11 September 2005 session notes--

names

2nd Shame (cont’d)

scenes

In the morning, Ishta and Nishoba talk about what he’ll be studying over the next few months, and what journeyman project he has in mind. He doesn’t know, since he only just became an apprentice instead of an assistant. She doesn’t want their reputations compromised by work that isn’t impeccable. He briefly contemplates binding the souls of the other two apprentices to this location, then sacrificing them, but that perhaps would not be impeccable. So maybe as a side project.

—Some discussion of the arrival of the Manu Tenéreans. Given that word was sent on 19th Dominion, it’s expected they’ll show up about 4th Shame.

Jerry delivers Gieron’s assistants; some crude early-morning banter ensues. Washkayya’bi, a fourteen-year-old, and Lokfi’kitoba, an older Brewer-priest from another town. They get along famously.

Sonata goes to speak with Calvus, to see if he’d been magicked by Monkeys—considering that he couldn’t remember what it was he’d done with the monkey-mask. It’s early in the morning, so Robert explains he’s out with the military. She finds him in the fields, with Ndape, and asks about the mask. He dismisses Ndape and Murry, and they go for a walk. He pats himself down and finds a piece of paper and reads it, and tells her it’s no longer here. Where is it? It’s on its way to one of two groups of people. His intention was to send it on to have it investigated by others who are very good at religious magic. This would be either the Quintus Opacus, or T85b. Sonata asks why he would send it to the Quintus Opacans, and why he doesn’t know where he sent it. He says he has notes pertaining to why he can’t remember it, and when they get to his rooms he can show them to her. She finds this all very strange. It’s not strange, he says. But it is interesting. She wants to know if it has to do with it being a Monkey-mask, or with it having been sent to the Quintus Opacans? He says no, it has to do with how he sent it. —In Calvus’ room, he goes through his notes, and finds the one that tells him that a Procopian—Memorabilis—had been here. Aha! he says, and he explains. As for why I would send it to the Quintus Opacans—or T85b—the Opacans have spent their entire careers studying the religious magic of other peoples. They’re a very good resource in this capacity. Though few agree with their methods. But they are very adept at what they do. T85b, in the other hand, is the one I sent the piece of Miller armor that I received in the Gætan campaigns many years ago. He’s making the boots Gi will use to return to Nemas Animæ. He does know something of— If you were going to send it to T85b, wouldn’t it have made more sense to send it with Gi? No, says Calvus, he is traveling through dangerous areas. But a Procopian? Do you have an issue with how the Cristoférians protect Procopians? (“I paid the insurance and everything,” says Matt.) —Also Gi will be stopping at Isrillion, and who knows how long that will delay him? We of Lem don’t use Procopians much, says Sonata. Also, I’m perturbed at the idea of an invisible, unmemorable Procopian just walking into our covenant. This doesn’t bother you? No, says Calvus. As I said, I know of two others. Two actual mages. Perhaps the next time he arrives we will have to formally introduce him to everyone. Of course, everyone will have to take notes. —I heard you were looking for me last night? says Calvus. I assume it was about this issue? Yes, says Sonata. I don’t like the Quintus Opacans at all, she says, as I’m sure you’re aware. I can recognize their potential usefulness, but. I intend to work on this myself, and it might have helped to have both masks. But you have the more powerful, dominant mask, says Calvus, and as far as I know they are not of the same clan. Being able to compare the masks would have been useful, and I’m sure the Quintus Opacans will let us know what they find. I hope you will give us fair notice should you choose to invite them. Of course, says Calvus, and as I’ve said, they will be enjoined not to enter the grounds of either covenant. You think they’ll hold to that? They have no issues here, as they do with Virginis in Litus or Nonæ Fidelitatis. Nor do they know anyone here, save me. I think they pay more attention than that, says Sonata. It is often fairly evident when they have an “issue” with a covenant or a mage, several years ahead of time. I doubt they would have any issues with Gi, or magus Tully. And I doubt they would have issues with you, says Calvus. Though they did have issues with a friend of yours— They have issues with the Purpureans, says Sonata. That’s true. And Somnex, perhaps, says Calvus. I think they might take issue with Perdix as well, says Sonata. Perdix, despite being an abomination, is a fairly decent sort, says Calvus. Though he does lack in common sense, at times. But his actions have been commendable, though his words not always so. His actions as a mage familiarizing his sister? says Sonata. And partaking of Dawnish drugs? That is simply done for recreation, says Calvus. It makes him weak in character, not necessarily weak in conviction. And we can hope the Opcans agree, says Sonata. He is devout.

Calvus asks about the prisoner here, the new one. Of sorts, says Sonata. The assassin. Sonata will be working with her, considering her experience with the Monkeys. Calvus asks if she will stand trial for the attempted assassination any time soon. I see no reason, says Sonata. She may have exceeded the level of violence that seemed appropriate. She certainly did, says Calvus. I do not intend to have her tried, says Sonata. If it seems essential to you... No, says Calvus. I have numerous other things to keep me busy this season. Who is keeping an eye on the library while Gi is gone? Sonata volunteers Cameron for the task. —Some discussion of who’s doing what this season: Cameron’s independent study, Sonata’s study of Monkey-magic, Calvus teaching Ndape, and working with the shadows; some discussion of Gi’s itinerary. Calvus leaves to go investigate the assassin.

Ilbakinki is in her room. There’s no guard on the door, so he goes and finds one and tells him to watch the door already. She’s asleep on the windowsill. He casts a spell to see if she’s ensorcelled in any way. —It’s hard to say. He checks for the Gift; she’s got it. Though it tastes funny. He shakes her awake. She takes a swing at him. He blocks it. What did you just do? she asks. I cast a few spells. I noticed! Come with me, he says. My name is Calvus. She follows him, gingerly. He takes her to Sonata’s rooms; Cameron’s there. —This woman is potentially ensorcelled, and has the Gift. Hoopoe shouts, Dibs! and starts chanting I have an apprentice, I have an apprentice. Sonata rebukes him. Do you have any sort of magical training? Sonata asks Ilbakinki. Can I speak to you alone? says Ilbakinki. Yes, says Sonata, dismissing Calvus and Cameron. (“I’m sorry, I was playing ‘Where’s Sidney.’ What was that, Mother?”)

I wasn’t entirely sure this would happen this quickly, says Ilbakinki to Sonata. You know you have the Gift? says Sonata. She nods. Do you have any previous training, either with the Monkeys or the Lovers? I didn’t think this would be that fast, either, says Ilbakinki. I feel I should be forward, says Sonata. Love and reason didn’t exactly find me, says Ilbakinki. I took what I could. What can you do? —He wasn’t my younger brother. We were twins. He was given to the Monkeys, and I wasn’t. You seem to have magical twins here, too. Yes, says Sonata. One was given to the Order, and one was not. Rather the same thing, says Ilbakinki. I got some of the Monkeys, and my brother got some of me. The letters. I’d rather explain that to—Perdix. That’s fair, says Sonata. They were given to him. I know a very great deal about Monkey-magic, says Ilbakinki. I would like to learn a very great deal, says Sonata. Can you talk about it? I’m not sure. The reason I wanted to kill him with my own hands is that I would have taken something from him, maintaining the connection even though he was dead. But you may have cut him off from me entirely. It is my own fault. I am responsible for them coming here; I wanted to find mages. Monkeys are useful for getting into hard-to-reach places. Do you want our aid or to learn from us? Both, says Ilbakinki. I realize I am too old for serious instruction. We don’t really do any other sort, says Sonata. I expect you’ll do what you can. I can make things very difficult for you. If you are only fifteen, that is not so old, says Sonata. It depends on how much training you have had. My brother had a great deal of training, says Ilbakinki. But you have not had that much yourself. It’s only a slippage, through your linkage as twins. I took it mostly to talk to others, says Ilbakinki. As long as you kill them afterwards, it’s reasonably secure. Unfortunately, there’s something of a cumulative effect. I think we will train you, says Sonata; I don’t think we have any other choice. I don’t think you do, says Ilbakinki. I have a student currently, says Sonata. Perdix does not, nor does Tully, nor Gi. My own student is fairly late in his studies, so it would be possible for me to take you on, though given your situation, I think you deserve the full attention of your master. Ilbakinki apologizes for things getting out of control. There’s a magnifying effect to this place, says Sonata. That’s why I came, says Ilbakinki. They go to talk to Perdix.

Calvus catches Perdix up on what he knows about Ilbakinki. Perdix and Ishkin are working on the tower Buster smashed. He then sends a messenger along to the Touccians.

Sonata and Hoopoe and Ilbakinki head down the hall to Perdix’ room, and Sonata fills Perdix in on what’s up with Ilbakinki. Perdix dismisses Ishkin. How long have you been one person? she asks. Two years, says Perdix. Did you have your own language? she asks. We are not that uncommon, says Perdix. There have been several pairs. She tells him about the letters. How her brother couldn’t write in the real language. I don’t have a House, says Perdix. Aren’t you a Derlethian? says Hoopoe. Yes, I’m a Derlethian, says Perdix. I have no House. There’s a knock; Ishta’s heard about Ilba. Perdix calls out for whoever it is to go away. Would you have me as a teacher? they ask. Yes, says Ilba. So. I’ll have you as a student. Perdix blinks. Then dismisses Ilba; they have letters to write. Ilba and Sonata walk back to Ilba’s room, and Sonata tells her she doesn’t have to consider herself bound just yet. It’s a big step. There’s more magi coming in a few days; they’ve had some experience in teaching local students. Though you may find Perdix as a twin a better teacher for you.

Ishta is telling Tully about how Ilba is magically Gifted and if he wants an apprentice he should go grab her now, but he doesn’t really want one. I probably won’t make it another fifteen years. So why bother?

So Ishta goes to talk to Sonata about Ilba when she hears Sonata’s back in her rooms. Sonata apologizes for not realizing the knock was her; why didn’t you announce yourself? Announce myself? Frickin’ politics. —Some discussion of Ilba’s age; it’s late, and she has had some magical training, she’s corrupted, but those difficulties are resolvable. Perdix has taken an interest in her as an apprentice, says Sonata. They have, says Ishta. Oh. I suppose they would. —Ishta is alarmed to learn Ilba specifically came here to be trained. That’s pretty gutsy, she says. Hoopoe tells her about Ilba’s plan to kill her brother to escape the Monkeys. And Perdix is aware of all of this? They’re skittish about corporal punishment and getting their hands dirty. At least at the start I’ll be assisting in her training, says Sonata. And Nishoba is interested in working with her, too, says Ishta... You’re experienced with Monkeys, says Sonata. Does this seem like a Monkey-ruse? Nah, it’s too well-planned. But if Blesséd is, indeed, a Monkey, isn’t this something similar? Please, raise my child up in the priesthood? If he is a Monkey, says Ishta, he isn’t a high-ranking Monkey. He’s more Fisher than anything else. Just has Monkey-ties. She didn’t seem like a Monkey to me, says Sonata. It’s all pretty peculiar, says Ishta, but it’s more structured than any Monkey-thing I’ve ever dealt with. And it’s a bit out in the open, says Sonata. There’s two kinds of Monkey-influence, and the one her brother was involved in is the fucked-up stuff. Murderous, treacherous, really nasty. Whereas the local stuff here has been mostly much more routine Monkey-magic. Some of the spells that I sell can exact revenge—some of the stuff that Monkeys are sought out for. They aren’t usually hunted down and killed. There’s something going on—maybe they’re at war with each other. Blesséd didn’t seem to be tied to any of this. He was mentioned by Fata’chi’, says Sonata. Not by name. And Monkeys only deal with each other masked. It should be interesting, really, says Ishta. If the girl is some sort of a draw, then it seems like the ones she draws—then, Fata’chi’ was here before her. Her brother—her brother was new, too. So there’s other people then that are around. Fata’chi’ did say there were only three, but that a dozen had been through here in the past. —Some discussion of Ilba’s “feud” with the Monkeys, which includes the possibility that they want to breed her. Chance are they had plans for her as well, and I can’t imagine them chasing around after her if all they wanted to do was kill her. She is ensorcelled, points out Sonata. But we will break her of whatever connection she was with the Monkeys. Some discussion of the twin-bond. Why they might not have taken her into the Monkeys along with her brother.

Cameron knocks on Sonata’s door and announces himself obsequiously; Hoopoe tells him we’re busy, but Sonata tells him to come in. Some discussion of the day’s events; it turns out anyone with ears to listen knows the failed assassin is cloistered with Perdix. Sonata tells Cameron that Perdix is thinking of taking her on as an apprentice. I thought of taking her on myself, but it would interfere with your own studies (“But say the word, and I will cast myself out into the cold, there to starve on my own,” says Cameron), and she needs close attention to break her of her Monkey-taint. Just within this room, says Cameron, and Sonata says, is Perdix strong enough? I think they are both to soft-hearted and open-minded, says Cameron. Their devotion to Love and Reason is impeccable, says Sonata. (“There could be some pecking,” says Jenn.) I have also suggested she speak with the Manu Tenéreans, says Sonata. What do you think of the girl? says Cameron. She is cold and calculating. Also, self-centered and arrogant. (“Of course,” says Hoopoe. “They’re Perdix.”) —She’s interesting, says Sonata. I think she may do Perdix some good. I think she might be better off being trained by the Manu Tenéreans. But if she stays here, she will prove a valuable object of study. She clearly knows a great deal. —Cameron says he wants to move into illuminating the manuscripts he works with. It’s very slow, points out Sonata. —Some discussion of Cameron’s unfortunately blank basics. But exploring some illumination may prove a valuable sideline, this season. If it turns out worthwhile, further work this winter..?

Nishoba checks in on Ilba; Calvus checks in with Sonata, and is nonplussed but not interested.

Sonata settles in to studying Monkey-magic. Murry and Bloody-back discuss killing, and how one might rid oneself of specific troublesome priests.

3rd Shame

scenes

Nothing much.

—Some discussion of the Manu Tenéreans. Somnex has dark, curly hair and an impressive beard; he’s a Ventrian; he’ll be played by Matt. Lætitia has freckles, in addition to her changeable grey-green eyes and her golden, naturally curly hair. She’ll be played by Dylan. Leonis Lenis will be played by Jenn; his familiar, Gentle Lambkin, will be played by Kip. Circumsessor is a late middle-aged craggy man, close-cropped balding hair, still in good physical shape, wears military clothing, and is played by Charles. Mens Agitat Molem is played by Barry.

The Manu Tenéreans discuss the Nemusians on the way to Nemus Animæ. Perdix and Gi, it seems, are both good at cards. Circumsessor outlines the amenities to be expected: beers; balconies. Not so much with the rugs. Though if it really is ghastly, Perdix has good drugs. Circumsessor tells the story of how Tully contacted him, and he put Tully in contact with Calvus. Somnex talks about how weird Sonata was acting, with her birds, and the always looking over her shoulder. Is Calvus the creepy one? asks Lætitia. No, Perdix is the creepy one. I know Perdix is creepy, snaps Lætitia, I mean the other creepy one. How are the townsfolk? Calvus seems pleased enough with them. If they haven’t murdered Perdix in some horrible mass-mob lynching, says Lætitia, they must be all right. Mens is cleaning his fingernails, as he does every hour or so. He’s a stickler about cleanliness, washing up before spellcasting; he has a strong affinity with bugs. Leonis has a crease right down the middle of his forehead pretty much twenty-four seven. Somnex has a special pillow.

“Do you ever want me to pat you on the nose again?”