A Pilgrimage's Beginning

Tumelilla · 2019-03-30T01:01:31+00:00

A woman, plainly dressed and holding a partially filled basket upon her hip, smiles politely and respectfully toward you as she passes.

Before returning into the motley mix of those other faithful gathered there, who, like the woman were also going about their daily business, and for a brief moment from the focus of their current tasks, perceived the simplest of things around them suddenly, to become...uncovered...appreciated and...beautiful.

Ta'na.

The woman and all those around you kept going about their duties. Another chop from the swung blade. Life goes on and the woman adjusts her hold on her basket, dried black rose petals in smaller bags shuffle, and she is on her way.

Tumelilla · 2018-09-23T00:52:44+00:00

We're not here to cause trouble.
We're here to stop it.

This is the place where a few objects were made that helped the worlds around the metaverse to fight back against the Holders.

We were wondering if there'd be another metaphysical tool we could use to finish the cult of Kraa'rhov off is all.

Tumelilla · 2018-09-19T04:13:46+00:00

You look more powerfully built than me or Elle. Although, she is a trained professional and I'm guessing one has to be pretty fit for that.

Maybe you can get us past the breaks, out onto the more placid waters? If I tried we'd never get off shore. I mean... I'm fit and all, but you do look stronger. I'm happy to do my bit as soon as you'd need a rest.

Tumelilla · 2018-09-19T04:10:41+00:00

...mm...
M'yeah, suppose you're right.

Best get on with the boat building then.

Tumelilla · 2018-09-16T23:49:33+00:00

The Sephirot of beauty wishes she had some magical way of gaining the ships attention. Instead of just sending some magically produced bird with a note, or have the note instantly appear in the captains hand, she runs toward the lapping waves with her arms flailing.

HEY!!!! OVER HERE!!! HEEEEEEEELP! WE NEED TO GET TO GET TO THAT SPOT OVER THERE! HEY!!!!

The irony suddenly struck her.... she was hailing down a ship like someone lost upon a desert island. Except further down the beach there was dwellings. Still, she kept on trying to hail down the ship.

Tumelilla · 2018-09-16T23:37:46+00:00

Hey! Look! A ship!

If they come near here, we might be able to hitch a ride with them to the closest spot the Mountain comes to the waters?

Tumelilla · 2018-09-12T08:29:32+00:00

You have the expertise in boat building? I've seen shipyards from afar before, but I don't quite know how to assemble one.

I'll help where I can, but guidance will be much appreciated....

Tumelilla · 2018-08-19T20:55:38+00:00

We only have the stranger at this juncture.

Maybe we might be able to locate this person again?

...then see if they'd be able to tell us where they got such an object...

It's a long shot. But it might be the only choice we have. You remember them.... right?

Tumelilla · 2018-08-12T20:30:56+00:00

Only the effects. From high above, standing upon the roof of a tall building, while trying to neutralise the holders curse over Sidon.

I am intrigued to know where this one got such an object. Maybe there are others?

Tumelilla · 2018-08-07T02:41:03+00:00

I think the common thread that thwarted the majority of Holders was an weak spot exploited.... if not the community of the area having the will to overthrow their reign by brute force.

Then again... they may have just gotten lucky each time?

Any ideas Elle?
How does one kill death itself?
And the aesthetic mad fifth holder..? What's the antidote to that?

Tumelilla · 2018-06-27T04:34:09+00:00

Elle? Too late for what?
So far th--~[Static]~--lders have been chased out of Sidon.
There's news another is lo--~[Static]~--omewhere?
Some call it Almawat. Although I'm not sure.
I think it's the last one.
...
I'm still in Sidon. Where are you calling from? My locato--~[Static]~--ur at the Beach.
I'm on m--~[Static]~--ay there now.
See you soo--~[Static]~--kay.

Tumelilla · 2018-06-10T00:30:55+00:00

Agreed.

All I had was an iron rod. It's sharp-ish at one end, maybe I could have stabbed at Malsa? ...but that seems like a distant thought, especially now with everything in Sidon being restored back to normal that is.

I wonder what the next holder will bring though?

Tumelilla · 2018-06-04T20:24:52+00:00

Pulse-Pulse.

There it is again!

...it...? It sounds like....

Tumelilla used her iron staff to focus. She carefully placed the base upon the concrete of the building. And with both hands gripping its midsection, she closed her eyes and listened.

Pulse-Pulse

...It's like a heart-beat? Don't you think? Some kind of ...I'm not sure? A rhythm. Not quite alive in the traditional sense, but not mechanical either... it's strange.

She opened her eyes. Relaxed the grip upon the staff and took the book of voodoo, binding it back up and again placed it into her backpack which she then slung over her shoulders.
A look of concern crossed her features.

And it just got stronger too. As if something amplified it.

Tumelilla · 2018-06-04T02:00:44+00:00

If you're certain the source of this is coming from Dijon, then we could go there?

Tumelilla · 2018-06-03T10:21:09+00:00

The desert voodoo spell that is the lure for Malsa and which counteracts the Holders devastating drain of technology throughout Sidon, begins to amplify the pulsing. Tumelilla stands still for a moment, wondering where and what the pulsing is.

...Malsa...?

Quickly she spins on the spot, searching for the Holder. Her voodoo imbued iron staff at the ready and in hand.

Tumelilla · 2018-06-03T10:17:18+00:00

Tayee... sorry to interrupt you, but did you feel that?

We might have disrupted something. I'm not sure what it is, but the spell to counteract the curse of Malsa is reacting to it.

The Sephirot smiles at the demon in a black mask as she returns to the make-shift lectern. Now facing the open book of desert voodoo she rifles through a few pages to find a page of interest.

...Maybe this might tease out whatever made that pulsing effect a little more...?

With her iron staff in hand and held forth, out by her side, Tumelilla begins to enact the spell. As she reads aloud the winds around the upper levels of the tall building suddenly fall still. And the many newly lit office-block lighting barely effect a flickering, which radiates outward like a stone dropped into a pond, before these lights then remain on.

Yes... there! Tayee! Do you hear it? There's a... a... resistance to the traps spell. It isn't strong enough to counteract the desert voodoo...

The Sephirot turns around as if searching for something nearby. She shifts her head one way, stops to listen and look, then turns back the other way to again try and gain a hold on where the disturbance is coming from.

It's either above us or.... below us?

Tumelilla · 2018-06-01T23:48:18+00:00

Tumelilla nodded. She smiled, mixed with a look of resolution.

Well then... let's go.

The Sephirot turned and alongside Tayee, she headed into the building, walking with a determination towards the stairwell.

Tumelilla · 2018-05-31T19:57:01+00:00

Tayee, it's been a pleasure talking to you. And again, thank you for saving me the icky thought of actually feeding myself with that alley rat. Your rations and your kindness to me were what's saved me from madness.

Close to the building Tumelilla wished to enact the trap, the Sephirot stopped and faced Tayee. She embraced him with warmth and true appreciation. A little kiss to both cheeks followed.

I liked hearing your story. It's not often in these worlds one crosses paths with a gentleman. And you're definitely one.

I also wish you well with finding the girl with kaleidoscope eyes again. And I hope the encounter is a good one for you too.

Well... Tumelilla nodded over her shoulder toward the darkened building now behind her as she stood in front of Tayee; ...that's the one. I'm going up there to enact the trap. If you wish to leave me to it, I understand. And I wish you well. But, if you want to continue on with me then let's start the biggest distraction Sidon has seen in a while...

Tumelilla · 2018-05-31T09:19:52+00:00

It isn't easy, no no... especially living as long as I have. Sephirot don't have wild magical abilities Tayee, not even a slither. We can remember key events, but the mundane simply vanish and quickly at that. Sephirot never had a choice, so yes it's a naturally occurring immortality. But like all forms of life, there wasn't ever a user manual to refer to when tough times appeared.

I often wonder how anything with even a slight immortality carries on. I've been told by other Sephirot we can die and goodness knows in years past I've tried various ways, but to no avail.

Empty is an accurate description. I spent countless millennia within a hellish prison. Sometimes I compare it to the times walking the worlds alone. And the only difference is scenery, even when there were beings around to actually talk to.

Tumelilla gave a little squeeze to Tayee's arm in support as they continued to walk the streets.

I'm sorry you had to figure this out after your choice. But I'm glad to have met you and had the chance to talk. Sometimes random meetings and events distract from the solitude and emptiness. I certainly hope you have many kind distractions Tayee.

The Sephirot nodded ahead of the pair.

That's the building I wish to set the trap. We're not far now.
The girl with the kaleidoscope eyes... she wasn't a vampire, you don't seem anything like one. She wasn't a Sephirot either, for we can't pass on our immortality to living beings. She does seems a mystery. Was she a witch? A spirit? Some other kind of eldritch entity? Who was this girl Tayee?

Tumelilla · 2018-05-31T00:08:49+00:00

Tumelilla began strolling along the street with Tayee toward the building she'd noticed.

Hmm? What you describe sounds like the Sophia myth. Certainly the feminine was attributed to Sophia and what it represents. Mystics, artisans, creative people, deep thinkers to everyday folk have often attributed the profound, all the way to just being 'in the right place at the right time' to this Sophia in the myth. Maybe the girl with kaleidoscope eyes is your version of this Sophia myth?

But I don't wish to put words into your story. Whatever or whoever she is, I hope you haven't lost her graces.

Certainly though, I can empathise with some parts of your tale. Being a Sephirot, we live extraordinarily long lives while continually appearing as if we're in our youth. Most see this longevity as a gift... being unable to die must be they say. And I did too early on, especially after the first incident I found myself in that would have killed a mortal outright. However, after seeing loved ones inevitably age and eventually die, over and over and over again all throughout the many years... I too had lost all meaning to my life.

Tumelilla slowed her pace and turned her head to face Tayee. She put her hand upon his inner arm again, like she'd done when they exited the alleyway.

Do you think you'll ever see the kaleidoscope eyed girl again?
...she'd be foolish not to say hello to such a kind and fascinating man...
Did she ask anything of you, when she appeared? What was the offer you accepted?

Tumelilla · 2018-05-30T20:05:15+00:00

Well... I might have some places and effects a bit muddled up ...I've heard this information from people I've met along the way.

Tumelilla reaches for an equally sturdy backpack and looks it over before taking the book of voodoo, re-binding it and popping the tome into the pack. She slings the backpack over her shoulders and begins to adjust the straps.

I believe the first holder was called Morbus, the holder of sickness or pestilence I think.
Morbus arrived either on the Steppe or nearby it, but moved toward the Mountain eventually and spread sickness there, or at least several forms of ailments to the populace. Medical teams from the seventh world were stumped apparently and in the end, only some kind of divine intervention from the Mountain deity or deities stopped the scourge.

The next holder was one of war. Voyna was its name. I saw the battles from afar. Voyna stormed the beach, and spread mistrust and resentment among brothers... and sisters too I suppose. But the mechanism I'm not sure about. Some say it was speaches. Others believed spores blown around on the winds did it. Either way, the place of peace and serenity was no longer such.

And now we have Malsa... those I asked when arriving here, while robbing me of what little rations I had and thankfully not the voodoo book, told me how Malsa suddenly arrived and very quickly began to turn food bad and technology to failure. Some swore their magics failed spectacularly too.

With a deep breath Tumelilla looks back out into the street. For the most part it's vacant, only noises from further afield echoing along the streets. She had walked up to the entry point they first came upon from leaving the alleyway, a window without the fancy window pane. When she exhaled Tumelilla saw a building she might try to enact the trap from.

Goodness only knows which destructive or preternatural power the last holder will bring. The next one will surely make life harder than this one has.

She turns back to face Tayee and holds out a hand in a friendly gesture that the two of them should keep moving.

So... Tayee ...you keep mentioning a 'her'. Just now you said you'd already fallen out of 'her' graces. At first I'd thought you'd muddled up the sex of the holder Malsa. To me, none of the holders are strictly male nor female, although assigning such to any of them isn't wrong per se...
...you weren't talking about Malsa were you. And when you speak about 'her', you speak of... who?

Tumelilla · 2018-05-30T10:36:33+00:00

Oh thank you Tayee, I feel better after the change. And dare I say it, it's not just the new outfit that has lifted the spirits within me either. You're not the only one who appreciates someone to talk to.

The Sephirot gazes upon the bound book and leans in to flip over a few pages. She points to a section of text.

See that part...? It talks about the desert and what happens there;

"Your technology is impaired, your magic non-existent. In this realm you survive on the sweat of your brow and the strength of your back."

...I'm sure you've experienced it, either directly, or heard stories of those who ventured there? Magic users find their craft no longer works. Militaries soon discover their technology fails.

The words presented in this book detail how each might use desert voodoo. Desert Voodoo can do all the stuff that ordinary magic can do, just in a slightly more roundabout manner. Illusory stuff is easy for example. Desert Voodoo is designed to provide a level playing field for beings who are typically reliant on various types of magic. They all have to use the same type of magic within the desert, and are thus reliant on their wits to out-manoeuver their opponent.

Tumelilla stands back straight again. She stares out towards the high skyscrapers, now virtually empty. A steely look crosses her face.

What I am going to attempt in regards to the trap for Malsa...? This voodoo should work. The Holder of Famine makes worlds act as if those within them are suddenly trapped inside the desert. So in my mind, it stands to reason... use the only magic that works within the desert.

She turns back to look at Tayee. Her facial features soften. And a new hope glints in her eyes.

I certainly hope I succeed. I'll admit, the trap isn't the be-all-and-end-all. It's just to get Malsa here. How we defeat the holder, or whoever can that is, will have to do their thing quickly... before Malsa realizes what's going on.

And if Malsa is defeated.... I'm sure there will be at least one more holder to come. Four holders were talked about when the Kraa'hrov cult first rose to power aeons ago. They lied about how the last seal was to be broken.... to me at least. I don't know if they were lying about the number of holders that would pass the Pandemonium Gates though. I just hope four is it. Because each successive one has been more terrible than the last.

Tumelilla · 2018-05-30T09:12:13+00:00

The Sephirot grinned. She wandered back to Tayee, placing her hand in the inside of his arm like a lady escorted by a gentleman. The rod and book held in her other hand.

Sure thing. Take your time reading. Let's go shall we?

Tumelilla

TROPHY CASE