Koya Mvashti *DM*'s page

"Try to keep storytime to a dull roar," Koya jokes, joining you from her wagon a few moments later. She looks around the palace grounds with wide-eyed wonder. She greets everyone with a warm smile and hug, but saves her most intimate for Heng, whom she holds tightly for a long minute. When she steps back, her eyes are glistening. "You've done so much... traveled across the world, toppled a brutal dictator, reclaimed Ameiko's royal birthright. I cannot express how truly proud I am."

Koya laughs despite herself at Harlan's joke. "I will see to it," she says, laying a reassuring hand on Harlan's shoulder.

When you are prepared to leave, Koya moves through the group, giving hugs and gestures of assurance, even with Parity, who have rarely interacted warmly.

She ends with Heng, hugging the tall half-orc close for a long moment. "The luck of Desna go with you. We will keep in touch through letters and messengers. Should some emergency arise, we will handle it or send word. But worry not about us -- your challenge lies ahead of you, not behind."

The others offer their farewells: Shalelu offering Ameiko a warm embrace and elven prayer, and Kelda holding Malnival tightly for several minutes. At the last, Jiro gives the signal and you and your small army depart Seinaru Heikiko.

"We'll be fine, my dear," Koya winks with a smile.

Koya then frowns in thought. "If I can track you by scrying, so can our enemies. Perhaps you should find a way to mask yourselves from prying eyes. They know you're coming, but not the exact when or where."

Koya coughs politely and speaks up, "Some of us have discussed this, and have decided to remain behind. I would like to remain so that I can procure enough materials to raise Sandru, should Desna smile up us." She pauses a moment, collecting her emotions. "Kelda is with child, and though she would happily charge into battle at Malnival's side, I will have none of it." To this, Kelda laughs, but nods at the wisdom. "Shalelu will remain also, should Jiro allow it, to lead patrols and protect the village."

Koya flies down to Sandru's broken and burned body, her eyes glistening but hard. "He and Malnival, a bit too brave for their own good," she tuts, but it is clear she is affected. "I can draw upon enough of Desna's luck enough to pull them back from the Boneyard, but the components are costly."

Jeez, where'd the week go??

Koya smiles, "It was quite pleasant. We joined up with a trade caravan along the road. We don't speak the language, other than a few words, but Sandru managed to find common ground in talk of trade. From different worlds thousands of miles apart, yet so many things here are just as they are in Varisia."

Koya winks and smiles, "We're no stranger to the roads. We'll be careful and meet you there."

"Time is on our side. The Jade Regent has known of our coming for months, has tried to stop us on multiple occasions, and failed. We have the initiative, and the more time word of Ameiko's arrival has to spread, the better."

"I'm sure you will be better off without Sandru and I slowing you down," Koya nods to Heng with a smile. "Besides, until this Kaibuninsho character is dealt with, Ameiko will be much safer in your close proximity. We will wait here until you return."

After another pause, Koya nods. "There are some robed men... monks I think. She appears to be praying, or meditating with them." She continues after a moment, "They wear green robes, adorned with a jade crescent moon."

Koya concentrates for another minute. "It appears to be a temple garden, but its not anything I recognize."

Kiyomi guides you through away from the market a few blocks deeper into Enganoka. There, just off of one main boulevard and at the end of a quiet culdesac, is a merchants' inn. It his higher quality, and thus more expensive than average, but the rooms are large and private, and there is no large and noisy tavern or common room.

Rooms are 2 gold per night, per person... but Ameiko pays for the group.

Once you are settled, Koya quickly gets to work, taking out the crystal ball and performing the scrying ritual. After the hour-long casting is finished, Koya's eyes widen in surprise. "There she is!"

There are no public libraries or anything in a traditional sense. This was addressed recently before you left Sakakabe.

"I will be happy to try and find Maeve with the crystal ball. With Desna's blessing, perhaps we can resolve this mystery." Koya says after you leave the Three Monkeys. "The divination takes some time to cast. I suggest we find somewhere private first."

Anything else for the ninjas?

Koya smiles at Heng and holds his arm reassuringly. "Divinations are often difficult to understand, even by those of us blessed by Desna's grace. Forewarnings of danger, though vague, are good reminders to be cautious. On the other hand, it seems as though we have a potential ally, or two."

Heng breaks his stern facade and smiles broadly when he sees Koya's eyes light up. "Shall we, Madam?" he asks in formal Taldane. "I do not believe that we have had an opportunity like this since Kalsgard. Honestly, I found Ordu-Anghei a bit disappointing."

Koya smiles, "Indeed, and even Kalsgard was a tad provincial. While that has its charms, it has been quite some time since we were in the heart of the civilized world."

Shaman of the Beast

A thorough search of Kamuy-Paro's room proves successful, and it proves easy enough to find bits of long black hair among the bed clothes. Koya takes out the crystal ball and begins her scrying spell. An hour later, the clouds within begin to part and reveal the image of the shaman. He stands at the entrance to a dark cavern cut into a cliff face. Around him are trees very similar to those around Seinaru Heikiko. As you watch, he stands before several piles of broken trees, casting a long incantation.

"It looks like he is in the forest, but I couldn't say exactly where," Koya adds.

Finding Private Shaman

Koya nods, "Yes, lets search his room before it gets cleaned out. If we can find a personal possesion of this Kamuy-Paro, it will aid in the scrying. A physical piece of him, like a few strands of hair, would be even better!"

Sorry for the delays this week... late days at work kept me tired.

Koya nods to Heng's request, flashing him a pleased smile. After a few minutes preparation, she sets up the newly acquired crystal ball in her wagon. With a prayer to Desna, she casts her scrying spell and activates the ball. Using a description of Gangasum, she finds the barbarian chieftain after sifting through a minute of cloudy images.

Gangasum is a tall man, with long black hair and a beard divided into beaded tails. His visage is lined with the creases of hard living, and scars of battle. The area around him appears to be a wide courtyard, surrounded by steep canyon walls with garrison buildings built into them. A tall wooden wall blocks the entrance to the crevasse, and rough-looking bandit guardsmen patrol atop.

Gangasum is busy shouting at a group of bandits. He suddenly stops and looks around, face wrinkled as if he just discovered a violent odor. Then he glances up and looks directly at Koya. He points and says something, then the crystal ball goes blank.

Koya sits back in her chain, face pale. "That was scary. I do not know how he detected my presence."

Sent a rough map of the courtyard and a pic of Gangasum.

"Of course... stand still for a moment," Koya says, gathering the wounded together to administer healing.

CCW (Heng): 4d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 1, 1, 6) + 7 = 20
CSW (Parity): 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (4, 4, 6) + 7 = 21
Channel Heal (All): 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3) = 7
Channel Heal (All): 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4) = 12

All Harrow's Eve

Koya laughs, but it is knowing versus mocking. "The future is always difficult to read, even for an experienced Harrower. Nothing is for certain, because it is yet open to change... and sometimes Desna laughs and keeps her secrets to herself." She takes a close look at the last three cards. "All of these are neutrally placed, with nothing misaligned, making the read that much more vague. The Bear tells me that, despite the strong political nature of what you will face, trust to your strength and force of arms, for they will be needed."

She chuckles and shakes her head at the second card. "The Juggler is Desna's way of laughing at us. If you can continue to juggle, fate will be on your side. If not..."

"Lastly, the Carnival deals with illusions, but not just those that would trick you. Illusions of your own prejudice, your predispositions or ignorance, even foolhardy dreams, can lead you astray. Keep your mind open, trust in your wisdom and instinct, and you will see these dangers for what they are."

Koya's smile fades, and she stares into the cards for a long pause. When she looks up, her eyes glittering in the candlelight. "What questions do you have?"

Harrow Can You Go?

Koya nods, adding, "Love can be fickle. An otherwise noble person may betray their friends for love, or what they believe to be right... good intentions paving the way to the hell, and such."

The Green hArrow

"That depends... in this case, the Harrowing is for you. Ameiko's family and destiny may have little to do with you. Or perhaps there is a bond there as yet undiscovered. Also, keep in mind the cards are rarely literal. The Sickness can mean plague, famine or disease, but it can also refer to a sickness of one's soul." Koya smiles, warmly despite the chill air. "Please, continue."

Herrow, Hans Brix

The card of Heng's Choosing is indeed the Patrician, often signifying the importance of fellowship and camaraderie.

Koya nods, "I rarely hear Desna's voice, but I see her influence all around me, every day, even on this side of the world. But I have no true insight to her plan. The Harrow can often give us a glimpse, but little more. As you say, it is all we can do to struggle forward and try to live the will of the gods."

As you draw the cards of the spread, Koya lays them out in the three-by-three pattern. The first column, indicating the past, includes the Owl, the Waxworks, and the Sickness.

Koya ponders the three cards for a few moments, then looks up at Heng with a warm smile. "Heng, tell me what you see."

The present column is the Queen Mother, the Winged Serpent, and the Liar, and the future column is the Bear, the Juggler and the Carnival.

Heng's Harrowing

Koya smiles, "For certain. Come to my suite and we can do the Harrowing out on my balcony, under the stars."

Once there, she sets up a small table on the balcony, closing the curtains to the inside to block the light from inside, leaving only the moon and stars, and two candles, to illuminate the table. The night air is cold but the wind is at a rare calm.

As you sit down, Koya holds the Harrow case and begins her prayer to Desna. "Time is a path we walk all but blind, glimpsing only the ground at our feet. Looking back, we see shadowy traces of what has passed. Looking forward, there is naught but mist. The Harrow sheds light on the path of time. Its cards are stepping stones, which we walk up and down upon to see what has been, what is, and what might be. These sights can weigh on a harrower's soul, but they also grant great opportunities to change not only what might be, but what has been, and everything in between."

Koya looks up, meeting Heng's gaze. "Wit and fortitude have brought us this far, but I believe wisdom will be required for to deal with the challenges ahead." She sifts through her Harrow deck, pulling out nine cards and setting them aside. "Now, for the Choosing," she says, fanning the nine cards face-down before Heng.

Choose between 1 and 9, or roll 1d9.

For the spread, if you wish to 'pick' the cards, roll nine sets of 1d6 and 1d10.

"Not at all," Koya laughs. "It has been exciting, but these old bones are Varisian to the core. I am ready for the road... and the many exotic locales yet to come."

"Certainly, I will start working on those in the morning. I will just need you to buy me a few basic ingredients in town."

Read: pay the construction cost.

She frowns at Heng's mention of the Harrowing. "To be honest, I am hesitant to perform another Harrowing for the whole group. But, if you wish, I will do a private one for you."

Koya nods at Heng with a knowing smile. "We were destined to stand out as soon as we came over the ice in wintertime. Now. we are stuck with the fame either way. If we leave suddenly and besmirch the Prince's hospitality, that will stand out as well." She shrugs a shoulder, adding, "Caution is wise, but what do you suggest we do?"

O-A Afternoon

Koya smiles warmly, and takes one of Heng's calloused hands in her own. "We may never uncover the full mystery of your father, but we will find something of your past." She pauses a moment before giving a squeeze. "Thank you for taking me with you. I never want to do that journey again, but it was exactly what these old bones needed. Even after years and years on the road, I finally feel like a Varisian."

***

Bazaar

The man returns to his pre-strike stance as a couple of young apprentices clean up the boards. With slow and deliberate precision, he begins a meditative kata.

Heng cannot make out the meaning of the man's tattoos, but they are archaic Tien characters.

O-A Afternoon

Koya gives Heng a pondering glance. "Is something on your mind, Heng?"

O-A Afternoon

Koya nods. "I would be happy to. Our journey is not yet finished, but a glimpse of Desna's whim could be enlightening on the path still ahead." She looks around the tea house, taking in the exotic sights and sounds. "The people look different, the tea a new flavor, but it might as well be home, for all the rest remains alike, no?"

Heng make leetle joke.

Koya grabs Heng's arm and starts to 'escort' him towards the city. "I'm not getting any younger," she quips.

Catacombs

Koya gives Maeve a wide smile, nodding. "I am curious... very curious to learn about these ancients, and how Desna was worshiped in their time." She gives a small shrug, "But perhaps its better if we leave the dead to their rest. We have more pressing business ahead. But, when this affair in Minkai is finished, I would be happy to return here with you, and explore more thoroughly."

Heng silently watches the spirits pass and then turns to Koya. "Tata, were those spirits on their final journey to the Desna?"

Koya watches the apparitions pass in fascinated silence. To Heng's question, she nods. "It appears to be so. The Song of the Spheres plays loudly in this place. I can guess that those who took the pilgrimage left their mark when they passed... or perhaps they died before finishing, and their spirits carry on the journey, in an eternal afterlife."

Heng takes a moment to point out the roughly carved monuments of Desna to Koya before assisting the caravan to get out of the hail.

Wrapped in winter furs, Koya comes to Heng's beckon and pokes her head out of her wagon window. Her eyes widen and a wide smile crosses her face. "After so many years, across so many miles, Desna smiles still."

Koya adds, "I will start a consecration ritual, to protect them from Katiyana's defiling."

Koya speaks up, "I know a bit of divination magic, and what Malnival says is true. We are sought by the Five Storms and need to assume they can track us magically, but have no idea of their capabilities. If nothing else, I think we all agree in the need to be cautious."

"I read about the Gates years and years ago, in Magnimar if I recall. I certainly never expected to use that knowledge... an obscure reference to such a faraway place. Parity's epithets aside, I believe Desna guided me to that knowledge, years ago. Now, I understand why."

"Now, I don't know what's inside the Gates, or even where it is exactly, but the assumption that a necropolis is filled with hostile undead is just giving too much credence to fairy tales." *Cough-metagaming-cough*

Koya holds up her hands. "I leave the decision to you, who have led us this far. I'm happy either way." She concludes with a wink and a smile.

Koya shrugs, but seems taken aback by the negative responses. "Just a suggestion, if the passes are snowed in."

Koya clears her throat gently and speaks to the group. "I may have an alternate way for us to cross the mountains. While studying the history of Desna's worship, I recall the mention of a necropolis built by a northern clan. They called Desna the 'Queen of the North Star', and excavated a passage through the Wall of Heaven, that their souls could follow her into the afterlife."

24 hours after the frost wight encounter, so give or take a few... you've got 10 or so hours to go after you rest...

Koya nods, listening patiently as Heng unloads his thoughts. "The gods do answer prayers, though no mortal can control such favors. I revere Desna, who's whim is known only to herself."

"Unfortunately, I have no perfect answers for you, as I didn't know your father. But I know a little of the philosophy. As far as I know, worship of Irori is common in the eastern lands. They idealize the pursuit of divinity through perfection of mind and body. All the exercises, routines and rituals that you were taught sound a lot like the ones Irori's faithful perform."

"They seek perfection to bring themselves closer to their god, to be a perfect implement of his will, when called upon, though I suppose a few believe they too can attain divinity by that path."

"Now, the Tien folk have their own pantheon of gods and spirits, but I am fairly ignorant of them. If you wish to know more, I believe Maeve has collected some books and stories, as a gift to Ameiko."

Heng bows to Koya, "Tata, I am relieved you are well. Perhaps if you are not too weary after all that has happened this day, I might bother you for some tea to ease my aches before I retire."

"Certainly! A chamomile blend might be the trick to calm the body before sleep." She moves to her wagon to retrieve the herbs and sieve.

"Tatya, do you remember your harrowing? It seems to have been fulfilled so far. There was a great avalanche and now we cross a frozen desert. Do you see anything more about the obstacles before us?"

Koya nods solemnly to Heng's question. "I do remember, and I believe we have faced some of the trials that Desna revealed. But the Harrowing is not so literal. The Avalanche card may foretell a disaster, but it may not be an actual avalanche, nor just a singular event either."

Later...

"Would you, please?" Maeve sighs. "I need to know if I've gotten the enemy as right as I think I have. Successfully predicting past behavior is the best I can think of that we can check."

Well, now that I think of it, the letter from Ameiko's grandfather that you found in the marsh was dated in late Desnus. We know the Brinewall village was sacked a few days after, perhaps on the first of Sarenith. The Vernal Equinox was months earlier."

EDIT: ... not that I necessarily need to! =)

Later...

Koya thinks for a few moments, before shaking her head. "Honestly, I do not know. It was many years ago. I would have to divine the answer, or check an almanac. Why do you ask?"

Later...

"I'll help however I can. What's the question?"

"Koya, Harlan said that you might be able to..." she trails off, not quite wanting to say the word before the worst has been confirmed.

Koya only shakes her head, looking miserable. "I'm sorry, my daughter. There are clerics and priests with such powers, but my link with Desna is not yet so strong."

"Perhaps, in the next city, there might be... but we've so far to go." Koya sighs, unsure what to say.

"As for defenses, I wish I still had some potions of mage armor. How about protection from evil or remove fear?"

"I could do those, as well," Koya adds.

If you want her to make the potions, just need the time and coins for the base cost...

Mission Planning

Koya chuckles, "No, I can't make you fly. But I could brew some useful potions... protection from the cold, to augment Harlan's resistance, or some to make you stronger, hardier, more intuitive. Healing potions, obviously. And some other esoteric draughts, perhaps."

Note, neither the chief or Sonavut are actually there, but you'll get answers to those questions shortly.

Tea & Dragons

To Heng's query, Koya shakes her head. "It did not look of anything particular, but it must mean something to the locals here. A symbol of friendship perhaps. Ulf said he knew the people here."