I approach the city again.I failed to find another body, and yet . . . returning seems to be my best option.I know I cannot reenter; the pull is too great.Still, perhaps I can wait near, and ambush a traveler or something.At worst, perhaps I can at least follow my . . . companions . . . when they leave the city, provided they leave under mundane means.
I see movement near the walls!As I get closer, I see that it is . . . an orc.A young orc.A young, female orc.She appears to be living in the walls.I engage her in conversation; she is obviously afraid but I am able to draw on my memories of my own former existence – my life – to calm her enough to actually talk to me.I convince her to procure for me a corpse; it is obvious her people are in dire straits.She is . . . so like I was in some ways, and yet it is obvious that for some reason she knows nothing of Nerull, or at least of Nerull’s power to give her choices in her existence.I . . . remember a fear of undeath, I suppose; I understand a fear of death.How could her people so overlook such an obvious solution to their predicament?
Still, I do as I promised, and attempt to help with her plight without revealing where she and her people are living.After the announcement is made that this city will consider the issue of the nexus inversion for two more weeks before making a final decision (truly, how stupid and arrogant can they be? – oh, that’s right; they’re surface elves) I arrange to have a meeting some time in the next few days with the magistrate.I play on the surface elves’ sympathy for children; it seems the most likely reason this girl’s people are not allowed into the city is that her tribe is banned for past transgressions.I may be able to wangle an arrangement in which the children are able to refresh, based on the suggestion that it is only, or mostly, children left in the tribe.This could be good; the child would have a chance at a longer life than I had, yet Nerull would still reap more souls in the adults which would die from withering (or ritual death to escape withering).If the elves hold firm in their refusal, they will feel guilt, and Nerull will gain even more souls.Perhaps the child will take the same path I did – not what she might wish for, but there are certainly far worse fates.I admit . . . there is a part of me that feels . . . sadness at the idea that she might become like me.Most of the time the thought of another intelligent undead would please me, but in this case, I do not wish for it.Odd.I actually find myself hoping the elves agree to let the children refresh, despite the fact that it would likely be more beneficial if they did not.She had no information I wanted, after she obtained for me a corpse; she did not recognize the name of my mother’s tribe.Why should I care?
I suppose there is the benefit to my reputation with my companions.Still, I gain that either way.Compassion is something that I do not really understand, yet I am aware is valued by many of the people with whom I am traveling.I realize that this action likely looks compassionate.I find it probable that keeping them wondering about my true motivations will be beneficial to my continued existence and participation in our current activities.
Admatha's reactions to the rest of the events of the session also caused her to experience . . . feelings. Mostly pure, unadulterated rage and hate. It's much less interesting to read about, as for long periods of time she kind of lost coherence. However, perhaps at a later date, when more of her backstory is known, I will reveal some of those thoughts.
Late in the evening, an Arx constible arrived in my quarters. I was politely arrested. Given the accusations laid at the feet of me and my companions, I am hardly surprised. And thus, in my cell, I waited. Patience is a virtue I have become accustomed to.
A warforged was provided to us as council, and soon we found ourselves facing trial, based upon our participation in the lineship incident. in truth, I found myself uncertain about how to defend my companions. Their participation is undeniable. And yet, what value is there in punishing them? Will it undo the events that transpired? Of course not. If anything it will serve only to impede them from working to avert the disasters that we all seem inexorably drawn to.
Justice, it was said, would be served. I gave that some thought, though I admit it was not the lineship that I considered, but the Emperor. What would be served by killing his assassin? I realized that it would not undo my failure. No, better to gain his aid in averting further tragedy. When next I see him, I will gain his assistance. By force, if necessary.
Logic and temperance. These virtues led to my next decision, agreeing to aid the Drow woman who had been posing as a goblin. If she speaks truth, than the situation is even worse than I had dared imagine. It seemed that I had little choice.
And still....even with so much at stake, I remember Iraja's plea. She did not simply ask for help. She asked me for help. And I could not. Did not. Gods, let me do something of use, let me not leave friends and duty behind in vain.
Admatha has . . . feelings?! (& then attempts to justify them.)
I approach the city again. I failed to find another body, and yet . . . returning seems to be my best option. I know I cannot reenter; the pull is too great. Still, perhaps I can wait near, and ambush a traveler or something. At worst, perhaps I can at least follow my . . . companions . . . when they leave the city, provided they leave under mundane means.
I see movement near the walls! As I get closer, I see that it is . . . an orc. A young orc. A young, female orc. She appears to be living in the walls. I engage her in conversation; she is obviously afraid but I am able to draw on my memories of my own former existence – my life – to calm her enough to actually talk to me. I convince her to procure for me a corpse; it is obvious her people are in dire straits. She is . . . so like I was in some ways, and yet it is obvious that for some reason she knows nothing of Nerull, or at least of Nerull’s power to give her choices in her existence. I . . . remember a fear of undeath, I suppose; I understand a fear of death. How could her people so overlook such an obvious solution to their predicament?
Still, I do as I promised, and attempt to help with her plight without revealing where she and her people are living. After the announcement is made that this city will consider the issue of the nexus inversion for two more weeks before making a final decision (truly, how stupid and arrogant can they be? – oh, that’s right; they’re surface elves) I arrange to have a meeting some time in the next few days with the magistrate. I play on the surface elves’ sympathy for children; it seems the most likely reason this girl’s people are not allowed into the city is that her tribe is banned for past transgressions. I may be able to wangle an arrangement in which the children are able to refresh, based on the suggestion that it is only, or mostly, children left in the tribe. This could be good; the child would have a chance at a longer life than I had, yet Nerull would still reap more souls in the adults which would die from withering (or ritual death to escape withering). If the elves hold firm in their refusal, they will feel guilt, and Nerull will gain even more souls. Perhaps the child will take the same path I did – not what she might wish for, but there are certainly far worse fates. I admit . . . there is a part of me that feels . . . sadness at the idea that she might become like me. Most of the time the thought of another intelligent undead would please me, but in this case, I do not wish for it. Odd. I actually find myself hoping the elves agree to let the children refresh, despite the fact that it would likely be more beneficial if they did not. She had no information I wanted, after she obtained for me a corpse; she did not recognize the name of my mother’s tribe. Why should I care?
I suppose there is the benefit to my reputation with my companions. Still, I gain that either way. Compassion is something that I do not really understand, yet I am aware is valued by many of the people with whom I am traveling. I realize that this action likely looks compassionate. I find it probable that keeping them wondering about my true motivations will be beneficial to my continued existence and participation in our current activities.
The day's (week's) later events
Admatha's reactions to the rest of the events of the session also caused her to experience . . . feelings. Mostly pure, unadulterated rage and hate. It's much less interesting to read about, as for long periods of time she kind of lost coherence. However, perhaps at a later date, when more of her backstory is known, I will reveal some of those thoughts.
Za'har, Fist of Heaven
Late in the evening, an Arx constible arrived in my quarters. I was politely arrested. Given the accusations laid at the feet of me and my companions, I am hardly surprised. And thus, in my cell, I waited. Patience is a virtue I have become accustomed to.
A warforged was provided to us as council, and soon we found ourselves facing trial, based upon our participation in the lineship incident. in truth, I found myself uncertain about how to defend my companions. Their participation is undeniable. And yet, what value is there in punishing them? Will it undo the events that transpired? Of course not. If anything it will serve only to impede them from working to avert the disasters that we all seem inexorably drawn to.
Justice, it was said, would be served. I gave that some thought, though I admit it was not the lineship that I considered, but the Emperor. What would be served by killing his assassin? I realized that it would not undo my failure. No, better to gain his aid in averting further tragedy. When next I see him, I will gain his assistance. By force, if necessary.
Logic and temperance. These virtues led to my next decision, agreeing to aid the Drow woman who had been posing as a goblin. If she speaks truth, than the situation is even worse than I had dared imagine. It seemed that I had little choice.
And still....even with so much at stake, I remember Iraja's plea. She did not simply ask for help. She asked me for help. And I could not. Did not. Gods, let me do something of use, let me not leave friends and duty behind in vain.