 , 55.jpg )

"Sit with us, then," says the human
woman. She has long red hair that she
has to drape in order to sit down. There
is an uneasy silence.

You ignite your lantern as a courtesy
to the homini. Your goggles prevent
most of the blinding transition.

In a series of clangs, the second of
the humans sets up a pot of water on
a stand to boil. He lowers his hood.

"What's your name?" you ask him.

He takes out a brown cloth filled with
dried blue mushrooms. You recognize these
as bluefingers, which grow in small
numbers around abyssal caves.

"Vads," he says.

He drops the mushrooms into the boiling
water and brews them for a few minutes
before filling four clay cups.

The woman hands you a cup. "Bluefinger
tea. Join us in a drink," she says. "These
are some of the few things growing down
here that are edible."

You give the tea a sniff. It smells
musty and earthy. The other three blow
on their cups and begin sipping.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/14(Sun)20:26 No. 1015188 ID: e79fc8
File 163695039174.jpg - (30.61KB , 700x700 , 58.jpg )

Every sip echoes in the vast chamber, pinging
from the stone walls and columns around you.
These are quiet people, and you can sense that
they are afraid. Afraid to speak, afraid to
move, and afraid to see what is in the dark.

"My name's Rusaliese," says the woman. "Pylar,
was it?"

Talking to people you do not know has never
come easily. "Yes. It is good to meet you."

"Are you all from the surface?" you say.

"Only me," says Jirijan.

"Vads and I grew up in a commune called Sutta,
in the wailing desert," says Rusaliese.

"I only entered the great cave today," you
say, taking another sniff of the tea. It is
still rather hot. "Some homini chased me away
from the scene of a hanging."

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/14(Sun)20:27 No. 1015189 ID: e79fc8
File 163695042205.jpg - (33.28KB , 700x700 , 56.jpg )

The red-haired human gives you a knowing look,
"I was wondering who made that commotion."

She stands up and lets her cloak drop down into
her elbows, revealing a smattering of poultices
on her abdomen.

"Wallfolk are a menace," she says.

"It was you?" you say.

"Yes."

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/14(Sun)20:27 No. 1015190 ID: e79fc8
File 163695044547.jpg - (28.02KB , 700x700 , 57.jpg )

You avoid staring at Rusaliese for too long,
only looking back when she has closed her
cloack again.

"What of the homini below?" you say.

"We don't know. They're hostile," says Vads.
He is a young man with dark skin and a thin
mustache.

He carries a sharpened, discolored hook that
he uses to move the teapot around.

He and Rusaliese share the same sunken
off-white eyes.

"My guess is they're some kind of cult," he continues,
"but this is the deepest I've ever been in the Abissene."

"Didn't you say you grew up in the wailing desert?"
you say.

"Falling into a sink hole is a fate no one wants,"
Vads replies.

The four of you exchange long looks. "I don't
suppose any of you have found a way out of here,"
you say.

"The flooded cavern is a dead end," he says.
"I've searched under the water for openings. It's
too dark to see much, but it seems to be rough
stone below. The men downstairs attack us on sight,
and the only other way is-"

"The pit," Jirijan butts in. "I got lost in the
wailing desert and rappelled down to the arch in
the spiral staircase. I can't get back up."

Rusaliese! Hi! You are the closest thing to a familiar face in this cave. Tell us more about that incident with the wall people. Was it some kind of sacrifice, or do they just not like the desert folk?

Inform them of the snake's will to leave this place. Do they have any ideas as to how her size and strength could be used to help them get out? Would the spiral staircase be wide enough?

An unexpected turn of events -- if these three are not beholden to those below, perhaps they may be warm to the idea of going from one wheatprowler to two. That's twice the pup and another set of keen eyes for these gloomy and mysterious depths!

Some small serendipity as well, for it was by our bark that Rusaliese found her freedom. I do not imagine the three of them will be too eager to revisit Shooshan, for obvious reasons -- but surely they do not want to hold vigil over this contraption in perpetuity!

How did they come to guard the altar and at whose behest? And if they are willing to leave it -- or find a change of the circumstances which grip them, we've got just the snout to go sniffing out new avenues to explore and perhaps get all four of us somewhere less sequestered by hostile actors.

For our more immediate spot: if they're willing, now that we've broken bread together, let us study this 'nerve altar' and see if we can suss out its true purpose as only a learned TRUTHSEEKER might. It may even open a path!

>>1015190
Ask -why- Jirijan can't get back up. Did the rope fall down afterwards, or is it just too far from here for her to return to?

Uff, I am glad she is ok. I was totally convinced she was the reason Shooshan wasn't hungry. How she get here? We only found the well, but could be more sites to cross.

About a way out, we should think of some kind of escape route. If we find the source of corruption but are unable to stop it, then we should be able to pass our knowledge. Also, there is the faint posibility that a way out is deeper in the Abissene.

Now that we have become acquainted with this new group, I think we should investigate this "Nerve Alter" more thoroughly.

Unless we glean anything new from a closer examination though, I think our next priority should be the pit. SHOOSHAN should be avoided, as we do not know how our friends would react when confronted with her again.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/20(Sat)15:50 No. 1015661 ID: e79fc8
File 163745225746.jpg - (555.96KB , 700x700 , 59.jpg )

"Why not?" you say, "Logically, if
you were able to climb down then…"

"The pit leads up to the wailing des-
ert," Jirijan replies, gesturing up.
"There was a gravel slide that nearly
killed me while I was hopping down. I
had to hang from my rope and swing to
the hole in the staircase."

She has a choppy accent that you think
might be that of an imperial wheatpro-
wler. You are now embarrassed by your
loquaciousness.

"The rope is still there?" you say.

"Yes. But even my silver spear can't
reach it," she replies.

Hmm.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/20(Sat)15:51 No. 1015662 ID: e79fc8
File 163745228151.jpg - (354.79KB , 700x700 , 60.jpg )

"Can Shooshan reach us here?" you say.

"No," says Vads. "Sometimes it watc-
hes us through the columns, but it's
too big to fit through."

"She asked me to help her escape the
circular chamber," you explain,
gesturing toward the flooded cavern.

"Chambers like these are ancient,"
says Rusaliese, speaking with reverence.
She takes her time between words, gaping
into the void between the columns with
her custard yellow eyes. "So is Shooshan.
She is one of many chaos demons who
inhabit the deep. Rooms like this were
probably built by the ancients to keep
them where they are."

You have not touched your tea, but
you are very thirsty. It is impossible
to tell the time of day down here, but
you feel tired.

It may be night time.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/20(Sat)16:01 No. 1015666 ID: e79fc8
File 163745291656.jpg - (460.55KB , 700x700 , 61.jpg )

The group seems to operate on a simi-
lar Circadian rhythm, but you cannot
fathom how they know what time it is.

They disperse, leaving you with your
cold tea and a few dried mushrooms
and some bear jerky to eat.

Vads walks some way
down the hall out of view, and you
hear him talking. You can't make out
what he is saying.

Jirijan curls up to sleep with her
spear lying under her.

Rusaliese approaches you, averting
her eyes. Though you do not say this,
you are glad she is not looking at you.
Her eyes look severely jaundiced and
bloodshot.

"I owe you a life debt," says the human.
"I will not debase myself for your sake,
but if you should need help in the race
for life…"

A companion might be nice. Do you trust these other folk? I don't know how many of them plan to stay here and guard this door, but tomorrow we plan to leave. Perhaps via that pit...

I still believe we ought to try to assuage the TRUTH of the Nerve Altar! And four heads and fine friends together stand as good an odd as any to navigate this place, especially with two dependable snouts. It bears a pressing question, however: what future does she and the others seek to fulfill? Will they wile away the days and weeks ahead in supplication and ceremony, or do they hope to return to the surface? If they have mind and heart well-steeled, perhaps they too might like to root out that which corrupts from within the Abissene: a noble purpose, one should say.

Ask her what she means by "Race for life"? A companion would be valuable, but we do not wish to cause harm -- we are here seeking knowledge, not to build a dynasty or a cult.

Also, look into the nature of the Nerve Altar, and their stories by the ancients and the demons. Perhaps be wary of asking too much, especially if they seem uncomfortable with probing beliefs with analytic thought.

Sleep.

The girl probably has no sleeping bag and this place is cold. With only those rags, she could experience hypothermia. Offer to have her curl up in your fur for the night.

We could probably try some acrobatics, like a living ladder, for Jirijan to reach her rope tomorrow.

>>1015666
We won't turn that down, but we only did what was right.

Assure Rusaliese that her gratitude is appreciated, and she can repay it by aiding us in our quest for the truth.

Our first order of business should be to get as much rest as we can. It isn’t clear when we will have a chance to rest again soon, so this is valuable.

Tomorrow when Pylar awakes she should explain her mission to her new companions and make it quite clear where her priorities lie. I also think that the Nerve Alter is begging for closer examination, and perhaps manipulation.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/24(Wed)17:32 No. 1016059 ID: e79fc8
File 163780395114.jpg - (19.93KB , 700x700 , 62.jpg )

"I would not decline such a noble of-
fer, but I only did what was right,"
you say.

Rusaliese smiles. "You surface dwel-
lers have such refreshing ethics."

You pause to think about her remark.

"Forgive me. My brother's death is still
fresh," she says, finding a pillow
among Vads' gear. Her eyes have dark
rings around them, and she yawns between
words. "Sleep well."

You make a peace salute, bidding her
good rest.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/24(Wed)17:32 No. 1016060 ID: e79fc8
File 163780397950.jpg - (537.32KB , 700x700 , 63.jpg )

You assume a sleeping posture and
close your eyes. This fateful place
makes you wary to do so. The people
around you are strange but your
body is abused by the strain of your
adventure. You cannot help but rest.

Slumber does not come for a few hours.
Now and again, you can hear Shooshan
rustling in the center mound or a rock
falling into the water. You can hear
creaking afar and rustling nearby.

Your new companions breath in utter
silence.

You suffer from a disease which causes
interruptions in your breathing during
sleep.

Your dreams are troubled.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/24(Wed)17:33 No. 1016061 ID: e79fc8
File 163780399258.jpg - (19.44KB , 700x700 , 64.jpg )

"MOTHER."

You stop and wait a little longer.

"I propose a vote," says Jeppin. "Bear
witness, all present, to the following
dilemma, and cast your preference in
the form of an aye, or a nay."

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/24(Wed)17:33 No. 1016062 ID: e79fc8
File 163780402379.jpg - (253.35KB , 700x700 , 65.jpg )

"I propose that instead of attending
your lecture, you stay home with me."
He waits for a moment, then puts up
his hand.

You are already late.

"Aye," he votes.

"Nay," you say.

"A tie. So this matter will be esca-
lated to a higher council."

"No, Jeppin. Stay and wait." You put
on your hood and take your pack, tu-
rning your back to him and grasping
the doorknob.

You do hesitate.

"How long will it be?" he says.

"A few hours. Lock the doors, turn
off the lights, and be silent."

You open the door and Jeppin hears
it. A minute passes as you anticipate
standing in the cold library before
a flock of sneering proctors. He lo-
oks in your direction, his ears sta-
nding up in waiting for any sound.

"Are you still there?" says Jeppin,
turning his ears toward the door.

You fail to get the nerve to answer.
You close it without a sound and be-
gin your walk to the Library of Sed-
ition.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/24(Wed)17:34 No. 1016063 ID: e79fc8
File 163780404144.jpg - (37.84KB , 700x700 , 66.jpg )

You wonder
if he
asked that
every time
you left.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/24(Wed)17:34 No. 1016064 ID: e79fc8
File 163780405678.jpg - (479.57KB , 700x700 , 67.jpg )

You awaken to the sound of a snap and
a growl. A sour anxiety turns in your
stomach.

Your sleep was brief and troubled.
You do not remember your dream, but
it was not a good one.

For one sweet moment you suspect that
your reckless dive into the mouth of
the Abissene might have been a dream.
You look around for the whitewashed
boards of your cabin, its pink floor
cushions and the round window and the
plum orchard.

It was no dream. When that instant passes
you remember that you are trapped
in a cold cave with strangers.

You summon the courage to rise by
reminding yourself of the never ending
imperative of truth.

Jirijan is up before the others, and so
are you. She is hunched over something
and makes jerking frustrated movements.

Something is splashing in the water
around the Queensmound.

You are very hungry.

Look to the Queensmound. Perhaps the splashing noise is fish. You are hungry.

Find out whats going on, and then check if we still have any rations.

Proctrix Pylar 2021/11/25(Thu)08:20 No. 1016124 ID: e79fc8
File 163785720221.jpg - (23.29KB , 700x700 , 68.jpg )

You inspect the splashing sound
first. To your dismay, there are no
fish below.

Long Queen Shooshan is swimming in
circles around the gravel mound.

You have a bit of hardtack, bear
jerky, dried mushrooms, and dried
sultanas to eat.

Vads and Rusaliese are still asleep
on the floor. You consider attempting
to collude with Jirijan, but you are
tempted to awaken the homini to plot
some exit from this trap.

The lanterns lining the corridors
around the chamber have been
extinguished.

>>1016063
So Pylar is a big tiddy doggo mommy... dayum...

Anyway, check on Jirijan, preferably without her noticing you. Shouldn't be hard with how distracted she is.

Eat and see what Jirijan's up to.

Consume some bear jerky. You need your strength!

Then investigate those lanterns. Seems suspicious.

Eat while ploting. Plot to detrone the queen if needed.

We are quite good at being quiet when need be, even for sensitive wheatprowler ears! Let's have a gander at what our possible new companion is up to, and perhaps share in some breaking of fast without disturbing the snoozing homini.

Eat, and offer Jirijan some food. We should see what they are doing. Make sure not to sneak up on them, as they seem jumpy. Perhaps now while they are alone we can ask them how they found themselves in the company of these two homani. Maybe display our knowledge of imperial customs.

I would not take long in awakening our other companions however. Something doesn't seem right, and we have lingered for too long.

When our group is all awake we need to start moving. Determine their feelings towards Shooshan before we go near her.

Have a little bit for everything. A balanced diet.

Quietly ask Jirjian whether she can remember any dream she's had in this place. Or was this her first rest period, as well?

Seeing how fitfully the both of you have slept, while the magic-resistant homini yet slumber, you suspect one's mind is affected by the Abissene while sleeping (or it was the Bluefinger tea and they are resistant to its effects by now).

As such, you should let the homini continue their rest while the two of you confer.

For example: your mission is to gather truths of the Abissene, so that its influence can be measured and countered, as best able.

What is her reason for straying within?

Pull the Lever