Araby Quest (Reboot)
- Thread starter Whynot09
- Start date
- Fantasy
I now im doing double post but I have one question here.
Is araby unite a sort of bigger empire were everyone response to the sultan or they are diferent polis like estalia, bretonnia, the empire and the like?.
I think is mostly to diference between faction, some issue I see with araby at tims it kinda look to homogenized which bother me.
Is araby unite a sort of bigger empire were everyone response to the sultan or they are diferent polis like estalia, bretonnia, the empire and the like?.
I think is mostly to diference between faction, some issue I see with araby at tims it kinda look to homogenized which bother me.
It's a bit complicated, but in the official sense, the Sultan of All Araby is the supreme overlord of the nation and every other sultan, amir, and etc is subordinate to him. In reality, there are a number of sub-factions from the coastal city-states to tribal confederations to the cults and social movements. Each having a different degree of political authority and autonomy.
Vote closed
Character Sheet
Naila ibnat Fayruz Rais al-Jarrah ibnat Aiyat-ulr-Rahima al-Maeji
(Naila, daughter of Fayruz the Chief Surgeon, daughter of Aiyat-ulr-Rahima; who is of the House of Maeji)Titles: Wasilah Ikhan al-Hakim (Journeywoman of the Brethren of the Wise), Ukht Tayifat al-Jinn (Sister of the Cult of the Jinn), Sayyida al-Maeji (Lady of the House of Maeji)
Ethnicity: Stirijani (Stirijani al-Haikk)
Background: The youngest daughter of the House of Maeji, one of the great noble houses of al-Haikk and preeminent clans of the Stirijani al-Haikk. Her father is the personal physician of the Sultan of All Araby and her mother is the Chief Surgeon of the Grand Hospital of al-Haikk. Naila was born to wealth and comfort. When her ability was revealed, her parents had a tutor from the College of Sorcerers come to their home to teach her. Naila was then apprenticed to Saleh al-Naar ibn Khalid al-Haikki, a magician famed for his ability with fire magic. On her 21st birthday, she was sent to deal with a spirit causing trouble in the town of Mabbah.
Physical Description: Naila is a short woman with straight black hair and freckles across her nose.
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Stats and Traits
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Skills
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Spellbook
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Turn One: Madness in Mabbah (Madhab, 1 Mu'tamir, 3990 B.A.)
It was in the first moment of seeing the docks of Mabbah that you knew something was wrong. Ceder trees did not grow on dockyards nor in the town behind them, but despite this simple fact. A forest stood before you. The air filled with the spicy tang of ceder resin, and the green needle-like leaves moved gentle in the sea breeze.
"Captain was this here when you left?" you asked, looking at Reza, captain of the Beloved. He was a sun-burnt man dressed in the short-sleeved tunic common to sailors.
"Can't say it was, Your Eminence," he said, his thick Nafali* accent merging multiple words into one. Even to you, it was almost intelligible.
"Then events have progressed poorly," you said, pulling out the note from your robe pockets.
You took a breath and let it out before commanding the ship to set anchor further down from the docks. You and a small band of sailors to include Reza, walked up. Each sailor carried a weapon. Most common were hammers and axes. Reza had a saber with a broad blade. You had a pen, an inkwell, and a notebook.
(Preliminary Findings: 30/60/90/120: 98+17 (Learning)=115)
It was obvious this was the work of magic, but upon closer inspection of the trees you noted three important traits:
The questions ran through your mind as you took samples from the trees while the sailors looked for the townsfolk.
(Did They Find Anyone: 1)
"Not a single soul, Your Eminence," said Reza during dinner. His cabin was a sparsely decorated place. It had a small bed, chest, and a shrine to the Sea-Father. As a captain of a sea vessel, Reza was a lay priest of the Cult, able to perform the rites and rituals to appease the Most Furious*.
It was his privilege as captain to have a cabin and your privilege as a magician to be invited to share it with him. The meal was a well-made, but simple lentil soup and flat bread. You wondered why Reza seemed so opposed to anything but the most necessary. It did not fit with the stories of flamboyant captains winning fame and fortune with a grand smile and defiant laugh. Then again, you did not block out the sun with a wave of your hand, so perhaps all stories were a bit exaggerated.
"Could they have fled somewhere nearby? To one of the other towns perhaps?" you asked.
"Possible. We'd have to check and see, but they were dedicated folk, them Mabbahiya. Fleeing their home just cause some trees popped up don't make sense,"
"A sensible thing to flee when magic occurs without a reason," you replied. You were not the northmen who burned the Talented* for simply breathing, but your people understood mystical events happening without a known cause was a sign to be concerned at the least.
"Fair enough,"
"Was this part of the curse? My own reports gave little information as to what exactly was being done by the jinni,"
"Trees growing? No, it was an illness. Made people all tired and sleepy. Saw folk pass out in the street while walking. This is all new to me," said Reza and you kept quiet that this was also all new to you as well.
You finished dinner and discussed your plans before leaving his cabin for your own. Stripping off your robes for sleeping clothes, you muttered a quick prayer to the Most Merciful* before passing out.
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Arabyan Trivia:
Nafali: Someone from the docks of al-Haikk.
Caliph: Highest rank within the Tayifat al-Jinn (the Cult of the Jinn) and the Ikhan al-Hakim (Brethren of the Wise). Caliphs have complete authority over every magician within the limits of the city-state they reside in or the territory they directly control.
The Most Furious (Al-Ghadib): The common epithet used for the Arabyan God of the Sea and Storms.
The Talented (al-Mawhiba): The Arabyan term for anyone with any magicial ability.
The Most Merciful (Al-Rahima): The common epithet used for the Arabyan Goddess of Medicine, Mercy, and Compassion.
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Welcome to Araby Quest (Reboot), Turn One. Turns will fluctuate in the amount of time they cover depending on exactly what is being done. For quests like this one, turns will cover smaller amounts of time ranging from hours to months. Outside of quest-lines, turns will cover a year. For this current questline, your turns will cover a month each. You are starting on Madhab, the first day of Mu'tamir, the first month of Arabyan calendar, in the year of 3990 B.A. or 1990 I.C.
You have four action points (AP). Each action point will cover one week.
Investigate:
[] Examine the trees
[] Write-In
"Captain was this here when you left?" you asked, looking at Reza, captain of the Beloved. He was a sun-burnt man dressed in the short-sleeved tunic common to sailors.
"Can't say it was, Your Eminence," he said, his thick Nafali* accent merging multiple words into one. Even to you, it was almost intelligible.
"Then events have progressed poorly," you said, pulling out the note from your robe pockets.
Do well, child.
Suzan ibnat Haroun, Caliph* of al-Haikk
Suzan ibnat Haroun, Caliph* of al-Haikk
You took a breath and let it out before commanding the ship to set anchor further down from the docks. You and a small band of sailors to include Reza, walked up. Each sailor carried a weapon. Most common were hammers and axes. Reza had a saber with a broad blade. You had a pen, an inkwell, and a notebook.
(Preliminary Findings: 30/60/90/120: 98+17 (Learning)=115)
It was obvious this was the work of magic, but upon closer inspection of the trees you noted three important traits:
- There were two mystical signatures at work.
- One was a combination of Water and Earth magic. You suspected this to be derived from the titular troublesome jinn.
- One was something you were entirely unsure of as it was rather obscured to the point of almost being non-present with no distinctive aspects to it.
The questions ran through your mind as you took samples from the trees while the sailors looked for the townsfolk.
(Did They Find Anyone: 1)
"Not a single soul, Your Eminence," said Reza during dinner. His cabin was a sparsely decorated place. It had a small bed, chest, and a shrine to the Sea-Father. As a captain of a sea vessel, Reza was a lay priest of the Cult, able to perform the rites and rituals to appease the Most Furious*.
It was his privilege as captain to have a cabin and your privilege as a magician to be invited to share it with him. The meal was a well-made, but simple lentil soup and flat bread. You wondered why Reza seemed so opposed to anything but the most necessary. It did not fit with the stories of flamboyant captains winning fame and fortune with a grand smile and defiant laugh. Then again, you did not block out the sun with a wave of your hand, so perhaps all stories were a bit exaggerated.
"Could they have fled somewhere nearby? To one of the other towns perhaps?" you asked.
"Possible. We'd have to check and see, but they were dedicated folk, them Mabbahiya. Fleeing their home just cause some trees popped up don't make sense,"
"A sensible thing to flee when magic occurs without a reason," you replied. You were not the northmen who burned the Talented* for simply breathing, but your people understood mystical events happening without a known cause was a sign to be concerned at the least.
"Fair enough,"
"Was this part of the curse? My own reports gave little information as to what exactly was being done by the jinni,"
"Trees growing? No, it was an illness. Made people all tired and sleepy. Saw folk pass out in the street while walking. This is all new to me," said Reza and you kept quiet that this was also all new to you as well.
You finished dinner and discussed your plans before leaving his cabin for your own. Stripping off your robes for sleeping clothes, you muttered a quick prayer to the Most Merciful* before passing out.
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Arabyan Trivia:
Nafali: Someone from the docks of al-Haikk.
Caliph: Highest rank within the Tayifat al-Jinn (the Cult of the Jinn) and the Ikhan al-Hakim (Brethren of the Wise). Caliphs have complete authority over every magician within the limits of the city-state they reside in or the territory they directly control.
The Most Furious (Al-Ghadib): The common epithet used for the Arabyan God of the Sea and Storms.
The Talented (al-Mawhiba): The Arabyan term for anyone with any magicial ability.
The Most Merciful (Al-Rahima): The common epithet used for the Arabyan Goddess of Medicine, Mercy, and Compassion.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to Araby Quest (Reboot), Turn One. Turns will fluctuate in the amount of time they cover depending on exactly what is being done. For quests like this one, turns will cover smaller amounts of time ranging from hours to months. Outside of quest-lines, turns will cover a year. For this current questline, your turns will cover a month each. You are starting on Madhab, the first day of Mu'tamir, the first month of Arabyan calendar, in the year of 3990 B.A. or 1990 I.C.
You have four action points (AP). Each action point will cover one week.
Investigate:
[] Examine the trees
[] Examine the magical signatures.
[] Write-In
[] Explore the town and see if there is any evidence to find.[] Write-In
[] Search the Shrine of the Elements
[] Search the Temple of the Gods
[] Search the Town Hall
[] Search the Magistrate's Home
[] Search the Harbor Master's Office
[] Visit the Southern Forest[] Search the Temple of the Gods
[] Search the Town Hall
[] Search the Magistrate's Home
[] Search the Harbor Master's Office
[] Speak with one of the local spirits.
[] Write-In
[] Visit one of the nearby towns and see if anyone from Mabbah is there.[] Write-In
[] Write-In
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[X] Plan Large-scale verification.
-[X] Examine the trees
--[X] Examine the magical signatures
-[X] Explore the town and see if there is any evidence to find.
--[X] Search the Shrine of the Elements
-[X] Visit the Southern Forest
--[X] Speak with one of the local spirits.
-[X] Visit one of the nearby towns and see if anyone from Mabbah is there.
-[X] Examine the trees
--[X] Examine the magical signatures
-[X] Explore the town and see if there is any evidence to find.
--[X] Search the Shrine of the Elements
-[X] Visit the Southern Forest
--[X] Speak with one of the local spirits.
-[X] Visit one of the nearby towns and see if anyone from Mabbah is there.
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- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Plan Large-scale verification.
16 characters
Sick and tired of being Sick and Tired
- Location
- Alta California
- Pronouns
- They/Them
So i'm tired and a bit ill/under the weather (and drained)so I'll make some observations before probably deciding on an existing plan or creating a plan.
This feels like Wood Elf Shenanigans. Between spirits leaving traces and yet them being unfamiliar spirits, associating with trees, and a fay like trance putting people to sleep AND ghyran (earth and water) this all feels very much like a plot written in Fan Eltharin.
The unknown signature could be something like a mark of Isha or Kurnos?
Not that any of this would help our protagonist, she isn't Bretonnian, Or a mountain dwarf, or a high elf so knowing about this stuff is unlikely.
Or maybe this is all a red herring and the trees will die and rot and go all Nurgle-Like soon?
Huh actually one of these plans is already going in the direction I would even with my sleepyness.
Mostly going for this one since I have no reason currently to think the harbor master would know more about whos doing this than anyone else yet.
[X] Plan Large-scale verification.
This feels like Wood Elf Shenanigans. Between spirits leaving traces and yet them being unfamiliar spirits, associating with trees, and a fay like trance putting people to sleep AND ghyran (earth and water) this all feels very much like a plot written in Fan Eltharin.
The unknown signature could be something like a mark of Isha or Kurnos?
Not that any of this would help our protagonist, she isn't Bretonnian, Or a mountain dwarf, or a high elf so knowing about this stuff is unlikely.
Or maybe this is all a red herring and the trees will die and rot and go all Nurgle-Like soon?
Huh actually one of these plans is already going in the direction I would even with my sleepyness.
Mostly going for this one since I have no reason currently to think the harbor master would know more about whos doing this than anyone else yet.
[X] Plan Large-scale verification.
K von Carstein
Likes to go for a walk
- Location
- Belgium
- Pronouns
- He
[X] Plan Large-scale verification.
Vote closed
Turn One: Madness in Mabbah (Madhab, 1 Mu'tamir, 3990 B.A.) Results
Examine the Trees (Examine the Magical Signatures): 25+17+5 (Lore: Magic) +5 (Lore: Jinn) =52
One of the base laws of the occult was the system of elemental balance. Each aspect of magic as it existed was derived from one of the four cardinal elements in one of its two primary states. These forces worked together through a series of antagonistic and synergistic effects to create the world. This was accepted by every magician from the Grand Temple* up in Fayrus to the Elemental Quarter* down in Songhai. What was not accepted was the idea of sub-elements.
It had been proposed two hundred years ago by Ibn Abdul-Maqayis, a magician of the Order of Earth and Fire*, that the interaction between complementary elements could result in the creation of a sub-element. He furthered argued that these derived elements had their own nature and could be called upon by themselves. His proposal had caused an uproar among the magicians of Araby. The orthodox of the West had called him an idiot and a charlatan. The radicals of the Southeast had accepted him with open arms. The extreme radicals of the east had argued that this effect could happen even with contrasting elements, but no one took them seriously.
Suffice to say it was a touchy subject, but you did have an opinion on it. You felt it was an unnecessary and poor explanation for an already understood phenomenon. Synergy was more than apt in explaining with a far greater degree of empirical evidence. Any student could point to the increased effectiveness of a fire spell done in conjunction with an air spell. It was a common tactic among the war magicians. Not to mention, no evidence of a sub-element existing in a steady state. No matter how much its proponents would point to the jinn of Damasqus* or the spirits of forests or some supposed arcane tradition practiced by one of the Ungol* kingdoms. At least, that's what you used to think.
Observing a number of trees, you found something you had never seen before. When Earth and Water magic were used together, it was common to see green bits or streaks in the mix of blue and green. This color never stayed, quickly defusing back into its parent colors. Yet, among a number of the trees was not just a blue-yellow-green mix. It was green by itself. A steady and stable green.
You spent four whole days verifying this through detailed observation of ten different samples from ten different randomly chosen trees. You kept five inside the forest and five were kept outside of the forest. The five inside the forest remained their steady solid green while the five outside the forest slowly lost their vibrance. Little by little, the green grew more yellow and yellow.
You reviewed your notes:
Yet, three questions remained. What was going on here that made it, so Wood was being produced and not dissolving into its parent sources? Where was the spirit behind it and the biggest question: what was the fuel source?
There is something off putting about walking around a place that had once housed and held people. Something about the silence that did not feel natural. Like there was an expectation of noise, but it never seemed to come. You kept waiting to hear a voice crying out the wonderful quality of their goods. The repeated yell of an elder to their disobedient younger kin. Wheels rolling upon the well-trodden earth. Craftsmen plying their trade. Children screaming as they played games of make-believe. You kept expecting this to appear, to hear it grow from a barely audible whisper to almost deafening roar. It never came. Only the rustling of the wind shaking the leaves around you.
You moved through the forest, so odd in its distribution of plant life. Almost impenetrable groups of trees sat next to large glades. Thankfully, you had Dayiel, the ship's carpenter and his apprentices. Each was very skilled with the large axes they carried. With muscle and steel, you arrived at your destination: the Shrine of the Elements.
Though jinn were colloquially called little gods, they did not care for the divine and the divine did not care for them. Thus, separate shrines or temples if one went to the great cities, were built to honor the spirits of Araby and remain in the gods' good graces.
You had a dislike of them which was not uncommon. While technically a shrine or temple was the local headquarters of your order, most magicians only used them as a place to collect mail. The reason for that is many of the order yourself included viewed them as the repository of failures. Those who lacked the skill or talent to become real magicians were sent to them. A life spent performing services, rituals, and rites to appease the majority of the spirits in the local area. Even the generous who called it important work would agree it was not magician's work.
The Shrine of Mabbah bordered on the edge of shrine to temple. It was a full building, but it lacked additional attachments like the barracks where the Black Guard would stay or extra housing for a passing magician. The roof was broken with a large ceder tree growing out of it, but as if to make up for the roof's failure, the door was very difficult to open.
"Dayiel, if you would be so kind," you said, and he smiled.
"You heard Her Holiness. Get to it," he said in a loud shout that set the men to work. Thanks to your axe-shaped keys, the obstinate door fell to reveal the main prayer hall. The light poured in from behind and above on the dais where four statues stood. They represented the four major tribes of jinn. A Marid in the form of a beautiful woman whose eyes seemed to invite you forward. A passionate smile, big and bright on the Ifrit's face. The androgynous beauty of the Jinni displayed by a smirk as if they saw something incredibly funny. The stout and strong Ardi as it gazed disapprovingly at all of you. Some of the sailors spoke a quick prayer, but you paid the well-made statues little mind. You had spoken to and lived with actual jinn. They were paradoxically more and less impressive than some sculptures.
Moving around the tree to the left of the dais, you headed to the backroom. Here across from a storage room was the office of the local cleric. It was typical of what you expected from a middle-rank minor talent. A desk in the center with two large bookcases on both sides of it. The bookcases on the left were records. Birth records, death records, marriage records, and so on. All important information for the Shrine to have. On the right were a mix of theological and arcane tomes. Some of the latter you had seen in your master's library.
An inspection of the desk revealed nothing save for a notebook buried in the bottommost drawer. You flipped through the pages:
20 Hanin, 3989 B.A.
Marriages are always a pain. Especially with merchants. Why six people must get married so a contract can be signed makes no sense to me. But their donation was just what I needed. I'll finally be able to get those statues I've been wanting. Can't wait to rub it into Ibn Hanif's face. Let's see him try to one up me now.
1 Natiq, 3989 B.A.
Terrible day today. Ibn Hanif's illness worsened. I don't get it. He's one of the healthiest men I know. Yet, the giant lies on his bed, weaker than I've ever seen him before. I wrote to the Caliph for a healer or to approve spending some money on hiring a physician from Gobi-Alain. I never regret my lack of power, but I can't help but think if only I was a bit stronger. I could save my friend.
5 Natiq, 3989 B.A.
The Caliph has requested Pir Jameel to come and provide his service as a healer. I will not lie. I cried on reading his words. I cannot sleep. He should arrive tomorrow.
25 Burak, 3989 B.A.
Who does he think he is? Ordering me around like I'm some student or apprentice. Whatever rank he has within the Brethren means nothing to me. I am a cleric of the Cult. I am its representative in Mabbah. Not some hermit in his tower, only ever coming down to pick up a shipment from that scoundrel Abu Tayfeh. I am writing to the Caliph. I will not be bullied, not in my own town.
A treasure trove of information, ready to scour.
The Southern Forests were more westward than southward, but the cartographer who named them had been using Martek as their reference point. The air was a mix of the natural odors of the myriad types of trees and the sea. It was not pleasant but not terrible either. It had not been a long distance to traverse, but you had not taken any sailors with you. Partly due to their personal fears of angering an already angry spirit and your own worry of revealing secrets to non-members.
The forests were loud, a sharp contrast to the silence of Mabbah. Birds and animals all busy with their lives and unconcerned with the random woman walking amongst them. A pair of squirrels were very affronted when you passed by. Something familiar to a look you had seen on Mama's face when a lesser noble had approached her and tried to start a conversation.
Your occupation was famed for its relationship with the elemental spirits of the land. Any magician worth the name could either bind or negotiate with a jinni to gain their help. In fact, some of your order's famous figures had little talent besides second sight and a silver tongue. Thus, there was a variety of methods to attract the attention of non-corporeal life. You chose the one that left you the best chance of starting on good foot with the local jinn.
Placing down a small bowl, you filled it with cheap wine you had found. Kneeling, you began to recite the invocation.
"Lords of the Air, Earth, Wave, and Wind, I offer this libation. Drink freely and grant me the glory of your presence. Drink freely and bless me with your company," you spoke in High Nehekharan, repeating it till someone decided to take you up on your offer.
An elephant mouse with light brown fur with dark brown markings on their side came up to the bowl. They took a drink from the bowl and then spat out the wine.
"Is this some kind of joke?" said the jinni, their voice sounding like stones scrapping against each other.
"No, Great Lord of the Earth," you said.
"Then what's this shit. Did you not taste it before you offered it? Does your tongue not work?"
Was this tiny bastard messing with you? It was about symbols. A libation was a drink. It did not matter what the drink was, so long as it was a liquid that could be drunk. You had fulfilled your part of the ritual.
"Forgive me, Great One. I will make amends,"
"Oh, you will, and I will help you remember," the jinni said, and you saw them draw on Ea--
"Ow!" you clutched your foot, removing your sandal to see a sharp rock embedded in your foot.
"Bring better wine next time!" said the little shit as it burrowed away.
Gain the curse: Remember the Ardi: For the insult of terrible wine, a sharp rock will find its way into your sandals once a day till you return with a better vintage. -2 to a random martial or intrigue roll.
Mabbah was surrounded by a number of small villages and smaller towns. Reza plotted out a path which would take you to the closest one. Katan which from what Reza said was primarily home to a bunch of Ibriyy farmers. The trip was an easy one save for the rocks that always appeared in your sandals. The spring sun was bright, but the air was cooler and lacked the viciousness of the summer air. Reza led with a familiarity of the terrain that surprised you for a sailor.
You passed through the scrublands. Hardy shrubs and trees broke up the light brown of the sunbaked and wind-scoured earth. You took a mental note when you saw they were infused with Earth and Fire. You entered the limits of the village when you saw the fields and irrigation canals that made them productive. These were the masterworks of the Order of Earth and Water*. Each canal was carefully designed to ensure the proper amount of water and nutrients would reach the fields.
You all arrived at the actual village by the time the sun was halfway in its descent. Katan was mostly brick and stone. Some of the nicer homes bore simple paint jobs and basic murals. You wondered what the scenes represented, but you had no knowledge of Ibriyy history. The largest building was the temple, which also served as the local town hall. There you met the town headman and the local priest of Dhat-Nuhas.
The town headman was a tall man with a long, braided beard dressed in a dark red robe with a grey shirt underneath. The priest was a much shorter and younger man who wore a tunic of white linen with white linen headwrap. An amulet of a copper snake around his neck. The headmen stepped forward to greet you.
"Peace be upon you, Your Eminence. Welcome to Katan. I am Musa, son of Ishaq. Headman by the grace of the God and Goddess," he said bowing as he spoke and then introduced the priest.
"This is Sulieman al-Kohen, servant of the God here in Katan," he said.
"Peace be upon you, sister," said Sulieman, nodding instead of bowing.
"Peace be upon you, brother and you Master Musa. I am Naila, daughter of Fayruz. Magician of al-Haikk sent to aid the town of Mabbah by the request of Caliph Ata-ur-Manaf of Gobi-Alain," you said, nodding to each of them.
"Ah yes, the work of the shedim*. We have heard of their plight, but I am confused as to what brings you here to Katan then," said Musa.
"We are looking to see if anyone from Mabbah is staying or passed through here," you said.
A grim look set on Musa's face before gesturing to follow him.
He led you outside the town to a cemetery. Here a group of young men stood and sat underneath the shade of some nearby trees. Most carried bows and arrows with a few holding clubs and staffs. They were laughing about something before quickly rising to their feet upon seeing Musa. He gave them a quick scowl before walking over to a newly dug grave.
"Ummah Tahir. She traveled a circuit from Mabbah to Akka. She came two days ago, wracked with some strange illness. My wife has some knowledge of herbs, but it had no effect," he said.
"What was the illness like?"
"Nothing we have ever seen. A terrible fatigue as though every bit of strength was stripped from her. Her skin was rough to the touch. Her mind seemed to disappear at times,"
"Has anyone in the village come down with symptoms similar to hers?"
"No and I thank the God and Goddess each day. We still have her wagon and the goods on it. You may have it if you wish, Your Eminence," he said.
You thanked Musa and left Katan on the back of a loaded wagon.
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Arabyan Trivia:
The Grand Temple of Fayrus (Jami al-Kabir al-Fayrus) is the oldest temple of the elements in Araby. Supposedly built by the Uniter, it is where the caliphs of Araby come and meet four times a year.
The Elemental Quarter of Songhai (Ghamid al-Rube al-Songhai) is where the magicians of Songhai live and work. Famed for its radical tendencies.
The Order of Earth and Fire (Tartib al-Ard al-Naar) is one of the sub-orders of the Cult of the Jinn. Known as the Artisans, they work primarily in the fields of alchemy, blacksmithing, metallurgy, and other related fields. They are headquartered in the City of Damasqus.
The City of Damasqus is known for the magician-smiths whose order is headquartered there.
Ungols (al-Ungul) are the primary peoples from Kislev known to Arabyans, because of this, they call Kislev Ard al-Ungul
The Order of Earth and Water (Tartib al-Ard al-Ma') is one of the sub-orders of the Cult of the Jinn. Known as the Farmers, they work primarily in the agricultural and medical fields. They are headquartered in the city of Ka-Sabar
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the base laws of the occult was the system of elemental balance. Each aspect of magic as it existed was derived from one of the four cardinal elements in one of its two primary states. These forces worked together through a series of antagonistic and synergistic effects to create the world. This was accepted by every magician from the Grand Temple* up in Fayrus to the Elemental Quarter* down in Songhai. What was not accepted was the idea of sub-elements.
It had been proposed two hundred years ago by Ibn Abdul-Maqayis, a magician of the Order of Earth and Fire*, that the interaction between complementary elements could result in the creation of a sub-element. He furthered argued that these derived elements had their own nature and could be called upon by themselves. His proposal had caused an uproar among the magicians of Araby. The orthodox of the West had called him an idiot and a charlatan. The radicals of the Southeast had accepted him with open arms. The extreme radicals of the east had argued that this effect could happen even with contrasting elements, but no one took them seriously.
Suffice to say it was a touchy subject, but you did have an opinion on it. You felt it was an unnecessary and poor explanation for an already understood phenomenon. Synergy was more than apt in explaining with a far greater degree of empirical evidence. Any student could point to the increased effectiveness of a fire spell done in conjunction with an air spell. It was a common tactic among the war magicians. Not to mention, no evidence of a sub-element existing in a steady state. No matter how much its proponents would point to the jinn of Damasqus* or the spirits of forests or some supposed arcane tradition practiced by one of the Ungol* kingdoms. At least, that's what you used to think.
Observing a number of trees, you found something you had never seen before. When Earth and Water magic were used together, it was common to see green bits or streaks in the mix of blue and green. This color never stayed, quickly defusing back into its parent colors. Yet, among a number of the trees was not just a blue-yellow-green mix. It was green by itself. A steady and stable green.
You spent four whole days verifying this through detailed observation of ten different samples from ten different randomly chosen trees. You kept five inside the forest and five were kept outside of the forest. The five inside the forest remained their steady solid green while the five outside the forest slowly lost their vibrance. Little by little, the green grew more yellow and yellow.
You reviewed your notes:
- Earth and Water produce sub-element hereby designated Wood (Sub-Element Title from Samira al-Songhai's Treatise on Secondary Elemental Forces)
- Existence verified through examination vis visual examination.
- Current length: Two weeks. (Only one week was observed by me.)
- Long-term observation required.
- Unsure as to which state parent elements are in to produce Wood.
- Suspicion: Water in conceptual state and Earth in material state.
- Reason: Materiality of Wood seems consistent with Earth than Water.
- Wood loses Water component with exposure outside the producing environment. Exposure to:
- Fire vis sunlight
- Air vis desert wind
- Further trials are necessary to verify the phenomenon.
Yet, three questions remained. What was going on here that made it, so Wood was being produced and not dissolving into its parent sources? Where was the spirit behind it and the biggest question: what was the fuel source?
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Explore the Shrine of the Elements: 72There is something off putting about walking around a place that had once housed and held people. Something about the silence that did not feel natural. Like there was an expectation of noise, but it never seemed to come. You kept waiting to hear a voice crying out the wonderful quality of their goods. The repeated yell of an elder to their disobedient younger kin. Wheels rolling upon the well-trodden earth. Craftsmen plying their trade. Children screaming as they played games of make-believe. You kept expecting this to appear, to hear it grow from a barely audible whisper to almost deafening roar. It never came. Only the rustling of the wind shaking the leaves around you.
You moved through the forest, so odd in its distribution of plant life. Almost impenetrable groups of trees sat next to large glades. Thankfully, you had Dayiel, the ship's carpenter and his apprentices. Each was very skilled with the large axes they carried. With muscle and steel, you arrived at your destination: the Shrine of the Elements.
Though jinn were colloquially called little gods, they did not care for the divine and the divine did not care for them. Thus, separate shrines or temples if one went to the great cities, were built to honor the spirits of Araby and remain in the gods' good graces.
You had a dislike of them which was not uncommon. While technically a shrine or temple was the local headquarters of your order, most magicians only used them as a place to collect mail. The reason for that is many of the order yourself included viewed them as the repository of failures. Those who lacked the skill or talent to become real magicians were sent to them. A life spent performing services, rituals, and rites to appease the majority of the spirits in the local area. Even the generous who called it important work would agree it was not magician's work.
The Shrine of Mabbah bordered on the edge of shrine to temple. It was a full building, but it lacked additional attachments like the barracks where the Black Guard would stay or extra housing for a passing magician. The roof was broken with a large ceder tree growing out of it, but as if to make up for the roof's failure, the door was very difficult to open.
"Dayiel, if you would be so kind," you said, and he smiled.
"You heard Her Holiness. Get to it," he said in a loud shout that set the men to work. Thanks to your axe-shaped keys, the obstinate door fell to reveal the main prayer hall. The light poured in from behind and above on the dais where four statues stood. They represented the four major tribes of jinn. A Marid in the form of a beautiful woman whose eyes seemed to invite you forward. A passionate smile, big and bright on the Ifrit's face. The androgynous beauty of the Jinni displayed by a smirk as if they saw something incredibly funny. The stout and strong Ardi as it gazed disapprovingly at all of you. Some of the sailors spoke a quick prayer, but you paid the well-made statues little mind. You had spoken to and lived with actual jinn. They were paradoxically more and less impressive than some sculptures.
Moving around the tree to the left of the dais, you headed to the backroom. Here across from a storage room was the office of the local cleric. It was typical of what you expected from a middle-rank minor talent. A desk in the center with two large bookcases on both sides of it. The bookcases on the left were records. Birth records, death records, marriage records, and so on. All important information for the Shrine to have. On the right were a mix of theological and arcane tomes. Some of the latter you had seen in your master's library.
An inspection of the desk revealed nothing save for a notebook buried in the bottommost drawer. You flipped through the pages:
20 Hanin, 3989 B.A.
Marriages are always a pain. Especially with merchants. Why six people must get married so a contract can be signed makes no sense to me. But their donation was just what I needed. I'll finally be able to get those statues I've been wanting. Can't wait to rub it into Ibn Hanif's face. Let's see him try to one up me now.
1 Natiq, 3989 B.A.
Terrible day today. Ibn Hanif's illness worsened. I don't get it. He's one of the healthiest men I know. Yet, the giant lies on his bed, weaker than I've ever seen him before. I wrote to the Caliph for a healer or to approve spending some money on hiring a physician from Gobi-Alain. I never regret my lack of power, but I can't help but think if only I was a bit stronger. I could save my friend.
5 Natiq, 3989 B.A.
The Caliph has requested Pir Jameel to come and provide his service as a healer. I will not lie. I cried on reading his words. I cannot sleep. He should arrive tomorrow.
25 Burak, 3989 B.A.
Who does he think he is? Ordering me around like I'm some student or apprentice. Whatever rank he has within the Brethren means nothing to me. I am a cleric of the Cult. I am its representative in Mabbah. Not some hermit in his tower, only ever coming down to pick up a shipment from that scoundrel Abu Tayfeh. I am writing to the Caliph. I will not be bullied, not in my own town.
A treasure trove of information, ready to scour.
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Visit the Southern Forests (Speak with one of the local spirits): Req 60: 26+15 (Diplomacy)+4 (Etiquette: Jinn)=45The Southern Forests were more westward than southward, but the cartographer who named them had been using Martek as their reference point. The air was a mix of the natural odors of the myriad types of trees and the sea. It was not pleasant but not terrible either. It had not been a long distance to traverse, but you had not taken any sailors with you. Partly due to their personal fears of angering an already angry spirit and your own worry of revealing secrets to non-members.
The forests were loud, a sharp contrast to the silence of Mabbah. Birds and animals all busy with their lives and unconcerned with the random woman walking amongst them. A pair of squirrels were very affronted when you passed by. Something familiar to a look you had seen on Mama's face when a lesser noble had approached her and tried to start a conversation.
Your occupation was famed for its relationship with the elemental spirits of the land. Any magician worth the name could either bind or negotiate with a jinni to gain their help. In fact, some of your order's famous figures had little talent besides second sight and a silver tongue. Thus, there was a variety of methods to attract the attention of non-corporeal life. You chose the one that left you the best chance of starting on good foot with the local jinn.
Placing down a small bowl, you filled it with cheap wine you had found. Kneeling, you began to recite the invocation.
"Lords of the Air, Earth, Wave, and Wind, I offer this libation. Drink freely and grant me the glory of your presence. Drink freely and bless me with your company," you spoke in High Nehekharan, repeating it till someone decided to take you up on your offer.
An elephant mouse with light brown fur with dark brown markings on their side came up to the bowl. They took a drink from the bowl and then spat out the wine.
"Is this some kind of joke?" said the jinni, their voice sounding like stones scrapping against each other.
"No, Great Lord of the Earth," you said.
"Then what's this shit. Did you not taste it before you offered it? Does your tongue not work?"
Was this tiny bastard messing with you? It was about symbols. A libation was a drink. It did not matter what the drink was, so long as it was a liquid that could be drunk. You had fulfilled your part of the ritual.
"Forgive me, Great One. I will make amends,"
"Oh, you will, and I will help you remember," the jinni said, and you saw them draw on Ea--
"Ow!" you clutched your foot, removing your sandal to see a sharp rock embedded in your foot.
"Bring better wine next time!" said the little shit as it burrowed away.
Gain the curse: Remember the Ardi: For the insult of terrible wine, a sharp rock will find its way into your sandals once a day till you return with a better vintage. -2 to a random martial or intrigue roll.
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Visit one of the nearby towns and see if anyone from Mabbah is there: 5Mabbah was surrounded by a number of small villages and smaller towns. Reza plotted out a path which would take you to the closest one. Katan which from what Reza said was primarily home to a bunch of Ibriyy farmers. The trip was an easy one save for the rocks that always appeared in your sandals. The spring sun was bright, but the air was cooler and lacked the viciousness of the summer air. Reza led with a familiarity of the terrain that surprised you for a sailor.
You passed through the scrublands. Hardy shrubs and trees broke up the light brown of the sunbaked and wind-scoured earth. You took a mental note when you saw they were infused with Earth and Fire. You entered the limits of the village when you saw the fields and irrigation canals that made them productive. These were the masterworks of the Order of Earth and Water*. Each canal was carefully designed to ensure the proper amount of water and nutrients would reach the fields.
You all arrived at the actual village by the time the sun was halfway in its descent. Katan was mostly brick and stone. Some of the nicer homes bore simple paint jobs and basic murals. You wondered what the scenes represented, but you had no knowledge of Ibriyy history. The largest building was the temple, which also served as the local town hall. There you met the town headman and the local priest of Dhat-Nuhas.
The town headman was a tall man with a long, braided beard dressed in a dark red robe with a grey shirt underneath. The priest was a much shorter and younger man who wore a tunic of white linen with white linen headwrap. An amulet of a copper snake around his neck. The headmen stepped forward to greet you.
"Peace be upon you, Your Eminence. Welcome to Katan. I am Musa, son of Ishaq. Headman by the grace of the God and Goddess," he said bowing as he spoke and then introduced the priest.
"This is Sulieman al-Kohen, servant of the God here in Katan," he said.
"Peace be upon you, sister," said Sulieman, nodding instead of bowing.
"Peace be upon you, brother and you Master Musa. I am Naila, daughter of Fayruz. Magician of al-Haikk sent to aid the town of Mabbah by the request of Caliph Ata-ur-Manaf of Gobi-Alain," you said, nodding to each of them.
"Ah yes, the work of the shedim*. We have heard of their plight, but I am confused as to what brings you here to Katan then," said Musa.
"We are looking to see if anyone from Mabbah is staying or passed through here," you said.
A grim look set on Musa's face before gesturing to follow him.
He led you outside the town to a cemetery. Here a group of young men stood and sat underneath the shade of some nearby trees. Most carried bows and arrows with a few holding clubs and staffs. They were laughing about something before quickly rising to their feet upon seeing Musa. He gave them a quick scowl before walking over to a newly dug grave.
"Ummah Tahir. She traveled a circuit from Mabbah to Akka. She came two days ago, wracked with some strange illness. My wife has some knowledge of herbs, but it had no effect," he said.
"What was the illness like?"
"Nothing we have ever seen. A terrible fatigue as though every bit of strength was stripped from her. Her skin was rough to the touch. Her mind seemed to disappear at times,"
"Has anyone in the village come down with symptoms similar to hers?"
"No and I thank the God and Goddess each day. We still have her wagon and the goods on it. You may have it if you wish, Your Eminence," he said.
You thanked Musa and left Katan on the back of a loaded wagon.
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Arabyan Trivia:
The Grand Temple of Fayrus (Jami al-Kabir al-Fayrus) is the oldest temple of the elements in Araby. Supposedly built by the Uniter, it is where the caliphs of Araby come and meet four times a year.
The Elemental Quarter of Songhai (Ghamid al-Rube al-Songhai) is where the magicians of Songhai live and work. Famed for its radical tendencies.
The Order of Earth and Fire (Tartib al-Ard al-Naar) is one of the sub-orders of the Cult of the Jinn. Known as the Artisans, they work primarily in the fields of alchemy, blacksmithing, metallurgy, and other related fields. They are headquartered in the City of Damasqus.
The City of Damasqus is known for the magician-smiths whose order is headquartered there.
Ungols (al-Ungul) are the primary peoples from Kislev known to Arabyans, because of this, they call Kislev Ard al-Ungul
The Order of Earth and Water (Tartib al-Ard al-Ma') is one of the sub-orders of the Cult of the Jinn. Known as the Farmers, they work primarily in the agricultural and medical fields. They are headquartered in the city of Ka-Sabar
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Turn Two: Madness in Mabbah (Ahmar, 1 Najir 3990 B.A.)
You sat in the cleric's office, rubbing your foot from where the stone had left a cut. Reza sat in front of you, a pipe in his mouth. The odor of a sweet-smelling tabaq filled the air. Dayiel stood behind him, back against the wall. You had called the meeting to discuss what to do next.
"What do you think?" you asked them.
"Not finding them alive, Your Eminence. Especially with what happened to Ummah Tahir. Probably buried underneath the earth or in some scavenger's belly," said Dayiel.
"Dayiel's not wrong. We've not found any sign of them here. Save for the grave in Katan, I'd have thought they disappeared," said Reza.
"Probably grew sick before going off to meet the Most Watchful*,"
"Then where are their bodies, Dayiel?" you asked, "Reza said it best. We have no sign of them. If they were dead, then we should at least have their bodies,"
You tapped the desk, thinking over everything you learned. There was something linking everything, but you could not figure out what it was. It would be so simple to just blame this as the work of a pissed off spirit, but none of this fit within the normal workings of the Jinn. Jinn were capable of this, but this was too quiet. Jinn were loud. They wanted to be feared and respected. They wanted to be revered and loved. Even the Jinn in your master's service demanded attention. They were like cats. Cats with immense mystical powers, but still cats.
"Too many questions, not enough answers," you muttered. Reza shrugged while Dayiel scratched his beard.
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Arabyan Trivia:
The Most Watchful (Al-Basir) is the most common epithet for the Arabyan Deity of the Dead and Underworld.
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Investigate:
[] Examine the trees
[] Examine the magical signatures.
[] Examine the secondary signature
[] Write-In[] Experiment with Wood (NEW)
[] Explore the town and see if there is any evidence to find.
[] Search the Shrine of the Elements
[] Search the Temple of the Gods
[] Search the Town Hall
[] Search the Magistrate's House
[] Search the Harbor Master's Office[] Review the cleric's archives (NEW):
[] Search Ummah Tahir's goods (NEW)
[] Try to get rid of the curse on you (NEW)
[] Write-In
"What do you think?" you asked them.
"Not finding them alive, Your Eminence. Especially with what happened to Ummah Tahir. Probably buried underneath the earth or in some scavenger's belly," said Dayiel.
"Dayiel's not wrong. We've not found any sign of them here. Save for the grave in Katan, I'd have thought they disappeared," said Reza.
"Probably grew sick before going off to meet the Most Watchful*,"
"Then where are their bodies, Dayiel?" you asked, "Reza said it best. We have no sign of them. If they were dead, then we should at least have their bodies,"
You tapped the desk, thinking over everything you learned. There was something linking everything, but you could not figure out what it was. It would be so simple to just blame this as the work of a pissed off spirit, but none of this fit within the normal workings of the Jinn. Jinn were capable of this, but this was too quiet. Jinn were loud. They wanted to be feared and respected. They wanted to be revered and loved. Even the Jinn in your master's service demanded attention. They were like cats. Cats with immense mystical powers, but still cats.
"Too many questions, not enough answers," you muttered. Reza shrugged while Dayiel scratched his beard.
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Arabyan Trivia:
The Most Watchful (Al-Basir) is the most common epithet for the Arabyan Deity of the Dead and Underworld.
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Investigate:
[] Examine the trees
[] Examine the secondary signature
[] Write-In
[] Explore the town and see if there is any evidence to find.
[] Search the Temple of the Gods
[] Search the Town Hall
[] Search the Magistrate's House
[] Search the Harbor Master's Office
[] Records (NEW)
[] Arcane Texts (NEW)
[] Theological Texts (NEW)
[] Diary (NEW)
[] Visit the Southern Forest[] Arcane Texts (NEW)
[] Theological Texts (NEW)
[] Diary (NEW)
[] Speak with one of the local spirits.
[] Speak with the elephant mouse ardi (NEW)
[] Speak with the elephant mouse ardi (NEW)
[] Bring a better wine (NEW)
[] Write-In
[] Visit one of the nearby towns and see if anyone from Mabbah is there.[] Search Ummah Tahir's goods (NEW)
[] Try to get rid of the curse on you (NEW)
[] Write-In
- Location
- France
[X] Plan: Cajoling spirits and diary.
-[X] Examine the trees
--[X] Examine the secondary signature
-[X] Experiment with Wood
-[X] Review the cleric's archives
--[X] Diary
-[X] Visit the Southern Forest
--[X] Speak with the elephant mouse ardi
---[X] Bring a better wine
-[X] Examine the trees
--[X] Examine the secondary signature
-[X] Experiment with Wood
-[X] Review the cleric's archives
--[X] Diary
-[X] Visit the Southern Forest
--[X] Speak with the elephant mouse ardi
---[X] Bring a better wine
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Janissaries exist. They're like Greatswords, but not as uniform. Kopher has the Dread Daughters (Banat al-Rahiba) whereas al-Hakki has the Golden Guard (al-Harisun al-Dhahabiyyun). To the magicians of Araby, Jaffar is seen as their greatest failure and their greatest shame.