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 The Umbra, near Salamanca

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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

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PostSubject: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 7:34 pm

On a night when the moon is half-full, James Redleaf cautiously enters the Umbra.

He's not in a particularly dangerous area--in fact, he's quite literally in his backyard, territory he patrols extensively. But the Umbra is still a hazardous place right now, and he proceeds cautiously, scouting from the other side of the Gauntlet before entering, then reconnoitering before he settles down to business.

His business is quite serious. For any of the Fera to be without the favor of the Moon is a serious thing; for a cat, it's devastating.

He kneels down, beginning the rite of summoning. Woven into the rite is a story:

<< Lynx had come back from the Moon...but there was no joy in his return. For on the Moon, he had faced an impossible choice. The Queen of the Moon called for his aid...but granting that aid would have made him an oathbreaker three times over.

He had sworn to defend the Queen's court against the shadows of the nothing places, no matter what the cost...and the shadows of the nothing places had come. To turn from those shadows would be to break an oath made for love of the Queen.

He had sworn to Mistress-of-Catkind to stand firm against the Unmaker's servants, and the shadows did the Unmaker's bidding. To turn from the shadows would be to break his oath to Mistress-of-Catkind.

He had sworn, also, to obey Sister Wolf in this matter, for she led the defenders. And Sister Wolf, when she saw the shadows, was full of sorrow that she could not obey the Queen's request, but she called for the defenders to face the shadows. To disobey her would be to break his oath yet a third time.

And so it was that Lynx faced the hardest choice of his lives: refuse the request of the Queen he loved, or forsake his honor. And Lynx knew that the service of an honorless cat is like tainted meat--it may seem fair to the eye, but it is rotten. The service of an honorless cat is no fit offering for the Queen of the Moon.

Thus...though it was a knife of silver in his heart...Lynx obeyed Sister Wolf and turned to fight the oncoming shadows. And with each blow he struck, he wept--for, win or lose, he knew he had offended his mother, and that knowledge weighed heavy on his soul.

When the battle was over, Lynx wandered in sorrow for a time. But he knew that he could not give in to his sorrow. For this is truth: the Queen of the Moon's love is as great as Her wisdom. Had She not allowed him to grasp a handful of Her light, to keep the shadows at bay? Had she not allowed them to triumph, even in Her anger?

And so there came a day where Lynx stood beneath the moon and cried out his sorrow and his remorse to the Queen. >>

He turns his face upward.

<< I have offended She whom I revere and love above all others, >> he cries. << Seline, Lady of the Moon, your child beseeches you: send me a messenger. Let me know what penance will please You. Show me how I may again find favor in Your eyes. Your judgment is righteous, and Your wisdom is boundless--look upon your child, Lady, and judge my heart. >>

He bows his head, and waits.
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STBrian




Posts : 1125
Join date : 2013-09-21

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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 7:39 pm

Three half moon Lunes appear tentatively over a few moments.  Normally judges and arbitrators, they don't seem entirely pleased to be here...

A voice without form speaks...

<< Let us first see if you can judge friend from foe.  One of these beautiful Lunes has been corrupted.  Determine which one using logic.  They have been directed to answer your questions.   Destroy the corrupted one. >>

The Lunes look even less pleased to be here.
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 7:52 pm

Redleaf bows his head...and as he does, he shifts into feline, his Riddler-aspect.

<< Very well. Three possibilities present themselves:

One: All is as it seems. One of the Lunes before me is corrupt, and I must determine which.

Two: All is not as it seems. None of the Lunes before me are corrupt.

Three: All is not as it seems. The voice which speaks to me does not represent Seline.

Therefore, my first question is for all three of you... >>

(Activating No Hidden Thing.)

<< Is the voice which speaks to me truly doing so in service to Seline? >>
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STBrian




Posts : 1125
Join date : 2013-09-21

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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 7:58 pm

<< Yes.>>  The voice says simply.
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 8:11 pm

<< My second question is this: What would Seline do, if she found one of her precious Lunes to be corrupted? >>

He asks, but it's evident that he's expecting a specific answer.
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STBrian




Posts : 1125
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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 8:18 pm

The voice,

<< I have confirmed my bona fides. I will say no more. >>

Lune 1:
<< She would destroy it, or cleanse it if such were possible. She tolerates no corruption. >>

Lune 2:
<< Hypothetically speaking, many of the Lunes that walk the Penumbra of this soiled world are touched by the filth of this world. A mother lion takes her children out to the plains, and lets them hunt as they will, standing by if there is great danger... but the children must learn to hunt on their own, or they will never grow. Selene has no desire for idiot children who cannot walk on their own. So perhaps it would serve her interests to allow a few to roam wild for a time. >>

Lune 3
<< Kill it with fire. >>
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 8:28 pm

<< But you do not roam wild. You are here at Her direction. >>

The lynx is silent for a moment, and then says, << Here is what my logic tells me:

One: you have spoken truth.  Mother Seline tolerates no corruption.  It might be possible for a corrupt Lune to "roam wild" for a time, but not under Her gaze.

Two: Mother Seline is mighty.  If She knew of such a Lune, she would cleanse it, or destroy it.  She would not keep it around, just in case one wayward Lynx needed to be tested.

Three: My failing was not a failing of logic or riddling.  It was a failing of fidelity.  Logic dictates that it is my faith that is being tested here.

Four: The senses given to me by Seline's grace sense no touch of the Unmaker.  To doubt those senses would be to doubt Her.

My faith tells me that Seline is powerful, and wise, and just.  She WOULD NOT permit this.

Thus, I must conclude that none of these Lunes are corrupted.  I cannot strike at one of Luna's servants without just cause. >>

He bows his head.

<< You have my answer, o Servant of the Queen. >>


Last edited by STBen on Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:37 pm; edited 1 time in total
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STBrian




Posts : 1125
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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 8:32 pm

The Lunes look relieved.

The Voice,
<< Exactly. Ambiguity, shades of grey.  These are all things of the soiled earth.  Luna is pure.  You would do well to remember that.>>

A pause.
<< Nothing has been forgiven, but the possibility now exists that you are WORTHY of forgiveness.  The Half Moon stands silent on the matter for now.  If you seek the pendant path, seek out the others aspects, earn their forgiveness, then call again upon the Half Moon.>>
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 06, 2015 8:34 pm

The cat bows deeply.

<< When the moon is right, I will return, and I will do as you have directed. Thank you for your guidance. >>
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 27, 2015 2:14 pm

When the moon is waxing gibbous, Redleaf does, indeed, return to the clearing in the Umbra, in Chatro this time.  Again, he kneels down to begin the Rite of Summoning, and again, a tale is woven into the Rite...not a new tale, but a continuation of the tale he began the last time he stood here.

<< Lynx walked for a time in the darkness, but he also walked in Luna's light.  And he was struck again by the glory and wonder of that light, for all things are made more beautiful by moonlight.  The light of the moon is the light of magic, of the spirit.

And so it was that, despite his sorrow, Lynx sang of the glory and the wonder of Seline to all who would hear:

He sang of Seline's love to the birds, and they awoke from their slumber and sang with him for joy.

He sang of Seline's majesty to the hunters of the night, and they paused in their prowls to contemplate Her power.

He sang of Seline's glory to the water, and the water sparkled and danced beneath the moon, reflecting that glory in Her honor.

He sang of Seline's grace to the air, and the air picked up the song and carried it far and wide.

He sang of Seline's mercy to the earth itself, and the earth was serene beneath Her merciful gaze.

And, when his song was finished, once again Lynx stood beneath the moon and cried out his sorrow and his remorse to the Queen. >>

He turns his face upward.  

<<  I have offended She whom I revere and love above all others, >> he cries. << Seline, Lady of the Moon, your child calls to you: though the sting of your anger wounds me grievously, I sing of your wonder.  Though the loss of your favor fills me with sorrow, I will tell the tales of your glory even unto my last breath.  Hear my words, Lady of the Silver Eye, and know that I ever seek to please You.  I beseech you: send a messenger to guide me, that I may also tell the tale of how a remorseful lynx once again found favor in Your eyes. >>

He bows his head and waits.
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STBrian




Posts : 1125
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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 27, 2015 4:46 pm

A fat Gibbous Lune appears shimmering down from the firmament.  His tone is haughty and sonerous, his aspect is silver and gleaming...

<< Ahh, ahh, I see it is time again for this.  Let us begin at the beginning; knowing of course that no tale truly begins; though tails do of course, otherwise no one would be able to walk. Haw haw.>>

<< In order to tell the tale of how a Lynx was redeemed, you must tell the tale of how a Lynx was redeemed; only then will you know what must be known to tell the tale of how a Lynx was redeemed.>>
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 27, 2015 6:01 pm

The Qualmi grins. << A tale of how a Lynx was redeemed? But of course! >>

He draws himself up and begins.

<< Now one day, as Lynx was out fishing, he had what he thought was a clever idea. Of course, Lynx thinks that ALL of his ideas are clever, so this was nothing new.

"If I build a dam across the river," he said to himself, "Then all the fish will gather here, and I won't have to range up and down the riverbank to catch them!"

This seemed quite a fine idea to Lynx, for what cat wishes to work harder than he has to? So he set to work, with earth and branches and stones, and he built himself a mighty dam.

For a few days afterwards, Lynx was very pleased with himself. The fishing had never been easier, and he didn't need to go far from home...which suited him well, for Lynx has always preferred to keep to his own den and not to range far and wide.

His idyll was interrupted, though, by a clamor from outside his den. When Lynx emerged, he found many of the other creatures who dwell near the riverbank gathered--Brother Bear and Brother Beaver, Sister Heron and Sister Osprey, and many more.

"Brother Lynx, what have you done?" they cried. "The river has vanished. We have no water, and we cannot fish. Worse yet, Mother Salmon cannot swim upstream to spawn!"

Now, when he heard this, Lynx was greatly troubled. He had never intended to cause harm to his neighbors, and he certainly did not want to prevent Mother Salmon from coming upstream, as she had every season since the seasons began.

And so, Lynx, much abashed, said "I did not think of that. I will tear down my dam."

Now, Lynx is clever, but he is not always perfectly wise. Sometimes, he acts without considering the consequences He showed that in building the dam, and now, he showed it again...for he climbed down into the streambed and began chipping away at his dam without considering what would happen when it gave way.

Breaking down the dam was hard work, for Lynx had built it thick and strong. After a few hours of working, though, cracks began to show. Another hour and trickles of water began to run through the cracks. The trickles became larger,and Lynx was quite pleased...until, with a mighty crack, the entire dam gave way, and he was caught up in a deluge and rushed downstream.

Over rocks and under branches, around sharp bends, he was caught and tossed by the currents. It may be that Whitewater herself had a hand in this, for she was less than pleased that an uppity cat had dammed her river.

Finally, Lynx washed up on the riverbank, soaked, bedraggled, and exhausted. He lay quite still for a time, for he was certain that he had, in fact, drowned.

It was a great splashing that roused him. He looked up in time to see a mighty pink-silver shape leap out of the water, cutting the air like a knife before arching and diving again. Mother Salmon was swimming upstream, and all was well again. >>

Redleaf bows. << So, you see, Lynx had learned his lesson. Though he is not always perfectly wise, and sometimes his actions have undesired consequences, always he seeks to make things right again afterwards. >>
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STBrian




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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon Apr 27, 2015 6:04 pm


<< Her her, A good tale, a bit of an egological barnburner. You are fine by Gibbous... but then again, you always knew that, didn't you, reh reh?>>

<< Goodbye and hello, as always, >> the spirit chimes as it disappears.
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptySun May 03, 2015 8:11 pm

Some days later, as the full moon shines bright in the night sky, Redleaf returns for a third time.

He pauses before entering the Umbra this time. Dealing with Lunes on the full moon is NOT something to be done lightly--but in this case, it's something that absolutely must be done.

Steeling himself, he crosses over. This time, his words are concise, the floweriness of his earlier tales gone. Now is not the time for pretty words.

<< I have fought for Seline, >> he says. << I Have bled for Seline. If need be, I will die for Seline. Never have I turned aside from fighting the forces of the Unmaker. Never have I abandoned my companions in battle. >>

<< Seline, All-Seeing Avenger of Wrongs, your child calls to you. Though I turned away from the servants of Helios, I did so to fight the forces of the Abyss. Look upon my actions with your wide-open eyes, I beseech you! >>

He stands erect. If death comes, he means to look it square in the eye without flinching.
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STBrian




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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptySun May 03, 2015 11:16 pm

A mighty Full Moon Lune appears, as if from nowhere.  

<< This seems like a simple matter of expiation.>>

With a roar, fast as lightning, the Lune strikes you with a cruel blow, a few inches below the belt line.
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon May 04, 2015 9:43 am

Yes. Yes, this meeting is going to hurt.

Probably a lot.

Redleaf doubles over with the crunching force of the blow, dropping to one knee. Painfully, he pulls himself back to his feet and stands erect again.

He is prepared to be beaten, battered and bruised...but determined not to be broken.
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STBrian




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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon May 04, 2015 5:21 pm

As Redleaf pulls himself to his feet, the Lune slams him with a hook across the cheek, staggering the Fera and nearly bringing him back to the ground.

<< Never turned aside? Well then, hero. Best you get back to work then. The Unmaker's minions have too long been allowed to roam free and unafraid. >>

A blast of moonlight blows Redleaf backwards through the air, shattering several umbral trees and leaving him barely conscious.

<< Give them something to fear, if you wish my respect,>> he hears the Lune growl as it departs.

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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyMon May 04, 2015 11:04 pm

Slowly, painfully, Redleaf hauls himself to his feet. Being able to pop your own dislocated shoulder back into place is one of the unexpected fringe benefits of being a physician, and he does so now.

"Well. That went...better than I expected."

He limps off, presumably to give the Wyrm something to fear.
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptySat May 30, 2015 9:44 am

Crescent moon, and Redleaf returns once again to the Umbra. He is in Crinos, this time, the form in which he is most attuned to the spirits and the spirit world, and he is dressed, not as a doctor, but as a shaman of the Qualmi. He carries with him an offering of wild strawberries, and the chant he invokes calls upon both of his lineages. Though the invocation is in the speech of the Spirits, it carries echoes of Kainen'kehaka tradition.

<< It is the time of Ohiariha
The Ripening Time
The seeds are planted,
Their spirits awaken
The strawberries ripen,
Their medicine grows strong

Mother Moon, we honor you
We inhale: the breath of life
We exhale: the essence of spirit
In two worlds we walk
Beneath your watchful eye
Grateful always for the guidance of our Mother >>

He reverently places the wooden bowl with the strawberries before him. The First Berry, the Big Medicine, shaped like a heart--symbol of life and health.

<< I have walked with the spirits, Mother:
With the spirits of Earth and Wind, Water and Fire
I have walked with the spirits of order and the spirits of change
I have sought to learn the ways of the spirit world,
I have bargained in good faith,
And I have honored my word always >>

<< Seline, Mother Moon, your child gives due homage. Though my actions have displeased you, I honor my obligations. Guide your wayward child, I beseech you. Help me to find wisdom, that my actions may find favor in your sight. >>

He bows his head reverently and waits.




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STBrian




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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyWed Jun 03, 2015 6:15 pm

Crescent Lune appears, shimmering from the night sky.

<< Sweet words. You have done well to the others. Now I come. So here is your test. >>

<< Tell me what I want from you. >>
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyThu Jun 04, 2015 10:01 pm

<< That is a question with many layers. I will answer accordingly. >>

<< In the most immediate sense: you want the answer I am currently giving you. >>

<< In a more general sense: you want me to demonstrate that I know how to show proper respect for Mother Seline, and for the chaya of Her brood. >>

<< In the broadest sense, you want the Bastet to remember our obligation to the chaya, despite the fact that we struggle to cross the mirror. >>
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STBrian




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PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyThu Jun 04, 2015 10:10 pm


The spirit mulls for a long moment,

<< Yes.... Gooooood. In the first two you have shown with a ... modicum of skill and reverence. For the last, prove to me you can show the others to remember. Get one other to do something... reverencial without telling them you're performing a Chiminage. >>
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STBen




Posts : 1083
Join date : 2013-09-22

Character sheet
Breed: Homid
Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Uktena

The Umbra, near Salamanca Empty
PostSubject: Re: The Umbra, near Salamanca   The Umbra, near Salamanca EmptyFri Jun 05, 2015 12:51 pm

Redleaf bows, a fluid, particularly feline motion.

<< As you have requested, so shall I do. >>
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