Sapphire:Sessions:20180908

Chalker leads the goblin, Cal, to the Temple of Aakbarath, ramarking "I'm not one of her favorites." Cal: "Which aspect?" Chalker: "Vengeance." Cal: "I prayed for vengeance after High Lord Bajeeter got killed, but not to become the vessel." Chalker: "This time I want you to walk with me. Stay a few feet back, in case I get hit by lightning."

Chalker gives observance then begins walking. "Well, V, I haven't spoken with you in a very long time. I don't need to pray for vengeance, and I'm usually the bringer of hardship. I'd like to talk with you if you're not too busy. I brought somebody who knows about hardship... in case you're hungry." The door behind the altar opens and a priestess walks up beside Chalker, who continues, "Are you part of a plan to enhance the Mother of Night in Sapphire? Does that help you?" The priestess answers in a normal voice, "The Mother of Night's activities are being channeled to help the people of the realms." Chalker: "Does that mean you are involved?" "This Temple has had many supplicants within the past moon." "Is there any way I can help you?" "You and those around you have engendered a lot of prayers." "Are you going to grant them? I know that Cal is with me because of your plan." The priestess turns to look at Cal, mumbles inaudibly, then turns back and says, "My lady has not granted any specific request for vengeance. She is taking a patient view." "She scares me, a bit. Have you been in her presence? It is disconcerting. I don't want hardship or vengeance, I just want to talk to her. I'm sure we will intervene in this plan, and I want you to know it is said that you're involved."

As they leave the temple, Chalker exclaims, "People are praying for hardship on me! Did you?" Cal: "No, I was in it for the money." "Well, then, welcome to hardship."

Chalker writes in his journey book: Headed to manor to look at the papers. You all, come for lunch. Ahn-Lee writes back that he and Kimtri are on an assignment that may take a couple of days.

During her meditations, Shawna feels particularly close to Delsa/Yasseph. You are being fortified for the future, being strengthened... this is tied into the ongoing discussions of the First Chosen... you are one of the pivot points... with your faith, dedication, and drive... You are an extension of myself... You will have the opportunity to free the dragon... The timing moves with me and Roo... Continue patience and diligence. Regarding her work to eliminate slavery from Malprin and its neighboring kingdoms, Shawna states that she is being constantly diverted from this work. These fated events strengthen you while advancing the tasks... Each day makes your desire for freedom for the world closer to reality. Regarding the Mother of Night's increased activity in Sapphire: It is for only as long as necessary. "Soon." Jax does not advance her cause, but his parents' happiness. "Same thing." She is confused and angry. "I'm supposed to pity her?" I don't, and I don't require you to. "You don't require me to do anything."

Alastor asks Danny, the Copper Kid who's been hanging around the apothecary, "Are you available for the next few hours? Make sure I check in every five minutes by sounding this bell." Alastor carefully studies the bag taken after last night's fight. The bag, made of cloth, is rough on the outside and smooth on the inside. The most notable of its herbal contents are two types of berries, a blood-red berry with a purgative effect, and a bright green berry he doesn't recognize. The various herbs' effects combine numbing, foolishness, and influence over a person or creature. A check of his reference books indicates that the green berries have "mythical" qualities; supposedly they are blessed by Aakbarath and are used by "those who crave vengeance." When cut open, the green berries ooze a dark blue juice. He writes an overview of his findings in his journey book, including, Green berries linked to Aakbarath. Twelve red, six green.

Fredi, one of the Copper Kids, tells Neville that a carpenter will visit tomorrow to help Neville evaluate how his house may be rebuilt. As Neville goes about his chores, a well-dressed teenage male approaches and says, "Good morning. I'm called Gem." Neville replies, "Good morning. You're obviously one of my neighbors." "I'm sorta new to this part of town. Are you a spiritual man?" "Neither for nor against." "You've been a soldier, haven't you? Then you know about Gauder." "I know some battle hymns," and Neville begins to sing. When the song is done, Gem asks, "What's your favorite weapon?" "Hands and feet. Though I've used swords, harpoons, weapons of many sorts." Gem approaches, staring at Neville's hands, then points to his left fist; "May I?" Gem traces over Neville's knuckles, muttering "Oh, that's interesting." Then just before he departs, Gem says, "It's been a pleasure. It's a good day to have lunch with friends." Neville, thoughtfully: "Yeah, they usually pay." Neville dons his "going-out clothes," asks the Copper Kids to keep an eye on things, and sets off with his puppy Ginger for Envoy Manor.

Studying the reports and maps, Chalker learns that the PDG group is "involved with" a manor house two hours south-southeast of Sapphire belonging to Baron Travis Phelps, and a manor for sale at the edge of the Merchant Quarter in Sapphire. Baron Phelps is a diplomat, an imperial envoy, and troubleshooter, and is presently on an extended mission in Ordin. The caretaker for the Baron's estate is Genly Torrez.

Alastor swings by Azzhik's shop and offers to sell him a couple of vials of spider venom. Azzhik sniffs at the venom, then dips in a claw and takes a taste. "Ahhh, good stuff, very powerful, much use for it. Do you need antidote?" Alastor replies, "No use making an antidote. The victim dies within a few seconds." "I will analyze. May be useful to dilute." Azzhik pays Alastor 1gp for a vial, and tells him to return in two days for his analysis.

Neville and Shawna arrive at Envoy Manor at the same time. Neville asks her, "Do you know about the First Chosen?" He describes his visitor, Gem; she guesses that it was probably Mensep in one of his guises. Neville says he wants to learn how to make magical tattoos, and Shawna promises to locate a teacher through the Mages Guild.