NPC_Koya's page

"Why thank you, Vak. I hope you can find something of interest there as well."

"The female druid, Skeeter, said that the leader, Sputterlick, recently returned to the tribe and took over due to an alliance with a white-skinned longlegs ally. And that this ally wanted Ameiko, or something of hers. Skeeter doesn't trust this person's motives. Understandably, I suppose."

"I would like to. My mother was in occasional communication with the monks and priests, though they have grown rather insular of late. And, if they are wiling, perhaps we can ask to examine their records, to see what information they may have on our ultimate goal."

Koya looks up from her study of the various cards the group chose. "I thank you for your consideration and condolences. I do understand the vagaries of travel. My mother and I are Varisian, after all. Your presence is a comfort in and of itself. I am glad and honored that you will be accompanying us. I suspect that..." here she looks down at the deck in her hands "there is more to this trip than is apparent to us now. The note from Rokoru spoke of enemies, powerful ones. Perhaps the secret of what happened to Brinewall is part of what we will find."

She shakes her head and looks over at Ameiko, clowning with the others. "Do you know how her father died? Murdered by her half brother, her mother's illegitimate son. He was bound to a throne-like chair and covered in molten glass."

She cuts the deck and it opens once more to the Empty Throne.

"I fear this card."

Koya glares at Mai. "Beware manipulating the Harrow, my child. It will hold you to that choice!" As Fibek in turn draws a second card she shrugs. "Take care what you wish for. You may get it."

First she turns to Mai. ”Am I to believe you didn't manipulate these?” she says, half amused, half exasperated. ”Let us see what you drew...I hope you're willing to stand by their intent. First from the Crown suit, the Courtesan, revealing a woman of power, wearing a mask that must not slip, reflecting political intrigue, and the superficial social niceties that must be followed, as she subtly shapes events. Then the Cricket, from the suit of Keys, representing a creature whose mind is as quick as its body. It represents speed, quick passage, and the prize at the end of the journey. A heavy load to live up to, child.”

She turns to Fibek. ”Once more you surprise me. You've pulled the Theater, an odd card, but one that does pair well with the Midwife. The Theater is the card of true prophecy, a true prophet who is merely a puppet of the gods; acting out a scene in which the prophet is the audience and the prophecy the show, unable to influence what is seen, and often not recognizing it's importance until too late.”

Lastly she turns to Braydon. ”An odd pair that. Is that truly how you see yourself? I suspect that the first draw, though you reject the title, may more purely reflect your soul. Still, let me tell you of those cards. The Sickness represents corruption, famine, plague, pestilence, disease, and especially corruption of a soul or souls. It is an evil omen, but your other card may indicate victory over it. The Survivor represents one who has been through a terrible ordeal of some kind, thought lost by all, now reborn, though surrounded by the fallen, representing someone or something thought lost forever, found once more. Hm.”

She sighs. ”Does anyone else wish to take the risk? If so, pick a suit and draw again. But beware, you will be bound to it.”

She gathers up the cards, shuffles them, then splits the deck, turning it over to glance at the top card, then reshuffling the deck, and waiting to see if anyone else will draw before she puts it away.

Koya turns to Braydon. "Nothing in the Harrow happens by accident. I'm certain that that flipped card will prove important, both past and present. You are an interesting person, young one. I shall keep my eye on you." She smiles, seemingly amused. "I had wanted an interesting life, and now it appears I well have one, though late in the game, as it were"

She turns to the charming knight. "Of course, Sir Alfric. Still, You must make the choice."

She takes the card from him and smiles again. "I should have guessed. Still, it's nice to see that my observations are still accurate. The Keep, symbol of of quiet strength, strength that can move when necessary, yet stand firm through the greatest hardship, not shaken by any force. Though," here she shoots a quick look at Braydon "I had also half expected you to pull the Paladin. Perhaps...time will tell."

She looks over at Shalelu "And where's that young relative of yours? I'm surprised she hasn't already packed."

Koya blinks, surprised at Braydon's reaction. She takes the card and studies it, then her eyes grow wide. "Good advice, Sir Charayana, however...the boy is right. He asked for a card of the Shield suit. The Paladin is of the Hammer suit. I apologize, young one. I do not know how such an error came to be. Please, if you are still willing, try again."

Koya carefully sorts the cards, placing the shield suit cards face up on the table, then turns to Vak. She hands him the rest of the deck. "Please, hold these others for now." She then picks up the remaining Shield cards, shuffles them and spreads them out on the table, face down and looks at Braydon with expectation.

"Please, forgive me and try again."