Reinholdt's Repository

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Lyn Cha tilts her head a little. She considers a comment about evening the playing field further by letting them choose her weapon for her, but it seems weapons were already decided beforehand. "That's fine," the raven haired woman states. She steps over to take a provided quarterstaff, bouncing it in her hand as she tests its weight and pliability, pushing on the ends to see its flexibility. She flicks it to her other hand and walks into the arena, settling for the middle of the quadrant furthest from where she started.

"Rules?" Lyn asks as she turns around to face her opposition, staff held at her back.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

Barenza doesn't answer immediately, apparently trying to adjust the usual rules to this unusual circumstance.

"Avoid aiming for the head and pull back your blows to prevent more grievous injuries. The first side to land three hits on the other wins the bout. The first side to win three bouts wins the engagement."

The three brothers nod in acknowledgement as they take up positions in front of Lyn Cha. Ardnod stands directly in front of her, while Oragon stands to his left and Pashti to his right. They're keeping a wide space between each other, so that when the combat begins, they will attack her from different directions.

[5a Violista]

[Outside Catside]

Well.
It seems June's ingenious strategy worked.
Ask to not get thrown out, and then you don't get thrown out.
Not to mention, they even do a better offer! No need to even negotiate, since the captain's already offering a favorable thing.

"Yeah. Um, okay. I can do that," she says. Her tail flicks. "That seems very fair." June tries to think back how much cash she has, or if she has just cards or something.

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

No ring out rules. Interesting. That eliminates her first plan, though it does open up a different opportunity. It probably wasn't worth leading them on a merry chase though. Someone would get whiny and cry about dishonor no doubt.

"Understood."

Every good warrior studies their opponent. Plays defensive and conserves their strength as they protect themselves and learn the other's strengths and weaknesses. It was practically dueling 101.

So Lyn Cha is hoping to catch them particularly off guard when she winks at Pashti and the moment the bout begin, she charges hard left at Oragon. Zooming at him recklessly performs a second function of keeping the other two away from her as she takes some advantage of their position. Or rather uses their distance from each other to engage Oragon one on one.

Engage is a strong word as well because she's tossing her quarterstaff at him like its a spear rather than how it's intended to be used. She predicts he'll reflexively protect his chest so she's actually aiming for between his legs as she leaps over him as fast as she charged him. Hopefully the stick will trip him up should he try to move, but if it doesn't when Ilpholin lands, she'll be in position to grab the staff and rapid bounce it between his knees, striking him three times in rapid succession utilizing the small distance it would have to travel.

Whether this works or not, she doubts she'll be able to pull off anything like this again in future bouts, so she's doing her best to capitalize on the surprise she has now.

[Outside Catside]

The Captain doesn't charge particularly much and June's still more or less confined to the Captain's quarters until they land, where they send June on her way as soon as it's reasonable to do so without alerting the dockmaster to the shenanigans.

June is completely free and probably won't have to worry about cultists finding her or any other catside related things for some time. At least until a reply to June's letter to Adam about the cultists arrives... unless June didn't include a return address or way for Adam to contact her. Either way, that'll be at least two weeks later in which something happens (or doesn't happen).

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

It's safe to say the brothers didn't expect the wink and they expected what subsequently happened even less. However, Oragon recovers more quickly than Lyn Cha would perhaps expect. He doesn't trip and instead jumps out of the way after she gets two strikes in. The other two brothers then rush her quickly and aggressively while Oragon shakes off his confusion and begins to defend himself. She will be able to strike another blow against him or one of his brothers before they can strike thrice, but their retaliation is swift.

After the bout is resolved, murmurs spread across the watching crowd and the three brothers' expressions change as they stare at Lyn Cha. They realize now that she's more than they assumed and they will need to give their all. Which they then proceed to do. When the second bout begins, they waste no time charging her, with Ardnod running a half-circle to try to attack her from behind while his brothers keep her occupied with a furious frontal assault. She might start to get their measure at this point; they're strong, fierce and don't lack for skill, but they lack discipline and cohesion that could turn them into a force truly to be reckoned with.

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Lyn Cha's strategy seems entirely inverted for the second bout. Her stance defensive, her moves defensive, her attitude worried. They were faster than she had predicted, certainly. So she continues to back up quite rapidly in response to their furious assault, making it quite difficult for Ardnod to get behind her. She seems to go all the way to the point of getting backed into a wall or a corner.

To the untrained or undisciplined, it would likely appear that Lyn Cha is being completely overwhelmed by the trio's assaults, to the point where she is trapped with no escape. To a veteran, they may recognize that Lyn Cha is actually conserving her energy and making no effort towards victory. She is playing a longer game, sacrificing the bout to learn their moves and make them wear themselves out with their own aggression while she recovers from her previous gambit. She might get a hit in, but no more, but it does take a long amount of time for them to get their three.

The third bout is a more balanced approach than she's shown so far, as if the point of this was never the bouts but to demonstrate her differing capabilities. This time she faces Ardnod more head on. Or whomever is lucky enough to be her target. Lyn Cha starts using a technique known as circling, in which she constantly moves contrary to the movements of two of the trio, using the third as a focus point. This keeps the two somewhat behind the third in a rough line. Occasionally one manages to break the circle, but that brother instantly becomes the new focus point and the roles are changed. This technique makes it at least seem like she's fighting one opponent at a time for most practical purposes. And she thinks she can tap them faster than they can tap her.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

Lyn Cha strikes Oragon once, but he recognizes what she's trying to do quickly enough. He goes on the defensive, concentrating fully on deflecting her attacks, while his brothers try to outmaneuver her. His brothers proceed to perform hit-and-run attacks, keeping their distance to make it more difficult for Lyn Cha to switch focus. It's partially successful; they get two hits in while she gets one. However, after a long and tense struggle, she sneaks in a quick jab at Pashti's mid-section and the bout is over.

As they prepare for the next one, the three brothers look Lyn Cha up and down, sweat trickling down their foreheads and arms. Their expressions are mixed frustration and awe. Just who is this warrior who came from a faraway land to challenge them like this? Ardnod takes the lead this time, charging her with abandon. His goal is to close the distance and end up in a close melee, using his weight to stagger Lyn Cha and keep her on the back foot while his brothers flank her and sneak in their attacks.

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Oh right. Was she supposed to be sweating? She keeps forgetting that humans gets tired after fighting for some time. It's been so long since she's had to deal with fatigue. She doesn't miss it. Ilpholin will start exuding a light sheen on her skin. It's as if she's sweating, though it does more to draw attention to her skin than to suggest she's tired. Of course, she's already got a feel for the brothers' skill in battle, now she's more interested in their willpower. So in addition to lightly 'sweating', she'll begin to exude pheromones as well. In the open air, it's unlikely to affect anyone not close to her. Not fighting her. Of course, for the brothers exerting energy fighting her, breathing more heavily, they will have to deal with the full effects.

To that end, Lyn Cha takes a more defensive tactic. Unlike before, this isn't done to wear her opponents out, but taken in response to their wild aggression. She seeks to land hits, but she also seeks to bide her time and look for opportunities. Which they don't provide much of, admittedly. The reckless attacks do a good job of actually keeping her on her back foot and preventing her from having opportunities to land hits. Normally she'd perform some direct maneuver to generate those opportunities, but this time she's using the indirect route. A hip thrust there, a flash of her chest here, all in the name of combat. It's a difficult question whether she can get the hits in for this bout before they do though, as they started quite focused.

[Shadowcaller]

[Island Assault 2 - Dragon Don'ts]

"You're not getting a Lolth-damned guarantee," Ilpholin growls at the dragon, just waiting for Calastra to make the wrong move. "That's what means to risk your life for your freedom."

The nymph shifts her feet ever so slightly. "But think it through anyways. You're Sargon and you have the ability to control a dragon or destroy a dragon. A nymph and her troops are tearing through your defenses and coming for you. What, you're just going to leave the dragon in the back until the nymph snatches your control device out from you? Hell no."

"Now imagine the Pith was destroyed and you didn't die instantly. You're trying to salvage the demon empire you built as best you can. Again are you going to destroy the dragon's phylactery? Sargon's a lot of things but he isn't stupid. You'll be recalled to his side for whatever last ditch things he'll try. Either way, you're going to end up in the way. Which circumstances do you want it to be under? While Sargon's at full strength, healthy and perfectly capable of crushing your phylactery in an instant or when he's weakened, uncertain, afraid, and dying? Unwilling to destroy the phylactery just to hold onto the last vestiges of power as he curses me and my children and my children's children. Because in the latter instance I can see going around you. In the former, through you."

[Island Assault 2 - Dragon Don'ts]

Well well, maybe we do have an out here?

Damon keeps on rising, and the fire keeps on spreading below. The ongoing debate between Ilpholin and Calastra is largely ignored as he focuses on his sole objective of getting away with the prize. Is Ilpholin just stalling? Does she have some kind of plan? It's really hard to tell at this point.

...does she actually have troops to mount some sort of offensive? Intriguing.

Calastra's claim that Sargon could destroy her in an instant also merits some brief consideration, at least. For her to be so afraid of him, well, that bodes ill.

Well, anyway, Damon has a job to do. Time to see if this does the trick. A moment later and the near-formless ball that he is collapses into a spark of fire that zips to the ground and along that spreading fire he set. Maybe this will get him around it? Or maybe he'll just go bonk into it.

[Island Assault 2 - Dragon Don'ts]

That Ilpholin is allowed to say all that without the dragon using it to launch some sneaky magical shenanigans is probably a sign that she's actually listening and not just pretending to.

Damon too might notice this in the behavior of the mirror-Calastra who looks contemplative. Barely even paying him any attention even as the mirror attempts to get in his way. It quickly zips backwards to follow the flames-

Which is when Damon sees another obstacle in his path.

It's an elderly gnoll casually strolling up the island with the help of a walking staff.

But before getting into that we shall cut back to Ilpholin and Calastra first.

Since after a moment of consideration the dragon has a response. "Sargon knows what you're trying to do, nymph. In fact, he seems to have known that that little trinket we're all fighting might get destroyed for a long time. But I get the impression it isn't nearly as important that you all make it out to be. That whatever is in there is won't make or doom his plans. After all, he has put me in charge of acquiring it without any kind of supervision. Does that sound like something you do if your life depends on it succeeding? To him I'm just a pawn to be sacrificed in place of his precious people. That's why he won't hesitate destroying me if I become a liability in any way." A brief pause.

"You are not wrong though, nymph. So perhaps we can work something out-" Calastra suddenly pauses. "She's here. The warlock. What about we murder her together? I still want to crush her bones within my jaws though so don't destroy those."

Then we get back to Damon where the gnoll stops and looks up as Damon comes speeding towards her.
"Ahoy there." They call out, raising their hand into a wave.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

Ardnod is the first to show a visible reaction to Lyn Cha's new strategy, being up close with her and getting in a deep breath's worth of pheromones. His eyes widen and start to wander her body in a very different way than before; appreciating something entirely different than her fighting skills, as until now. This mistake might cost him dearly, but his brothers are quicker to shake off the fog now clouding their senses. They are clearly affected by the pheromones and her display, but they fight through it better than their brother - because they're further away or just less likely to be distracted by an attractive body, hard to say.

Their attacks redouble their intensity, as if trying to compensate for their newly-awakened feelings, and they win the bout. When the third bout begins, they're looking at her differently, trying to stay focused on her stance and movements rather than her assets. This bout will decide the fight, but Lyn Cha might realize she has another advantage now - one of endurance. The brothers had to push themselves to keep up with her and are slowing down, whereas she's likely not as fatigued due to her enhancements. If she seizes the initiative, she might overpower them now, or perhaps draw out the final fight to win by attrition.

[Reinholdt]

[Island Assault 2 - Dragon Don'ts]

Sneaky magic shenanigans would get Calastra killed. That's good a reason as any to listen.

Sargon surviving the Pith's destruction was always likely. It's his hordes of minions that are most probable to perish in the process. It's no surprise then that Sargon has built up so many demonic sympathizers as allies. There were plenty of non-demons in that Riverside invasion after all. And if the Pith had the power that the demon staff possessed, there was plenty of reasons to send Calastra instead of his own allies. Especially since she seemed to have little idea its true value. Exactly the kind of person you'd want fetching it for you.

It mattered little. The Pith would be destroyed today no matter how many thousand magical nuisances showed up to stop it, regardless of their flowing, foolish words and bombastic egos.

"Fine." Ilpholin steps to one side and motions for the exit, following Calastra out to face the lich.

[Into a World that Was]

The end of the bout is the only time Lyn looks... disappointed with the results. It's a flicker across her face, momentary and fleeting before returning to a stoic and calculating face of a warrior. The brothers had channeled their feelings into aggression and proven their ferocity and while it has probably cost them the match, it cost Lyn Cha a clean, perfectly manipulated ending. And she doesn't like it when she loses.

So Lyn tips into aggression herself, targeting each tired foe in turn. Unsatisfied until she tags each of them with a hit, she pushes all three of them at the same time now in a flurry of rapid, well coordinated thrusts. She's making it impossible for them to swing around her and flank her without getting whapped with her staff in the process and negating their ability to surround her through her unceasing aggressive attacks that shows she's ready for more.

But when it's over, it's over and the hail of blows ceases as she steps back, composes herself, and bows to her opponents.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

The three brothers meet Lyn Cha's aggression with their own, pushing past their fatigue. Even if they lose, they won't take it lying down. After a long and intense exchange, they'll have struck twice before Lyn lands her third blow. With the fight over, they step back and bow as well.

Meanwhile, the watching crowd erupts in cheers and applause, which doesn't make the brothers feel any better. They regard Lyn Cha with a mixture of resentment, awe and lust; an altogether conflicted set of feelings. Barenza approaches Lyn Cha with a confident swagger and claps her on the shoulder.

"An excellent display. We weren't expecting a warrior of such caliber to pass through our gates today."

Pashti, meanwhile, steps forward nods.

"Yes, it was well-fought. You met all three of us head-on and won honorably."

It seems he at least realizes there is nothing to be gained by being petty and the only way to maintain their dignity in face of defeat is to acknowledge their opponent's victory.

[5a Violista]

[Outside Catside]

The Captain doesn't charge particularly much and June's still more or less confined to the Captain's quarters until they land, where they send June on her way as soon as it's reasonable to do so without alerting the dockmaster to the shenanigans.

June is completely free and probably won't have to worry about cultists finding her or any other catside related things for some time. At least until a reply to June's letter to Adam about the cultists arrives... unless June didn't include a return address or way for Adam to contact her. Either way, that'll be at least two weeks later in which something happens (or doesn't happen).

[Outside Catside]

June is glad the captain doesn't charge too much. Also glad she remembered to grab her wallet before getting in the vents.
But it reminds her that she should probably cancel her credit card once she gets home and safe, especially since the Cult Tree Hotel has her credit card number and might try to do some retalitory charging in order to get back at her for escaping.
...
Or something.
She doesn't really know.
Honestly, this whole trip seems to have been a weird mix of like being an action movie protagonist and a horror movie protagonist. Okay, there was also some rom-com in there too. Honestly, okay, if this whole thing turns out to be some kind of reality tv prank video thing, she wouldn't be unsurprised.

Being in the cabin gives her time to think back.
Okay, so looking like a cute catgirl isn't that bad.
She can finally actually look at herself now, so that's good too.
Chantilly-Tiffany, was it? Maybe? Something like that?
...
Honestly, though. She wants to stop being some sort of mushroom freak. The fairy-succubus potions seem to work, but if it were to be permanent it would affect her mind too much and would be too different than herself. And this science thing the catgirls did seems to have at least been somewhat effective, on the outside, but didn't change internals that much. So...that's a good? sign?

So it gives her at least a little hope that with some magic and fancytech hybrid might work out.

On a related note.
Return address.
That would've been a smart thing to do, right? Unfortunately, June was too paranoid and on an adrenaline rush to even consider it.
...
...
Hopefully, when they arrested her at Adam's Estate they did a background research on her too. Otherwise, she'll just have to pay attention to news articles and hope everything turns out alright and it doesn't get buried.

.
.
.

Well!
All June has to decide on now is whether to go buy more potions in Inside or just head home and probably go through magic transformation potion withdrawal while she decides how she'll break the news of being a catgirl at work now.

Luckily, after being let off the boat, she has enough time to decide on what to do and how bad of a review to give the Cat Tree Hotel (or if she'd rather just leave it all behind her).

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

"You presented quite a challenge," Lyn Cha forces herself to admit to the brothers. "I am glad all that I've heard of those who study Jarowit's teachings appears to be true."

It would be wholly disappointing to travel all this way only to learn Jarowit's students were subpar.

Ilpholin turns and nods to Barenza. "You honor me with your praise. I still have much to learn."

[After Catside]

Leave a bad review on Meowl! One paw. That'll teach them to try and brainwash and convert people into catgirl cultists.

For a time it seems like nothing is going to happen and the issue will get buried just as June Fears.

But three weeks later a big story hits the front page. Cultist Hotel shut down, massive cult arrested, 80% of its members believed to be in the Pound. There are multiple quotes from Adam himself saying he had no idea this cult existed, nor knew anything about its actions and methodology, something he has long outlawed in Catside. He was dismayed to hear this happened, from an anonymous letter no less, and is working to undo the damage the cult caused.

Unfortunately the cult wasn't known for good record keeping, so they are very much doing things on a case by case basis as the authorities find those affected by the cult and attempt to aid them. Anyone who has been hurt or knows someone who was hurt by the cult is urged to visit Adam's estate.

Of course, this could all be another cult trap to get June to come back so they can finish the job. After all, they did call themselves Adam's Chosen.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

"We'll be glad to offer you a rematch later," Pashti says, to his brothers' approval. The brothers then depart to get back to their training. The crowd of onlookers is also thinning out. The rate of said thinning out accelerates under Barenza's steely glare. Seems she doesn't need to remind them they've got their own training to take care of.

"Very well, then. Lyn Cha, was it? You have proven you belong with us. Our high priest and leader is currently... preoccupied, so I handle administrative matters. You have proven that you belong here and then some, but Jarowit's teachings and our rules don't allow for too much... skipping the ranks, so to speak. You will be assigned quarters and have some time to get your bearings. Then you will be expected to seek out various teachers in our ranks and seek to study under them." The grizzled warrior runs her hand through her hair. "Do you want a tour of the place, or explore by yourself? I'd be happy to show you around, but I do need to keep an eye out, or this lot will start slacking off. There's a bathhouse if you want to freshen up after the bout, too."

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Ilpholin's hoping to not have to stick around long enough where a rematch would ever be necessary or desirable. But she smiles and nods.

"That's correct," Lyn Cha confirms. There is an inquisitive moment, admittedly. "What is the high priest busy with? It must be of grave importance." Or perhaps it isn't based on how little Barenza appears to care for them.

Hunting down your own teachers must be one of those esoteric parts of training that monks do so seem to love. Fine by Lyn. Gives her more excuses to poke around. "If you're busy with these warriors, I shall show myself around. The direction of the bathhouse would be appreciated, however." All the supposed traveling she's done and the fighting no doubt makes her look... probably as grungy as everyone else here honestly.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

Barenza frowns.

"He is examining a unique, powerful relic." A clipped response and not an immediate one. "For the time being, I manage things here. To get to the bathhouse, go through either of the doors and keep going until you reach the opposite side of the middle ring. The bathhouse takes its water from the river. There's a communal bath or separated booths, if you prefer some privacy."

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

"Exciting," Lyn Cha says dryly. Was this artifact the spear? She wouldn't get the answer from Barenza, that much was clear. At least not right now. She may be able to extract it from one of the high priest's sons though.

"Thank you again," Lyn says with a smile and a bow to Barenza before taking her leave and heading for one of the doors at random, following the elder monk's instructions. Relaxing in a bath sounds nice, but she suspects she'll be kept busy in the communal bath collecting gossip. Any gatherings around the local 'water cooler' is ripe with information to be plucked. Just have to find the loosest lips.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

Leaving through the left gate, Lyn Cha will see the fort's middle ring. It's narrower and more sparsely-populated. Most of the people who pass her by are warriors, but some servants still go back and forth on errands. Buildings line the walls on both sides. They appear to be mostly residential buildings and smaller, more private training houses. The bulk of the warriors' activity must be taking place here, with the lower tier being devoted to more domestic and essential tasks. There's at least one other tier, but Lyn won't be going there yet.

She will turn a few heads by being a new face, but the news from the training grounds haven't spread yet - since she left very soon after the impressive fight. A building more notable than the others that she will pass by is a forge. Obviously, a society of warriors needs a well-equipped blacksmith. Work is going on there, though clearly not as intensely as the place is prepared for. It appears to be mostly apprentices making repairs and maintaining gear.

On the other side of the middle ring she will find her destination, the bath-house. A large, two-story building located close to the river flowing down from the mountains. Once inside, she will find simple, but comfortable furnishings. There's an entry hall that leads to a dressing room manned by servants, where she can leave her clothes. She can then move on to private booths or the public area. The latter is surprisingly large, with one central pool and several smaller basins, some of which are heated, and suspended containers that can serve as showers of sorts.

The pool is sparsely occupied at this time of day, it seems. Maybe a dozen or so men and women. Some of them wrap themselves in towels or cover up with some other cloths, others go entirely nude - all in all, modesty seems pretty relaxed in here. The biggest cluster of bathers is centred around a very large, middle-aged woman with light brown skin, narrow slanted eyes and dark brown hair streaked with white. She's not covered up by anything and there's a man sitting next to her, a towel around his waist. His skin is fair and his hair is black. While he looks small next to the woman, his body is toned and fit, like a warrior's. Four younger people, three women and one man, sit nearby, listening to the large woman talk about something.

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Ilpholin hadn't considered the logistics and help much. While the blacksmiths are unlikely to be of any assistance to her mission, the servants might be surprisingly useful. They tend to hear things that others don't. But getting them to talk to her would be a different challenge altogether. If she had infiltrated as a servant, ironically, her mission would likely have been much easier. As it is, they'd probably be hesitant to talk to a new warrior about sensitive topics. Still... an option.

She definitely hadn't considered the bath house would be two stories! What's on the second floor? Hmm... probably supplies. They have to go through a lot of towels and cleaning stuff right? That may be where the help makes everything tidy and nice. Unless the spear's up there, it's not going to matter.

Lyn Cha leaves her clothes behind and heads for the center, each step bringing a measured sway, gait confident and alluring. She'll join the outer fringes of the group listening to the woman, sinking into the waters, curious as to what she's talking about. Hopefully her presence won't interrupt the conversation too much, but that's always a danger when new blood arrives.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

Lyn Cha definitely draws some attention as she strides through the bathhouse. While modesty might be relaxed here, they don't see someone who looks like her every day. Still, no one stops her as she makes her way to the center of the pool.

"-but I told him no, I haven't spoken to him. He doesn't see anyone these days, except Barenza sometimes. And his sons. My son says they find it hard to get much out of him..."

"That has ever been true, though," interjects the slim man sitting by her.

"True enough, but it's getting worse. People are talking. At this rate not only we won't see new blood, but they'll start leaving."

At this moment, the large woman looks at Lyn Cha, her brow furrowing. She's trying to think if she's seen her before or if she's a newcomer.

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

That's a surprise. The number of warriors training here, there must be all kinds of extremely fit, attractive people around. Though, she can't deny there's more to it than just exercise. Maybe it's just the way she carries herself.

And the leader seems to be carrying himself poorly. Growing withdrawn. Old age, or was there another reason?

"Oh? But I just got here. Should I leave?" Lyn Cha asks, meaning the monastery in general, not the baths. She smiles a little to show that she's teasing. "I'm Lyn Cha," She offers in greeting so that the woman doesn't feel lost.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

"Hah! Don't worry about it. It's good to see a new face." The woman laughs. "My name is Tarjuna. I'm the head blacksmith. Welcome to our fort, Lyn Cha."

"I'm Asheeno. The master dagger-fighter among us," the man beside her introduces himself in turn.

Meanwhile, the other man, sitting off to the side with two younger women, is studying Lyn Cha intently as well. His skin is noticeably darker than others here and he has a long, black beard. His build is powerful and muscular and his skin bears some scars.

"If you just got here, do you know what the commotion was at the training grounds? I heard people cheering but I was already heading here."

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

"Oh?" Lyn Cha's attention is caught by Asheeno. "A master? I was told to seek out teachers, would that make you one of them?" She asks. "I've only met one dagger warrior before, but he was remarkably skittish." Whatever did happen to that Kirk fellow anyways?

She smiles and nods at the woman gratefully before answering the bearded man's question. "I believe the brothers were sparring with each other. Quite the spectacle," She replies humbly. "The sons of the high priest... what was him name again?"

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

"They do show off quite often... it seems they managed to impress people this time." The bearded man is surprised, but sees no reason to doubt Lyn Cha's words.

"Indeed I am." Asheeno nods. "If you seek training, you can come to my training hall later. For now, my time belongs to my better half here." He smiles up at Tarjuna.

"The high priest's name is Pangon Urshal, son of Broam Urshal." Tarjuna's voice isn't quite serious as she delivers the title. "And, so they say, that line goes all the way to Jarowit. But it's contentious. As is calling him the high priest to begin with..." She waves her hand. "Regardless, what you heard before is true. If you wish to speak with him, it might be a while."

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Lyn Cha nods to Asheeno. "I shall, thank you." There was no need to rush this spear thing for the King in Rags. If she was able to learn a trick or move or two from ancient masters, that's that many more dead demons in the present. "So you two are married then?" She asks looking between Asheeno and Tarjuna.

"O-oh. Is that an inappropriate title?" Lyn asks about the High Priest. Or not High Priest. "And is his mission that demanding of his time? Or far away? What keeps him from his duties here?" She asks, even though she's already gotten an answer about it from Barenza. It doesn't hurt to hear differing perspectives on the matter. Either way, it does not seem like Pangon Urshal was very popular. She would have to keep an eye out for the mutinous and the power hungry.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

"Not formally." Asheeno smiles. "We don't really practice marriage here, but... for all intents and purposes we are."

"That is... oh boy." Tarjuna sighs and shrugs with her expansive shoulders. "I guess news haven't reached out that far. You came to us in the middle of a theological argument, Lyn Cha. Some say Jarowit was a god. If so, are we his worshippers? And so on. People argue about it after training. And Pangon Urshal... I shouldn't say too much. But he's got something that belonged to Jarowit, I think. And he's studying it. For what purpose, well, people will have their own ideas of what they want it to be."

It seems that while Tarjuna is cautious, she's also naturally talkative and enjoys having an eager listener.

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Marriages were fairly rare in the Underdark as well for a large variety of reasons. Openly admitting one's love was openly admitting an avenue of attack, a weakness. Better to disguise the partner as a consort of many. Lyn Cha nods in understanding.

"I... see." Was she prepared to pretend to worship a god? A pretend one at that? Lolth would probably find it amusing. "So whatever Pangon claims to have discovered in regards to this artifact will be a rather big deal in this debate." Possibly outright deciding it.

And that's going to leave a lot of angry monks.

Monks who understand violence very well. Which leaves Lyn Cha wondering which of these monks were clever enough to understand that Pangon being unable to announce anything at all is likely the best outcome they can hope for.

"Do you not believe him a god then?" She asks, looking around the bath to try and get a feel for each individual's leanings.

[Morty]

[Into a World that Was]

The general mood seems to be uncertain. It's more visible on some than others, but none of them appear to have a ready and strong answer.

"I don't know," Tarujna admits. "How could we even tell? He's long gone."

"What does it even mean to be a god? If people worship him, doesn't that make him a god regardless?" asks one of the younger women, who has been silent until now. She has light, freckled skin, brown hair in a bowl-cut and a full, generous figure. "If he came down and performed some miracle, it'd be easy, but it's harder to prove a negative. I think most people here are unsure to some degree. But there's people who dug in on one side, too."

"One way or another, something changed Pangon Urshal. Whatever it is he found. We knew him before, and he was... well, each of the three sons who live here has a different mother. And he's got more kids besides. Not very contemplative. I only hope he gives some direction soon."

[Reinholdt]

[Into a World that Was]

Lyn Cha tilts her head a little in contemplation. None of the people here seemed fanatical for one side or the other, or they were disguising their intent. Regardless, it seemed like Pangon was known for other things than leading. She bets he absolutely slept with Barenza at one point and she's still mad about how that turned out.

"Forgive me if it sounds impudent, but... why is Pangon the one in charge exactly?" He sounds atypical for a leader of a semi-religious, disciplined sect of monks even before this recent discovery. Was it heritage that gave him his position? Martial prowess? The previous leader choosing him mysteriously? "How does such things get decided in this land?" Lyn Cha is a foreigner after all.